Time to Bring Baldock Back

 

The conventional wisdom around the Boleyn has it that when Big Sam has let players go that they have rarely proven him wrong in their subsequent careers. Stanislas, Hines, Nouble, etc etc spring to mind. Allardyce has attracted considerable criticism for many things - and in addition to the disgruntlement ove his 'ugly' tactics, his relatively conservative approach to developing young talent from within has been a further concern for many observers as the famed academy has struggled to deliver players deemed adequate for the first team squad.

However, the rise and rise of Sam Baldock since he was let go to Bristol City two years ago might just buck the trend. Sam arrived in August 2011 with a prolific scoring record for MK Dons. Small, but nippy and with a keen ey for goal, comparisons with Tony Cottee were inevitable. However despite scoring 5 goals in his first 6 appearances for the Hammers, an injury halted his march and he never really got a decent run thereafter and was sold to Bristol City after a year at the Boleyn.

Baldock was in and out during his first season at the Robins, notching ten goals. Hopwever, it is since then that he has really come into his own - being made club captain, winning club player ofthe season and winning the League One Golden Boot Award for his 24 goals which were achieved despite playing in a side that struggled for much of the early part of the season.

So Baldock is the most desirable attacking talent in League One - surely he would love another crack at the big time. Is it time for Big Sam to take another look at him and maybe this time give him a decent chance to show what he can do?