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West Ham's incredible Champions League chase is evoking memories of the Happy Hammers of '86... John Lyall's band of brothers were 'the best team in the country' and stunned the top-flight before falling agonisingly short of winning a shock title

For 35 years, those who were part of West Ham's greatest season have rarely had cause for concern.

'Honestly, I can count on the fingers of one hand the times anyone has called to talk about league form,' admits Tony Cottee. 'Consistency has always been the problem.'

Most of the records set when the Hammers finished third in 1986 remain untouched and yet, this year under David Moyes, they are once again on the move with purpose. West Ham are fourth, eyes on a place in Europe and threatening to be the top club in London for the first time since John Lyall's best vintage chased Liverpool all the way.