There are only 14 days left to acquire players, and I can't say I'm overly thrilled with the present status of our squad. We've lost Reo-Coker, Tevez,Benayoun, Mears, Konchesky,Carroll,and probably Harewood and Cole.Also Teddy's gone. We've got Wright, Bellamy, Faubert and Parker; Ashton coming back is like a new buy. But are we really that much stronger to compete with most of the other teams at our level? I suppose we can also say that Upson and Neill are almost starting fresh.And Noble seems to have improved a lot. Are Spector, Gabbidon, Ferdinand, McCarthy good enough? As for Etherington and Mullins, they may not last the transfer window. I just don't feel totally confident about our defence. We have to do better than last season in keeping goals out, and I'm nervous about it.
I wouldn't count Tevez out just yet. Even if he goes, that money could buy just about anyone. I just read that Sunderland snagged Kieran Richardson, who I thought would make a great buy for West Ham.
apparently stephen appiah (of ghana) is a target. fenerbache don't want to let him go but he is awol at their training camp at the moment. i read that somewhere today...he would be an interesting fit. i thought he played really well in the wc...him and essien were dominant in the middle of the park. i think he would do really, really well in them prem. hopefully we can swoop in and claim him without too much issue.
I think you've made a miscalculation with your dates, Leslie. There's plenty of time left and the signings we've made all seem to be very solid acquisitions to me. I'm looking forward to at least a couple more top quality players to come in (Appiah could be a good bet). My wishlist would include at least one more Striker, a left back, and a creative midfielder - wide or otherwise. It's going to be a long season again. As far as the rest of the back line goes, it's a hard one to call as we have several who can play centre back and do well there when they're on their game - Upson/Gabbs/Anton/Neill/Collins. I'm sure Curbs is asking himself the same thing mate. If our squad looks the way it does now with only 2 weeks to go then that would be a bit of a let down. Don't start worrying yet! I think Tevez is gone though.
I think we are OK for central defenders, as long as none of them leave before September. We have five and if we have an injury crisis again Spector can cover at CB if required. So potentially that's six central defenders at the moment. I am with northbankbar on what players we need. A good striker, a midfielder (I would be happy with Appiah) and we urgently need a left back. Perhaps some cover for the wingers as well now Yossi has gone. I think we could do alot worse than Kewell as he seems to be coming back well from injury. He scored for Australia the other night. As for Appiah the last I heard was that Schalke were supposedly tabling an offer for him. Haven't heard anything since.
I think the striker issue is ok, with tevez staying. The back always is an issue and I hope these kids could sort it out. The mid field is where oppertunities are. Benayoun being gone and NRC being goine, the midfield is kinda empty. solid runners needed to bring it up.
You're right, of course about the end date...sorry 'bout that! And I feel a bit better that there's more time to pick up the players AC needs. It's still a worry, tho', trying to figure out who else might be going or staying. I'm not a big fan of Davenport at central defence; I think he's on the slow side.I realize we won't get a John Terry, but there must be be a strong player available somewhere, I hope.
http://www.newhamrecorder.co.uk/content/west_ham_united/story.aspx?brand=RECOnline&category=Hammers&tBrand=RecOnline&tCategory=hammersnew&itemid=WeED18%20Jul%202007%2015%3A33%3A40%3A537 If the price quoted for Konch is right, we have not spent anything this summer. YB-5 million Reo Joker- 8.5 PK- 3.25 ???????? MH- 3.5 = 20.25 Parker-7 Bell-7.5 Faubert-6 =20.5 Well if you consider quarter of a million quid nothing . I feel like the squad has been improved and we have to remember Upson, Gabbs and Ashton are like new signings (about 15 million of new signings). I have to disagree about our defense I think that is our strongest section. A back-up left back is all I can see we need, I like McCarthy and think he has the talent to succeed. Another striker is a must but if Tevez is forced to stay untill January, we have plenty of time to find the right player, and a Midfielder to compete with the guys we already have. COME ON YOU IRONS!!!! On a side note..... Nice to see Dailly get a run out... http://westhamunited.rivals.net/default.asp?sid=899&p=2&stid=8451535
One thing that caught my eye in that first article was Carlton Cole being linked with a move to Fenerbache. This would get them talking to us and may open the door for Appiah to come to us, if he hasn't already gone. Last I heard Schalke were after him.
Wow. Is that true?? Because, I read that, Turkish club Besiktas are interest on Carlton Cole. They agreed with player... theyr talkin with West Ham officials... @ Appiah to EPL. but where... ? Arsenal or West Ham. Arsenal dont wanna pay money of what news press talking about. West Ham ready for it. It all dipends on appian and Fenerbahce.... I gues, Fenerbahce will let him go with $... but first, they have to find qualty replacment. @ speaking about Carlton Cole, Could you guys please give me a detail about him... Can he success in Besiktas? whats his strong side? and weak side? Thanks regards iwa
Once a top Chelsea prospect and England U-21 player that never broke into Chelsea's first team. Also never impressed in a series of loans. Was sold to West ham last year and scored a goal on his first touch in the first game. It went down hill from there and he pretty much did nothing in limited appearances. His strength is that he is 6'3" tall. His weakness is that he is pretty much shit.
What about this one????? http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=470889&in_page_id=1779&ct=5 Good player but a bit of a wanker. That is what I used to say about our little angel Bellemy though.
Probably just another rumour, but............ http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=363427
Oh god NO. Bellamy I can stomach but I really draw the line at this one. At this rate we'll be after Robbie Savage next