Forum | Non-Football Related

Due to the rapid spread of Coronavirus 19, the advice being given by the chief medical officer is being updated on an hourly basis, consequently there is more than a distinct chance that West Ham United's crucial home game against Wolverhampton Wanderers due to be played at the London Stadium will be postponed.

If the match were postponed, it would be of far greater benefit to Wolves than the Irons, as Wolves will have played their Europa League quarter final in a behind closed doors game against Olympiakos on thursday. Olympiakos and Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has tested positive for coronavirus and is currently self isolating, ironically that game is due to go ahead whereas the weekend's fixture stands a very good chance of postponement.

There are some suggestions that the entire Barclays Premier League might be suspended or even curtailed in the next couple of weeks, if the season was brought to an abrupt halt those in the relegation slots would have an awful lot to say about the situation, and that is before anyone tries to address the nightmare of deciding the play offs!

Whether we like it or not, this 'C' word 'ain't gonna go away', so be prepared for a lengthy break from the trials and travails of supporting West Ham, some say it is a blessed relief to not have to endure the current relegation scrap, we will see, won't we? - Ed

There was a time when Manuel Pellegrini used to do his obligatory pre-match presser for the Barclays Premier League with hopeful references as to when one of his highest earners would be fit enough to play, Pellegrini has gone now but the player in question is still at the club, drawing an enormous salary and will be beginning the third and final year of his lucrative contract next summer and is still injured!

Step, or limp forward someone who was once one of England's brightest prospects, Jack Wilshere. Jack's injury ravaged career makes Andy Carroll look like a regular marathon participant, that is of the running variety, and not the peanut candy bar of the same name, Hammers' main share holder and much disliked co-owner David Sullivan was aghast when Pellegrini handed Wilshere a three year £5 Million a year contract. Sullivan insisted on only a one year deal, but was over ruled by Mario Husillos, the then head of recruitment, the 'Huse' also signed Roberto Jiminez Gago, a signing that 'did' for Pellegrini as well as Husillos!

Jack Wilshere is the exact polar opposite of the type of player David Moyes wants, and it seems that a summer move or even the cancellation of his contract is inevitable given his appalling injury record. Some might say look at the huge amount of money he has cost, what if we release him and he goes on to score freely and be without injury for another team? Others would then refer to what has happened to that other massive drain of resources, Andy Carroll, since he left the club, as they say, a leopard cannot change it's spots and dear Andy has, as expected managed just a handful of appearances for Newcastle.

Fact is Jack Wilshere 'ain't ever gonna' get better, if he can be moved on without further cost at the end of the season it would be better for all parties, and perhaps Jack may have to take the unfortunate decision to retire, in a similar way to Dean Ashton. It wasn't that the mind wasn't willing, it's just that the body couldn't comply, sad but true.

At least Jack will have more than a few quid in retirement and he will be wished well by everyone, but isn't it about time there was a West Ham United squad that wasn't being sucked dry by expensive long term injury injury prone players? Thanks Jack but no thanks, it's time to move on, David Moyes as much as confirmed that in his summing upof how things are within the squad. - Asst Ed

Having an injury list as long as your arm, a list that in the past would have had Old 'arry bringing out his "down to the bare bones" one liner, David Moyes could be forgiven for thinking his 'second coming' was cursed. Now however the situation is much rosier, only 'lonely' Jack Wilshere remains on the long term injury list along with Ryan Fredericks because injury prone Andry Yarmolenko has returned to fitness, and is training without any new issues. New signing Tomas Soucek will be available in a fortnight so he doesn't make the dreaded 'out for a while' list, with his injury only being a mild abductor strain.

Some change from the 'bad old days', Moyes will be able to enjoy the luxury of working out who to ommit rather than who can make up the numbers! One plus point to emerge from the 'injury glut' is right back Joseph Ngakia, althoughhn still raw, the youngster has slotted in so well in the absence of Fredericks that he has made the position his own, ahead of the vastly experienced Pablo Zabaleta.

With Ben Johnson being groomed for the left back berth. the future is looking bright from a defensive point of view as David Moyes pursues his aim to manage a young and dynamic team that has more than it's fair share of talented young british players. The signing of Jarred Bowen is a prime indication of the direction moyes wants the club to travel, Bowen is NOT a Jordan Hugill type of purchase, he is one for the future, but already his presence and energy have begun to filter throughout the entire squad.

If Hammers can survive by avoiding relegation there is every poosibility that next season might finally deliver on the promise of 'attractive attacking football by a vibrant young team that has a spine of young talented British players. Let's hope so! - Asst Ed