It would be the first time in years that West Ham fans have felt so positive about a manager’s arrival, and all fans can see the vision Graham Potter is trying to get at and provide to the players as well as fans.
I’d predict that when the hiring opportunity for Potter came along, it was probably something along the lines of “You’ll have minimal money because Looney Lop spent it all in the summer, and your only goal this season is to keep us up… fancy joining?”. Remarkably, he said yes.
Since he joined, we’ve managed to find identity and some character which we can build up on, he’s attending the youth games and speaking very highly of people well respected and well-liked in the club, such as Mark Noble.
He’s also reportedly worked closely with Mark Noble when it comes to the youth, identifying who is and isn’t ready for the starting squad and who should go out on loan or comeback.
He’s ticked all the boxes so far, Potter, but unfortunately for him, he’s had total rotten luck when it comes to injuries.
West Ham now has the luxury of a 10-day break before the next match, which is at the Bowl against Brentford.
Throughout these 10 days, West Ham will see the return of Jean-Clair Todibo, Alvarez and Paqman. We’ll also see an integrated Evan Ferguson, who already appears to be happy at the club with his quotes insinuating that he’s looking to be here for longer than his loan suggests.
Along with a surprise Deadline Day return of James Ward-Prowse to the club due to West Ham and Nottingham Forest agreeing to terminate the remainder of his loan, which is the only way he was able to return to the club as the recall deadline had already passed.
Fulkrug and Antonio have already started to put eyes on a return with Big Micky about to start light training in Dubai next week, and it has been revealed that Nicholas Fulkrug’s return will be much sooner than expected after he was spotted in Dubai playing Football with the locals.
Our only major injury comes from Summerville, who was initially injured at Villa Park in the FA Cup with a suspected hamstring injury. The club confirmed that he had returned to training but picked up yet another injury, ultimately now leaving him out for eight weeks.
The injuries have been a huge setback for us; I’m surprised the curse hasn’t struck Uncle Ingy yet!
But even with all of these injuries we’ve had, which has forced Potters’ hand to play a bizarre team (four wingbacks). We’re still in the fight for our games and still putting out winning-worthy performances.
If we play like this from the start of next season and with a fit squad, who knows what level this squad could get to?
You, unfortunately, get the dismal feeling that if Dave & Others above decided to bring in Potter from the start, we well and truly could’ve been around the European spots now.
But it’s how things go in Football sometimes, swings and roundabouts.
But what it does do is bring excitement about what could come for next season and the potential possibilities.
Tim Steidten was released from his duties in the past few days, and if you choose to believe some of the stuff that was released, you could come to the conclusion that some of the corruption at the club has now been dissipated and hope has been reinstated through Potters appointment.
The future holds much excitement but it’ll be a long journey.
Sometimes the juice ain’t worth the squeeze, but in this instance, it is.
Comments
Love your optimism
Potter has got a long way to go to convert me. Well found out at Chelsea and his stint at Brighton does nothing to convince me we'll be nothing more than a mid table yawn like Curbishley
Grant/BFS/Twitch/Roeder/El Pel/Macari
Those more to your liking Deluded? or are you longing for the Days of Greenwood and Lyall to return? or Maybe Zola returning will give you a little boost?
You forgot Bilic
from that miserable list. Greenwood and Lyall, aah, those were the days. Even Arry, Bill and Pards gave us something to smile about
I too air on the side of
I too air on the side of caution ⚠️ don't think he got a single offer since his Chelsea exit ,maybe it's me, maybe I'm just a bit manic or something , you listing all those looser manedgers bikey didn't help,
I too air on the side of
I too air on the side of caution ⚠️ don't think he got a single offer since his Chelsea exit ,maybe it's me, maybe I'm just a bit manic or something , you listing all those looser manedgers didn't help,
Really Dave?
I have seen enough to know the style of football is getting a lot better. We are pressing not lazily sitting back, we are using width not passing side and back.
Curbs was allardyce in disguise. But that's in the past. Brighton was a success for Potter that is undisputed. Afterall he got the Chelsea job from it.
Sometimes managers don't fit a club either the timing, the set up or the need for instant success being different from club to club
He's younger, enthusiastic and adaptable. I think he'll give the club the lift it needs. Current morale is good despite our poor standing. That's because a lot can see where he's going.
Injuries may just help him Louis
The chance to look at players in a game not just training and as this season was the disaster we all suspected it would be under Loppy....So now Potter has a chance to look at the resources the club has assess the players and make plans for the summer as to who he wants and who can go and i have a sneaking suspicion that a certain man at the back as in Mav will certainly be one of many to go and Aguered will be retained as he will fit into the new style that Potter plays.
There's a reason uncle Ingy
There's a reason uncle Ingy never gets injured Louis, he's hardly ever on the pitch ,which is fine by me ,the whole concept of him playing for our club ,let alone the premieship is a joke.
Sorry Dave, Burkie, but the
Sorry Dave, Burkie, but the club has had such a lift from the cloud it was under. El tapas twatas and Ze German going was the best thing that could happen to the club. Midget Porn and the gang aren't going anywhere soon. So the decision to hire Potter is fast evidently becoming a master stroke.
In the short space of time he has been here. He has reviewed the youth availability. Implemented the if you're good enough, then you're old enough policy. Promoted youth, brought back a senior midfielder. Who will thrive under Potters system on field.
Got the dressing room back and built the positivity in it. Alvarez, Kudus, Pacqueta, Todibo, Emerson and the rest are now playing with a smile on their face. Producing lung bursting displays on the field. The sense of urgency and purpose is back.
We now have a forward option. No wonder their is a buzz about the place. Players can see a clear identity, fans can see it too. Yes, there's not a lot to play for in terms of prizes. But the team can really build and leave the crap dealt by the Spanish Archer and his team of merry illegible broken English speaking twats behind....
yes agree
i am going to sit back and enjoy the ride, if it all goes tits up so be it, but at least we got a ride which we wouldn't if we stuck with Loopy.. !!!! up the hammers
West Ham is a club that
West Ham is a club that dosent operate as the likes of Liverpool,the two Manc clubs and others,we are a big club yet still are a small close run set up,perhaps not the right wording,hope you know what i mean,it stands out a mile with us whether it is a manager or players,some work some dont,so whether we set the world on fire or not,Potter is a good fit.