I’ve been an active commenter on the various articles over the last few days – I’m going to leave my opinions there and discuss something completely different. Sometimes you need a break from the depressing drudgery that’s been the life of a Hammer lately so, hopefully, most of the comments on this piece will not stray back to the events surrounding last Saturday’s game.
Warm weather breaks are good for all of us. Recharge the batteries and come back with a clear head and refreshed vigour. That’s the idea. In contrast to the last International break David Moyes has taken the squad away this time. But is this a good thing?
I’d suggest that it’s much needed. There are drawbacks, IMO, some of which are discussed in these paragraphs, but I believe the timing of the trip is bang on provided the work goes in at the Florida training camp. Some have opined that they don’t believe the players deserve their break and should be training harder at Rush Green but I’m not convinced that would have the desired effect.
One drawback to the preparation for Southampton, despite the respite, is the lack of competitive game-time in the three weeks leading up to the fixture. Southampton will have played a cup match beforehand and this will enable their players to retain more ‘match sharpness’.
Another factor affecting competitive edge and sharpness is the friendly to be played at Dagenham & Redbridge. Now whilst I agree completely about the support being showed for the Daggers with this I do think it will further blunt the player’s physical acuity ahead of, what will probably prove, the most important game of the Premier League season so far. All of that without mentioning the risk of further injuries to the squad.
Then we have the ‘New Manager’ effect to consider. Southampton, despite their league position, still have some very good players who, on their day, would give most Premier League teams a run for their money. Yes they’re underperforming, just like our players are, but the boost that Mark Hughes, or whoever else takes over at St Mary’s (at time of writing there’s still nobody confirmed in the position) could play a big factor in the outcome on the 31st of the month. By that time it’s entirely feasible that Crystal Palace could already be above us, considering they have Zaha back and play at a shaky looking Huddersfield this weekend, so a loss to the ‘Saints’ would put us in the bottom three. Then things will start looking even bleaker than they do today.
So this one was more for discussion than a soliloquy from me. Looking back, and Dan C may well correct me if I’m wrong here, I don’t remember West Ham coming back from warm weather breaks particularly well. Maybe that’s why it’s only a week this time. Overall I believe it to be a good thing to do but there are some pitfalls that should be avoided. Some time together as a squad, completely away from the situation, may also help the team develop the siege mentality to help them pull together and get us out of trouble.
Between the two r’s (not of the Karren variety this time) of being either rusty or refreshed let’s hope the boys are the latter not the former and that Southampton’s tough FA Cup tie against Wigan means they’re that little bit more jaded than we are come the game at the end of the month. Bringing back some of that Florida Sunshine to warm the cockles of our hearts at the LS would be most welcome.
COYI!