Finally the Hammers’ have broken their ‘duck’ in the transfer window this summer with a new signing to bolster Nuno Espírito Santo’s defensive options, quite probably sounding the death knell for another’s London Stadium career at the same time.
As revealed yesterday, The Hammers have signed 34 year old Joel Veltman on a free after the sporty of his contract at Brighton and Hove Albion.
The right-sided defender his a huge addition to the leadership quotient at London Stadium, bringing with him several hundred appearances for Brighton and previous club Ajax and domestic double honours from his time win the Dutch league.
Unveiled as a Hammer today
The Dutchman will wear the number 34 – the same as his age – showing either a sense of humour or tongue in cheek irony.
In all likelihood Veltman’s signing will prove the rumours correct that former Hammer of the Year Aaron Wan Bissaka – another right back – will be on his way out of the club now that cover has been found for Kyle Walker – Peters, who will be the first choice in a long, gruelling Championship campaign.
Seems a sensible, solid, season-long addition (with an option for a second year) : Hardly the most dynamic but hopefully the first of several over the threshold in the next few days.
We are a Championship club and must watch our pocket in case of not immediately bouncing back at the first attempt. Whilst trying to avoid a Leicester financial, what on earth do some expect for a backup player. This is a realistic signing and provides needed cover. Behave and get real.
Exactly. All this negativity about who we are, or might be signing (ironic for one claimed to write negative articles!) is getting me down… we are a 2nd division side!
Please don’t get despondent. I guess it’s the nature of the beast that the most vocal people are often the negative crowd.
You regularly show you’re just as disgruntled as the rest of us, while still trying to maintain a degree of positivity where possible. For what it’s worth, I think you and the site do us a real service, brother. Frustration will always drive people to comment more on the negatives than the positives, and let’s be honest, the unstable voices tend to be the loudest.
Please don’t let it get to you. I’m sure the silent majority appreciate your efforts as much as I do. Your balanced approach allows me to form my own opinions rather than feel I’m being pushed in one direction.
I, for one, genuinely enjoy your articles, Martin. You also helped ensure the transition after Hughes’ passing didn’t diminish the relevance of our main news site. Please don’t give in, mate. You do us proud.
Taffy: Cheers, mate. Although I completely disagreed with your support of Sullivan recently, I have to admit I sometimes struggle to separate my passion for the club from the realities of the situation.
Well, that was unexpected. Thank you. Sincerely.
Superbly put, Neil. Reality check required not fantasy football.
This transfer window lacks imagination and need of pace.
IN: Veltman OUT: Disarsi/Bissaka. Kabore is explosive.
IN: Thomas OUT: Potts
IN: Adingra (loan) OUT: Fernandes
IN: Solomon OUT: Summerville
IN: Parrott OUT: Pablo
Golembekis/Lmadrid already injured season not started.
Really what happened to the youthful vibrant team another dull season to look forward to with a equally no clue dull manager who should have been gone when we were relegated. Bounce back no chance.
Unimpressed. We are not looking anything like we will get off to a good start…
I think he’s a sensible addition and much needed
Kilman Veltman impenetrable partnership. Looking forward to it. And both scoring to boot.
I think this is a shrewd signing. Ok, he’s 34 but we’re not expecting him to go sprinting down the wings! He comes with loads of experience at high level and a good fitness / injury record and is versatile with regard to positional options. On a free – it’s a no brainer and can only make us more solid at the back in what will be a long hard season…. Who knows, maybe Ballon Daws 2.0??? Lets hope so!
My comment recently was, we will not be signing anyone of consequence, unless they past it or desperate to keep their career going? So pleased to see we have gone for youth, vibrancy and skill, AGAIN! At least he was free🙏🏻🤣
Totally underwhelmed by our transfer saga yet again cheap options when will things change still seem to be a circus for me.