The date: November 30th, 2010
The time: 19:30
The place: Upton Park
The event: Carling Cup, Quarter Finals: West Ham vs Manchester United

A big game, for a number of reasons, but the biggest one of all? It’s my little brother’s first match.

He turned 11 yesterday (Nov 29th) and his birthday wish – to see his beloved West Ham play at home (with his big brother in tow) – is coming true tonight.

“We might get hammered” I warn him on the way “Man U could quite easily wipe the floor with us.”

“I know James,” he says “but I don’t care. It’s West Ham… at Upton Park!”

It’s cold, it’s snowing, it had the potential to be one the most miserable nights of the year but… it isn’t.

4-0 we smash the Devils in the end (and it could’ve been six); four goals to nothing.

It’s like they knew.