West Ham’s Hammer of the Year

Despite the wind and the rain, smashing into our homes, the date on my calendar suggests spring will soon be upon us and we will be entering the culmination of the 2013/14 season. Whilst, the most important thing is remaining a Premier League side, it’s also the time to start thinking about who will get your vote for this year’s Hammer Of The Year.

A few months ago we would have found this list a lot more difficult, possibly having just one candidate to choose, and that being down to the best of a slightly bad bunch. Now however, it’s a decision for the fans, which though not easy, is at least a more enjoyable task to undertake, but who will be the chosen one for 2014.

First choice HAS to be Adrian. Our huge Spanish goalkeeper has cemented himself as a big fan favourite. A commanding presence between the posts, and organising his back four in front of him, Adrian was used as an alternative to Jussi Jaaskelainen, a goalkeeper who was still performing consistently for us. After the debacles against Nottingham Forest and Manchester City, where media and pundits alike were hyper critical, he showed good mental toughness to bounce back and his performances in recent weeks haven’t let Sam down or the fans down.

James Collins comes next. A glut of recent hardman and non-surrendering performances from the Ginger Pele, have pushed him to the forefront of the survival campaign. Whilst his early season was unspectacular at best (an easy opportunity against Southampton missed plus a dreadful performance v Norwich City) his recent performances since returning have been strong and battling, seemingly giving 100% in every game. Thrown in an important goal against Norwich into the mix and Ginge has been an important cog in the West Ham machine.

Stewart Downing is my third choice. One of the few bright lights in a dark first few months of the season, Downing has worked consistently and tirelessly in every game for West Ham since signing in the summer. A joke player for many print journalists, the lung-busting runs and 100% efforts haven’t gone unnoticed by many of the faithful, and Downing has been our most consistent performer throughout the season.

Finally, I have to go for Carlton Cole. Carlton came back when we were in desperate need for a striker, despite being called surplus for requirements at the end of the prior season. Cole has come in and performed where Modibo Maiga and Mladen Petric couldn’t, given it his all and despite having the grace of a drunk Bambi on ice juggling chainsaws, scores goals and wears the shirt with pride. He has come back, when he didn’t have to, and tried his heart out. Something not to be ignored, and that is definitely appreciated by us the fans.

So there are the options, in my mind, for Hammer Of The Year. A few months back we’d have been clamouring for Ravel Morrison to get the award, yet in recent months he hasn’t proved himself to be living up to his early season promise.

Adrian gets my vote, but who gets yours?