Tom Vlad All Over!

Returning to the City where they began their professional careers is something Big Tomy Soucek and Vladimir 'The Impaler' Coufal would do on a regular basis during the off season for the last couple of years, apart from being away representing the Czech Republic at International level.

Arriving with the rest of their Hammers team mates at Prague airport, they were greeted by a sea of Claret and Blue as thousands and thousands of ticket less West Ham fans saluted their team as the players passed through the gates ahead of the club's biggest game in over half a century.

For Tom and Vlad the event couldn't be more special given the Czech internationals are both playing at a stadium so familiar from their time together at Slavia Prague. The local press were out in abundance and 'pilloried' the Hammers duo, here is what Soucek said to them as he left the plane.

"When I realised one year ago the final was here, I told all the players it had to be a big goal for this year. This place, the pitch, the dressing rooms, the tunnel feel so comfortable. Now we are here I can connect the two teams I love. It is the chance to lift a trophy and, for me, it is special the final is in Prague."
The ticket less fans rumoured to be as many as 20,000 have been making themselves at home in a myriad of bars and hotels as well as special fan zones that have been provided by the local authorities. Good weather and ridiculously cheap beer could be a portent for disaster given the massive Hammers fan contingent AND the fact that thousands upon thousands of Fiorentina fans are also in attendance, Prague is already creaking at the seams!

So far there have been very few 'incidents' reported and there appears to be a 'bon hommie' between both sets of fans who have a mutual 'enemy' in the form of UEFA who's decision to host a game between two clubs who have a combined regular attendance in excess of 100,000 every week domestically is totally ludicrous.

If there is any trouble UEFA will be heavily culpable, however that doesn't mean fans have carte blanche to behave like hooligans, fortunately neither team competing for the Conference League Cup final have a significant 'ultra' contingent but the local Police and military are fully at hand to deal with trouble makers from EITHER side, the head of Police in Prague has warned that those causing a 'public nuisance' will be dealt with severely!

This could be a glorious night and it is tom be hoped that Hammers fans do not cove themselves with shame as the entire football fraternity WILL be looking on. Any wide spread disturbances could have a serious knock on effect for the club's future European aspirations, including the club being BANNED from competitions.

Behave and be brave is the order of the day, and IF you are a fan who gets wind of potential planned disorder do your best to embarrass the potential protagonists and point out what they could be missing in the future if they misbehave! Enjoy the moment but remember there could be far reaching consequences in many many ways if you cock things up. - Ed