Every year West Ham fans have the opportunity to choose the player they believe has been consistently the best player for West Ham throughout the season. A tradition dated back to 1958, the Hammer of the Year is an important end of the season ceremony for many West Ham fans. This article will look at the top five candidates for this prestige award for the season 2011-2012.
- Mark Noble
The penalty king has been in fine form this season for his boyhood club. He has been Mr Reliable from the spot having scored seven penalties this season. He is West Ham’s longest serving player and is enjoying a bit of a renaissance this season in the Championship after being criticised for his performances in recent years. Since the departure of Scott Parker, Noble has found more room to play his own game and has protected the back line while maintaining his desire to dictate the midfield. His stand out performance was against arch-rivals Millwall. After Captain Kevin Nolan was sent off in the first ten minutes, Noble took the captain’s armband and was truly immense with his tough tackling and constantly creating opportunities for the attackers to score. If he continues his fine from, Noble must be the favourite to win his first Hammer of the Year award.
- James Tomkins
The academy graduate has matured into one dominant and composed centre-half this season. Furthermore since the turn of the year, Tomkins has found a new position as a defensive midfielder, a position he has adopted extremely well. Now at the age of 22 Tomkins is a permanent fixture in the West Ham starting line up and perhaps the first name in Sam Allardyce’s team sheet. Under Allardyce, Tomkins has consistently been reliable and sturdy in defence. Hence, he should be a candidate for Hammer of the Year.
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- Abdoulaye Faye
Signed on a free from Stoke City, Faye linked up with his former manager Sam Allardyce and has become one of the best transfers the club has made this season. The tall defender has been excellent in defence for West Ham with his aerial ability and no nonsense defending. He has shown more commitment in twenty odd games for West ham than Matthew Upson showed in a claret and blue shirt. His commitment along with his solid defensive displays this season make him a suitable candidate for Hammer of the Year.
- Carlton Cole
Cole is enjoying life in the Championship having ranked up nine goals so far this season. Played as the lone striker up front for most of the season, Cole has led the line exceptionally well. He has held up the ball for his team-mates to assist him up front, his pace has frightened most of the defenders in the league and he has shown superb strength. Allardyce has surely brought out the best in him, although he has not been fully fit this season. He has plenty of time to score twelve or more goals this season to break his own personal tally for most goals scored in a season. As the leading goal scorer and plenty of time to score more, Cole has to be a candidate for Hammer of the Year.
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- Winston Reid
After struggling last season in the Premier League, Winston Reid has become a constant figure in the team this season. As of date, Reid has made twenty-three appearances in all competitions scoring two goals, including the winning goal against arch-rivals Millwall. His contributions in defence have helped the team achieve thirteen clean sheets as the Hammers seek to regain their Premier League status. His confidence has been boosted playing alongside experienced centre-half Faye.
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No Robert Green??
The top three are definitley the main contenders but there must be a shout for Robert Green above Cole and Reid!
Faye has been the rock in our defence this season. Still I think it should go to Rob Green even if he signs a new contract or not. He pulls off world class saves week after week and glad that Stuart Pearce noticed it.
Spot on with the top three + Green in my opinion.
Other awards in my book;
Most improved player – Winston Reid
Most frustrating player (but i still like him) – Carlton (banks)Cole
Worst Haircut – Ricardo (i’ve got a rat on my head) Vaz Te
The Flop of the season – John Carew
The Most solid rightback since Sebastian Schemmel award goes to – Joey O’Brien
Completely agree with Richard Maher, I’d say Reid out and Greeno in would be a more accurate top 5. My personal choice would be Tonks. How often do you see a 22 year old establish himself at such a high profile club (albeit in the championship) and show the confidence and composure that he has this season? I think Bobby Moore would be proud of him to be honest!
Greeno first. Then close between Tomkins and Noble for second and third. Honourable mention for Faye. I agree with centrallinedan that Reid is our most improved player- he still needs to improve further though- Faye rescued him against Palace. Glad to see Tommo back in defence today- him and Faye were rock solid.
Sorry But Faubert has been different class this season, my top 3 are Tomkins. Geen and faubert..
ha, i don’t think anyone would be saying green after today’s match against birmingham, jesus christ
Think you started this to early – surely Ricardo Vaz Te has a shout. 10 goals in 12 games, then it’s Noble and Tomkins. Both have been reliable and dependable if not extraordinary. Most the others have been up and down or guilty of major mistakes.