Bobby Zamora's priceless winner in last season's
play-off final at the Millennium Stadium has undoubtedly proved the
catalyst for West Ham United's fantastic change in
fortunes.
And how the life-long Hammers fan would love to be given the
opportunity to repeat the feat against Liverpool this time around.
"Last year there was so much riding on the game," recalls
the Barking-born striker, whose impressive recent form has
certainly given Alan Pardew food for thought in the run-up to
Saturday's showpiece final against the Merseysiders.
"But everyone's a bit more relaxed now. For example, staff
at the training ground could've been out of a job if we'd
lost against Preston North End and we all knew that going into the
play-off final.
"Most of us have been to Cardiff twice already so,
experience-wise, there won't be as many nerves this time around
and we'll be able to focus purely on the game rather than
everything else that could be going on.
[QUOTE]"As a supporter it's special just to see your team in an FA Cup final, but to actually have the opportunity to play in one is a dream come true."[/QUOTE]
"This has been a big season for West Ham United and I
suppose you could say that my goal triggered things but we've
moved on as a team and have all done tremendously well. We
haven't taken anything for granted, though, and we know that
next year will be just as tough.
"Meanwhile, I'm just going back to Cardiff on Saturday
just looking to enjoy the day and I'll obviously give it 110%
if I get my chance. As a supporter it's special just to see
your team in an FA Cup final, but to actually have the opportunity
to play in one is a dream come true.
"We're not daunted by Liverpool, because they've got
weaknesses all over the park!" laughs the joker in the
Hammers' pack. "Seriously, we gave them a good run for
their money at Upton Park a couple of weeks ago, it was a really
tight game and, on another day, we could, possibly, have come out
with all three points. They're a good side but our strength
lies in our spirit and our character."
And those qualities have also helped Zamora to win over a once
sceptical West Ham faithful, following his move to Upton Park in
February 2004.
"Spurs was a stepping stone for me - it certainly wasn't a
setback - and I scored once in seven starts," insists the
25-year-old. "Alan Shearer, Peter Crouch or Jermain Defoe can
go 10 games or more without scoring and nobody says a word.
"As far as I'm concerned I've done well this year.
It's been a stop-start season but I've been doing alright
lately and, after getting the chance to play, I'm now grabbing
it with both hands. I've got 10 goals from 20 starts and
hopefully I've silenced a few people.
"FA Cup finals don't come around too often and, just like
all of the other lads, I'm just hoping for an opportunity to be
able to go out there to do my best."