Alvin Martin: This West Ham team compares to the very best... first trophy could set them on path to greatness

Alvin Martin has a special place in the West Ham history books. Not only is the former defender fifth on their list of all-time record appearance makers, but he also boasts a winners medal.

Martin was at the heart of the West Ham defence in 1980 when they won the FA Cup by beating Arsenal 1-0 at Wembley with a goal from Trevor Brooking. 42 years on and that remains the club’s last major trophy.

West Ham have reached the FA Cup final just once since then, when they were beaten on penalties by Liverpool in 2006.

But, in a good place under David Moyes and facing National League North side Kidderminster Harriers in the fourth round on Saturday, they are eyeing a run in the competition this season.

And Martin is confident it will not be too long before their lengthy wait for silverware is over.

Martin was a key figure in the West Ham side which won the FA Cup four decades ago and then the team that finished third in the First Division under John Lyall in 1986.

Watching from the stands or press box now, the 63-year-old feels this current team can achieve something special.

"I think it is as good as any side I played in," Martin tells Standard Sport. "The 1981 side is the one I say when I'm asked to pick [the best] one. 1986 was fantastic when we finished third, that was brilliant.

"This side now compares absolutely to both of those. The individuals within the team - there are some good ones, but Declan Rice sums up West Ham at the moment. The calibre of club being linked with Declan [says it all].

"His performance level has been up there week in and week out. His consistency is astonishing."

Martin's son, David, is part of the goalkeeping group at West Ham and gives his dad a view from the inside, and what he hears sounds