Opinion from the stands

West Ham must strip away deadwood

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Image for West Ham must strip away deadwood

OPINION

West Ham have the makings of a very good squad. This season in particular, they have recruited well, and genuinely look to have made decent progress under new manager Manuel Pellegrini.

Or at least they have sometimes. At other points they have been woeful, lacking in bite and character, and getting rolled over by sides who they really should be beating if they are to realise their European ambitions.

One of the main issues the Hammers have had this season has been a raft of injuries. Ordinarily this would be damaging to most teams, but more than anything, it has served to highlight just how poor some of their backup options really are.

Players like Arthur Masuaku, Angelo Ogbonna and Andy Carroll for instance, might have been fine options for a side content with mid table obscurity, but for a side who have spent as heavily as the Irons have, with one eye on the Europa League, they are worryingly inadequate cover.

The Hammers can recruit the Felipe Andersons and Jack Wilsheres of this world all they like, but the reality is that until they find a way to successfully increase their strength in depth, they are going to struggle to achieve their goals.

Clearly, Pellegrini requires time and backing to build a squad in his image, but if he is to ever take this West Ham side anywhere the club must bite the bullet and start stripping away the deadwood.

Lord knows there are enough candidates to be the first one out of the door.

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