Jonathan Spector knows a thing or two about Hammers survival battles.
The US defender was a big part of the West Ham United squad that won seven of the last nine matches in the 2006/07 to stay up against all the odds. The first match of that memorable magnificent seven? Blackburn Rovers away on 17 March 2007.
This time around, Spector and his team-mates head to Ewood Park with a little more time but no less urgency. The American, who has carved out a new role for himself in central midfield, is up for the fight again.
"We have been hard at work this week and are focusing on the game against Blackburn on the weekend," he said "It was a disappointing defeat against Manchester City. It is a really big game for us against Blackburn and it is one we are going to be looking to get three points from."
As well as putting in the hours at Chadwell Heath, Spector has been bringing some Christmas cheer to some needy youngsters. He joined his team-mates at Newham Hospital to hand over presents and meet young fans.
"It is nice to be able to go along to see and to bring smiles to the children's faces," he said. "Hopefully it makes a difference to them over the holidays. Obviously for them and their family is tough to be in the hospital at this time. Hopefully we can put some smiles on their faces, and bring a little happiness and joy over the holidays.
"It's very humbling particularly when those people who work in the medical field are excited to see us. Obviously the work they do is far more significant than what we do, we are kind of in awe at what they do."
