Daily WHUFC News - 2nd June 2013

Season in Seconds: Kevin Nolan
WHUFC.com
The West Ham United skipper goes under the spotlight in our Season in
Seconds feature
01.06.2013

West Ham United captain Kevin Nolan is the latest player to sum up the
2012/13 campaign in Season in Seconds.

Kevin, how would you sum up the season in a few words?

KN - "Fantastic, especially when two years ago we were relegated. I'm
delighted, it's been successful and well deserved."

What was your highlight?

KN - "There's been a few, I must admit. The first game of the season, being
back in the Premier League scoring goals, that was a good day. But I just
think the whole season throughout, the way we've handled it, has been
fantastic."

What are your plans for the summer?

KN - "I've got a couple of weddings to go to in the summer. Ones in Aruba,
so I'm looking forward to that. Then I'll go away with the kids, and one
with all my boys from back in Liverpool. I'm going to enjoy it because it's
been a good season and I'll be ready and raring to go for next year when we
come back in on 1 July."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
On this day - 2 June
WHUFC.com
Former Hammer of the Year Sebastien Schemmel celebrates his birthday today
02.06.2013

Anniversary (1)
Sebastien Schemmel
Born: 2 June 1975, Nancy, France
Clubs: Nancy, Metz, West Ham United, Portsmouth, Le Havre
Honours: Hammer of the Year (2002)
French right-back Sebastien Schemmel was something of an unknown when he
joined West Ham United from French side Nancy for £765,000 in January 2001.
However, it would not be long before the Hammers' supporters realised why
manager Harry Redknapp had brought the marauding defender to the Club, as
Schemmel's second appearance in claret and blue saw West Ham defeat
Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford in the FA Cup third round. The
following season, 2001/02, Schemmel made 35 Premier League appearances as
West Ham finished a creditable seventh in the Premier League table. He was
rewarded for his consistent performances by being voted Hammer of the Year
by the Club's supporters. Schemmel remained at the Boleyn Ground for a
further six months before leaving east London for Portsmouth in January
2003, where he was reunited with former Hammers boss Redknapp. He had made
73 appearances for West Ham, scoring once. The defender spent 18 months with
Portsmouth before being released and, after one season back in France with
Le Havre, he retired in 2005.

Anniversary (2)
England 1-0 Romania
FIFA World Cup finals, Group C
Tuesday 2 June 1970, Estádio Jalisco, Guadalajara, Mexico
West Ham United's 1966 FIFA World Cup-winning trio of Bobby Moore, Geoff
Hurst and Martin Peters were in England's starting XI as they began their
defence of the trophy in Mexico four years later. England had been drawn in
Group C alongside fellow Europeans Romania, Czechoslovakia and South
Americans Brazil. Sir Alf Ramsey's side began their challenge by facing
Romania in front of 50,560 supporters at the Estadio Jalisco in Guadalajara
on Tuesday 2 June 1970.
Just as he had done three times at Wembley in the 1966 final, Hurst was on
target again, converting a cross from fellow World Cup winner Alan Ball with
25 minutes remaining. England would go on to be edged out 1-0 by Brazil in
their second match, despite Moore's outstanding individual display, and beat
Czechoslovakia by the same scoreline to reach the quarter-finals. There,
despite Peters scoring and England taking a 2-0 lead, they were beaten 3-2
by West Germany after extra-time.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Waiting for Andy to Make a Decision?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die

The predominant view in the various media sources is that West Ham are
awaiting a decision from Andy Carroll on whether he intends to join the
club. It has also been reported that the club have asked for a decision next
week, so that its transfer plans are not unduly adversely impacted upon if
the answer is in the negative. Is it true, who knows? The websites are full
of conjuncture about a £15m deal being struck with Liverpool, Andy Carroll
reserving his position to see what his other options are and Liverpool being
keen to move the player out and re-invest the fee in their own summer squad
building. Of course, for a long time the narrative tended to focus squarely
on Carroll's alternative options, namely whether he could stay and fight for
his place at Anfield or return to St James Park. These possibilities were
seen as far more likely than a permanent deal at Upton Park.

The latest conjecture is that Liverpool wish to sell, but are reluctant to
sell him back to Newcastle Utd at such a hugely reduced fee. Alternatively,
perhaps the obstacle to a deal with them is the fact that Newcastle Utd
cannot/do not wish to meet Liverpool's £15m valuation and, consequently,
they have now turned their attentions elsewhere (reportedly to Wilfred
Bony). So, if this is a true assessment of the current situation, it would
appear that the player currently has just one viable option, to move to West
Ham. There is talk of overseas interest and maybe another club making a move
(i.e. Spurs)? Arguably, a move abroad is not the ideal option at this stage
of Carroll's career, so the best move would seem to be to commit to West
Ham. He fits in well at the club, he will play regularly and West Ham is a
good stage upon which to further develop his career. Moreover, with the move
to the Olympic Stadium, it is a club where he can progress and ultimately
realise his ambitions. Carroll is only 24 years of age and at the end of a
new three year contract, all things being equal, he would be at the peak of
his career and able to reassess his options at that point in time. This all
assumes, of course, that West Ham pull out all of the stops and offer
acceptable contract terms.

We must wait and see if a decision is made next week? Whatever happens with
that deal, it is inevitable that there are going to be wholesale changes in
the striker positions. As we know, Carlton Cole has been released and there
is a huge question mark over Maiga's future at the club. So, if Carroll does
not join, we could be looking at trying to sign up to three new strikers
this summer. That would be a challenge, because as we know it is difficult
task to secure one top class striker, let alone three! Personally, I would
give Maiga another chance next season. It is extraordinary how decisive
Maiga's contributions have been in his relatively few appearances this
season, capped by that great assist for Nolan's third goal against Reading.
The rumour is that Sam Allardyce is not happy with Maiga's application and
work rate, but surely this needs to be balanced against what he delivers in
the final third and that key aspect of his game has been consistently good.
Another piece of recent conjecture is that Maiga allegedly fell out of
favour when, against all previous indications, he opted to attend
international duty at the January African Cup of Nations tournament. The
latest news is that Maiga could return to French football in a cut price
£2.5m deal. If that proves to be the case, it will be a great shame
considering his undoubted potential.

Even if Carroll signs and Maiga stays next season, we still need at least
one more striker. And two frequently mentioned names have been Wilfred Bony
and Romelu Lukaku. The probability is that a fee in the region of £14m will
be necessary to capture Bony's signature. Are West Ham realistically going
to sign both Carroll and Bony? That is unlikely, unless they are really
determined to 'push the boat out' in the summer transfer window. However,
the loan signing of Lukaku would make perfect sense as a supplement to
Carroll. And Lukaku also brings other qualities to the strike force, such as
pace and the ability to consistently hit the target at PL level (based on
last season). The possibility of signing him is inevitably down to Chelsea
and their assessment of the player's future. They could, of course, put him
out on loan again, retain him in their squad next season or cash in on him.
And, in the latter case, Dortmund are known to be interested. So, again, we
wait to see what will occur. But make no mistake, if we can secure a loan
deal, Lukaku would be a massive signing for the club.

It is very quiet on the transfer front at the moment, but no doubt much
effort is being expounded behind the scenes. There are key targets in other
positions, such the need to secure a new keeper, but one gets the impression
that our success in securing our striker targets will be crucial to us
strengthening the squad and progressing next season. Our top scorer is Kevin
Nolan with 10 goals for the season, followed by Andy Carroll on 7 goals. And
that speaks volumes about the need to sign a striker that can hit the target
c.15 plus times a season. Get that right and, hopefully, the rest will
follow to facilitate us improving on our top 10 finish and having a cup run
next season.

SJ. Chandos.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham line up Betis ace
Date: 2nd June 2013 at 2:45 am
Written by Brad Pinard | Comments (0)
Football Fancast

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is set to continue his summer spending by
bringing Real Betis goalkeeper Adrian to East London, according to the Daily
Mail.
Despite current number one Jussi Jaaskelainen recently signing a one year
contract extension, Allardyce is keen to add competition to that area of the
pitch after the former Bolton stopper blew hot and cold on his first season
at Upton Park. Adrian has become one of the top goalkeepers in Spain and La
Liga clubs Espanyol and Getafe are also tracking his progress ahead of
making summer bids. West Ham scouts travelled to Levante to scout the
stopper for the final time ahead of making their own bid which could be
significantly less than expected due to Betis' woeful financial state.
Allardyce has back up options in the goalkeeping market though as Besiktas'
Alan McGregor and Aston Villa's Shay Given are both available and on his
radar.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Season Review Part 2: Defenders
Posted by Peter Thorne and Vinny Ryan
ESPN

This is the second installment of a close look at West Ham's 2012-13 season,
and the players who played an important part in getting the Hammers into the
top half of the Premiership (We looked at the goalkeepers in Part 1).

Compiled with a considerable amount of input from my blog colleague, Vinny
Ryan, we are looking at how the players performed over the campaign and
highlight what we hope we can expect to see at the Boleyn next season. As
ever, we look forward to input from West Ham fans around the globe on who
you want to see at Upton Park and where you think things can be improved.

Looking at the Hammers' 2012-13 defenders:

Guy Demel

West Ham's Guy Demel, left, held his own against players such as Wigan's
Callum McManaman. Having suffered an injury-ravaged season in 2011-12, Demel
was an important member of the West Ham defence throughout the season. He
played 32 games in all competitions, 31 in the Premiership. At the back end
of the previous season, the Ivorian full-back had done well enough, but a
couple of mistakes in the promotion playoff final did have some questioning
whether he could step up and compete in the top division.

In fact, Demel was sort of unsung hero throughout the campaign and is
probably one of the least talked about players in the Hammers' squad despite
being a mainstay at right back for much of it. Arguably, Demel was the most
consistent player of the entire season. While he isn't a player you come
away from the game saying "Wasn't he great?", you can surmise that the lack
of opinion on his performance can usually be seen as a positive, and it was
a rare occasion when you would think he had been really poor or was given a
roasting by the winger.

In fact, most fans recognise Demel and his ilk for what he is, the type of
player required by every club -- perhaps even every business! -- someone
who, without fuss or favour, just gets on with doing the job in hand.
Dependable and honest, you could even be charged with damning him with faint
praise, as at times when going forward he offered great support and showed
quite a bit of skill. Even through the Hammers' poor run of form after New
Year, he wasn't a player anyone looked to as a weak link or a problem.

His contract was extended to 2015, so we can expect Guy Demel to be one of
the first names on the team sheet again next season.

Appearances: League 31 (3 as sub); Cup 1.
Bookings: 2

Verdict: Solid throughout the season; it is testament to Demel's
performances that right back is not a position Sam Allardyce needs to
urgently look at.



Jordan Spence

Having made his debut in the penultimate game of the 2010-11 season which
saw West Ham relegated at Wigan, many fans believed Spence would get a
chance to play the following season in the Championship. Instead he was sent
out on loan to Bristol City, where he didn't always even play.

With Allardyce not using him at all, it seemed unlikely he would make an
impact following the club's promotion but during preseason, he found himself
playing quite a bit. In fact, he started the first six preseason games.

Spence was not included in any of the squads for the first few Premiership
games, but made his full West Ham debut in the League Cup game at home to
Crewe and also started in the 4-1 home defeat in the same competition to
Wigan.

These two displays were average and Spence found himself dropped from the
next two squads. But he was recalled due to injuries and was on the bench
against Southampton at Upton Park, where he was brought on in the 86th
minute and played on the right wing where he looked impressive, despite not
being on for long.

He found himself on the bench a few more times. But as injuries mounted in
defence, Allardyce showed no faith in him, preferring to move other players
from their normal positions.

Then, inexplicably, Spence was handed a place in the starting eleven against
Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Cup replay, where he acquitted
himself well enough but was unfortunate to give away a penalty (missed by
Wayne Rooney).

After that game, rather than think that Spence had clearly caught the eye of
Allardyce in training, it was clear that the reason Spence was starting was
more for Allardyce's contempt for cup competitions and, given that this was
a replay at Old Trafford and the chance to get through to the next round had
probably ended when the Irons conceded a last-minute goal in the first game,
Sam thought he'd give the player a run-out.

After that game, Spence was not included in one squad. It seems clear
Allardyce is not convinced by the 22-year-old and it is likely Jordan will
be moved on in the summer.

Appearances: League 4 (all as sub); Cup 3.
Bookings: 2

Verdict: For reasons best known to Sam, it doesn't look as if Spence figures
in his plans. The defender may resurrect his career with a Championship
move.



Winston Reid

Winston Reid was Hammer of the Year, and for good reason.
When Reid made his debut as a right back against Aston Villa in 2010, he had
a nightmare. Cut to three years later, and he has just been named Hammer of
the Year and there are few who would disagree with the accolade.

Having cemented his place in the side last season, it seems the chance to
play in the Championship did nothing but good for Reid as he has become a
stronger and more aware centre half. Credit has to go to Allardyce for his
improvement, because under his guidance Reid has turned into an excellent
defender.

The 24-year-old scored his only goal of the season in the 3-0 home win
against Fulham, where he met a Matthew Taylor corner with a thumping header.
The only criticism that could possibly be made is Reid doesn't get on the
end of a few more corners as he generally attacks headers well (something it
seems he has learned from James Collins).

His distribution of the ball has gotten better and is improving all the
time, but his greatest attribute is probably the last-ditch recovery tackle
which he seems to make on a number of occasions. He seems to always be there
to make that decisive challenge or interception and supporters can feel
confident with him at the back.

Reid is the epitome of someone who can go through tough times at a club, but
under the right management and guidance can knuckle down, improve and go on
to be one of the best players. A credit to youngsters everywhere.

Appearances: League 36; Cup 1
Goals: 1 Bookings: 8

Verdict: Hammer of the Year. 'Nuff said.




James Tomkins

It was a very odd season for Tomkins and one not he nor most of the fans
would have expected given his wonderful season in 2011-12.

Tomkins was immaculate during the Championship campaign and the talk of the
central defender becoming another Alvin Martin didn't seem so wide of the
mark. It was expected Tomkins would be one of the first names on the team
sheet coming into the Premier League season with the returning Collins vying
with Reid for the partnership nod.

But Tomkins began on the bench and he was always third-choice throughout the
entire season, although with injuries and suspensions, he still took part in
a number of games, starting 18 Premiership matches and coming off the bench
eight times.

Having been picked for the Great Britain Olympic team in the summer,
everything seemed to be on the up for this West Ham boy. But his displays at
the Olympics were criticised and he did not get a full preseason with the
rest of the Hammers' squad, which did him no favours.

His first start came in the second match against Swansea where Tomkins was
deployed in the centre midfield role. But when things were going badly, he
was taken off at half time. He would have to wait until the League Cup game
at home to Wigan for another start and he had a bit of a nightmare, looking
extremely rusty and lacking match fitness.

Tomkins would get another chance when Reid was taken off after 22 minutes
away at QPR where he slotted in well and settled as the game progressed.
Tomkins was again in the team for the home match against Southampton, but
this time at right back as West Ham battled injury problems.

This was really the story of his season in that he was there just to fill
in. West Ham do not have many centre halves in the squad (just three), so
while he was never able to displace Collins and Reid without one of them
being injured or suspended, he was still required to play a role.

As the season moved into December, Tomkins began to get more games and
played a few at right back and then moved into the centre. Unfortunately
though, his inclusion coincided with the club's poor run of form as injury
to Collins at Sunderland meant Tomkins was going to be needed during the
next month.

Looking back on it, the moment he began to play regularly West Ham began to
concede goals. Although you cannot blame Tomkins entirely, it is clear that
Reid and Collins formed a defensive partnership that worked, while the
player who has come through the Academy never got to grips with the quality
the Premiership has to offer. This was odd as Tomkins was one of the few
players who hadn't looked poor during the 2010-11 relegation season.

There were rumours Newcastle were keen to take Tomkins during the winter
transfer window. But a new four-year deal was signed so fans can only hope
that Sam is able to weave the same magic on Tomkins as he has on Reid. I
firmly believe that not only is he an excellent defender but, with the right
opportunities, the Basildon-born player can go right to the very top.
2013-14 is a very important season for James Tomkins.

Appearances: League 26 (8 as a sub); Cup 3
Goals: 1 Bookings: 5

Verdict: Needs to recapture the form he produced in the Championship.




James Collins

A popular figure in his first spell at the club, James Collins was signed in
the summer to boost the Hammers' defensive options having been surplus to
requirements at Aston Villa.

While his debut against his former club was solid enough the next game away
at Swansea saw him make a catastrophic error as his back pass was
intercepted and Swansea scored. The concerns about his ability were
vehemently talked about amongst the supporters especially as he was keeping
out Tomkins.

Collins has a certain style of defending which took a bit of getting used to
due to its rugged nature, and composure is not a word that you would use
when describing him.

The early-season form was a little concerning with another mistake at home
to Sunderland leading to a goal being conceded. But he got better and the
form improved. There was another blip against Reading at the Madjeski when
his back pass again led to a goal. But after that mistake, I doubt Collins
made another all season. If Reid had not been consistent for the majority of
the season Collins could well have been voted Hammer of the Year as he saved
the team countless times in the second half of the campaign.

He scored two goals in the FA Cup third-round game against Manchester United
as Joe Cole supplied the crosses for two almost identical headers and
Collins went on strongly from there.

Surely his best display came away at Anfield in the 0-0 draw against
Liverpool. With Luis Suarez up front for the Scousers, it had been believed
that it would be a long day for Collins. But the Welsh defender completely
won the battle in a Man of the Match performance.

Collins received a lot of criticism early in the season but recovered well
and he can look back on the season with pride.

Appearances: League 29; Cup 1
Goals: 2 Bookings: 9

Verdict: A few mistakes early on were more than offset by some superb
defensive displays later.



George McCartney

It was an injury-hit season for McCartney, who came into the season as West
Ham's first-choice left back. A pre-season injury saw him miss one game and
then struggle to reclaim his place back in the side as Joey O'Brien
performed well.

With O'Brien getting injured, McCartney was recalled for the home game
against Arsenal and started the following six league games, with the away
defeat at Tottenham in November being the last time he started. Injury kept
him out for most of the rest of the season, although he did come on as a
78th-minute substitute against West Brom in March before getting hurt again.


McCartney has served the club well in both spells there. Although he signed
a two-year contract last summer, the signing of Razvan Rat and Joey O'Brien
proving more than capable in that position, there's a feeling that George's
future probably now lies away from Upton Park.

Appearances: League 12 (3 as sub); Cup 1
Bookings: 2

Verdict: A popular player, but George has probably reached the end of his
career at Upton Park.




Daniel Potts

Having not signed another natural left back in the summer and with only
McCartney as the senior player in that position, many fans thought that
Potts would see more time than he actually did.

Potts was in the starting lineup for half the preseason games, but it was
Joey O'Brien who got the nod all season long. Potts was shipped out on loan
in November to League One side Colchester United, where he looked quietly
impressive in a struggling side. He was recalled back to the Boleyn in
January.

Potts did have a three-game stint which saw him start against Manchester
United in the FA Cup twice and Sunderland in the league, but it was clear
after those games that Allardyce thought Potts was not yet ready to be
thrown in on a permanent basis.

Potts suffered a heavy collision away at Arsenal in a 5-1 defeat, which
Allardyce used as a smokescreen to take the heat off a big loss. With this
injury, Allardyce brought in Emanuel Pogatetz on loan as cover and Potts was
not included in another squad the rest of the season.

In the FA Cup home tie with Manchester United, many fans were happy with his
display yet, inevitably with limited experience, Danny was targeted as a
weak link in the side despite putting in a brave performance. But in a
shocking away performance by the whole team at Sunderland, Potts looked poor
and was badly at fault for the second goal.

Having just turned 19 in April, it is too early to write him off. Under
other circumstances, it's likely that Potts could have a future at the club.
However, Allardyce has shown himself to be quite unforgiving with younger
players -- something even the strongest Sam supporter sometimes finds
difficult to defend - and the best bet would seem to be a loan move to a
Championship club, where he could grow in confidence and, hopefully, provide
West Ham with another home-grown star to applaud. If Danny was to become
half as solid, dependable and popular at the club as his father Steve, then
it is surely worth trying.

Appearances: League 2 (1 as sub); Cup 4

Verdict: A promising youngster who needs some vital experience.



Emanuel Pogatetz

At the end of January, Pogatetz was signed on loan from German side
Wolfsburg for the rest of the season as cover due to defensive injuries.

He made his debut against Swansea City at Upton Park, when he came on as a
substitute in the 90th minute. He made his first and only start in the
following game away at Aston Villa, where West Ham put in a horrible
performance. But Pogatetz, despite looking a bit nervy, was far from the
worst of the Hammers that day.

It was the next game in which Pogatetz defined his brief West Ham career,
coming on at home to Tottenham as a 72nd minute sub, replacing Demel. The
moment the Austrian came on, West Ham fell apart and the formerly anonymous
Aaron Lennon became a main part of the Spurs revival as they just focused on
Pogatetz and, frankly, tore him apart.

It was such a noticeable performance against dreaded local rivals the
defender instantly became disliked and a subject of much abuse every other
time supporters saw he was about to come on. Thankfully, it was only as a
substitute on three more occasions.

Pogatetz's loan was terminated before the season was ended and the only
footnote the player is likely to provide to the West Ham history books is
when supporters gather together on internet forums and laugh about joke
signings. Nevertheless, the appearances do indicate a disturbing trait of
Sam's as it's difficult to imagine -- apart from ill-advised 'experience' --
what Pog was likely to bring to the party that someone such as Spence or
Potts couldn't.

Appearances: League 6 (5 as sub)
Bookings: 2

Verdict: At least he didn't slam the door on the way out.




Joey O'Brien

O'Brien had a remarkable campaign, playing a big part in West Ham's season
and starting a remarkable 32 league games. Most fans would have been very
surprised had they been told that not only would O'Brien figure as often as
he did, but it would be from a relatively comfortable position at left-back.


It is difficult to dislike O'Brien, who puts everything into his
performances. Although common sense suggests the Irish defender isn't
anything particularly special, the fact remains that he is seldom left
wanting, not only filling in where required but also doing it supremely
well.

For a player who was a centre midfielder in his early career before being
used at right back for most of last season, O'Brien has adapted well to the
left back position he filled for the majority of the campaign. He likes to
get forward too, and scored two goals against Stoke and Norwich at Upton
Park.

To move forward as a club, supporters will always want better players than
the likes of O'Brien. But it is also important to have players such as him
in the squad who can play in a number of positions and very rarely let you
down when he is called upon.

For a team that has based most of their success on defence, O'Brien can look
back and know that he was part of a unit that did very well this season.

Appearances: League 33 (1 as sub); Cup 1
Goals: 2 Bookings: 6

Verdict: Solid and dependable all season long, a player who will surely be
in or around the first team next season.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ex Hammers Set For A Return To West Ham?
Date: 1st June 2013 at 12:46 pm
Written by: Emily Pulham |
Forever WestHam

The question I most often ask my football buddies is what former West Ham
players they'd love to see return for another round of playing for us. Now
that the transfer mill is up and churning out some real winners, I'm
wondering whether or not any of my former favorites will be chasing a return
to East London this summer.

It's fun to answer this question in regards to West Ham, as we've actually
got a decent chance of the players coming back. In recent years messers
McCartney, Collins, (Joe) Cole, and, briefly, Benayoun, have all returned
for a second stint in claret and blue after departing the club. There have
even been murmurs of Rio Ferdinand seeing out his last few years of football
at the club (something I would love to see.)

With that in mind, here are 3 players who have left recently that I would
love to see come back to Upton Park: Carlos Tevez, Scott Parker and –
controversial, I know – Craig Bellamy.

Carlos Tevez needs no explanation. The man is a brilliant player, who scored
16 goals for Man City this past season, and has always made it clear that he
still feels fondly towards West Ham; he crosses his arms over his chest at
Upton Park, and still refuses to celebrate scoring against us (a gesture I
greatly appreciate.) Imagine him playing up front with Carroll- deadly.

But will he come back?

No, if he does I could see it being to see out the end of his career, but
not any time soon. There's too much money at Manchester City. Having said
that, they are reportedly stalling on his new contract, so watch this space.

Scotty Parker is a more recent departure I'd take back in a second. His
incredible hard work ethic was greatly appreciated, as were his graceful,
black swan-esque turns on the ball, and general consistent midfield skill
and talent.

But will he spin his way back into our hearts?

Well, it might not be a bad idea. Parker left Upton Park as he wanted
Premier League football, which we are now comfortably playing. During his
time at West Ham he scored 12 goals; he's scored zero at Spurs and, although
injured, hasn't contributed as strongly as he did in his first season.
Whispers are starting to surface that he may be out of favour at Spurs, and
may head off to QPR- and who in their right mind would want to go off there,
eh Rob Green?

And what of Craig Bellamy? The man is such a mouthy little so and so, but
lethal up front. He helped Cardiff City win promotion, but didn't have very
high goals per games ratio in his most recent season.

But will he be getting carded for dissent while playing for us next season?

Nah. Although Bellamy has said (in 2011) that the happiest time in his
career was when he played for us, and we reportedly tried to get him back on
loan in 2010, he has since done well for Cardiff. He'll want to carry on
with them in the Premier League.

There's also, of course, another side to the comeback question. As much as
I'd like any of the above players back, there's also a few people, who, if
they ever stepped foot on the pitch again in claret and blue I would burn my
season ticket before you could say 'pretty bubbles in the air;' particularly
Jermaine Defoe, Nigel Mediocore, and of course, the big 'un – literally –
Frank Lampard.

But those three aside, a lot of excellent players have graced our hallowed
turf and left on remarkably good terms, and I'd love to see them play with
our current manager. To see how much Sam Allardyce has gotten from our
players that previous managers were unable to get out of them (Winston Reid
when Grant was managing, I'm looking at you) makes me think that a lot of
previous 'good' players could be great players whilst working under Big Sam,
and I'd love to get them back again.

Plus, if James Collins is anything to go by, a second chance at claret and
blue can be a very good thing indeed.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com