My ultimate West Ham Premier League XI

The Premier League years have not been the most prosperous in the club’s history.

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Despite the competition being recognised worldwide as one of the most lucrative in terms of revenue, there has been a shortfall in terms of success for West Ham.

Several top half finishes, including a fifth place that only just qualified us for Europe, have been sullied by two relegations and financial instability, leading outsiders to question the status of the club amongst the elite of English football.

But our record in the top flight places us 11th on the all-time list of results, and we have brought more to the table in terms of passion and drama than most teams above us.

The 20 years of highs and lows have been overseen by eight full-time managers and two caretaker managers, with hundreds of players turning out to represent the claret and blue.

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From the squad of mainly Brits that won promotion with Billy Bonds, through Harry Redknapp’s influx of European stars, up to today’s crop of international talent, we have undoubtedly seen a mix of the sublime, and ridiculous, roll through the gates at the Boleyn.

Picking an all-time Premiership XI is difficult, because even over these 20 seasons, the game has changed so much. But based on those who have performed best at this level, here is our selection:

Luděk “Ludo” Mikloško (Goalkeeper) – A stalwart for the club for almost a decade, the giant Czech made more than 350 appearances between 1990 and 1998. His place is secured thanks to his famous final day heroics against Manchester United in the 1994-95 season, as well as his continued service to the club following retirement.

Tomas Repka (Right back) – “Super Tom” became an iconic figure at the Boleyn with his tough tacking, no nonsense defending. Initially a central defender, he reverted to right back, but continued to play with passion and drive for the badge.

Rio Ferdinand (Centre back) – Director of Youth Development Tony Carr described Ferdinand as one of the most talented players to ever emerge from the Academy. The defender’s clear ability and stature at the club, combined with his longevity at the top level, ensured he gets a spot in the team.

Slaven Bilic (Centre back) – At the time a record signing for the club, Bilic only made around 50 appearances for West Ham. In that time however, he showed real international class, as well as loyalty to the club, and can well be acclaimed as one of our better defenders of the past 20 years.

Julian Dicks (Left back) – “The Terminator” made more than 300 appearances over two spells with the club. A motivator and leader on the field, he took a mean penalty and remained a driving force when times were tough. Four-times Hammer of the Year makes him a shoe in.

Trevor Sinclair (Midfield) – Pacey and direct, with the ability to score goals, Sinclair won international recognition during his playing days at West Ham.

Scott Parker (Midfield) – His energy and drive pulled the team through numerous games, and he remained a stand-out performer despite difficult conditions around the club. A captain who led by example, Parker was recognised for his efforts by fans, winning Hammer of the year three times.

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Frank Lampard Jnr (Midfield) – Not always a popular figure around the club during his playing time, or now-a-days, but the Academy graduate has proved to be one of the best goal-scoring midfielders of his generation. Emotions aside, his time and success in the game mean he should be considered one of the greatest XI to have played for West Ham in the Premier League era.

Joe Cole (Midfield) – A flair player who came through the youth ranks to become the club’s youngest captain. He was always committed to the cause, and his recent return to the team means he can lay claim to a starting spot in our XI.

Paolo Di Canio – Quite simply the most explosive talent on every level to play in the Claret and Blue. A mercurial talent, who was loved by the fans, the madcap Italian would make most people’s all time West Ham team, let alone just the past 20 years.

Dean Ashton – A striker whose career at West Ham was sadly cut short by injury. But considered to be one of the best England striking prospects for many years, he was a great finisher with his head and feet. With the creative talent around him in this team, he would surly put away 20+ goals a season.

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