Upton Park has seen its fair share of loan signings, some have been instant fan favourites, some have returned home before even setting foot on the Boleyn turf and some, us Hammers haven’t even realised where in the squad. Katherine Alder lists her favourite players to don the claret and blue while on loan.
Frederic Kanouté – the striker joined the Hammers on an initial loan basis in 2000 and had plenty of skill and flair, although some of the faithful questioned his work rate. Now 36, Kanouté ended up joining Tottenham for £3.5million after West Ham were relegated. I will always remember us drawing 2-2 with Arsenal at Highbury and getting a penalty. Kanouté was on for a hat-trick and so was forced to take it, and it was saved. But, Kanouté did form a good partnership with Paulo Di Canio and is currently playing for Sevilla.
Sebastian Schemmel – The French defender joined West Ham on an initial 6 month loan after falling foul of favour at previous club Metz. He came equipped with a warning from his previous chairman questioning his mental health and sanity – and we all know how much the Irons love a psycho! Schemmel looked bright and linked well with Joe Cole. I remember him being one of my favourite players at the time, and this was mirrored by him winning Hammer Of The Year for 2001-2002. I told you we love a psycho!
Henri Lansbury – This midfielder is on loan with us currently from Arsenal, and I for one have been massively impressed with him. He’s only 21 and has made quite an impact on our team. To me, he doesn’t seem like a player on loan; he has a lot of passion and that’s great to see. Arsene Wenger clearly rates him, and has said: “Henri Lansbury is a type of player who I rate because of his qualities, but as well his mental strength, the timing of his runs. He gives you qualities that are very difficult to find in the modern game. He goes always behind and he has the timing to get in the box and scores goals from midfield. He is showing that again the other night when you see the cross coming in, who is on the move? It’s Henri. I like his attitude, his spirit, his mental strength and of course his qualities.” It would be great to see him on a longer basis, but it looks like Wenger has big plans for his future at Arsenal.
Carlos Tevez – Alright, alright, I know this is on a technicality. But I mean, he was never really owned by us, and therefore I’m going to allow him in this list. And where do I start? Carlos was a fan favourite from the beginning, and truly seemed to love playing for West Ham – which is more than can be said for his time at the Manchester teams. He seemed to be on a one-man rescue mission for the Hammers, and we will never forget the Tevez that played with such fight at Upton Park. I for one think it would be an incredible turn of events if he played for us on loan this season, or at any point in the future. Tev is a gifted player who captured the hearts of the Hammers faithful in one fell swoop.
Chris Powell – Signed initially on loan from Charlton in 2004, Powell was solid in our defence last time round in the Championship. He was part of the team that got promoted, and his energy was undeniable even though he joined us at the age of 35. Powell couldn’t agree personal terms with the Irons at the end of the 2005 season, and so returned to Charlton in a role that would focus on developing his coaching skills. He is now full time manager of Charlton, and will be hoping to take them up from League One this season.
Whose your favourite loan signing ever? Let Kat know via Twitter @alwaysintune
need a bit of a memory refresh on the first one
The game was at Upton Park, and he wasn’t on a hattrick as Joe Cole scored one of our goals
Like cb says, the Kanoute game was at UP and JC scored one of the goals
So much for “I will always remember us drawing 2-2 with Arsenal at Highbury and getting a penalty. Kanouté was on for a hat-trick and so was forced to take it, and it was saved”
Because it didnt happen!!