Tony's Verdict

Tony Gale says the result at Crewe was more important than the performance - but was pleased with both.

Although West Ham gave a good attacking display at the weekend, and most observers feel the 3-2 score didn't tell the whole story, such was West Ham's superiority, Tony reckons getting thre three points was the be-all and end-all.

"We had played well to bounce back after the Wigan defeat and before the game I think we would have settled for playing poorly and winning 1-0," he says.

"But the fact that we got ahead by three, even though they clawed their way back into the game to make it close, was encouraging."

Teddy Sheringham got West Ham on their way, of course, and Tony says:

"The old boy is doing very well and it is just a shame Marlon didn't get on the score sheet as well - but once he gets one he will score a lot more goals.

"But it doesn't really matter who scores as long as they are coming, and it just up the other end where we have to plug a gap."

As for Sergei Rebrov being on the bench at the weekend, he says:

"He came in and got into the side at the beginning as we thought but Luke Chadwick is more suited to that right hand side though Sergei might come in later in the season and do very well."

As for Alan's search for a defender, he adds:

"It is good that we got by on that one at Crewe but once we start playing top teams in the first division we may get found out, so I am sure Alan is looking around to bring some more experienced players to the club.

"It all starts from the back, and I am sure Alan has two or three in mind, but it is all about availability."

Looking at Southend, he denies the assertion that, with the current injuries, West Ham could do without.

"It is a game that we could do with, especially if we get a couple of goals, and if Marlon grabs one it could get his season up and running," he insists.

"It is a good game to come up; if we lose, it could have an adverse effect but you can't look at it like that - you have to be positive when you are going into games.

"I don't know what the crowd will be like; admittedly it is not the greatest fixture but if you are on holiday with the kids, bring them down and see a decent game of football."