Jan Window Will NOT Be Full Of Gifts

To continue with our recent festive stance, villains in Pantomimes are an absolute necessity so we thought we should take up that mantle by being the one's to say how FEW, if ANY, new players are going to arrive during the 'January Sales'. From reading fan sites and the press in general, it would be easy to assume there are new recruits ready and willing to spring to the club's aid as it struggles to hold on to the coat tails of the Champions League contenders.

The grim reality is that there are a host of clubs desperate to reinforce for differing reasons during the transfer window, some to reach for the stars, others to avoid the steps to oblivion that relegation brings. Fortunately Hammers fall in to the first category, for now!

Michail Antonio's absence through Covid for the Carabao Cup 1/4 final highlighted what was already an obvious issue for what is an incredibly under strength squad, a squad while paper thin that still has at least one player 'stealing a living' who won't be on the books much longer, namely Andriy Yarmolenko.

Over the last 12 Months Hammers have set about slashing their wage bill, liabilities like Jack Wilshere have been paid off, Winston Reid was also given a settlement to leave the club, a decision that is currently filled with regret given the losses of Ogbonna AND Zouma.

Everyone knows what the club needs, but what the club will get is still shrouded in mystery, the time for David Moyes to let his grasp on the purse strings is up, that is because there is now a handsomely paid head of recruitment, Rob Newman in place to concentrate SOLELY on bringing in players.

Moyes has done wonders since his 'second coming', but he needs to concentrate on matters on the pitch if Hammers are to cement their place among the elite clubs of the Premier league, but don't expect miracles in January. Look behind you! - Ed