Sam Allardyce ensured West Ham United got over the postponement of their npower Championship fixture at Peterborough United by getting his players out on the pitch at Chadwell Heath on Saturday.
The manager was on his way to London Road when he got the call to say that the game had been called-off, despite the superb efforts of fans from both teams in trying to make the frozen pitch playable. Big Sam and his coaching staff were determined to make the most of the situation, though, and put the squad through a training session upon their return to Essex.
"We were on our way down and they told us to turn around as there was no point in coming down as the pitch was solid," said Big Sam. "They were trying desperately to get the game on but it was too dangerous for the players to consider trying to play the game.
"If the game had been back in London we would have been fine as the weather is a lot milder here and it's amazing the difference an hour's drive can make. We went from a minus-ten to a plus-three temperature."
Big Sam's focus will now switch to Tuesday night's visit of Southampton under the lights at the Boleyn Ground and he is confident that Saturday's postponement will not affect the Hammers' preparation.
"When the lads got back we had a quick session and then got home. We were all frustrated. It doesn't affect our preparations for Southampton at all other than we didn't play.
"We have time to get our minds focused on Southampton without any injuries or fatigue because we haven't played. We'll be training again tomorrow and Monday to make sure we're ready for the game."
With less than 3,500 tickets remaining for Tuesday's top-of-the-table fixture, fans should move fast to purchase their seats here.