Since then we have tried Spector at left back with disastrous results. Daprela was thrown to the lions by Zola, holding him back for games against Arsenal (twice) and Chelsea. Ben Haim had a run out but without any great success. Gabbidon was even worse in that position than at centre back. Upson had a game in the berth and actually looked the best of the bad bunch to my mind. Lopez was tried and we went out of the Gnats Piss Cup to Watford on his watch. And, of course, Bridge came as the most expensive bridge in London and failed to cross the divide between our centre backs and the left hand touchline.
Want to explain why we went down? The failure to invest in full backs goes a long way to answering that question. What use is a back four when two of the four don't know how to play in the position? Look at the other flank! Neill was in his dotage and slowing by the day and after he defected, we've tried Spector, Behrami, Faubert, Gabbidon, Spence, Tomkins and Jacobsen in the position. Of those, only Jacobsen is a specialist right back and he wasn't good enough for the Blackburn team. What a farce! Time and again I have used this blog to call on managers and owners to buy full backs but season after season, other positions were prioritised.
How do you score against West Ham? Send crosses into the box. How do you stop crosses? Your full backs get tight and block the supply. So what have we done about it? Bugger all.
Even now, full backs seem to be an afterthought. Is Konch the answer? Maybe but I'm not convinced he is any better than Ilunga to be honest. Who will play right back? It's looking like Spence at the moment. What cover do we have in the event of injury or suspension? Bugger all.
The season kick off is less than a month away now. God only knows how the defence can train as a unit because half of the defence isn't even at the club yet! As usual with West Ham, it looks a bloody mess!
11 comments:
I agree completely. Bridge was a cash cow, high cost with little return. I also think there is a lack of passion from many of the players that have tried and failed to fill, what has become, West Hams problem position. Big Sam likes his adventurous fullbacks, maybe he can finally solve the riddle.
Great article mate.
The defence like you state HF is a major concern.The likes of KNOCHESKY and ETHERINGTON on that left flank WESTHAM have never replaced.I liked that pairing,they worked well together ,which cannot be said of any used in their positions since.KONCHESKY maybe can still do the business,especially so it is in the championship he will be playing.ILUNGA has been a big dissappointment,maybe ALLARDYCE can get him back to first season form.But whatever the case there is still a dire shortage of quality ,experienced full backs.
I think Konchesky can do the job in the Championship. Been saying the same thing, at one stage last season we were playing with 4 centre halves!
@updhammers
who's one cap and linda?
One Cap = Konchesky. Linda = McCartney
How true! You forgot to mention however why Avram Grant has not done anything about it for a whole year! I doubt whether he even realised we had a problen in that position.
Just like Zola!
Does Chris Cohen play fullback?
fcuk talking about fullbacks konchesky would be a good signing but we need two forwards who can top 20 goals each to get us out of that league
He used to 2035, but left midfield for some years now.
Allardyce is in the market for 8 new players apparently. LOL. Interesting news on Diamante at the end too. There seems to be no end to our money problems . . . http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23968477-allardyce-in-the-market-for-eight-new-signings.do
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