The Basildon born defender looks set for a move to South London side, Crystal Palace.
James Tomkins’ imminent departure will bring to an end a 20 year relationship with West Ham, as the versatile defender was signed to the club’s youth academy aged 7. The 6ft 3 inch centre back has accumulated 241 appearances for West Ham and his loyalty to his boyhood club is admirable. However, the 27 year old didn’t feature as much as he would have liked in the last season at Upton Park and is clearly not in Bilic’s future first team plans.
Crystal Palace look to have secured Tomkins’ signature for a fee rumoured around £10 million plus added on fees with various clauses. Whilst many fans will be sad to see a local lad leave the club in what will prove to be a significant first season at the Olympic Stadium, I think this deal suits both clubs.
Alan Pardew’s side will be signing a committed and versatile defender, capable of playing at right back. Whilst West Ham in turn will receive around £10 million which can go towards the club’s ongoing pursuit for a prolific goal scorer.
The 27 year old defender’s departure doesn’t necessarily mean the club need to go out and buy another centre back. Reece Burke had a fantastic season out on loan at Bradford and may well be given a chance as the fourth choice defender in cup competitions.
The talented Reece Oxford may also get a chance to develop and prosper at the club now that Tomkins looks set to leave, so I’m not concerned about defensive cover with the likes of Ogbonna, Reid, Collins and the exciting young players in the form of Burke and Oxford coming through.
I wish James Tomkins the best of luck playing at Crystal Palace and I hope he enjoys playing the first team football he deserves. Pardew obviously knows Tomkins from his spell in charge of West Ham and has identified him as a good footballer who will improve his defence. Tomkins had become in Bilic’s eyes the fourth choice defender and it makes sense for him to join Palace, where he’ll be valued as a crucial first team player.
James Tomkins like Mark Noble has been a mainstay at West Ham, a local lad, a fan favourite, a reliable defender. Whilst it is sad that Tomkins won’t be able to play at the Olympic Stadium as a West Ham player, he will be remembered as a versatile player, a loyal servant and someone who “hits who he wants” as the song goes!
The funds from this transfer will hopefully help West Ham purchase a proven and prolific striker but whoever comes into the club, whether it be a striker or a defender, Tomkins won’t be forgotten in East London.
