Man of the Moment 9 - Hayden Mullins

As Alan Pardew's first signing as West Ham United manager back in October 2003, Hayden Mullins will soon be celebrating three years at Upton Park. The former England under-21 midfielder has already made more than 100 league and cup appearances for the Club and was widely regarded as one of the most consistent performers during our successful first season back in the Premiership last year. We spoke exclusively to the 27-year-old about recent events and his Hammers career so far…

Has the international break this week been a help or a hindrance after our recent run of results?
"It's a chance to have a rest from the Premier League, and the lads who are not on international duty were given the weekend off but, personally, after playing against Reading last week, I would have preferred to play the next game sooner.
"After missing a couple of games, it was great to get back in the side and I've felt fresh and fit the last couple of weeks. Even though the result against Reading was a disappointment, I thought the lads turned in a good performance and we were unfortunate not to get something from the game."

Can you put your finger on where things have been going wrong recently?
"We haven't scored in a while, and the press are picking up on that and trying to build a bit of pressure around us, but these things happen in football - you go on a run where nothing seems to go right for you and it becomes frustrating for everyone.
"It's only October, though, and we are not worrying too much - the spirit is still good and the players have belief in ourselves. We know we have a lot of quality in the squad and, if we work hard and show the same attitude we had last season, I'm sure we'll come through and turn it around."

The arrival of Javier Mascherano has created extra competition for places in midfield - what was your response to finding yourself on the substitutes' bench recently?
"I've just worked hard in training and prepared for matches in the same way I always have. There's no point sulking because, when your chance does come, you won't have trained properly or be ready to perform at your highest standard.
"You have to keep your head mentally right and train as you would do if you were in the team. That's all I have tried to do, and I was quite happy with my performance against Reading, even if we did end up on the losing side.
"Javier is a world-class player and plays for one of the biggest footballing nations in the world, so if that is not competition for places, then I don't know what is!
"Of course he is going to get the chance to show what he can do, and so it's up to me to show that I am good enough to keep him out of the team if we are vying for the same position.
"I suppose you could compare it to the situation at Chelsea, when they signed Shevchenko in the summer. Everyone said that Drogba would be the one to make way, but instead he has just upped his game to another level and proved that he is still one of their most important players.
"You have to make it hard for the manager to leave you out when you do get your chance, and that is all I am trying to do."

You've been at the Club for almost three years now - how do you reflect on your time at West Ham United so far?
"Well, it certainly hasn't been dull since I arrived! There has been something major going on every year - we reached the play-off final in my first season, got promoted the next and then reached the FA Cup final and Europe last season.
"It has been a bit of a rollercoaster, but it all helps to develop your character as a player and a person. I was at Palace before I came to West Ham and that was just as eventful - we went through periods there when we didn't know if we were going to get paid or not!
"To come here was a different sort of challenge, there was always a big expectation among the fans and that took a bit of getting used to, but it's a great Club to play for and I've certainly enjoyed my time here so far.
"Every year has been exciting and has seen the Club move a step forward in the right direction. I think that is all down to the gaffer and the players he has brought in, and hopefully we can all help to take West Ham on to a higher level."

What ambitions or targets have you set for yourself in the next few years?
"I've learned a lot in the last few years and hopefully I am now reaching the prime stage of my career, so I'm just hoping to continue establishing myself in the Premiership and
"If you are playing well in the Premiership for a good side, then I think you will always look to the next level and think about how high you could go. Every player wants to play for his country and I am no different, but it's not something I think too deeply about.
"I play in a position that doesn't often grab many headlines but, if I am playing well in a winning team, then hopefully I would get noticed, and of course it would be a dream to play for England.
"At the moment, though, West Ham is the only thing on my mind. We've got to concentrate on getting out of this little rut and climbing up the table - that is the focus for all of us now."