Hammers hope for Hunter happiness

West Ham United's players and staff have wished Team GB rower and Hammers fan Mark Hunter all the best as he goes for Olympic Gold at London 2012.

The club's successful promotion bid received a massive boost when Hunter visited Chadwell Heath in October 2011 to deliver a fantastic motivational speech and watch his favourite football team in training.

Hunter told the squad how he worked relentlessly in pursuit of his Olympic dream from the age of 14 - a dream he realised in 2008 and is hoping to experience again on Saturday - and to show them the Gold medal he won in Beijing in 2008.

Now, the players have done likewise, recording a special 'Good luck' message to the 34-year-old and his rowing partner Zac Purchase, who will go for glory in the Lightweight Double Sculls at Eton Dorney.

Multiple world champions Hunter and Purchase will be seeking to defend the title they won in China four years ago and are the favourites to do just that with the backing of their admirers at the Boleyn Ground.

Mark Hunter

"I know that you're in the final on Saturday and we're all thinking about you and wishing you and Zac all the best," said assistant manager Neil McDonald. "Make sure you come home with 'Double Olympic and world champion on your business card!"

"We're just wishing you all the best and we hope you do the country proud," added Carlton Cole.

"Mark, good luck and all the best to you and Zac and hopefully you'll be bringing the Gold home for us. We're all very much behind you and rooting for you and are proud of what you've achieved again and hope you get what you deserve. Have a good one and win it for us!" said captain Kevin Nolan.

"You've done four years of hard work, you've been there before and you know exactly what to do so just get out there and smash it!" roared manager Sam Allardyce.

Guy Demel, Mark Noble, Jack Collison, Gary O'Neil, Jordan Spence and club psychologist Lee Richardson also recorded messages, all of which can be viewed now here.

The Lightweight Double Sculls is scheduled to start at 12.10pm on Saturday and will be screened live by BBC television and BBC online.