Tony Fernandes CEO Blog

Its the weekend again and its all about football, football and more football. I'm no Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal or recent Chelsea fan. So its weird because although we sponsored Manchester United, I will be rooting for West Ham like always tonight. Got a big game coming up tonight with my team going in for a thriller against one of the best. Yes, I am a proud fan of West Ham United and tonight promises some great action. Have been a supporter since the Hammer's FA cup win in 1975 and have been hooked since then. Some call it a loyal following, to me, its more like a drug and West Ham has been among the most addictive.

Have been riding their highs and lows with them all these years; through their second FA cup victory back in in 1980, the European Cup Winner's Cup finals, 3 relegations and 3 promotions back to the top tier again and with the current new regime under Gianfranco Zola, who I feel is a superb player and a great coach. For us West Ham fans, its been mostly downs, but loyalty can't be bought and I will die a Hammer. All the greats have come from West Ham as the only team to play with style. Upton Park has seen its share of illustrious players from the likes of Trevor Brooking of the past and the current crop of stars such as Joe Cole and the father-son connection of Frank Lampard Sr. and Jr that rose through the ranks. That singular passion is simply going to take us over the top tonight.

There were two great days in the English league and I was there when on two occasions, West Ham grabbed their two FA Cup victories. Each has been sweet memories that will definitely go down in Upton Park lore. Was also at Upton Park when we last topped United 2-1 so the Devils know whats coming up tonight as we add another sweep over the reigning champions tonight in the history books. Theres Old Trafford and then again, theres Upton Park.

We are chasing a place in Europe next season and tonights game promises to be a cracker with the boys labelled the 'underdogs' and thats just the way we like it. Hope you got your tellys tuned and banners ready because I've got my money on West Ham taking the match tonight. Will hear from you guys and gals at the end of the whistle. I'm forever blowing bubbles.

Watch this space next to find out what Dato' Nazir Razak and Temasek has in common.