ANTHONY Barness is at a loss to know what is going wrong with his beloved West Ham but, for once, he isn't worried.

The Hammers' demise could mean Premiership salvation for Wanderers and, fan or no fan, business is business.

"They are my favourite team," says the London-born defender, "but, if it's between us and them, I'd like to see West Ham go down.

"If there could be three others who could go down, all the better, but I'd have no hesitation in scoring the goal that put them down and kept us up!"

Victory at Leeds on Sunday, where Barness gave another impressively solid performance at centre back, saw Wanderers leapfrog the Hammers and West Brom on goal difference, piling the pressure on manager Glenn Roeder

Encouraged by the character they showed to come from behind to draw with the Baggies at the Reebok eight days earlier and as relieved by the result as he was encouraged by the manner of the win at Elland Road, Barness believes Wanderers have laid the foundation for a much-needed revival.

But he is puzzled by West Ham's predicament.

"They might be a bit lightweight in midfield, " he considers, "but I haven't been to any of the games so I don't really know what's going wrong. They look a strong team but they may not have the commitment, I don't know but Glenn Roeder seems a very sensible manager and I'm sure he'll be doing what he can to put it right, as we are.

"At least there are more teams in trouble as well as us."