Even before the 1-1 draw versus Blackburn Rovers, the cup looked half empty as opposed to half full. If only I could share Avram Grants’ optimism, yet hasn’t that been the case all season!?
I appreciate we are not mathematically relegated, yet with reference to our chairman’s quote that we have a 23 per cent chance of staying up, and this comment was made several weeks ago, I’m going with his prediction!With the knowledge coupled with the sadness that players such as Parker will now be now leaving, the man that embodied West Ham signed a new contract in January, and the player who should have been leading us out as captain in the Olympic stadium in a few years time. Reality has hit me!
The vultures were circling even prior to the away game at Manchester City. Good Old 'Arry using the media to register his interest in Scotty Parker, even suggesting the price would be cheaper given our impending doom, and then transfer rumours adding the cherry to the cake, suggesting Demba Ba would be joining him. A player who had only joined us in January 2011!!!
Scott Duxbury in his days at West Ham suggested that the days of selling our best players to Spurs were behind us, I wonder if Gold and Sullivan share these thoughts.
So on to the grand sale at West Ham. Parachute payments, and the wealth of the Chairmen will not be enough to save this squad. It’s enough to not want to pick up the paper – yet having lived through seeing Di Canio, Kanoute, Cole, Carrick, Johnson, Sinclair, Defoe, and James leaving, you could say we’ve been through worse!
We begin with the management team, and I suspect there will be a major clear out including Avram Grant, Paul Groves, and possibly Wally Downes. A number of managers have been linked to the job, and I’m at a loss to see who would take it.
I think Martin O’Neill is holding out for the Sunderland job, given Steve Bruce is not as popular as he was, and the fact O’Neill is a boyhood Sunderland fan. He would however, be my first choice to lead us back, yet doubt this appointment will happen.
Chris Hughton has been seen at games, and I think given costs he would be on Gold and Sullivan’s short list. Lambert at Norwich is just a pipe dream! West Ham legend, Paulo Di Canio has tweeted an interest!
Goalkeepers
Robert Green – will leave, he’s been a good servant to the club. Most West Ham fans recognise that he’s been a good 'keeper, saved many a penalty and been a great shot stopper. In Marek Stech and Ruud Boffin we have two 'keepers who should be more than capable for the Championship, and hopefully Stech will get the number one spot , yet his agent has hinted that Napoli are monitoring his situation closely!
Defence
At right back, a problem position for us, Jordan Spence’s contract ends. Newcastle and Aston Villa have expressed an interest, and I can only hope that he stays and get s the right back berth. He’s been a revelation at Bristol City on loan, and played well whilst also on loan at Scunthorpe. We have yet to see much of this player, yet his youth career was very impressive, having captained the England U-19s.
Julien Faubert's contract is ending, and given his falling out with the club will leave for France. Lars Jacobson also has his contract ending, and whilst he would like to stay I doubt the club will offer another contract.
Left Back – Our £100k-a-week loan signing Wayne Bridge will return to Manchester City, which will probably mean Illunga will get another chance at left back. It is a shame we sold Fabio Daprela last season, as I, along with others thought he would be one for the future.
Matthew Upson leaves on a free transfer and will probably negotiate one final pay day at Arsenal or Spurs. I feel his best years are behind him now, yet am sure a club will take him given his availability.
Danny Gabbidon never really recovered from his injury. In flashes he has shown he is still a good player, and has had to play in a number of uncharacteristic positions in the back four. Yet he has lost his pace, and contract ends, so expect him to leave for a team such as Stoke, WBA, or Birmingham. Rumours were that he was earning circa £50k a week!
The loss of two centre backs means the club will have to ignore any overtures for James Tomkins, who has been one of the highlights of the season. Manuel Da Costa, who is reportedly earning £25k a week, is also worth keeping.
Winston Reid has been linked to Chievo, yet I would expect him to stay and hopefully a season in the Championship will help him develop as player. The much heralded signing following his World Cup appearances for New Zealand, has struggled since joining West Ham. However, he is still young, and I believe that he will prove to be a good understudy to Tomkins and Da Costa.
There are other options in defence, such as Jordan Brown, Matthew Fry, and Eyjolfsson yet I suspect the new manager will look to get a veteran defender in, to provide some experience.
Midfield
In midfield we currently have an abundance of riches – I’ve already suggested Scott Parker will leave, and I believe Hitzlsperger will join him. Kieron Dyer's contract ends (£23m is the total amount that deal cost – according to the tabloids!), so a pay-as-you-play deal at another club beckons!
Hopefully, Mark Noble will stay, alongside Jack Collinson. Luis Boa Morte may be offered a one year contract, which I would welcome, as his experience may help. Barrera and Kovac would in my opinion join clubs abroad on loan.
Gary O’Neill’s injury looks to be career threatening, yet whatever the outcome, it is unlikely he will playing next season. That leaves the opportunity for Junior Stanislas, Freddie Sears (as a winger), Olly Lee, and George Moncur to try and find a place in the team. Blair Turgott, an England under-17 may also make some appearances.
Forwards
Robbie Keane will return to Spurs, and Victor Obinna will probably join Napoli. He has a list of clubs to choose from according to his agent. Carlton Cole will leave, and I expect him to join a club such as Stoke or a mid- table team, unless Arry thinks he can make a cheeky offer!?
Piquionne could possibly link up with Houllier at Aston Villa, yet he’s on big wages, and at his age, many clubs may be reluctant to sign him, so there’s a possibility he may stay. The big question on everyone’s lips is Demba Ba. His agent has stated that the player will leave if West Ham are relegated, yet would only want to move to another London club.
What I find amazing is the player has failed a number of club medicals, and the full extent of his deal at West Ham has never been revealed. As such, whilst I am sure a number of clubs will be interested, given the restricted audience, I think he may stay, and if he does his goals will be those that take us back up. In summary he is priceless, so will be interesting to watch developments over the summer.
Zavon Hines' contract is up for renewal, and I believe he will leave, whilst Frank Nouble will provide cover alongside Anthony Edgar and Cristian Montano. Dylan Tombides and Robert Hall may also be included.
If the manager has the luxury of signing a striker, my suggestion won’t be popular, yet I feel Jason Roberts can be acquired, and would score goals at this level.
So in summary, there looks to be a big clear out and unlikely many players will be brought in. I feel there are a number of good youngsters at the club who hopefully can step up to the plate. Clearly a lot will happen between now and the beginning of the new season, and these are only my views.
I want to be positive rather than negative. Lest we forget it is the players and the management that have failed to deliver this season. The fans have proven yet again that they are the club, and will be there through thick and thin!
Roll on the new season, C’mon you Irons!
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