Troubled times but Etherington thrives

To say it's been a difficult year for West Ham is a bit like declaring that Roman Abramovich is reasonably well off. It says much for Matthew Etherington, therefore, that he has maintained a level of admirable consistency throughout the trials and tribulations of the past few months.

The supporters have no doubts that the midfielder has been a big success during this troubled season, which is why he was at their headquarters last night to collect his Hammer of the Year award.

"I'm absolutely delighted to win it, particularly in my first year and coming from Tottenham as well," he said with a grin.

His manager, Alan Pardew, also believes the award is well-merited.

"Matthew has won a few of those and he deserves them," said Pardew. "Despite playing under three different managers and having a total of 34 players around him this season, Matthew has been a consistent factor for us.

"He's played as well for me as he did for Glenn Roeder and Trevor Brooking. We've tried to add a few goals to his already impressive work on the left flank and I believe he's good enough to threaten the England squad."

Etherington, in fact, has played for England at Under-16, 18 and 21 age groups and said: "My long-term goal is to play at senior level one day. I know I need to be playing Premiership football to realistically achieve that ambition and that is why I came to West Ham.

"I have absolutely no regrets about coming here from Tottenham. I needed to be playing regularly. That has happened here and I have been happy with my form. I know the left-hand side for England has been a bit of a problem for some time now and they are still struggling to find someone. This is a good club, I'm happy here and that has been reflected in my play I think. I keep in touch with a few people at Spurs. I'm good friends with Simon Davies. They've had a tough season there and they probably need to get a new manager in quickly. I think they'll do that and that will only help the club.