There’s very little one can read into the first pre-season match of the season which made last night more interesting than usual!
A win is a win in any circumstances but there was a bit more on show than in seasons past as the Irons put two past Servette without reply.
The first was the squad’s fitness level. I had been extremely worried at pre-season under Slav and later Pellegrini when the first match looked as though it was indeed the first training session.
Slow and lethargic were the words that passed through my mind and it got not a lot better as time went by.
Last night all of those on the pitch were at it from the start to the finish of their spells determined to win a game and get things off to precisely the start we needed.
And that brings us to Conor Coventry who remained on the pitch for the 90 odd minutes and showed us that another element has entered his game.
He has always been a fine passer of the ball and can sometimes make those defence splitting balls in behind but that’s not always what is required in a Moyes team.
Our manager demands hard tackling and no fear of occasionally taking one for the team should a guy be getting away and that hasn’t always happened in Hammers performances.
Last night – even though this was just a very early friendly Conor, for the first time I can remember, didn’t compromise and brought a couple of danger men down.
With no risk of a yellow he got away with it of course but I was left wondering whether the boss has been on his case telling him that he wants a tougher and more uncompromising approach.
I have always felt Conor Coventry can be a fine West Ham player and I hope he is being talked to in a candid manner by the boss and following his orders.
Totally agree Hugh. Saw that mentality too. City do it all the time when a player breaks from their own half.
Championship teams would be looking at him and going great prospect. But we need to keep him.
Absolutely agree about Conor Hugh, I have always liked his work and distribution, his inexperience let him go missing at times, but my view was that is all about coaching and development, as is the tackling element as you say. Conor and a few others seem to have the skills and good composure, they need coaching, encouragement and exposure to gain experience. I agree this is a big positive.
Connor Coventrys ” praying mantis” shot back out of the archives!
I agree Hugh – he looked like a lad with a point to prove which, of course, he has. I thought he had a solid game, but he’s been here before and I’m hopeful he does enough to save us £20m in unnecessary transfers.
Conor was.decent all last pre season friendlies but moyes didn’t give him a chance. Nothing will change this season either