The debate goes on as West Ham seek a new occupant for the number nine shirt. Whether reports are correct and the Irons do bring in a youngster from the crop leading the headlines – Adama Bojang, Mathias Kvistgaarden or Lucas Stassin being the current subjects of speculation – none of these will be a hit-the-ground-running ready to rock number nine. All young and ready to learn – yes.
As was Michail Antonio who arrived ten years ago from the championship. The rest is club history, as Antonio stands on the cusp of an ignominious exit when his contract expires in a couple of days time, having played under different managers, different systems, and watched hundreds of millions of pounds’ worth of striker purchases come, fail and leave whilst he has flourished.
For the time being, Jarrod Bowen apart, Antonio is unlikely to be overtaken at the top of the Hammers all time goal scoring list with 68 career goals.
As former boss Slaven Bilic told the nytimes.com :
“What makes me smile the most is the fact that he’s gone on to become a West Ham legend. They tried to say he was just a Championship player, but he’s proved them all wrong.”
West Ham need to thank Antonio, shake hands and wave him goodbye with no last-minute wobble of an emotionally-led contract extension. Truth be told his time should have been up a year or so ago. The Irons need to find another from the championship with his bull-like mentality and physique to terrify defenders for the next five years.
So the next time someone talks of the perils of shopping in the lower leagues for the “next Jordan Hugill”, just remind them that the club’s all time top scorer and legend was once a championship player too.
In the meantime, thanks, Antonio, for the goals, the misses, the celebrations, the smiles and the sheer hard work – it’s been a fabulous ride. Legend.
Not to mention Mr bowen .also came from lower league ..but in all honesty Antonio has been living on his rep for 3 seasons…time to say good bye and best of luck ..he will never be a legend. Ala brooking. Bonds . Devonshire. Or the world cup trio..
Forget the football player goalkeeper nonsense and play Michail Antonio at centre back. He has all the experience needed to become an overnight sensation in our defence. Added bonus would be he could also play as emergency forward if needed.
Obviously not a long term solution but we need to play in the moment and that moment is today.
Certainly worth consideration if Michail would be up for it.
COYI
Hi Martin,
I know its hard to believe but football existed before ‘The Premier League’…
Michail Antonio has been a great success at at The Hammers, but his 68 goals pales into insignificance compared to many others and he is not our ‘all time’ top goalscorer !
The all time honour goes to the great Vic Watson (ask your grandad…) with 326 goals in a mere 505 appearances. Geoff Hurst in later times at 252 and even Trevor Brooking – not known specifically as a goalscorer – knocked in 102 are also way ahead…
Please be careful to not write off anything pre 1992/3,
A proud pedant & Hammer
Well said Martin and Dave. Totally agree on Antonio comments and I equally get frustrated that pre EPL seems to have been forgotten in modern football.
Been a great servant, but all good things come to an end..
When you look at 68 goals as our premier league record, how bad is that!
Well said!
Probably my 2nd favourite West Ham player ever, right after Paolo.