Hammers boss Slaven Bilic is likely to have an embarrassment of riches for the weekend with a nearly totally fit quad which is set to see Andy Carroll, Enner Valencia and Angelo Ogbonna back in the frame.
And is means that possibly for the first time, a West Ham manager has entered the world of ‘rotating squad’ possibilities.
To those of us sitting on the sidelines it comes as something of a culture shock not to be thinking in terms the first team being written in tablets of stone.
Co chairman David Gold told ClaretandHugh: “We have come so far over this summer – there is strength everywhere in the squad and yes, I think it’s fair to say we can now rotate without seeing a massive difference in performance levels.
“That’s all down to the manager of course but there’s a tremendous confidence when you see such as Andy, Enner, Angelo, Mauro Zarate and Alex Song not far away.
“It changes the attitude and atmosphere in the club when you look around and also see Pedro Obiang, Reece Oxford and two or three youngsters pushing through.
“There’s a real buzz around the place and we can no look forward to games wondering who is going to get the shout. It’s so refreshing and is a much needed change of direction.”
It’s a great problem to have – over the last few years the Squad has been really thin, it’s great to have some depth at last – it augurs well for West Ham’s season!
all looks good no one can now drop there level of performance cos they will be out strong squid we do now have
Anyone saw Zarate’s 2 goals in friendly against Reading? …..There is serious quality in depth….and Antonio hasn’t even got on the pitch yet!…COYI!
Slav was clever in playing Oxford early on to highlight his need for recruits in the summer but I can’t see the boy getting a game now. Definitely one for the future though.
Yeah i saw them,quality!! 😉
not to detract from the Carroll and Valencia comeback hype but yes. Valencia scored two fantastic goals.
Zarate scored two fantastic goals I mean.