Saturday 16 August 2014

West Ham and Spurs swap stars as the neighbourly transfer merry go round continues

The atmosphere is electric ahead of today's season's opener between the warring factions of West Ham and Spurs. With the Hammers looking to build on the sensational treble of victories from last season, while Tottenham's latest managerial recruit Mauricio Pochettini will want to begin his spell in the hot seat with a success - and over who better than their east London neighbours?

For many, this clash will provoke mixed feelings, including the many players who have represented both clubs. We have compiled a first XI of those who have donned both jerseys and ask – at the end of the day are they mostly Hammers or Hotspurs?


 

Tony Parks: There has been surprisingly little goalie 'swappage' between the clubs and hence the little known Parks features between the posts. He endured a long spell at Spurs as reserve goalie in the 80s followed by a variety of spells at various clubs fulfilling stop-gap roles, including 6 appearances for the Hammers during the 1991-2 season. Verdict: Hotspur

Chris Hughton: Longstanding loyal servant at Spurs – tenacious and determined left back. Hammers got a decent run from him towards the end of a proud career. Both clubs have watched his  managerial successes with interest and he is currently chief contender for the vacant Palace job. Verdict : Hotspur.

Neil Ruddock: Top geezer - cheeky and great fun to watch – always close to the edge of acceptability! Not lacking in skill either. Two spells at Spurs and a decent two year stint at the Boleyn in a career that involved appearances for eight different clubs and a single England cap. Verdict: Score Draw!

Mitchell Thomas: Luton lad who had a decent five year spell at Tottenham and almost made full England honours but form dipped and move to West ham never quite got into second gear. Returned to Luton and then on to Burnley. Verdict: Hotspur.


Steve Walford: Brief spell at Spurs before moving to Arsenal where he won a cup winners medal in 1979. Moved to hammers where he had a successful five  year spell. Presently enjoying life as first team coach in the O'Neill-Keane management team at the Republic of Ireland. Verdict: Hammer.


Scott Parker: Almost singlehandedly kept Hammers up two seasons ago but forced to leave soon after a relegation despite being footballer of the year! Honest and industrious, albeit injury-prone. He never quite found his role in a rotating Spurs midfield where he was not the main man, unlike at the Hammers and his initial club, Charlton. Still knocking about after the recent relegation with Fulham. Verdict : Hammer.

Michael Carrick: Classy midfielder who came through the Hammers youth system with Joe Cole and Frank Lampard etc. Stayed for a season after 2003 relegation but found physicality of the Championship testing and moved to Spurs for a short spell before Man United where he remains but has seemed . stuck for many years in second gear! Verdict: Hammer.

Martin Peters: Part of the 1966 World Cup Boleyn triplets. Known as "the complete midfielder" as he could pass the ball well with either foot, was good in the air and difficult to mark because of his movement. His versatility was such that while he was at West Ham he played in every position in the team, including goalkeeper in his third game. Moved to Tottenham Hotspur in 1970 in Britain's first £200,000 transfer. Verdict: Hammer.


Teddy Sheringham: Immensely popular figure throughout the footballing world. A skilful forward - good in the air and on the ground. He did double spells at Spurs and slipped in a 70-odd game spell at West Ham before finally retiring at the grand old age of 67, probably! Will be trying to undo Spurs today in his role as new Hammer's attacking coach. Verdict: Hammer.

Jermain Defoe: 'Nicked' by West Ham from Charlton youths - a lively little striker with a good nose for goal but who has never quite realised the potential evident when he engineered his move away from the relegated Hammers of 2004. Recently moved to Canada in a lucrative deal.  Verdict: Hotspur.


Jimmy Greaves: Absolute legend and a gentleman. Britain’s most prolific striker of all time. Greaves played at Spurs from 1961 to 1970, scoring a club record of 266 goals in 379 matches. Washed that down with a season at the Boleyn where he enjoyed close friendships with some Hammers legends, especially Bobby Moore. Verdict: Hotspur.
Final Score
Hammers 5.5 versus Spurs 5.5 

With Hammers new attacking philosophy and a new look Spurs anything is possible today!


Come on you Irons!!!

6 comments:

  1. What about Les Ferdinand?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sheringham a hammer you sure?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Only as coach. Will always have have spurs running through his blood. Hammer my a**e!!

      Delete
  3. Matthew Etherington?
    Bobby Zamora?

    Harry Redknapp???

    ReplyDelete
  4. Parker forced to leave? Left because he wanted to. Didn't love us after all.

    ReplyDelete

Feel free to comment - bad language is strictly forbidden and please refrain from any nasty 'isms'