Irving Call-Up a Vindication of Steidten Transfer Strategy

Andy Irving’s call-up to the Scottish National squad is a vindication of West Ham’s recruitment strategy.

While understandably much focus has been on £40m transfers, such as the deal for Max Kilman, the real purpose of recruiting Tim Steidten as director of football was to unearth hidden gems.

Therefore, last season’s decision to sign Irving and then loan him back to Klagenfurt in Austria, where he excelled, was a shrewd move.

The midfielder was brought back into the Hammers fold for preseason, where he impressed everyone, including head coach Julen Lopetegui. Admiration for Irving’s performance isn’t just restricted to West Ham; the club has received offers from Championship clubs, Austria, and of course, Celtic.

How far the Scotsman goes in the game is uncertain at this point. However, it is fair to say his reputation is growing, and from a purely financial point of view, the Hammers appear to have made a decent investment, managing him well through both his loan and reintegration into the West Ham squad.

Irving’s story may not be the most Hollywood-like of the Hammers’ recent transfer tales, but it hints at a more structured and cerebral recruitment strategy, and long may it continue.