Queens Park Hammers: The definitive West Ham and QPR XI

As these two clubs go head to head in today’s crucial 'up and coming wannabes' clash, we are reminded of the many players who have had the privilege of playing for both. Verywestham gives the verdict on how well these players performed during their spells on the East side of London.

	Safe as houses. Had it all – presence as well as shot stopping, and a cool head to boot! We ‘stole’ him from QPR and he then formed a key part of the mid-80s teams, including the formidable boys of ’86. Ridiculous England cap haul at a mere 1!!!. 10/10.
	Was unhappy to leave QPR and found it hard to settle at West ham after angering fans by airing his discontent in public. On field, his performances were disappointing given his record at Loftus road and he departed after a single soulless season. 4/10.
	Came through the west Ham youth system and was soon strutting it in the first team. However, got a bit of a name for ‘socialising’ and found himself out the door to Sunderland. Has never really fulfilled the promise of his time at the Hammers where he excelled and seemed destined to duplicate older bruv’s achievements. He hasn’t. 7/10
	Possibly the best product of the academy over the past 20years. Came crashing through the youth system into the first team and quickly established himself in the side. Nicked by Leeds for a large transfer fee, he rapidly moved on to Man United as one of Ferguson's most astute acquisitions. A fairytale return to the Boleyn was foiled by QPR as well as his perceived loss of pace. 9/10.
	Great hairstyle!!! Actually was a pretty decent  recruit to the doomed side of 2003 but helped in the promotion push that followed before age caught up on him and he retired to the lower leagues. 6/10.
	Always gave 100% and inspired those around him with his determination over a spell that lasted over seven years, 200 appearances, and many as the club captain. 8/10.
	Uncompromising! Added much needed bite to our midfield but undoubtedly at times a loose cannon. My greatest memory is of him getting sent off against a rampant QPR side in 1995 and having to endure a desperate backs to the wall performance that earned a valuable point due to some classic Julian Dicks endeavour as the referee seemed too timid to send off a second Hammer! 6/10
	Fantastic player – skilful and quick, he always brought a sense of excitement to proceedings. Another ‘steal’ from QPR. Had 5 decent seasons but forced to leave as we were relegated in 2003. Scored some cracking goals (with overhead kicks and volleys a specialty!) but also remembered for floating the crossfield pass for ‘that’ goal by Di Canio! 9/10
	Something of a legend at the Hammers – determined to play for his beloved boyhood team he came in 2004 and made a major contribution to our promotion, including a stunning goal in the play off semi final and the winner in the final. Followed that with another excellent season but struggled on and off with injuries thereafter and left suddenly, even mysteriously in 2008. 9/10.
	Stopped in on the Hammers towards the end of his career (1992-4) and played a big part in the promotion season of 92-93 but struggled in the Premiership the following season and was off on his merry way again. Did a shift at pretty much every London club and his time at the Hammers was a useful stint. 7/10.
	Arrived as an intended saviour for the remarkable relegation side of 2003 but couldn’t prevent the doomed side from slipping down a league and left for Leicester who had moved in the other direction with promotion. It was a privilege to have him wear the claret and blue but in reality his contribution to the cause was very modest indeed. 5/10.
	Fantastic manager –artful, creative, humorous, motivating. Left suddenly and under a cloud, as he does. Strangely settled at QPR and stuck it out despite a relegation. 9/10

Substitutes: Paul Goddard, Hogan Ephraim, Kieran Dyer, Neil Ruddock, Rob Green, Danny Gabbidon.