West Fulham XI: Those who traversed East and West

Tonights big clash in the Premiership brings together East and West London for an intriguing battle between two sides lurking mid-table, but with intent. We have compiled a team  - West Fulham XI – of those who have played for both clubs. Dave ‘D’Artagnan’ Hammer explores their history and passes his verdict on how well these players performed during their spells at each club, and where their hearts lie ahead of tonight’s fixture.  

	Dave Hammer says:
	Gerry Peyton Highly experienced keeper with a decade and almost 350 apps for Fulham. He later provided cover at west Ham for a season (’93-’94) but never needed to tog off and join the field of play. Equally, he can correctly assert that he never put a foot wrong during his time at the Boleyn! Verdict Cottager.
	Ian Pearce Pearce’s career at the Hammers yo-yo’d due to intermittent injuries but a committed performer across the defence and had a nice touch of pace to go with his physical presence. Clocked up almost 150 appearances over 7 years before being stolen away to Fulham for a three season 57 gamed adventure again marred by injuries. Verdict Hammer.
	Tony Gale Wonderfully talented centre half – good in possession and intelligent reader of the game. Nicked from Fulham and subsequently Spent a decade at the Boleyn before being released to claim a Premiership medal with Blackburn in 1994. Part of the glorious ‘Boys of ‘86’ team. Verdict Hammer.
	Bobby Moore Hammers legend. Is he the greatest English player of all time? Spent over a decade in service at the Boleyn. Enjoyed a fun-packed spell at Fulham where he even played against the Hammers in the 1975 side that lost to two Alan Taylor strikes. Verdict Hammer.
	Paul Konchesky A real one hundred percenter! And a tasty left foot that occasionally unleashed goal-bound rockets. Mysteriously fell out of favour and seemed to dip in form as he fell out with manager Alan Curbishley, before departing for Fulham where he had a productive stint involving over a 100 appearances. Hmmm. Verdict Cottager.
	John Pantsil Arrived after the World Cup in 2006 but found it hard to adjust to life in the Premiership and drifted down the ranks. Never really got a sustained run in the side and eventually left for Fulham in search of first team football. Settled much better at Craven Cottage until 2011 when he left after 75 appearances. Verdict Cottager.
	Papa Bouba Diop Excellent 3 year spell with Fulham during which he rose to Captain status before moving to Portsmouth and then Greece . A great name and with a physical presence to match he later returned to England that helped the Hammers deal with the Championship last year. Sadly, age was catching up fast and prevented him staying on the Good Ship Bubbles as we sail back through Premiership waters. Verdict Cottager.
	Luis Boa Morte ‘Dead snake’ spent 7 useful seasons at Fulham, clocking up almost 200 appearances and was Cottager of the season in 2004/5.  Considered a real steal from Fulham, Boa Morte’s robust style never quite endeared him to Hammers faithful and he suffered confidence loss. Committed and loyal throughout but seemed to lack the necessary guile to command a permanent starting place.  Verdict Cottager.
	Leroy Rosenior Bounced from Fulham to QPR to Fulham to West Ham and Fulham for a third spell then on to Charlton before making the long journey down to Bristol City! Pacey and physically determined forward who played in Hammers sides of the late 80’s and early nineties, including a key role in a promotion push during that time where he scored most of his 15 Hammers goals. However, was more prolific during his three spells at Fulham. Verdict Cottager.
	John ‘Budgie’ Byrne Enjoyed a productive period for five years at the Hammers in the sixties in a side that contained many legends. Fantastic goalscoring record, averaging more than a goal every second game. Unlucky to miss out on the World cup glories of ’66. Drifted to Palace and then on to Fulham for an unremerakable year in his Autumn. Verdict: Hammer.
	Bobby Zamora Loved by Hammers faithful and made it clear that he loved playing for his boyhood team. Pleasant habit of scoring important goals against Arsenal and in key matches e.g. promotion play offs. No idea why we let him go! Thrived at Fulham for three seasons before QPR raided but hasn’t quite kicked on at Loftus Road. Verdict Hammer.
Total	Fulham 6 West Ham 5!!!

 Substitutes: Iain Dowie, Andy Melville, Tony Parks, Jimmy Bullard, John Harley.

So, a mixed bag, with players varying in where they found most success and a pretty even split as to East vs West in ultimate allegiances, with Fulham just pipping it 6 vs 5. A close encounter, just as we can expect as the sides do battle tonight!

 

COYI!!!