Trevor: Another Great Atmosphere

28th May 2004

Trevor Brooking is hoping the West Ham fans can recreate the atmosphere of the recent home win over Ipswich when kick-off time comes around at 3 o' clock in Cardiff.

"Everyone was chuffed with the result initially but also the fact that it was a night to remember," says Trevor.

"Especially with it being in the 'new' stadium - and even neutrals said it was a pulsating night.

"It made it difficult for Ipswich and it certainly was inspirational for the West Ham players; you can't underestimate the part it played in the win.

"It was heaving and I think there will be a great atmosphere at the Millennium stadium as well.

"The Middlesbrough v Bolton final was terrific with those teams not having been there, and I am sure the occasion will be one where both sets of fans want to make their presence felt.

"I think it will be something special again, especially for the winners, and it is the sort of ground that creates a good feel to it - and I am sure that will be the case on Saturday.

"It will be an exciting day out for both sets of fans - but there is a lot at stake so it will be pretty tortuous, I am sure, as well as enjoyable."

There are obvious links between the two clubs and Trevor adds:

"It is strange that Iain is managing Palace having played for us and Alan is managing us having played for Palace.

"Hayden Mullins is playing against his old club as is Michael Hughes, so a lot of situations are coming up.

"It is a great day for the winners and the losers will want to get away as quickly as possible - but everyone goes there with an air of expectancy.

"I think the play-off games have been dramatic and I can't remember a series of games with so much drama.

"There are three matches looming over the Bank Holiday which I am sure will provide more of that - there will be twists and turns."

Alan has no injury worries and Trevor adds:

"It is very much Alan's squad now and has more depth than at any stage of the trauma of relegation - and having had to get rid of players.

"Just after Christmas, particularly, there was a lot of activity, and that has given options - the bench has looked stronger in recent games.

"Some good players will have to miss out, which is a situation neither Alan nor I had for quite a period of time - so that is healthy.

"Palace have had a good run and they will be at full strength as well apart from the suspension of Gray, who they will miss - from Alan's point of view that will be a major plus."

* A signed West Ham United shirt and is being donated to a charity auction to support the screening of the Division I play-off final between West Ham United and Crystal Palace 29 May 2004 in Australia.

All proceeds after eBay expenses, if any, will be going to the Bobby Moore UK Fund for Cancer Research and the Australian Melanoma Foundation.

Stephanie Moore, widow of Bobby, has kindly agreed to our initiative.

For a synopsis about the Bobby Moore UK Fund for Cancer Research and how they spend monies raised please go to http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/bmf.

For information on the Melanoma Foundation please see http://www.medicine.usyd.edu.au/melanoma/page2.html

You may bid on eBay at:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4133771286

David Lewis, who is organising the screening having bought the TV rights Down Under from Sky, is adding further venues.

Sydney:

The Metro Theatre,

624 George Sreet,

SYDNEY 2000

(CAPACITY: 300)