Tc: We Can Do It

Tony Cottee is calling on West Ham to win the next three games - and then set up a pre-playoff finale to the season on the last day.

TC reckons that the trio of games coming up are all winnable - and also points to the fact that the Hammers have already beaten high-flying Wigan twice already this campaign.

"I think we really need to win the three games leading up to the Wigan match at the end," he says.

"At this stage of the season I don't think we could ask for any more from the three fixtures we have got left.

"Coventry are mid-table and haven't got anything to play for so you would like to think we would get the three points.

"Stoke, although they did push towards the playoffs, have now gone to mid-table and lost heavily at the weekend so they haven't really got anything to play for.

"And Watford, although they are fighting for their lives in terms of the relegation struggle, by the time we play them they might be out of it because they have had a good run recently.

"So the fixtures, I think, have been very kind to us and we have to get nine points - pure and simple.

"If we get those we would be on 73 and then you are set up for the game at Wigan.

"Wigan had a good result midweek and are back in the playoff positions but we have nothing to fear; we have played them twice already, having thrashed them and then beaten them in the Cup.

"I think in terms of four crucial fixtures for the club we couldn't have asked for four better games."

He admits that the holiday programme was damaging and adds:

"It was not a great Easter at all; I was at the game on Saturday and it was very disappointing.

"It was a strange atmosphere at the ground and a very subdued, poor performance.

"I am told by the producer at Sky TV that their 'goal' was actually on side so if anything we got away lightly and we could actually have lost the one point we did gain.

"Then, going into the Easter Monday game, it was always going to be tough because I think Iain Dowie is a tremendous young manager.

"Whatever else you say about Iain's teams you know one thing, and that is that they will be up for any match - but particularly West Ham, because that is his club.

"Although I didn't see the match I am told it was a more spirited performance, but we didn't look like winning the game and to come out from Easter with only one point is very, very disappointing."

Tony, who is playing in a charity game at Clacton on Thursday, says that with the players West Ham have the talent is there to do the business this season - but acknowledges that talent alone will not suffice.

"Football is not won on paper; there is a great team playing at Clacton which is great on paper but unfortunately we are all in our late 30s, 40s, or 50s!" he says.

"Yes, on paper, it is a very good squad that is young - but also with Premiership experience.

"I think we have a squad that, if it is not the best in the division, can certainly compete with anything in the division.

"I look at the likes of Norwich and West Brom and I don't see an awful lot there more that what we have at our club.

"From that point of view you have to say being out of the playoffs is very disappointing, but I have said right from the very first game of the season this year is not about playing pretty football - it is about getting results.

"Whatever has gone in the last 42 games is totally irrelevant, really - it is all about the next four games.

"If we can get the three points from these three games then it sets us up for a fantastic finale against Wigan - and hopefully a day out at Cardiff, which would be a fantastic boost for everyone at the club - particularly for the supporters, because it has been a rough couple of years for them."

As for that charity game, TC and the Boys of '86 are taking on Clacton on Thursday evening, and he explains:

"It is for a young girl called Ellie Perryman who suffers from something called Bio-Disorder, so we are looking to raise some funds to help Ellie in whatever way is possible.

"Anything we can do would be much appreciated, so it would be nice if we can get a good attendance.

"I am told we have sold 1100 tickets already so we are looking for a decent crowd and it should be a good night.

"We have got Billy Bonds guesting for us, and obviously Paul Goddard is a Boy of '86 who is back in the fold after leaving West Ham.

"John Vaughan is going to be in goal, he is my old West Ham youth team goalkeeper, and the rest of the players, apart from Perry Fenwick who plays Billy Mitchell in Eastenders, will be the Boys of '86.

"We have got a good turn out but Ray Stewart and Steve Walford obviously can't play because of their football commitments.

"The rest of the guys are turning out in force with Frank McAvennie alongside me up front - provided he gets down from Scotland!

"We always hold our breath waiting to see if he turns out or not but I am sure he will be down and the Likes of Mark Ward and Neil Orr are coming down from Liverpool and Scotland."

Signed Boys of '86 merchandise will be available at the ground but if you are not able attend you can also buy it through alphasports.co.uk

Kickoff at Clacton Town FC, which is on the A12 near Colchester, is 7:30.