Hammer Wants To Nail His Past!

Players arriving with a point to prove generally fall into two categories, those who were too young first time round and those who are too old on their return, fortunately new Hammers signing NiKola Vlašić falls into the former. Signed for big money on transfer deadline day, Vlašić is making all the right noises as he looks forward to linking up with David Moyes, the Irons manager showed great faith in the Croatian International by green lighting his transfer from CSK.

Romelu Lukaku will steal the headlines as the player returning to the Barclays Premier League with a point to prove, but his journey and that of Vlašić's are not to dissimilar, they were both in their teens when they arrived from Europe and both were 'bullied' by players well versed in the 'dark arts', especially as their experiences were before VAR. Both players have returned 'bulked up' and having acquired the nous required to deal with tough tackling players, also the ability to utilise situations presented to them by their strength to their distinct advantage.

Here's what the new signing relayed to the club via the Croatian training camp: “I’m so delighted, I’m really, really happy, I was a little bit scared because it’s the last day of the transfer window, but everything is alright now and it’s official. You know, for me, I’m usually a calm guy and I don’t think too much, but for the last two days it was hard for me to sleep! I’m really excited to be part of this process and what’s happening now in the Club.

“The team is really exciting. Even last year, I watched Premier League games and I was always watching when West Ham played because they played like we play, very exciting football with very exciting players who are fast with the ball and at the same time a very hard working team. I knew the manager from before and all the clubs he managed, and I really liked his teams and that was interesting for me. I didn’t have one doubt I wanted to join.”

“In my opinion the Premier League is the best in the world and of course I wanted a new challenge and I think it’s the right time,” he confirmed. “I’m 23 but I don’t feel like a young (inexperienced) player, I really feel like I’ve been playing football for many, many years, like I have because I started playing when I was 16. I think it’s the right time for me to step up and play in the Premier League for a great club like West Ham, so I think it will be amazing.

“I’m a much better player and my mentality is not the same as when I was 19. It’s four years since when I was in the Premier League and I really feel like I need to prove something to myself. It’s not that I didn’t feel I was good enough then, I think I was, it was just a problem with the changing of coaches and everything. The situation now is different. I am coming to a big club and they expect big things from me, and I also expect big things from myself, so I think it will be a really exciting time.”
“You can expect commitment, 100 per cent every day, straight professionalism, and I’m good with the ball, quick and I think I can link up very well with players. I’m also hard working and a player who can play in more than one position. When I spoke with the manager, it was a no-brainer for me and when he told me what he expects from me, that’s all I needed.”

You can expect commitment, 100 per cent every day

When was the last time a player stated that ahead of their arrival? Everything about Vlašić's statement was what fans had hoped for, a David Moyes signing , NOT a David Sullivan signing! Perhaps the penny has finally dropped that Moyes can use the funds available far more effectively than had been done by the co-owner with his penchant for deals provided via his network of old muckers. That approach of having a network of agents might have worked in the Championship and in the early days of the Sullivan ownership, but the low ball route has become extremely outdated and only shows the club up in a bad light.

Buying for the club and it's future, instead of buying in the here and now just to placate angry fans is a new ethos, one that is born out of Moyes's desire to build the LASTING tradition that the club deserves. For too long West Ham have been everybody's favourite losers, a club who produce the occasional brilliant player but sign absolute past it rejects from other clubs and players who are looking for one last pay day.

That all had to change, and now it is, players like Vlašić' and Zouma are a real step up from previous additions and will greatly enhance Moyes's options as he plans for a 'ferocious' season ahead. UEFA are just about to announce whether fans will be able to travel to games in Europe, if they do Hammers fans will be able to enjoy a European road trip for the first time in a generation, 'Button up buttercups', it's going to be a bumpy ride! - Ed