Follow the Moyesiah & he will lead you to glory EXCLUSIVE
TONY COTTEE
By
WEST HAM legend Tony Cottee has urged David Moyes’ men to go all out to win the Europa League – rather than focus on a top-four finish.
Cottee’s boyhood club are enjoying a genuine renaissance under Moyes and currently lie fifth in the Premier League.
But the former Upton Park goal hero believes going all the way in the Europa would be the perfect way to qualify for the Champions League.
The Hammers finished sixth in the Prem last term, but their fine start to the current campaign has raised hopes of breaking into the top four.
Yet 56-year-old Cottee, who had two spells at Upton Park, said: “Making the top four is not really what I see as the main aim – the goal has to be to win the Europa League. West Ham have made a great start to the season and are currently fifth, which is fantastic.
“It is a testament to the progress being made under Moyes.
“But they’re in a really good position in the Europa League as well, so to win that would tick all the boxes for West Ham fans.
“They all want to have a good cup run and travel around Europe – Covid permitting, of course, and if you win the Europa, then you’re in the Champions League.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for the club. They have got 28 points already and they’re not going to get relegated.
“Of course, I want them to finish as high as possible in the
Premier League. But, in my opinion, the Europa has got to be the top priority.
“And if everyone is fit, then the Hammers have got good enough players to win it this season.”
Cottee – who scored on his West Ham debut against Tottenham aged just 17 in January 1983 – remains much loved in the East End of London.
He added: “It actually says ‘West Ham’ as the place of birth on my birth certificate, so I’m born and bred.
“I was brought up in a mad West Ham family – everyone followed them.
“I went to Upton Park as a young kid to support them, from the age of about six.
“I was a fan first and foremost who became a footballer lucky enough to play for the club I grew up supporting.
“The Hammers have been in my heart since I was a kid and always will be.”
Cottee is now a highly respected pundit, but is currently searching for a new venture after being discarded by Sky Sports in August along with other old professionals such as Phil Thompson, Charlie Nicholas and Matt Le Tissier.
Cottee added: “I’ve enjoyed watching the Hammers this year because I’ve gone back to being a West Ham fan just following my team.
“It has given me a nice direction in life.”