Dedicated followers of fashion!

While victory on the field in Saturday's FA Cup final against Liverpool may be our priority, Hammers are also hoping to score some points in the fashion stakes at the Millennium Stadium.

As Liverpool themselves found out in no uncertain terms back in 1996, the coverage afforded to a team's choice of formal-wear on cup final day is a major ingredient of the pre-match build-up. That day, the Reds were derided for wearing all-white suits ahead of their 1-0 defeat against Manchester United, but thankfully there is little chance of Alan Pardew's stylish troops facing similar embarrassment.

London tailor Simon Carter has been selected to provide the Club's players and coaching staff with their formal wear for our first FA Cup final in 26 years. Each member of the squad has been fitted for a black 'Explorer' suit, pink double-cuff shirt and pink tie, while socks and unique cufflinks will also be supplied.

Simon Carter says: "As a London-based brand I am delighted to be associated with such an historic and important London-based Club. I am thrilled West Ham United is playing in the FA Cup final and I wish them every success."

The players will be wearing shoes by French Connection, in conjunction with designers Concept LH - with the squad plumping for a classic style black leather boot, made with leather lining that will ensure feet are allowed to breathe during the countdown to kick-off!

And to top off their outfits, the players have been provided with sunglasses from Tag Heuer's Sport Vision range, in association with Roy Gill Opticians in Hornchurch, Essex, to ensure they will be the epitome of cool should the sun shine brightly in Cardiff on Saturday.

After a tough morning's training earlier this week, the squad spent the afternoon being measured for their suits, shirts and shoes, and selecting their sunglasses and, as our exclusive pictures clearly show, the occasion certainly helped to keep spirits bubbling along ahead of the cup final.

Manager Alan Pardew says: "We have gone with dark suits and pink shirts, which the boys wanted. I've tried to keep out of the fashion stakes on this occasion but we are very pleased with Simon Carter who supplied them - it's never easy trying to accommodate 26 professional footballers and staff who all have their own styles!"

West Ham United's choice of formalwear and accessories for the FA Cup final are all available to buy from mainstream stockists. Check out the links below for more information...

Simon Carter
- http://www.simoncarter.net
Tag Heuer Sport Vision - http://www.tagheuer.com/sportvision
French Connection - http://www.frenchconnection.co.uk