Graeme Howlett from West Ham fanzine ‘Knees Up Mother Brown’
Are you pleased with the impact Gianfranco Zola has made after a difficult start?
Yes, it’s been an entertaining season under Zola and Steve Clarke and they certainly seem to be getting the best out of the players – even those whose careers had previously stalled under Alan Curbishley, like Luis Boa Morte.
What are hopes like for next season. Does the owners’ financial situation concern you?
With the likes of Tottenham and Manchester City set to strengthen heavily again in the summer a repeat of this season (ie top eight) will do nicely. Despite our current owner’s financial predicament we’re a lot better off than many Premier League clubs in terms of sustainability due to the board’s financial prudence.
Who has been West Ham’s best and worst player this season?
For once it’s hard to single out any individuals as the squad has impressed as a whole. Rob Green, who hasn’t missed a league game in over two seasons has yet again been in great form between the sticks whilst of the youngsters, Jack Collison is beginning to realise his huge potential. Our least influential players this year have probably been Dean Ashton and Kieron Dyer, two English internationals who have barely played due to injury.
How have you viewed Everton’s season, will you be supporting them in the FA Cup Final?
David Moyes has yet again done a fantastic job with reasonably limited finances whilst Everton are an example for clubs like West Ham United hoping to eventually challenge the established ‘top four’. Since our disappointing early exit at Middlesbrough my interest in the FA Cup has waned somewhat but I guess as a neutral you should always support the underdog, therefore up the Blues.
If you could take one Everton player for the West Ham team who would you pick?
I think the obvious answers would be the likes of Cahill and Arteta although the one player that’s stood out for me recently is Steven Pienaar.
Finally, what’s the score going to be at Goodison Park on Saturday?
Everton will hopefully have one eye on the FA Cup final so with that, our decent away form this season and need for a result following last week’s defeat in mind I’ll plump for a 1-1 draw.
