Snodgrass Set Back

Those West Ham fans hoping Scottish International Robert Snodgrass was about to be shipped out to Aston Villa will be severely disappointed that Villa chairman Dr Tony Xia has distanced the club from any move for the 29 year old Hammers signed from Hull for an astonishing £10.2 Million during the January transfer window as a 'replacement' for Dimitri Payet! This was alice in wonderland thinking that has manifested itself in a player who was a big fish in a small pond but who has found himself completely out of his depth and consequently bereft of any of the confidence and swagger he once showed for now relegated Hull City.

The problem West Ham have with Snodgrass is that he is on big money, £75-80,000 per week, and is on a long contract, so who would realistically want him with Villa out of the running? Leeds have been mentioned but the attacking mid-fielder's wages would be more than an issue, similarly Norwich and Ipswich have been mentioned but a cut price deal with a wages subsidy might be the only option for a Championship side move, the only Premier League suitors are Brighton who may well toss the amiable Scott a lifeline having just lost their attacking midfielder to injury during the pre-season friendlies.

There are those who would feel that this site has an agenda against Robert Snodgrass, we expected great things from him having seen at first hand how good he was for Hull on their visit to The London Stadium where they completely outplayed the home team, only the post, which was credited as West Ham's best player prevented a deserved away victory! Unfortunately 'Snoddy' has been as poor for West Ham as was great for Hull, his time in London has been marked with a litany of dreadful performances that make him look a shadow of the player he once was, quite how such a massive transition could occur is bewildering, but a move would most definitely be beneficial for all concerned. A fresh start for the player and FFP wages back on board hopefully. The club will have to take a considerable financial hit, but the situation clearly shows that there are few bargains a to be had during the 'panic' January transfer window.

Recruitment wise the board are clearly determined to avoid last season's catastrophe, and have acted quickly and spent proportionately, big bids put in but actual intent! - Ed