Glenn's Preview

Hammers boss Glenn Roeder has spoken exclusively to the whufc.com newsletter as he prepares his team for a tough game at Everton this Saturday.

Following Sunday's fantastic 3-0 victory over Newcastle United at Upton Park, the mood at the Club's Chadwell Heath training headquarters this week has been understandably bright, but Glenn insists that no-one among his staff will be getting carried away as the team look to make it six points in six days at Goodison Park.

"The atmosphere has been exceptionally good this week" enthuses Glenn. "Our first win of the season on Sunday gave everyone a lift but the most important thing now is that we build on that by securing a good result against Everton on Saturday.

"One thing we do know is that it will be a completely different game to Sunday's. Everton are a pretty direct team and play to their strengths, with Duncan Ferguson and Kevin Campbell offering a real aerial threat.

"We've watched their last two games, both of which they have lost, but that is no reflection on the way they played. It took an excellent Liverpool performance in the derby to win 3-1 after being 1-0 down and, having seen the video this week, I don't know how they managed to lose 1-0 to Blackburn on Saturday.

"They had so many chances, missed a penalty and were the better team, so I'm in no doubt that it will be an extremely tough match for us this Saturday and we will have to be on top of our game to get the result we need."

With Czech defender Tomas Repka suspended after his debut red card at Middlesbrough, the aerial threat of Ferguson and Campbell certainly becomes stronger, but Roeder has faith in whoever replaces West Ham's man of the match against Newcastle.

"It's a real shame to be without Tomas because he had a very good debut and has settled in well. It would have been nice to see him match his strength against Ferguson and Campbell.

"However, I have a number of options to partner Christian Dailly, with Hayden Foxe back from injury, Raggy Soma knocking on the door and Rigobert Song still an important member of the squad.

"Rigobert's attitude after learning that he had been left out on Sunday was superb. He was disappointed not to be involved but was full of encouragement for his team-mates, and the first to congratulate them at the end. That is the kind of spirit we have here."


The visit to Everton will also provide Don Hutchison with the opportunity to get one over on his former club and Glenn admits that his goals from midfield could prove vital on the Hammers' travels this season.

"It would be nice for Don to grab one or two against his old club and hopefully the goal against Newcastle was the start of a purple patch. When you are involved in a tough game away from home, it is always helpful to have players in the team who can nick a goal out of nothing, and Don is one of those players."

Everton v West Ham, Goodison Park, Saturday 29th September, 3.00pm kick off.