Paul's Fighting Talk

WEST Ham United have a long history of legenary left-backs.

From Frank Lampard Snr to Julian Dicks, Upton Park has seen some tough-tackling and talented full-backs grace its flanks.

In the 3-1 win over Blackburn Rovers on Saturday there appeared every chance that the name of Paul Konchesky might well be added to that illustrious list.

A lifelong Hammers fan and self-confessed Dicksie admirer, the 24-year-old capture from Charlton Athletic gave the sort of fierce display that his hero would have been proud of, raiding up and down the left side to great effect.

An instant hero of the Boleyn Ground crowd on Saturday for his all-action style, particularly when confronted with the boisterous Robbie Savage, Paul admitted he was just pleased to get his Hammers career started with an excellent three points.

"The atmosphere was incredible," he said, "and to get what was a good win win in front of over 33,000 fans was fantastic.

"I've been waiting a long time to play at Upton Park for West Ham and I couldn't have asked for a better result. It was a tough game, but the lads put in a really strong performance and after half-time we really just over-ran them.

"Blackburn are a tough team and Robbie Savage does like to dish it out. But we stood up to them and came out on top."

Konchesky was involved in the game's most controversial moment when Blackburn substitute Paul Dickov was sent off for a dangerous tackle on the full-back.

He added: "It was a late tackle, but he didn't catch me badly and I came away from it okay. I know Paul was upset with the decision, but he came into the dressing-room afterwards to apologise."

Now Hammers will mark the journey North to Newcastle on Saturday looking to build on their fine start against Blackburn.

"The Newcastle game will be very different," he admitted. "We won't have the crowd behind us, but the result on Saturday has given us a lot of confidence and hopefully we can take that into the game and put in another strong performance."