Speculation over free agent Craig Dawson return | West Ham News

The Craig Dawson of 2023 would be a magnificent addition to West Ham’s defensive ranks just now. The fearless warrior who has ‘nothing but love and respect‘ for West Ham departed after a two and a half year stay at London stadium where his career was reborn:  How the Hammers could do with his steely determination and unyielding defending just now.

If nothing else he could teach Jean-Clair Todibo and Max Kilman what it really means to put your body on the line and give everything for the team.

Dawson’s triumphant return to London Stadium is considered very unlikely, despite reports linking him – now as a free agent – with a rumoured return to act as an unlikely reinforcement at West Ham. Londonworld.com‘s article suggests the 35 year-old might do a job but ignore the reasons Dawson left the club, which  are still valid. (The former Hammer is midlands-based: Dawson’s travelling time to, and from London became prohibitive and impacted upon his family life).

Dawson, now 35, was released by Wolves last summer

And however rosy tinted and romantic the notion of Craig “Balon D’Orson”s return might seem in view of the Hammers current meek and mild defender options, he’s now 35 and was released by previous club Wolves last summer. As the London World article reports:

“Dawson rejected an offer from Birmingham City to join the Midlands club on a one-year deal during the recent window, with Blackburn Rovers and Wrexham also said to be interested in signing the player. That could suggest that the defender still believes he has the ability to be playing in the Premier League.”

As the Hammers crisis deepens, especially with the news that Konstantinos Mavropanos is out for six weeks-plus, clearly ‘never say never’ but the chances of a 35 year old Dawson donning the claret and blue once more is unlikely in the extreme.

But not impossible….