Keen for Stoke success

Saturday afternoon's visit of Stoke City will be a special moment for West Ham United first-team coach Kevin Keen.

Not only does the fixture present the Hammers with a chance to gain three vital Barclays Premier League points, but it will also allow Keen the opportunity to catch up with the friends he made during six years with the Potters.

The 43-year-old is now an integral part of West Ham's management team, but he remains a popular figure in the city he called home between October 1994 and September 2000.

While he still has connections at the Britannia Stadium, Keen has told the official matchday programme how he is desperate to get one over his old pals - gaining revenge for the 2-1 defeat suffered in the Potteries in October.

"Last year we went and won there and I think, this year, we deserved at least a draw," he said. "I think we've done quite well there and combated the way they play and the crowd quite well. Unfortunately it didn't quite go our way this season.

"We need three points. We nicked it last year with Diego Tristan's deflected goal and it will be another very tough game. However, I think we've got every chance because they're not in the relegation fight and I don't think they're going for Europe."

While Keen is fully focused on helping the Hammers to secure an important victory this weekend, the coach retains a huge amount of respect for Stoke manager Tony Pulis and his players, including former West Ham winger Matthew Etherington.

An interview with Etherington, crowned Hammer of the Year in 2004, also features in Saturday's programme, while fans can also catch up with midfielder Radoslav Kovac and former West Ham and England left-back Chris Powell.

Fans can also read the full story of the club's joint bid with Newham Council to move into the Olympic Stadium following the London Games in 2012.

Benni McCarthy names his Dream Team, while Jordan Spence is Talking Football and Sergio Sanchez is Learning His Trade.

Another Hammer of the Year, 1988 winner Stewart Robson, is the subject of Where Are They Now?

There is all the latest news from the club's reserve, youth and ladies teams, while club historian John Helliar brings the past to life.

All this, along with the views of Joint-Chairman David Sullivan and manager Gianfranco Zola, mean supporters cannot afford to miss picking up a copy of the official matchday programme on Saturday.

To secure your copy, order online here.