It seems there’s been some behind-the-scenes frank talking already, in the few days that Scott Parker has had his feet under the desk in the manager’s office at Rush Green. Blackburn Rovers away tomorrow caps off a dizzying week for the new West Ham head coach who interrupted his holiday to fly back and sign a contract, do his media stint and head off to Cardiff – all on day one.
There’s been some pretty intensive assessment already carried out regarding the shape of the squad come January, if reports quoting ‘sources’ behind the scenes are true.
Footballfancast, claim an insider source’s info regarding the priority for Nils Koppen in the January window:
“West Ham are prioritising the signing of a new centre-forward for Parker in January, with the manager and board in agreement on their main area for reinforcement.”
Clearly Pablo has been deemed – by fans anyway- surplus to requirements and didn’t even make the bench for Scott Parker’s first team selection whilst Castellanos, subbed off after one half against Cardiff, looks unlikely to get another start any time soon.
West Ham’s winter signings last year- neither of Nuno’s choices has worked out despite a £50m outlay
He has the attitude, but none of the other attributes of a frontman and there must be intense disappointment behind the scenes that he’s not lived unto expectations in this league.
Joel Piroe, meanwhile, as a forward is more likely to play a part but is not, apparently, considered an out and out striker:
“Joël Piroe provides another option but is not considered a traditional out-and-out number nine, leaving Parker with limited alternatives in a position that could prove crucial to West Ham’s promotion ambitions.”
The same report also confirms that, if Mavropanos stays at the club through the winter window, West Ham won’t be looking for another recruit to their back line:
“West Ham will pursue a new centre-back ..[only].. if Konstantinos Mavropanos leaves the club.
Which suggests Parker and his coaching team feel they can get enough out of Kilman and Dinos providing both stay fit for the remainder of the season.
That seems to be a fair assessment of the current squad, but finding a decent striker in the january window may not be easy.
Tell Werder Bremen that we are taking Fulkrug back in January unless they stump up £20m 😊⚒️⚒️
Who thou? Apparently there is a big German scoring goals for fun in Germany🥰