Former West Ham and Scotland star Frank McAvennie answers your e-mails.

The blond striker became a household name in the mid-1980s when he starred in a West Ham side that came within a whisker of winning the League Championship.

He enjoyed further success north of the border with Celtic and played in Scotland's 1986 World Cup side.

But McAvennie's famous playboy lifestyle and numerous brushes with the law meant he also carved himself out a reputation off the pitch.

His new book, "Scoring: An Expert's Guide", reveals the true story of one of the most talented and controversial footballers of his generation.

Thanks for your many questions. You can read Frank's replies below.

What are your opinions on what has gone on at West Ham recently ?
Azim, London, UK

It's ridiculous. It's like a car boot sale. They are a massive club and they shouldn't be down there. They need to get a new man in quick and move on, because the last year has been a joke. They have had 46 applications and they need to pick the right man.

Do you feel they should have sacked Roeder earlier?
Eirik Lysholm, Oslo, Norway

Definitely. He should never have come back after his illness. But then he shouldn't have got the job in the first place. The impact Trevor Brooking had last season shows that. The players weren't playing for Roeder.

Who would you like to see take the hotseat at West Ham. Any of your old pals?
Dave Steenson, UK

Alvin Martin and Ray Stewart should get it. I played with them both and they are great coaches.

What about your old striking partner Tony Cottee?
Russell Gunthardt, Oxford

No. Martin and Stewart. They are West Ham through and through. I was speaking to Alvin the other day; he would be ideal for the job. But I think Iain Dowie might get it, which wouldn't be a bad move.

Would you take the job?
Matthew White, Surrey

No, not as a manager. But maybe as a coach.

What are your thoughts on Jermain Defoe? Obviously he is key to West Ham's return to the Premiership, but would he leave if Man Utd made a serious offer? And would you leave if in his situation?
Lee Kirton, Australia

He's a great prospect and they should keep him, but I don't think it's down to him whether he goes or not. It's a difficult one for the player. I don't know what I'd do.

Do you, like the club's fans, blame the board and Terry Brown for the state that our club is in at the moment?
Ben, Manchester

I blame the board 100%. There is no one else to blame. They appointed the wrong manager and he got them relegated.

What other mistakes have they made?

There are too many to mention!

How does the winner you scored in the 1988 Scottish Cup final rank alongside your all-time favourite moments (that's football moments!)?
Gerry O'Neill, Glasgow

That was up there with the best, especially because there were only 30 seconds left. But my first goal against Rangers was even better.

How does that compare with your best moments in claret and blue?
John Murphy, Essex

I had great times at West Ham but Celtic were my idols; my boyhood team. So they are the best memories.

As an ex-Celt how long do you think Celtic can hold on to Martin O'Neill?
Pat Hanlon, Antwerp

For a while yet. He wants a go at the Champions League. I think he'll stay until his job is done.

Do you think Celtic have what it takes with the current squad to reach the later stages of the Champions League this year?
Ryan, Temple, Glasgow

Definitely. I've had a bet on them to reach the last eight.

Did you ever regret leaving Celtic to return to West Ham in 1989?
James Coughlan, Huddersfield

Yes. I only left because Celtic owed me money. But West Ham got relegated and then I broke my leg, so looking back it probably wasn't the best decision.

It was still good to go back to West Ham, but if I'd known Lou Macari was going to take over I would never have gone. Me and Lou didn't get on at all.

Do you think Celtic and Rangers should be in the Premiership?
Tony Keane, Irvine, Ayrshire

I do, because they are big, big clubs. But I don't think it will happen. They wouldn't be let in.

Do you feel that Scottish football would be healthier if the Old Firm were to take less from the SPL kitty, thus allowing more funds to strengthen the other 10 teams.
Eric, Crossgates, Fife

No, not at all. Celtic and Rangers deserve more money because they bring in the big crowds. I think if they did leave, other clubs would get bigger crowds. But at the moment everyone seems to support Celtic or Rangers.

Why is there such a lack of Scottish footballing talent now?
Michael Shevlin, London

Because Scottish clubs are buying third-rate foreigners to try and keep up with Celtic and Rangers. Youngsters aren't getting a chance.

Is it true that you tried to barricade Sir Alex Ferguson in his room whilst playing for Scotland in Australia?
William Gillies, New York

I did do that yeah.

So what happened?

It's all in the book!

Frank, as one of the undoubted characters of the 1980s game, do you find the game is lacking the characters of days gone by?
Ben Compton, London

There are no characters left in the game. Everything is so serious. Even the referees are really boring. It's so straight-laced. The players don't even smile on the pitch, even though they're doing something they love. I can't understand it.

Do you feel if you had led a more disciplined lifestyle that you would have achieved more in your football career?
Martin Tritton, Bishops Stortford

No, because certain mangers wouldn't have liked me anyway, regardless of my lifestyle. Namely Scotland managers.

How do you think the football stars of this era can cope with the darker side of life (ie gambling, drink and drugs) considering the money that is being thrown at them?
Peter Mak, Luton

Well, they aren't coping really. Every week someone else comes out as a drug addict or an alcoholic or a gambler. But often it's just swept under the carpet. They are getting too much too young.

In today's game, players are more protected by clubs/agents etc who do not let them get into trouble which attracts the media spotlight. Do you wish you had that sort of protection when you were a player?
Greg, Tel-Aviv, Israel

Of course I do. A lot of things that happened to me made the front page of the papers, but nowadays it gets quashed. But you need a lot of money to hire agents and PR people.

Does it annoy you that you are now arguably remembered more for your exploits off the field than for your footballing ability?
JP, New Zealand

Well that's why I've done the book. I'd like to think I'll be remembered for my football.

Frank, your problems off the pitch have been well documented. Do you have any advice for the likes of Mark Bosnich or Lee Bowyer?
Dave Steenson, Northern Ireland

No. I couldn't give anyone advice. Sometimes things happen and you've got to walk away from the situation.

What regrets do you have and if you had your time over again, what would you do differently?
John, New York

There's a lot I would change but I don't say I regret anything. You've got to make mistakes to become a better person.

At what venue did you hold your most clinical scoring record: Upton Park or Stringfellows?
Blair, Sydney

Ha ha. Erm, I'll say Upton Park.

What is the true story behind the so-called "hidden treasure" you found on a shipwreck?
Neil Ardiff, Dublin

No comment. It's all in the book!