Great topic Iain......I was born and live in Melbourne Australia and have been following the Hammers since I was 10 YO (43 years ago). It must be said that back then and even now Australian rules football dominated over all the other football codes. As my father was born in Italy and had a small stint with Juventus reserves, Football was always in my blood. I played Aussie rules up until I was 14 YO but my passion was always football much to the disgust of my teaches and Aussie rules coaches. Australia was very backward when it came to respecting the great game although much has improved, Thank goodness.

My hunger was always fuelled by my weekly dose of "Shoot" magazine. One such edition featured an article on Bill Bonds and I was intrigued by his attitude to the game and from then on I began to have an interest for West Ham. My support was cemented when I was watching my favourite show at the time The Big Match. Bonzo scored a ripper of a goal against Coventry which went onto being a contender for Golden Goal of the year. From then on I was hooked on West Ham and off course BIlly Bonds who I still regard as a legend of the club. His autobiography is a must read for all Hammers supporters. At 15 I finally cut loose and joined a local Football club and went on eventually to play at State League level as a Right full back always trying to replicate the Billy Bonds style of play. I love the club and have every kind of West Ham merchandise you can buy. You can say that West Ham is definitely in the Blood.

You are a true legend Iain..We West Ham supporters are very privileged to have access to your site. It the best Football site going around ! Really looking forward to the interview.

Oh Scott...why did you have to go on and put in a transfer request and undo all the great work you did for West Ham. You could have stuck with us just like the legendary Trevor Brooking and Billy Bonds. They are true West Ham champions who loved the club and its fans. Unfortunately you had the chance to stand tall beside them but it was not to be. Good luck at Spurs as you will probably need it.

Moore, Bonds, Brooking and now Parker.... The man is an inspiration and every young player should take note of what commitment and integrity is all about.
Very, very sorry to hear the news of his father and all thoughts are with Scott and his family.

The man should be captain of England !

Don't know whether to laugh or cry Aussie... Laugh because its a bloody hilarious post or cry because its so close to the truth.

We need new direction quick smart or we will all be watching our team play Championship football. The only positive with that is that I will feel better on Sunday mornings as our beloved Hammers will not be live on Foxtel anymore! Nothing better that watching here from Australia early Sunday mornings. Its magic to say the least, especially when we get any result.

Hope your not affected by the Floods Aussie.

Pompey, the biggest mistake we made was to let Lucas Neill leave. The guy was a good leader, always committed, challenging decisions and instructing.

Upson is not captain material! Why is he captain, I cannot understand.Its obvious that he is punching above his weight.
The quicker Scott Parker is made captain the better. This should also ensure he stays with us.

Agree AG.. especially KPB.
On your other post,I don't think the Refs are on the take but I do know that they are very inconsistent and at times hopeless. The way Australia was treated by the Refs was shocking.
I still cannot come to grips on Cahill and Kewells sending offs. You are right some of the ones that were let go were so blatant obvious it made me furious. I really think that the fact that we are not a power house football country went against us!

Nevertheless, we showed how good we were against Serbia.

Spot on AG...That was a brilliant save. It would be fair to say that at 2-0 down heads may have dropped and the way back would have been unlikely.

Gee that was great win!

Disagree Zasto... Zola has stuck it out with great integrity. He has had to encounter a number of obstacles during the year such as injuries, loss of players and new Management who really did not fully support him. in my opinion he has risen above adversity.
The problems and challenges he has faced this year will only make him more determined and experienced. He will learn from his mistakes and this is one of the reasons he should remain as the West Ham manager.

The other reason was highlighted yesterday when he was embraced by the players after the goal. In all my time I have never seen players react that way after a goal.
It is without doubt that he has the full respect of the team and this something that does not come easy. I think the players adore the man and will listen and react to his every word. Other clubs would kill for this type of respect.

If we let him go I think we will regret it!

Admit that he was a hard man in his British days but he has settled down of late. I wouldn't go as far to say that he was a disgraceful representative, that's a bit of an exaggeration. As for Paul Ifill, give me a break!

Do you follow the A League?