Russ savours Spurs success

Russell Brand had extra reason to celebrate Saturday's success against Spurs as he was also enjoying his stag do at the Boleyn Ground.

The comedian and actor treated 20 guests to a special afternoon watching the Hammers, and was rewarded with a day to remember. Lifelong fan Brand was given special permission to take his mates, including Noel Gallagher, David Walliams and David Baddiel, pitchside at the end of the 1-0 victory.

Oasis star Gallagher attracted much of the attention, mainly because he was singing City songs as he looked around the ground, but Brand was not worried in the slightest. "I don't think Noel Gallagher is going to stop supporting Man City but neither would we accept him here at Upton Park as anything other than a guest.

"In fact he has been lowering the tone ever since he stepped on the hallowed turf but he is going to be forced to kiss it before he departs."

Raised in Grays, Brand rejected the idea that his impending marriage to US singer Katy Perry would mean an end to days at the Boleyn. "I don't think that is going to happen," he said.

"I am just on my stag do and I am thrilled to be here on the day we had an amazing result. We played so well more importantly. There is so much to be optimistic about for West Ham fans."

Despite the elation of the result, Brand did not invite any of the players for the rest of the festivities that included dinner and a nightclub in west London.

"I think they should remain healthy and focused," he added with a smile. "I don't think they should be drinking, I don't think they should be going out. I am a traditionalist. They should be in bed by 9pm and travelling on the bus like Alan Devonshire."