As I write this I am sat cuddled up on the sofa, with the better half as she clutches on to her bear, aptly named Bobby (yes, I suggested the name) gazing out at the wind and rain, I can’t help but think of Big Sam and co, out in the Dubai sun, and for one reason or another on this day of love and romance, my head is firmly fixated on one man, that man’s name is Adrian Castillo San Miguel.
And what a man he is. The West Ham number 13 has quickly become a something of a cult hero down at the Boleyn after his fine displays has seen the Hammers climbed from 19th in the Premier League to 11th place today.
After being thrown into the deep end against Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Nottingham Forest in the cup, which saw him, concede an eye watering 17 goals in four games. Since then though after a brief stint on the bench he has come back and answered his critics, his fine form has seen him collect five clean sheets in his last six appearances including becoming the first man since the great Phil Parkes to keep four clean sheers on the spin.
The former Real Betis man, who joined on a free transfer in the summer, has quickly won the hearts of the West Ham faithful with his passionate displays. Adrian as well as January recruits Marco Borriello and Antonio Nocerino have added a bit of flair and heart into a squad that had lost a bit of confidence and heart.
Now, home and away, much to the Spaniards surprise, he hears his name chanted more often than ‘Bubbles’ (and that is saying something). It is safe to say the West Ham stopper enjoys his newly found hero status, if you watch him closely; when we score he is like a boyhood Hammer at heart leaping up and down like a salmon.
His Twitter feed at the end of every game is always nice to see, he really comes across as a genuinely down to earth guy and someone you could go down the pub with. The way in which he has come to a foreign country and settled into a squad of lads and become one of those lads is admirable.
Right about now it is easy to see why he is so popular, four clean sheets on the bounce has more than helped the Hammers to three 2-0 wins on the spin, he may not have been tested much against Aston Villa and Swansea City but his man of the match display against Norwich City, showed you that he could well be the bargain of the season.
He came to the Irons rescue on more than one occasion as was correctly named Man of the Match by the match day sponsors. He repelled everything that was thrown at him as the Hammers played poorly and won.
I have said before how important this month was, as three wins out of three is the perfect start, Adrian and his wall of defenders must keep this form up to steer the Hammers well out of the way relegation danger.
Adrian, I salute you sir. Keep up the good work.
Come on you Irons!
Tweet me @Bowdenwhu
Yes,a top quality keeper that seems to be very happy to be a west ham player,and a freebie.My favorite player,not just because of his perfomances,he comes across as as west ham through and through.A strong contender for player of the seasson and will be a massive factor in our survival this season.
Spot on mate! I was a bit worried about him early on as he would make a brilliant save one minute and cost us the game the next. Then came that horrendous spell which could have finished lesser keepers off. But I am happy to say not our Adrian! He has turned into a truly inspirational keeper who is a real leader on the pitch. A shoe in for player of the year! I know he was a free transfer but that doesn’t stop him being the bargain of the year and far better than his more expensive counterpart in Manc land! Finally with the momentum we have currently generated its a shame we haven’t got a game on Saturday! But a fully rested buzzin west ham will still have to much for Southampton next up at the Boleyn! 2-0 to the irons! Chicken man to dance again! Just a shame we won’t be able to see the match up of Carroll and lambert, would have helped settle a few things! COYI!