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Leroy: Emineke loan sends warning to Irons squad

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LEROY (1)Slaven Bilic is proving himself a man with a serious vision and the balls to go with it.

His decision to bring in Emanuelle Emenike and let Nikica Jelavic go shows that and it’s great news for every West Ham fan.

It doesn’t surprise me that the Croatian is off to China (it now looks a certainty) but in previous  times the Hammers might have stuck with what they had and hope it would come right.

That’s clearly not Slav’s way which is great news and in Emenike he may just have unearthed a bit of a player. I recall him from African Nations Cup matches and he’s not bad.

His touch isn’t brilliant when he gets in behind but he’s quick, compact and powerful. He could do well and the Irons have got it right in taking a punt on him.

One thing is for sure – he’s an upgrade on Jelavic who has never been a player I’ve fancied anywhere. At the money they are reportedly paying for him (around £750k loan fee plus £35k a week wages) it looks decent. Time will tell.

Some come off and some don’t but that Slav has taken this action sends a terrific message to the rest of the squad – “if you don’t do it, we’ll replace you.”

Sometimes players have coasted at this club – as they do at others – but it seems those days are gone and the new ambition and vision is well and truly in place.

Bilic has got absolutely everything right since he arrived and I for one am applauding this latest course of action – just the sort of proactive managerial behaviour West Ham has needed for a very long time.

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Hugh Southon is a lifelong Iron and the founding editor of ClaretandHugh. He is a national newspaper journalist of many years experience and was Bobby Moore's 'ghost' writer during the great man's lifetime. He describes ClaretandHugh as "the Hammers daily newspaper!"

Follow on Twitter @hughsouthon

0 comments

  • johnboy says:

    Ambition !! Its what the club boards of the past lacked , full houses with loyal supporters meant they didn’t need success with top players in every position ! They saved a fortune because of us , all the way to the bank !! The 2 Dave’s are different , they want success they don’t need the money and they are hammers at heart. !!! Keep it going please .

  • West Ham Fan No 32 says:

    Hope so Leroy, according to skysports we are looking at a deal for Rob Green also, I wonder if that is so we can send Randolph out to get some playing time before the euros ?

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