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West Ham’s exciting transfer window means no place for this Hammers hero?

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Mark NobleI think I speak for a lot of West Ham fans when I say what a magnificent summer transfer window the Hammers enjoyed with nine new arrivals bolstering the Hammers squad.

Sam Allardyce may well divide opinion amongst the claret and blue faithful but you’d have to be very naïve not to congratulate Sam Allardyce on the role he has played in attracting some big names to the Boleyn Ground.

None bigger than former Arsenal midfield maestro Alex Song, as the Hammers secured a deal with Barcelona to secure the Cameroonian on a season long loan deal.

His arrival further strengthens the midfield, in what is now the best midfield I have seen in my lifetime. The strength in depth means it is often hard to pick your best side.

If you talk to any manager or player, they will tell you how crucial competition for places is at a club and alongside fellow new signings Diego Poyet and Cheikhou Kouyate and Hammers stalwart Mark Noble, the middle of the park looks strong this season.

For the first time in a long time there is no guaranteed place in the side for Mark Noble, which can only be a good thing, it means he will now have to perform consistently at a high standard.

If I’m honest Noble for all his hard work and skill level he just doesn’t fit in my side, and I know that will alienate a lot of the Hammers fans. A midfield trio of Mauro Zarate, Alex Song and Cheikhou Kouyate looks formidable and good enough for any top seven side.

The Hammers also strengthened in the full back department with new arrival Aaron Cresswell already shining in the left back slot. The left back slot was always a weakness for the Irons last season, with Joey O’Brien and Pablo Armero filling in at left back last season. Cresswell has come in and shone since his arrival from Ipswich, and is another solid acquisition by Sam Allardyce.

Although we haven’t seen Carl Jenkinson yet, he comes with a big reputation from Arsenal and already has received an international call at the age of 22. There is no doubt in my mind that Jenkinson will be yet another strong signing by Allardyce and his scouting team.

Last but certainly not least, the striker department; it was clear for anyone with half a footballing brain to see that the Hammers were woefully short up front last season. David Gold and Sullivan alongside manager Allardyce have secured two new shining strikers. Diafra Sakho, who joined from FC Metz with a reputation of goalscoring with 40 goals in two seasons in French League and has already scored for the Irons in the Capital One Cup clash against Sheffield United.

Ironically it was the first striker who joined that caused the most excitement, Enner Valencia who impressed in Brazil for his native Ecuador in the 2014 World Cup scoring all of his countries goals. The Hammers fought off a number of clubs around the globe for his signature and whilst he may not have set the world alight yet, he has shown signs that he could cause Premier League defences a problem or two. He has pace to burn and a hard working attitude that is always nice to see.

All this is without mentioning young Diego Poyet, Morgan Amalfitano, Cheikhou Kouyate and Mauro Zarate the strength in this squad is ridiculous and I for one am excited to see how this season pans out. If we can perform like we did against Palace near enough every week we will be a force to reckon with.

Come on you Irons!

Tweet me @Bowdenwhu

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9 comments

  • Dave says:

    Fantastic article spot on in total agreement, imo Diego Poyet is a far better player than mark noble and I really believe that marks West ham days are numbered will be a good squad player but nothing more, many fans think he was our best player last year but we have signed nine players all better than any other player we had last season looking forward to an exciting season ahead.. COYI…

  • Bucks says:

    In Nobles defence we haven’t seen anything of Song yet and i personally don’t believe he will display enough consistency and fight if we end up in the trenches in the later half of the season. You mentioned the palace game and Zarate aside Mark was a monster. Poyet has looked sheer class so far with superb ball retention and Kouyate has impressed everyone with real intelligent play and box to box energy. The competition is a great headache to have considering Southampton played us of the park on our own patch. With Nolan out we will see a better Noble as hopefully with only his own body weight to carry he will let off.

  • hammersmith says:

    I’ve always thought how much better Nobes will be with better players around him, we’ve already seen him link well with Zarate, let’s be honest, he’s had some real mugs around him for far too long. Haven’t you ever wondered how good he could be in one of the top teams. Competition for places is great, I reckon Mr Noble will rise to the challenge, can’t wait for our season to get going.

    Comeonyouirons………

  • Tony Hammer says:

    Totally agree about Noble. Was having the same discussion with a fellow Hammer last night and we both agreed that it should be Song (when match fit) and Kouyate in front of our back four

  • steve howard says:

    He may well have to rotate this season due to the strength and depth of our midfield but Nobles presence in the dressing room could be pivotal in helping the new players settle and certainly in hard times. Lets start with a good performance at Hull. COYI

    • rivieralet says:

      Hi Steve…. at last a fellow supporter who understands that loyalty and talent are 2 different things .

  • rivieralet says:

    Wonderful article . My head aches having hit my head against a brick wall while fellow supporters mistake loyalty for talent . Noble is a hard working workhorse but has little talent . He is slow beyond belief , gives away fouls , cannot make the killer pass and wastes free kicks and corners . Dressing room presence fine as long as he is an used substitute . Time to move on with new , young and exciting talent . Good bye Noble .. Thanks but your time is up !!

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