One can only imagine the miles of copy that has been written recently on West Ham’s goal scoring crisis and the prioritization of a new marksman in the January transfer window. The latest is Sam Allardyce’s column in today’s Evening Standard, where he talks about the transfer window and the need to sign a quality addition to our strike force. He makes the point that he could easily sign an average player, but the club face the greater challenge of signing a quality player that can go straight in to the side and make a difference. Preferably in the first week of the window! The article is also interesting for his discussion of the considerable obstacles that have to be circumvented in making a new signing, not least the machinations of players agents!
Similarly, the seemingly endless round of speculation has already started, with Obafemi Martins the latest name linked with us. Of course, a lot of this stems from agents trying to generate interest and offers for their clients. It is widely known that West Ham are targeting strikers this January, so agents will see it as a credible rumour to link their ‘want away’ charges with a move to Upton Park. On the transfer front, It is difficult to pick the ‘wheat from the chaff’ at the moment. And it will undoubtedly continue to be the case, with numerous other strikers being linked with the club.
Amidst the speculation, there is one name that stands out from the reluctant recruits, journeymen and veterans seeking a last pay day. That name is Jordan Rhodes. This Scottish international is the right age, has enormous potential and a formidable goal scoring record. It is an condemnation of the overseas focus and fear factor in the Premier League that no top level club has taken a gamble on Rhodes. But is he really that much of a gamble? Not if you look at the players goal scoring statistics. Bwin Betting football site have done just that and it makes interesting reading.
In his career to date, Jordan Rhodes scored 82 goals in 143 matches for Huddersfield and after moving to Blackburn Rovers registered 38 goals in 68 appearances. An impressive 26 goals in his first Championship season disproved any doubts that he might struggle to make the step up to the 2nd tier. And he has followed that up in his second season with 11 goals in 19 matches, a better than 1 in 2 goal scoring average. The article also makes the observation that he has scored 7 goals in 15 matches against teams currently in the PL. An indicator that Rhodes would make a successful transition to become a successful PL marksman. This evidence is reinforced by his success at international level, where Rhodes has scored eight goals in eight matches for the Scotland U-21s.and 3 goals in 11 senior appearances.
In an earlier era those goal scoring statistics would have resulted in a opportunity to play in the PL. Although it could equally be argued that, in another era, it would not have cost anywhere near the £8-10m price tag currently attached to him. Crystal Palace have been linked with a move for Rhodes this January, but Tony Pullis has scotched the rumour with the comment that Palace could not afford his services. And that remains the question for PL managers and boards, do you invest that sort of money in Rhodes’ promise or do you look for more proven and, possibly, cheaper options in the overseas markets. For instance, Alfreð Finnbogason scored 38 goals in 46 appearances for SC Heerenveen, in the Dutch League, last season and has bagged 4 goals in 19 matches for Iceland. And it is rumoured that Finnbogason’s signature could well be secured for under £4m.
Many clubs will be put off by the cost and degree of gamble attached to Rhodes. And, indeed, take the overseas route in search for new recruits. However, one feels that there is something a bit special about Jordan Rhodes as a goal scorer. He is a natural and the suspicion is that the PL club brave enough to take the plunge will be richly rewarded both in terms of goals and, at 23 years of age, the future sell-on value. That club is unlikely to be Palace, if Pullis sticks by his public statement, but could it be goal shy West Ham? Unlikely, considering the club focusing on the loan market and Allardyce’s emphasis upon ‘the final product,’ ready to go straight in to the first team.
Are the board really likely to commit £8 plus to sign Rhodes this January considering these factors? Probably not. And it is a shame, because Rhodes is that rare thing, a prolific goal scorer. He could prove to be our most exciting signing (Andy Carroll apart) since the January 2006 purchase of a certain Dean Ashton from Norwich City. I acknowledge the value for money counter-argument, but I just have this gut feeling it is a signing that would pay off big style. Could Rhodes come straight in to the first team and perform straightaway, as is required in our current league situation? That is the biggest question mark, for me. Would he take time to adjust to the greater speed and less space in the PL? Possibly, and that is not an unreasonable expectation for a player making the step up.
I doubt that there will be resources to sign Rhodes in January. And if the club can identify better, more experienced options then fine. But if they fail to sign the ‘ready made’ type of quality striker needed, then the club should definitely gamble on Rhodes over some journeyman or over the hill veteran. Even if that means investing £8m plus to get his signature.
SJ. Chandos.