Kevin Nolan shares his one hope as West Ham vs Millwall fixture dates confirmed
The feeling of being in the Championship is now very real for the claret and blue faithful.
After being relegated from the Premier League last time around, fans have been kicking the can of the second tier reality down the road.
They now must look ahead to what is to come as Nuno Espirito Santo prepares for a first full campaign in charge at the London Stadium.
The fixtures have now been released for the upcoming season as supporters await a first derby clash with Millwall since 2012.
Nolan has shared his immediate reaction as he shares his one hope for supporters of the East London sides.
Kevin Nolan urges West Ham and Millwall fans to be respectful
The release of Championship fixtures was always going to leave Hammers fans looking for two games in particular.
Outings against the Lions are going to be the showpiece clashes of the campaign regardless of how the Irons get on.
They may be the favourites to win the title and promotion, but form will go out the window against Millwall.
The two will face each other at The Den on 19 September before a reverse fixture at the London Stadium on 20 February.
They will certainly be highly anticipated meetings, but former Irons skipper Nolan is wishing that supporters will be respectful in each fixture.
Speaking on Sky Sports News on Thursday, he said: "It's a fantastic derby to play in. It's a fierce derby, I just hope the fans do it in a respectful way. It's going to be good to see them at the London Stadium as well.
"West Ham have got to get off to a good start and the 19 September, I'm sure we'll see some fireworks."
Kevin Nolan issues message to West Ham and Millwall fans ahead of derby dates
The 44-year-old will arguably have the best memory of the last time an East London was played out.
Nolan started in February 2012 as the Hammers sealed a 2-1 win at the Boleyn Ground.
That was despite being down to 10-men after just nine minutes when the midfielder went in two-footed on Jack Smith.
He still doesn't believe he deserved to be shown a red card to this day as he discussed the moment on Sky Sports News.
Nolan went on to say, "I thought you might find this [footage of his red card from February 2012]. I actually still don't think it's a red card, I took the ball and caught him a little bit."
The Englishman may be looking through rose-tinted glasses at the challenge, although it could have gone either way in a derby.
His tackle certainly wasn't the "respectful" behaviour he wants from fans, but they should follow his wish nonetheless.