Narky Nolan Edges towards the Exit

Since his arrival four years ago, Hammers fans have enjoyed a strange relationship with Kevin Nolan. Even the begrudgers would have to admit that as Allardyce's captain and on the pitch general he was a vital element in our promotion and initial bedding in as a Premiership club. However, Nolan's inherent style is based upon aggressive route one football where he imposes his presence by slotting knock downs and other 'scraps' - an approach that is decidedly different from the fabled West Ham way.

With the departure of big Sam it has seemed inevitable that Nolan would soon follow. However, with Allardyce enjoying a well earned break from the game, there is no natural destination for Nolan. His 'first' club Bolton Wanderers apparently expressed an interest, but were scared off by his wage levels. So far, an alternate suitor has not emerged. With just one goal in 29 appearances last season, many feel that his 33 year old legs are gone. Without the goals, Nolan has little to offer apart from leadership as his levels of mobility and passsing ability are not major strengths - shortcomins that have become an obsession amongst some sections of the faithful who have become embarrassingly vocal in their dissatisfaction with 'SuperKev'.

Watching his performances in the Europa league against modest opposition does not convince one that a drop down to Championship level will allow him to be a force once again. Moreover, with the new 4-2-3-1 formation favoured by Slaven Bilic, it's hard to see any role for Nolan at West ham. With a midfield that is likely to be drawn from Payet, Noble, Kouyate, Obiang, Lanzini, Amalfitano, with a host of exciting kids also looking for action (Poyet, Cullen, Oxford) there's no obvious role for our former captain.

Nolan has indicated that he wants to leave if he cannot get game time which, given the situation outlined above, is essentially a transfer request. Let's hope that the club can progress this tidily - Nolan HAS been a valuable servant over four crucial years but time is merciless and our perceived needs have changed. The Davids managed Sam's departure with considerable grace, let's manage the Nolan situation similarly.

Maybe the club needs to consider subsidising his wages elsewhere for the remaining year of his contract as his strong character could become a liability if he becomes idle in the squad. It would be a pity if what is essentially a very positive story of his time at the club were to end badly. We are bigger than that and he has been a good servant.

Kev: Job well done, but done now.

Sullivan: "What kind of a fool am I? "

In May 1970, folks tuning into the popular Ed Sullivan show were treated to a pair of muppets singing the romantic classic "what kind of a fool am I? ". The performance brought the house down and launched the careers of Kermit the frog, Sam the Eagle and a host of other comical puppets.

Two grown ups and a puny little muppet!

In other news, spoilt brat son of Hammers co-owner David Sullivan has issued an apology for ill-advised and petulant criticisms of Hammers stars Kev Nolan and Andy Carroll. Big Sam has yet to follow suit after essentially blaming Enner Valencia for not winning last night's FA cup tie, even though the Hammers entered stoppage time a goal to the good!!!

Sam: unrepentant

Hammers Slide Home Against Saggy Baggies

At half time we looked ready to tear the Baggies asunder - having come from behind to totally take control of the game and with some beautiful fluid passing aligned to the almost un-markable performance of Andy Carroll, it looked like we were in for a pleasant ride.

You score the next one - they'll never expect that!

Both Hammers goals emanated from the pony-tailed one; first up an acrobatic overhead kick produced a reflex save from Foster - that fell straight to the perfectly positioned Nolan, while later a panicked West |Brom defence went AWOL in search of Carroll for a corner right on half time and the much-maligned James Tomkins strolled into the box to head home unchallenged. 

Tomkins has been in the news a lot after his 'thespian' moment against Everton, and no doubt will be front page after scoring the winner tonight, but all of this distracts from the fact that the lad is really on top of his game and defending superbly after waiting patiently to get back into the first team. He has pace and aerial power, and is becoming more and more disciplined in his overall game. Surely the best player to emerge from the academy since Noble? 

Is it time yet to start the 'Tomka for England' cries?

However, if we were preparing for more mayhem that's not how it panned out as much of the second half was tense and ugly from a Hammers perspective as we lost our way and eventually, after a series of fumbled West Brom chances, we stumbled over the line. 

We missed the likes of a Noble or a Song during that second half, where only for the ever gamey Kouyate, we were over-run in midfield by a hungry Baggies side who sensed that a turnaround was more than just possible. Thankfully, we held out. We haven't played especially well over the past 5 games - lacking the free-flowing rhythm of earlier games - but still picking up a decent 8 points. 

Valencia is back, and Song, Sakho and Noble are all ready to return soon. If we can get results when so many key players are out, we can certainly get points against anyone when they are all back. We remain a couple of points ahead of where we were at the same time in 1986. 

Happy days...