Since his 'resurrection' David Moyes has overseen the culling of a bloated and ageing squad, his task is not nearing completion as yet, but it is a long way down the road with few obvious contenders remaining for the old heave ho. Gone are players who didn't fit the mould, or more exactly players who weren't prepared to run, they are being replaced by young and hungry players who are desperate to give it their all, as opposed to players who were old and bloated who were disparate to all!
Those remaining on the 'hit list' are mostly nearing the end of their ludicrously generous contracts, contracts that were SO generous that they couldn't or wouldn't be matched by ANY other club. There will be little or no residual sell on value for any of the players involved, but there will be a massive reduction to the wages bill. Money that could be used more prudently like maybe ensuring the club's brightest and top players earn a commensurate wage, as opposed to the completely imbalanced and illogical wage structure that Moyes inherited.
Andriy Yarmolenko missed a golden opportunity to shine by playing in the most recent Europa League Cup game through injury, it was probably the last opportunity for him to be seen ahead of the January transfer window and essentially puts the kibosh on the club being able to off load him and his outrageous £115,000 per week wages.
Darren Randolph is also now surplus to requirements, although in his case he was at least able to play when called upon. The extra points gained after he arrived to replace the disaster that was known as Roberto who had been playing disastrously while Lukasz Fabinski was out injured, saved the club from relegation if you care to examine the results at that time. However with Alphonse Areola as well as Nathan Trott the obvious back ups to Fabianski, Randolph's days are numbered, the club might even get a few quid for the Republic of Ireland stopper.
We'll get to the other players who are 'on the brink' in our follow up article, until then be a Happy Hammer! We are massive! - LN
