The 94-year Itch!

WEST Ham are poised for their first FA Cup trip against Wolves at Molineux in almost a century on Sunday, 25th January at 2 o'clock, following their replay win over Kidderminster on Tuesday evening - and tickets are available later in the week.

The Premiership's bottom side were just minutes away from exiting the competition at Aggborough on Saturday, but their win in the replay means a first cup meeting with the Hammers since a second round clash in 1910, when George Webb hit a hat-trick and Danny Shea netted twice to give West Ham victory.

David Connolly spent a season on loan at Molineux earlier in his career while, on the Wolves side, captain Paul Ince has another reunion with the fans for whom he remains somewhat unpopular, nearly 15 years after quitting Upton Park with a Manchester United shirt.

Ironically, it is only 10 years since the Hammers faced Kidderminster - who were then non-league - in the cup, with Lee Chapman scoring the winner.

There are 3000 tickets available at £20 for adults and £10 for U16s and seniors; 1400 at £17 for adults and £10 for U16s and seniors.

Ticket selling dates are as follows:

Bondholders - Friday, 16th January.

Priority Point Post - Friday, 16th January.

Season ticket general - Saturday, 17th January - 9am to 3pm.

Club members - Monday, 19th January - 9am to 6pm.

General sale - Tuesday, 20th January onwards - 9am to 6pm.

Bondholders please remember that due to the limited time available your priority is a.m. only.

Season ticket holders remember you are able to download your Priority Point application form from the ticket pages and fax your application to the ticket office.

Coach travel is available to season ticket holders and club members, departing Upton Park at 08.45am, at a cost of £16 for adults and £14 for concessions.

Of more immediate interest, regarding the sale of David James, Tony Gale reckons his departure makes sense in order to allow Alan Pardew to bring in fresh faces to the club.

"I don't think David going is a shock to anyone; hopefully it is decent money and the important thing is we can spend it," he says.

"It is not just the fee but the wages it is going to save and we could probably bring in maybe three good players on those wages and the fee.

"We are looking to do business now and it is maybe telling the story that Alan has had enough of what is going on and he is going to try and get people in there who really want to play for the club at the moment.

"We still have to get a keeper in although we have young Stephen Bywater; I'd say we still need an experienced keeper but I think Alan will have that in hand.

"I think he will have one or two options though Stephen won't let anyone down going into the team but we are going to need cover and I think he will have that up his sleeve.

"It is 'watch this space.'"