Trevor Senses Support

Trevor Brooking believes there is a wave of neutral support for West Ham to stay in the Premiership - and cites the evidence of his trip to Maine Road on Sunday as an indication.

Revising his opinion that it is just the whole of the East End that is behind the Hammers in their fight to preserve Premiership status, he says: "I have got to thank Manchester City because after the game I was around the ground for about an hour, and there were countless ladies working in the bars and kiosks, there were stewards around still, and there were endless handshakes with people saying they want us to stay up and get the next six points - it was fantastic.

"I have been to one or two places before the weekend and since, and again you are getting the neutrals almost willing us to actually at least get the six points, which is all we can do.

"At different times this season the players have had their critics, but at present they have got everyone behind them, and wherever I go even neutrals seem to be willing us to at least get the six points and ask the question of the others.

"We know it is out of our hands and that six points might not be enough, but I do believe that if we get them we couldn't have done any more - and that is what matters."

Trevor is particularly pleased by the players' resilience and patience in the last two games, and he adds: "It is great credit to them that having lost to Bolton we battled away for 77 minutes against Middlesbrough before scoring - and then did the same for over 80 minutes against Manchester City.

"It says a lot for their spirit and drive that they are working and working and have been rewarded late on to get those two crucial goals and victories.

"More than anything it has kept that hope going for this week and now there is a great game to come on Saturday against Chelsea with Upton Park absolutely buzzing.

"And so we move on, and want to put pressure on those above by getting to 41 points over the weekend, and whatever happens, that carries it over to the last weekend.

"It would just be a terrific fillip for everyone if we could keep it going and get that second stage of the challenge out of the way."