1997 signified something of a turning point in the direction of West Ham after manager Harry Redknapp’s gamble on big-name foreign imports like Floran Raducioiu and Ille Dumitrescu had failed to live-up to their potential Redknapp decided to rely on good old-fasioned British signings notably big-money buys John Hartson & Paul Kitson to fire the Hammers to safety in the nick of time as they preserved their Premiership status with only one game remaining.
1997-1998 season early matches
This part focusses on the opening weeks of the new campaign as Redknapp secured the signature of a number of talented players notably Isreal international Eyal Berkovic for a bargain £1.75 million and defender David Unsworth in a £3million swap which seen Hammers midfielder Danny Williamson go in the opposite direction to Everton.The opening weeks also seen the emergence of two youngsters who would go-on to become multiple champions and England international fixtures for many years 18-year-old Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard jnr,19.
Barnsley 1-2 West Ham
Hartson 53
Lampard 76
The opening match of the new season seen West Ham visit newly-promoted Barnsley amidst a carnival atmosphere at Oakwell.The homeside roared-on in the August sunshine took a ninth-minute lead courtesy of Neil Redfearn.The Hammers gradually clawed their way back into the game and drew level after the break when the Barnsley keeper flapped at Marc Rieper’s free-kick and John Hartson pounced to head the loose ball home.Eyal Berkovic on his debut was replaced by teenager Frank Lampard and the change reaped an instant dividend when the 19-year-old sent Stan Lazaridis clear on the right and when the Aussie’s cross came back in Lampard swept the ball into the back of the net within 30 seconds of his introduction to claim not only his first senior goal but also a welcome opening day victory for the Hammers.
West Ham 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur
Hartson 4
Berkovic 76
Victory for West Ham in this London derby gave them their best start to a season for eleven years.Manager Redknapp kept faith in Stan Lazaridis and the Austrailian didnt dissapoint as he tore Spurs apart down the left with a lightening run before crossing for John Hartson to smash the ball home from close-range.The second goal arrived when Lazaridis knocked the ball in for Eyal Berkovic after his first touch cannoned off a defender the Isreali lifted the rebound over the keeper and in for 2-0.The visitors made it an edgy finale when they pulled one back but sub Frank Lampard almost made it three when his impressive effort struck the bar from 25 yards.
