Tony Confident Of Progress

Tony Gale is confident West Ham can progress to the fifth round of the FA cup after a draw that pairs them with either Wolves or Kidderminster in the fourth round later this month.

Wolves earned a replay against the team eighth from bottom of third division side with a late equaliser and Tony says:

"It will probably be Wolves, the odds are on them, but Jan Molby's team will give them a good run for their money in the return as they are a good footballing side.

"We played Kidderminster a few years ago; I can remember being injured for that game and watching it from the temporary stand which was shaking on a really cold day.

"Wolves will be a difficult tie but one which I think we can win; I don't think there will be a lot of difference between the sides, to be quite honest.

"I have seen Wolves four times this season and they are nothing to be afraid of, so if, as expected, Wolves do progress, then it is a game that will be an even money shot."

The match might be the last time Paul Ince faces his first club and Tony adds:

"I think he has been injured lately so hopefully he will be fit for that one, and I think he will relish playing us at Wolves.

"I don't think he will relish it if there is a replay and he has to come back to Upton Park."

Of the Wolves side overall, he says:

"They have got some good players such as Kennedy on the left hand side but all through the team there are quality players, who are maybe not quite good enough for the Premiership but were a very good first division side.

"I think at the moment that is what we are, a good first division side, and if we were to get up I think it is obvious that Alan would have to reinforce the squad.

"I think we are more or less on a level playing field with Wolves."

As for the tie being away, he adds:

"It will be away from the pressure of playing in front of your own fans which I find a little bit strange because it should be an intimidating place to come to - and the lads should be using that in their favour.

"But obviously they are running a little bit scared at the moment playing at home; when things are not going well having a big crowd makes the expectation levels high and the crowd do start getting on - but it is something you have to deal with.

"I think they have to use it in the right way because our crowd is a great crowd, especially when we are on top.

"A lot of clubs would be scared to come to Upton Park and I think it is just a case of getting down and getting a few results, the results that we need, and once those results come in I think you will find they will get rolling on like a little bandwagon and the crowd will get behind us even more to see us all the way up to the top of the division.

"I said we needed to get back to back wins together which we have done and now we have to take that form on in the league."

Tony has no problems about the so-called distraction of a good cup run and says:

"I disagree with people who say maybe we would not like to have a cup run and concentrate on the league and promotion.

"Winning breeds a winning mentality, that is two on the trot, and now the boys have got to kick on.

"I didn't go up to Wigan but loads of my friends, who have not missed a cup game for 15 or 20 years, went up there, and I think they really deserved it from what everyone said and what I saw on the TV.

"We were the better side although we gave them a little chance at the end with Wayne Quinn's own goal - but we did deserve it."

The match at Molineux or Aggborough will be played on the 24th or 25th of January.