THERE was no mistaking the familiar grin on Chris Powell's
face as he emerged from the dressing-room after the final whistle
at Portman Road.
This time, however, the smile was even wider than usual, for the
35-year-old is now looking forward to the first major cup final of
his career thanks to the memorable 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town.
Never mind personal milestones, though - as he reflected on another
memorable night against the Tractor Boys, the left-back's only
thought was to pay tribute to the team ethic that had been so
evident as Hammers secured their place at the Millennium Stadium.
"It's a fantastic feeling for everyone connected with West
Ham - the supporters, the players and all the staff" he said.
"It's been a tough season, up and down, but we stuck at it
and had belief in ourselves.
"I'm sure a lot of people thought we were down and out
after the 2-2 draw at home, so it was a tough task for us to go
come here and win, but we've playing well away from home
recently and it really was the perfect night for us."
Having seen many critics write off the team's chances after
letting a two-goal lead slip in the first leg at Upton Park on
Saturday, the former England defender insisted that no such
negativity had crept into Alan Pardew's squad as they prepared
for the return clash, a point that was proved emphatically against
a side with the best home record in the Championship this season.
"I know a few of our supporters were disheartened - I saw a
few of them in the week," admitted Chris, "but I told
them to remember that it was still 0-0 and we had an
inner-confidence that, having come here and won on New Year's
Day, we could do it again.
"Ipswich are a decent side, they finished third and have some
very good players, but we have a lot of belief in the squad at the
moment and I think maybe we had a bit of a psychological edge
tonight. We sensed a bit of edginess among their players and fans,
and once we went 1-0 up, you could see them thinking: 'Here we
go again.'
"We gave a very professional performance and thoroughly
deserved the win, as did the supporters, who were fantastic all
night."
The sight of Chris orchestrating cheers among the ecstatic
travelling Hammers fans after most of his team-mates had already
headed down the tunnel last night was certainly an image to savour,
and one that will hopefully be repeated in Cardiff on May 30th.
It may be his first-ever appearance a the Millennium Stadium, but
the former Derby County and Charlton star is only too aware that
the majority of supporters will be returning to the Welsh capital
for the second year running, and he admits that his team-mates are
desperate to make amends.
"I wasn't here last year, but I remember watching the game
and I think, as a team, we've got a lot of making up to
do" he said. "A few of the boys have said that they
didn't perform on the day and I can tell that they are doubly
determined to put that right.
"We know people will be talking about last season's
failure and we have to use that in a positive way. 30,000
supporters were let down at the Millennium Stadium last year but we
feel now, with the form we are in, we can give them a day out to
remember this year."
Powell's Final Feeling
19th May 2005