So, we did it! We're back in the big time and Allardyce must take a huge amount of the credit. But what can we take from this as we prepare for life back in the big boys league?
After a slow start, we gradually came into the game as it was clear Allardyce wanted to keep the game to a slow tempo to try to counter the way Blackpool play. Which, to be completely honest, didn't really work too well! They missed at least 3 clear cut opportunities that were probably, in truth, better than the chance that Tom Ince did take shortly after half time.
We were under the cosh for the majority of the second half yet we hung in there and eventually got our reward when our newest talisman, RVT smashed the ball into the roof of the net after a little touch from Carlton Cole. Here are a few things I think we learned from the experience.
1. Our support showed we belong in the Premier League
Blackpool's turnout was, to be blunt, a disgrace. They returned thousands upon thousands of unsold tickets yet only 500 more were allocated to West Ham. If every single unsold ticket went to our fans they would sell in no time. We could've taken 50,000 to Wembley and still had fans who were disappointed not to get hold of a ticket! Our support was incredible yesterday and I feel so lucky to have been a part of it!
2. The players never give up
Our win yesterday was our first and only late winner of the season which is a strange statistic! We've salvaged draws late on against Leeds, Birmingham and Watford but Vaz Te's strike was our only late winner and it's good to see that fighting spirit that seemed to be lacking earlier in the season.
3. We have some of the most loyal players in English football
The spine of our team in Green, Tomkins, Noble and Cole have been vital in returning to the Premiership and I don't think we would have done it without them. Green has been the most consistent he's ever been, Noble and Tomkins have shown why they belong in the top tier of English football and Cole has been outstanding, showing the sort of form towards the end of the season that had clubs as high profile as Liverpool interested in him not so long ago.
4. Vaz Te has been a revelation
I said as soon as I saw him play for Barnsley at Upton Park in December that we should try to sign him in January and I love being right! He's scored so many important goals since he arrived in east London and his work rate is admirable. He seems to be really happy at West Ham which probably has a lot to do with the fact that he's worked under Big Sam before and I hope we keep hold of him for a very long time.
5. Allardyce was the right man for the job
In all honesty, those of you who have complained about him all season - and I'll admit I did at times! - do you really think anyone else could have done a much better job? 3 more points would have won us the league and even with the disappointment of not going up automatically, he managed to galvanize the team and succeed in the play-offs and although we were favorites to win the league as we had the best team in the league, the club was in a right state last summer and had a losing mentality. He's turned that around and did it so quickly and I'll always be thankful for the job he's done, even if he does leave when his contract expires next summer.
COME IN YOU IRONS!
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