Tuesday 27 June 2017

West Ham's First Big Disappointment of 2017-18

As the new home strip hits the shops Hammers fans have had a chance to decide whether its a winner or not. The view at VERYWESTHAM is that it lacks ambition and creativity and bodes next season. In particular, the weird purple triangle on the upper chest looks out of place and better suited to an episode of Star Trek or the like (and we mean the Next Generation rather than Captain Kirk and the lads!).

As reports from ReadWestHam (see ex-WestHamEmployee)suggest that SuperSlav will have less money to invest than last season, maybe the kit reflects the mood at the club as one of consolidation.

However, as the 15th richest club in the world perhaps it's time to push on boldly and start building the 15th best team? A big signing at this stage of the Summer would send out a strong signal to other potential recruits that we are a club on the rise. Let's hope we don't find ourselves having to splash out big money on the end of Summer leftovers - we could do without another painful Zaza-like saga!


Monday 26 June 2017

The Curious Case of Arbeloa Unfolds

Alvaro Arbeloa arrived at West Ham from Real Madrid with much expectation that he would tighten up a porous defence by bringing his experience to the right back position that has so troubled Slaven Bilic's reign as West Ham manager. However, Arbeloa quickly fell out of favour after a number (three actually) of lukewarm performances and was suddenly out of the frame even despite Sam Byram picking up an injury.

In truth, many Hammers fans were bemused and befuddled by the whole affair. Arbeloa had no apparent injury issues and his history pointed towards a consummate professional. Just exactly what was wrong was very unclear indeed.

However, announcing his retirement today, Arbeloa spoke to La Marca and shed some light on his difficulties at West Ham citing that it was not a physical problem but rather " in the end it was a head and motivational issue".

Arbeloa went on to describe how he has no interest in playing in the lucrative US or Chinese Leagues as for him they represent something that he finds less appealing about modern football. Hammers fans will note that he found motivation an issue despite his rumoured £50k per week wage!

As the 15th richest club in the world, surely it's time for West Ham to stop buying past it burned out players who lack the desire that a club with our ambitions needs?

Remembering our friend Foe



It's hard to believe it but today is the 14th anniversary of the sudden death of ex-Hammer Marc Vivien Foe! Marc lost his life at the age of 28 in 2003 after suffering a cardiac event whilst on the pitch whilst during a confederations Cup Semi Final clash for Cameroon against Colombia. In tragic scenes, Foe collapsed near the centre circle and could not be revived as players and the watching world looked on in horror. 


The Cameroon international joined the Hammers in 1999 from Lens for £4 million in a season that saw them enjoy a UEFA adventure under then boss, Sir Harry Redknapp. He played 38 games scoring once but then returned to Lyon in France for a 6 Million fee in 2000. He subsequently enjoyed a loan spell at Man City where he was under contract when he died due to Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

A likeable and hugely talented giant of a man, he is remembered fondly.

Rest in Peace big fella!





Wednesday 14 June 2017

Hammers Left With No Room for Last Gasp Heroics



Next Season's fixture list was released this morning and it makes for some interesting thoughts about how SuperSlav's men will need to consider their campaign.

With a high profile start away to Man United, there is then a run of relatively 'soft' fixtures and it's not until December that things get testy with games against Man City and London derbies versus Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham!

If the Hammers find themselves in trouble they will be under pressure in the final six games where they have a tough run in that includes games against Chelsea, Arsenal, Man City and Everton!

Hopefully, we will be viewing those games as Champions League qualifying six pointers!

It's already only 9 weeks until it starts all over again.

August
12 Man Utd (a)
19 Southampton (h)
26 Newcastle (a)

September

9 Huddersfield (h)
16 West Brom (a)
23 Tottenham (h)
30 Swansea (h)

October

14 Burnley (a)
21 Brighton (h)
28 Crystal Palace (a)

November

4 Liverpool (h)
18 Watford (a)
25 Leicester (h)
29 Everton (a)

December

2 Man City (a)
9 Chelsea (h)
12 Arsenal (h)
16 Stoke (a)
23 Newcastle (h)
26 Bournemouth (a)
30 Tottenham (a)

January

1 West Brom (h)
13 Huddersfield (a)
20 Bournemouth(h)
30 Crystal Palace (h)

February

3 Brighton (a)
10 Watford (h)
24 Liverpool (a)

March

3 Swansea (a)
10 Burnley (h)
17 Man Utd (h)
31 Southampton (a)

April

7 Chelsea (a)
14 Stoke (h)
21 Arsenal (a)
28 Man City (h)

May

5 Leicester (a)

13 Everton (h)