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Curtain Closing For Yarmo And Snoddy

nevillenixon's picture
Submitted by nevillenixon on Fri, 13/11/2020 - 10:38

Although Hammers squad is still 'sketchy' in some areas, in others there are an abundance of players, particularly wing players. Blessed with the services available of Authur Masuaku, Jarrod Bowen, Pablo Fornals, Manu Lanzini and new signing Said Benrahma, David Moyes is spoiled for choice, he can also call upon the services of Nathan Holland who has recently returned to full fitness from a serious hamstring injury sustained whist out on loan last season.

Moyes' proliferation of exciting and energetic young players unfortunately means that long serving Hammers Andriy Yarmolenko and Robert Snodgrass, both approaching the last year of their contracts, are surplus to requirements, and given that Yarmolenko receives a massive £115,000 per week, the Ukrainian International will probably be the first out of the door during the fast approaching January transfer window.

Snodgrass represents a slightly different conundrum, he has only made a brief cameo appearance in the Barclays Premier League this term and his opportunities of starting a match are probably zero to none, however he does possess a sweet left foot and a never say die spirit, and as such is a very useful back up player for David Moyes.

The issue with 'Snoddy' is that at his age he needs to be playing football as he approaches the twilight of his career, and whist retaining his services would not be fiscally punitive, the player himself might feel it is time to move on as he must know how limited his future game time at the London Stadium will be.

Having had a rocky start to his Hammers tenure culminating with him being sent out on loan to Aston Villa who were then in the Championship, on his return from his loan spell Snodgrass fought his way back in to the first team with a commitment and endeavour that was much appreciated by David Moyes during his first stint as Hammers manager.

At 33 years of age Snodgrass still has a few miles left on the clock but surely must be looking towards a possible return to his boyhood club Celtic, indeed there was a deal in the offing but David Moyes chose to retain his compatriot for at least the first part of the season, a decision that was made BEFORE the last minute arrival of Said Benrahma.

Andriy Yarmolenko has just turned 31 years of age, he has been at the London Stadium since the beginning of the 2018 season, unfortunately he has spent a considerable amount of his time recovering from a series of injuries, consequently he has only made 37 appearances for the club, scoring 7 goals in the process.

'Yarmo' is a player who can win a game with a stroke of his magic left foot, indeed it can be argued that without his goals, particularly the one that earned three points away to Chelsea, West Ham could have been relegated! He is not short of suitors and if a deal can be done it would suit all parties for the likeable Ukrainian to move on, he most definitely needs to play to ensure his place in the Ukraine national team.

Realistically, West Ham do not have sufficient resources to pay a player £115,000 per week to bench warm with the occasional cameo appearance, and while 'Yarmo' has been used in emergencies his ability justifies being in the starting line up of a good team, unfortunately his chances of game time at the London Stadium are diminishing by the minute.

Both Snoddy and Yarmo have never shirked a shift, and as such will be fondly remembered by fans, but it is time to move on now, it's not just this duo who are considering the future, captain Mark Noble is now finally in a position where he can relinquish his duties to the 'younger' charges available, not that he wants to retire just yet, but his contract does run out at the season's end and is unlikely to be renewed as such, however it is almost a given that he will return to the club in some form of a coaching capacity or other, although he might want to take some 'family' time out before launching in to the next phase of his career.

It is common knowledge that 'Nobs' very sensibly invested much of his earnings in various property portfolios and as such is set up very comfortably for the future, so any role he took at the club would be entirely of his own of his volition and not financially driven. We wish all of them the very best of luck as the curtain begins to close on their illustrious careers. - Ed

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andycarrollstyle's picture

Shame, like you say both very decent workhard players - financially makes sense to let them go but with Yarmos case specifically he could still come on as a sub and get you the winner

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24 users have voted.

I don't think we can afford to be too sentimental now. By hook or crook we are establishing a pretty useful squad which over the next few years under Moyes could be quite a force. If his plan of youth is adhered to we are on a winner. So the easing out of Yarmalenko, Snodgrass & even Noble is a must. For me I would lose Masuaku. Too much of a liability at the back & also consider moving on Lanzini. A replacement for the evergreen Fabianski is a must as Randolph is just a back up!

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19 users have voted.
nevillenixon's picture

Not so sure about Authur, but agree that a far better back up keeper is required, surely it is time to 'introduce' Trott to the match day squad instead.

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28 users have voted.

Its very hard not to show sentiment,especially where Nobes is concerned,his future is with us anyway,Yarmo has been good,but think Snoddy could still do a big turn for us more so,he is sharp and strong,with a wonderful left foot.

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28 users have voted.

Nobes will have a break & be back in a coaching capacity at least,hes part of the furniture!

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31 users have voted.

Nobes has always been Mr west ham for me and still is so when he decides to call it a day i wish him all the best and hope to see him back in a coaching capacity at west ham C.o.Y.I up the Hammers

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29 users have voted.
Dartford Bhoy's picture

With Scotland now qualifying for the Euro's I am sure he will want to be involved and will jump at the chance of first team football .... just a thought

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35 users have voted.
boogerscaravan's picture

A squad is a squad, is a squad. Never see the point in trimming for trimming sake. You never know what is round the corner. If we can afford to keep Yarmo. Then keep him, keep the others too. Evaluate things at the end of the season.............

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27 users have voted.

Has gone down with coronavirus,in its defence Covid said he hardly went near him!!

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35 users have voted.

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