The West Ham Way? Not sure when this term or colloquialism came about? Like a few others on this site I was lucky enough to watch the Moore, Hurst and Peter’s team of the Greenwood era and the Brooking, Bonds and Devonshire team under John Lyall. During those two era’s I never heard the “West Ham Way” term used. But that is not to say it is not part of our ethos. Just as the “Academy of Football” phrase was booted around in past years there has to be a starting point for any catchphrase. The philosophy around the term is spot on. Whatever anyone’s view on the subject, the transformation of our football club within a few short months has been enormous. Not only do we have some fantastic ball players at the club now, but they are being played! The injury to Dimitri Payet has robbed us of one of the seasons delights so far, if only for three months. We can only wish that he can return as soon as possible. It would be great to see Payet, Lanzini and Song all on “song” in the same team. We could really take someone apart!
For those with short memories we were actually 4th at Christmas last year. I really doubt we will be able to equal or better that by this festive season. However, even disregarding the nosedive that transpired in the second half of last season, this season has already been more of a success for me. The depth of the squad, in my opinion, is the best I have ever seen at the club. We have had better players in certain positions in the past, but never the riches of back up we currently have except perhaps in the fullback positions. Sakho gets injured and Andy Carroll returns. Reid and Ogbonna both out and in come Tomkins and Collins. Payat gets injured and Song returns. Even Randolph is a great understudy to Adrian. There are many more examples and you don’t need me to explain any further. This squad may not be able to break into the top four or six, we shall see, but they have not only provided a feast of entertaining football but some absolutely cracking goals to savour as well. Twenty three goals in just twelve matches shows a little more forward thinking than respect the point. It is also refreshing that we as fans can stop looking at future fixtures wondering how and where we can amass enough points to avoid relegation.
Now I am 60 next birthday and some will say I am old and some will say I am still young, depending on their own age and outlook on life. But I must admit, I was really starting to think I would never see the Hammers win at Anfield again in my lifetime. Thank you Slaven Bilic! That is one hell of a chip off the old shoulder. However, Everton still remain our bogey team on home and away form. I still remember them making me cry at a football match for the first time when I was about 13 because we were so unlucky against them in a 1-0 home defeat. A 1-1 draw last weekend is not the end of the World, but the injuries to Payet and Valencia were at a higher cost than the loss of two points.
For me, all the feel good factors that have made this season so far are wide and variable. The silky skills of Payet and Lanzini; the pace of which we break from defence, the outstanding wins at Arsenal, City or Liverpool, or just the fact we are trying to play football again. But one man is largely responsible for making all this possible and it is he who has also brought respect back to our club with his honesty and humility in pre and post match interviews. Once again, thank you Mr Bilic.