Forum | General Discussion

One of the negative aspects of a "I told you so situation" is that eventually no one emerges victoriously, the point can only be made a few times before it becomes boring itself. So with that in mind analysing the choices available to David Moyes for Thursday evening's crucial game in Spain is more a case of what can he do, as opposed to what will he do?

Passing the blame game Duchy of 'no new players in when there should have been' and moving swiftly on to the injury side, Moyes has to decide how much of a risk to take for the first leg of the Europa League Cup tie against Sevilla. With the return date only seven days away AND a tricky Premier League fixture against in form Aston Villa sandwiched between both fixtures, the Hammers manager is going to have to somehow balance the scales between risk and reward.

Realistically and without wanting to be negative, Hammers chances of qualifying for the Champions League through League position are dead and buried, the club are out of the FA Cup and therefore the best that can be hoped for is to qualify for the Europa League, but even that is going to be really difficult so progressing in this year's tournament represents the club's only chance of a Champions League place.

The problem of course is that putting everything into the Europa League games means a club with a micro USB sized squad, CANNOT then successfully finish high up their domestic league, AS IS THE CASE WITH WEST HAM!

DAMN, WE WERE TRYING TO AVOID THAT, now off the Caps and back to what can be done. Only Jarrod Bowen will know if he is fit enough to take part in the game, pumping him full off analgesics and anti inflammatories will probably get him through the game, but it can come at considerable cost because the player's natural ability to feel pain or it's potential are diminished, thus risking serious injury.

It is to be hoped that Moyes can keep his footing! Balance or fall over? - LN

In 2001 Frank Lampard moved across London from West Ham to Chelsea for megabucks at the beginning of the Roman Abramovich era, many were pleased to see him go due to constant claims of nepotism with regards to his ream selection by his Uncle 'arry Redknapp.

Lampard went on to be a huge success for club and country, becoming one of the Premier League's most successful midfielders for nearly a decade at the very top level, before retiring as a player having also played for Man City as well as Chelsea and West Ham.

Lampard then began his managerial career with Derby County in 2018, leading the club to the final of that season's Championship play-offs. He was appointed as Chelsea's head coach a year later, guiding them to fourth place and the FA Cup Final in his first season. However, after a poor run of results, Abramovich sacked Lampard in 2021, he was then appointed Everton manager in 2022.

Everton are really struggling and find themselves just above the relegation zone despite previous managers spending huge amounts of money for little or no return, they Do have a surprisingly good record against their opponents Tottingham in tonight's Premier League game, as the North London team have only won one of their last seven matches against Everton in all competitions.

Unfortunately the match will not be played on paper, so the stats mean nothing, but it would do David Moyes and West Ham a MASSIVE favour if Frank could lead the Hammers manager's old club to victory, however unlikely. Time to forget the 'Fat Frank' jibes and become closet Toffees for the night!

Go on Frank, do us a favour! - Ed

Jurgen Klopp is a past master at tapping up other team's players, his relentless and ultimately successful pursuit of Virgyl Van Dyke bears testimony to it. His process has already begun with regards to 'acquiring' Jarrod Bowen from West Ham, the Liverpool media machine has been swift to 'filter' comments from Klopp indirectly, as is the way for professional tapper uppers, regarding his opinion of the hammers front man.

Klopp's temerity was clearly shown as he 'gently' ruffled Bowen's hair as the former Hull City player was helped from the pitch having been on the receiving end of a tackle which if it had been 'carried out' on a Liverpool player would have resulted in a refereeing sanction, but of course because it was a West Ham player injured absolutely nothing happened.

We think David Moyes showed an awful lot of restraint as Bowen was virtually carried off, his desire to clop Klopp must have been overwhelming, a younger Moyes might have acted differently however having managed over 1000 games Moyes obviously didn't rise to the bait.

There is no point in crying over spilled milk and as such the only retribution the club can take on Liverpool is to ensure that a massive price tag is attached to Bowen for any suitors, especially Liverpool! It would be fair to say that Bowen WILL attract a lot of interest when the transfer window opens but Hammers hold all the aces and should do their upmost to retain his services, however football is a business and IF a huge offer comes in for Bowen the club might well explore a deal, however if that deal involves Liverpool then West Ham SHOULD double the price involved!

The club are within their rights to demand any price they wish and are financially secure enough now to reject offers that don't uit the club. Selling one of its star players to a competitor should only be countenanced if the offers are significant, but Hammers would do themselves and all the other 'smaller' clubs a great service by telling Klopp where to shove his offer.

Just an opinion of course, but one we believe that is shared by the widespread football community. - LN