Forum | General Discussion

Broadcasters have been asked to increase sound levels for this evening's match between West Ham United and Watford FC at the London Stadium, it is felt that a game of such importance warrants additional crowd noise as the encounter would have provoked 'intense' verbality had it been held in front of a 60,000 crowd as it would have been pre covid-19.

Although the 'atmospheric' volume can be a bit of a 'marmite' experience, one element that a huge amount of Hammers fans are interested in is who are the match commentators going to be? Surely they CANNOT use the ultimatley biased, Hammers hating and deeply jealous of what players own now, Alan Smith can they?

Smith's contempt for West Ham United is based on a failed transfer that he was a make weight in, ultimatley the deal fell through and he was left out of contract and out of pocket, hence his attitude. Fair enough, footballers are human after all, but why would broadcasters inflict his particularly vitriolic assessment of the Irons on the very people who are paying to watch the match? It makes no sense, maybe Watford suporters will appreciate Smith's comments, IF the Broadcasters are foolish enough to persist in using his unique 'talent', about their opponents for the evening, but we have a feeling his whining tones grate with most listeners apart from a hard core of gooners living in the past!

We understand broadcasters are loathe to have supporters or ex players of particiapating teams commentating on the game, a jingoistic blatherer can be excrutiating, especially for the neutral or the less represented club. However using a 'proper' commentator who has no particular allegiance to either of the teams playing is absolutely fine, it adds to the occasion, but to use a sad old ex-pro with his own comprehensive agenda serves to detract from what should be as an inclusive experience, not an excuse to be miserable! - Ed

Tonight's game against Watford has taken on almost biblical importance for many west ham fans who were born to be claret and blue, results were mixed for the other teams down in the mire and a clearer picture of what is required to survive is emerging. Three points from the remaining three games would guarantee safety irrespective of any other team's results, Watford at home, away to Manchester United for the penultimate game and finally the home game against Aston Villa.

Watford are never easy to play against, they are fast and furious and very physical if they feel the need, they do have the ability to 'bully' light weight teams and are led by Troy Deaney when they go in to 'battle'. So with that in mind David Moyes will have to make at least one crucial selection for the match, despite not having much in the tank captain Mark Noble must start against the Hornets.

We have been very critical of Noble, but tonight if he starts he will be playing in his 500th game for West Ham, that doesn't mean he should be starting the match for sentimental reasons, far from it. There are some fans and pundits who fear Noble's lack of pace will be exposed by what can be a very fluid Watford attack, however his leadership qualities will most likely be required, particularly in the opening exchanges.

“It’s harder to be at a club for that length of time nowadays,” Moyes told a news conference on Thursday. “He’s showed a great level of commitment to this club. He’s captain, a really important player for us, and I think West Ham should consider themselves lucky to have a really good player and a really good man at the club. To get 500 games for any club, you have to give him great credit. He’s been a one-club man and served the club incredibly well, still leading the group and playing very well. We’ve had some great players here like that — Billy Bonds and Bobby Moore, Trevor Brooking.”

Essentially the manager knows the importance of tonight's game, and knows that Noble's leadership skills will obviate his shortcomings on the pitch, at least for a while, he can always be substituted when his 'legs have gone' thanks to the five subs ruling and extended drinks breaks. A draw or a defeat, whilst being unwelcome, would not be the end of things, there would still be six points to play for. Admittedly the game against on fire Manchester United has been written off by most as a no brainer loss, but at this stage in the season anything is possible, as has been revealed by some of the results other fellow strugglers have achieved against 'top' opposition.

Three games, three points needed, forward the Six Hundred for the 500th game. - Ed