Daily WHUFC News - 25th May 2012

Happy Henri
WHUFC.com
Henri Lansbury was delighted to sign off his loan spell with a win at
Wembley for West Ham United
24.05.2012

Henri Lansbury returns to Arsenal but was ecstatic to play a part in West
Ham United's promotion-winning season. The England Under-21 international's
loan spell at the Boleyn Ground has now ended and he returns to his parent
club after 23 appearances in claret and blue. Although an unused substitute
at the Play-Off final at Wembley, Lansbury was delighted to be part of a
successful squad and celebrated the Hammers' promotion back to the Premier
League in style. "It is just brilliant," Lansbury told whufc.com "It was
game on - Blackpool played really well and when they equalised, it got a bit
nervy I can tell you. But the lads worked hard and we took our chances and
when Vaz scored, it was just a great relief and excitement really. "The
celebrations in the dressing room were fantastic, just great to be part of
and everyone is really happy at achieving promotion."

Lansbury has been a popular player amongst the Hammers faithful since he
arrived from north London last summer. He made an instant impact when he
scored on his debut in a 4-3 win over Peterborough, a game which saw him
voted Man of the Match on the day. He went on to play a key role in some
important games during the season, most recently setting up the third for
Nicky Maynard in the 3-0 Play-Off semi-final second-leg win against Cardiff
City. "It is massive for the club obviously as it means being back in the
Premier League. It is also massive for the West Ham fans. You know they
would have made sure they had a good day out at Wembley whatever happened as
it is such a great place to come to. "But the fact that their team won means
so much and we are all glad that this could happen for them as they deserve
it. They have certainly been fantastic in my time here."

As Lansbury makes his way back to the Emirates, he believes strongly that
West Ham can give a good account of themselves back in the top flight.
"There are some good players here and they all want to do well. People were
talking about pressure and being favourites for the final and all of that,
but that has been around all season. I think the lads can do well next year,
there is no reason why not."

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Fans' fury at season ticket scandal
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 24th May 2012
By: Staff Writer No.2

Long-suffering season-ticket holders have expressed outrage at West Ham
United's attempts to evade the granting of a substantial discount on tickets
for the 2012/13 season. The club promised the 20 per cent discount back in a
series of communications back in 2009, including statements in the 2009/10
season ticket renewal pack, direct emails to supporters and a confirmation
of the offer on the club's website, the archive copy of which has been
removed. However, supporters were today contacted by email in which the
Club appears to have backtracked on the offer. The club's email referred to
the offer as a "'statement' made by the people whose irresponsible actions
have caused our current financial predicament" and predicts that the
granting of the discount would have "a grave effect on the Club's financial
health" were it to go ahead. The email goes on to make an alternative offer
of a five per cent discount each year over the next four years, an offer
that would be legally binding on the club if accepted.

However, a legal expert KUMB.com spoke to this evening was not impressed by
the latest communication and told us: "The existence of a new offer from the
club of this nature does not absolve them from their responsibilities in
relation to the old deal. "The fact that the original offer was made at a
time when the club had different shareholders is totally irrelevant as
season ticket holders contract with the club not individuals. "Anyone who
has renewed season tickets since 2009 on the understanding that the full 20
per cent discount would be granted for 2012/13 should still be legally
entitled to that discount. "It is notable that the latest communication does
not inform customers of this fact, but anyone who believes that they are
entitled to the original discount should be entitled to reject the new offer
in favour of the old, or there may be a case for action under civil law for
breach of contract. "There may also be breaches of consumer protection
regulations to consider."

We'll have more on this story as it develops. To see how season ticket
holders have reacted to the news, visit the KUMB.com forum.

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Poach'em United
KUMb.com
Filed: Thursday, 24th May 2012
By: Richard Williams

Saturday was arguably one of the most intense, dramatic, exciting and heart
stopping moments in football I've ever seen.

Sounds over the top but in reality it was anything but! The football nation
has sat in front of their telly numerous times over the last ten years
having been whipped into a frenzy by Messrs Redknapp, Keys, Gray and Souness
only to have witnessed an occasion with the excitement of dance act number
17 on Britain's Got Talent.

The cut and thrust, the diversity and the sheer way in which the scales
changed balance over a ten minute period will forever etch itself in the
hearts of even the most southern of supporter (ironically most of them would
be United fans anyway!)

While this was going on, my thoughts turned to Allardyce and what he was
thinking. As much as the title race was a spectacle not to be missed, Sam
had other fish to fry (and probably batter). With Wolves and Blackburn
already in the Championship, it was QPR or Bolton who were on the precipice
of relegation.

I began drawing up next seasons transfer targets in my head. A unique twist
on the life of a West Ham fan given that we are normally on the receiving
end of the scavengers. Even though these teams were relegated, and certainly
with Wolves and Blackburn well deserved, there is a strong selection of
players up for grabs.

The financial difficulties faced by all three clubs relegated have been very
well publicised and we know they must sell to stay afloat. While evaluating
the players we could potentially sign, I drew up a team in my head worthy or
a mid table Premier League finish.

GK: Jussi Jaaskeleinen (Bolton) A solid keeper who has been around the block
and then some. Once touted by Sir Alex Ferguson and the subject of numerous
top four bids, he decided to stay where he would achieve first team
football. Arguably on the receiving end of the best performance a by a
Premier League keeper this season. With the imminent departure of Robert
Green, and promotion on the cards, a steady , experienced pair of hands
could be what we need next season.

RB: Martin Olsson (Blackburn) Electric pace and a fantastic final delivery,
Olsson has terrorised defenders all season. His ability to make up ground on
wingers with a last ditch tackle has seen him progress in the team and
internationally. He could be an ideal replacement for Faubert who's sub
standard performances and departure in the summer will prompt replacing.

CB: Scott Dann (Blackburn) Although he has had some mixed performances
towards the end of the season, Arsenal were interested in signing him and
reports suggest they were very close to it. He has the ability aerially and
is a great leader. He also has age on his side and would be a good back up
should Faye leave in the summer.

CB: David Wheater (Bolton) Captained Middlesborough before their demise,
numerous England U21 caps alongside Tomkins, Wheater would be great young
player to bring into our squad. The only issue is his current knee injury
but perhaps there is a bargain to be had if we gamble?

LB: Marcos Alonso (Bolton) Maybe not with the pace of Olsson but certainly
with the defensive capabilities, Alonso has arguably been one of Bolton's
best players this season. McCartney's injury troubles this season have seen
us push Taylor back into left back where he looks uncomfortable. Granted he
has the quality to carry out the role but his delivery is a big part of his
game and as such, he would prefer to be higher up the pitch. Alonso makes
fantastic overlapping runs and they would work great together.

LM: Morten Gaamst Pederson (Blackburn) Fantastic energy up and down the
wing, Pederson has shown for countless seasons that he has a fantastic
delivery, is lethal from set pieces and has vast International experience.
He can both defend and attack, and would be a great addition to the squad.

CM: Jamie O'Hara (Wolves) We won't hold it against him that he is an ex
Spud, O'Hara shows commitment no matter where he plays. He has a great
ability from free kicks and has not shown true potential in a very
disappointing Wolves side this season. Based on work rate and his ability to
pick a pass, he is a useful addition but would probably make the bench.

RM: Chris Eagles (Bolton) In my opinion, this is the most needed player of
the lot. This season alone we have played Vaz Te, Cole, Collison, Noble and
Faubert wide right, all of whom do not play there. West Ham's lack of width
has cost us this season without the ability to switch to plan B. Eagles is
quick, can beat a man, has fantastic delivery and pops up with vital goals.
A starter in next years team.

AMR: Junior Hoillet (Blackburn) The best player in this team. His numerous
wonder goals this season nearly kept Blackburn up alone. He is young, quick
and can score on site from anywhere. The type of player who can come up with
that bit of magic that wins games. Unfortunately for us, it seems he will be
going to a top club but if we act fast anything's possible.

AML: Matt Jarvis (Wolves) This really is a no brainer. One of the hottest
properties of all three relegated clubs given that his natural position is
left wing, he is English and has International experience. With Taylor
playing more defensive and with a cloud of scepticism from the Upton Park
faithful, a goal scoring and attacking winger is just what we need.

CF: Stephen Fletcher (Wolves) How Wolves went down with the attacking
promise of Fletcher and Doyle up front amazes me. Fletcher is a class act,
scoring fantastic goals for Wolves this season in some of their biggest
games. He can score with either foot or his head and is the sort of player
who would have made a big difference for us this season when we were not
hitting the net. The reason he would suit our style is his ability to hold
up the ball and link others in. Again, I fear we must be quick to act before
a big club comes in.

In addition to the above squad, you could even fill a subs bench. Kevin
Doyle narrowly missed out on a starting place and is another player we
should be looking at. He has experience with both Reading and Wolves scoring
goals wherever he plays. Do not be fooled by the lack of service he has had
in a poor Wolves side, he is a great goal scorer. Karl Henry is a tough
tackling defensive midfielder, Formica and Yakubu score goals at Blackburn
and Mark Davies is a promising young Midfielder with drive and the ability
to score a goal.

So while others are marveling at a fantastic end to a season, looking
forward to the play off final and the Champions League, West Ham fans would
forgive Allardyce for taking his eye of the prize over the next couple of
days to start making moves on some valuable additions to our team. It may
sound presumptious to start making 'Premier League' signings before you have
arrived there but the greatest managers are always two steps ahead and the
Premier League vultures will no doubt be circling already.

The next two weeks will prove VITAL for next seasons success, acting now
will no doubt prevent us paying over the odds for the Ljungbergs and Boa
Mortes! Now is the time for Mr Gold and Sullivan to prove that they have
changed the old ways and assert themselves as the shrewd businessmen they
profess to be.

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Lansbury backing Hammers
On-loan midfielder confident Allardyce's men can perform in top tier
Last Updated: May 24, 2012 10:05pm
SSN

Henri Lansbury is confident West Ham can perform well next season as they
return to the Premier League after a year in the second tier. Lansbury has
spent the whole of this term on loan at Upton Park from Arsenal and feels
the Hammers are well equipped for life in the top flight. He was impressed
by the way West Ham kept their nerve after being made favourites to earn
promotion and successfully negotiated the play-offs. "There are some good
players here and they all want to do well," the England Under 21 midfielder
told West Ham's official website. "People were talking about pressure and
being favourites for the final and all of that, but that has been around all
season. I think the lads can do well next year, there is no reason why not."

Massive

With the club's finances delicately poised, Sam Allardyce was charged with
gaining promotion in his first season at the helm of the East London club
and Lansbury is pleased for all involved. He said: "It is massive for the
club obviously as it means being back in the Premier League. It is also
massive for the West Ham fans.
"You know they would have made sure they had a good day out at Wembley
whatever happened as it is such a great place to come to. "But the fact that
their team won means so much and we are all glad that this could happen for
them as they deserve it. They have certainly been fantastic in my time
here."

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Player Reviews 2011/12 - Part 1
Vinny 6:58 Wed May 23
West Ham Online

Player Reviews - 2011/12 - Part 1

Here are the player reviews for the 2011/12 Season. It was very difficult to
do this last season in what was such a negative campaign.

This time around I go into these with a much more positive outlook.

To View last season's review go to:

http://web.archive.org/web/20110702011949/http://westhamonline.net/article.p
hp?5517193">

If a player has played any part in any game this season they will be
reviewed.

We of course start with Goalkeepers and Defenders.

Goalkeepers

Robert Green

This will be the second consecutive summer where we wonder if Robert Green
will be between the sticks come the start of season. Having been relegated
it had seemed that Green would move but he stayed at the club and his
relationship with the supporters has continued to strengthen.

With his contract expiring this summer we do not know at this point if he
will remain at the club although I think the majority of fans hope that he
does re-sign.

Even as the season began I had thought that losing Green would be more
detrimental than losing even Scott Parker as we had a lot of cover in
midfield and only young keeper Ruud Boffin as back up.

He started the season a little rusty and his display against Cardiff in the
opening game was not to his normal standard. He soon recovered and put in
some excellent displays with a fine performance in the 4-1 win at Nottingham
Forest having made an terrific save from Lewis McGugan.

An injury kept him out for four games during October with Manuel Almunia
deputising having come in on loan from Arsenal.

Green received my man of the match award in the game at the KC Stadium as
Hull was defeated 2-0. I reviewed him after the game stating:

"When Green is in form like this it is hard to find many better keepers in
England. He was unbeatable and some of the saves he made near the end were
quite remarkable."

His only brush with the officials this season was away at Blackpool when a
rash challenge saw him given a straight red card although this was later
rescinded on appeal and he did not serve any suspension.

Throughout the season Green put in some top performances and his form has
seen him included in the England squad for Euro 2012.

Not much has been made of this as since his mistake in the World Cup for
England the media do not seem to want to acknowledge his existence but
despite playing in the second tier of English football he is still
considered one of the top three keepers than England could pick.

Robert Green is one of my favourite West Ham players and his rapport with
the supporters over the years has been very strong. He is a good shot
stopper, efficient when coming for crosses and his quick distribution
continues to be a positive trait.

I will be very disappointed if he were to leave the club this summer as I do
not believe there are many better keepers that we could bring to the club
but mainly because he has given us good service and will be remembered
fondly in years to come by the fans who have supported him.

Apps: League 44 (starts)
Sent Off - 1 (vs Blackpool away)
Verdict: Top keeper and we will find it hard to replace him if he does leave
which I sincerely hope he does not.

Manuel Almunia

With Green out injured for most of October the confidence in Boffin was
clearly not there and Sam Allardyce did well to bring in Almunia from
Arsenal on loan. He played four games for the club and kept two clean
sheets.

His final game came away at Brighton where he made a couple of good saves in
the 1-0 victory.

To be able to bring in a keeper of his experience and quality so quickly was
very impressive and with Green out this did not affect us greatly.

Since the season ended there has been a few murmurs regarding his return but
with the signing of Stephen Henderson from Portsmouth and with Almunia being
35 years old I very much doubt this will happen.

On returning to parent club Arsenal he has not played a single competitive
match.

Apps: League 4

Ruud Boffin

As we began the season clearly Boffin was our number two goal keeper as he
was named on the bench for all our opening games.

He made his first start of the season in the League Cup game at home to
Aldershot Town in which we were subject to a shock 2-1 defeat. I commented
after this game that although he made some routine stops his overall
performance was not one which filled me with the confidence that he could
step into the shoes of Robert Green if needed.

It would seem Sam Allardyce took the same view as when Green was out injured
he brought in Almunia and then later in the season we took Stephen Henderson
on loan from Portsmouth as back up to Green.

His other appearance again came in a cup competition as he was named in the
starting line-up for the FA Cup 3rd round tie against Sheffield Wednesday
where again he looked poor and was beaten far too easily for their winner.

In April 2012 Boffin's contract was cancelled by mutual consent. He had five
months left on this contract.

He has since joined Turkish side Eskişehirspor.

Apps: Cup 2

Defenders

Joey O'Brien

Signed on a free transfer in the summer O'Brien had been under the
management of Sam Allardyce at Bolton Wanderers although injury had kept him
out for some time.

Having previously played as a centre midfielder he had been playing at right
back during our pre-season games and this is the position he would take up
during the season.

He started the campaign well and scored his first goal in our third game of
the season which was away at Watford in a 4-0 victory. It was a good goal
too as he burst forward with the ball and powered his way into the area
before hitting a low shot which beat the keeper.

He was in the starting line-up for the first 9 games but picked up a
hamstring injury after the game against Ipswich Town in October and missed
the following three games.

O'Brien was sent off for the first time in his career away at Reading when
two rash challenged in quick succession saw him pick up two yellow cards
which would be the beginning of our down fall.

With Guy Demel struggling to find fitness there no real challenger to his
position at full back and overall I think O'Brien had a good season. He has
his limitations and on occasion looked uncomfortable when on the ball but he
is strong in the tackle and can play a decent pass now and again.

I had presumed O'Brien was older but he is only 26 of age. Perhaps I thought
he was older due to his startling lack of pace and when you notice how slow
he is in a team which is pretty void of pace anyway you know he must really
be slow.

Injury curtailed his season and his last game of the campaign came away at
Peterborough United on 27th March.

He signed a two year contract so of course still has a year left to run. I
am unsure what he can off the side in the Premiership given his lack of pace
and that despite showing lots of effort and enthusiasm you have to question
just how good he is.

For sheer squad numbers alone he may be at the club come the start of the
season but I cannot see him getting much game time.

Apps: League 25 + 5 Sub Cup 1
Goals: 1
Bookings: 4
Sent Off: 1 (vs Reading away)
Verdict: For a free transfer signing he has been a good addition to the
squad and has had a solid season.

Guy Demel

The experienced Demel signed on transfer deadline day in August on a free
transfer. Because of injury he did not start his first game for the club
until November 29th away at Middlesbrough.

He lasted around an hour and played well on his debut which had got us
wanting to see more of this towering full back.

Back on the bench for the following game he regained his place away at
Reading but came off injured after just two minutes.

We would not see Demel again for nearly four months as he made a surprise
start away at Oakwell against Barnsley in the 4-0 victory. Defensively we
were excellent during this game and although Demel was largely anonymous he
still put in a solid display.

His display against Brighton in the 6-0 victory was when I really noticed
him and that he was quick and very strong. Brighton did not want to try and
take him on as it was a futile exercise.

But we did see the negative side to his performances with a poor mistake
against Hull in the last game of the normal league season where his awful
header led to Hull pulling a goal back.

In the Play Off Final at Wembley his lack of concentration saw him allow the
ball to bounce and let Blackpool in for a chance they should have buried.

He has only played 10 games and for the majority of those he was more than
adequet. But there is a concern with a few of the mistakes he has made and
in the Premiership when you make mistakes you often get punished.

Looking at his CV he has had an impressive career playing for a couple of
big German clubs. He still has a year left to run on his contract and I
absolutely expect him to be here come start of the season as our first
choice right back more than likely.

If we have money in the summer then it will go on positions which are more
vital than right back and we will simply have to take the risk I would
think.

Apps: League 10
Verdict: He isn't a bad player but has suffered with injury for most of his
time at the club. A couple of mistakes aside I believe he will be in our
starting line up next season.

James Tomkins

When time came to vote for my 'Hammer Of The Season' I didn't hesitate to
vote for James Tomkins.

My reason for this is from the beginning to the end of the season he has
been excellent. In our third game of the campaign away at Watford he was my
man of the match and also managed to score the opening goal.

Every time the ball is knocked long by the opposing team you feel Tomkins is
going to win the header and from an attacking standpoint he is equally as
effective with the aim of many crosses being towards him as he peels off to
the back post.

He wouldn't score again until February in the 4-1 win at Blackpool where he
again opening the scoring with a powerful close range header.

There was a period of the season where Allardyce opted to play him as a
centre midfielder in the holding role as Papa Bouba Diop was out injured.
His best display in the midfield role came at home to Millwall and he was
immense as we really had to dig deep to get the result.

Tomkins doesn't look like a tough tackling defender but his appearance is
most certainly deceiving as he is as physical and combative as you want your
centre half to be.

I cannot believe there will not be interest in him this summer and whilst I
can be accused of just seeing his performances through West Ham tinted
glasses I believe he is a superb centre half who would slot into the
majority of Premiership clubs with ease.

Of course I hope that we resist any temptation to sell him but if can
continue his development and continue to play as well as he has been I
predict that come the end of the season he will be looking at an England
call up.

Apps: League 44 + 2 Sub
Goals: 4
Bookings: 6
Verdict: A fantastic season and wonderful to see another Youth Team product
come through and play this well. Player Of The Season.

Abdoulaye Faye

Signed on a free transfer in the summer after being released by Stoke City
the 34 year old centre half was brought in to boost the back line. He came
on as sub a few times but didn't make his first start until the 0-0 draw at
Millwall.

Faye quickly became a favourite with the support with his excellent heading
and powerful displays.

His no nonsense style is not pretty to watch but most of the time it is
extremely effective.

As the season went on he started to struggle a little and it was clear teams
were looking on him as perhaps a weakness. This is not to say he was having
a torrid time and I can only recall one poor mistake which came against
Millwall as his hesitance cost us a goal.

Injury and an inform Winston Reid saw him in an out of the side although
with Reid getting injured he went on a 12 game starting streak from when we
played Millwall to the 3-3 draw at home to Birmingham City.

With injury forcing him out the Birmingham game would be his last of the
season and although he came back and was on the bench a couple of times he
actually missed out on a place in the squad for the Play Off Final.

It was announced on 23rd May that his contract would not be renewed and that
he is to be released when this expires. I had thought that his experience
may be helpful in the Premiership but if better players are available then
this does not come as too much of a surprise.

Apps: League 24 + 4 Sub
Bookings: 5
Verdict: He has done well for us in his season at the club but his age and
lack of pace were not on his side and this would not be good enough at the
top level.

Callum McNaughton
When we began the season we had just three senior centre halves in Faye,
Tomkins and Reid. When it came to the League Cup game against Aldershot Town
, Faye was still not fit and Tomkins was in need of a rest so Sam Allardyce
gave McNaughton his full debut at centre half.

It was a nightmare debut for the young defender as he looked nervous and
unsettled early on and two minutes into the second half it all went horribly
wrong as he dwelt on the ball for too long and lost the ball to the
Aldershot striker who burst forward towards goal only to be taken out by
McNaughton who was sent off for a professional foul.

And that was his West Ham career.

Two weeks later he went out on loan to AFC Wimbledon and in January he
signed for the Dons on a permanent contract.

Apps: Cup 1
Sent Off: 1 (vs Aldershot Town)

Winston Reid

The New Zealander had a very tough first season at the club under Avram
Grant and I doubt there was anyone particularly impressed with his displays.

This stint in the Championship has been brilliant for him and he has
developed drastically as player over the course of the season. He does not
even seem like the same player who lined up against Aston Villa last season
on the opening day and had a terrible game.

He is stronger, quicker, and more intelligent on the ball. He doesn't let
attackers bully him and has obviously worked on his physical strength.

Faye had been brought in to give us that brute strength at the back but Reid
soon was able to offer this in his game and even scored his first goal of
the season with a close range finish away at Nottingham Forest.

But if we are going to talk about goals from Winston Reid then we have to
discuss the winner against Millwall as his thumping shot sent Upton Park
wild.

If there is an award for most improved player then Reid earns this hands
down as he has been excellent throughout the season and has convinced me
that he can still be an important player for the club. At only 23 years old
he can get even better and if he puts in the type of effort he has done this
season then he will continue to flourish.

Apps: League 30 + 1 Sub Cup 2
Goals: 3
Bookings: 5
Verdict: A massive improvement and an important player during the season.
For me he was one of our best players throughout the campaign and I firmly
believe he can get better.

Danny Collins

Like many I suspected that he was in fact the love child spawned by Sam
Allardyce and in a way of repaying him for all those lost years Sam would
agree to sign him and bring him on whenever he could.

Collins clearly was liked by Allardyce and made his debut when he came on
for Kevin Nolan in the 80th minute against Doncaster Rovers. The reason I
mention this debut is that him coming on for a goal scoring midfielder with
the game at 1-1 and us needing to score seemed bizarre. I couldn't work it
out at the time as we had another striker and attacking midfield on the
bench.

Collins though would have one great moment when away at Leeds United he
would make his first start for the club and scored a late equaliser which he
will therefore be remembered fondly for.

He looked decent enough at times although an forgettable player who I'm sure
we will be in no hurry to bring back to the club in the summer.

Apps: League 4 + 7 Sub
Goals: 1
Bookings: 1

Herita Ilunga

He came into the season owing the club for a very poor previous couple of
seasons. It is amazing to think that this is the same player who in 2009/10
season was voted Player Of The Season on WHO.

His loss of form has been drastic but going into this season he was the only
senior left back at the club so he was given a chance to play and started
the season against Cardiff City. We will of course remember that it was his
mistake that led to the goal that sunk us late on.

In the next home game against Leeds United he again looked unsure and full
of hesitance and he was challenged late on which led to Leeds scoring their
equaliser.

Against Aldershot Town in the League Cup he came on as sub after 50 minutes
and instantly looked a liability with Aldershot focussing their attacks down
his side and forced him into a number of mistakes.

With the signing of George McCartney it was clear his position was under
threat and with the poor form he was showing things did not look good for
him and after the game against Aldershot this was the last time we would see
him in West Ham colours again.

He joined Doncaster Rovers on loan in October and in January 2012 his
contract was cancelled by mutual consent by West Ham.

Herita Ilunga will remain a mystery to me because he went from a really good
full back that was liked by the fans to a really awful player in such a
short space of time. There was of course the issue with his actual age and
the fact that he is probably a great deal older than officially listed but
if there was ever a case of a player losing the desire it was Ilunga.

Apps: League 4 Cup 0 + 1 Sub

Daniel Potts

Son of former West Ham great Steve Potts the young full back made his debut
for the club aged just 17 as he took up the left back slot in the home game
against Barnsley.

We had seen a number of players in the defence injured which meant George
McCartney had to move into the centre so Potts was called on to take up the
left back position.

His debut against Barnsley was excellent as he looked confident, strong in
the tackle and put in some good crosses.

All in all he started three league games and one in the cup. Although his
debut was a good display he did struggle away at Birmingham and Derby and
was replaced when players returned from injury.
He was on the bench for a few more games but never made another first team
appearance.

He does strike me as a player who will get better and if he continues to
develop I wouldn't be surprised to see him get a few games through the
season.

Apps: League 4 Cup 1
Bookings: 1

George McCartney

He re-joined the club he left in 2008 on a season's loan from Sunderland and
it has almost been as if he never left as he has been excellent all season.

Voted the Players Player of the season and it is not difficult to see why
because he has been as dependable a player you could hope for all season
long.

When the season started he was struggling for fitness but soon got into the
swing of things with his first league start against Nottingham Forest at the
city ground.

He was reluctant to get forward initially to support the left winger but as
the season went on he became more ambitious and even scored a terrific goal
away at Cardiff City as his strong run forward and cross saw the ball come
back to him and his first time right foot effort beat the keeper.

His contract at Sunderland expires in the summer and he has already
expressed his desire to leave them and I would be pretty confident that he
will sign for the club in the coming weeks.

George McCartney has been a superb acquisition for the club this season and
has performed consistently well throughout the campaign.

Apps: League 35 + 5 Sub Cup 2
Goals: 1
Bookings: 7
Verdict: Consistent, solid and I am happy to see him at the club next
season. He certainly deserves a contract.



Part 2 will be up in a few days' time.

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Get it Right This Time Round!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die

No doubt the board will have learnt from their mistakes in 2010-11 and will
ensure that they do quality business in the summer window and, hopefully,
just make minor adjustments/supplements next January, You will recall that
in the last season in the PL we did not do satisfactory business that
summer, with Hitzlsperger, Obinna, etc, and subsequently it rebounded on us.
While understanding the key imperative around reducing the club's debt,
there needs to be a sensible balance struck with the necessity to strengthen
the squad. Otherwise, we could face a struggle next season and no one wants
that. I personally agree with Allardyce's point that the start to the season
is crucial, do well over the first 10 matches and you are far less likely to
struggle, do poorly in that opening phase and it is almost guaranteed.

I remain optimistic that we have the core of a squad that can perform in the
PL. Green (if he stays?), Demel, Nolan, Tomkins, Noble, Collison, Taylor and
Cole are all of PL quality.The likes of Henderson, Vaz Te, Maynard, Baldock
and Reid all have promise and there is every possibility that they can adapt
to the quality and pace of PL football. Whilst there is also much promise
amongst our younger players, with Hall, Montano, Moncur, Potts and even
Spence pushing for selection next season. And below them there is a rich
vein of talent waiting to come to the fore in the shape of Elliott Lee, Voce
and co. That collectively gives us a core to work with, But it needs
supplementing with experienced and quality additions in a number of key
positions.

No doubt David Sullivan has commenced work on Sam Allardyce's wish list of
transfer tragets. And there are some real gems up for grabs/potentially
available this summer. The names are well documented, in defence Clyne is
available at Palace, Johnson at Wolves and Olsson at WBA. In the wide
positions, players like Jarvis at Wolves, Hollett and Gast Pedersen at
Blackburn Rovers are similarly available. In midfield and up front, players
such as Mark Davies at Bolton and Stephen Fletcher at Wolves could be usual
additions. Two Championship players that I think are well worth a gamble are
Snodgrass at Leeds Utd and Andy King at Leicester City, I rate both players
highly and feel that they are more than overdue a chance in the top tier.
Other Championship players also worhy of a gamble include Bechio at Leeds
Utd and Thomas Ince at Blackpool. And no doubt Sam Allardyce will also have
his sights set on some overseas transfer targets. In particular, expect him
to pull a rabbit out of the hat with an experienced, top European name who
is ready for a stab at the PL in the latter part of his career. We saw him
bring a number of players like that in to Bolton Wanderers and they all did
a good job.

Anyway, the links with players are coming fast and furious. Lets hope that
we can pick up a few of the aforementioned players and really strengthen the
squad. That is undoubtedly necessary, but in doing so, lets not forget the
claims of our own kids. The likes of Hall and Potts should get more game
time next season, especially in the cup competitions. While, what would also
be really handy is if a player like Spence or Montano were to undergo a
'Brooking like transformation' and start turning their potential in to
actuality!

Regardless, it should be an interesting summer of transfer business, lets
just hope the board have learnt their lessons and understand that it is a
very dangerous game to try to survive in the PL on the cheap!

SJ. Chandos.

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