Who On Earth Would Want Roberto?

Maybe it is because it is Panto season, but for some reason there has been a media groundswell as to whether Roberto JIminez Gago will be at West Ham by the time the transfer window closes at the end of January. The Hapless Hammers '2nd' choice keeper has had an inordinate amount of criticism dumped on him for his 'terrible' stint between the sticks that saw the club go from being Champions League contenders, to being in the battle to avoid the Championship!

Why would anyone in their right mind want to sign Roberto? He was once a relatively decent keeper with a lot of experience, but prior to being signed by the Irons had not featured prominently in a first team role for some considerable time, and it showed in his nervy performances. The fact that '3rd' choice keeper David Martin, had to replace Roberto shows just how poorly he performed.

Ex-Millwall keeper Martin, son of West Ham legend Alvin Martin, was originally signed on a free transfer to provide 'robust' keeping against the main squad and the U-23's, his role was essentially to be 'canon fodder' for the strikers! Martin's debut in the 1-0 victory against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge couldn't have gone much better, however he was quickly brought down to earth by the 2-0 defeat to Burnley at Turf Moor, and the chastening 3-1 capitulation against fellow London strugglers Arsenal.

Things picked up well for the visit to St Mary's, and the well earned 1-0 victory over Southampton, however we are talking about West Ham United here! So it was rather inevitable that right near the end of the match David Martin should pick up almost the identical injury to that which has seen '1st' choice keeper Lukasz Fabianski out of action for four months!

It could only happen to the Hammers couldn't it? Fortunately there is a optimism that Fabianski will be fit enough to start the Boxing day match away to Palace, if not the club have the option of using U-23 keeper Joseph Anang for this London derby. The club also have the right to recall Nathan Trott from his loan spell at AFC Wimbledon if Fabianski 'breaks down' or needs more recovery time.

But Roberto? There is no way fans will tolerate the 33 year old Spaniard being in the starting line up, such is the loss of belief in him that Pellegrini and his staff have distanced themselves from him, sighting the fact that he was given a 'very decent' run of games to prove his worth, and his worth is..........nothing.

As they say, there is always a bum for every seat, but what kind of arsehole would want Roberto? - Ed