This could be, as it always is, a vitally important summer for West Ham United and the overhaul that could be attempted could make or break our season for the coming year.
With the Hammers win over Wigan Athletic last weekend, we entered the top half of the table for the first time since mid December. The New Year has been a nervy time for many fans, simply because we were always looking over our shoulders. The paranoia was rising, even giving way for ome fans to call for the resignation of Sam Allardyce. Four months on and we are hitting form just at the right time of the year, and leading a charge for 10th, possibly even 9th place. However, will there be a mass overhaul of the squad in the summer.
If I was to point out one area of the squad that could need extensive work is in the strikers. Andy Carroll has a vast amount of uncertainty surrounding his future, despite his brilliant performances. Chamakh and Paulista are sure to return to their respective clubs in the summer and Maiga has featured rarely since his goal against Chelsea in early December. That brings me on to Carlton Cole. Cole has divided opinion throughout his seven years at Upton Park. Nevertheless, it seems his time at West Ham United is over having not signed a new contract. Although, my knowledge on the progress of this matter is limited. As is all of our knowledge on the matters that occur behind closed doors. This means that with the highly expected sale of Maiga, the club will be without a recognised striker.
I have already made my feelings clear on Carroll. He is the way forward for West Ham United. His performances of late have been superb and his goals in recent weeks have been pivotal. Without his goals, we could as well be fighting Aston Villa, Wigan and Sunderland to stay in the league. Although, with the financial strains I understand that bringing Carroll to the club permanently may not be feasible. The club will need to reinvest and bring in at least 4 possibly 5 strikers.
The midfield is perfectly sound. Noble and Nolan, despite their varying form are vital. Diame has been a forceful, energetic power to have in the middle, bolting past defenses and feeding strikers. Not to forget the goals that he has picked up along the way. Matt Jarvis is improving weekly and his performances are starting to pay off the large sum that was paid for him in the summer. Vaz Te and Joe Cole have been sharing the right wing berth and both have their own attributes that give the side a creative edge. Whether it is through Vaz Te’s pace or Joe Cole’s intelligence. Jack Collison isn’t playing enough in my opinion; especially with the qualities that he offers the squad and Gary O’Neil’s performances of late have been inspiring. The midfield is fine as it is and not to forget the return of Ravel Morrison.
I am perfectly happy with our defense but at times we have been weak and some genuine quality brought in to offer competition could enhance the squad. Reid, Collins, O’Brien and Demel have been solid and have put their bodies on the line for the side. Although, if there was quality brought in this would add to the hard working attributes of these defenders. Not to forget the efforts of Tomkins and Jussi.
I would like the attack to take a rather radical overhaul, however the squad is performing at a high level and I feel that we can pick up more targets next year if we build on this season.
Paulista has scored 5 in 10 appearances for the reserves, why not give him a go, he obviously knows where the net is. Our future could also pivot round a player like Morrison, who has done good things at Birmingham this year. Bring him back. As for attack, Carol should be a priority, and there should be some way to get him. Pull out all the stops, because players like him are the difference between mediocrity, and a top 8 finish. Fresh faces will be required, but quality rather than quantity please.
I would think John Terry is the only oldie who could really give us two good seasons.
Midfield – Totally agree, although Sam may want to sell a couple on and bring in two of better quality, if they are available. I’m not sold on Vaz Ta (my Dad is, we argue this point every game).
Defence – Left back, for years we have one guy that can play defensive and has a left foot and every year he gets injured! Then we play a) an attacking left footer b) a right back or c) a left footed centre back that has little pace. We then run the rest of the season open to opponents wingers! Bring back Macartney to full fitness and buy proper cover.
Defence – Right back, we need more quality. At times, Demel looks delicate
Defence – Centre – No problems
Forwards – To compete we need strikers of the same calibre as Carroll. They are going to cost £10 million plus. My belief is that we will purchase two £10 million players and pull in a loan cover. £10 million plus players = Carroll? Holt? Lambert? Remy? Who else?
This season we had one. Once Carroll was fit, we pulled out of relegation doubts, but agreeing once more with the piece above, without a £10 million plus striker, where would West Hams position be now?
We don’t need a squad overhaul. We are 10th in our first season back in the Premier League. I agree that we must focus on buying quality upfront. It is no good having 7 or 8 strikers who aren’t very good. I would love us to bid for Lukaku. I think Chelsea would sell him cos their owner is an idiot. Also Adam Le Fondre has said he is unsure where his future lies and he would probably want to be playing in the Premier League again
You all say midfield is fine. I agree, but only if we can hang on to Diame. He’s been massive for us this season. I believe he’s our best player by a long way and if we lose him we’ll struggle. Holding on to him with a healthy new and long contract has to be a priority.
The two most vital signings for the club are firstly, Diame, he is by far our best player, and we need to get him on a longer term contract, with no release clause. (Easier said than done). Secondly, Carroll, the team is so much better with him in it.
What about cover / replace Jussi? He has done really well the last month or so but was slatted prior to that. Henderson I dont think is ready yet. We need a left back to replace McCartney with Potts as cover but I think Demel with Spence as cover and or O’Brien are solid. Centre backs of Tomkins and Reid with Collins as cover and bring in one more. Midfield is well stocked and has quality but we can always improve if someone becomes available. We need to hold on to Carroll and he needs us just as much. I would keep CC and Maiga unless we can get Remy on the cheap and then sell Maiga to cover some of the cost and reduce wages, then give young Hall and Lee some Game time. A good squad with more depth than we have had in a long time. Looking forward to next year.
The Midfield and Defence are not perfectly fine. We cant rest on what we got. We should be looking at bringing in a better quality of player because if our players were good enough we would be top 4. We have to keep Diame and we need a decent striker. Carroll is important to our style of play but we have a serious lack of pace in the midfield and our counter attacks often fizzle out with only Jarvis and Diame with the pace to run forward with the ball. Need pace, need quality and we need to be constantly improving. GK, RB, LB, CM, RM, LM, ST
Must keep Diane and Carroll. Obrien is a big player and like Sam I would have him in every game, whater ever position he plays in. A pacey front man to feed off Carroll like bony would give Sam alternate method opportunities.
There is a lot of press speculation in Liverpool that they should try to sign Diame. I wouldn’t mind betting that LFC propose a “swap” deal with Carroll. Personally i think we need to keep Diame more than acquire the permanent signing of Carroll.
Unless this is an American website it’s worth remember that defence is spelt with a C
Jussi has surprised me,when Rob Green left I was a bit worried,but Jussi has after he has found his feet done really well.Can we sign Carroll I hope so, in the system we play under Sam we need a target man.Play Plaustia, no I would rather see Blair Turgott get 20 minutes just to see how it feels,if we had the cash I would love to see us sign Logic Remy from on QPR
.But overall Sams transfer business since he’s been at the club.
Only Pards comes close
Jussi, Carlton, O’Neil, Vaz Te, Henderson, O’Brien, Demel, McCartney, Chamakh, Paulista all need to go as soon as the season ends. We need a good loud strong keeper and promote Spiegel to second choice. Spence and Potts both need either a season long loan at another Premier League club or first team regular football to improve. Not Championship as it is a backwards step imho. Morrison needs to come back as does Hall. Both should be in the first team squad. Along with Moncur, Lee, Turgott and possibly Fanimo. Left and right sides of defence have been our main problem for years. We need international quality players there. Also try to stay away African players as they always disappear in Jan!!! (African Nations Cup). I love Noble but….Collison needs to start more for me.
Overall I think Sam needs to do some serious wheeling and dealing.
Has Robert Hall signed up yet? Yes personally I would love to see Blair Turgott get a few minutes under his belt.Not forgetting the return of Alou Diarra but don’t think he’ll be around long enough to figure in our plans. As for Carroll 10m isn’t a lot for a player of his calibre plus finishing above Newcastle would surely sway his decision
We need a left back desperately, joeyob, has done us proud but he is right footed and comes across to far meaning we quite often get caught out on that side . We need to keep hold of carrol and diame or we are going backwards.
C Cole, Vaz Te, Mccartney, ONeil, Paulista, Chamakh, Nolan, Spence, Potts all need to go.
Perhaps its time to give potts a run in the team , what do yous think ?
I thought i read a few weeks ago that we had agreed to sign Figuroa from Wigan
Figuroa would be a good call. maybe we’ll go for martin ollsen again.
Diame will go, Diarra will go…
CCole and Vaz Te will not be missed.
Taylor can go, play Collison more.
Maiga will be sold…. Then we build.
Lots of bargains to be had from hapless Harry…