So, the summer transfer window finally slams shut! However, did you notice something very different about this window? All our major business was done early and there was an absence of the usual deadline day desperation, panic and disappointment. This season, the club did their business the right way, early! And we generally identified and landed our targets. There was none of the serial abortive deals, yes we got some rejections along the way, but arguably these were outweighed by the successes.
In all (as far as we know at this point in time), we made nine signings this summer and they are as follows:
Zarate, Kouyate, Valencia. Cresswell. Sakho, Poyet, Jenkinson (loan), Song (loan) and Amalfitano
In terms of exits, we moved out:
Joe Cole, Taylor, McCartney, Collison, Diarra, Maiga and Diame
Personally, I am very happy with the business conducted. We completed the major overhaul of the squad that was so badly needed. We have brought in greater quality and increased competition for places in the squad. Moreover, we have signed skillful players like Zarate, Valencia and Amalfitano, who added to the likes of Downing, Noble and Morrison, can contribute to positively transforming our style of play. And this skill must be allied to the power and competitive edge provided by Kouyate, Song, Reid and Carroll. I think that even their most strident critics must conceed that the West Ham Board did a good job in bankrolling the transfer activity and landing the club’s targets. Sam Allardyce now has the tools, but can he do the job that is required? Can he get the team to gel and make the best of the talent at his disposal? That is the challenge to the manager. If not, and there are any repeats of the abject Southampton defeat, then change will become inevitable. There can be no more excuses, we need to see progress!
How do you rate the transfer business completed? Do we now have the squad to progress this season?
SJ. Chandos.