WHUFC.com
Captain Kevin Nolan remains focused on finishing the season on a high
19.04.2012
Kevin Nolan is planning to lead West Ham United to promotion this season,
however that may be. The Hammers still have an outside chance of going up
automatically but would require Southampton to slip up in both of their
final two games. Failing that, it will be a third-placed finish and the
Play-Offs for Nolan and his West Ham team-mates. "The situation is that
hopefully Southampton lose two, we win two and we go up, that is still
there," Nolan said. "But if not, then we still have to make sure we win
anyway, to keep up the momentum for ourselves if it is the Play-Offs. "Never
say never. Right now, we have to make sure we dust ourselves off and get
those two wins in the last two games starting at Leicester on Monday."
The captain knows all about successful Play-Off campaigns after winning the
mini-tournament with Bolton Wanderers in 2001. Nolan, then 18, played the
whole 90 minutes as the Trotters secured their place in the Premier League
after finishing third in the Championship table and he is hoping history can
now repeat itself for the east London club. "You have to keep the winning
mentality going. We have won a lot of games this season and we have to
continue in that way until the end of the season and finish on a high. Once
we have done that, if it is then the Play-Offs, then we treat those games
and the teams we have to play with the respect they deserve. "I am very
confident that if we have to go through the Play-Offs to gain promotion, we
will do. You have to be confident and we are as a team - we will see when it
comes round who we have to face and do what we have to do."
Nolan was one of a number of new arrivals for the Hammers after relegation
last season and the team were forced to gel quickly ahead of a demanding
Championship season. Although the campaign does not look to be heading for
automatic promotion, the desire to reward the Hammers' faithful for their
unwavering backing home and away with a Play-Off win is motivation enough
for Nolan. "We have had a lot of changes but have come a long way in a short
space of time. I think everyone who is at the club deserves great praise for
how they have helped with a lot of changes - from players to
behind-the-scenes staff. "We have had a lot of pressure on us all season and
have been in the top two for a long time. We haven't dropped out and are
only just now into third place - and that is only because we have drawn more
games than we lost. "At the end of the day, we just want to give our fans
what they deserve, that is to be back in the Premier League. Hopefully we
can do that on 28 April, but if not, then through the Play-Offs if that is
what it comes down to."
The Hammers have had to contend with being a big draw for many opposing
teams and subsequently opposing players tend to give their all when facing
Nolan and his team-mates. Likewise many stadiums across the division are
full and intimidating when West Ham come to visit and it is experience like
that that Nolan believes will have been hugely beneficial to his younger
team-mates in the long-run. "There are some young lads, young boys in our
dressing room who I really feel for because they have taken on a lot of
responsibility that they will learn from. "Especially going to away grounds
- everywhere we have gone this year has been a sell-out. It is the highest
gates for some clubs when we have visited them. It is something that a lot
of the younger lads have not been used to but they will grow and get better,
and will be better for it. "But it is something we have become used to since
the start of the season, we just have to keep learning how to deal with this
and hopefully over the season we have. "We have two games left and we have
to treat them as looking to get six points from them and that will stand us
in good stead if we are then in the Play-Offs."
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Cole inspired
WHUFC.com
Youngsters impressed Carlton Cole with their enthusiasm for a special
Olympic and Paralympic project
17.04.2012
'Inspiration' was the keyword as youngsters from local Newham schools teamed
up with West Ham United striker Carlton Cole to show just what an impact
this summer's London 2012 Olympic Games will have and the legacy it can
leave behind. The event, organised by the West Ham United Learning Zone
Centre, saw the children meet at Plaistow Primary School to showcase a
project which has seen them explore the legacy of the biggest sporting event
in the world and the inspiration it can bring now and in the future. Over
ten two-hour sessions, the children enjoyed researching and re-enacting the
history of the Olympics, going right back to ancient Greek times, designing
an Olympic and Paralympic comic as well as writing, shooting and editing
their own promotional films. Cole met up to see what the project was all
about and also took part in a question and answer session with the
youngsters, who asked him about his own inspirations and how he has achieved
his aims in football. He then presented certificates to the youngsters to
mark their achievements. The No9 said: "This was a lot about inspiration and
these kids were very inspirational - I love attending events like this with
children and youngsters from the local community. They were amazing, they
had worked hard on something they clearly enjoyed doing and the aim for them
is to better themselves and find the right path in life. "To me that is
inspirational - these kids are still a bit young to know what they really
want to do when they are older, but already they are using time they have to
themselves after school wisely and it is heart-warming to see the effort and
focus they have put into doing this. "Credit to the teachers, volunteers and
our club for supporting schemes like this, you can see for yourself here,
just how important it is."
Cole said the forthcoming Olympics and Paralympics are already having an
impact in the London Borough of Newham, even though the games themselves
have not yet begun. "You just have to look at how the area has been boosted
already - everyone is excited about seeing the sports in the summer but
already you have new transport links, shopping centres, new jobs created and
youngsters being able to go out and enjoy playing sports with this on their
doorstep."
The course was organised through a partnership between West Ham United
Learning Centre and the London Borough of Newham Employability and Skills,
with funding provided by Awards for All. Learning Centre Manager Pia
Tanneraho said: "It was a special treat for the children to meet Carlton, we
thank him for coming along. They have really worked hard on their projects
and it gave them an extra boost to show Carlton what they have done and ask
him questions, as he is at the top of his sport. "It was all about
inspiration and I think the children got a lot out of this and I think they
have even more of an understanding of what impact the Olympics will have on
the area where they either live or go to school."
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One step from glory
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 19th April 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham could be appearing in one fairly important Final before the end of
this season - however a supporters' team will be hoping to win some
silverware of their own before then. Long before Sam Allardyce's side hope
to appear at Wembley in the Championship play-off Final next month (barring
a collapse of catastrophic proportions by Southampton, of course), West Ham
iFC - a team comprised of Irons fans, the majority of whom are season ticket
holders - will be taking place in in the Final of the IFC London Cup, where
Watford await them.
WHiFC - who beat four rivals on their way to the final of the competition
and are in great form having won their last 13 games - take on the Hornets
this Saturday morning at the Paringdon Sports Club in Harlow hoping to win
their first London Cup since the team's formation back in 1998. And manager
Vinny White says his team are optimistic of winning the team their first
silverware for some considerable time. "We have a great chance," he told
KUMB.com. "Our regular squad is 100 per cent fit meaning we can put out the
team that has been so consistant this season.
"We know Watford will be stronger for a Final than they were in the league
games - both of which we won - so we have to be aware of the threat they
pose. But we should go into the game with confidence. "In our group [leading
to the Final] we had AFC Wimbledon 'A', Kingstonian and Carlisle Utd London.
We then beat Barnet in the semi-final. So far this season we have played 20,
won 17, drawn one and lost two."
Meanwhile Watford joint manager Dave Messenger, whose team go into the game
very much the underdogs added: "The games with West Ham are our favourite
fixtures in the calendar. We've never met with silverware at stake but both
teams will be desperate to win once the first ball is kicked. "We've got a
strong squad out with six survivors from our Worldnet Final against Preston
in 2008. Though we know West Ham will be hard to beat, we're confident of
going one better than that day and bringing the cup back to Watford."
The IFA London Cup Final kicks off at 10am this Saturday morning. With West
Ham's first team not playing this weekend, all Irons fans are welcome to pop
along and give the iFC team their full support.
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Crushed hope
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 19th April 2012
By: Paul Walker
They say it's always the hope that gets you in the end, and that was exactly
what happened at Ashton Gate this week when we blew yet another chance to
hang onto a faint opportunity of automatic promotion.
It's been like it for weeks now, despite the exciting wins over Barnsley,
Cardiff and Brighton. Despite all the statistics flying about, we have
actually won just four of our last 13 matches, and there have been eight
draws in that lot.
Reading have suffered just three defeats in their last 18, and pointedly,
drawn just one of those games. They have shown they know how to win matches,
close out games they are leading and have made the most of their
opportunities. And they seem expert at scoring late, critical goals in the
Manchester United way, you just know they will score.
They have not been pretty, they have an annoying tactic of surrounding
referees at every given opportunity trying to get people into trouble, but
they have been better than us. More consistent and with a greater ability to
hold their nerve.
Sadly, we have consistently failed to maintain composure, and with the
play-offs on the horizon I pray this will not be our downfall when the chips
are down.
I travelled to Bristol in hope that Southampton would make a mistake. They
were 2-0 up in 12 minutes at Peterborough to put pay to that idea. We
started in fine style, scored a good set-piece goal but couldn't get the
second to deflate Bristol. Then Robert |Green, brilliant all season, lets
one bounce over his dive.
It was one of only two on-target shots the home side had all night, but
enough to give them a result to cling onto. Mark Noble was terrific again,
James Tomkins not far behind.
We battered them from start to finish, but it became a frantic,
uncoordinated performance. Desperate at times. Big Sam talks of the mass of
chances we had, but what he really means is the amount of ball into the last
third, and the box. It was a stream of crosses, low and high, and a failure
to connect.
That, to my mind, is not real chances. We did not create clear-cut openings
with astute passing as we did at Barnsley. I didn't actually feel that "we
would score in a minute", even if you could not doubt for a second the
effort of the players.
Bristol's away end is a dump, poor viewing, dirty, backless seats, and riot
police separating us from the City nutters. We had old folk, loads of kids
and women crammed into our section, too, not a pleasant experience.
But I drove home up the M6 with a heavy heart, listening to Reading's
celebrations. It should have been us.
The fact that we have drawn nine of our last 19 games--just three
defeats--says it all. That's 18 points lost. The three disasters that still
kill me are Crystal Palace, Doncaster and Watford at home.
If we had won those three rather than drawn, we would be above Southampton
still. And victory in those three was well within us, games we dominated but
couldn't kill off.
We have also suffered from the level of transfer dealings done last summer
when Sam arrived. For what ever reason, we could not attract top names, be
it our image, Sam's image, the recent memory of a shambolic season or not
enough money.
We signed players with injury history. At the time it was probably all that
was available in our price range., there was little choice as Sam rightly
moved on dozens of players from the previous regime.
Joey O'Brien, Guy Demel, Papa Bouba Diop, Abdoulaye Faye and John Carew all
arrived with difficult injury histories, Demel barely played in Germany last
season.
O'Brien has been outstanding to get his career back on track and Diop a
major midfield influence, while Faye a big player in defence.. But the fears
that these five may not last the season has come back to haunt us, they have
all been injured for long spells at crucial times.
Demel does not seem capable of lasting a match, how ever good he may be. The
constant changes to the side in recent months tells it's own story. And that
is really not the fault of anyone, least of all the players. We were where
we were with money and image.
These are some of the reasons that we have fallen short in the race for
automatic promotion, as much as any perceived problems over Sam's tactics.
Sam keeps complaining about the strikers, and that may well have effected
Nicky Maynard and Sam Baldock.
Neither were first choice signings. Would we have signed Maynard if we'd
managed to land Nikica Jelavic, who had a major part to play in taking
Everton the cup semi-finals. And would Baldock have been signed if other,
more experienced, strikers been brought in?
They are both good prospects with pace, talent and skill. But they have not
found the jump in class easy to handle.
And Stoke made it pretty clear that they did not consider Carlton Cole would
get through a medical when they tried to sign him pre-season. He, too, has
to be nursed through matches.
In the painful aftermath of relegation, if someone had offered me a play-off
place then, I'd have taken it. Maybe there are thousands who would disagree
with that. But this is a better performance than the last two seasons we
spent in the Championship.
And I know it sounds like another defence of Big Sam. But we have suffered
badly through injuries all season. Matt Taylor, Jack Collison, George
McCartney, Winston Reid, Tomkins, Baldock, Faye, Diop, Carew, O'Brien,
Demel, Julien Faubert and Gary O'Neil have missed significant spells.
I don't accept that we should have breezed through this division like
Newcastle did. We have never had the required level of creative quality in
midfield.
But people are already asking "where did it all go wrong?" while we still
have a good chance of promotion. And the attitude seems to be that we will
struggle in the play-offs because we can be so brittle under high pressure.
It's not the right attitude to be approaching the play-offs with. I must
admit I fear for the reception and send-off the team will get heading into
the play-offs after the Hull home game.
We've beaten Blackpool twice, registered a win over Cardiff and drawn twice
with Birmingham, plus winning at Middlesbrough and Hull. Let's stick to the
positives for now and believe we can do it, because if we don't believe how
can the players be expected to?
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Five mistakes that ruined our chances
WHUFC.com
Filed: Thursday, 19th April 2012
By: Richard Williams
As we begin our charge (ok flop) to the play-offs the resentment towards Sam
Allardyce and his tactics appears to be growing on a daily basis. With a
Premier League-standard squad and the inconsistency of all but two
Championship challengers, the league SHOULD have been won weeks ago.
I have looked back at where it all went wrong and am not ashamed to admit
that Allardyce is at the heart of it. Below are the five mistakes that
single handedly ruined our season:
1) Long Ball Insistence. I'm not one of the very many Hammers who believe in
'the West Ham Way'. I fully agree with Allardyce that the West Ham way is
losing football matches in a cloud of mediocrity while achieving nothing. I
also understand Allardyce's insistence on going direct to win football
matches. He did it successfully with Bolton and Blackburn, achieving
European football in the process.
The mistake made, was that this type of tactic cannot be used week in, week
out and is easy to defend against unless you have the strongest and best
target man in the league to hold up and win headers. We don't. It proved in
the Birmingham home draw recently that if you switch from passing to direct
quickly you can score goals, pen the team back and exert pressure but if
they are expecting it they will park the proverbial bus and swat us away
like flies. It is an ABSOLUTE MUST that a team challenging for a title has a
plan B. Throughout the season there has been no plan B.
2) The Wrong Personnel. Our owners were fantastic in backing Allardyce both
before the season and during the January window. Allardyce showed them his
targets, they succeeded in obtaining the signatures. The question I ask is,
were they the right signings? With such a direct nature in style, why did we
sign pacey strikers who like the ball to feet and get in behind the back
four such as Baldock and Maynard? With Jason Roberts available on a free and
scoring vital goals, surely he was a better target man (literally)?
Carew showed that signing players at the end of their career HAS to stop if
we are to progress but more on that in a minute. Instead of buying four
strikers, why were we not in the market for quick midfielders/wingers who
can actually get to the by line, beat a man and deliver into the box?
Allardyce appears to be signing the same players repeatedly which just backs
up the claims of no plan B. Variety is the spice of life and our squad has
none.
3) Lack of Youth. Rob Hall, Montano, Potts, Moncur, Spence, Nouble - and
dare I say the name Ravel Morrison? If ever there was a chance to bring
through the next Lampard or Joe Cole a season in the Championship was the
time to do it. I am in agreement with those who would tell me you must have
experience but surely there has to be a blend of the two? The youth,
excitement, creativity, commitment and fitness has been lacking all season.
We have a youth team of stars waiting for their opportunity to shine, why
have we kept with the journeymen who have nothing to prove or play for?
Carew, O'Neil, Taylor, Collins, Faye or Faubert would all leave in a
heartbeat if offered more money or Premier League football.
Southampton were promoted from League One last season, did they panic-buy
Stoke or Bolton's cast offs? No. They had faith in their young players.
Players who showed they would die for the shirt. The excitement as Sky
Sports News informed us of Ravel Morrison's signature was clear to see
across the social media circles. This is a player who Paul Scholes quoted
"Is the best talent to come from the [Manchester] United youth set up since
Ryan Giggs". We all knew he came with baggage, but ask Maradona's managers
if that worried them? Where is he and why has he not been included when the
team was CRYING out for creativity?
4) A Starting XI. Championship facts to date tell us that Reading and
Southampton have made fewer changes to their starting XI than all but two
teams in the league. Week in week out the players know exactly who is
playing, what the tactics are and how to play to their strengths. Allardyce
has shown how clueless he has been with regards to his squad and although we
have had injuries all season, there has not been a consistent spine to the
team. Our best player in Tomkins has been used at right back, centre back
(his best and only position), holding midfielder and centre midfielder.
Carlton Cole has been used as a target man, a secondary striker, on his own
or with one of MANY strike partners. Faubert has been on the bench, then up
front, then wide right then right back… You get the point.
The best managers keep it simple. They build a first XI, playing each player
to their strengths and stick with it to create consistency and confidence.
The fans have been on Carlton Cole's back all season (In some instances it
has been justified) but do you blame the guy? This guy was in the England
set-up last year with an impressive debut, this season he has been in and
out the team more than anyone! Does Brian McDermott rest Ian Harte every
other week because he passed 30 years old? No, he plays him every week
because he is the best left back at the club. As a result, Ian Harte scores
goals and consistently provides an attacking threat for the team. He is one
of many examples….
5) Bad Attitude. Sam is known for his 'No Nonsense' attitude and I have to
admit I have always respected him for it. In his own words, he has a "thick
skin" and will not listen to the negativity thrown at him by anyone. The
issue this season is that you MUST back up a strong front with results. The
above points have shown that he has continuously made mistakes all season.
Our current position in the league shows that his way has not worked.
Instead of insulting the fans with accusations of being "thick" and
"deluded" a quality manager and motivator will use the media to the
advantage of the team and ultimately get the fans onside.
You may not care what we think of you Mr Allardyce but it is us who pay your
wages and ultimately provide the atmosphere on a match day at the Boleyn. Is
it a coincidence that we have struggled at home all season and there has
been a growing discontent towards the manager? Do you think Mr Mourinho or
Ferguson would throw insults at their own fans? They would spin it like all
good motivators would. They would ensure the fans left the televised or
paper interview with renewed optimism that we were all working towards the
same goal. When the fans turn on you, the writing's on the wall.
With all of this being said, we still have a chance of promotion through the
players and I for one will be behind the team as normal come rain or shine.
For those of you using the "it's a tough league to get out of" excuse, ask
yourself the following question;
"If it is SUCH a tough league, how have we got it wrong, continued to make
mistakes and still have a very good chance of Premier League football next
season?"
* You may contact the author via his blog at claretsweatandtears.co.uk or
via Twitter at @CSAT_whufc.
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Allardyce: West Ham must be fully prepared for the play-offs
Nathaniel John, West Ham Correspondent
Thursday, April 19, 2012
9:32 AM
London 24
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has conceded that his side's automatic promotion
hopes are now out of their own hands, following Tuesday night's 1-1 draw at
Bristol City. The Hammers now sit five points behind second-placed
Southampton, with just two games remaining. And with the Saints making a
trip to Middlesbrough on Saturday, two days before West Ham visit Leicester
City, Allardyce admits that his side are in a state of limbo. "We have to
wait until Saturday now, there is nothing we can do until Monday in terms of
ourselves and how we prepare for Leicester and what we do, based on what the
result is at Boro," he said. "So we will wait and see after Saturday, we
will decide what way forward will be better for us and where we go from
there. "We were always going to have to ask someone else to do us a favour
and even if we get that favour from Middlesbrough on Saturday against
Southampton, we still have to go and beat Leicester. "It is still going to
be difficult for us having to win our home game and think that Southampton
might slip up but that is what we have to believe in."
With it looking increasingly likely that West Ham will now end up in the
play-offs, Allardyce is keen to stress the importance of preparing his side
correctly. "Whatever happens in the play-offs, whether you finish third,
fourth, fifth or sixth, it is about the mentality of preparing yourself
correctly," he added. "There is no other game to compare with the experience
of the play-offs, they are completely one-off and on their own and you have
got to handle the pressure that comes with it and deliver over three games.
"You don't have to win the first two games, over two legs you can draw and
win and get through and when the other one comes you have got to be ready.
"The most important thing if we end up there is being prepared for the first
two games and not to be thinking about anything other than that, otherwise
anyone can beat anyone as we have seen in the play-offs. "Form and league
positioning means absolutely nothing when the play-offs come round."
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Tony Cottee Column: Momentum is the key for West Ham now the play-offs
beckon
Tony Cottee, London24 West Ham Columnist
Thursday, April 19, 2012
12:00 PM
London 24
Another column, and another disappointing midweek game for West Ham and it
now looks like we are headed for the play-offs. I have to say that Tuesday
night did not decide that the Hammers would not earn automatic promotion.
For me, that was decided with the poor run of home form in recent weeks and
the course of the season has meant that we are now third, five points behind
Southampton with two games left to play. Of course, it is not impossible,
but even the most die-hard of West Ham fans must admit that is seems highly
unlikely that the Saints will not get more than one point from their last
two games. However, there is no reason to be downbeat. I have said all
season long that it would be fantastic for the Hammers to go up via the
play-offs and I stand by that. There is always a good buzz around the
semi-finals and the final and I am sure that many of us fondly remember that
Preston game in Cardiff when Bobby Zamora scored the crucial goal to take us
back to the Premier League. The one negative about getting automatic
promotion from the Championship is that there isn't really a day when the
fans can celebrate. However, the play-offs provide that opportunity and
there is a whole generation of West Ham fans that haven't seen their team
play at Wembley. That could all change come May 19.
Of course there are four games between now and then, but what better way
would there be for the club and the players to pay back the fans than
winning at Wembley to get back to the top flight. Now we will find out
whether this West Ham team has the bottle to perform under pressure. It is
time for the players to stand up and be counted and there is nowhere to
hide. For me, I would prefer to play Cardiff City in the semi-finals for two
reasons. I have seen them a couple of times recently and I don't think that
they are flying at the moment. Added to that is the Hammers' recent success
there where they turned up and professionally won 2-0, so that will still be
fresh in their minds. However, on the opening day of the season Cardiff came
to Upton Park and manage to sneak a 1-0 win so they have shown that on their
day they can be a match for anyone. It will be a blessing for the Hammers to
play the first leg away from home and if they can secure a big victory, then
it would take the pressure off playing at Upton Park in the second
semi-final. Then, all being well, with the final at Wembley, it would feel
like another away day, which can only help.
The one thing that the Hammers will need between now and the end of the
season is momentum, though and that starts by winning their last two league
games, starting with a trip to Leicester City on Monday. I know from
experience that the Foxes like to make the most of their last home game of
the season, but the one thing that could work in West Ham's favour is that
Leicester are playing for nothing now that they cannot reach the play-offs.
The Hammers on the other hand must win to build confidence, and I think that
they should just about manage to get back to winning ways.
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Rowing insists Vaz Te sale was a good deal for Oakwell club
Barnsleyt Chronicle
Thursday 19th April 2012
Barnsley's general manager Don Rowing has defended the club's decision to
sell Ricardo Vaz Te for £500,000 during the January transfer window. The fee
had remained undisclosed until it was revealed by West Ham boss Sam
Allardyce at the weekend. At the time of his sale, Reds' boss Keith Hill
said the club had received 'peanuts' for the striker but Rowing insists it
is a good price for a player who was out of contract in the summer and did
not want a new deal at Oakwell.
Rowing told the Chronicle: "We could have kept Ricardo at the club against
his wishes and let him leave on a free transfer but we decided to put our
business heads on and get as much money as we could. The fee of £500,000 was
as high as West Ham were prepared to pay so it left us with little option
but to sell."
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Allardyce aware of pressure
Nolan confident Hammers will win promotion, one way or another
Last Updated: April 19, 2012 9:55am
SSN
Sam Allardyce has warned his West Ham squad that they must learn how to
handle their nerves if they are to prevail in the play-offs. The Hammers
boss appears to have conceded defeat in his side's efforts to secure
automatic promotion back to the Premier League, with it unlikely that a
five-point gap can be bridged in two games. Reading have already booked
their place back in the big time and Southampton, who tackle Middlesbrough
on Saturday, look set to join them. Allardyce appreciates that West Ham are
destined to miss out on a top-two finish in the Championship, and for that
reason he is already planning for a play-off push. He knows how tricky that
promotion path can be and has informed his players that they must prepare
themselves for the most intense of pressure. Allardyce said: "If we are to
go up automatically we will need someone to do us a favour. "If not, it's
about preparing yourself properly for a game the players will never
experience anything like in their life. "There is nothing to compare to it.
And you've got to handle the pressure that comes with it."
Momentum
Kevin Nolan is confident the Hammers can handle the heat should they be
forced into the play-offs, with it his opinion that Allardyce's men will be
turning out in the top flight next season. He said: "Hopefully Southampton
lose two, we win two and we go up. "If not, we have to make sure we win our
next two to keep our momentum going into the play-offs. You never say never,
but that's how it goes. "I am confident that if we are in the play-offs, we
will go up that way. You have to be confident with the squad we have. "We
want to give the fans what they deserve and that is getting back into the
Premier League. Hopefully we can do that on 28th April and if not, 19th
May."
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