westhamfans.org

To read some of the comments trawled out about Sam Allardyce by his sycophantic pals in the media ahead of his Sunderland team's visit to the Boleyn Ground for this Saturday's early 12;45 kick off, one could be forgiven if one thought that Big Sam was a saviour who rode in and rescued a "club that was on it's knees" single handedly! There is no mention of the massive salary he received or the fact that he was backed financially by the board on numerous occasions for several dubious purchases.

As was widely expected Hammers have won their appeal against Cheikhou Kouyate's red card incorrectly issued by referee Jonathan Moss during their FA Cup fifth-round win at Blackburn. Kouyate, was sent off by Moss for denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity when accidentally bringing down Rovers defender Adam Henley during West Ham's 5-1 win at Ewood Park. The decision and one match ban was overturned by an independent FA regulatory commission, which means the fit again and raring to go midfielder can now play against Sunderland on Saturday 12:45. - Ed

West Ham United will contest the red card Cheikhou Kouyate received during Sunday's 5-1 FA Cup win at Blackburn. Kouyate was given a straight red card for apparently denying a goal scoring opportunity to Blackburn defender Adam Henley, and if Henley had legs that were two metres long then that might have been the case, however there is no way on god's earth that either (a) the player would have reached the ball or (b) Goal Keeper Darren Randolph would not have easily reached the ball first!