It wouldn't have been West Ham if...

We had beat Swansea and Stoke. Two teams that have had fair seasons and in Swansea's case a pretty good end. It's a shame we couldn't see the season out, and we could've still made top four with three games to go, but we almost focused too much on the Man Utd game IMO. I think that emotionally and physically challenge of that night, meant it was almost inevitable we wouldn't be able to perform for 90 mins at Stoke. I have to say though that for the first 45 mins I thought we looked like a top team. We still need that 20+ goal a season striker, but everybody wants one.

All week people on here have been pushing for Antonio to play up top with Tomkins in at RB. Well that didn't work very well. I have real doubts over Tomkins. He turns his back far too much for me, he did it on Saturday and did it against Man U in the replay. I think that he has to be braver to be a top defender in the Prem. Antonio and Sakho on the right side works well, whether we start looking at 3 at the back and wing backs for next season, that may be the answer. Conte I know likes 3 at the back so it will be interesting to see if that pans out.

I think that Bilic would have learnt a lot from this season, next year will be harder for us, Leicester and Southampton. We will be expected to win more games and teams will set out to cancel us out. I hope we add some world class players to the squad. There are a few of the relegated players that I'd like too. Redmond or Townsend, I like them both, they would both suit the way we play and can cut in and score goals. I do feel though that we will win something soon. I just get the feeling that the manager and the owners are so aligned with the fans and we are starting to get what we want from our team. I can forgive the performance against Swansea and the second half against Stoke, because I don't think we are at a level where we deserve to beat anyone. I read posts on here all week, criticising the manager for selections. I cringed at a couple, and wandered what a Newcastle or Villa fan looking in would think of us. we have to remember where we started from this season. I place of fear and dread. We beat Arsenal away then lost to Leicester and Bournemouth and it was all doom and gloom again. We must hold our nerve a bit, I think this season has taught us that.

My biggest fear for next season will be the football tourists. Those popping in to have a look for a year or two and not adding anything to the party. I'm hoping the extra 20,000 season tickets we've sold are all Hammers that have been goaded out of their armchairs, I'm hoping that the 35,000 fans we currently have sing like they did on Tuesday. If we can make the OS into a fortress and keep that intimidating atmosphere, with these owners, manager and improving squad, we could be a great club.