Virgil Van Dawson is Ginger Pele Mk II

Gonzo on a brilliant signing

There were quite a few moans and groans when West Ham signed journeyman footballer Craig Dawson from Watford on loan. If I’m totally honest I was leading the moaning and was less than impressed.

Prior to the signing manager David Moyes had spoken of building a young squad full of players who would improve over time. Moysie was keen to inform one and all that he’d spent his football hiatus working for UEFA and visiting Europe’s mega clubs to ‘learn how it’s done’.

The West Ham manager had even coined a catchy title for his new found philosophy. It would henceforth be known as ‘The Red Bull Model’. It would usher in a new era of modern scouting with the cream of Europe’s fledgling footballing talent flocking to sunny Stratford.

With such a lofty and ambitious backdrop you can imagine my surprise when we signed a rusty old carthorse from the Championship rather than a thoroughbred stallion. But to Dawson’s credit he has proved me and many others completely wrong. It actually turns out that a wise old campaigner was precisely what West Ham needed.

With Ogbonna injured, Diop looking like Bambi on ice and Kurt Zouma in a complete pickle it has required someone to take charge. Dawson stood up to be counted against Watford, he metaphorically and literally stuck his neck (or head) on the line with a display of maturity, bravery and character.

He reminded me of the warrior spirit seen before from Ginger Pele aka James Collins. I’m also quite sure there would have been a wry smile on Stuart Pearce’s face when Dawson was putting his body on the line to get us a clean sheet.

He’s probably more a cup of tea rather than a can of Red Bull . . . . but with the club in need of a bit of direction and stability a reliable and calm cuppa will do just fine.