THREE players West Ham should build around

Three players West Ham can build their future around:

1. Andy Carroll

Clearly, for the club record transfer fee we paid, the high wages, and the six-year contract handed to the big marksman last summer, West Ham bought Andy Carroll with a view to a long term investment.

At 25-years-old, Carroll should still have his best years ahead of him and, despite his injury woes this campaign, looks set to be the focal point of our attack for years to come, particularly when you consider the lone striker system that current boss Sam Allardyce employs.

To an extent, the rest of the team are likely to fit around Andy Carroll, with the striker looking to score from a supply of crosses, or set up chances for teammates.

There is little doubt about Andy’s aerial prowess, and he is much better on the ground than he is often given credit for. We saw at times last season, during his loan spell at Upton Park, that he was virtually unplayable for some defences.

Some supporters may grumble about the fee we paid for the Geordie striker, but it was a one off opportunity for the club to sign someone of Carroll’s pedigree, and he is someone we should be looking to build the team around.

2. Mark Noble

The academy product has been very good over the last few seasons, and in this campaign in particular, has been by far the most consistent player in the squad. Where there have been major problems in the side caused by injuries, suspensions and lack of form, especially in the first half of the season, Noble has always been there doing his duty, and has been the only ever present player.

Indeed, when you consider of the Hammers central midfielders, Mohamed Diame has been very hit and miss, and apparently wants to leave in the summer anyway, Kevin Nolan has also been inconsistent and looks as though age is catching up with him, Ravel Morrison has struggled to keep a first team place and is now on loan to QPR – thanks mainly to his off the field issues – and Antonio Nocerino has failed to make an impression during his loan spell at the club. Only Noble is the one likely to have a long term future at the heart of midfield at the club.

Add to this that the one-club man has already shown plenty of loyalty to his boyhood club, and not even sought a move away when we were relegated in 2011. He is also approaching his peak years, and so hopefully his best form is still to come.

West Ham need to strengthen the squad in the summer, and the central midfield position is definitely one area in need of improvement, but that strengthening needs to take place around Mark Noble.

3. Winston Reid

Last season’s Hammer of Year missed a large chunk of the current campaign through injury, but still remains the best defender at the club.

The New Zealand international is likely to be the target of much speculation in the summer transfer window, but the club must not sell him at this moment in time. Like Noble, Reid is approaching his best years and is only likely to improve the more games he plays.

Whilst James Collins and James Tomkins have both been excellent at the back over the last two seasons, Reid has generally been the mainstay of a tight defence under the stewardship of Sam Allardyce, and I think he would be one of the first names on the team sheet for most Hammers fans when fit. Another bonus is that he enjoys scoring goals against our main rivals!