West Villains: Villa Survive off Hammers Leftovers

Today sees the second leg of the Claret and Blue Derby as relegation-hassled Aston Villa host the mid-tabled Hammers and try to improve upon the dull 0-0 affair they dished out at the Boleyn earlier in the season. Dave Hammer offers 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 Merve 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 last Summer he commented that he wasn’t really sure why he left in the first place. Neither were we! Interestingly, he has more appearances notched up for Villa than the Hammers but clearly his heart is with the Bubbles boys. 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! Currently coaching Everton U21s. 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 West Brom. Rather embarrassing episode where he was snapped using pound notes when simple three-ply toilet paper should suffice which did little to endear him with cash-strapped footie fans. A journeyman that the Hammers let get away. Verdict: Villain.
	Joe Cole Hammers legend. A good example of why we MUST move to the Olympic Stadium - so that we can keep our top stars instead of passing them on to the likes of Chelsea. Enjoyed a triumphant return but was besieged by injuries untilk Villa opted to pick up the medical bills in the hope that they might get a glimpse of the old Joey. It hasn't happened. Verdict: Villain - just kidding! Hammer.
	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  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. 'Came out' as a gay footballer to much applause. Verdict: Villain.
	Marlon Harewood Powerful striker – managed almost a goal every third appearance for the Hammers over a four year and 150 match spell in the mid noughties. Less happy time at Villa where he was used as a back up forward and managed only 30 appearances Has drifted since – to places as exotic as Turkey and China! Verdict: Hammer.
	Carlton Cole Travelled striker who has 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  season ‘out’. Hammers fans have warmed to his robust and sometimes amusingly forthright style. Top man. 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 8  vs Villains 3

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

Note the direction of flow from West Ham to Villa - apart from Hitzelsperger and Cole, the rest all enhjoyed time at West Ham before making the trip to Villa Park!

So, the Hammers come out on top – just like our match prediction today...Tim Sherwood is 'bigging' his players and Benteke looks back on form but we reckon that the pressure will get to his younger players (like Jack Grealish) and the crafty Hammers will nobble them …Villa 1 -3 West Ham