Keown’s right, West Ham fans spend so much time abusing the opposition, we don’t even have a song about our own players

TACKLE KEOWN

Martin Keown lambasted the West Ham support for not getting behind their team in his weekly Sportsmail Q&A - read it here.

I will get to the ground for the gates opening. Always enter through gate No 32 as a homage to Carlos Tevez (although it was Gary O’Neil last season).

The build-up, the anticipation, the expectation. The chorus of ‘Bubbles’ as the teams run out, and then… nothing.



Upton Park has become the new ‘Library’. Like Highbury a few years ago, you can hear a burger wrapper fall.



All quiet: Upton Park is now reminiscent of the Highbury - derided as a library by visiting fans

I can’t recall a song about one of our players, because there isn’t one. You might argue, who wants to sing about Joey O’Brien or Modibo Maiga?



But we do have some good players. Like Stewart Downing. Or Joe Cole. Or Mo Diame on a good day, when he is trying to earn a transfer by livening up against better opposition. Or Mark Noble, the best player this season.



Why isn’t there a song about Noble, who has been at the club man and boy?



Can't believe it! The Hammers fans don't have a song for homegrown hero Mark Noble

Stick it to 'em! Frank Lampard was roundly booed by the West Ham support during the limp defeat by Chelsea

Of course, West Ham fans become animated when booing a former player. But you end up with them spending more time voicing their disapproval for Frank Lampard than trying to encourage the team.



I watched Celtic on Tuesday night. They were rubbish against AC Milan, the game was over after 59 minutes but they stayed with their team. They gave Kaka a standing ovation when he left the field – and he clapped them back. And they supported their team until the final whistle.



West Ham now play Fulham and you know the crowd will turn unless they start fast. Isn’t it time for West Ham supporters to get behind their team – and show their support?



Tactical switch: Manager Sam Allardyce has been criticised for crucial decisions this season

As much as I don’t like to admit it, Martin Keown is right. West Ham fans have a debilitating effect on their own team.

