With Finlay Herrick reportedly injured and no update yet on the return of Alphonse Areola, West Ham’s goalkeeping department is suddenly looking alarmingly thin. As Gonzo noted earlier, Mads Hermansen is currently the only fit senior goalkeeper available to Nuno ahead of the Hammers’ return to Championship action.
The situation has inevitably sparked discussion among supporters about whether West Ham could turn to the emergency loan market should their goalkeeping problems worsen.
West Ham Emergency Goalkeeper Loan Rules
As an EFL club, West Ham can apply for an emergency goalkeeper loan outside of the transfer window, but the regulations are very specific. The rule exists to protect clubs who find themselves without an available professional goalkeeper due to injury, suspension or international duty.
The key point, however, is the definition of an “available professional goalkeeper”. Under EFL regulations, a professional goalkeeper is generally regarded as one who has started five or more first-team league or cup matches. If a club has no such goalkeeper available, they can seek approval for an emergency loan, typically on a seven-day basis which can then be renewed if necessary.
At present, though, West Ham would be unlikely to qualify. As long as Hermansen remains fit and available for selection, the Hammers still have an available professional goalkeeper and therefore would not normally meet the criteria for an emergency loan signing.
Nuno Espirito Santo Currently has just one fit goalkeeper
Nuno Left Walking A Fine Line
That leaves the club walking a fine line. With West Ham’s next fixture not until 9th October, there is still time for either Areola or Herrick to recover and ease concerns. But should neither be ready, Nuno may find himself heading into the QPR clash with just one senior goalkeeper at his disposal.
In that scenario, West Ham could be forced to name one of the club’s younger academy keepers on the bench, a situation nobody at Rush Green will be hoping to test unless absolutely necessary.
For now, all eyes will be on the fitness updates over the coming days, with the hope that at least one of Areola or Herrick is able to return before the Hammers’ goalkeeping situation develops into a genuine emergency.
Yes bring back fabianski
Talking of Goalkeepers…..
Whats going on with Tattys alleged spitting charge? Surely something as serious as spitting would have been investigated within a week unless the FA are too busy with Man City or i have missed it
Funny you should ask Tony, I’ve been chasing that up and haven’t found anything definitive yet.
I suspect there is no evidence
Its gone very quiet.
I think that if there is no evidence, with all the cameras, then the Milwall keeper should serve the same punishment that Tatty would have served. Not because its Millwall, but because people are dragged through the mud in our guilty until proven otherwise world.
In our media led world of being guilty until proven otherwise and with all the cameras around the ground, there should be a definitive answer. And if it is proven then Tatty should serve out the punishment. But if there is no evidence then the Millwall keeper should serve the punishment for a false allegation (Not just because it is millwall).
Or are they just going to let it rumble on with yet another serious allegation hanging over a WHUFC player.
Didnt they do that with Paquetta. And look how that ended up
Nuno, time to dust the old gloves off mate!
I take it there’s no recall in place for Mason Terry’s loan.
I guess we will see how close the keepers are to regaining fitness when we play the friendly this week
Bring back Fabianski, he’s a free agent.
And already at the clubs working with the Academy keepers