Trev: We'll Be Stronger

Trevor Sinclair insists that the players and staff are gaining strength through adversity, just as they did at the start of last season.

And it is not empty rhetoric from Trevor, who is looking forward immensely to the Spurs game at the weekend, and who says defiantly: "Last year we had a terrible start as well and I think it brought us closer together.

"We have a tough game on Sunday and we are going to be battling for each other to get the result that we need - we are up against it now and we have just got to stick together."

Analysing the defeat by West Brom midweek, which leaves the Hammers three points adrift of Newcastle at the bottom of the table, he says: "I can understand why the fans are disappointed. We are not getting the results we want so far but getting stick only makes things harder for us, but we can accept it, and if fans want to do that we are still going to fight our cause to turn things around.

"The effort was there, but it was about the finishing in the box; we had quite a lot of chances but didn't quite get the rub of the green.

"A bit more quality and we could have equalised, then we'd have looked more likely to snatch the game.

"But all credit to West Brom. They know every game is going to be a tough one this season, and they came to Upton Park to set their stall out, got everyone behind the ball, and we gave away quite a sloppy goal which gave them something to hold on to.

"It made it difficult for us in the second half, they got 10 players behind the ball and just defended for their lives.

"It was a good result for them, but we have got to work together, stick together, and believe in ourselves.

"It is a massive blow; our place was a fortress last year, and we wanted to continue with that and improve on our away form."

As for the trip to Spurs, Trevor says: "They are up near the top but it will make it all the sweeter if we get the result we need, and we are determined to do that for the fans.

"They deserve to see us producing the goods and we have not quite achieved that - we have not reached the heights of last season yet."

He is not expecting any sympathy from Spurs fans celebrating their side being second in the table at the moment, and he adds: "Once you are out there you get on with it; most of us are experienced players and you have to learn to live with that.

"If you are going to let things like that affect your game you have problems, so we just have to get out there, be brave, and show determination and courage.

"We also need a lot of energy, a lot of enthusiasm, and a lot of passion, and we will turn it around."

He admits to being as puzzled as fans about the poor start to the season when optimism was high at the beginning of it.

"Them and us too; we can't quite put our finger on it, but we have got to change it around soon because we don't want to be in this scenario for much longer," he says.

At least Trevor had the boost last weekend of playing for England, albeit as a substitute against Portugal, and he says: "It is difficult coming on but I was delighted to get on for a 20 minute run out, though it is hard to see the positives just now.

"I was delighted to be involved in the squad and it is up to us to make our claim by playing much better for West Ham."