There was an outpouring of vitriol aimed at David Sullivan when Callum Wilson came on board last summer and at times it seemed the former Newcastle and Bournemouth striker didn’t know what he’d let himself in for. The fan upset over the signing of another ‘crocked’ thirty- something frontman, despite the clear evidence of Newcastle not wanting to retain him on fitness grounds was entirely predictable.
Wilson’s two years absence owing to injury in the last five seasons made his Hammers’ signing – even on a ‘pay per play’ deal – look short term in the extreme.
However, it seems from Nuno’s comments that after an iffy start, Wilson has won over his new coach : In the press conference yesterday the Hammers manager recognised what Wilson brings to the team:
“He’s a top professional, who has understood the decisions. [Presumably that includes being dropped for one game with 20 year old Callum Marshall replacing him!]
“He’s committed to the squad, and to helping us. He can bring good things to the squad, but all members of the squad are important.”
Niclas Fullkrug, whilst training on grass again after his latest muscle injury, is not yet deemed ‘ready to start’ so the Hammers will need to rely again tomorrow on the high mileage 32 year old legs of Callum Wilson.
Espírito Santo seems to have reassessed his opinion of veteran striker Wilson
Another goal or two and there’ll be few fans who don’t appreciate his efforts in his ‘Premier League swan song’ this season at London Stadium.
To be fair, it has been impossible to fault his effort for the team every time he’s been on the pitch. He does have a striker’s brain but the legs just don’t get him where he needs to go now.
The rancour from the Hammers fans was more to do with Sullivan’s penny pinching and again opting for the short term, ‘freebie’ signing who can only be a bit part player. With Fullkrug still injured, Callum Wilson looks like he’ll get another chance to win over the unbelievers tomorrow.
At the other end of the age scale, I see Earthy, Marshall, Kante and Mayers are playing for the U21’s tonight. So presumably will not be involved tomorrow
I wasn’t happy with Wilson coming in, but that was for reasons of his age and injury record not because of his ability. He is a forward adept at forward play and he adds to our set up at the moment. We are better for him. He makes my starting line up for Burnley.
I wouldn’t go as far as say he’s won me over but he puts in a worthwhile shift for sixty minutes while he’s remaining fit is better than going with a false 9 which we’ve tried to no great success.
Totally agree