29 Year old Centre Back – Emerging report

Does 29 seem too old for a centre back target for West Ham? Compared with recent incumbents of the two central defender positions in recent months, being under thirty would seem to be like signing a defender in his prime.

News out on MSN via HITC indicates that we are ‘keen’ along with Fulham and Leicester City on one particular Scotland International who is an out and out centre back. Home grown too – and according to Brendan Rodgers: ”His profile suits the highest level. He’s quick and can defend,..” ( Yep, thanks Brendan, kind of helpful in a centre back – MT)

Currently at AL-Ettifaq and previously at Club Brugge, Celtic and Dundee amongst others ( which is where the photo was taken) Jack Hendry has Euro 24 experience with Scotland although that might not seem such an advantage on his CV after the national side’s disappointments in the competition. He did start all three games and came away as one of the few Scots to emerge with some praise from the tournament.

Certainly at Al-Ettifaq he was part of a defence with good stats, conceding just 34 times in 48 games. How happy would West Ham have been with conceding that number last season. ‘Big Jack’ as former Scotland manager Alex McCleish called him..’was very cool and calm and very confident.’ At a huge 1.92 metres you’d hope he can command a penalty area too!

‘Valued’ in the loosest possible sense by the same site at a near bargain £3 million, if the rumours of a Premier League move are proved correct let us hope we can be at the head of the queue. Difficult to tell with these stories of a player interesting West Ham and other teams in the Premiership AND teams in the  Saudi Pro League.  Could all be agent speak, the player seeking a move – or could be based on fact. We will keep a watch on what comes out in the next few days. Maybe a good  CB partner for Max Kilman?