Making sense of the silly season

By Allen Cummings

The football season may have finished, but the football transfer ‘silly season’ is clearly in full swing. The transfer rumour mill is alive and well and throwing up new names every day of players we’re ‘monitoring’.

We all like a bit of gossip now and again. It’s what keeps us going sometimes. With a new manager in place West Ham are prime candidates to be linked with all and sundry, as everyone tries to second guess just who might be on Manuel Pellegrini’s shopping list.

Good news indeed then that we’ve learned here on C&H that the actual names on that list are not necessarily in the public domain – not already linked to us through the media. The manager wants to keep his targets under wraps. Exactly as it should be. Exactly how most of us want it to be. Mum’s the word!

But none of that will stop us from drawing up our own personal wish list. I don’t know about anyone else, but from my point of view I know exactly the kind of player I’d like to see coming through the door at the London Stadium.

 I’m not interested in the so-called ‘marquee’ signings, usually European based players who will command an impressive looking fee, and who’s agent is looking for a nice pay day. They cut no ice with me and I don’t believe they’re right for my club.

With all due respect to Pablo Zabaleta , who I believe was brilliant for us last season, I’m hoping we will move away from signing any aging stars, players with a justifiably respected reputation, but who’s best days are behind them.

I know there is no substitute for experience in football, but I see that as just another short-term solution. I want us to seize the opportunity we now have with the appointment of a top rank manager, and look to build that much promised new and brighter future for the club.

My idea of the ‘right’ kind of player is ironically one we actually already know we’re interested in, Fulham’s Ryan Fredericks. Early days yet I know, but Fredericks ticks all the right boxes for me.

The 25 year old is the perfect age. He’s had experience of the lower leagues where he’s learned his trade. He’s athletic, energetic, has pace, not short on ability but he also has an edge to his game.

Ryan’s ambitious and wants to go places. Ruben Loftus-Cheek is another who has been mentioned as a possible target. Similar qualities to Fredericks and clearly destined for bigger and better things in the game.

They are the type of players I want to see wearing the claret and blue next season. The type of players I believe will excite West Ham fans like me. Who will get our magnificent supporters firmly behind them and help to create the kind of expectant  atmosphere we have all been waiting a very long time for.