Cresswell: Hammers fans can make the difference

West Ham’s decision to move to the London Stadium has come under plenty of scrutiny this season, but Aaron Cresswell is convinced the Hammers fans can ensure Big Sam’s return to the club goes badly this weekend.

Sam Allardyce was West Ham manager for four years but failed to have his contract renewed at the end of the 2014-15 season and, after a spell at Sunderland and ill-fated reign as England boss, took over as Crystal Palace manager just before Christmas.

On Saturday, the Eagles travel to the London Stadium, where the Hammers’ results have been patchy at best this season – with just seven wins in 15 games.

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This has led many to question the move from Upton Park, where the pitch was smaller and the ground more compact, but left-back Cresswell has urged supporters to get behind the troops, claiming it has a tangible impact on the players.

“Of course it makes a massive difference when the fans are right behind us, encouraging us and supporting us,” said Cresswell.

“As players, a positive atmosphere makes it easier for us to relax and concentrate on the job, while it also makes it more difficult for the visiting team to do the same thing.

“We all know that results haven’t been going as well as we’d all have hoped as late, and I can fully appreciate and understand that it can be frustrating watching at times, but we all want the same thing at the end of the day.

“I remember when I sat in the crowd when I was out injured and it can be electric. That noise definitely gives the lads a lift and has helped them to win games.

“You can be sure we will prepare properly for the game on Saturday and, with 50-odd thousand fans behind us, we’ll give it absolutely everything we’ve got to get the three points.”