West Ham United - The Harry Redknapp Years - Part 18 - THE SCENIC ROUTE TO SAFETY - Apr-May 1997

Описание: West Ham have made a habit of making easy things unnecessarily complicated since 1895. There is a clear route to safety and beating relegation rivals Middlesbrough and Southampton would pretty much seal it. But that would be too easy – a 0-0 draw against Boro and a lifeless display at The Dell result in a 2-0 defeat that leaves West Ham back in the relegation zone. 2-0 up against Everton and cruising, The Hammers are awarded a penalty. With regular taker Dicks out injured, John Harston is the nominated penalty taker. However with Paul Kitson on a hat-trick he hands the ball to the reluctant striker who aims a tame shot at Neville Southall. Everton smell blood and snatch a late point which leaves Redknapp fuming. Fortunately, a 1-0 win a Leicester follows which pushes West Ham well clear, then a 5-1 demolition of top six side Sheffield Wednesday. Kitson and Hartson get all five between them. Still not safe though at Middlesbrough get an unlikely 3-3 draw at Old Trafford. A point against Newcastle puts West Ham in 12th but they are STILL not safe until Middlesbrough drop two points at Ewood Park on Thursday. Able to relax and enjoy the final day at Old Trafford, Paul Kitson belts the ball into touch from kick-off sparking a row over spread betting, but for West Ham fans the focus if firmly on next season and wondering what Kitson and Harston might achieve.