Green Looking To Crash United's Title Party

West Ham United goalkeeper looked back on last year's end-of-season encounter and addressed speculation linking him with a big-money move...

The comments from Green come after Chelsea manager Avram Grant hit out at Hammers boss Alan Curbishley for comments he perceived to be biased toward the Red Devils, but Curbishley himself has since clarified to the contrary.

Indeed Chelsea - level with United on points, but behind on goal difference - can be confident that if anyone may do them a favour, it could be West Ham, a club with an admirable recent record over Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

Robert Green was in goal for the most memorable of those, on the final day of last season, when United - who had already sealed Premier League glory - were beaten 1-0 by West Ham on the final day, a result they needed to seal a dramatic escape from what was once almost certain relegation.

The shot-stopper looked back fondly on last year's clash, but is hoping for a less intense and more enjoyable game this time around, with United having it all to play for and, on this occasion, West Ham are comfortable in mid-table with just two games remaining in the season.

"Last season turned into a wonderful experience," recalled a smiling Green. "Hopefully it will be a more pleasurable experience from the start this time when we haven't got so much riding on it.

"When we walked on to the pitch in the second half and for the whole of Old Trafford to be singing 'send them down', it was quite a motivation. It was enjoyable to dampen their party.

"This time we can go there, play football and hopefully give them a real challenge and a few things to think about.

"We will be doing everything we can to put a spanner in the works.

"People will expect us to just roll over and get beat - but we have our own agenda and will make it as hard as possible."

The Hammers have won their last three encounters against United, and famously denied them the league title in the 1994/95 campaign, when goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko put in the performance of his life that broke United hearts and gifted Blackburn Rovers their first and only Premier League crown.

"They probably looked at the fixture and thought on paper it's not the toughest in the world - but I imagine they would want to be playing someone else," continued Green.

"It is a game we are looking forward to massively and after making it to the Champions League final on Tuesday they are going to be feeling confident again and will be really focusing on the title."

Speculation

Green, 28, has been in creditable form all season for the Hammers - arguably their best player - and many have been mooting him as the successor to Tottenham Hotspur's troubled goalkeeper Paul Robinson as Fabio Capello looks to pick and choose his favourites as he settles into the England job.

Most recently, the dynamic goalkeeper has been linked with a move to Arsenal to resolve their somewhat amusing goalkeeper situation, but the former Norwich City man insists he is happy with the Hammers and not paying attention to the rumours.

"It is just speculation and I don't know where it has all come from," answered Green on the transfer talk.

"I have not heard anything from the club about the offer of a new contract or anyone interested in me.

"I am happy here. After I joined, it was a rollercoaster ride and this year has been a massive step in the right direction.

"People have moaned and groaned and said things, but if we continue to making steps like that, next season could be exciting."

Of his international future, Green is fairly realistic, noting that as Fabio Capello has neglected to call him up unless injuries occurred, he is unlikely to be involved with the squad over the summer. Instead, he is apparently set to climb Tanzania's famous Mount Kilimanjaro during June.

"If I was not in the first squad and was only brought in when two of the three keepers pulled out, it is not that sort of form that guidance that you would expect if you were looking to get into the squad - but I will be keeping playing and enjoying my football," he concluded.

by Chet Winter, Goal.com