FOCUS ON A EURO ADVENTURE
Today, 3pm
HEPPENSTALL
WEST HAM legend Tony Cottee has urged David Moyes’ men to go all out to win the Europa League, rather than finishing in the top four. 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 League would be the perfect way to qualify for the Champions League.
The Hammers finished sixth last term but their fine start to the current campaign has encouraged hopes of breaking into the top four.
Yet Cottee (below) who had two spells at Upton Park, said: “Making the top four is not really what I see as the main aim for the club – the goal has to be to win the Europa League.
“West Ham have made a great start to the season and are currently fifth in the Premier League, which is fantastic and testament to the progress being made under David Moyes.
“But they’re in a really good position in the Europa League as well, so to win that would tick all the boxes forwest Ham fans.
“They all want to have a good cup run and travel around Europe, Covid permitting of course, and if you win it 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. But in my opinion the Europa League has got to be the priority.
“And if everyone is fit then the Hammers have got good enough players to win it.”
Cottee, 56, remains much loved in east London after scoring on hiswest Ham debut against Tottenham, aged just 17, in January 1983.
He added: “It actually says ‘West Ham’ as the place of birth on my birth certificate, so I’m West Ham born and bred.
“I was brought up in a madwest Ham family – everyone followed them. “I went to Upton Park as a young kid to support them from the age of about six.
“People talk about footballers, but 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.”