So, it’s three games and three wins for Sam Allardyce and West Ham United in pre-season so far. A 6-2 victory over Cork City, a 3-0 win at Boreham Wood and most recently, a 2-0 win in the game at Bournemouth on Saturday. But can we take these victories into account when predicting how we well fare in the Premier League in the coming season?
First and foremost, pre-season is all about getting the players fit and ready for the season ahead. As was pointed out by Joe Cole in his recent interview with whufc.com, the days of cross country running across Hainault Forest are long gone. Players are paid a lot of money, so it’s fair to ask them to keep in some sort of shape on their time off during the summer.
Pre-season friendlies are a key part of this build up and fitness regime. It builds up stamina, and strength whilst also working with the ball in game situations, getting them back into the competitive frame of mind that they need to be in come game day. The opponents are never particularly difficult because clubs do not want their star players getting injured too easily. However, it is also nice to build a winning mentality which gives the players like Ravel Morrison, who has got 2 goals from 3 games, confidence to go and play on the big stage of the Premier League.
It also gives Big Sam a chance to look at trial players too (I’m thinking Engelaar over Bramble!). It gives these players a chance to show Allardyce how they can fit into the team, and that they deserve a contract.
I’m sure us fans would be straight on the back of the players and staff if we were losing or drawing these games. We are not, we are winning comfortably, and it is something we as supporters, should be very happy with…..
COME ON YOU IRONS!!
By Chelmo Hammer
Follow me on Twitter: @ChelmoHammer
Anyone no why Paul mccallum is not in squad for Colchester his such a big prospect. One year in champ maybe even till Christmas then we have a star on our hands.
Steady on Bobby, give the kid a chance to develop. I think too much pressure & unrealistic expectation is heaped on our youngsters too early at times.
In Italy youngsters break into their sides much later & have much more nous by the time they make their first appearance.
Just saying, the pre-season before we got relegated we won every single game.
Judging by the Colchester friendly report, Seb Lletget might have put his name in the frame as he has been steadily progressing in the development squad last season and has been earning high praise from Nick Haycock.
I seem to remember the season we got relegated we won all pre seasons (germany tour I think). And I seem to remember a poor preseason last season and we did ok.
They don’t mean a thing as they’re only there to get the squad match conditioned. I’m looking forward to Cardiff at home…… before then I expect a couple of new faces coming in and Taylor and Vaz Te sold. Hopefully Morrison, Diarra and Maiga will be in the mix come August 10.