Ahead of Saturday’s third-round tie at Brentford, Flynn Downes is recalling what the FA Cup meant as a young boy.
“It just felt different,” he says quickly. "There is something different about it. I don’t know what it is; cup competitions are just special.”
Growing up as a Hammer, Downes’ main FA Cup memory comes from 2006. While West Ham Women made the FA Cup final in 2019, the men’s side has not reached the showpiece since a narrow penalty shootout defeat by Liverpool 17 years ago.
Downes was just seven when Steven Gerrard broke West Ham hearts with a last-minute equaliser, then Anton Ferdinand missed the final spot-kick and the Reds' captain lifted the trophy.
“I remember that game well,” Downes added. “I know it is bad, but I looked at Gerrard and thought 'what a player', as much as it hurt us.”
Having played in the Premier League and UEFA Europa Conference League for his boyhood team, Downes will now turn his attention to a first FA Cup tie as a Hammer.
While West Ham’s 2021/22 FA Cup campaign ended with a fifth-round defeat at Southampton, the prestigious tournament has provided many memorable moments - if not glory - for those in Claret and Blue in recent years.
There was Dimitri Payet's quarter-final free kick at Old Trafford, Adrian's gloveless penalty against Everton. And who had Declan Rice's 90th-minute equaliser at Kidderminster Harriers on their 2022 bingo card?
The FA Cup is just that. Moments that live in the memories of fans and players alike. And Downes wants the Hammers to create more of those this term.
“We need to get back to winning ways ASAP,” stated the 23-year-old, firmly. “And try to build a bit of momentum. Premier League or FA Cup, whatever it is, it's important. We're looking to get a win on Saturday.”
To reach the FA Cup fourth round in 2022/23, the Hammers must defeat an impressive Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium. Saturday’s clash will be a tough test, for sure. After all, the Bees have prevailed in the three Premier League meetings between the clubs since winning promotion two seasons ago.
But Downes is confident. The first FA Cup tie between the two sides since 1926/27, which Brentford also won, presents a belated opportunity for some much-needed revenge, then?
“Hopefully, we can right our wrongs in a way,” said Downes, who could make his fifth career FA Cup appearance in west London, having previously appeared in the tournament for Ipswich Town and Swansea City. “Obviously, the results have not gone our way, but that can change on Saturday.
“The last results Brentford have got have been very good to be fair, beating a lot of top sides. We know it's going to be tough."
And, on playing the same opponent twice in eight days?
“Both teams are going to change a little bit, like the tactics,” he added. “But it’s exciting. We're all looking forward to it and hoping to get back to winning ways.”
That is the task for the Irons, then. The first step is the toughest, although as the first weekend of January approaches, it is easy for players and supporters to get lost in the dreams of Wembley come June.
The FA Cup has been won by West Ham three times: in 1964, 1975, and 1980. For a boyhood Hammer, what would it mean to help the Club to a fourth glorious triumph?
“It would be everything,” Downes said. “Words cannot describe what that would mean, really.”
