Thoughts From The Kiwi Hammer: Part II

Happy New Year!! Yes, 2018 has finally arrived and the January Transfer Window has burst open with Liverpool being the first to announce their new reinforcement in 75 million pound Virgil Van Dyke.

However, for West Ham United, things continue going as you’d expect things to go at the moment. A board member has openly insulted two of our players, David Moyes plots his transfer targets and the mainstream media continue to bring out their usual rumours. I, for one, cannot wait to hear “Marco Reus Switch To West Ham Imminent” or “Moyes Plans Shock Switch For Zlatan”

Anyway, this is Part Two of what I’m thinking.

Karren Brady Discusses Jose Fonte and Robert Snodgrass.

Photo by Arfa Griffiths/West Ham United via Getty Images

Writing in her column in The Sun, West Ham Vice Chairman Karren Brady has released her damning thoughts on one of last January’s signings of Robert Snodgrass, currently on loan to Aston Villa

With Slaven Bilic at the helm last January, West Ham needed a couple of players to stave off relegation into the EFL Championship. Jose Fonte arrived on January 20 from Southampton, followed by Robert Snodgrass from Hull City on January 27.

The interesting thing here is the fact Brady has openly said “Robert Snodgrass wasn’t exactly a triumph” in the mainstream media. Something like this tends to get picked up by other reporting outlets, then spreads throughout like wildfire.

As the Vice Chairman of a Premier League football club, how can Karren Brady be as unprofessional, inconsiderate and downright disrespectful to Snodgrass, who, while being on loan to Aston Villa, is still signed to West Ham United? Questions need to be asked here, as this simply isn’t acceptable.

Lanzini to Liverpool? Coutinho to FC Barcelona?

Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images

He’s been on Liverpool’s radar since the departure of Dimitri Payet last January, but so far, West Ham owners David Sullivan and David Gold have valued him outside of the expectations of Liverpool Football Club. However, the big story this week is the potential switch of Philippe Coutinho to FC Barcelona could in fact be going ahead after all, especially as it looks like he is very keen to leave Anfield.

If Coutinho leaves Anfield and makes the switch to the Nou Camp, what happens with Lanzini? Rumours have begun circulating (again) saying he could pick up the slack left behind by Coutinho at Liverpool.

However, if the West Ham United board know what’s best for the team, Manuel Lanzini will stay at West Ham and continue to play in front of the fans whom he’s accustomed to.

David Moyes’ future at West Ham.

Photo by Arfa Griffiths/West Ham United via Getty Images

At the moment, David Moyes is in charge at West Ham until the end of the 2017/18 Premier League season, however there are a few fans who’d like the Manager to remain at West Ham United, despite the Scotsman’s track record in recent times. But the real question here is should we even consider retaining Moyes when we could wait and try to sign Carlo Ancelotti in the Summer? I’ll let you come to your own opinions about that one.

But his inclusion of Reece Oxford back into the Starting XI has made for some interesting reading and some good credit to whose who enjoy Reece Oxford. Having recalled Oxford from Borussia Monchengladbach, the young defender has returned back to Rush Green and is set to be included in Match Day squads, at the pleasure of the fans.

Moyes still has one issue when it comes to two youngsters though. His predecessor, Bilic, sent out Reece Burke and Josh Cullen to Bolton Wanderers on a five-month loan, but it seems he won’t have much time with them, especially if the rumours of their departure from West Ham is true. If they leave, t’ll be a real shame as both Cullen and Burke both have bright futures with West Ham United and as a result, this could be somewhat of a slap in the face for the West Ham Academy.

Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho:

Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

Love ‘em, or hate ‘em, Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho both have put in some solid efforts of late. However, with Diafra looking likely to move away from the London Stadium, and the big Number 9 seemingly settled for the odd start here or there, both players will be remembered for very different things.

Andy’s recent achievement of saving our bacon against West Bromwich Albion deserves some praise, because there was something about both goals which looked next level. While Marko Arnautovic was only able to assist with one, his celebrations with the team looked as if both he and Andy latched onto the end of the ball and slipped it past the Albion keeper.

And then, who can forget the initial goal, assisted by Aaron Cresswell? Sensational football played in the second half.

But with West Ham close to losing both strikers, could Chicharito, Toni Martinez and Nathan Holland all make regular first team appearances, or will we see more of Marko Arnautovic up top?

Tottenham Hotspur vs West Ham United

Photo by Kieran Galvin/NurPhoto via Getty Images

By the time this is released, West Ham United will be off to Wembley for the Premier League match up against our old pals, Tottenham Hotspur. While derby days can get intense, this should be no different.

West Ham United are currently drawing with Tottenham with the aggregate scores locked up at 5-5, however Tottenham do look to be after more points this weekend as they currently sit fifth in the Premier League, 22 points below of the League leaders.

David Moyes will be looking to keep a relatively unchanged Starting XI from West Brom, however there are some injury concerns with Aaron Cresswell whom has suffered some minor back issues.

Starting XI: Adrian, Reid, Rice, Ogbonna, Zabaleta, Noble, Kouyate, Masuaku, Arnautovic, Carroll, Lanzini

Subs: Hart, Oxford, Byram, Haksabanovic, Obiang, Quina, Chicharito