TYE WANTS TO SHOW HAMMERS HIS BEST
Tyrone Mears says West Ham didn't see the best of him during his brief spell in London - and he wants to show them his worth tomorrow.
The right-back moved south in the summer of 2006 but only made six appearances for the Hammers before joining Derby in January last year.
His time at the Boleyn Ground was punctuated by injuries and the club's off-field problems and he makes his first return there this weekend.
"It is my old club and they didn't really get to see the best of me because of injuries at the start and the way their season went," he revealed to RamsWorld.
"Of course I want to try and go back and put in a good performance.
"Their season has kind-of died out as they were pushing for a European place not so long ago.
"You have to look at it that they haven't really been the best at home as well as away so I think if we can all stick together and try and become more solid we can do well.
"When the gaffer first came in that was something we really concentrated on and if we can do that we can pick something up."
Derby head to London on the back of their 6-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa last Saturday.
They cannot finish any higher than bottom of the Premier League this season and boss Paul Jewell is already looking ahead towards an assault on promotion from the Coca-Cola Championship next year.
Four top-flight games still remain however and Mears says there is a lot to play for.
He said: "It is really important that we go down there and try to lift ourselves up, and get something out of the game.
"It wasn't the best result against Villa, the performance wasn't good, but we have got another game now.
"There are four more to go for us to get something out of this season ready for next year.
"At the end of the day the players are playing for their futures, whether that is at Derby or wherever.
"I am sure there are going to be a lot of changes with the players and the manager is going to want to bring his own in.
"It is up to the players here to try and fight for their places or to prove to other clubs that they are good enough to step into their team.
"There is a lot to play for and that is why I can't understand why the results are not going our way."
For Mears, even to be back playing as the season comes to a close is a bonus.
His campaign looked to be over in January after he picked up a shin injury that required an operation.
But he is back in action sooner than expected and wants to make the most of the opportunity.
"Just being back is good as I didn't think I would be this season so I am trying to get my fitness and sharpness back," he added.
"It is hard when you have had a few months out so I am looking forward to every game now.
"It will be good to get a result against my old team."
