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No not something I mentioned to the wife last night but the strength in our squad at the moment.
I understand the need to release players at the end of their contracts and start a fresh for the new campaign with a new manager. However, we commence a very competitive European campaign in just over a month and our squad is looking a little thin to say the least.
A number of youngsters have departed, most notably Potts, who probably wouldn't have been much help in Europe but the same can't be said for the likes of Demel or Jussi or Cole. Surely they could have been utilised at some point? A short term contract could have secured them a little while longer. Or keep them until their contracts end (June 30th) and let the new boss decide.
We are carrying a lot of injuries so there is a risk to see whether the likes of Carroll, Sakho, Collins etc are ready for the start of July and also whether the likes of Zarate or Maiga are still here then. I'm sure we have some players on the radar and a new manager could well arrive imminently but as always we are cutting it fine!
The euROPEY cup!!
Entering this competition could be an absolute nightmare!!time will tell i suppose!would demel,jussi or cole get a look in anyway?Hopefully we will have a new man in charge soon,but like you say mate we really need to get a few decent players in too!If we dont it doesnt bear thinking about (what with our track record for injuries),euROPEY cup qualifying rounds before the season proper starts....
Should be a straight knock
Should be a straight knock out competition. End of...
Survival of the fittest or the one's who want to be in it. Simples.
I'm sure if we can see this, then the rest of 'Europe' can too.
Either way its a good pre season run out...
I don't think there is any
I don't think there is any need for major concern,Gold and Sullivan are no idiots and are well aware of the squad depth.Gold has already stated that at least 5 new players will be brought in ,I would expect them to be first team players.We have already seen the beginnings of the squad refinement with some players being released and I can see a few disappointed current first teamers being demoted to squad players.But that isn't a problem as the squad ,like you state nt ,is short on quality,but it's whether these players can hack being squad players.There will be a lot of comings and goings in the summer and I can see the team taking on a new appearance come the new season.But the key signing for me is who they appoint as manager, this is crucial to the clubs progress and pivotal to restoring the feel good factor that has long been missing
i gota agree with 65 , this
i gota agree with 65 , this bloody thing is a waist of space , i think its a couple of matches just to qualify for the group stages , off to unsbeckistan or fekinfreezinburgh at all hours of the day and night , not my idea of fun .
surly you cant be serious nt ,? about Cole , i mean come on
Looking out at the weather
Looking out at the weather here today June 1st Burkie fekinfreezinburg ( I like it ) is not that far away.
Thinking positively!!!
It will be a different kind of pre-season that's for sure!!! It may even lead to West Ham winning their opening games when the Premiership starts as our players will be fitter!!! Not sure how far we will go in the Europa Cup but it would be nice to get past the preliminary rounds into the first round proper and hopefully group stages!
Lets hope so Bondsy.
Also it will enable us to see the mighty hammers earlier than usual! I just hope some of our "fans" (every club has an unruly element!) behave themselves if we get drawn away to some far flung corner of europe...