I just want to say a few words about my good friend Gary Speed who as you are all aware passed away at the weekend.
When I heard the news about Gary, it left me in total disbelief and shock.
Gary was a true gentleman and a huge inspiration to me. He helped me to get to where I am today and I going to miss him deeply.
My first thoughts, love and wishes are with his mum, dad, wife Louise and his two boys Tommy and Ed.
And I just want to add: Will miss you Speedo lad! RIP
As we all know, life has to go on despite difficult circumstances like this and that includes football.
I am sure Gary would want no different. But Speedo will be in my thoughts as I play and while he may not be here physically any more, I know he will continue to inspire me.
We are preparing for our game at Middlesbrough and come into this on the back of a fine win at home over Derby County on Saturday.
For me, the match saw me score my first West Ham goal at the Boleyn Ground, on home turf, so Saturday's game will remain very special to me.
In fact, I kept my shirt from the game and got all the lads to sign it for me. I was absolutely delighted to get the goal and it will always stay with me - the first goal at home as a Hammer in front of our home fans. Hopefully though, it is the first of many goals here for me.
It was a brilliant build-up, Coley playing it to Jack who chipped it up and I managed to hit it on the volley, so I was very pleased with that technique!
It was great that Coley scored just before half-time as we went back into the dressing room at half-time calm. The gaffer changed a few things and in the second half it started to work for us and we then bossed it, with Nobes grabbing the penalty and we had all three points.
It will be a tough encounter at Boro but we are confident and we know we have to work just as hard again if we are to get a result there.
Once again, thank you for the magnificent support on Saturday and following on from the 6,000 plus fans that went with us to Coventry the other week, we would like to thank each and everyone of you for getting behind us.
We know those of you going, will do so again on Tuesday night. We hope to make everyone's long journey back east that bit easier with a good result for you all.
Come on you Irons!
Kevin Nolan
Captain