Preview for West Ham

Last updated : 24 October 2008 By Andy Beill

How do you feel your season is going so far?
It couldn't be going any better really. I think we're far surpassing anyone's expectations, except for the players and manager themselves. It's nice for the club and city to be getting good press coverage, even if some of it is a little patronising!

What are your hopes for the season? Have they changed now with the excellent start you have made?
I didn't know much about our new players until they joined but they've settled in straight away and proven themselves to be excellent signings. Some of our existing players have raised their games to step up a level, but we couldn't rely entirely on the players that got us promoted (as we saw in the Wigan defeat!)

Who is your most dangerous player?
As I'm sure you've seen, Geovanni can be a matchwinner. Marlon King and Daniel Cousin cause defenders problems. Michael Turner's a rock at the back and a danger at set pieces.

Who is the weakest?
It's really hard to single anyone out. Andy Dawson, Ian Ashbee, Dean Marney and Boaz Myhill had to prove that they're capable of playing at this level and so far they have done.

What do you think of Phil Brown?
We were 2nd bottom of the Championship when he took over, and less than two years later we're 3rd in the Premier League. Of course there has been the odd iffy result during his time in charge, but nobody could really have achieved more than he has. Just about every signing he's made since becoming manager has been a good one too. If he can't keep us up, I doubt anyone can.

What do you make of West Ham so far this season?
Disappointed that you threw away points against West Brom and Bolton - two teams I'd hope finish below us near the bottom of the table - but otherwise it's been going well on the field, even if there may be some worries off it.

Any West Ham players that concern you?
I can't say any of those names stand out but I'm sure on Sunday I'll get to know better!

Any advice for travelling West Ham fans (transport, pubs etc)
Hopefully you will find this guide helpful: http://www.hullcityonline.com/news/loadfeat.asp?cid=ED62

With the great form Hull are in, what is your prediction for the game?
All the talk has been about our great results on the road; we've only had three home games so far, with a W1 D1 L1 record. It will be interesting to see if Phil Brown changes his tactics for a home game and if the players perform in a different way. We've got to be confident of getting something from this game, and the mood we're in we're all hoping for a win.

Written for WestHamOnline.net, the online WHU community