If promoted, are these Hammers on their way out?

After watching another lacklustre performance which saw the Hammers slump to their fifth consecutive home draw, this article title could look rather premature, with the Irons currently occupying third place in the Championship with their current woes at home look set to continue. There was very little to get excited about for the West Ham faithful against Middlesbrough as once again we failed to capitalise on chances and a vital two points

slipped away in the last few minutes.

If we do manage to win the race for promotion, bundling and bullying our way over the finish line to beat the other two front runners Southampton and Reading, then what do we do from there? I for one am adamant that there is a distinct amount of quality in this Hammers team. We have a core of players who are of a good enough standard to play in the Premier League, the likes of Noble, Collison and Tomkins who have come through the youth

academy all have the potential to be good Premier League players, as well as Taylor, Nolan and Green who have all established themselves in the Premier League.

There has to be a step forward if we are to last in the Premier League. We must leave the weak and feeble behind in the quest for Premier League status. What I have done below is combined a list of players which are in Sam’s sight to be shipped out of the club as soon as the SS. Claret and Blue docks on the luscious and sandy beaches of the Premier League and whether they could cut it at the highest level.

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Joey O’Brien-The 26 year old Irishman has made 28 appearances this season and has been a solid right back, something which Hammers fans have not seen for many years. His strong tackling and versatility has meant that he has enjoyed a good season so far. One problem which I can see is whether in the Premier League, he will be able to deal with the likes of Gareth Bale and Ashley Young running at him. O’Brien is not a quick player, so he could

struggle when playing against quality wingers. However, I believe selling O’Brien would be a mistake, as for too long we have lacked quality at right back. My view: Keep

 

Carlton Cole-This man seems to be able to spark furious debate amongst Hammers fans. The ‘Marmite’ striker can be a real handful for defences on his day, but can also disappear in

tough matches. His inconsistency is a real problem for the former England international and many Hammers fans believe that he should be sold as soon as possible (with many willing to drive him to the far reaches of England to sign a contract elsewhere). For Cole, the coming games will decide his West Ham future. Whether he will cement or lose his place in the current team, remains to be seen. For me I am not so sure, if another bid like the one from

Stoke last season was to come in again, it would be hard to reject it. –To be decided

John Carew- Sell, please.

Pablo Barrera- The young Mexican was signed by Avram Grant in 2010, following his impressive World Cup, which saw him play outstandingly well against France, winning a penalty (in the process going round Evra like he wasn’t even there) and creating havoc for the French defence. Unfortunately, he only made 6 starts under Grant and didn’t score during the disappointing season. Following the appointment of Allardyce, Barrera was shipped off to Real Zaragoza, where he has played 17 times, scoring once. In his first season in English football, he looked off the pace and unsettled, however he is a player with great technique and talent and a season in Spain will have improved his confidence, so I think he definitely deserves a second chance for the Hammers, providing some much needed width and creativity.-Keep

Frederic Piquionne- His days as a West Ham player look numbered, as he was loaned to Doncaster a few weeks ago. The 33 year old Frenchman looks set to leave at the end of the season, as he is deemed surplus to requirements under Big Sam. Quite right too, as he is on 40,000 a week to do very, very little.-Sell

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Julien Faubert- Although Faubert has looked good this season, he has struggled to perform in the Premier League. The French winger come right back has provided some width this season, but often doesn’t produce the final killer ball for the strikers. Part of his bad form in the Premier League is down to the fact that he isn’t a natural right back and looks out of place whenever played in that position. The Claret and Blue Vin Diesel might find himself

shipped out at the end of this season, either due to inconsistent performances, or not wanting to stay. For me, if the right price came in, it could be a good time to say goodbye the former Bordeaux man. – Sell

Gary O’Neil- Hampered by a horrible injury sustained playing against Aston Villa last season, O’Neil has struggled to hold down a regular place in the side. He has fought back to fitness, although many thought that he may be forced into an early retirement and has represented the Hammers eight times this season, though only one of these appearances has the 28 year old started. Unfortunately for the former Middlesbrough man, he could find himself on the transfer list come the end of the season. For me he is a good Championship player, but I don’t believe that he could cut it in the Premier League, alongside the central midfielders we

already have in the side. – Sell

Papa Bouba Diop- The Wardrobe has had a decent season for the Hammers this season, scoring once in his15 games so far this season. Aptly named, this 6 foot 4 aerial dominator is exactly the sort of player we expected to see wearing claret and blue following Allardyce’s take over. The former Senegalese international however, is 34 years of age and looks injury prone, so I wouldn’t be surprised if the Wardrobe was carted off come the end of the season – Sell

 

Herita Ilunga – I feel for Ilunga, as he is not blessed with true footballing ability. The hardworking left back is currently on loan at Doncaster and quite like Piquionne, I wouldn’t be sad to see him leave. – Sell

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Freddie Sears – This is probably the most difficult decisions for Sam to make come the end of the season. Sears made an instant impact at Upton Park, scoring on his debut against Blackburn. The academy graduate, tipped for the first XI by Tony Carr, has only scored twice in his West Ham career, despite making 45 appearances for the club and scoring for fun in the youth and reserve teams. Sears is predominantly a striker, however he was shifted to the right hand side under Grant and since then has never capitalised on his full potential. He has scored a large number of goals in Ian Hendon’s development side, where he has been playing as a central striker. Whether Sears could break into the current West Ham squad playing as a central striker is doubtful. Though misfiring, the current West Ham front line consists of good quality strikers and it is difficult to see Sears challenging for a place in the current side. However, Sears is a young, good player and it would be a shame for such a promising youngster to not fulfil his full potential, even if time is running out for him. – Keep

There has to be a serious clear out at the end of the season, with many overpaid and underperforming players in the squad. If we do manage to regain a place in the Premier League, there has to be some considerable restructuring of the team, so every player is

fighting to stay.

What’s your opinion? Anyone else you would sell? Tweet me @TollyCoburn