How has Crewe's season gone so far?
Good enough. Sitting in a pretty 11th place. After we looked so appauling on the first day of the season we've turned it around with wins over Walsall, Ipswich & Rotherham. We should have beaten Millwall(89th minute Whelan equaliser - dammit) and shouldn't have lost to Burnley. Last time we were in Div 1 we were being outplayed game after game but this time we're outplaying other teams game after game.
What are the fans ambitions?
Before the season we were looking for anything other than a bottom 3 finish but after a few games I think a few want mid-table. We've proved we're no push over and if we get a couple more goals in us we shouldn't have a problem, our players seem confident of a top half finish aswell but the sooner we get to 50 points the better.
What's the pre-season been like, transfer activity wise?
We let David Walton(Centre back) and Rodney Jack(striker leave on bosman's, you may remember Jack when you played Rushden - small pacey player. Rob Hulse, last seasons top scorer with 27 goals, also left for £1million to WBA after rejecting a contract. Many fans thought this would give us many problems. We brought in Adie Moses, a strong centre back, before the season started and had a couple of bids for Shrewsbury's striker Luke Rodger rejected but they wanted £1million. Since the season started we've brought in Allan Smart, a striker, and Anthony Tonkin(for £175k) who's a young left back. We also turned down the chance to loan Neil Mellor aswell. We also signed Justin Cochrane from Hayes FC for £50k, he's a tough tackler who isn't afraid to go in hard - although isn't the best passer.
Star player to look out for?
A few. Clayton Ince in goal. Not recognised but he is thought of by many Crewe fans, including me, as the best keeper in the division. His handling his superb, pulls off some breath taking saves and dominates the area - so don't expect a goal from a cross/corner. Foster in the centre of defence is only 23 and proves himself time and time again, against the likes of Nicholas Anelka. Cool calm defending. In midfield Dave Brammer battles to the death and up front Dean Ashton at 19 has the vision, strength, natural skill & finishing like no other teenager..... after Rooney if you have to be picky.
Strong point in the Crewe team?
Probably defence. Best keeper in the division is backed up by a young but strong defence. Only conceded 2 goals since the first day of the season, and even on the first day of the season we were beaten by 3 contenders for goal of the season. Believe me.
Weak point in the Crewe team?
Erm. Goals. We're controlling games and creating chances but we're just lacking that, well goal. Hopefully saturday has boosted our strikers confidence.
Know much about the Hammers? Players that catch your eye etc?
Where do i start? Defoe is use to beating the best of defence's. Connolly is bargain buy of the season if i believe everything I've heard and David James is England's no.1.
Prediction for Tuesday?
We up our game for 'big' games. Expect a big defensive game from us and alot of counter attacks. I think we can surprise some and get a draw..... hopefully.
