Claret and Hugh’s article today concerning the transfer of forward Pablo Felipe has set the cat amongst the pigeons and indeed provoked wide-ranging comment from West Ham United fans. Regardless of the financial controversy, with the club vulnerable to relegation, West Ham United need goals and so far the young Portuguese striker has failed to deliver.
You do have to feel a little sorry for the guy who has had a calf injury to contend with and so has endured several weeks out of the side.
Here we feature a number of reader comments:
“Shocking signing. Looks like he’s won a competition to play for a football club. Second touch is often a tackle. God bless his work rate and the fans love a player who tries hard but that will only last for so long and his inability to put away his chances (even a spot kick) is going to wear thin. Play him as a 10 in the box with Taty behind him. Definitely not effective in the midfield. I can only assume they bought him hoping he’ll rip it up in the championship.”
Pablo – more to come or just out of his depth?
“Definitely not standing up for the board here as can’t wait to see stories that hold them in a bad light, but isn’t it the fact that these deals are paid for over a period of years ? 8 million is about what Pablo is worth in today’s money IMO and if he doesn’t start to add a few goals that value will depreciate.”
“Even if they only paid 8m, that’s 8m too much. there are division 1 players with more capability.”
Harsh, Hammers, Harsh. However there is still time for Pablo to knock in a couple of goals and help West Ham secure vital points in the relegation battle: The cupboard is bare right now as far as other options so hopefully Nuno can get a tune out of both Pablo and Castellanos before the season ends.
Remember George Parris wasn’t the most gifted of footballers, but the fans adored him. Pablo is the same mould, gives everything on the pitch.
The cupboard is bare? What about Adama Traore! He played very well and was our MOTM. I would have thought in that sort of form he would be well worth trying as an alternative to Pablo up front with Taty Castellanos. He’s not ruled out with injury is he?
I believe he scored lots in Portugal…inside the box. Put him on top with Taty just behind and he will start to score. Doesn’t have the speed, but good awareness in front of goal and great workrate as first defender.
Works like a trojan but no goal threat at all and I don’t see him being one in the next seven games…