New Antonio contract decision boost

Mikey Antonio’s decision to call a halt on his international aspirations looks set to help him in his bid to gain a new West Ham contract.

It’s been made clear by the club to us that should his form and fitness be proved over the season the 31 year old can expect to pick upma new deal in the summer.

Mikey – having pulled out of Jamaica’s three international break World Cup qualifiers after discussions between club and country given the travel and logistical problems – is obviously keeping a very close wye on his future.

And this demonstrates that it’s club first – a decision which could easily land him a further two or three year deal if all goes well.

He has found his real position in the game later in his career and may well be able to go on at this level for a couple of years.

When one looks at Cavani who signed for Manchester Uunited last year at the age of 33,  Ronaldo at 36 and Ibrahimovic – another signing at United when 35 – it’s an assumption that isn’t too outrageous.

If his form were to hold on in a role discovered there’s no reason to believe he may bot have two or three years left in him.

This does not alter the fact that another striker must be found but the club will feel it is too early to refuse Mikey a new deal – other clubs are sure to be watching,

West Ham will be keenly aware of that and given his fitness he can expect a very decent new deal.

 

 

About Hugh5outhon1895

Hugh Southon is a lifelong Iron and the founding editor of ClaretandHugh. He is a national newspaper journalist of many years experience and was Bobby Moore's 'ghost' writer during the great man's lifetime. He describes ClaretandHugh as "the Hammers daily newspaper!" Follow on Twitter @hughsouthon