Alan's Home Comforts

BEFORE the New Year, West Ham United had lost just twice at home all season. That figure has been doubled in the month of January with defeats to Sheffield United and Derby County.

But it's a statistic that Alan Pardew is determined to put right with the visit of Cardiff City on Sunday.

The Hammers manager switched pre-match training from Chadwell Heath to Upton Park this Friday as he attempts to end a run of three League games without a win, and insists the players are in good spirits going into this weekend's game.

"Our home record has been excellent this season, but results have dipped in the last few weeks and we need to put that right on Sunday," he said.

"We moved training to Upton Park to freshen things up and increase the players' confidence at the ground.

"Results haven't been what we were looking for so far this year, but the players are still in good spirits.

"The belief in the squad is still really strong. There is a natural confidence amongst the players and that is encouraging, because it shows they still believe in their own ability to win promotion for the Club.

"We know that there is a lot of work to do for us to achieve that goal, but everyone remains totally focused and committed to winning promotion."

Looking around the vast Boleyn Ground, Pards insisted that a full and bubbling stadium is what the players need on Sunday. But the Hammers boss admits that his players must respond to the support by delivering on the pitch.

"There's no better feeling for the players than to see a full house at Upton Park," he said. "The support of the fans here is fantastic and it's helped the Club to achieve some brilliant results here over the years.

"But we know that it's good results that fill the stadium and we haven't been achieving those results recently.

"It's up to us to put that right. We need to start quickly on Sunday and really get the crowd backing us, because when the Upton Park fans are really behind their team it can be very intimidating for the opposition."

Hammers have something of a point to prove against Cardiff, after the Bluebirds won 4-1 at Ninian Park in November. And with their boss Lennie Lawrence picking up the Coca-Cola Championship Manager of the Month Award for January, it will be a confident and inform Cardiff that travel to East London this weekend.

"They're a very good side," admitted Alan, "and we definitely owe them one after their win in Cardiff, when we played very poorly.

"Conceding two quick goals cost us and from there it was very difficult to get back into the game.

"We need to play with our heads more than our hearts on Sunday, be patient and make sure that whatever happens, we are the ones walking away with three points.

"At the moment, Cardiff are able to field their strongest team and when they can do that they are a match for anyone in this division."

Unfortunately, Pards admits that Hammers fans are yet to witness his best eleven this term, with a procession of injuries and suspensions limiting his options, especially in defence.

"The constant changes in our defence have been a major cause in our inconsistencies this season," he admitted.

"I haven't been able to play my best team yet this season, and that is frustrating. Injuries have definitely been a problem, but disciplinary issues have also cost us and that is something we are working to eradicate."

Tomas Repka misses out against Cardiff after picking up a suspension for reaching five cautions this season, which means another defensive reshuffle for Pards.

"When he's playing well it's hard to find a fault in Tomas' game," he said. "But there are always question marks over his temperament and it does let him down at times.

"Tomas is aware of the problem and since I've been here there has been a definite improvement in his disciplinary record.

"He's also back in the international squad, which is testament to how well he's played this season. We'll miss him on Sunday, but we've got Teddy Sheringham fit, which is a massive boost going into a very important game.

"We need to start moving back up the table again and winning games is the only way we're going to do that.

"It's vital that we show the right attitude against Cardiff, get off to a good start and with the fans behind us I'm confident we can take all three points."