A DEVOTED Hammers fan and former youth team player, Bobby Zamora
knows all about the passion and commitment of the West Ham
faithful.
The 23-year-old striker is well aware of their expectations this
season and insists that he'll settle for nothing less than
promotion come May.
"Every player at the Club is desperate to achieve promotion this season," he confessed. "Although results have been inconsistent of late, there is still a strong belief in the squad that we have what it takes to go up this season.
"The fans are desperate to see Premiership football back at Upton Park. We're all aware of their expectations and it's down to the players to make it happen over the second half of the season."
Disappointed to have missed out in recent matches, the former Brighton star will be hoping to make an impact during the congested Christmas schedule when a clutch of points will be on offer.
"We're coming into a very busy time of the season," he said, "and the strength of our squad will hopefully be an advantage to us over the next couple of weeks.
"It's frustrating to miss out in games, but I know that I've got to earn my chances and then hopefully take them when they come along.
"We've got some excellent forwards at the Club, experienced players like Teddy Sheringham, Sergei Rebrov and Marlon Harewood. It's tough when you are competing against players of that quality for a place. But that competition is good news for the Club and I've got to just keep working hard and hope that the manager gives me a chance during the next few games."
Bobby is not expecting a comfortable Christmas, as Nottingham Forest come to Upton Park on Boxing Day looking to ease relegation their relegation worries.
"Despite their League position Forest are a very capable side," he explained, "and we'll need to be at our best to beat them.
"They came back to beat us 2-1 at the City Ground earlier this season and that will give them confidence. They're strong and in need of some points, so they'll compete for everything. Everyone who comes up against us likes to give it that extra 10 per cent and we have to be ready to cope with that."
A promotion winner with Brighton, Bobby knows that the second half of the season is all important for chasing teams to really make their mark. But with the Hammers in the midst of an inconsistent patch of form, Bobby admits that a winning run over the festive season would be a perfect Christmas gift.
"We've been playing some good football at times," said Bobby, who has scored four times in nine first-team starts this season. But then we've let ourselves down by not getting into games, like the first-half at Preston, which has cost us points.
"The quality is definitely there and we're always likely to create chances. It's just a case of being more clinical in front of goal, making our chances count, and then not giving away silly goals.
"We've missed a few senior players during the first half of the season, the likes of Christian Dailly, Malky Mackay and Teddy Sheringham, who obviously make a difference to the side. But with those guys all back or on their way back the squad is looking strong again. We just need to get on a good run, stay focused, and then promotion will be a very realistic goal."