Bonzo targets repeat

Billy Bonds believes an FA Cup third-round victory over Arsenal could kick-start West Ham United's season.

The legend, now 63, lifted the famous old trophy in 1975 and 1980, two highlights of a Hammers career spanning a record 793 appearances over 21 seasons.

The four-times Hammer of the Year was always a firm favourite with the club's fans, and was delighted to reward their loyalty and vociferous and colourful support by winning the world's most famous knockout competition for them on two occasions.

The second of those came 30 years ago this May, when West Ham, then in Division Two, famously upset top-flight Arsenal at Wembley thanks to Trevor Brooking's unforgettable header.

With the Gunners to provide the opposition again at the Boleyn Ground this Sunday afternoon, Bonds is hoping a new generation of supporters will go home happy after witnessing a memorable Hammers victory.

Remembering the 1980 success in an interview with the official matchday programme for Sunday's tie, Bonds said: "For us, the great thing was to see how happy that we'd made all the supporters and you also knew that you'd given a truly great day out to your mum and dad, your family and your mates. It's such a special feeling.

"After winning the FA Cup in 1980, West Ham went on to enjoy another great spell in their history. We got promoted and went from strength to strength."