With Manchester City fans still celebrating their first championship win since 1968, West Ham and Blackpool fans are sitting nervously, waiting for Saturday night, when one of the two sides will return to the promised land.
For me, West Ham have given a life filled with love and frustration, near misses and heartbreak, but there has always been one constant – the pride I feel every time I pull on the Claret and Blue shirt.
I know I’m not alone in this pride and for us, promotion would be the biggest success we’ve had since the 2006 FA Cup Final.
I don’t think there are any Hammers fans who would tell you that we are going to win the Premier League and for a team starved of success for the last 32 years (when we were the non top-flight team to win the famous trophy), what exactly should we be aiming for?
Nothing less than a win on Saturday is where we need to start. Following this, I’d love to see West Ham turn themselves into the kind of Everton/Fulham/Newcastle level club who have solidified their Premier League status and are pushing for Europe while making the occasional cup run.
Two of the biggest traits of supporting the Hammers are that it helps build personal strength, as no sane person would choose this lifestyle and that there is very little greed amongst our fans.
Those who were alive to see us beat the highly fancied Arsenal in 1980, remember that team as heroes, while those of us born after that fateful May day have given them their rightful place in folklore.
Regardless, one trophy is enough for me in my life (FA Cup, League Cup et al.) and I believe that a win on Saturday night is the kick-start we need to reach the summit.
Whatever happens on Saturday night, nothing will change.
That’s the special thing about the West Ham, we’re all in this forever and no amount of money or titles will ever change that.
Now for fortune to come out of hiding for a few hours on Saturday night.
Chris
Guest
Australia Irons here as well as American Irons!!! Come ON YOU IRONS!!! From Lincoln, Nebraska I will be up early in the am watching us battle it out in Wembley, I expect to hear a Wembley filled with our Anthem!
Al
Guest
Why, why do you belong in the premier league? Nottingham Forest have won European championships and more titles than West Ham, they "belong" in the EPL more than West Ham, specifically now with West Ham having long ball Allardyce at the helm.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Why it means so much? $40m helps whet the apetite, for starters...
Phil Coorey
Roar Pro
I have not slept well this week just thinking about this game - I'm going to be a nervous wreck COYI
MelbCro
Guest
Come on hammers, we belong in the EPL
Wasp
Guest
I have followed the Hammers from afare, from my ABC highlights in the late 1960's and 70's. They won me over with their great Euro style that made them a joy to watch. I have seen them go down and back up in all those years. We are now ready for the EPL again. Despite not being one of the big guns, West Ham will make a better EPL with their long term passion based on what was instigated all those years back. Look at our great players who now play for Chelsea and other top flight clubs. They have been a hotbed fior youth and are still doing the same. The A League should look at the club for inspiration and look at the youth and our great West Sydney nursery for West Sydney. A team that should look to the hammers and other clubs that take pride in their area. I even saw West Ham play in 1985 at the old Upton Park, stood with the passionate supporters and talked to them about coming from Australia and supporting them. I await with nervous anticipation about the playoff final, but West Ham are a big game club and have that history on their side. All the best Go You Irons !