As the Championship restart finally appears over the horizon, thoughts return to West Ham’s promotion push which will now continue in earnest in a flurry of fixtures between now and the end of the year.
Queens Park Rangers represent the next hurdle to be overcome on Friday night in a classic London derby under the lights.
Tomas Soucek, injured since the World Cup in the summer, played most of the behind closed doors friendly fixture last week – and scored a penalty – in a pretty clear statement of his return to fitness.
The senior pro and former Czechia national skipper is going to be a key member of Nuno’s squad with his strength in both boxes being an important addition to West Ham’s spine and leadership group.
Over 250 caps and a Hammers stalwart: Soucek
However, Tornado Tom’s West Ham contract situation is a major concern and one of the big clouds on West Ham’s horizon.
Soucek’s West Ham deal, extended in 2024, expires next summer at which point he’ll be a free agent and open to offers.
Accordingly we talked to one of our top sources close to the player, to establish where his contract situation was heading because clubs have been linked with Soucek for the last two summers: Now that he’s fit again will Soucek be staying or possibly leaving West Ham within months?
The response was reassuring, but knowing Soucek’s affection for the club and its fans, not surprising:
“Tomas loves West Ham… He’s in talks over a new deal”
Having declared his intention to stay and slug it out in the Championship, few fans will be surprised at Soucek’s desire to extend his stay and remain in east London. A true West Ham stalwart, often bleeding for the cause, Soucek will be well on his way to legend status if he helps the Hammers make the step back up to the top tier come May next year.
And from the sound of it, if the Hammers do work the oracle of promotion next Summer, Soucek’ll be around to celebrate a return to the Premier League next season.