Looking at our recruitment situation this summer, I’d like to explain the difference between this window and others. In the past, West Ham would identify a position they wished to recruit for and come up with a list of about 10 players for that position. They would usually be quite varied in their range, and then West Ham would start to negotiate and see what the best deals they could get for those 10. Often, they would leak that they were doing this to the press to let clubs know they had ‘other options’. Often, they would jump very quickly from one target to another and not try to negotiate a fair price for the top target.
Moving Away From Past Recruitment Errors
Things are different now. West Ham have targeted positions and targeted players. The number one target remains the number one target through a period of negotiations until either they sign that player, or they can’t agree terms, and we move on to target two. We would usually give up quite quickly and move on, often not getting their first choice option. Had we had this approach during other windows, the likes of Fulkrug, Todibo, Cornet, and others may not have been bought. None of these were first choices, but at the time, we determined that these guys represented the ‘best value’, which ultimately didn’t translate at all to the best fit for the club.
Navigating Transfer Strategy in the Championship
The recruitment has to be even more specific now because of our relegation. The first thing the club naturally had to consider is who is staying and who is leaving. If the club could convince most players to stay, then they would be good players for the Championship. So a lot of those first weeks have been trying to convince top first teamers to stay. Put this the other way round: let’s say Bowen wasn’t associated with this club, and this scenario happened. We get relegated, Traore leaves, and Bowen is signed. We would all be saying that is an amazing transfer. This is effectively what has happened and with other players. So that’s the first thing, and so far, it seems we have done a good job at convincing players to stay.
Long-Term Planning and Player Retention
The second factor to consider is that you are signing players not only to get you out of the Championship but ones that you think are good enough to also play in the Premier League, and these players will have good options aside from West Ham. You would hope that if West Ham do get promotion, we wouldn’t yo-yo between the leagues; we would remain there. Let’s be honest, one of the main reasons we are now in the Championship is through repeated poor recruitment over the years, so something had to change.
Why Transfer Patience Is Necessary This Window
The other factor to consider is that in recent years, many of our transfer window signings have come at the end of the window. Fernandes, for example, made his debut four games in from the start of last season, as well as Magassa. The targets West Ham are also going for, due to their decent calibre, have other options and therefore are weighing up their futures and are not rushing decisions, which means if we wish to sign these players, we have to remain patient. The average number of signings across the Championship clubs so far is three, and West Ham are already credited with signing Lamadrid. I do not think we will sign a multitude of players by September 1st, but I am assured by multiple people in the club that we will have three or four good signings, to go with good players staying and some academy boys getting their chance.
Addressing Rumours and Managing Expectations
I genuinely find it crazy that some fans seem to blame me if I don’t report anything. Either that or turn to the fact that I’ve now got ‘no sources’ even though there hasn’t been anything to report in terms of players in, and everything else from kits, fixtures, injuries, and players out has been covered. I genuinely feel the only way you can judge a transfer window is when it is closed. Of course, if by this there have been no signings, then we have all been played, and we would have a right to be up in arms.
Ben Chorley Appointment and What Comes Next
West Ham have appointed former Southampton Head of Scouting Ben Chorley on a temporary basis until the end of the transfer window. Chorley’s addition was seen as beneficial due to his experience of recruiting for a championship side. My understanding is that the club were, at the end of July, in negotiations regarding four or five positions and with a couple of players for each position. The addition of Chorley to the recruitment team gives further evidence that the club are keen for Championship experience, although this is not crucial. As things develop with transfers I will continue to update. Getting the pitch of these updates right is very hard as some of you would rather not hear anything till things are close, whereas others want to hear things constantly.
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