West Ham set for summer clear-out?

If this season has taught me one thing, it is that a real ‘clear-out’ amongst the playing staff at Upton Park is certainly overdue. Fair enough, it is easy to criticise certain members of the side after the painful season we just endured, but it cannot be denied that over the past few seasons it has become clear that a section of our current squad simply cannot cut it at Premier League level if we are looking to progress.

The departure of the ever-loyal Joe Cole this past week was a little tough to take, as the midfielder obviously cares enormously for the club and its supporters. Joe Cole has undoubtedly been a great servant to this club, coming through the youth system and enjoying two senior spells with us. However, it became apparent in this underwhelming second spell that the Englishman sadly does not cut it amongst England’s elite, which at 32 years of age is understandable. Cole will find it difficult to find another Premier League side and will more than likely, end up in the MLS similarly to David Beckham, Jermain Defoe, Tim Cahill and others – and I for one thank him, and wish him all the best.

In a strange way, I am pleased Cole has departed when he has, as I would not have liked to see him part of a potential exodus once the window officially opens. The past few seasons have shown us that sections of are squad are extremely average, and this must be addressed if we want to progress by the time we reach the Olympic Stadium:

Both full-back positions at West Ham are areas that have been particularly weak for years. I cannot remember the last full-back I have felt is capable of helping the club progress. The likes of Joey O’Brien and George McCartney highlight this perfectly; there’s no doubting that both of these players do their utmost and work extremely hard for the club when they are on the pitch but, put simply, I believe they must be replaced if we are to improve.

Sam Allardyce has faced much criticism for his style of play this season, and a couple of well-rounded, perhaps more ‘modern’ full backs would help give our side another dimension to its play. Despite this, the arrival of Pablo Armero who we all thought would do exactly that has been pretty much non-existent and clearly hasn’t done enough to persuade Big Sam to adapt for the greater good.

You look at the likes of Everton who have Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines marauding down the flanks, Southampton who have Luke Shaw and Nathaniel Clyne up and down the wings, and wonder why we can’t see similar full backs at the Boleyn Ground – both sides have benefited largely from getting their full backs involved in attacking play and have undoubtedly wreaked the rewards.

Similarly, I feel we have too many midfielders fighting for one or two places in the middle of the park, and despite hitting decent form in the latter part of this season, Matt Taylor needs to go. Many people will say ‘but he’s had a great season!’ and I’m well aware of that, I have always been one of the first to praise Matt, whose work rate has been second to none during his extended spell in the side. Despite this, if we are asking ourselves whether the 32 year-old Taylor is a Premier League midfielder, which we are, then the answer is a definite ‘no’.

Although it has been a rarity this past season, Mohamed Diame’s appearances in central midfield have undoubtedly been his most impressive, and Taylor is never going to keep Mark Noble out of the side. With Jack Collison returning from his loan at Wigan Athletic in the coming weeks, alongside the fact we will probably sign another centre-midfielder in the summer, Taylor, I fear, will be surplus to requirements in E13 and will most probably move on once the window opens.

Finally, another loyal servant, Carlton Cole, I sadly believe must move on in the summer if we are to progress. Having been re-signed after failing to initially agree a new contract, it was evident that we were clutching at straws when the Englishman re-signed with the club.

Cole is never going to set the world alight, and I am sure nobody is claiming so, and it seemed as if the owners simply recalled him as we were unable to attract anyone of a higher quality to play second fiddle to Andy Carroll week in, week out. Despite having another year left on his contract, I would not be surprised if the board put all their efforts into signing another striker for next season, which would undoubtedly leave Carlton well down the pecking order at Upton Park. I’m aware that Cole was our second highest goalscorer this season, netting six times, but had it not been for a largely woeful campaign in terms of goals scored, I am sure that accolade would seem a lot less impressive than it does now.

The summer window does not open until July, and despite talks of a May 23^rd ‘D-day’ for boss Sam Allardyce, I’m sure the manager’s plans for next year, and thoughts on potential outgoings and incomings started a long while ago. These are the heads I believe must depart if we are to progress as a club – let me know if you agree or disagree, and who else you would not be too displeased seeing leave the Boleyn Ground before the new season commences.