West Ham could have done a lot worse in today’s FA Cup draw. Anyone but Reading was the silent prayer offered up by Curbishley. And its a home game, which is good. The trouble is that it has really raised the stakes around here – just think how unbearable Kerron will be if the Hammers slip up!

The other Hammers news is that Curbishley has proved that he is not superstitious at all by grabbing Nigel Quashie from West Brom. He says that “We’ve signed Nigel because he is an experienced player” – yes, he has vital experience of getting relegated with West Brom. And with QPR and Southampton. And with Nottingham Forest. Thats the sort of experience which gets someone a reputation as a jinx, but could also give them a huge reason to play out of their skins to avoid the drop. I remember seeing him play for QPR when they knocked West Ham out of the FA Cup. He looked pretty good back then and may be even better now.

Having two Nigels in midfield might be a bit confusing, but will there is still a suspicion that won’t be a problem the team will have to deal with if any of the rumours about NRC’s position are true.

Interesting times – now lets snap up Wright-Phillips before the Watford game and see what happens. Don’t worry about the price; we’ll make it back from putting all those letters on the replica shirts.