West Ham’s next transfer window activity

How long will it be until West Ham manager Sam Allardyce turns his attentions towards the summer transfer window and ensuring he rights the wrongs of a disastrous beginning to this campaign?

After the Hammers recent run of good form, it might not be too far ahead or perhaps he has already got an eye on next season and on how he can defy his doubters – yours truly included – who feel he can’t take West Ham to the next level.

A top half finish last season looks to be followed up by another, at best, this season, which reflects a solid return to life in the Barclays Premier League.

However, I refuse to be one of those West Ham fans looking through rose tinted glasses, pretending the start of the season didn’t happen, the football wasn’t THAT bad and it was not Allardyce’s fault, it was just injuries.

The truth of the matter is, it was his fault. Other clubs have injuries; we’ll have them again in the future no doubt. What’s important is that you build a squad capable of playing a whole season and that’s what Big Sam did so wrong last summer.

Just so he doesn’t do it again, I’ve decided to give him a hand. Here’s where I think we need strengthening this summer:

Defence

Another quality central defender to add to Winston Reid, James Collins and James Tomkins would ensure West Ham are not caught out mid season should we suffer injuries, suspensions, or worse still – needing to sign Roger Johnson.

A defender in the class of Joleon Lescott, who is clearly surplus to requirements at Manchester City and wanted by Allardyce, would provide real strength in depth, competition and a boost having an England international among the ranks.

At left back we’ve yet to see Pablo Amero and he was signed on loan. Logic dictates that Allardyce will need to strengthen in that position, but hopefully Amero cuts the mustard and wants to stay on beyond this season.

I’m not a huge fan of Guy Demel so some real competition at right back would be welcome. Demel gets caught out of position far too often and although he works hard and can be good going forward, at times he is a liability that we can’t afford.

Midfield

This area of the pitch is unlikely to see a great deal of change but perhaps will depend on Antonio Nocerino staying beyond his loan spell, Ravel Morrison coming back from QPR and Mohamed Diame showing some loyalty too.

Joe Cole is likely to depart at the end of the season, so there might be some room for a player that can unlock defences, but other than that the midfield is a really strong area of the pitch for the Hammers.

Forwards

Most certainly a key area that Allardyce needs to get right. He failed miserably in attempting to sign a back up to Andy Carroll last summer, a situation made worse when the big Geordie was injured before the start of the campaign, so our focus has to be on signing a striker.

Allardyce still really likes Rickie Lambert so perhaps that might be an option, but it’s an area that needs bolstering to ensure the squad can cope with the rigours of a long Premier League season and fire us up the table.

Despite Carroll being our main man, competition will keep him on his toes and ensure the Hammers get the most out of him.

Marco Borriello has looked bright since signing, so perhaps he would be a good acquisition long-term but there’s no doubt he would need to be in addition to another forward this summer.

All in all there’s plenty to work on and much will depend on how many of the loan players Allardyce chooses to keep. Whatever happens, Big Sam simply must not make the same mistakes again and leave us short in key areas.

It’s going to be an interesting summer and transfer window. We’re watching Sam, we’re watching.