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They've Only Gone And Got 'Les' Dawson!

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Submitted by nevillenixon on Mon, 12/10/2020 - 19:44

If you believe in omens, then Hammers acquisition of 'Les' Dawson on loan from relegated Watford will have you more than a little worried, having previously been relegated with West Brom, and then been relegated with Watford, it appears the 30 year old defender is going for a triumvirate of teams that have names beginning with 'W's to drop down a division with.

Hammers have signed Dawson on loan for the rest of the season, with an option to buy?David Moyes tried to bring in a central defender before the international transfer window closed on the 5th of October, but his efforts to sign Burnley's James Tarkowski failed and Chelsea's Fikayo Tomori turned down a loan deal with just an hour to spare.

"It's no secret that we have been trying to add more quality to the squad in defensive positions, not only for the longer-term but also to ensure we are well protected right now," said Moyes. "The opportunity to bring in 'Les' on loan was an addition that will make the group stronger through this period."

'Les' Dawson made what must have been a tongue in cheek remark when he said "I can't wait to get started and 'SHARE MY EXPERIENCE'. We've got a lot of experienced lads here anyway and to be joining this group of players is an exciting prospect, so I can't wait. It's a talented group and I can add competition to that backline, so hopefully I can slot straight in with the lads and help them improve their game as well."

Well, that's one additional lame duck added at no extra cost other than his wages, who else we wonder? We joked about it before but perhaps Moyes IS trying to link him up with his old mucker Danny Wellbeck! People in positions of influence at West Ham should not forget the 'catastrophic effect' transfer 'news' like this has on younger fans, fans who will have to face up to being 'ribbed' relentlessly by their school pals tomorrow. Ed

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Same Old Porkies-Benrahma And King Deals Off?

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Submitted by nevillenixon on Mon, 12/10/2020 - 19:23

The expression 'you couldn't make it up' springs to mind when trying to summarise West Ham United's desperate and disparate transfer activity during stage two of the transfer window, the opportunity to 'trade' between Barclays Premier League and Championship clubs lasts until Friday, of course players who are free agents can sign any time they like so long as there is available space in a club's declared squad.

The other expression of 'too good to be true' also tends to sum up the 'will he, won't he' on off activity of various West Ham transfer targets and the clubs they currently play for. The latest deal to hit the rocks is the one for Brentford's Said Benrahma, 'apparently' the player is mighty miffed with his club and despite a deal supposedly having been agreed is unwilling to discuss a move! Smells fishy, as does the 'Bournemouth 'angry' with Hammers 'tapping up Josh King' reason for that particular transfer 'stalling'.

Come on, this is an absolute con, spin, smoke and mirrors call it what you will, eventually all the 'exotic' goods will have been taken and the dear old Irons will end up with dross like 'Les' Dawson and his thuggish side kick Troy Deaney from relegated Watford FC, you can just imagine the Hornet's hierarchy holding their breath as they wait, to use Deaney's vernacular, to 'mug off' West Ham by sending two of their higher earners off to the smoke, they are just annoyed that they couldn't have dumped Danny Wellbeck with David Moyes as well.

Unfortunately most Hammers fans know exactly how things are about to pan out, the press release will be something along the lines of " David Moyes identified certain players he wanted, and we did our very best to accommodate his wishes, sadly we were unable to complete the deals we wanted within the time frame available". Essentially Josh King was the first 'striker target', which is a bit baffling because it was the defence and midfield that was suppose to be of the greatest concern to David Moyes, so what has happened to alter his opinion?

As we have covered in previous articles, Fabian Bulbuena has stepped right up to the plate, which means the need for a 'Tarkowski' dissipated, but there is still a need for strengthening the full back situation as well as getting in a 'reserve' central midfielder. All the talk of hiring the 'Algerian Messi' or Josh King for that matter, is exactly that, 'talk'. The problem is fans are so used to the owners crying Wolf that they will end up not giving them any credit even if they do end up doing something good, and to most fans that would be to sell up! - Ed

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Comic Irons To Sign 'Les' Dawson?

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Submitted by nevillenixon on Mon, 12/10/2020 - 11:55

Forget James Tarkowski, Duje Caleta-Car and Wesley Fofana, the Hammers 'Comedy Show' are pleased to announce the impending arrival of none other than Watford's unwanted opening act, 'Les' Dawson! Now we know Panto season is just around the corner, and this year in particular it will be extremely difficult to put on a good show, however the Hammers hierarchy have searched long and hard for a 'fitting' centre back and are consequently looking forward to welcoming the 30 year old 'young at heart'.

The fact that 'Les' has already experienced relegation with Watford and West Brom was of great importance as it is felt that he will be able to guide others with what NOT to do! Now this might seem like a disingenuous welcome to a new player, for which we apologise, however "les' doesn't exactly fit in to Moyes' young and hungry template does he? Of course since embarking on the Tarka' pursuit things HAVE changed a little, Fabian Balbuena who had been completely frozen out by his manager has by fate and coincidence been able to put himself back in the frame, in fact some would say his recent performances have been on a par to Angelo Ogbonna's.

It's easy to 'throw arrows' at the unholy trinity, but in a way the move for 'Les' does make some sense, he would obviously not feature in the starting eleven unless there were injuries or suspensions to deal with, but with Balbuena, Diop and Ogbonna vying for the two centre back berths Les' playing opportunities would be sparse to say the least, and it is to be remembered that Winston Reid can be recalled from his loan spell in December.

If, and as always it is a big if, the funds that would have been used for Tarkowski are deployed in acquiring Benerahma and possibly Josh King then we don't think many fans will be upset, far from it. There is still a doubt over cover for the full backs, so another left back would be a prudent investment, and possibly an 'enforcer' for midfield.

There are still a few days to go before the 'second' transfer window closes, but in a way the club's main business, apart from getting rid of a lot of dead wood, was to keep hold of Declan Rice, Issa Diop and Michail Antonio. Doubtless there will be more twists and turns, smoke and mirrors and false news before the week's end, after all, it's the West Ham way! - Ed

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Benrahma All Said And Done!

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Submitted by nevillenixon on Sun, 11/10/2020 - 12:10

Failing a last minute 'intervention' by one of the 'elite' clubs, or a club with a lot more dosh, Said Benrahma is due to become a West Ham United player, the 25 year old Algerian International is due to undertake a medical ahead of signing a five year deal. Depending on your news source the 'undisclosed' fee Brentford are to receive will be around £17 Million with another £8 Million in add ons, just in case by some weird chance the Irons get in to European competitions.

Benrahma arrived in west London from French club Nice in 2018 and scored 17 goals and laid on 10 assists in 46 Championship appearances last term, helping the Bees all the way to Wembley, where they were defeated in extra-time by London rivals Fulham.

Benrahma was widely expected to follow Watkins out of Brentford this summer, with the latter having joined Aston Villa in a £28m deal, because of his impending transfer 'Said' has only started just three matches across all competitions under Thomas Frank this season.
Some fans may be disappointed that the club were unable to do a deal for Bournemouth's Josh King, however it is believed that David Moyes was none too impressed with King's attitude during tentative negotiations, apparently labelling the forward as a mercenary. King's desire to have his wages raised to around £100,000 per week, over double of what he is receiving from the Cherries, is what pit the final nail in the coffin.

Hammers fans have seen far too many mercenaries arrive at the club looking for a big pay day, and it is refreshing to see the manager stand up to such demands, it is to be hoped Moyes doesn't blow his new found Kudos by bringing in 'Les' Dawson from Watford.

Failing a last minute hiccough, Benrahma's arrival will mean Moyes still has funds available, albeit limited, to bring in an additional centre back, and possibly another full back. This may not have been the transfer activity fans had hoped for, but it could have been a whole lot worse. - Ed

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whats the Benrahma deal all about?

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Submitted by mcbikeman on Sat, 10/10/2020 - 21:15

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Sell Diangana and now being reported deal for Brentfords Benrahma deal all but done....Errrr thought we were getting rid of wingers so the party line goes and they are saying this guys a forward...naaa he's a winger so sell one and buy one who cost more...what great business men we have running our club.

PPV Do Not Do it

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Submitted by mcbikeman on Sat, 10/10/2020 - 10:38

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so the poor old Premier league wants to charge fans £14 for the privilege of watching other games not aired on sky/bt.......with all due respect F*******************k off and do one....now if they were in the future to introduce a season ticket for each club home and away then you can choose just to follow your own club then by all means yes....but that is not what this is so the billionaire owners can suck it up as they have drained the wallets of most fans year in year out....but of course there will be enough who will do this so they will laugh all the way to the bank

Forget King, What About King Authur?

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Submitted by nevillenixon on Fri, 09/10/2020 - 15:48

Typical West Ham, for a brief moment things looked rosy, or even Clarety, as David Moyes' new formation threatened to bring some joy to long suffering supporters, however just as our song says about dreams, "they fade and die", so the news that 'King' Authur Masuaku has been sent home from the DR Congo camp will be met with torrid acceptance. How dare fans dream of embarrassing other teams in the Barclays Premier League with Hammers' blistering new format and players that are able to carry out Moyes' master plan?

So on a day when the topic of whether the club should be looking to buy Josh King from Bournemouth was paramount, the need for an additional left back has been brought sharply to focus, the only redemption being that there is nearly a week to conclude business with clubs from the lower leagues.

Masuaku's knee injury might not be too bad, indeed the DR Congo medical team stressed that Masuaku was being sent home as a precautionary measure, and added that they were keen to maintain a good relationship with West Ham United in the future, and that is a good thing, but surely now the club has to act in the transfer market having been given a wake up call.

Fears that the Hammers' squad's lack of strength in depth would be exposed during the season have come early, at least as we have previously mentioned there is a chance to bring in more players before the deadline, after that there are also those players who have become free agents.

It is to be hoped that 'King' Authur will be fit for the game against Tottenham, because the Irond do not have alike for like replacement available. - Ed

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Should Hammers Pay King's Ransom?

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Submitted by nevillenixon on Fri, 09/10/2020 - 13:08

'Apparently' West Ham United's pursuit of striker Joshua King from relegated Bournemouth has hit the buffers as a result of the player's wage demands, on closer examination the Noregian International's demands seem little different to the 'going rate' for experienced Barclays Premier League strikers. The player who has entered the last year of his contract was nearly sold to Manchester United in the January window for a fee of around £20 Million, that figure has now reduced drastically as he will have the option to leave for free in less than nine months and is allowed to negotiate pre-contracts as soon as the 'winter window' opens in January.

So, top player available at a knock down price, what's the problem? King's contract with the Cherries is for £45,000 per week, a figure he wishes to double before countenancing a move to the London Stadium,that figure is too rich for the Irons hierarchy, the same 'people' who authorised £100,000 per week for Jack Wilshere and a whopping £115,000 per week for the near perpetually injured Andrily Yarmolenko. While £90,000 per week seems a bit strong, especially given the current fiscal plight being endured by all clubs great and small, it is considerably less than the other wages handed out by the board, and of course we keep banging on about the folly of paying 80% of Winston Reid's wages just to 'rehabilitate' him in warmer climes!

Weary sceptical Irons fans will see the news about the problems in finalising a deal for King as nothing unusual, in fact the general consensus is that this attempted acquisition is just one of a whole stack of 'failed' moves, and that any serious interest 'apparently' shown was just to appease fans and to ensure that the fan base left it's funding with the club instead of demanding season ticket rebates.

It that was the owners plan, it has fallen flat on it's face, as many other of their 'exotic' fantasies have done in the past, should Irons pay 'King's Ransom'? You betcha, will they? Very much doubt it! -Ed

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Orgers Old And New

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Submitted by nevillenixon on Fri, 09/10/2020 - 11:53
In order to comply with EEC regulations, we need members who haven't logged in for a while to do so in order to confirm that it is OK for us to retain your contact details, by loggin in your compliance is accepted and you need do nothing more. If for any reason you are unable to use your original e-mail try adding a +1 (ie: tomwhite@gmail.com would become tomwhite+1@gmail.com) We know britain is leaving the EEC shortly, but the legal constraints remain, at least for the time being! C.O.Y.!
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Welsh Rare Bit?

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Submitted by nevillenixon on Fri, 09/10/2020 - 11:42

David Moyes' Championship shopping list is concise but acute, ideally he would like to bring in "a couple of players", sooner rather than later, obtaining precious training time with his new players is paramount, unfortunately, as is common with Barclays Premier League deals, brinkmanship rears it's ugly head.

Many Hammers fans are mindful of how many players have chosen NOT to come to the London Stadium, admittedly a great deal of players' reticence was caused by the prospect of being in a relegation dog fight, that element has dissipated somewhat as a result of the crushing victories over 'High Flying' Wolves and Leicester City.

Shopping in the 'bargain basement' can reap rewards, as has been seen by the purchase of Jarrod Bowen, however West Ham United are not alone as they seek bargains, most other Barclays Premier League teams are doing exactly the same, consequently some potential acquisitions will be priced out of a move by other clubs 'swooping' in and grabbing them. One such player is Swansea City's Joe Rodon, Hammers had expressed serious interest in the 22 year old centre back, however Jose Mourinho is also interested and would use the possibility of playing alongside Gareth Bale as an incentive.

Tottenham's's initial bid is for less than half of Swansea's valuation, so there is still a chance of Roden joining David Moyes' team, but there is also the chance of Tottenham starting a bidding war which will not suit the Irons, especially if the North London outfit push the price right up and then relent at the last minute meaning West Ham will have paid over the odds.

Minful of the potential pit falls regarding Rodon, it appears Moyes has retained his interest in Wales based players by making enquiries fro not one but two club captains! Cardiff City's 29 year old captain Sean Joseph Morrison is a decent centre back, he was particularly highly valued by Neil Warnock who was Cardiff's manager at the time of previous enquiries about the player's availability, he has a good injury record, and in that respect represents a far better option than the recently released Jack Wilshire.

Swansea City's 24 year old captain Matt Grimes is another of Moyes central midfield targets, the Welsh club are reluctant to part with their prized assests but like all other clubs in the Championship are having to make hard decisions to offset the loss of income due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In these current times a 'buy one get free' visit to Wales might just happen, if Hammers fans think their club is cash strapped they should look at what is happening in the lower leagues.

Although Moyes' transfer kitty is small,it is vast compared to other 'struggling' teams, and spent wisely the money received from selling Grady Diangana, all of which the co-owners 'promised' would be made available for incoming transfers, could yield unanticipated benefits, with some clubs perhaps being to 'sniffy' about buying players from the lower leagues. West Ham are just one of several clubs forced to realign their forward planning, but cutting your cloth according to your means is a good start to what fans hope will be a sustainable campaign. - Ed

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