West Ham United great Martin Peters is looking forward to 2010 and the prospect of success for club and country.
The former England midfielder has been invited back to the Boleyn Ground as a regular visitor this season, much to his delight. He has also made it a family affair on matchday with Peters revealing his daughter and granddaughter are naturally "massive West Ham supporters".
"It is always great to come back to the club," he said, before revealing that he is certain Gianfranco Zola's men will enjoy good fortunes in the new year. "The team started with a little bit of difficulty and have had a few injuries lately but Zola is a great manager. I am confident they can finish halfway up the league at least."
Peters, who served the club to distinction between 1959 and 1970, is also looking forward to the FIFA World Cup in June, especially with a favourable opening for England in the group stage. "It is a good draw," he said. "If we don't qualify we don't deserve to go through. The teams in our particular league are beatable. I will be looking to see us finish first and play someone a bit lower next round."
Now 66, the midfielder was one of three Hammers to lift the 1966 World Cup along with Geoff Hurst and Bobby Moore, and he is hopeful the club will be well represented this time. As well as current regulars Robert Green, Matthew Upson and Carlton Cole, the 67-capped times Peters believed there was a chance for others to stake a claim like Scott Parker.
"There is still six months to go and a lot can happen. Maybe a few players can come to the fore," he said. "There is still is hope for others to get a chance. If you look at the team, there are a lot of ex-West Ham players in there as well. It shows how great the club has been. Playing for England is fantastic."