Deano Shows No Mercy

Brian Deane, scorer of West Ham's late equaliser at Wigan on Sunday that broke the Latics' hearts, says he has no qualms about effectively knocking them out of a playoff spot they had occupied for all but 25 days this season.

In his typically understated Yorkshire manner - no fuss, no frills - he shrugs:

"That is what you get paid for, at the end of the day."

But 49 seconds from the end of normal time? No sympathy for a side that has come up from division two the season before, not spent a lot of money, and would have joined the Hammers in the playoffs but for his header?

"That's how things are - that's life," is his blunt answer.

Alan Pardew praised Brian's professionalism, knowing that he has been frustrated on the bench of late - especially when he hasn't come off it - and the modest assassin adds:

"I always want to score so I was pleased from that point of view - I love it, and it means a lot to me."

As evidenced by the celebration after the goal - running down, er, the touchline where the Wigan fans were.

The 7,400 strong claret and blue army were over the other side, Brian.

"I didn't know where I was going, to be honest, but I was just pleased to get on the score sheet," he smiles.

Now Brian hopes to end his West Ham career on an even higher high by shooting West Ham into the Premiership.

"I think I have got a big part to play and we will see what happens," he says.

"And it was important not to finish the season with a defeat."

A final question, then; any friends in the Wigan side?

"Not really, no."

Just as well, then...

"Absolutely."