Alexander Lacazette’s decision not to join the Hammers is a big blow but hopes remain high that we will find the man we need.
It really is time we found such a player and it’s a chastening thought that we haven’t unearthed one since 85-86 when Frank McAvennie and Tony Cottee were wearing the claret and blue.
Co-chairman David Gold admits that it’s of crucial importance we manage to find one this season as we close in on the pre-season and PL campaign proper.
Speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh he said: “Dean Ashton would have managed it I’m sure and that he got that injury is a total tragedy but we have to look to the present and the future and find that man.
“Top defenders are incredibly important of course but a 20 goal a season man changes your life as a football club.
“We couldn’t be working harder to find the right man. It’s been our focus since before the end of last season and such a player is well overdue at this club.”
I still think that if we find a good RB, we already have the firepower, if Antonio is then allowed to flourish on the right wing. He will get lots more goals.
Also, If we get better refereeing decisions, we will have more goals (the lost goals we were denied to that at the end of the season alone cost us 8 points).
If we don’t get so many injuries, we will get more goals
As we get lots of goals from mid-field, and have strenghtened that already.
If our injuries aren’t quite as bad
With all these put together and take off the goals scored by the stiker that the new striker would replace, it accounts for at least 20 goals! Here’s 24 extra goals which I think is conservative:
IE: More goals from Antonio: = extra 8
Better ref decisions (we had exceptionally bad) = extra 4
Fewer injuries:
Carroll = extra 4
Sakho = extra 4
(if we give Sakho better money to improve his attitude; he’s only on 27.5K)
Others = extra 4
So, my feeling is, instead of worrying about expensive strikers who don’t want to come anyway and on massive wages (potentially creating resentment and upsetting team spirit), instead sort the RB, find another cheaper ‘Doamond in the rough’ striker…and Antonio’s extra goals will do most of the rest….
Agree completely Mr monkey’s, 32 million for a player untried in the PL and not in the French squad, hell of a risk, sort the defence out first, can’t legislate for injuries of course but concentrate on the back first, we have goals in us already IMHO….
Unfortunately, we seem to be lone voices!