I write this article as the club are still on the pre-season tour of the USA and the performance against Everton offered up some encouraging signs. Whilst I know it is really hard to judge the current status in pre-season matches, you can’t disagree that there were positives to be taken. Last season was a major disappointment both on and off the pitch with a change in manager coming halfway through the season. The bar is quite low for any season to be an improvement on the last. There does, however, seem to be much more of a positive team spirit at the club now than what we saw this time last year.
Transfer Priority: A New Goalkeeper & The Kudus Factor
It is, however, very evident that we need a new goalkeeper. I have been assured by the club that there will be a new man between the sticks when the transfer window closes at the end of August. This alongside two or three other signings should put us in a good place for the new season. Whilst it was a disappointment to sell Mo Kudus to our rivals Tottenham, it will be a positive move for us in terms of the atmosphere around the club because I believe he had become quite toxic towards the end. Something that we have been crying out for on our podcast is for some of our Academy players to be given their chance. Not only do we believe these players to be talented enough to be in the squad but we have always stressed that it would improve the team spirit and morale. Freddie Potts has been one of the star players this pre-season and I think his introduction to the squad will be of a real benefit. Alongside perhaps two or three other academy players this should create a much better vibe. We have only signed two players as I write this but when the window shuts I expect there to be at least three new signings. I believe alongside the new Academy players and the return of the Moroccan defender Nayef Aguerd, we should have a much more competitive squad this year than last as a result. Both signings so far in Diouf and Walker-Peters provide pace and also attacking potential from the fullback/wing back positions.
The Paquetá and Injury Return Boosts
More positive news that we have received is that star Brazilian player Lucas Paqueta has been found innocent of all gambling charges that have been hanging over him for two years. You could clearly see how much these allegations had affected him mentally and consequently on the pitch but now without these charges no longer hanging over him, he may be able to get to play like he was when he first arrived at the club. Two players that I expect will have a much more influential season this year are both ones that suffered a lot from injury last year. Fulkrug has returned to pre-season looking a lot leaner and fitter. He also seems to have taken up a prominent role in the dressing room too. Another player returning from injury who should have much more of an impact this season is Summerville. Before his injury away at Aston Villa, Summerville looked like a real talent so as the weeks get closer to the start of the season, I am actually feeling a lot more confident about the club than I did at the end of last season.
Diouf, Fulkrug, and the Hammer of the Year Predictions
I really think Diouf will go on to be a very popular player and will even go as far to say that I think he will be in the running for Hammer of the Year. If he can stay fit for the season, his goal against Everton was an indication of the quality of finishing we can expect to see. It is essential that he stays fit for the majority of the season because I actually believe he could go on to be a very key player for us this year. I will even stick my neck out on the line and say I think he will be the Hammer of the Year, assuming he stays fit.
The Season Target: Mid-Table Finish and a Cup Run
This year what is really important is getting a good cup run as well as our performances in the league. There is nothing more than West Ham fans would like to see than us winning the FA Cup (or League Cup) at Wembley. I really hope Potter gives everything to this because this could be the most realistic route back into Europe which is something I am sure everyone else misses greatly. I think with a few new signings in we will have a steady season. I can see us finishing around mid table with hopefully a good cup run under our belts. There seems to be a bit more of a positive vibe since Everton and I really hope that this continues into the season as the negativity can’t be quite draining.
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