Who better to wheel out for media work ahead of West Ham United’s penultimate Premier League game of the season – and what may be the most important one too – than stalwart Tomas Soucek who has over 250 caps for the Hammers and is the epitome of a legend: Not maybe the most talented but one who’ll bleed for the club cause.
Soucek, remember, has a knack of popping up for crucial goals against the Magpies; His goal in 2020 helped secure a point which ultimately helped the Irons avoid relegation that year – so fans will be hoping he has free reign to get forward and do the same this afternoon.
Another deciding goal at St James’s Park would assure Soucek’s status as a Hammers hero
The ultimate survivor, Soucek has been dropped by three consecutive West Ham managers and his national coach before being reinstated by each in turn and succeeding by sheer force of will.
West Ham’s ultimate survivor – Soucek
Speaking with whufc.com, Tornado Tom remained adamant yesterday ahead of the trip that there’s a single minded determination in the squad:
“That’s the thing. If we win, it’s a much bigger pressure [on Tottenham], and that’s what we want. We know that this game is on us on Sunday, and our win can change everything.
“I believe that six points will save us, and that’s why we go to Newcastle with only one thing in our minds.”
Tottenham’s dreadful record at Stamford bridge – one win in their last thirty five – must fill the Hammers with a sense of purpose today as a newly invigorated Chelsea can do their bit to subdue Tottenham’s late push.
Soucek, as always, pays credit to the Claret and Blue army as being the deciding factor:
“I believe that even away at Newcastle will be really good from our fans and it will give us extra men. The last game I’m sure will be massive for everyone, but first we have to think about Newcastle away. The fans will be incredible. It’s so far from London, but we believe that they will come there as always and that will be a massive part of us.
“I always say that West Ham is my home club because of what I did here and my relationship with the fans is unbelievable. I think the respect between each other is on the highest level, and that’s what I love.
I just want to give them this fight to end this season in a good way.” Amen to that, Tom.
Tomas Soucek has made 250 appearances for West Ham, Martin. Not 250 ‘Caps’, Caps are only given for representing your country for International matches
Well thank you for correcting me.
Soucek comparible with Bonds, Mmm not sure about that one, but that’s probably just my opinion. One does have to wonder where this new found upbeat attitude amongst the team continually hides in the recent seasons, does it only come the the fore when we are fighting relagation? BTW can’t see us getting any more than 1 point from next two games, and I think Spurs will get at least 1, so that will be game over won’t it?
Having Thomas soucek in the team is like having billy bonds back with us .fantastic determination and considerable skill and ability . Next week I have been a hammer for 77 years and have seen it all so good luck boys and god bless you
Soucek’s status as a club legend was secured way back. He has nothing left to prove and his absolute commitment is NEVER in doubt.