HURST, PETERS AND, ER, PAYET

NOT the best of starts to the season for West Ham, who seem to find new ways to upset their supporters. The hapless Hammers, who have lost their opening two Premier League fixtures, have put a mosaic around the exterior of the London Stadium to mark the club’s 125year history. However, the decision to place a picture of Dimitri Payet, whose acrimonious departure still rankles with some, between legends Sir Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters MBE has triggered an angry response. ‘Talk about a thorn between two roses,’ said one. ‘Payet was a brilliant player but the way he left was a disgrace and it’s not right.’ West Ham sources say the order of the mosaic is two players from the past flanking one from more recent times and that there is a belief within the club that fans has mellowed towards Payet (left) in the three years that have passed since he left for Marseille. At least the Hammers have got something right — a statue of Hurst, Peters and Bobby Moore is to be built outside the former Olympic venue.