Snake’s a rattler for Davy
Moyes wants happy Hammers
protesting at Anfield and (below) releasing black balloons
DAVID MOYES has challenged his players to end the negativity around West Ham as fans gear up for their biggest protest yet.
The struggling Hammers face their most important game of the season at home to Southampton today with angry supporters planning a protest march against the owners.
But boss Moyes says it is up to the players to earn the backing West Ham used to enjoy at Upton Park.
Though winless in seven, the Hammers put in a muchimproved performance in Monday’s 3-2 defeat at Liverpool, and Moyes said: “You can see how the supporters reacted.
“What it comes down to is winning, playing better. If we do that, I hope to put an end to it all. I want to put an end to it all.
“But while we’re not doing so well, we could do with them with us. When the going gets tough, that’s when the real supporters stick with you.
“I think they know we’re in a tough position. I don’t think fans ever leave the club.
“They might get annoyed or p***ed off now and again. But overall they are very loyal. Look at the numbers that come to the game.
“What I’m trying there needs to be around the stadium.
“We need to try and stick together. The players will always do better with the supporters to say is positivity behind them. It will always give them a chance. You need that support to be with you.
“I remember the days when I used to go to Upton Park with Everton and the crowd was raucous.
“They were complaining about everything. Shouting for every decision. Right behind the players.
“But it wasn’t always good then. What we’re saying is, it’s not all good just now, but go back to the way you were.
“Maybe it’s not quite same surroundings. But back to the way you were.
“Hey, it won’t be one win. would not expect it.
“I have to show the fans what we can do. We need to build it, we need to show we are making progress and improving.
“Winning will hopefully make people feel not so negative about it. And going back to the point, we need them all now to help us.” the go
IBRIGHTON’S Davy Propper says the only thing that has stressed him out this season is seeing his daughter with a snake – so there’s no chance of him being worried about Crystal Palace.
The Dutch midfielder has been described by his boss Graham Potter as the most chilled man in football. And he’s living up to his name ahead of the ‘El Gatwicko’ derby against bitter rivals Palace at the Amex today.
“What stresses me? At the moment, not a lot,” the 28-year-old said. “No, not Palace. I hope not anyway.
“The only thing I can think of, is I saw my daughter with a snake at school and that stressed me.
“There were all sorts of animals in the classroom and that’s not something that happens in Holland!”
Considering Propper’s daughter Rocky is only three, you can understand why even a chilled-out Dutchman could feel a little nervous.
But although there’s no chance of snakes on the pitch at the Amex this lunchtime, he knows it is wise not to be too relaxed in a derby match that often surprises people with its intensity.
“There are advantages on the pitch of being calm but if you’re too relaxed it can also be not so good,” he said.
“You need to be relaxed at the right times and sometimes you need adrenalin to play good.”
So, what are the chances of Propper losing it on the pitch in the heat of battle?
“I have two red cards in my career, so it could happen,” the midfielder joked.
“The truth is, there are always some nerves. “Maybe I don’t show it or people can’t see it in me. But I’m nervous sometimes, that’s normal.”
There’s certainly a reason for Brighton to feel nervous.
They have not won a single game in 2020 and are perilously close to the relegation zone.
But Propper is a lucky mascot, having remained unbeaten in five derbies against Palace since arriving at the club in 2017.