Amalfitano and Bilic to kiss and make up

After all the excitement of the end of the transfer window, followed by the boredom and emptiness of the international break, Hammers fans are getting ready for Monday night's visit of Newcastle. With all sorts of speculation as to the likely return of Andy Carroll, along with the exciting prospect of seeing debuts for new attacking threats in Michael Antonio and Victor Moses, its an exciting time. Meanwhile, in the background the Morgan Amalfitano situation ticks along, still unresolved more than a month after he was banned from training with the first team for alleged indiscipline.

Morgan: out in the cold

The dispute seemed to be coming to a conclusion when the Frenchman did not exit during the transfer window and was subsequently given a new squad number (#18). However, there is still no sign of a return and with the arrival of Moses and Antonio, Amalfitano's skills are less in demand. Bilic is clearly content with his wide options as he allowed Matt Jarvis to go on loan to Norwich, which would suggest that Amalfitano has a long way to come back from the cold if he is to get into the starting XI.

with an annual salary of £1.5m and 18 months of a contract to run it is hard to see who is losing out most as the row continues. However, Bilic appears determined to impose a culture of discipline at the club and Amalfitano has become the fodder for that message. With 6 red cards (and Noble's recent rescinded one) already this season, Hammers fans will be hoping that Bilic can also improve our on field discipline as we chase a Champions League place.

For Amalfitano, at 30 years of age, the clock is ticking on his career and it seems a terrible waste to spend crucial time not being in a position to ply his trade. It's time for the pair to kiss and make up, metaphorically speaking of course!

Steady on lads!