West Ham

May has supported the Hammers ever since he heard cries of "Come on Hammers really pep it up and make it mediocre!" In this text, he offers a supporters' view of Glenn Roeder's first season, and reminisces about some of the funniest moments in Hammers' history.

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It's a typical season at West Ham, really. Harry Redknapp has been sacked in the summer and replaced with rookie boss Glenn Roeder, who admits to feeling like a 100-1 outsider winning the Grand National. Paolo Di Canio makes more tearful exits than the average opera diva before deciding to turn down Manchester United in favour of spending more time with his piranhas. West Ham lose 7-1 at Blackburn but a few weeks later win 1-0 at Man United, and the huge new Dr. Martens Stand (or is it the Rio Stand?) is opened by right-royal supporter the Queen. Aussie defender Hayden Foxe mistakes a West End bar for a urinal while over-celebrating at the players' Christmas party, and David James sports a season's worth of dodgy barnets, ranging from peroxide tea cosy to mustard-on-hot-dog squiggles. Journeyman Christian Dailly is transformed into an ever-present football genius, while Steve Lomas causes several fans to suffer panic attacks by removing his shirt after scoring. Sinclair, Cole and James go to the World Cup with England, and under the astute leadership of Roeder a side that had been tipped for relegation surges up to seventh place (and finishes above Spurs).
With wit and style, lifelong fan Pete May charts a remarkable season while also reminiscing about some of the funniest moments in West Ham's history, making this an essential read for those with Hammers in their hearts.