In October 2020 West Ham signed the unremarkable Premier League journeyman Craig Dawson on a season long loan from Watford. At the time, it was claimed that “The 30-year-old adds Premier League experience and quality to the Hammers’ squad, adding depth to David Moyes’ options in an area of the squad the manager had targeted for strengthening”.
What followed was a massive over achievement by a player who , having been a modest if hardworking achiever all his footballing career, suddenly found himself a late bloomer, becoming a fan favourite at West Ham and a bullet proof last line of defence how was prepared to put his body on the line for his club. Craig Balon’D’Awson is fondly remembered and sadly m missed.
Graham Potter plans to replicate Dawson’s success with his approach this summer for Brighton’s 30 year old Adam Webster. Reported from a host of outlets following news in The Times, Webster has a lot of parallels with Dawson – age, position, rocky injury history: But in addition he is familiar with Graham Potter’s preferred playing style and is available approaching the last 12 months of his contract from Brighton this summer.
Potter plans an Adam webster reunion
Originally linked with West Ham in the winter transfer window, Webster has struggled for game time this season. As sensible reinforcement, as say a fourth centre back, Webster represents a useful squad player: If he is seen as more than that and expected to replace an outgoing Jean Clair Todibo, for example, then the alarm bells really start ringing this summer.
Dawson had a tough time at Watford, but had a great career at West Brom where he was loved as much as he was at our place, so “modest career” seems harsh
Regardless of the Craig Dawson comparisons we do need a more aggressive and dare I say more traditional / old school centre back to compliment the likes of Todibo or Kilman. Whilst both are good on the ball they are a bit powder puff as a pairing.
Neither are dominant in the air or known for doing the dirty work or putting their body on the line when needed.
Alan, I get what you mean about the CB pairing of Kilman/Todibo being a bit lightweight, but IMHO, Kilman has repeatedly put his body on the line, he’s been West Hams’ most consistent defender (AWB is up and down).
No to Webster or Maguire.
Doesn’t whu every learn or is it the cheap option that’s attractive.
Stick with Koni de Winter, young robust, injury free, 22 years, having resale value.
Or somebody with equal qualities.
This Dawson mark 2 is such a genius argument, for every Craig Dawson I offer up a Gary breen or if you prefer a forward player Danny ings who were nothing short of horrendous! The idea that this player who has been out injured for a large part of this season will work, simply because Dawson did is laughable but oh so obvious when all involved are desperate to lower the expectations of the fans ahead of what will be another sulli transfer window masterpiece 🤣🤣
Just because Dawson was a success doesn’t guarantee this guy will be. Hopefully we’ll steer clear of journeymen who can’t get a game for their current mid-table side.
I remember many fans were not at all impressed by Dawson
What would have happened if Moyes had been allowed to buy Maguire and McTominay?