There surely hasn’t been a ‘last week of the window’ like it in recent memory – West Ham’s transfer window burst into life last week with two late deals but a host of rumoured ‘outgoings’ – both scheduled and unscheduled – combining to make for a nail-biting last 48 hours for fans and a big challenge for the Manager to keep the squad focussed and prepared for todays Nottingham Forest game.
If ever there were reasons to close the transfer window before the Premier League commencement, this weekend’s briefing, counter-briefing, rumours and hijacking skullduggery surely demand an end to this unsatisfactory transfer hang over.
One player who looks like he’s staying, and more importantly, in view of some of the reports, happy to be staying, is Hammers’ Tomas Soucek. Rumoured in the last few days to be the subject of late Everton bids, the Czech captain appears to be delighted to remain for another season as a West Ham player after speaking in pretty unequivocal, plain language, directed at West Ham fans via whufc.com:
““My message to the fans is that I love them. They are incredible, and we’re going to need them on Sunday. Hopefully together we can get the win we all want.”
Big Sou is quite evidently Claret and Blue through and through and bleeds for the cause. Pretty clear where his loyalties lie, unlike some who’ve been in the press this weekend.
He is starting today, an example of an elite professional, he will always give 100%, I haven’t seen it but Paqueta’s instagram post in reply to Romano with a photo of him celebrating in a West Ham shirt seems to suggest he is going nowhere either and they are both in the starting lineup demonstrating that the media allegations that he refused to play are at best questionable. Good to see Cry Summerville on the subs bench too and 4 at the back against a very strong side is going to e interesting to watch COYI!!!
Yes Souchek could be more of a baller but you can’t deny he’s made of the right stuff, will die for the cause. Reminds me of the players of old like Billy Bonds in that way. A hammer through and through. He’d probably be better off career wise if he went to play for Moyes at Everton in all honesty because he’s not appreciated by many of our fans. The Everton fans would love him but personally I’d be more than happy for him to stay at West Ham.
I love big Tom Souchek. If we had eleven players with the same attitude as him and Bowen we’d be winning the league.
Aguerd appears to be the ‘want away’ and should be allowed to leave also seems whu will get decent fee
3 possibles to replace him, Charlie Cresswell, Shea Charles or for more versatility Junior Mwanga.
Should bring in a striker, Christantus Uche, Franculino Dju or again for versatility Patrick Wimmer.
If Paqueta goes should look at Eljif Elmas as he has pace and covers multiple positions.
Is there any necessity for another goalkeeper depending on score and who he plays today could answer that.
Soucek staying will also bring g calm to dressing room which Potter will appreciate.
JWP needs to start on bench.
11 Souceks we win the league… Simple.
This is why i say we need to keep him…impact player from the bench not a starter but you get 100% from this man no matter what…..Aguered is the Polar opposite and soon as we are rid of that man the better.
I will be very happy if Soucek stays – gives his all and puts his head where it hurts
I also think that we should not sanction a departure for Paqueta – let that one be revisited in January if need be
And please no to Fabio Viera – apart from also being knocked off the ball there is no resemblance to Paqueta
I can see his shortcomings on the pitch, but for commitment, and just generally being a decent human being you cannot fault the guy.
He will often attend U16 WH tournaments and handout the medals. Always takes time for pictures with the players after and will speak to the boys and parents.
Lovely guy and a great character to have around the dressing room to counter the negativity right now.
We have done a lot of good work. We have stabilised things a lot,” he said.
“The culture is a lot better and the foundation within the group is better. The togetherness at the club is better.
“The work done behind the scenes is beginning to take shape, even if results haven’t yet reflected that progress.”
These comments were made this week by Potter to the BBC this week .
He also spoke about a good pre-season !
The man is totally deluded!
I still maintain the job and club is too big for him .
I pray after losing again today he will be sacked .
Only then have we a chance of avoiding relegation.
To his credit Moyes has transformed Everton . Nobody can say that about Potter !
I think you are forgetting Everton have given money to Moyes for him to buy his own players. Potter is stuck with previous managers signings and desperately needs more of his own players in.
We all love Tommy, Martin. We all know his limitations, but other than him and Bowen who scores ? Let’s face it we struggle badly for goals ( ship plenty as well !) so as things stand getting rid would be madness. Gonzo nailed it on Hammers chat when he said perfect from the bench, although feel depending on the opposition he could start as apart from the goals, he is decent in the air – another area we are very poor.
Of course, we need that energy and drive in the midfield but Rodriguez and JWP are the two who offer virtually nothing.