Nigel Reo-Coker expects a red-hot reception when he return to West Ham on Sunday but the midfielder has also received letters of goodwill from some Hammers fans.

The battling midfielder was blamed by some for West Ham's slump last season - a slump that saw them narrowly avoid relegation.

He moved on to Villa Park in the summer and expects stick when he makes his first return trip to Upton Park in Sunday's vital last day clash.

He said: "All ex-West Ham players get stick - Paul Ince, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Yossi Bennayoun got it - so will I.

"Everyone is going to get it because for West Ham fans, it's an in-built thing, it's a family thing, and the club is the biggest around in their eyes. You can't blame them, that's just how they are.

"I know I'm not going to get the best reception but I'm mentally ready for it. Since I've left, I've had a lot of letters saying how much they appreciated what I did and thanking me for my effort I put into the club.

"That's great and those are the memories I will be taking onto the field on Sunday. I can't put it into words how I'll feel. I had some glorious nights at Upton Park playing some big games.

"It was a great time and I have some great memories of my time there. I'll be seeing a lot of old friends but it's all about winning at the weekend and trying to finish fifth."

Reo-Coker is well aware of the debt he owes the Hammers for igniting his career after his move from Wimbledon in January 2004.

He added: "Moving to West Ham was a great thing for my career, it was a platform. It's the same sort of situation as coming here. This is a big club. It was a footballing move and nothing personal."