Pardew backing Hammers

WEST HAM boss Alan Pardew insists victory over Crystal Palace in the first division play-off final at the Millennium Stadium on May 29 would be just reward for his side’s resilience.

“We’ve had one of those seasons,” said Pardew. “We’ve had some horrible games at Upton Park and criticisms were levelled at a lot of players. But all we can do is keep tight as a unit, keep our team philosophy and win games.

“The prize is the biggest one in English football right now.”