Looking for squad depth with upto ten players leaving between now and the start of the season, West Ham have been reported as chasing down a former Premier League left back who is now available on a free transfer, following the end of his contract at Newcastle United.
As reported by footballleagueworld.com:
“West Ham eye free agent Matt Targett as Nuno Espirito Santo seeks defensive depth..
West Ham and Norwich City are both eyeing the 30-year-old, who left Newcastle after his contract expired.
Targett spent last season on loan at Middlesbrough and rebuilt his rhythm in the Championship. He now looks set to have several options as clubs search for experienced defensive cover.”
Targett spent last season at Middlesboro
Which, on the face of it, would make a lot of sense: All very well unearthing the stars of the future and young talent, but last season West Ham were short on leaders at the back, with Todibo, Kilman and Mavropanos looking shaky early in in the season.
Having dispensed with Cresswell, the Irons’ choices at left back of Diouf and Scarles at times both looked situationally poor: Not an accusation which could be levelled at the former Newcastle United defender.
A left back signing such as Targett – who has bags of Premier League and Championship experience could offer the club squad depth and a steadying influence – if Ollie Scarles does get sent out on a season long loan then a ‘free’ signing such as Targett could be a sensible signing.
How many season tickets sold and this is calibre of player the club is offering up to its fans.
Still not been linked with any player to get exited about.all below average
We will start the season with the poorest squad in our history. And that is saying sonething.
It’s pretty much bolted-on that if Ollie Scarles was cut Claret and Blue would poor out. but the thing is he hasn’t been given enough minutes or enough consecutive games. reason being he plays good in 1 game and not so good in the next.
I cast my mind back 2 Owen at 18 when everyone was saying he’s 2 young 2 be starting a game in the World-Cup. and my answer 2 that is. the ”WONDER-GOAL” he scored against Argentina when he dribbled past 4 and smashed it into the roof of the net.
Give the kid more game time wether he’s good or bad. it’s the only way you stopmthe mistakes by playing more. C O Y I’s
Not sure if Scarles is going to cut it at Prem level based on last year. Moving him on might be the best thing for all there. Diouff memorably caused a fair few conceded goals last year too so doesn’t fill with confidence as a back 4 defender – much more useful as a wing back (if we could finally ever get those tactics working). Targett is a good shout
Exactly and Spot on
i’ve no doubt Matt Targett could be a sensible 2-year signing Martin , but to where might it be thought that Ollie Scarles could be sent out on a season long loan ? it would not seem to be very sensible to send him out to another fellow championship club (for if so why not utilise him ourselves) and to be sending him out to a league 1 club or below would seem to be a complete backward step for the lad x