OPINION
The last day of the season can be a pretty dull affair.
With most matters already settled, and with many teams facing up to mid table obscurity and a summer of desperate wheelings and dealings, it can be a sun drenched day of sombre reflection for most sides – one last hurrah before stepping into the yawning abyss of the close season.
West Ham will certainly feel that way going into the final day. A dead rubber trip to Watford awaits, followed by a summer of rumours and whispers about incomings and outgoings.
Sunday’s outing to Vicarage Road doesn’t have to be a total bust, however.
Sometimes end of season clashes can be a good opportunity for experimentation. One step up from a friendly, they allow for a no pressure environment in which shapes can be altered and new talent blooded.
Manuel Pellegrini should seize that opportunity with both hands on Sunday.
One player in particular who deserves a nod is Nathan Holland.
The 20-year-old is still waiting on his first team debut after a season that has been hampered by injury.
He has made it onto bench for the Hammers, but if his performances for the reserves are anything to go by, he is more than ready to make that next step.
Why not unleash him against the Hornets? His directness and enthusiasm would be a welcome boost to a game that could easily meander, especially with hosts preparing for an FA Cup final next weekend.
If Holland can play a blinder to cap off a decent campaign, it could stand him in brilliant stead for next season.
