Source: SKY_Sports
Etherington has nothing to prove
Stoke City's Matthew Etherington insists he has nothing to prove as he prepares to face old club West Ham this weekend.
The 28-year-old made over 150 appearances for the Upton Park side in a near six-year span before being allowed to depart by manager Gianfranco Zola for Stoke last January.
The skilful winger's career has gone from strength to strength at the Britannia Stadium after helping Tony Pulis' side reach a respectable 12th in the Premier League ladder in their debut campaign.
Etherington admits it was a wrench to leave West Ham after so many fond memories with the East London outfit, although he appreciates his talent did not necessarily match Gianfranco Zola's style of play.
"It was time for me to move on," explained Etherington. "He didn't say it was anything to do with my football ability; it was just time for me to have a change.
"I agreed 100 per cent with him and I couldn't have come to a better club than Stoke City.
"I personally don't feel I have a point to prove. I thought I did very well at West Ham; I helped them get promoted and played for them in an FA Cup final.
"I suppose I could fall into trying too hard against them. If I do then it won't come off - so I have to play it like any other game, do the best I can and see what happens."
Although West Ham remain close to Etherington's heart he insists helping Stoke secure the three Premier League points will be at the forefront of his mind this weekend.
"It would be nice to get a win over West Ham, I'm not going to lie. It is all about Stoke on Saturday," he added.
"I'm very surprised to see West Ham in the bottom three. They are a club I want to see do well, because I had five-and-a-half great years there.
"I'll always follow them. They are close to my heart, because they were always good to me - and so were the fans.
"They have a lot of good players and they play some nice, neat and tidy football. But there doesn't seem to be much of a cutting edge.
"If Carlton Cole is not fit you struggle to see where they will get the goals from."
