Leroy: Emineke loan sends warning to Irons squad
His decision to bring in Emanuelle Emenike and let Nikica Jelavic go shows that and it’s great news for every West Ham fan.
It doesn’t surprise me that the Croatian is off to China (it now looks a certainty) but in previous times the Hammers might have stuck with what they had and hope it would come right.
That’s clearly not Slav’s way which is great news and in Emenike he may just have unearthed a bit of a player. I recall him from African Nations Cup matches and he’s not bad.
His touch isn’t brilliant when he gets in behind but he’s quick, compact and powerful. He could do well and the Irons have got it right in taking a punt on him.
One thing is for sure – he’s an upgrade on Jelavic who has never been a player I’ve fancied anywhere. At the money they are reportedly paying for him (around £750k loan fee plus £35k a week wages) it looks decent. Time will tell.
Some come off and some don’t but that Slav has taken this action sends a terrific message to the rest of the squad – “if you don’t do it, we’ll replace you.”
Sometimes players have coasted at this club – as they do at others – but it seems those days are gone and the new ambition and vision is well and truly in place.
Bilic has got absolutely everything right since he arrived and I for one am applauding this latest course of action – just the sort of proactive managerial behaviour West Ham has needed for a very long time.