WHETHER wishful thinking or experience talking, [West Ham United’s](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-club-legends-ready-and-waiting-to-answer-coaching-call/) ‘legends’ evening threw up some interesting talking points but the stand-out was that, for some Hammers former players, there is still a whiff of optimism that the Irons can carry out the great escape 2.0 and avoid relegation this season.
None spoke with more authority than Sir Trevor Brooking, veteran of Hammers’ campaigns as both a player and of course as a relegated manager who stood in for the ill Glenn Roeder in 2003.
Sir Trevor, as reported in the [NY Times,](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7003789/2026/01/31/west-ham-legends-lucas-paqueta-var-relegation/) evidently still believes the slide in form seen from a couple of West Ham’s London neighbours could yet prove pivotal in the battle ahead:
_“I got to every game, and I think we will stay up,” he said. “The two just above us that everyone’s been looking at, Forest and Leeds, I don’t think they’re going to get us out of trouble. I think we are going to need somebody above them (to slide down the table), and that’s why I agree with Carlton about either Palace or Spurs being one of them._
_The next month, we will have to be alongside one of them. We’re playing much better, so there have been positives. So if we can keep up our good run of form, and one of the other clubs drops in, then that will strengthen our chances.”_
West Ham fans won’t care how or who, but if the Irons keep winning whilst Crystal Palace maintain their dreadful run of late then maybe Brooking is right and there are a few more twists ahead in the 2025-5 season. There’d be untold delight if Tottenham got embroiled in the battle too – wishful thinking on Sir Trevor’s part? Could be.
But then again, he’s allowed.