West Ham United: Hammers happy with Grant’s signings
Avram Grant’s arrival at the Boleyn Ground wasn’t exactly greeted with fanfare – after all he is a former Chelsea boy and just experienced relegation with Portsmouth – but his early dealings in the transfer window have certainly won the backing of the West Ham fans.
So far the Hammers have signed former Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger on a free, tied up a deal for the exciting Mexican winger Pablo Barrera and Grant has been reunited with former Portsmouth striker Frederic Piquionne. They are three quality players, all with age on their side, and with the ability to get the fans up off their feet. No wonder West Ham season ticket holder Matthew Beeby is looking forward to the dawn of a new era at Upton Park.
“So far the signs look promising – none of the supposed stars have left and we’ve definitely added to what we’ve got. Der Hammer could be a great bit of business – and already in pre-season he’s looked sharp. He could be the best free signing ever. A midfield with him and Scott Parker is a solid base to build from. Barrera will hopefully give us some much needed flair and width in the final third. Piquionne is ok as a backup for Cole, or to throw on alongside Cole if we’re chasing the game, but I don’t think he should be in the starting XI.”
Last season the Hammers struggled to retain their Premier League status as injuries, poor form and pressure from the two Davids weighed down Gianfranco Zola. Thanks to former West Ham old boy Iain Dowie taking over at Hull City though, and Scott Parker’s determination to drive the Hammers forward, the Irons did just enough to keep their place at the top table.
Following that debacle Zola was, as expected, shown the door by David Gold and David Sullivan, who then revealed that the only player they wouldn’t be selling in the summer was their midfield dynamo Scott Parker. England internationals Robert Green, Matthew Upson and Carlton Cole were all linked with pastures new in the close season but, as of yet, nobody has left the East End. However, the rumours regarding former Chelsea striker Cole and Stoke City refuse to go away. The Potters have reportedly bid a club record £8 million for the 26-year-old and Matthew Beeby isn’t sure what he would do if he were in Grant’s position.
“Would I let him leave for £8 million? That’s a tough question. On form and fit, Cole can be unplayable. But when he’s having an off day, or when he’s struggling with injury, he might as well not be on the pitch. The question really is how fit he is – last season we desperately needed him so he kept being rushed back after injury and was never 100 per cent (like Torres at Liverpool). If he’s fully recovered over the summer then £8 million is nowhere near enough.”
West Ham have promised there will be more new signings before the transfer window closes and have been linked with a £13 million move for Nice striker Loic Remy. However, Roy Hodgson and Liverpool are also keeping tabs on the 23-year-old former Lyon man and could have a huge say in West Ham’s business either way. If the Hammers persuade Remy to join Liverpool could well turn their attention to Carlton Cole, with a figure of £12 million already being talked about. So who would the Hammers rather have up front, the tried and tested Cole or the exciting striking options of Remy? Will Grant be able to sign Remy and keep hold of Cole?
One thing that is for sure is that West Ham still need more new blood in their ranks for the new season and Matthew Beeby knows exactly what sort of players he would like to see arrive at the club.
“I’d really like to see us bring in a striker in the Bellamy mould – someone who scares defences with their pace and who knows where the net is. Maybe Remy is that player, although I don’t think we’ll get him. If Grant wants to play 4-3-3 then we need someone on the left of Barrera and Cole – because Boa Morte is nothing more than a squad player to bring on to wind up Lampard! I’d also like to see someone come in to challenge Faubert at right back – we can’t have another season with Spector as our back up.”
Although Grant’s signings have lifted the gloom around the club the expectancy levels of the fans for the current season remain the same.
“We’re still massively in a hole financially, so our first aim has to be to stay up,” said Matthew. “As with last season, anything after that is a bonus. We played some dreadful football last year – don’t believe the people who say Zola at least has us playing nice stuff, it’s not true – so it would be nice to actually enjoy watching us again. It would be nice if Grant could recreate last season’s cup run with us – it would be nice to be in the running for something other than relegation at the end of January.”
· Calling all West Ham fans. What do you think of West Ham’s transfer dealings so far? Would you sell Carlton Cole in order to bring Remy to the club? Who would you like to see leave the club? How confident are you for the season ahead? Whatever your view, I’d love to hear from you.
