Saturday 8 November 2014

Hammers take the Claret and Blue Derby

Today sees a stuttering Aston Villa visit the European-placed Hammers hoping to try and avoid becoming the latest victims of a ruthless West Ham side who have already dished out hidings to Liverfool and Munchkin City when they had the audacity to visit the Boleyn this season. However, over the years these sides have shared more than just a claret and blue kit, with a host of players putting in shifts for both clubs. We offer the verdict on a first XI who have represented both clubs and asks – at the end of the day will they consider themselves primarily Hammers or Villains?
Dave Hammer says:
Mervyn Day
Merv the Swerve was an Essex boy who had the world at his feet after minding the nets for the Hammers triumphant 1975 cup winning side. Then suddenly the crosses started spilling and he had to go…he endured a quiet spell at Villa for two seasons reaching 30 appearances but never quite realised the early potential. Verdict: Hammer
James Collins
Seemed perfectly settled at West Ham until a mysterious transfer to Villa in 2009. Upon returning three years ago he commented that he wasn’t really sure why he left in the first place. Neither were we! Surely one of the most underated players in the Premiership - he is a sensationally commited defender who consistently notches up remarkably high shot-blocking counts. Benefits from being paired with pacey partners like Tomkins and Reid.  Verdict : Hammer
David Unsworth
Prone to homesickness and the influence of his ‘hard to settle’ wife, Unsworth had a decent season with the Hammers in ’97-98 before moving to Villa for few weeks before decideing to bounce on up the motorway back to Everton! Never actually appeared for Villa and they got their 3 million fee  back in the whole crazy saga! Verdict : Hammer.
Liam Ridgewell
London boy who came through the Hammers youths but was ‘let go’ to Villa where he was part of the team that won the 2002 FA youth cup. A six year career at Villa ensued before stints at Birmingham City and now West Brom. Rather embarrassing episode where pictures were released of him using pound notes when simple three-ply toilet paper should suffice did little to endear him with cash-strapped footie fans. A journeyman that the Hammers let get away. Verdict: Villain.
Gary Charles
Troubled Bubble – was the other half of the famous Gazza Cup semi final ‘lunge’ that changed Gascoigne’s career. Both men subsequently have admitted to severe alcohol-related problems and in Charles’ case prison time for ‘foolish’ activities. Had a decent 4 years at Villa. Conversely, bobbled through the Boleyn with 5 appearances before other distractions took priority. Verdict: Villain.
Alan Curbishley
Back when the Hammers turned out stylish creative midfielders for fun - a Late 70s Hammer  who wasa  Boleyn Boy at heart and did well to notch up 85 appearances in an era where Brooking, Devonshire etc were competing for places. Later returned as a manager in a disappointing but not unsuccessful spell that ended in acrimony. A single un-noteworthy season at Villa on his way to Charlton where he established a second home. Verdict : Hammer.
Nigel Reo-Coker
Energetic midfielder who had a productive 4 years at the Hammers before being snathched   by Martin O’Neill to join his Villa crusade. Clocked up 120 Hammers appearances compared to 102 for Villa. Period at Upton Park was marginally more successful but ended unhappily. Verdict: Hmmm…Villain - just!
Thomas Hitzlsperger
Picked up a crazy half-Brummie acacent during his 4 years at Villa park in the early noughties – classy midfielder with a ‘hammer’ shot. Much loved by the Midlands outfit before returning home to Germany for a 5 year spell. Came to West Ham many years later for a season that was ruined by injury and ultimately managed only 11 appearances for a relegated Hammers side. Verdict: Villain. 

Joe Cole
One of the most exciting graduates from the academy in recent times, Joe spent two spells at West ham and was Hammers of the year in 2003. Technically gifted, unfortunately his career never quite realised it’s potential due to a run of niggly injuries. His peak was wasted at a Chelsea side governed by Jose Mourinho who didn’t fully believe in Joe and he finally escaped for periods at Liverpool and Lille. Much loved by Hammers fans, he returned for two modest seasons but was let go in the Summer as further evidence of the new found ruthlessness at the club. Hasn’t started in the Premiership for Villa yet but could make a surprise debut today! Verdict: Hammer.
Carlton Cole
Travelled striker who has finally made the Hammers his spiritual home. Had a season on loan at Villa in 04-05 before joining the Hammers in 2006 where he has remained. Not the most prolific but a committed and loyal club servant who even took a pay cut to stay at the Boleyn during our recent season ‘out’. Hammers fans have warmed to his robust and sometimes amusingly forthright style. Verdict: Hammer.
Frank McAvennie
Hammers legend after two wonderful periods at the Boleyn. Formed a much feared partnership with Tony Cottee, which reached a peak during the 1986 season where the Hammers finished third. ‘TC and God’ had highly complementary skills. Had a brief spell at Villa but latter part of his career was punctuated by an increasing fondness for the high life. Another troubled bubble who at one   point received a 4 month suspended sentence for affray. Verdict: Hammer.
Final Score
Hammers 7  vs Villains 4


Substitutes: Ray Houghton; David James; John Carew; Nobby Solano; Robbie Keane; Marlon Harewood

 So, the Hammers come out on top – just like our match prediction today.


COYI!!!

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