So last year we were in the Premier League and at the start of the season, I think we would have been quietly confident of a good season. By good, I mean a distinct lack of relegation. But alas, that wasn’t to be and the Championship beckoned. With an exodus of team members, is this year’s squad as good?
Well, my answer to this is a resounding yes, but with a couple of regrets. I’m sure you can guess who one of them is! When you think about it, this squad just seems so much hungrier than last season. I go into every game with an open mind, thinking we’re always determined enough to get all 3 points. With Upson as our captain, did you really trust his half time team talks to turn the game around? Me neither. And good riddance to bad rubbish. Tomkins and Reid are doing an admirable job in central defence, with the familiarity of Greeno behind them. With McCartney and O’Brien doing well either side of them, as well as Faye, the defence is looking solid.
I’m really happy with our midfield, and am glad that we don’t seem to miss Parker a massive amount. Despite the fact that I can’t seem to warm to Nolan, I like the creative play from Collison and Lansbury is a breath of fresh air. Lansbury is a great addition to the squad and it’s just a shame that it’s only on a loan basis. I’m also really happy with Faubert this season, and think he seems to have found more confidence. I know that with his style of football he can swing in the odd wayward pass, but when he gets it right, it’s beautiful football.
In attack, I think Carew is a great physical forward, and although he definitely doesn’t have the pace of previous strike force Demba Ba, he can hold off defenders well. And I for one am massively pleased that we’ve kept Carlton Cole, and think he’s a huge asset to our squad. Piquionne seems to have lost his flow this season, but hopefully Big Sam will get him back in the swing of things.
The only three players I do miss would be the obvious Scott Parker, Manuel Da Costa and Jonathan Spector. I know that may sound a bit silly, but Specs always gave his all and you could tell he was a positive thinker who always wanted the best for the team and tried his hardest on the pitch. Saying that, Taylor and Bouba Diop both seem positive on the pitch and their style of play suits the division to a tee.
Now, there aren’t any players who seem to think they’re simply too big for the club. Everyone in our current squad seems to be really positive about the future of West Ham. And, a few long balls aside, I’m really enjoying watching this team develop and grow. Come on you Irons, back to the Premier League at the first attempt!
