This week I’d like to wish a hearty Happy Thanksgiving to the American Hammers out there. West Ham United also wished all their American supporters a Happy Thanksgiving, which was a gesture very much appreciated by this homesick half-American.
Thanksgiving is a holiday for Americans in which, as the name suggests, we give thanks for the things we are grateful for. We let go of our dissatisfactions, and instead focus on being thankful for what we do have rather than what we don’t have.
With that in mind, I’d like to return the kindness paid by West Ham’s holiday wish and ignore all the things at West Ham which are currently driving me mad—instead, here’s what I’m grateful for when it comes to the claret and blue.
1. Ravel Morrison
These have been dark days at Upton Park, but there has been a bright spark out there in Morrison. He’s been the shock of the season for me; we all heard he was good, but who knew he was that good? Who knows how long we’ll hold onto the superstar, but for now I’m so grateful he’s a Hammer and very thankful for the contribution he’s made to the side this season.
2. Twitter not being THAT accurate
A nasty rumour did the rounds this week that Andy Carroll was retiring through injury. My heart was in my mouth waiting to hear if this was true—and then, fortunately, Andy Carroll did his trademark “hey I’m still alive” tweet with a photo of him and his new bike. It was odd, but strangely reassuring. Subsequent tweets from David Gold and insider reports have now given way to optimism that far from retiring, Carroll will shortly be returning to training (www.claretandhugh.info). It can’t come quickly enough, and I’m glad to hear he’s not hung up his boots for good just yet – he’s got a lot more to give to the game.
3. A chance for redemption.
We all know it’s not been great this year. In fact, it’s been pretty rubbish. However, on Saturday we face Fulham (which I’ve seen brilliantly referred to online as ‘El Sackico’) and then on Tuesday, struggling Crystal Palace- two of just three teams doing worse than us. If we lose these games, well, it’s bad – but if we win them, we could turn our season around in three days. We could, if other results go our way, rocket ourselves near to the top half of the table.
It’s been rough, but it’d be rougher without the above. Having said that, the best thing I could be thankful for this Thanksgiving would be to take three points against Fulham.
So for those of you in America, now’s the time to grab the wishbone.
Happy Thanksgiving!
