Allen: Stay Cool

Former West Ham - and Spurs - striker Clive Allen says West Ham must "keep their heads" after a difficult start to the season.

Clive, who was at the defeat against West Brom on Wednesday, says: "They need a goal and hopefully a lift in confidence to go with it; I think some of the football is decent but on Wednesday West Brom set their stall out and were very difficult to break down - once you go behind, it is so tough.

"When the chances were there perhaps a couple of the opportunities were snatched at. When the confidence is high and you are flowing they fly in the back of the net, but you can see the lads are anxious and forcing it a little bit.

"Perhaps they need a lucky one, perhaps a fortunate goal, and getting in front in a game would obviously lift everyone's confidence.

"There is a lot of frustration from the fans, the players, and the staff - but there is a lot of quality at the club and as long as they keep their heads then the results will start to come.

"The home record last season was fantastic, there is no doubt about that; it was a fortress, but all of a sudden teams are coming to West Ham to defend.

"You could see that with the way West Brom played on the counter attack, and that makes it very difficult.

"They probably had nine behind ball a lot of the time so it is about patience, and quality in that final third of the box.

"They possess that quality, there is no doubt about that. I think the crowd must stay with them, as they did last season when they were on the end of some heavy results, and then I am sure the home form will come.

"Glenn will definitely turn it around; he knows the way he wants the team to go."

Clive was initially worried about the collision Joe Cole was involved in, which led to his booking - not to mention three stitches and a trip to the dentist the next day - and is pleased that it turned out to be nothing serious.

"It was a sign of frustration, he chased after a ball which was a 50/50 - it looked a little bit reckless but it wasn't and the most important thing is that both players got up," says Clive.

Clive is loathe to predict the outcome of Sunday's London derby, and admits unpredictability is the order of the day.

"Spurs got beaten midweek after a good start to the season - and that is the nature of the Premiership.

"I'd love to be there on Sunday, but I can't get a ticket!"