The Croatian link

  • by Matthew O'Greel
  • Wednesday, 16th August 2000

West Ham's Croatian pair, Igor Stimac and Davor Suker have spoken of their hopes for the forthcoming season.

Stimac was instrumental in persuading Suker to join the Hammers in the summer. And the 32 year old centre back has promised the Hammers faithful that Suker certainly won't disappoint.

"Davor is the man who will guarantee us 20 goals this season" he said. " I have never been more sure of anything."

Stimac confirmed that Suker had already settled in at Upton Park, and was enjoying playing alongside Paolo Di Canio.

"I know Davor has been surprised with the family atmosphere here at West Ham" Stimac said. "He is telling me every day that the lads are great and that, with this team, he believes he will have good chances to score in every game.

"Already he has a good rapport with Paolo Di Canio but that is no surprise. Very good players will always play well together."

Suker confirmed just how much he was enjoying playing alongside the Italian genius when he added: "Paolo is a top-quality player. Last year I watched his goals, his assists, his touch - and he was brilliant. He has maintained his standard for six years in Scotland and England and now the West Ham supporters are enjoying him. I hope I can help him do even better and I believe West Ham will have a good couple of strikers next season.

"The spirit of the team here is very good and Harry Redknapp knows what we need to do. He has built a good mix of youth and experience."

Suker is also looking forward to terrorising Premiership defences over the course of the next nine months. "I am looking forward to this season so much because I really think we can achieve something together here" he said. "I believe we have the capability of surprising people in the Premiership and doing well - I do not think that fifth place is out of our reach and I am sure we could do well in a cup. My dream next season would be to be back in the UEFA Cup."

So things are certainly looking rosier at Upton Park these days. The club now boasts a strike force that any team would be proud of. With Suker, Di Canio, Kanoute, plus Paul Kitson waiting in the wings, one thing is for sure - there'll be plenty of goals at the Boleyn this season.

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