Working as I do in the depths of West Ham territory, it s always a pleasure to put one over on them. Last year s amazing 4-3 made the following week very enjoyable indeed and, thanks to their current defensive generosity, it seems this one isn t going t

Working as I do in the depths of West Ham territory, it's always a pleasure to put one over on them.

Last year's amazing 4-3 made the following week very enjoyable indeed and, thanks to their current defensive generosity, it seems this one isn't going to be too bad either.

Maybe it was the tiny hangover that accompanied me to the Lane on Sunday, also my birthday, but I was none too confident going in.

So it was very nice to see Anton Ferdinand bearing gifts, Spurs doing their best to throw a party for me, and the sight of an empty away end long before Darren Bent put the icing on the cake ensuring it was a happy birthday to me.

Not to mention the smug grins galore come Monday.

And it suggested the team will still be up for gathering points as the league programme fizzles out.

We're back to a place we know well, mid-table anonymity, but with the knowledge that we'll be European travellers again next year.

These past couple of months give us a great chance with the pressure off to really embrace the Ramos way and try to create momentum for next season.

Figuring out how to win away from home would also be nice, so as one of our rare successes on the road was at Man City en route to Wembley perhaps we can repeat that trick at the weekend and add to our meagre league tally.

If Juande can get us earning points away from home then there's a chance to make a good run at the top sides next year.

Hopefully the next stage of his English education will progress from here.