Greetings Everyone!
Well, my, my my….. this article is a challenge, because I still just wanna talk about all the great things about Sunday, however, seeing as it has already been accurately and cleverly by Mr. Hautzig, then Mr. Hamburg’s entertaining recount of what stood out in particular to him, not to mention Gav’s always clever and sensible words, and a surprise treat from Iain being interviewed, it would be a bit redundant to give just another spin, mostly, in their own words, to basically the same things I would say, in my own words…… :) plus, it’s Wednesday, time to prepare for a trip to the Blue side of Manchester.
Still, one “succinct” ;)) way to say it though, is the fact that it NEVER gets old beating Spurs, does it? Mostly because it honestly doesn’t happen that often, due to the cold hard fact, is that those over privileged doughnuts in North London, and their worldwide support base do have a top quality squad, which is no crime, however, what makes it sweeter that sugar to beat them, is included in some of their support and squad as well, (for some think I am dramatic?? Holy Mackerel!!!) their collective moaning, and excuse making, is priceless, comedic and ironic gold …. and then, when they start cryin’ how a bad season is MAYBE not finishing top ten or out of the qualifying positions for the Champions League……. classy problems to have. Sound like a rough life….. Like the rich chick in high school who was pissed off she received a ’79 Corvette for her 16th birthday instead of an ’82 Porsche……. probably…. :-/
To be honest, however, they are classy problems I personally wouldn’t mind seeing West Ham United have more of.
Of course, being “West Ham” in terms of supporting, no matter what area code one was born in, it’s never been about “The Glory”, it surely never was for me, because, I’ll be bang on honest, it bores the hell out of me now when the same 4 odd teams end up in the top 4, and one wins both Cups or two win each respectively. However, West Ham appreciates the type of side we have right now, as “workingpersons” of a side one can have these days, however, to be honest, I’d not mind a club that you could at least count on to be in the top half, of the top flight, every year.
This season is different in so many ways, both good and bad, however, the good has been predominant, and it has been earned. The points about Moyes’ ability have been proven, and this may be the most unified West Ham squad in 21 years. (If we don’t count the 2011/12 season, cos that was a solid group, imho) It’s as, if not more, the most unified group of players I’ve cheered perhaps in all of my sports history, including the mid 1980’s Philadelphia Flyers teams I had the privilege to witness, who, made it to the finals twice, but lost twice to the Wayne Gretsky’s Edmonton Oilers, the “Liverpool” of the NHL in the 1980’s. However it was their regular season grit, concern for each other, “foxhole mate” mentality, much in the vane of a decade before in the 1970’s “Broad Street Bullies” who did win 2 Stanley Cups, back to back 1973/74, and 1974/75, is what I see in this side right now.
O.k., back to the football……Now, we’ve been waiting for this for a while, and now I’m hope I’m definitely seeing a West Ham United as close a facsimile to the great clubs back in the 1960’s, ’70’s and ’80’s.
Perhaps that would be like comparing “Apple’s to Oranges” simply because of what a different world and game it has become, and even recently, we’ve had lot of sides with a great spirit, like the ‘11/’12 Div 2 season, (I hate saying “The Championship” for some reason) where the chemistry seemed to sync up, also the 2014-16 era was also tight, but this side is very different.
Now, I do remember saying in the beginning of the season “You heard it here first, 6th Place and a Cup Final!” Well, the Cup was fought for with gallantry, and lost obviously, however now is not a need to dust that old one off now, however, we have a team and coaching staff that I’d be proud of if they they ended up finishing 8th! I’m pretty sure even if we get beat up over the next 4, (worst case), and maybe pick up 3 or 4 pts? I’m pretty certain that the squad would regroup for the final 9 matches to ensure no less than an 8th place finish, (I could be wrong, and things could go “T’s” up….. honestly… it looks as if part of all of us are waiting for “the other boot” to drop, as the case may be), however, if it does? It won’t be for lack of effort, and given the general attitude around the players, I just don’t see a complete collapse happening.
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This doesn’t mean I don’t have my concerns, no one couldn’t say that was the best match we’ve played, and, of course, earlier this season, I honestly had no idea we’d be as far up as we are at this moment. I was mostly trying to raise morale around here.
However, after “Restart”, I really had a feeling that this group was not going be anywhere near as bad as a lot had expected. I had also begun, to see, and say, in earlier columns about the unity of the team, what all the pundits are talking about now when West Ham comes up now, or what even Dec says in pressers and other players have pointed out, lately, and that is David Moyes really is the man, and there is a Unity within the squad the likes of which I, and some of the vets who’ve been in the team for a few years, have never seen before.
Of course, I want it all, at some point…. I’d like to see at least 2 FA Cups while I have some of my sanity left, and perennial inclusion in a European Cup conversation would do me fine, personally, cos, we bicker, have our differences, preferences, and sometimes pride get in the way of our unity from time to time, however, I think most of us are taking Moyes’ words seriously, where he’s happy, and he has definitely proved himself worthy. In my humble opinion? IN CERTAIN WAYS, Moyes is a better manager than Manuel Pellegrini, for, I could have led the City squad to a League Cup and a Top Flight Championship had I taken the helm at Manchester City in 2013-14 with the amount and level of quality he had already in place!!
I’m not saying he’s (MP) not a top football manager, but…..for real…..a lot of them rotate from rich club to rich club, claiming the greatest, however, I’d love to see what Pellegrini could do with West Bromwich Albion instead of Big Sam, now THAT would be a true measure of Manny’s his steel.
It’s really “bitchin’” (general West Coast 1960’s slang for “fantastic”, that is still used, and understood by many all over the U.S., mostly by those considered to be members of the “Baby Boomer” [c.1945-1964] & “Generation X” [c. 1965-1979] generations) ;)) (Just ’avin one more laff up above, all in good fun) ;))
that West Ham United is sitting in 4th place right now, completely on merit, and some LONG_,_LONG , overdue fortune, once seemingly reserved in some mystical fashion, for the likes of really only 4-6 clubs.
Now, before I jinx anything (apparently the only magic or power I wield….) ;)) I am a staunch disciple of “The Moysiah” and his words, obviously. He can pump up, and speak very well of his team when deserved, however, what I really respect is is realism, his patience, he gives credit where due, both to his own squad, and if warranted, the opposition, AND, can enjoy the moment, but yet, still realizes, this club has to improve in many areas, and has a ways to go before they are Really a Champions League ready. As I’ve mentioned, there is a great interview with Coufal on the Official Site which actually makes me more confident, because they are enjoying the Spurs win, but you can see, they are really preparing for City, and looking more to improve, that to sit on their laurels.
First, he (Moyes) recognizes, and evaluates in his current squad, the strengths and weaknesses, and addresses them. Only then, with backing from the ownership, (who I will say nothing bad about right now, however I still hold to my “two solutions” feelings), however, since that’s the last thing I have control over right now, what we can do is focus on the finer points of this fledgling European contender, and respectfully debate how to solidify this position, where we are going to at least challenge for top 6.
Ok, so, I also hold the common belief that West Ham won’t make Champions League, (this season) however, as stated above, I’m already proud of just about this whole team, goals coming from all over, one guy steps up for a match that we thought wasn’t a good selection, but comes up big, hence giving Moyes good selection headaches, and the camaraderie within, I think this club ends higher than most will expect due to this intangible factor as a big part of that.
I suppose I could drop off this one here, and let the conversation flow, cos it’s a tough run coming up, so, the pressure is probably largest to get 3 pts off Leeds, and we need to turn over Arsenal this season, they are ready, and we are due, plus, a point from one of our visits to Manchester, 7pts seems reasonable, and achievable.
I don’t want to look any further than the squad and coaching staff do, and that is the next match. As far as they, and the support, I think, that’s the most healthy way to approach the final 1/3 of the season, I’m loose, cos I know that no matter the result? I am confident, both staff and squad have left all they have out on that pitch.
I’m not quite ready to get TOO deep into who should stay, go, or get on with how “much” we need for next season, I know where we have “needs”, However, let’s enjoy this stretch, and finish as high as possible, for the pride, of course, however, also for the cash that would hopefully be available. That said, I’d not be surprised if we saw Lingard made permanent, maybe ONE striker, an extension for Fabianski, get a version of Coufal for LB and hopefully move Cresswell into a LWB on that side, cos in spite of the Lucas goal being pretty much on Cresswell, his crosses and especially corners, have been so well placed, it would be a shame to let that go, unless someone even better, and could do both came along.
Of course, we need bolstering of the holding/defensive midfield, for sure…… However, not because I think Rice is leaving. Not yet. Even if we finish 6th-9th, I could see him stay IF the board backs Moyes properly. I could see him giving it at LEAST til next January, if not a full season before he takes any offers, and hope I’m correct that Mark Noble has instilled in him the West Ham Legacy, and what legendary feats he could reach. so long as whoever is holding the purse strings, spends “wisely”, (which is another old one I’ll leave dusty for now) we may have quite a squad forming. (Perhaps I’m “slightly” ready to talk a little bit about it, I suppose….) :))
So, it’s up to a lot of things, I’d would never discourage a conversation about within the readership about who, and where to consider moves for this summer’s window, HOWEVER I’d rather see those coming up with the best side for City, Away. (we’re supporters….we are allowed to if we want, let’s just try to remember our manners, please?) :)
I’m trying not to, think too much about the summer window partially because I just want to enjoy the rest of this season for what it is, (and, maybe what it will eventually be!) And, to be honest, I’ve been enjoying this lot too much to look around and consider moving anyone just yet.
I honestly am just being happy, however, staying grounded. By all means though, please, share your thoughts, even if I already know them! Try to think of a side that could actually beat the mechanized death machine that Manchester City is!!!
Well, enjoy the week, all the best to everyone going through tough stuff…… we all are, and I’m going to edit this and say 1. Just go easy on each other, and that was exactly a “stream of consciousness” this week, which I guess wasn’t contrived, I just started writing, so I suppose I now see what you all mean! But the importance is this is honestly how I’m feeling about West Ham United, at the moment…….. in a world of grey skies, and feet of snow falling for the last month, right now, West Ham is “My Claret & Blue” Heaven!!!
P.S. sorry about the first photo, it’s a carp shoot they way I have to do it on 2 different devices……
COYI!!!!!
Jimmy