West Ham Banter Archive November 14 2013

 

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14 Nov 2013 14:29:10
Ok so a few weeks back when we beat the spuds at sh*te hart lane, the 4-6-0 worked a treat. Now its becoming apparent that it was a matter of fluke as well as it actually paying off for 1 or arguabley 2 of the goals.

So why has, after dropping points for the past 3 matches playing the same formation, not led to us going back to playing a striker, or even two for that matter? (Ok yes we have no proven strikers)

Surely there is nothing to lose by calling up Elliot Lee (before sending him deep into Essex) or someone such as Blair Turgott to at least test the water? All the youngsters seem to be doing all they can at their level, why not give it a go?

Another point, why has Diame been left out of the last couple of starting lineups? He is probably for me one of the more important players on the pitch and on his day, can really tear the opposition apart!

If I was BS I would call up a young striker to start with Petric, play Noble and Diame in the middle with Morrison and Downing on the left and right. The usual back 4, most probably Rat on the left as he likes to push up.

This leaves a nice bench of Jarvis, Nolan, Collison, etc

Ok even if you tweak my preference slightly, its still near the same point. We need to play attacking football in order to win games, our current tactics clearly do not work more than once

Im very concerned about the Jan window also, so much revealed interest inviting other teams to swoop in on our targets. I think nicking Defoe back just to get a few more goals in and survive is the correct option. Then re-assess properly once the season is finished

Im scared that our top players like Winston, Ravel, Diame will want to be elsewhere if we don't perform in the second half of the season. They have all created interest from other PL sides already too : (

Never the less, COYI, please



Great post but the problem with that is that sam only wants to play with one big man up front so defoe don't fit the bill even though he would be great addition



West Ham’s striker crisis has been well documented so far this season, the lack of a cutting edge up front has led Sam Allardyce into playing without a recognised forward.

Allarydce and the board felt that two strikers would be enough for the season even though Andy Carroll was already on the injury list. Claims they tried their best is just not good enough and we are really feeling the effects of that gamble now.

When the news broke that Carroll’s lay off was going to be extended there was panic at the Boleyn ground, which led to the free signings of Mladen Petric and Carlton Cole.

To chase players with the ability of Romelu Lukaku and Fabio Quagliarella throughout the summer window and end up with Petric and the re-signing of Cole was a huge let down.

At the moment it seems that both signing are indeed just a waste of time, the former Fulham striker is currently out injured and what we have seen of our beloved Cole has not been great.

To have signed these forwards and then to play six in midfield with no focal point just shows that Allardyce has no faith in the new signings, or Maiga.

Will they play any part in our season? I am not sure at all, I can see all three getting released or sold in the January transfer window to open up wages for a loan signing or two!

With not one goal from a striker this season its worrying times for West Ham, Cole and Petric seem to be pointless signing. I hope they can get a run of games and score a few goals but I am not optimistic of that happening.

What do fellow Hammers fans think of the free signings? Surely needs addressing? Can either provide the goals to move up the table?



14 Nov 2013 08:44:02
West Ham have not had the best of starts to a Premier league campaign. Just one win this season separates them from the bottom three by virtual goal difference. Looking at the squad, the players West Ham accumulate does not reflect their League position. However, this is football and reality is, anything can happen in the best league in the world. Many pundits believe the Hammers will be a top flight team next season, however, how many predicted Newcastle United would be relegated three years ago? So what is to blame for West Ham's poor start to the season?

Some players have produced displays that the Hammers faithful do not deserve to see. Summer recruit, Stewart Downing has produced inconsistency throughout his short tenure. Downing said he joined West Ham to increase his chances of going to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with England. However, I don't think Roy Hodgson is in a hurry for Downing's passport. James Collins has also been lack lustre this season. Despite his outstanding services to the Upton Park outfit throughout the years, his clumsy challenges have cost vital points. Captain, Kevin Nolan is the most overrated player in the league, as his age is catching up with legs, with shocking performances this season. Matt Jarvis has also failed to deliver, despite his calibre of a player.

Some performances have been good, but with no goals in the bag, Mladen Petric and Carlton Cole is not the answer There has been displays that have been embarrassing. The home defeat to Stoke City proved the Hammers underestimated the opposition, against Manchester City, West Ham respected them too much, and Norwich City, the second half was one to forget. The 4-6-0 formation is not helping either. Yes, it worked brilliantly away at Tottenham Hotspur, but teams have cottoned on, and know how to play against it. Southampton have proved sacking managers unfairly is not all doom and gloom. Nigel Adkins was a hero at St. Mary's, however, when he was replaced with the unknown, Mauricio Pochettino, faces dropped. Now up to 3rd, and two of Pochettino's Saints, Jay Rodriguez and Adama Lallana receiving their first call-ups to the England squad, no one is complaining on the South Coast.

If Allardyce does get the boot, who is available to replace him and reignite West Ham's season? Hammers legend and fans favourite, Paolo Di Canio, is the obvious choice. Everyone at the Boleyn Ground would want him back where he belongs. Despite, the extravagant Italian's deminer and failures at Sunderland, surely he be entertaining for West Ham. Another option could be former Hammer and Cardiff City gaffer, Malkay Mackay. Rumours of unrest with the Cardiff City board after the sacking Ian Moody, the Scotsman has been linked with a move away ever since. Nevertheless, with very little money at West Ham, the Hammers would have to pay a vast amount of compensation for his services, but is he worth the money?



I like a lot of what you posted,
and as you finished of post you mentioned money.
would I like to see the back of sam,, yes
but I think that would have to wait until the summer due to lack of funds and we may have to pay compo for any future manager for me i'd no to pdc as manager no people skills I've read far to many reports of him falling out with his players.
di matteo and pdc as assistant maybe in the summer but they would need money to make changes which is not available at the moment.
i think once we get that quality 2nd striker we will be ok we won't finish high up the table.
sams statement the other day said it all for me in regards to cole and petric,
petric was released by the team underneath us' he said I want to have a look at them before we step back in to the transfer market.
how long was cole at west ham sam.
we only need 1 decent striker in jan
for me it would be carroll ba petric lee/turgot.
cole maiga taylor out in jan those 3 should cover ba, s wages plus i'd like to see diame reid and ravel tied down to long term contracts before the summer