Writer Katherine Alder takes a rather different approach to the whole Scott Parker transfer saga.
For the purpose of this feature, I want you to put yourself in the mind of a fifteen year old girl. You there? Good. When a teenage girl has to decide on who to go out with, she’ll do a list of pros and cons to help her decide. So, with the technique I used to use to pick boyfriends, let’s have a brief look at Scott Parker – just how much do the Hammers need their hero?
PROS
With his huge presence in the team, 99% of journalists decided that Parker was our captain, even though it was actually Upson who wore the armband. We all know Parker deserved the role, especially after that team talk when 3-0 down at half time against West Brom which inspired the team to claw back a draw. At the time, Carlton Cole said:
“Scott Parker showed a lot of passion in the changing room and it spurred us on. We did not want to disappoint ourselves, the manager, our families and the fans. I know you could say that if you are a professional footballer then you should have that in you anyway, but sometimes you need your captain to step up like that.”
Just a shame Avram didn’t take note and keep Scott on as the skipper. His passion and determination showed in every game he played last season, especially when he appeared just a day after the death of his father.
If West Ham keep the players we’ve got now, including Parker, it seems certain that we’ll get promotion in May. Green looks like he’s going to sign a new deal, and Cole’s pledged his allegiance to the Irons for this campaign. Scott was also picked for the squad in England’s postponed friendly, so Capello clearly doesn’t see our Championship status as a problem.
CONS
This is where my article’s going to get a bit controversial. I actually think Parker is hugely overrated. Yes, he has the grit and determination to succeed, and is a great player. But he’s been so hyped up that it’s like we can’t recognise any of our other players. I for one would much prefer Robert Green to stay than Parker if it was between the two. We have a solid midfield with the likes of Taylor and Nolan in the team now, and Allardyce seems to have got it covered if Parker does depart.
Parker’s in his prime now. He’ll be 31 this year, and I don’t think we’ll get big money offers for him again. He’s stated that he feels at home at West Ham and that the fans make him feel amazing, but also that he wants to continue his career in the Premier League. With Tottenham stating their interest, alongside perhaps unlikely contenders Stoke and QPR, West Ham will be able to command a decent fee for the midfielder.
In my opinion, no individual is bigger than the future of the club. If Parker wants Premier League football and we can get good money for him, I don’t think it would be a crime to sell him. We’ve got a new captain and influence in Nolan, so I don’t think he’ll be missed as much as people fear. If we sell Parker, we can get a couple of decent players with the money – hopefully including a prolific striker! Don’t get me wrong, it’ll be a bonus if he stays; just not a tragedy if he’s sold. West Ham have got enough quality to go up with or without talisman Parker.
Follow Katherine on Twitter @alwaysintune and let her know your thoughts on Parker
you present a very good and well balanced argument. Scott Parker, is indeed a talismanic figure in the heart of our midfield…..and the the last couple of seasons, has more or less single-handedly carried the hopes and fears of the club on his shoulders, but as you say, Sam Allerdyce has brought in quality players in the midfield and in my opinion, will bring out the best in the likes of Noble and Collison, so indeed it wont be a catastrophe if he’s sold, afterall, the club survived when the likes of Cole, Carrick, Defoe, Lampard, Ferdinand etc etc were sold on. But l will give him a word of warning…..when Steven Gerrard is fit again and Tom Cleverley establishes himself in the Manchester United first team, l think his England career will be over, so l understand his desire to play in the Premiership, but as the saying goes…. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side.