That Bolton Connection

There is a certain irony about West Ham pinning our revival on the hopes those who once donned the white of Bolton Wanderers…when you take into account that over the years that particular club have swatted us away like a pesky fly on too many occasions that I care to remember.

There is now a large ex-Wanderers community that has settled within East London and it’s time to see how they’re adjusting to playing for those they once regularly slaughtered.

Kevin Nolan

The skipper himself…the season started slowly for the man charged with the unenviable task of replacing Scotty Parker; but of late Nolan’s performances have gone up a gear as has his fitness. Having now scored 4 times in 7 away games Nolan is starting to add goals to his undoubted leadership qualities and with Bouba Diop now protecting the back four it will allow super Kev to get forward more often and chip in with more goals, just like he did at Brighton on Monday night.

Abdoulaye Faye

It’s a bit of a cliché but I can’t think of words more apt to describe him than simply ‘man mountain.’ Faye is exactly the sort of centre back West Ham have been lacking since the rather ludicrous decision was made to sell James Collins to Villa for a measly 5 million! Faye is stoic in his defensive duties (unlike a centre half we used to have, think he might have been skipper last season) dominant in the air and doesn’t shirk from the physical challenge of the war of attrition erstwhile known as the Championship. This league isn’t about fancy centre halves who can stride out to the half-way line with the ball and ping a defence splitting pass to an on-rushing winger, it’s about getting your head in the way and putting your body on the line, was this fella really on a free?

Matt Taylor

The diminutive wide-man may lack pace, but his sweet left-foot makes up for it. His delivery from set-pieces has already wreaked havoc within opposing penalty boxes this season and who could forget his free kick against Pompey? An encouraging start to his West Ham career so far for Taylor; his place in the side is virtually guaranteed as we’re not blessed with natural left-sided players.

Joey O’ Brien

Be honest what did any of us really know about Joey before he joined? Beset by injury during his time with Bolton; but so far this season has proved a real revelation at right-back with assured defensive displays as well as providing a threat going forward, his goal at Vicarage Road earlier this season a perfect example. Another free transfer that so far has paid dividends; intriguingly will Joey keep his place once Guy Demel is fully fit? One suspects not but nonetheless a great start to his Hammers career.

El Hadji Diouf?

I’ve got to be honest I don’t like the fella, more trouble than he’s worth, with all the injuries we’ve suffered of late particularly to Bentley and Lansbury it looks like Sam will bring Diouf to club till the end of the season. I’d much rather see Montano recalled and given a run in the side, anyone whose seen young Cristian play will know we have a great prospect on our hands. But one suspects that Big Sam would rather play it safe with the experience of Diouf rather than take a risk with the raw talent of Montano. I can’t help but feel with Diouf it’ll all end in tears or some other bodily fluid like spit.