Moyes Has To Make 'Painful' Decision

Without a pot to proverbially fill, David Moyes embarks on his January transfer window with some amount of trepidation, he knows he has to sell to buy, his problem is who to sell, and equally as important, who would want to buy them? There are a number of players whose contracts expire at the end of the season, thus rendering them financially valueless once the window has closed, the club has to either extend their contracts or sell them on while their sales can still generate funds, albeit in a limited capacity.

Lukasz Fabianski, Fabian Balbuena, Mark Noble and Robert Snodgrass are all those moving in to the final stage of their contracts which will expire in June, Fabianski and Balbuena are 'nailed on' for renewals as they are both performing well and playing regularly for the first team. Noble and Snodgrass are in a different category, Noble will more than likely NOT have his current contract renewed, any offer would be to become a member of the back room staff, an offer he would probably gladly accept even if he takes a 'gap year' to be with his family, the thought of 'Marky' plying his trade at a different club is unimaginable!

This leaves us Robert Snodgrass, a player who has earned the right to play having established himself as solid and reliable. Having been sent out on loan during his early time with the club, 'Snoddy' returned and fought his way back in to the first team and was one of Moyes' 'golden boys' during his first tenure as manager.

Despite being more than capable, Snoddy has found himself at the back of a very long first team queue, his opportunities having dried up due to the presence of Jarrod Bowen, Tomas Soucek and the re-emergence of Manu Lanzini among others.

Apparently Big Sam wants the 33 year old Scot to join him for West Brom's relegation fight, it is a challenge that the player would relish, because despite being very fond of West Ham and being incredibly popular at the club he is after all a footballer approaching the end of his career, and as such needs to play every minute he can for his own well being.

No one could possibly begrudge Robert Snodgrass a move that would ensure him game time in the Barclays Premier League, even if it is only for the rest of this season. West Ham could receive a 'decent' fee of around £2 Million for a player who can leave for free in six months, and the player himself would be able to do what he likes best, play football!

If Snoddy does move on during this window, everyone will wish him well, as he has been a good servant to the club. Best of luck Snoddy - Ed