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No signings…and no panic as Moyes takes his time

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MoyesnoteWell, there’s just over a week left and apparently we are no closer to signing anybody in this winter window either on loan or permanently.

Obviously that will send a few into a bigger flap than swans when you annoy their young, and it will unquestionably raise the vitriol of the ‘board out’ mob to the usual levels.

There can be no doubt that the Davids had found a manager ‘made in heaven’ given his refusal to splash the cash and insistence that he will “treat the owners’ money like his own.”

We do have a ‘tight’ board…they don’t like spending fortunes and such buys as Manu Lanzini (£8 million) and Michail Antonio (£7 million) probably show why.

More recently the £25 million for Marko Arnautovic (hardly a fortune these days ) demonstrates the value is there if you look hard enough  – the problem has been in the past that it’s all been hit and miss, or should that be hit and hope.

There have been far too many bad buys but I believe that is all about to stop under Moyes and the lack of activity alongside the rise up the league should be seen for what it is.

The new manager is taking a very firm grip on all things West Ham and he is only going to move on players HE WANTS – rather than those the board may fancy. That’s great news. It has been the wrong way around for too long.

I do believe there will be a couple of arrivals but reckon they are more likely to be loans than permanent signings  given the January window only usually throws up permanent signings who aren’t wanted by their clubs for any amount of reasons – form, attitude etc.

Moyes is not a guy to lumber himself with second or third choices when he wants the Hammers job big time and money to spend on serious targets in the summer.

The guy is doing a great job whatever the haters on social media may have to say and if – as I believe – he gains total control over our recruitment policy  this club will – in my view – be on the way to that elusive next level.

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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

0 comments

  • JRS says:

    Agree Hugh. I think Moye’s hands on approach is refreshing too wanting to go & see players live which is hard to do especially in Jan. But shows he wants to get in the right player who will fit in.
    And he has done great w a small squad w massive injury issues. See some Fans calling dir Silva in summer not me. Not if Moyes keeps this up & we have played some entertaining footie but he stop us losing which is huge since win at Chelsea we 6th in points earned w 16 before weekend we were 3rd only behind City & Spurs. That’s good managing & he is arguably best in his 2nd season.

    Also good signs that Moyes & Pearce went to scout live yersteeday so we might see a permanent move for Dendoncker who know Henry likes & played CB yesterday which has been playing this season a lotr in back 3 & kept clean sheet.
    Not his best performance but think he would be a good investment for present & future especially if price is £13-£15m like reported.

    But I’ll be ok w a couple smart loan signings tho would like 1 permanent if can get good one liek Dendoncker or Maddison be a coup.
    But Moyes will probably do good work in recruitment in summer if still around & I would keep him if finish playing like we have been

  • doc66 says:

    I also agree Hammer. Doing it the right way for a change. If we don’t bring anyone in, i won’t be too fussed. it means our youngsters will get a lot more exposure and possibly minutes on the pitch. All looking good for the future.

  • FUGMASTER says:

    Agreed wholeheartedly to all of the above , Hammer & Hugh; we’re lucky to have Moysie in the manner which we have acquired him and his team, and if he can turn us into (now don’t get offended, anyone), the Everton of the South, I for one would be well pleased. COYI

  • Hammerintheblood says:

    Totally agree Hugh, mr moyes has come in and grabbed the bull by the horns, steadied the ship and got the lads to the fitness levels required for the premier league…now he’s had a good look at them all its time for him to bring in the right type of player that will push us on …..I for one am really glad that he’s not a yes man and with stuart pearce/his backroom staff are showing that they are not Naive …if he’s given the monies required I’m sure his future signings will be a success…he’s a breathe of fresh air imho…I just hope the board let him do his job without hindrance.

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