Valencia to own Lime Street and Irons carrier bags arrive at Big Sam’s England training headquarters

ClaretandHugh blogger Pete Ellis takes a quirky sideways look at the Irons week that was!

TEARS OVER VALENICA!

Valencia has moved to Everton on deadline day, causing many a fan to shed a tear (on merseyside).

The deal will become permanent if Enner bags five goals this season, I suspect West Ham have already booked his return ticket from Lime Street……

The deal almost fell through though, as when Valencia tried to sign the contract, he put it high wide and handsome five times before hitting the target. (At least he’s consistent).

I’ve no axe to grind with him, as he seemed to be professional and worked hard, although my washing machine works hard too, but I don’t want that up top for West Ham.

BYRAM GETS TOP HELPER

A 33 year old free agent with more medals than a British Olympic cyclist has joined. I mention the 33 years bit as that has upset some.

I say again, we have signed Arbeloa, not Tim Breaker. His experience will be invaluable to Byram

IRONS CARRIER BAGS AT ENGLAND HQ

Normal service resumed at City so far as West Ham results go. Outclassed and then a brief fightback, but ultimately another write-off for the hammers. With Antonio giving us the only moment to cheer, the international break can’t come soon enough.

That leads us nicely into the aforementioned Antonio’s England call up. Few months overdue but what a great ambassador for West Ham.

“He was kind enough to turn up to training with West Ham carrier bags no doubt containing half eaten packets of juicy fruit gum and pork scratchings from Big Sam’s old office at Chadwell Heath.

He seemed genuinely excited and honoured to be there and I can’t praise the guy enough for his attitude since he joined the club. humble and hungry is a great description.

THE PROBLEM OF A TIWFC TOP 

Great news that non West Ham jerseys won’t be allowed into the West Ham home end at Stratford.

A word of caution though, knowing the calibre of matchday stewarding, if you wear the TIWFC third shirt, you’ll probably blow their minds and they’ll turn you away.

That’s the problem with generic events staff that are more acclimatised to directing sobbing 15 year old Justin Bieber fans to the toilet, instead of being able to deal with Dagenham Dave who dares to drink his pint three inches outside the designated bar area.

But hey ho, at least the popcorn is nice and hot ….