Premier League ‘Jonah’ could be Hammers’ risky business

Last season West Ham brought in newly relegated Wes Foderingham from Sheffield United as their third-choice goal keeper on a ‘free’ transfer: Foderingham was seen as a training ‘keeper and was never expected to see first team action.

At 33 and on a two year contract, Foderingham was rescued from the Championship after one of the worst performances at the heart of a Sheffield United defence which shipped a record one hundred and four goals.

What is it with West Ham and relegated players? The continuing links with Aaron Ramsdale suggest the Hammers are again shopping in the discount aisle, Gonzos article referring to no less than four Southampton players being linked with the Irons.

Foderingham was a Championship level keeper in the twilight of his career – clear to see: The links with Aaron Ramsdale who’s career has nosedived since being at Arsenal is again, hardly a hallmark of a Premier League club with top half of the table aspirations.

Southampton have already conceded 74 goals this season and have been relegated by mid April: Linked today in thetimes.com, the Hammers’ interest in Ramsdale seems to ignore the reality that he has been relegated not once, not twice, but three times already by the age of twenty six and therefore must be some kind of Premier League Jonah.

However much the young man“wants to stay in the Premier League to ensure that he retains his place in the England squad”, there is surely a point at which a club should read the signs and consider a player below their required standard of competency, however appealing the price.

However, should Ramsdale sign on the line as a Hammer it will surely be another case of the triumph of blind optimism over common sense.