West Ham draw suits us

Last updated : 08 October 2002 By Dave Moore

Athletic’s Worthington Cup draw has been well received by the Latics boss Iain Dowie, David Cross and Fitz Hall who have all been on West Ham’s books. Dowie said, “It is a fantastic draw. I have magnificent memories of my time
there. It is the best club I have ever been at playing-wise. I supported them as a boy and they are a club steeped in tradition with a special place in my heart. The word legend is often overused, but David Cross is certainly one there. It
is a distraction away from the league, but it couldn’t be better and the players deserve that bonus.”

Cross, a member of West Ham’s FA Cup-winning team of 1980, added, “It will be great for the lads and fantastic for Iain and myself. We were both popular with the fans and it will be nice to go back. I had five fantastic years at the club but I am pleased for our players more than anybody as they did so well to get us there. I am sure we will do very well – and if we don’t it won’t be through lack of effort.”

Young Hall (pictured) was at Upton Park from the age of nine and the Upton Park ground is very close to the family home. Said Hall, “Even though I was at West Ham all that time as a schoolboy (from 9 to 15) I never played at Upton
Park. To go and play there with Oldham will be really good. All my family and friends will be there and we will have a party whether we win or lose.”