West Ham didn't have a particularly good start to the season. In their first 10 league games they managed 4 losses, 5 draws and 1 win (Coventry). They did manage to win their 11th fixture but that was against us, so no surprises there.

-- Anonymous, June 21, 2001

Answers

In the season they were in the Inter Toto they managed 5 wins, 2 draws and 3 losses in their first 10 League games.

They also finished 9th in the League.

Not very conclusive, is it?

-- Anonymous, June 21, 2001

the Intertoto is by definition for teams which are not top class, otherwise they would have already qualified for Europe. Any anlaysis of how a team finishing in the 7th to 14th positions one season would show they probably finished in the 7th to 14th positions the following. Some may improve, some worsen, the Intertoto effect is probably minimal, either way.

-- Anonymous, June 21, 2001

The way i see it with the fixtures announced:

Plus points: new players get games to gel, blood some youngsters, extra match fitness and chance to prove fitness for those struggling, cash-cow possibility

Negative: Too many games, risk of injuries, worth the effort?

-- Anonymous, June 21, 2001

just been on icNewcastle, thir poll is 'where will NUFC be after 6 games" the three options are top 6, middle 6, bottom 6, all options are showing 33% !!

-- Anonymous, June 21, 2001

I went for bottom 6.....unfortunately I think our first 7 games is a fairly hard start and we'll still not be up to full strength for them....

-- Anonymous, June 21, 2001