Peter's World Cup Trip

Club secretary Peter Barnes has returned from watching England's group games in the World Cup - and says he saw a fair few West Ham shirts!

Peter declined the opportunity to stay on for the Denmark game, but says he was impressed with the organisation at the tournament.

"The stadia were great and the people were friendly," he enthuses, " and it was very well organised.

"I saw a number of shirts with the Dr. Martens logo on out there, though most shirts were, obviously, England ones.

"The Japanese fans adopted England as their side as well, and the girls out there are certainly aware of David Beckham and Michael Owen - as are the fellas!"

Peter also believes, however, that West Ham's profile in the far east has been raised by the tournament - especially after Trevor Sinclair's globetrotting.

"He has been in the news going backwards and forwards," says Peter, "and the people in Japan take a keen interest in our football, especially as they have only had a domestic league of their own for eight years.

"I am very pleased for Trevor, getting into the England team, and of course Joe Cole getting a run against Sweden before being unfortunately injured for the Argentina game.

"That match, at the dome, was a really special event and I enjoyed the games immensely - even if there weren't too many goals."