Negative vibes

Big Sam, writing in Friday's Evening Standard, addressed the problem of "negativity" from a minority of home fans. He wrote: "It’s only a minority I know but they need to support the team because, if they don’t, they will frighten the players. Teams should look forward to playing in front of their home fans. You can put up with any amount of stick away from home because that means you’re playing well but if it happens at home then it can destroy players who want to do well for their club. If we’re playing rubbish then, yes, I can understand it but we’re not.

We don’t make the same mistakes away from home that we do at Upton Park and that, once again, is down to the pressure. Players feel they can’t afford to make a mistake at home and when that mindset prevails, what happens? They make a mistake. You play your best when there’s a natural flow from your subconscious."

I'd take issue with the "we're not playing rubbish" remark about the Doncaster game, the problem was we played well for the first 20 minutes and then played rubbish. He's also not aware that traditionally the West Ham crowd will always get behind a team trying to play attractive football, but will not necessarily get behind a side flinging in high-balls from midfield. Still, there's something in what he says about pressure, confidence and human nature — though our lads do seem to suffer from a lack of mental strength if the odd groan puts them off — so I'd appeal to everyone tonight not to give the side unnecessary stick against Middlesbrough and really get behind them.