ALAN Pardew left Goodison Park after the 2-1 victory over Everton hailing his side's performance, insisting that it was a night that would make any Hammers fan proud to be associated with the Club, and one he would remember for a long time to come.
Pards, his players and coaching staff went over to the army of travelling West Ham United supporters at the final whistle, as claret and blue celebrated as one three brilliant points on their way back to East London.
The Hammers boss admitted that at times he could scarcely believe the display of his team.
"It was the type of performance that made you proud to be involved with West Ham United," enthused Pards.
"I've got tremendous respect for Everton Football Club, so to go there and play like we did is fantastic. It was a special night for the whole Club and one that I will remember for a long time. I left Goodison Park very proud at the way we had performed and it was certainly one of the best night's of my managerial career.
"I thought we thoroughly deserved the win after a fantastic display, and without being disrespectful to the opposition we put on a bit of a footballing show.
"Our fans were once again in tremendous voice, and at times I was pinching myself on the touchline to think that we could come to a place like Everton and play so well. The players deserve a huge amount of credit. It is about the team, not any one individual and that was a great team performance.
"The fans gave us fantastic support, as they always do, and anyone connected with West Ham United will have left Goodison Park with their chest puffed out on Wednesday night."
Bobby Zamora was once again the West Ham United match-winner, but as Pards explained, it was a tale of contrasting fortunes for the two strikers.
"I thought Marlon had perhaps one of his better games for the Club," said Alan, "but it was Bobby, who by his own admission will say that he did not have his best game, that came up with the goal.
"At half-time Bobby was frustrated with his own performance. But he is a great poacher of goals and any player who takes up good positions, like he does, then you have got a chance. Both Bobby and Marlon are in good form at the moment and that is great news for the Club."
Pards made two changes to his starting line-up, including James
Collins and Carl Fletcher for their first Premiership starts of
their careers.
Both responded with tremendous performances and Alan added:
"One of the biggest bonuses on the night were the performances of James Collins and Carl Fletcher - two players who have not been playing as much as they would have liked. They both came in and did extremely well in what was a great result. James Collins has a great future in football ahead of him, I have always said that, but he has also had Danny Gabbidon in front of him, so now is the time for him to show what he can really do, and tonight he did that, along with the rest of the team."