Kat Alder writes on who she would like to see at Upton Park, if our talisman Scott Parker does leave.
The Wildcard: Joey Barton
The controversial midfielder has created a Twitter storm in recent weeks, and seems to have fallen out of favour at current club Newcastle. West Ham wanted him in 2007, but he decided to opt for Newcastle, stating that Sam Allardyce was a huge reason for the move. He also wanted to win trophies – well what better way to win a trophy than winning the Championship? Nolan also really wants Barton at the club, and if West Ham sell Parker there would definitely be space in the team for a determined tackler. However Barton does tend to get a bit too passionate and that ends in numerous cards. I think this would be a bit of a Marmite transfer – he could either be a brilliant asset or cause a lot of drama.
LAST SEASON: 35 appearances, 5 goals
The Wanted: Max Gradel
Having played against West Ham on Sunday, I’m sure that most of you won’t need confirmation of what the winger can do! Despite the player confirming that he wants to stay at Leeds this season, there is definitely Hammers interest in him. If Parker is sold, the Hammers will be able to make Leeds an offer they can’t refuse. The Ivorian international has a proven goal-scoring record and so it makes sense for the Hammers to try and snap him up.
Last season: 44 appearances, 18 goals
The Championship Expert: Chris Cohen
If this name seems familiar to you, it’s because it is, Chris Cohen played for West Ham in the 2003-04 season, and is now a Nottingham Forest first team regular. He’ll know all about the Championship now and has put on some impressive performances for Forest. Cohen may seem unlikely to move, but with the right offer West Ham could see a proven league player like him in the ranks.
Last season: 40 appearances, 2 goals
The captain: Kevin Nolan
Well, why should West Ham buy another influential midfielder when we’ve already got one? Nolan’s 29 and has come in to be handed the captain’s armband instantly, and has made an instant positive impact at the Boleyn. He’s also had experience of the Championship with Newcastle and gained promotion to the Premier League with them, so has the experience to influence the other players around him. He gets on well with both the manager and the players, and I don’t see why he can’t be the replacement for Scott Parker if he does leave.
Last season: 32 appearances, 12 goals
Let Kat know your thoughts on who should replace Parker on Twitter @alwaysintune
Hmmmm, Barton, Gradel, Cohen and Nolan, I know it’s early days and it’s a marathon, not a sprint, but already We’re lagging behind in the race for promotion, David Sullivan said…..and I quote…..
“I made a promise that I would not sell Scott and I will not, for any amount of money, break that promise to the West Ham supporters.”
Less than 12 months ago, he signed a contract extension until 2014, so why not make him stay, the same way Alex Ferguson made Ronaldo stay and Cod Eye Redknapp seems to be doing with Modric and if we fail to go up, then sell him….. Joey Barton is a thug, who should be behind bars, let alone getting big money to play football, besides, do ‘hardcore’ Hammers fans need anymore winding up when they’re playing the likes of Millwall? I think not.
Max Gradel, from what l saw of him on Sunday he’s a winger, not a ball winning, tough tackling midfielder, so l think it will be buying him for buying him’s sake.
Chris Cohen, he would be a positive acquisition, he’s played for West Ham already and has plenty of Championship experience, but l don’t see the wally with the brolly selling him in a hurry.
Kevin Nolan, I’ve seen him play twice this season, both games he’s been anonymous for most of the games, until he’s has had ‘tap in’ chances to win both games…..but failed, also, he came off against the embarrassment against Aldershot because he was “tired” awww bless his little cotton socks, 4 and a half games already, he must be shattered! In my humble opinion, Parker will go for a song and we’ll get some donkey pensioner to replace him, who’ll spend most of his contract on the treatment table!