Latest

End of the road for West Ham academy graduate

|
Image for End of the road for West Ham academy graduate

Jack CollisonTransfer rumours for incoming players are ever-present, certainly for West Ham. The same players will reappear in hundreds of “breaking news” stories. Rumours of players leaving are always lesser than incomings for West Ham, sometimes appearing hard to shift our “deadwood”.

The latest rumour was concerning one of West Ham’s academy graduates – Jack Collison. The 25-year-old Welsh international midfielder has had mixed fortunes under Sam Allardyce. Earlier this season Jack was loaned out to AFC Bournemouth on a one-month loan deal, he went on to make four appearances before returning to West Ham. It was rather odd that on his return, Jack was immediately placed onto the West Ham bench versus Burnley in the Capital One Cup after seemingly been placed under a “not needed” club status by Sam Allardyce. He went on to score in the dying minutes from the penalty spot, securing a 2-0 victory. In total, the Welshman has started just six times in the Premier League this season.

During West Ham’s 2011/12 season in the Championship, Collison had his most successful season for West Ham, scoring four times and assisting a further three. Perhaps showing the level at which he can thrive in. Another opportunity has arisen for Jack to go back to the Championship, as the rumour rang true as Wigan Athletic confirmed the loan deal of Jack. He is now eligible to play at Wembley next month as Wigan take on Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final. Wigan boss Uwe Rosler wants to continue their promotion push after a successful run through February and March.

As sad as it can be for a academy graduate to not make the grade, I personally think Jack Collison’s time at West Ham should come to an end. He has something to offer to a side outside of the Premier League and is most definitely lacking the quality needed to excel in the top flight of English football. Jack is by no means a bad player and will certainly offer Wigan a boost in their attempt of gaining promotion. At 25-years-old, a player is either going to be showing their potential or already  have reached it.

I’d like to see Jack Collison taken off the wage bill permanently – and his destination will inevitably be The Championship in my opinion. I would keep an eye out for him and would like to see him excel, but he’s no Mark Noble, and there’s plenty better options on the market if necessary.

Share this article

4 comments

  • jaybs says:

    I do not see the part Jack Collison has played at West Ham as bad as you seem to, I just see it another erosion of what is West Ham, rightly at this stage Joe Cole will move on, I’m disappointed to hear that Dan Potts may suffer the same end to his career at our club, how many other players will be left with roots at the club, will Sam only be happy once he rids himself of Mark Noble? I dread when he does leave the position he will leave us in, he definitely seems to have problems with young and home grown players!

  • Spence55 says:

    How is a player of any age or quality able to show what they can or cant do if they don’t get matches. Here is a full regular welsh international who has been given the Allardyce silent treatment, and who SHOULD have been in the side when the awful Taylor Diame and Nolan were getting underserved games during the clubs terrible run. At 25 the lad needs to play, and I hope that under Rosler he will get the chance to get his confidence back and return all the better for it.

  • The Cat says:

    As sad as I feel & as much as it tugs at the heart strings, everyone connected with West Ham “should” understand why Jack’s time at West Ham looks to be coming to an end. Sentiment doesn’t make managers or clubs and doesn’t appease supporters. Jack, despite his great potential, has never been able to overcome what was a horrific injury which credit to him he has made great strides in his recovery.
    BUT………….. I thought everyone associated with the club was aware that his fitness (knee) needs to be managed and he won’t be able to compete at the highest level consistantly. Some supporters will use this as an excuse to have a go at the manager, but thats life I guess?
    All the Best for the future Jack!

  • hammerthyme says:

    Its always sad to hear of a player of this calibre being edged towards the exit. For those questioning his ability, I ask you to compare his attributes with Diame, Diarra, Nolan who have all without doubt been poor this season.
    Only Diame I consider to be superior, and thats when he fancies it. At least with Jack we can guarantee his commitment (remember the Tottenham Hotspur game when he had just lost his father)
    This is less to do with injuries and form and more with him not being the bulk sam wants I suspect.

Comments are closed.