West Ham United started off the season looking to achieve a number of things which, according to the popular consensus, was too premature for the club to target as of yet. And that was the base from where things went wrong for them. With Europa League qualification a mere formality, the focus was always on the main campaign and another stellar run in the league. But they fell at the first hurdle which was the qualification and with such a demoralising start they went on to record one of their worst runs in recent times at the beginning of the season.
Along with that, their lust for a big name striker to complement someone like Dimitri Payet backfired and they failed to focus throughout the squad which saw them fall short on both counts. There were solutions near home but the search for the elusive big-money signing clouded their vision.
But all said and done, they have managed somewhat to claw their way back. While the pre-season targets are unlikely to be met, the doom and gloom of the initial months are starting to ease out a bit. They are in the 10th position and while the proximity of the teams in and around that spot will ensure they will see further ups and downs, it is far, far better than what they were a few days back.
They are fresh off a confident 3-1 win over the usually resilient Middlesbrough and will be a buzzing lot now. Andy Carroll is back with a bang and the unfortunate saga regarding Dimitri Payet has only seemed to bring the group closer and they are now visibly more determined than ever to keep the flag flying high.
With Payet looking certain to make an exit, the reports linking them with Scottish winger Robert Snodgrass doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Snodgrass has been the creator-in-chief for the Tigers this season and if offered with a move away, he will certainly consider the move.
The Londoners are said to have had three previous bids – £3m, £5m and £6m – turned down but are now expected to return with an offer in the region of £8m. While Hull would love to retain his services, club’s owners will find it hard to reject an offer if the price is right, as demonstrated when midfielder Jake Livermore joined West Brom for £10m last week.
Snodgrass has turned into a well-rounded player recently and he is seemingly more comfortable all over the final third now. His deliveries from the wings will be perfect for someone like Carroll and he can also play through the middle and up top also.
West Ham look like they will eventually get their man and when it is done, this will be a welcome addition.
