DISCLAIMER Chelmo Hammer wrote this article prior to Tomkins starting ahead of Collins against Hull City
James ‘Ginger’ Collins has started the season well defensively. We all know why Sam Allardyce brought him back to West Ham United. A committed, no nonsense, passionate centre back, who we can rely on when under the cosh.
However, there are times when he frustrates me so much, that I wonder if James Tomkins might be the better option to partner Winston Reid. I say this because of Collins distribution of the ball. I got annoyed throughout the recent Southampton game, that Collins has nothing else in his locker, except a long ball. Time after time he pumped it long towards Modibo Maiga, and time after time, gave the ball back to the opposition.
Is Collins long ball game down to Allardyces’ instructions? Or is it the lack of ball playing full backs, that means he doesn’t trust them? I would love to see the ball rolled out to Collins, ball played to holding midfielder, in our case, Mark Noble or Mohamed Diame, or ball played to full back. Ball goes out wide, or to Nolan/Morrison who are the ones who should get the ball in the box.
There will never be any criticism for Collins passion for the team. Time after time he throws himself in front of the ball to block a shot, and throws his head into the boots of the opposition to make a clearance. Tomkins for me, is better with the ball at his feet, but there are question marks over his defensive ability. Tomkins had a good game in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night, so hopefully he is giving Big Sam a selection dilemma.
For now, I would stick with Collins, but the long balls have got to stop, at least until we have someone to win the ball up there!
COME ON YOU IRONS!!
By ChelmoHammer
It’s interesting you haven’t questioned Winston Reid’s distribution….???
Truth is, Ginge (Our best defender) takes the responsibility of bringing the ball out of defence, but I agree, too many long balls and wasted possessions, but surely there is some responsibility on the midfield to be available for him to pass to?
Collins,aerially,is better,but Tompkins is a better footballer,we put all of our eggs in one basket with Carroll the crock and were paying for it now,were creating enough chances but can’t score,especially away from home,were in for yet another relegation battle
Good article, I agree abt Collins commitment, however you are spot on with he’s distribution, it’s terrible, blimey you mention maybe the midfield should be available to receive the ball, well they are and constantly just hoofs it long and don’t get me started on he’s tackling, it’s terrible, he gives away the most needless free kicks along with mark noble, Reid’s distribution is far superior to Collins and so is he’s tackling , positional sense and pace, let’s hope Collins remains on the bench, and then when joe cole is fit, mark noble can join him there….
thompkins for me ahead of collins
I think the problem luys with the goalkeeper.
He won’t come for crosses, or misses them by miles. We wouldn’t need Colins all the time in the air if we had a solid keeper in the air to collect the ball.
I do like Collins from our set pieces going forward, baring in mind its not letting goals in thats the problem generlly, we just lack gols at the other end.
This is the problem of sam starting the season with one striker on the books, i don’t kow one supporter who wasn’t woried what would happen if Carroll gets injured. Thats happened and we face a relegation battle now, as we all feared.
I think we don’t need to look at the center backs, we need to look further forward or the issues.
Diame, too quite this season.
Jarvis – craps himself in front of goal.
Nolan – Gone missing in front of goal.
Noble – No pace,gives away too many free kicks.
Downing – enough said.
Morrison -Wait until he asks for a new contract in January !
Miaga – Worst forward I have seen at west ham, not his fat though, he’s a winger.
Total leaue goals this seaon from this lot = 2
They all play according to the manager’s instructions, so the manager is responsible for the way we play, not Collins. (Though if I’m honest, I prefer Tomkins anyway).
First, it’s not true that Collins “continually hoofs the ball upfield”. He frequently plays it across the field or into midfield. Next, since he can hit a flatter long ball than anyone else in the defence, he’s Sam’s choice to play it that way, if it’s what Sam wants. Remember Collins’ long free kick that Carrol guided home. Obviously there is more chance of a defender intercepting a long ball, but the long balls often gain fifty yards as they are often headed out.
So by all means question Sam’s tactics but don’t blame Collins for playing to Sam’s chosen strategy.