I’m surprised that the club seem to have officially announced that Lucas Neill is leaving the club. It’s too definitive to be a bargaining gambit with Neill and his agents – the implication seems to be that the club were only willing to go so far, and that’s the end of the issue. Obviously if Neill came back then a deal could be done, but this is the club drawing their line and sticking to it.
I don’t know how I feel about this. I want the club to have a wage structure, and a set of principles that they adhere to. We all remember how the massive wage bill under Redknapp/Roeder came close to destroying the club. At the same time, the practical upshot of this is that one of our best players is leaving the club.
The worry is that if West Ham are not willing to pay the market rate for players, then how are we hoping to compete? I understand that the concept is to develop younger players, but without the experienced core to give the playing staff a solid base then there’s more than a danger that we may lose our way.
Also, what does this situation with Neill mean for our other senior players? What message does it send to Upson, Parker and Green? It’s hardly a sign that we are looking to move forward from last season’s mid-table position. The message is clear to the senior players – you are expected to steady the ship while we rebuild. Whether these players are willing to use up the prime of their careers on a project that they will probably never last to see to fruition is a big question.
At the same time, this ‘football project’ has been highly successful so far – now is not the time to start getting cold feet. We have a great technical director, a great manager, great coaches, a great youth development system – if it is decided that the infrastructure can handle the loss of the club captain, then who are we to disagree?
In practical terms we now need to worry about our defence. Our first-choice right-back has gone, and taken with him some of the cover at centre-back that we relied on at times last season. On the basis of Neill’s departure we can be pretty certain that Spector, Collins and Gabbidon will all remain at the club this Summer. And surely we need to buy full-back cover for both flanks.
My worry is that Zola and the club may underestimate the importance of good full-backs, and rely on using the likes of Behrami, Faubert and others to cover when required. I’m not even sure Spector is comfortable at full-back.
I’m convinced it’s an area in which we need to invest. This Summer. So at least it gives us something to keep an eye on in the transfer market.
Recent Comments