The summer clear-out at West Ham has begun, and we have already seen the likes of Jack Collison, George McCartney, Joe Cole and Alou Diarra shown the door in an effort to cut down on the wage bill and get rid of so called ‘dead wood’.
I’m sure most Hammers will agree that the decision to let these four players leave the club is certainly the correct one – various injury problems plagued each of them throughout their time in east London – and it’s fair to say that their wages would simply be better spent elsewhere, as has been highlighted by the successful transfer window we have experienced thus far.
As a West Ham supporter during a Sam Allardyce reign, it’s extremely refreshing to see the club pursuing young, exciting targets such as Diego Poyet, rather than the ageing, ‘good for a year or two’ type of player we have become all too familiar with over the past couple of years. The likes of John Carew and Matt Taylor spring to mind, and although the latter undoubtedly put in a great shift towards the end of last season to drag us away from danger, I’m sure many will agree that the ex-Bolton man was not one for the long-term.
Forward duo Carlton Cole and Modibo Maiga are two players who have faced heavy criticism during their spells at Upton Park, with many calling for the pair to call it a day and move on elsewhere. Modibo Maiga is a player who I believe, showed great promise before his move to East London, boasting an impressive goal record in France and attracting the interest of numerous Premier League clubs including Newcastle United.
However, clearly since his £5million move to E13, he has failed to hit the ground running and has become incredibly frustrating to watch week in week out, which resulted in him being shipped out on loan to QPR and Harry Redknapp in January. Now he has returned, I simply do not feel there is a place for Modibo in the current squad, and apparently nor does Sam Allardyce considering the fact the striker was left out of the squad’s recent pre-season trip to Evian, France. The club will probably try and get a couple of million pounds for the Mali forward, and if no bids come, will more than likely look to come to a mutual termination of his contract.
A trickier situation, however, comes in the form of Carlton Cole. The ever-loyal Cole was last year released as his contract expired, only to return to the club on a short-term deal and subsequently earn himself an 18-month deal after some impressive displays in the absence of the injured Andy Carroll. It’s fair to say that Cole holds the unwanted title of ‘the man we all hate to love’ at Upton Park and I for one, despite having left Upton Park frustrated for years having watched him play, I cannot deny that I felt something was missing at the club in the short time he was not with us.
Carlton’s loyalty and love for the club cannot be questioned, however, I do have massive questions about his ability and what he offers West Ham United. 54 goals in 236 appearances for the club is certainly not the most appalling statistic, but a goal every 4.3 games is certainly not prolific enough for a club looking to progress and challenge for European places in years to come. Now at 30 years of age and not getting any younger, it is with a heavy heart that I have to say I feel now is the time for the ever-loyal Englishman to move on, not only for us but for himself. With the likes of Mauro Zarate, Andy Carroll and imminently, Enner Valencia in the squad competing for places, I sadly do not feel Carlton is able to cut it in England’s top flight any more.
Let me know what you think – do you think it’s time for this West Ham pair to move on, or do you feel they still have more to offer? Should Carlton Cole be allowed to run down his remaining 12 months or so, and should we give Modibo Maiga another chance?
I have advocated for some time that they both should go.
The likes of Vaz Te and Demel also should be sold.
I notice that we are not looking for any right backs, WHY that is an area we need strengthening now, certainly 2 if we get rid of Demel another left sided midfielder and probably another forward if we get rid of Vaz Te.
Then job done and we can look forward to many happy days at the Boleyn and hopefully get some results away.
I reckon somewhere between 6th and 8th is where we will finish. COYI
You are spot on mate!
Neither are good enough for this club and certainly not the ones to take the club forward.
Vaz Te fits the same argument as well and both he and Henderson should be moved on as well.
If no transfers can be made for them then their contracts should be cancelled. End this waste of wages!
All remaining efforts should be concentrated on signing another striker an attacking/creative midfielder or both! That would then indeed be a statement of intent!
Finally our very expensive wingers should have a word with themselves! Jarvis in particular who runs found very fast like a headless chicken and then can’t put a cross in to save his life! Is IMO very vunerable to the boot!
for me , Maiga plays off another striker and not used to being on his own up front. Felt really sorry for him last season and can remember willing him to score in every game he played in maybe if we played two up top we would see a different Maiga entirely (am not holding my breath) often he seems lethargic and not willing to put in more than he has too it is a tricky one but hes better than what he,s shown at west ham . cole should stay totally reliable always willing to run his socks off for the club he loves , However if he wants more pitch time I think for his carrer he should consider moving but personally I think he should stay .
I would keep Cole, he was the one who actually stepped up last year when Carroll was suspended, not only that he’s English and has premier league experience. Something all of our new South americans don’t have. I can see the new boys go missing in Jan and Feb and March and we will be pleased Carlton is still around.
Looking at the squad, I reckon we will once again not see any youngsters given the chance, remember Elliot lee, Dan potts and a few others.
We are desperate to get a midfielder in the mould of berkovic to create a few chances.
It worries me that we are shopping from leagues which have little top class or premier league experience. Mexico, Belgium , Championship.
I see another tough year on the cards, Sam sacked by November for wasting the money and Moyes manager by XMas !!
Moron !
Moron ! surprised you can spell it.
I agree carlton cole has been loyal maiga ,WHO there you go,no joking aside they need to go bring in the new ,cole could still do a job for someone in the championship cut or loses with maiga the wages then saved could maybe go on a couple of good free transfers ,but up to now im happy with what is happening in the transfer market so carry on
Last year i felt sorry Maiga he is a talent sadly we tended to kick the ball over his head last year. I do like Cole but he is such a wasted talent. Then again with our midfields passes and crosses last year no wonder our strikers did not perform. Andy Carrol is the biggest disappointment yes he wins the ball in the air but heads it to no one in particular. Valencia and Zarate to start and a midfielder who can beat the first man when crossing
The ambition of the WHU faithful. ‘He is loyal’ or ‘he runs his socks off’. Are these the qualities that make a Premiership player ? NO. That’s why we need CLASS – not marathon runners. Its simple. Last year CC was allowed to go. No one wanted him. That’s a pretty good clue as to his ability. I love him to bits but not as a Premiership footballer
Couldnt agree more – Cole has put in the shifts but unfortunately his ability inhibits the outcome and never lives up to his potential – i cringe when he has chances to score, experience has taught me never expect from CCole, you never know what boots he has on on any given game day – this is now our 3rd season back, while we have offloaded some of those that needed to go, we still have a lack of class as you say in areas where too much faith is placed on current squad – CCole obviously, Maiga, Vaz Te, he will never be a first choice option and tbh has spent too much time injured thru his own stupidity, has a decent shot on him but thats about it, and Demel at 33 has done his time, we need younger blood at RB, Obrien is another but he can cover for either side – bottom line i ilke the signings we have made so far, its a good step in the right direction, but there are still options that need upgrading to give the squad the edge it needs to push further on – i think we are looking at a reasonable season this year, defensively we know we are solid and Cresswell is a great addition, midfield and upfront has gained greater quality in depth and provided competition for places – tbh its become hard to pick 11 solid starters and we also have players that can step in to maintain standards, and still more signings to come – things are looking positive. COYI
Carroll, Nolan to start = hoof all from CB’s. No need for Zarate, Valencia or anyone else till 60 min when Jarvis gets subbed.
I find the carroll situation strange he was fit enough end of last season fit enough to travel to las vegas etc so can anyone tell me where he is hiding
It’s the usual story Im afraid, we love CC, he is easily as west ham thru and thru as Noble, but he just doesn’t cut it. One of his biggest problems for me is his ball retention and distribution, too many times last season I watched him receive the ball, and either fumble it, or stand on the spot with no clue what to do with it. Maiga simply wasn’t suited to the prem, Demel has another year in him but we need to start looking now for cover for him as he’s getting slow.
I was really gutted to hear Dan Potts had a contract extension, only then to be followed by rumours of being loaned out. He has the makings of a world class LB, we really need to nurture him, Elliott Lee, Jaani Gordon and Leo Chambers, all four are great players with huge potential.
Hi agree with most of the comments made.. But id like to see us run CC contract down to repay the loyalty he has shown to the club.. Would like to add I think this has been one of the most exciting transfer windows to follow for many a year. Hope it leads to an equally exciting season COUIs
Totally agree, cole loyalty is so rare in the game nowadays but he’s just not good enough for the premiership. It’s bed for maiga to go somewhere to ply his trade, demel doesn’t fit into the curret trend of attacking fullbacks and is never going to get any quicker !!! Vaz Te has skills but vet bad decision making, I saw more row z punts than actual passes completed or shots on target.
To all those asking for the youngsters to get a run out, don’t you remember what happened at forest when Sam tried that??? Part of me thinks he did that on purpose just to show what would happen …