HAMMERS vs SUNDERLAND

[norwaytips]

WE must win this one. If we don't I will retire and only return if we need another great escape. ( I know I can do those )

Both teams have some long term injuries, as well as a few short term ones. I think our depth of talent in the squad will see us through.
The biggest win I have ever seen was against Sunderland, thanks to a certain Mr Hurst. Every time he kicked the ball, he scored.:D

Sunderland.
For those of you that have never been there, it's a bit of a mixture. Typical northern terraced houses, but with lots of interesting things to see......If you like Roman ruins and things. (I do) Nice people too.

A little story. (not football)

Played a gig there a few (a lot of) years back and a really nice elderly couple, who were on the local arts committee, offered to put us all up for the night. When the four of us arrived, an hour or so after the concert, supper was being served.
The whole of the living room and dining room was fitted with shelves. Each shelf was decked with silver cups, trophies and medals. Wow, I gasped,,,,, 'Oh they're our grandson's', the lady said. 'He's Stevie Cram'
15 minutes later he came in, slightly the worse for wear, after a night out with his mates. Really nice bloke. 2 years after this he won the golden mile at Oslo. He saw me in the crowd and came straight over and gave my (ex) wife his flowers. 'Hello, still supporting that West Ham rabble?' he said, with a grin.
As I said, a really nice bloke.:)

[Footstomper]

I dont know whether its my age or what but there are a number of teams I automatically respect coz they seem to have 'soul' - no I dont know what this means either - maybe one of you fellahs can work it out. Is it a class thing? Off the top of my head, and in no particular order) these clubs are:
Newcastle
Sunderland
Wolves
Notts County and Forest
Both Sheffields
Liverpool (but they seem in danger of losing it)
Charlton (I dont know why, they're just cute)

I dont know why, but these guys, along with WHU of course seem to be REAL teams as opposed to the following who are not
Chelsea
Wimbledon
Spurs (not sure about this, but its spurs innit!)
Reading
Both Oxfords
The pair of Bristols
Wigan
Bolton (but strangely not Blackburn)
Hamilton Academic

[norwaytips]

als, you missed off the als. Academicals
I tend to agree with most of 'em. I have a soft spot for Ipswich. It may be because I think of myself as a Suffolk lad, as well as an eastender, and I used to live next door to Mick Mills. We were both full backs, but he was better than me.:rolleyes: He couldn't play guitar though.
Spurs are to other London clubs, what France is to England.
I think you like the N.E clubs, cos you're scared of your missus. I suppose it has a bit to do with the people we meet. A mate of mine, a Forest fan, died of cancer a few years ago. His last words, to his wife, were; tell Tony I hope the Hammers go up. Soft spot for Forest ever since then. I look at their results for him.

[claret50]

I've got a soft spot for the O's as I used to go and watch them when the Hammers were playing away, (away from London that is) looks like the team for Sunday will be selected from the following, providing FL is fit:

Green, Neill, Gabbidon, Upson, McCartney, Ljungberg, Bowyer, Mullins, Noble, Etherington, Boa Morte, Camara, Cole, Collins, Bellamy.

[hammermolder]

I've got a soft spot for the O's as I used to go and watch them when the Hammers were playing away, (away from London that is) looks like the team for Sunday will be selected from the following, providing FL is fit:

Green, Neill, Gabbidon, Upson, McCartney, Ljungberg, Bowyer, Mullins, Noble, Etherington, Boa Morte, Camara, Cole, Collins, Bellamy.

NO SOLANO AGAIN ?

[claret50]

NO SOLANO AGAIN ?
He's still kicking a football about, but in Peru.
http://www.whufc.com/news/?page_id=9582

[hammer_scout51]

Interesting thread guys. Go with Brian i have a soft spot for the O's and Ipswich. I saw em beat Burnley 6-0 a certain Ray Crawford and Ted Phillips got a few. Burnley were champions the year before, possible the only pro game my dad took me to.
Agree with most of Stomps teams with soul.

Over here in Australia they think football is played with an egg shaped ball. Consequently people like me were asked to help select elite kids for the area.
I did it for a fair while and met and befriended an elderly man who was the father of our head coach. He loved watching and used to say to me tell that son of mine to select the odd borderline kid. About 3 years back he passed away, he was well into his 80's. He was buried with a Sunderland flag draped on his coffin. His son showed me his collection including a cup final programme signed by Ian Porterfield. That to a Sunderland fan would be priceless.

Norway that 8-0 match was something else, i had just left school and had the money for most games. Plus the odd bevie at the designated away pubs.

[Footstomper]

It aint my wife its her family who's scarey. My neice, a Mackem, at her wedding, barred my son from entering her house coz he's a toon supporter. You would have thought she'd have other things on her mind!

[norwaytips]

It wasn't her mind that was interested in the other things Stomps. :)

[pething101]

The 21st is our one year anniversary so we will be in Atlanta enjoying each others company. Guess I will tape the game to watch later that night.

Noble must start!

[blainehammer]

NOBLE MUST START.

ps. Reo-Coker is a wanker.

pps. Pething, why don't you tape your wife to use later?

[pething101]

Turns out we are going to a Peruvian Tapatini Bar with some of her friends in Atlanta. I will drop Nobby's name and see if I can get a round for free.

[claret50]

I've only just noticed that the game is being shown live down here on sky, so it's an early start for me, (4am) and I totally agree with pething & blainey, Noble must start!!
http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~1147698,00.html

[northbankbar]

Time for us to get a win. Noble and Bellamy to score.
I'll be up at 4 as well Claret! Come on you Irons!!

[norwaytips]

I'm off to the pub to see the game. Enjoy it lads and lassies. C'mon you Ironsss.

:D

[claret50]

Good morning chaps & chapessess, C'mon you Irons!!!!!!

[Hawaiian Hammer]

Good start, 1-0 up, Cole's first goal since January.

[Footstomper]

Bloody ell Cole!!!

[Footstomper]

McCartneys playing a blinder

[Footstomper]

Great! Now my bloody daughter, sleeping at a friends 10 miles away wants daddy to give her a lift. Great timing sweetheart! No one repeat, NO ONE is to score in the next 20 minutes or so!