Nigel Knows What It Takes

MIDFIELDER Nigel Reo-Coker pulled no punches in his assessment of West Ham United's performance against Derby, but insists belief within the squad remains high going into this weekend's FA Cup Fourth Round clash against Sheffield United.

"The Derby game was really disappointing," confessed Nigel. "We didn't play well enough as a team and didn't pass the ball like we can do. It was a poor performance and we let the fans down.

"Admittedly, at 1-1 we had a couple of chances and they cleared the ball off the line early in the second-half. But there are no excuses.
"We didn't play the football that we're capable of, gave away two poor goals and couldn't complain about the result."

However, the 20-year-old player dismisses the notion that the Hammers are lacking confidence, particularly in front of their own fans, by insisting the squad still believe they can steer the Club into the Premiership.

"We've still got belief," countered Nigel. "Things haven't gone well for us recently, but your fortunes can turn so quickly in football. All we need is a run of a few wins and we'll be right back into contention again.

"No one here is thinking that we are out of the promotion race yet. This is without doubt one of the most talented squads in the Championship. We haven't earned the results to reflect that so far this season, but that doesn't mean we can't over the remaining few months of the season.

"You've got to have belief. If you don't then you've got nothing and you may as well give up. That's why I can assure fans ours is still very strong."

Nigel returned to the side last weekend, having missed two games with pleurisy, the effects of which were not helped by the former Wimbledon star forcing himself onto the pitch during the hectic New Year schedule when he was suffering from heavy flu.

However, Nigel is not one to shirk his responsibilities and insists he will have no problems with the added pressure of an FA Cup run, should the Hammers overcome Sheffield United in the Fourth Round. But he admits that promotion remains his one and only goal this season.

"Getting promotion is the most important thing," he insisted. "The fans are desperate to see the Club back in the Premiership and it's up to the playing staff to work as hard as we can to make that happen.

"But right now we really need a win, just to kick-start what could hopefully be a strong run of games that puts us back into promotion contention.

"That's why we're determined to get back to winning ways in the FA Cup against Sheffield United. There's no doubt that it's a great competition. Every player wants to do well in it and I'm certainly no different.

"But in the back of our minds we are always thinking about the number one goal - the League. If we can get a win on Saturday it will be a great positive to take into our next Championship game at home to Cardiff.

"This week we've just been trying to stay confident and focused, and basically looking to get our heads down, work hard in training and make sure we are ready to play to the best of our ability on Saturday.

"We owe Sheffield United one certainly, but we also owe the Upton Park fans a good performance and we'll be determined to put our recent form behind us this weekend."