The number of emotions seen at Upton Park this year has been quite ridiculous. The anger shown towards Avram Grant, the gutted response to relegation and the cheer at scoring a few more goals and gaining a few more points in the Championship are just a few.
Things are looking up in the East End now as we approach 2012 with an optimistic attitude and the January transfer window with the expectations of keeping the top players. The Hammers are likely to go into the New Year in the top two of the Championship and Sam Allardyce has installed a positive attitude all around the club.
As it just a week before the year is out, it is time to have a look at the West Ham End of Year Awards for 2011:
Player of Year: Scott Parker – The England midfielder may not have been at Upton Park since the summer but his efforts at the end of last season have to be recognised despite the clubs relegation. He is proving at Spurs what a talent he is.
Young Player of the Year: James Tomkins – The central defender has been outstanding for West Ham this season and has grown into a mature and talented defender with glimpses of Rio Ferdinand when he was a youngster at Upton Park in his play.
Manager of the year: Sam Allardyce – Compared to Avram Grant, Allardyce is god, it is not pretty to watch but he will get the club back to the Premier League and has installed some fighting quality that was much needed.
Most improved player of the year: Julian Faubert – The Frenchman was the deserving target of criticism last season as he lacked interest and passion but this season has been a complete turnaround. Now a constant figure in the Hammers side, Faubert is looking the part in the Championship and his versatility has given Allardyce plenty of options.
Best signing of the year: Demba Ba – Everyone has seen how good he can be this season after signing for Newcastle but he was equally quality at Upton Park after arriving in January. He seemed the only player that could hit the target and it is a shame Allardyce could not convince him to stay.
Breakthrough player of the year: James Tomkins – The future England captain is now a regular in the Hammers side after the departures of Mathew Upson and Manuel da Costa in the summer and is proving to be a superb defender. Tomkins is now the first name on the team sheet at Upton Park and is deserving of all the credit he gets. Hopefully Alan Pardew does not follow up his reported interest in January.
Goal of the year: Jack Collison v Hull City (November 5th) – A terrific team goal that saw quality one touch passing that was finished off calmly by Collison. The goal gave West Ham a vital away victory and Carlton Cole’s turn and defence splitting pass was the real highlight of a Premier League class goal.
Match of the year: Nottingham Forest 1-4 West Ham – A rare convincing away win for the East Enders in a game live on Sky Sports. Goals from Kevin Nolan, Carlton Cole and Winston Reid along with an own goal gave the visitors an impressive result which was matched with a terrific performance.
Biggest disappointment of the year: Relegation!
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