Transfer Update: Crafty Chairmen Seal Real Deal

Let's wind back to last July. As the start of the season beckoned there was an almighty stampede to sign a striker. Charlie Austin seemed to tick all the boxes and was patently too good to stay at relegated QPR. All sorts of crazy figures were suggested, including £16 million.

Then out of nowhere David Sullivan scuppered West Ham's hopes by voicing a damning verdict upon Austin's merits - both in terms of injuries and even goal scoring ability! Citing dodgy knees, a high percentage of goals via penalties and Austin's modest performances against West Ham, Sully seemed to have shot himself in the foot.

Wind forward to Christmas, Sullivan looked even more foolish as Austen came up for grabs at a cut price £4million as a desperate QPR succumbed to the need to reduce their wage bill (nice work Harry!). Having notched 10 goals in 16 games, Austin looked a steal as Southampton snapped him up.

Six months down the line Austin has not delivered for the Saints and has been poor value even at £4 million! A single goal in 5 appearances in a spell that has been blighted by injuries.

Meanwhile, while all the speculation was being played out about Austin, the Hammers were focused upon the (apparently)  less glamorous signings of Payet, Lanzini, Randolph and Antonio. There's a reason why West Ham are now the 17th richest football club in the world. Those wise old owls at the helm know how to run a business - a far cry from the 'circus' that prevailed before they arrived!

So, while all eyes are presently looking to Lacazette, Batshuayi, and  Bacca, Hammers fans would do well to watch the quieter arrivals - already we have snapped up Havard Nordtveit , Antonio Martinez and Domingos Quina.

As the old adage goes: Keep your eye on the ball!!!