West Ham United 2007/08 Preview

March 4th 2007. The day that everyone thought West Ham United were heading back to the Championship. A 2-0 half time lead against bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur ended up as an unbelievable 4-3 defeat to The Hammers. The tears of joy turned to tears of despair. At the final whistle, Upton Park was still full, but the fans hearts were empty. They saw no way back at all.

However one man was not going to let that happen. His name is Carlos Tevez. The world class striker was determined to lead his side onto a run which only the top 4 could match in order for West Ham to keep themselves at their true home: The Premiership. With The inspiration and class of Tevez mixed with the passionate and never ending support of the fans that follow them home and away, as well as the fighting spirit of Lucas Neill, Mark Noble, Bobby Zamora and Robert Green. The Hammers took 21 points from their remaining 9 games with wins at The Emirates and Old Trafford. They had done the impossible. Controversy followed as West Ham's amazing achievements were over-shadowed by The Carlos Tevez saga. An achivement which merited credit. The summer was looking to be an exiciting time for West Ham United, as they prepare for a new era. Though this was to be without that big inspiration, Carlos Tevez.

West Ham have enjoyed having the money and ambition of Eggert Magnusson this summer, by splashing out £23m on new players, with them looking to still bring in another 3. However the club have sold players to the value of £21m. Making sure that they don't splash bags of cash without making sure they recuperate some money and keep their finances well intact. Scott Parker, Julien Faubert, Craig Bellamy, Richard Wright and Freddie Ljungberg have all arrived at Upton Park. To bolster an already talented squad, in order to match the ambitions of everyone at the club. Moves for Kieron Dyer, Nicky Shorey and Eidur Gudjohnsen are also likely to be made. But what next for the Hammers?

A squad which contains the likes of Lucas Neill, Freddie Ljungberg, Scott Parker, Dean Ashton, Matthew Upson, Craig Bellamy and many more must have clear aspirations of qualifying for the UEFA Cup. West Ham appeared in the UEFA Cup only last season. However a 4-0 agrregate loss to Palermo ended their European tour prematurely. Top 6 is a realistic aim for West Ham. Despite last season's rollercoaster ride, a team of this size with the current squad should be able to make sure times like that are well and truly behind us. The likes of Newcastle United, Manchester City, Everton and Aston Villa are all clubs of similar size, with similar squad quality and similar ambitions. The race for the UEFA Cup will be interesting as all of these teams start new eras. Eggert Magnusson will be sure that Alan Curbishley's men will do their upmost to be the victor of this battle and clinch that much wanted 6th spot. The season starts next week as two of the 6th place hopefulls meet at Upton Park as West Ham take on Sven Goran Eriksson's Manchester City. A match which promises to be an exicting encounter.

Ambitions, aims and Top 6 dreams are what West Ham's season is going to be made of. But whatever happens, one thing is for sure. This team will fight to the end whatever kind of battle this seasons proves to be, and the bubbles at Upton Park will still be blown with pride, joy and unquestionable passion.

Ashley (Italian Hammer)