Don: Let's Make History

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Don Hutchison says West Ham's current crop of players need to become legends in their own right - by winning the FA Cup.

On the eve of battle recommencing against Chelsea at Upton Park for the right to take on Preston North End - the team that the Hammers beat to win the trophy for the first time in 1964 - in the fifth round, Don says reminders of the past should inspire the players of the present.

"There are great reminders when you go to the training ground, pictures of all the legends that have won the FA Cup and leagues and stuff, so I think we'd like to be a part of that.

"Even getting to a major final would be a good start for us, and if we can get that far we can start thinking about winning it.

"We have got some great players in our team and not many of us have won anything. Before you finish your career you would like to win some silverware so that is a major aim."

Not that he is taking the Blues likely, and nor does he think the opposition will take West Ham lightly.

Don feels their inconsistencies in the league will make them even more determined to compensate in the FA Cup.

"I would have thought they will put a full strength side out because it is a big game for them as well, because their season probably hasn't gone as well as they would have liked.

"They would have thought they'd be closer to the top, so this is important for them as a chance of getting into Europe.

"But we made sure we got back on track at the weekend and it sets us up nicely for Chelsea.

"The big games are the ones we look forward to and especially when the draw has also been kind as far as the next round is concerned."

He says the team can take heart from the cup game at Stamford Bridge, adding: "The lads battled well in the second half of the first match and we got our just desserts in the end.

"I thought every one of us played well so confidence is high."

He was substituted in the second half of that match, as he was again against Blackburn on Saturday.

But he insists there is no rancour despite the very obvious disappointment he showed at being taken off at Upton Park and insists it was just normal professional frustration at no longer being able to make a contribution to the match.

"I just felt it was a little bit embarrassing, five minutes into the second half, I wasn't happy," he admits.

"But I have had a chat with Glenn, we have had clear the air talks, so we are all right.

"No professional should be happy to be taken off if you are having a good game, but Glenn has got his reasons which he has given, the players all stick by him, and everything is fine with me.

"I am definitely enjoying my football; everything is going well and I'd be pleased if the gaffer got a new contract."