Football
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Sam Allardyce and West Ham ready to write modern FA Cup history

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce insists his players can create history by going all the way in the FA Cup this season.

The Hammers, who are three-time winners of the prestigious tournament, have not lifted the trophy since 1980 and have reached the final just once since the start of the Premier League era.

West Ham take on League One promotion hopefuls Bristol City on Sunday and Allardyce wants his side to convert their excellent league form into cup success this season.

"If it could bring success it would recreate modern history, particularly as we move into a new stadium," Allardyce said.

"I'm sure a lot of West Ham supporters have fantastically fond memories of what we did at Wembley when we got promoted.

"If we can get to a cup final, it's generally for most fans a once in a lifetime occasion."

Allardyce received heavy criticism last year for fielding a youthful side in the third round, who were thrashed 5-0 by Nottingham Forest.

The Hammers have no relegation concerns this season, however, and Allardyce insists his players can give everything to secure a place at Wembley.

"We haven't picked up as many injuries as we might have expected, we've got a full squad ready and raring to get stuck into the FA Cup," Allardyce said.

"I've got no concerns that it will affect the league form at all.

"The FA Cup falls on a Saturday, not midweek, so we have plenty of time between this game and the next game to recover and keep our very good league form up.

"We want to be very, very competitive in this competition. We know the glories of it.

"You have that ultimate goal of being at Wembley and that's one of the most wonderful things you can ever experience in your career."

West Ham were minutes away from winning the FA Cup in 2006 before Steven Gerrard scored a last-minute equaliser and Liverpool went on to win on penalties.

Allardyce also knows how it feels to taste defeat at the last hurdle after his Bolton side were beaten 2-1 by Middlesbrough in the 2004 League Cup final.

"The club should have won one when Alan Pardew was in charge and only missed it due to the brilliance of Gerrard on the day," Allardyce said.

"It's no good getting there and losing. I've been to a cup final and lost as well and never watched it since. If you get the chance to get to one you have to go there and win it."

Allardyce, however, is not expecting an easy ride against Bristol City, who are second in League One and have won their last six matches at home.

"FA Cup games are always extremely difficult against lower league opposition, particularly away from home," Allardyce added.

"It's all down to the attitude of the player. If they try to take things lightly, they can get caught cold.

"You have to start on the front foot because there is such excitement. Players at Bristol City will play way, way above their best.

"They can produce a one-off performance that causes you a lot of problems."

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