John Moncur says he will not make any decisions about whether to
retire until the end of the season.
And, referring to Nigel Winterburn's thoughts on the matter - he has said that he would even retire before the season was out if he felt he was not maintaining his high standards - John jokes:
"Looking at Nigel today he should have packed in last year!
"But really, with the performances like he has shown who knows when he will retire?"
Although John wasn't on the bench for the Everton defeat he still feels very much part of things
and adds:
"As for me, I just have to take every game as it comes; I don't think I can make any plans.
"I'll see how it goes; the manager seems to like me and says I am a valuable member of the squad. "That is good enough for me - if he rates me as a player I want to carry on doing my best."
Although Don Hutchison's arrival has seen him left off the team sheet of late, he says:
"I started against Leeds and Liverpool which was a boost, because they are two of the best sides in the country and I more than held my own there."
The Mile End born midfielder turned 35 late last month would have to play on until he was 37 to get a testimonial.
But it is playing for the club he loves, rather than seeking personal gain, that is uppermost in his mind and he says:
"There are times when the adrenaline and attitude keeps me going and the gaffer has been brilliant."
As with the last two seasons, he is on a year long deal - as offered by Harry Redknapp before he left - which was signed when the Hammers were managerless.
Not that Glenn Roeder was anything other than delighted to have him on the payroll when he took over, and the feeling of respect is mutual.
"In terms of tactics and coaching he has been a breath of fresh air," says John.
"The club has got to give him time because he is an excellent manager."
The enthusiasm is still very much to the fore even if the famous stepover is a little less frequent.
But, as a fan as much as a player, he is sure the tide will turn soon.
His reasoning is simple:
"You just have to look at the quality we have got up front - and all over the pitch."
And, referring to Nigel Winterburn's thoughts on the matter - he has said that he would even retire before the season was out if he felt he was not maintaining his high standards - John jokes:
"Looking at Nigel today he should have packed in last year!
"But really, with the performances like he has shown who knows when he will retire?"
Although John wasn't on the bench for the Everton defeat he still feels very much part of things
and adds:
"As for me, I just have to take every game as it comes; I don't think I can make any plans.
"I'll see how it goes; the manager seems to like me and says I am a valuable member of the squad. "That is good enough for me - if he rates me as a player I want to carry on doing my best."
Although Don Hutchison's arrival has seen him left off the team sheet of late, he says:
"I started against Leeds and Liverpool which was a boost, because they are two of the best sides in the country and I more than held my own there."
The Mile End born midfielder turned 35 late last month would have to play on until he was 37 to get a testimonial.
But it is playing for the club he loves, rather than seeking personal gain, that is uppermost in his mind and he says:
"There are times when the adrenaline and attitude keeps me going and the gaffer has been brilliant."
As with the last two seasons, he is on a year long deal - as offered by Harry Redknapp before he left - which was signed when the Hammers were managerless.
Not that Glenn Roeder was anything other than delighted to have him on the payroll when he took over, and the feeling of respect is mutual.
"In terms of tactics and coaching he has been a breath of fresh air," says John.
"The club has got to give him time because he is an excellent manager."
The enthusiasm is still very much to the fore even if the famous stepover is a little less frequent.
But, as a fan as much as a player, he is sure the tide will turn soon.
His reasoning is simple:
"You just have to look at the quality we have got up front - and all over the pitch."