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| Nolan- finding some time to catch up on some much needed rest and relaxation |
It’s a pretty rare occurrence when fans of a club are
pleased to see a red card dished out to one of their key players, but there
could be no doubting the collective sense of relief when Kevin Nolan was sent
packing for an early bath and a three match ban. The game was already lost, and
in reality, the incident represented the culmination of a few months of
frustration for the surprisingly goal-shy Nolan. While Big Sam has expressed outrage regarding the dreadful tackle by Jon Flanagan on Stewart Downing, Nolan's challenge was downright nasty and not something any Hammer's fan could support - more Barton than Dicks methinks!
Big Sam may protest that we will miss him, but in truth
Allardyce has been strangely slow to act upon a string of poor performances as
Nolan has been frequently off the pace, misfiring in attack and with poor midfield
distribution that has served to stutter our flow through midfield. If ever a
player needed ‘rested. It’s our Kevin and so natural justice finally prevailed
and he has a few weeks to sit it out and reflect on what’s gone wrong.
For Hammers fans, we now have the prospect of assessing just
how good the midfield trio of Noble, Morrison and Diame can be. Surely Noble
and Diame can fulfil the Captain’s role usually reserved for Nolan – both are
experienced international level, albeit limited
to Under 21 for Noble.
It’s a real pity that they will be denied the support of
Stewart Downing on the left as he has been a shining light during the recent
depressing run of games. However, his absence will provide Matt Jarvis, Joe
Cole and Jack Collison a chance to show what they have to offer – as all three have
something to prove right now ahead of the January transfer shuffling period.
Whatever happens, West Ham fans will hope that Kevin
benefits from his self-imposed break and returns with his previous shooting
boots. He’s never going to provide the midfield engine, but his usual poaching
ability is an asset. We must also hope that he finds it hard to break back into
the side due to the quality of performances from the Noble / Diame / Morrison
trio. If so, it may be time for Big Sam to realise that Nolan’s best role for
the Hammers moving forward might be as an impact substitute?
is this the beginning of the end for Nolan, or a chance to rejuvenate and return to his previous role? who should take on the Captain's role in his absence?
Nolan's well past it. Morrison is the obvious replacement for the attacking midfielder role. We could even offload him in January while he still has a value
ReplyDeleteReid wouldve been ideal as new captain but it's gotta be Noble. Morrison has really got to step up now.
ReplyDeleteJulian Dicks also had his fair share of nasties - ask Jon Spencer
ReplyDeleteAllardyce will be secretly punching the air in delight as Nolans red card has let him off the hook. He hasn't had the guts or integrity to drop the awful, Nolan, and the idiot midfielder has done the managers dirty work for him. All Hammers fans should be so thankful that Nolan, by whatever means, is nwo out of the side. Long may it continue and lets hope that those players waiting in the wings now seize their chance to replace the passenger captain.
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