The scorer that day for City, via a fortunate looping header, was David Hockaday, an ageing but semi-reliable right back who was one of the big-wage purchases via whom Stan Ternent nearly bankrupted the club. A good chunk of these acquisitions - particularly Dave Bamber, Tony Finnegan and Gwyn Thomas - possessed no little experience but very little heart.
And if I recall correctly, Hockaday's goal was a false dawn as it was an equaliser. If Sam Ricketts scores tonight then the omen is clear...
That 7-1 debacle is also Russell Brand's favourite ever West Ham game, according to the interview he gives to Four Four Two for their latest Sing When You're Winning piece. If ever there was an incentive to win tonight - preferably by 7-1, but a 1-0 would do - then it's right there in black and white. For those of you less enamoured by history and fate, then the incentive lies in the chance to win for the first time in six Premier League games and do our first double ever at this level. Enough?
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