Tony's Forward Line

TONY Gale is backing West Ham United's strike force to fire the goals that help cement the Club's place in English football's top-flight this season.

After two games without a goal the spotlight has fallen on West Ham's attack, but former Hammers star Galey insists the Club's forwards have what it takes to be a hit in the Premiership.

And the ex-West Ham United defender explains that attacking must be the responsibility of the entire team.

He said: "I don't think the forwards have been missing chances. You attack as a team and in the last game against Liverpool the Hammers weren't creating enough chances for the forwards to feed on.

"Perhaps West Ham gave Liverpool a bit too much respect, instead of getting at them straight from the kick-off.

"That enabled Liverpool to get control of the game and once the first goal had gone in it was always going to be difficult. I watched West Ham play at Fulham earlier in the season, when they attacked the home side right from the off, really knocked them out of their stride and went on to win 2-1. Those are the kind of away performances the team needs.

"Away from home it's important for the visiting team to go out and make something happen. It's an attitude that has worked very well for West Ham at home this season, and they need to concentrate on playing more like they do at Upton Park when they are on the road.

"Of course, it's difficult to do because there are so many factors that come into play, not least the crowd at the Boleyn Ground who give the team such fantastic backing.

"But Hammers certainly have the players to do it and in the next away game against Tottenham I'm sure you'll see a positive response from the team."

For now though West Ham United are hard at work preparing for this weekend's visit of West Brom, a team Tony believes Hammers need to take three points from.

"These are the games that West Ham have got to be winning," he explained. "It's a good opportunity for the Hammers to get a solid three points on the board before the week's break.

"West Brom will be no pushovers though. Up front they are extremely dangerous and the likes of Kanu and Robert Earnshaw will really keep the defence on their toes.

"Bryan Robson and his assistant Nigel Pearson did a fantastic job in keeping the Baggies up last season, and they know they are in for another struggle this term.

"We should be able to get at them at Upton Park and with the crowd behind the team I'm sure all the players will be really up for this one.