West Ham manager Alan Pardew was full of understanding after his team were jeered by fans on their way to a narrow home win over Burnley.
The new season has seen attendances fall at Upton Park, while the team has frequently been on the receiving end of a rising chorus of disaffection among the die-hards who remain.
And although Pardew is hoping to send his crowd home happy, he recognises that he and his team are under ever-increasing pressure to make up for the disappointments of the last two seasons.
"We have to accept that," he said. "This is a club which should be in the Premier League. Our supporters are Premiership class.
"It might not be our fault that we are in this division but we have to take that responsibility.
"I thought a few players showed a bit more bottle than they have in the past."
Published Monday August 30, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article