Boys of 86 hero Tony Cottee believes Diafro Sakho should get the nod over Andy Carroll in West Ham’s starting XI.In an interview as part of a special edition of Blowing Bubbles Magazine that celebrates the 30th anniversary of that fantastic third place finish by the Hammers, Cottee also spoke about being sick and tired of seeing West Ham fail to win trophies.
“Sakho is so good that he picks himself,’ Cottee said. “I like Valencia a lot. Jelavic I see as being a squad player, third or fourth choice, and then there’s the matter of Carroll.
“He’s a great option to have, he gives you so much, but I’m not sure at his age and this stage in his career that he’s going to want to just be a sub to be called upon as an option.”
As for his frustrations at West Ham not winning a trophy for 35 years, he added: “Since we last won a trophy, the likes of Birmingham, Swansea and Wigan have won cups, and we haven’t so clearly something is wrong.”
In his column for the monthly magazine George Parris explained why Cottee’s partnership with McAvennie was so special. “They just had one of those seasons where everything clicked. So much so they could’ve scored with their backsides!”, he wrote. “Every time we walked out to play, you just felt one of them was going to score. Even if they only got one chance, you just knew they’d take it.”
He later wrote: “I think it will be very tough for West Ham to match our third place finish. Winning the FA Cup would be just as good a feeling though.”
Elsewhere in the November issue of the magazine, Sky Sports’ Bianca Westwood reflects on her recent interview with Andy Carroll and how he has hailed the Bilic factor as we all dare to think big.
“The biggest thing I took away from my interview with Andy was that whenever he spoke about Slaven, it was clear that he really has this likeability factor about him,” she wrote.. “He said the players respect him and they did so instantly. He has this aura about him and he is a manager they all look up to because of what he has achieved.”
Meanwhile, Blowing Bubbles has a moving piece by the Yellow Advertiser’s reporter Brian Jeeves on his father’s West Ham passion.
They’ve also got a report from a Bradford City fan on how they’ve fallen in love with Reece Burke and how great he has been for them this season.
“Even at this relatively early stage in the season, it’s probably not hyperbolic to cast him among the front-runners for the Player of the Year award, he’s been that good,” Katie Whyatt writes.
Blowing Bubbles’ writers also give their views on Amalfitano’s exit, this summer’s Saido Berahino sage ahead of our game against West Brom, and ponder whether Big Sam can get Sunderland out of relegation trouble.
The latest issue of Blowing Bubbles Monthly is now available to read for FREE on your computer, tablet or mobile phone.
TC’s dead right – Sakho is vital to the Team, and the team looks toothless without him. Carroll wasn’t at the races yesterday and looked lost – he’s definitely not a starter and should only be used in the ‘impact sub’ role when the other team is tiring!
“Sakhoicks himself” And that is exactly what worries me, that we don’t seem to have anyone who can, realistically step into Sakho’s shoes. It is not his goalscoring that is worrying because Slav has built a midfield to produce goals but, obviously Sakho brings something to this team none of his replacements can