Ahead of tonights North-East London derby between the
warring factions of West Ham and Spurs, we consider the relative merits of a team
composed of players who have represented both clubs and asks – at the end of
the day will they consider themselves primarily Hammers or Hotspurs?
Dave Hammer says:
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Tony Parks
Long spell
at Spurs as reserve goalie followed by a variety of spells at various clubs
fulfilling stop-gap roles, including 6 appearances for the Hammers during the
1991-2 season. Verdict: Hotspur
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Chris Hughton
Longstanding
loyal servant at Spurs – tenacious and determined left back. Hammers got a
decent run from him towards the end of a proud career. Both clubs watch his
continued managerial successes with interest! Verdict : Hotspur.
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Neil Ruddock
Great fun
to watch – always close to the edge of acceptability! Two spells at Spurs and
a decent two year stint at the Boleyn in a career that involved appearances
for eight different clubs and a single England cap. Verdict :Score Draw!
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Mitchell Thomas
Luton lad
who had a decent five year spell at Tottenham and almost made full England
honours but form dipped and move to West ham never quite got into second
gear. Returned to Luton and then on to Burnley. Verdict: Hotspur.
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Steve Walford
Brief
spell at Spurs before moving to Arsenal where he won a cup winners medal in
1979. Moved to hammers where he had a successful 5 year spell. Presently a
coach / scout at Sunderland. Verdict: Hammer.
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Scott Parker
Almost
singlehandedly kept Hammers up two seasons ago but forced to leave soon after
a relegation despite being footballer of the year! Honest and industrious,
albeit injury-prone. He has not quite found his role in a rotating Spurs
midfield where he is not necessarily the main man, unlike when he was at the
Hammers and his initial club, Charlton. Verdict : Hammer.
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Michael Carrick
Classy
midfielder who came through the Hammers youth system with Joe Cole and Frank
Lampard etc. Stayed for a season after 2003 relegation but found physicality
of the Championship testing and moved to Spurs for a short spell before Man
United where he remains. Seems now to be finally peaking after many years in
second gear! Verdict: Hammer.
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Martin Peters
Part of
the 1966 World Cup Boleyn triplets. Known as "the complete
midfielder" as he could pass the ball well with either foot, was
good in the air and difficult to mark because of his movement. His
versatility was such that while he was at West Ham he played in every
position in the team, including goalkeeper in his third game. Moved to Tottenham
Hotspur in 1970 in Britain's first £200,000 transfer. Verdict: Hammer.
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Les Ferdinand
Powerful and
athletic striker – est periods at QPR and then Newcastle before these two clubs
got a turn out of him towards the end of a glittering career. Mostly Spurs
who enjoyed a decent spell from ’97-2003. Verdict: Hotspur.
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Jermain Defoe
Lively
little striker with a good nose for goal but who has never quite realised the
potential evident when he engineered his move away from the relegated Hammers
of 2004. Left on bad terms and may not meet an entirely warm reception
tonight but still Quite likely to pop
up for Spurs in dangerous positions and Hammers fans will be hoping he doesn’t
have his shooting boots on! Verdict: Hotspur.
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Jimmy Greaves
Absolute
legend and a gentleman. Britain’s most prolific striker of all time. Greaves
played at Spurs from 1961 to 1970, scoring a club record of 266 goals in 379
matches. Washed that down with a season at the Boleyn where he enjoyed close
friendships with some Hammers legends, especially Bobby Moore. Verdict: Hotspur.
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Final Score
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Spurs 6.5 vs Hammers 4.5
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It's unlikely that Spurs will have it so easy tonight!
Come on you Irons!!!
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