The Train Leaving From Platform Stratford!

While most of the attention surrounding West Ham is on the much needed arrival of players since the departure of talisman Declan Rice, there is a growing acknowledgement that a 'train' of players may well depart ahead of the closing of the transfer window next week.

With only SEVEN DAYS to go Hammers recruitment drive is in full swing with D.O.F Tim Steiedten racking up his 'avios' in the private jet he currently uses to bring new signings on board. Fresh on the heels of James Ward-Prowse, Edson Alvarez and Konstantinos Mavropanos appears to be Mohammed Kudos.

However the signings don't stop there, with the club commited to finalising deals for another striker and a left back. One of the reasons a new left back is necessary is because utility defender Ben Johnson is more than likely going to join Flynn Downes at Southampton, also Aaron Cresswell wants to join Wolves which would leave only Emerson as left back.

Elsewhere Mikey Antonio or Danny Ings or BOTH players might be shipped out, with strong interest in Antonio from the Saudi Pro League and Ings being sought after by an unnamed Premier League club rumoured to be Luton Town.

The club could NOT stand in Antonio's way of one final big pay out as the wages on offer for the 34 year old would be ludicrous, Ings would be a different story because like many strikers before him he has failed to 'fit into' David Moyes' rigid counter attacking system, he just doesn't have the legs for what is required, in fact why he was ever signed is a mystery, Villa must have been clutching their four leaf clovers as 'Uncle Ingy' said his goodbyes!

It should be remembered how 'light' the squad was last season and looking at the Maths there is virtually NO difference in the numbers, however the quality has definitely 'cranked up' a level. Unfortunately the 'bedding' in of the new players, like last season, has to be done in the 'blood and thunder' of the Prem, whereas a few friendlies and a gradual introduction would have been far preferable.

Never the less, there ARE reasons to be cheerful, the average age of the squad WILL come down and hopefully a couple of the youngsters who HAVEN'T been loaned out will actually get some real game time, after all what is the point of having an Academy if all the best young players leave to join other clubs because they don't think they will have the opportunity or get a fair crack of the whip with the first team.

The train leaving Stratford will be delayed....it is the West Ham Way! - Ed