Alan Pardew reflected on last night's momentous FA Cup
quarter final victory against Manchester City and declared:
"That performance was for the fans, we owed them
that."
The Hammers boss added: "We haven't forgotten about our poor performance on Saturday. We dropped our own high standards and we don't need to be reminded of that.
"It was not about the selection, or the resting of certain players, it was about the lack of performance. That has happened only three or four times this season.
"But I hope the fans will forgive us now. The boys knew we owed it to the 4,000 loyal supporters who travelled with us and those who paid good money last Saturday to win this one."
Pards saved a special tribute for James Collins, the 22-year-old Welsh international defender who had made only nine league and cup starts this season prior to replacing the injured Anton Ferdinand last night.
"The boys gave him a round of applause when he came into the dressing room. He is a lovely lad, he never complains and he has tried so hard this season.
"To come into such a big game and play magnificently was very special. Everyone was delighted for him."
The manager also revealed he took the decision to not speak to the media after the game in order that first team coach Peter Grant should get the credit he deserves.
"I am delighted to say Peter has just signed a new long-term contract. He has done a magnificent job, as have the rest of the back-room staff here.
"Our energy levels last night were a credit to all the staff who have worked so hard this year."
The squad's joy was tinged with only one regret. Christian Dailly's hamstring injury means he will be out for at least four weeks.
Pards added: "It was a magnificent team performance, particularly because we were disappointed on Saturday when our display let everyone down.
"Most of the criticism was justified, but nobody was more disappointed than us. The people we really let down were ourselves and we are determined never to let that happen again.
"People should not judge players like Clive Clarke and Yaniv Katan on that performance. No blame can be put at their doors, we were all culpable.
"People pay good money to come and watch West Ham and we can not afford to drop our standards by even five per cent."
The Hammers boss added: "We haven't forgotten about our poor performance on Saturday. We dropped our own high standards and we don't need to be reminded of that.
"It was not about the selection, or the resting of certain players, it was about the lack of performance. That has happened only three or four times this season.
"But I hope the fans will forgive us now. The boys knew we owed it to the 4,000 loyal supporters who travelled with us and those who paid good money last Saturday to win this one."
Pards saved a special tribute for James Collins, the 22-year-old Welsh international defender who had made only nine league and cup starts this season prior to replacing the injured Anton Ferdinand last night.
"The boys gave him a round of applause when he came into the dressing room. He is a lovely lad, he never complains and he has tried so hard this season.
"To come into such a big game and play magnificently was very special. Everyone was delighted for him."
The manager also revealed he took the decision to not speak to the media after the game in order that first team coach Peter Grant should get the credit he deserves.
"I am delighted to say Peter has just signed a new long-term contract. He has done a magnificent job, as have the rest of the back-room staff here.
"Our energy levels last night were a credit to all the staff who have worked so hard this year."
The squad's joy was tinged with only one regret. Christian Dailly's hamstring injury means he will be out for at least four weeks.
Pards added: "It was a magnificent team performance, particularly because we were disappointed on Saturday when our display let everyone down.
"Most of the criticism was justified, but nobody was more disappointed than us. The people we really let down were ourselves and we are determined never to let that happen again.
"People should not judge players like Clive Clarke and Yaniv Katan on that performance. No blame can be put at their doors, we were all culpable.
"People pay good money to come and watch West Ham and we can not afford to drop our standards by even five per cent."