Ben Johnson believes much of the squad’s success this season has been down to the fans.
The Hammers go in against a confident Villa team today after three successive wins but such was our performance in Seville and the regular and passionate support of the claret and blue army Ben is more than expectant of a big performance.
Ben was near man of the match in Spain and will now be pushing Vladimir Coufal for the right back sopot when the Czech defender returns from a groin injury.
He has still to agree a new deal with talks due to start in the summer but in the meantime has been retained on a two year option attached to his current deal.
Like Seclan Rice before him he is obviously looking for the best deal he can get and can’t be blamed for that and there is probably little doubt that come summer the academy product will sign a four, five or six year contract.
Commenting on the team’s successful season he said: “This season, the whole club is confident when we go into a game, and that helps us players.
“I think we feel like we’ve improved because of how our fans have treated us this season. It’s going to be another tough game on Sunday and the fans know we need them.
“That’s the honest truth: we need them from now until the end of the season.
“The top four is our aim. Of course, we’re realistic, and we know other teams have games in hand, so all we can do is try and win all of our games.
“Mathematically, if we win all our games, that’d give us a great chance. I don’t see why there’s a reason we couldn’t do that.
“I believe we’re good enough and no team scares us, so on Sunday we’re there to win, and I’m confident that we can.”
He’s aware though the threat the visitors will pose adding: “We know how tough facing Villa is going to be.
To go to Villa and win 4-1 was a great achievement, but of course they’ve changed manager and are playing a different way, and the players they’ve brought in, the style they’re playing in…
“It’s going to be extremely tough, but we’re looking forward to the game.”
