Things are changing at West Ham and the fortunes the fans sing about every week may become not mere dreams, but a sparkling reality.
For too long West Ham fans accepted with grace that their beloved team were never likely to trouble the Premier League hierarchy. They may win the odd game at home against them, but titles and trophies pretty much happened to other teams.
As long as the Hammers fought out there on the pitch and played attractive football, then that’s what the faithful were content.
Yet, since Slaven Bilic rolled into town, the buzz around the club has been extraordinary and it has taken a team that looked not bad at all to the dizzy heights of 6th (currently) and still with a shout of a Champions League place. Not only that, but they’ve had some of their best results against higher opposition for many a decade.
The youth academy conveyor belt has started to come to life, the two Davids have turned the club around financially and this summer’s spending spree could be the highest ever, as the Irons push for Europe in one competition or another.
So, with dreams still very much in place, who would be our dream XI on the opening day at the Olympic Stadium?
Adrian
No change for me with a reliable and consistent goalkeeper. The 29 year old is set to become a Hammers’ favourite in time. Still uncapped by Spain, his time will come.
Aaron Cresswell
Too good to replace and now wanted by some of the ‘big boys’, Cresswell is an England player in the making. at 26 time is on his side.
John Terry
The outstanding Terry has a wealth of experience in Europe and even at 35 he is still a colossus in defence. West Ham would do well to sign the Chelsea man.
Nikola Maksimovic
The Serbia international is currently at Serie A side Torino. A highly-rated defender, who joined the Italian club from Red Star Belgrade in 2013.
Dani Alves
One of the world’s best right backs and also one of the world’s most expensive defenders. The Brazilian defender joined Barcelona for €32.5 million in 2008 and went on to win the treble in his first season with the Catalans.
Alves might be playing his last season with Barcelona as he is growing older, but still has not lost his touch on the field and is still the first choice right back at Barcelona and with the Brazilian national team.
Harvard Nordveidt
Norway International Nordtveit, can play in defensive midfield and central defensive roles and is at Borussia Monchengladbach currently. Nordtveit has featured in nearly 150 games in Germany and has established him as a top-class midfielder, which has lead to a host of clubs battling for his signature.
Denis Cheryshev
The Russian left winger is on loan at Valencia from Real Madrid, and what a player he is. He is an unpredictable attacking talent, highly confident with the ball at his feet and tracks back to help out in defence. A real coup.
Rafa Silva
Silva is not a name that will slip off the tongue of football fans in England, but the 22-year-old Portuguese midfielder is building up quite a reputation for himself.
Dimitri Payet
Payet should be in anyone’s dream team. Outstanding in his first season and still the best newcomer to the Premier League. Goals, assists and style. What’s not to love?
Michy Batshuayi
22-year-old Belgian striker Batshuayi is being scouted by the Hammers, amongst other clubs. Currently with Ligue 1 outfit Marseille, the Hammers face competition from London rivals Tottenham, who appear ready to bid for secure his services. This would be another massive signal of intent were the Hammers to beat Spurs to his signature.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Just the perfect end to the dream. ‘Ibra’ might only play for one season, but what a season that would be. He’s a winner wherever he goes, and at 34 he still knows where the back of the net is.
I know it’s a dream, but that’s the point.
Sometimes dreams come true – just ask Leicester City.