Ahead of Sunday's clash between West Ham and Everton, Toffees boss and ex-Hammer Frank Lampard has been 'talking up' his time with the irons before his departure to Chelsea where he went on to establish himself as one of the top midfielders in the Premier League.
The relationship between Lampard, son of Frank Lampard Snr who made over 550 appearances for the club, and Hammers supporters has always had a bit of needle attached, dating back from accusations of nepotism when he was at the club and recriminations from both sides when he left the club.
A few ill chosen words can go a long way, especially in Frank's case, where he took it upon himself to regularly 'mock' Hammers lack of achievement compared to Chelsea's Abramovich financed success. The bad feeling continued when Frank Jnr did a bit of media work, regularly depicting West Ham as a selling club that lacked direction.
So hearing Frank 'bigging up' David Moyes' achievements at the club ahead of a crucial game, fans should take his comments with more than a pinch of salt! He just wants to WIN, Everton are in deep trouble and are facing the genuine prospect of relegation from the top flight for the first time in their history.
Complimenting the opposition's manager is something Alex Ferguson did regularly ahead of games, it is surprising how many were 'suckered in' by his ploy. Hopefully David Moyes will pay no heed to 'young' Frank's comments and concentrate on getting the three points essential if Hammers are to keep chasing a top six slot, if it sends his old club deeper into a relegation dog fight, then so be it, there is NO room for sentiment in the Premier League. - LN
