Think they've hit the nail on the head with this one
West Ham United have confirmed that a number of first-team squad members face the chop this summer as Alan Curbishley is forced to reduce his playing staff.
Scott Duxbury revealed last week that Curbishley had been asked to reduce his squad to 24/25 players - or two decent options for each position.So join KUMB as we take a look through the squad to see whose positions are most at risk - and to see a list of the 12 players who we feel have most to fear ...
1. Robert Green - One of the most consistent players at the club this year, Curbishley will do all he can to hang on to the England keeper this summer although bids from other interested parties (possibly Arsenal) may be forthcoming.Stay/go: stay
2. Lucas Neill - Criticised at times this season for some below par performances but still a lynchpin in Curbishley's defence. Will only go if the club are made an offer they can't refuse.Stay/go: stay
3. George McCartney - As the only recognised left back at the club it would be folly to part with the popular Irishman who will feature highly in this year's end of season player polls.Stay/go: stay
4. Danny Gabbidon - The Welsh defender has been out of action since Christmas with a groin injury and has now slipped down the defensive pecking order. Rumours of a fall-out with Curbishley and interest from former club Cardiff could see our 2006 Player of the Year on his way out.Stay/go: go
5. Anton Ferdinand - Just over a year to go on his contract and no new offers from the club have left Ferdinand feeling jittery. However Curbishley is thought to be a fan and unlikely to let him leave without a struggle.Stay/go: stay
6. Matthew Upson - The club's most consistent defender this season, Upson is just about the safest player at the club. However his recent England call-up may have turned one or two heads.Stay/go: stay
7. Freddie Ljungberg - Despite having improved greatly in recent weeks the Swede is still a possibility for the axe due to his higher earnings and the number of players who can play in his position. The problem will be finding someone willing to pay his vast wages.Stay/go: stay
8. Scott Parker - Another to suffer massive injury problems this season, Parker will be a West Ham player next season having arrived for £7m less than a year ago.Stay/go: stay
9. Dean Ashton - The likes of Newcastle and Aston Villa are likely to be keeping an eye on developments in East London with Ashton still to find the form that earned him an England call-up two years ago. Should a high-enough bid come in Curbishley may be tempted to cash in although the likely fallout from the fans may be enough to dissuade such a move.Stay/go: stay
10. Craig Bellamy - Linked with a move to Championship outfit QPR but still has plenty to offer the top flight. Despite massive injury problems Bellamy is set to remain at the club next season.Stay/go: stay
11. Matthew Etherington - Recently signed a new four-year deal so a swift exit is highly unlikely.Stay/go: stay
12. Carlton Cole - Six goals this term may not be enough to save the big striker; the fact that his sheer size offers Curbishley a different option may be. However the right offer - perhaps from a newly promoted club - could tempt Curbs' to sell.Stay/go: go
14. John Paintsil - A cult figure but in all honesty, a pretty average defender. Paintsil - who was signed by Alan Pardew on the back of a good World Cup in 2006 - is one of the hot favourites to go.Stay/go: go
15. Nobby Solano - His current deal comes to an end this summer and it could well be a toss-up between him and Ljungberg to see who goes. The sheer amount of money invested in the Swede could mean the end for Nobby, who has been a big hit with the fans this season.Stay/go: go
16. Mark Noble - A no-brainer if Curbishley values his genitals.Stay/go: stay
17. Hayden Mullins - Several times he has been rumoured to be leaving the club but four years after moving from Crystal Palace the central midfielder remains a solid member of Curbishley's squad. Recent comments by the manager suggesting that Mullins is a bit of an unsung hero point to him remaining at United for a fifth year.Stay/go: stay
18. Jonathan Spector - A jack of all trades but master of none, Spector is going to struggle to hang on to his place in the first team squad when all are fit. However his sheer versatility might just be the very thing that saves him.Stay/go: stay
19. James Collins - Curbishley has a lot of time for the Ginger Pele, whose cruiate injury means he will be going nowhere as he will be benched until Christmas at the earliest.Stay/go: stay
20. Julien Faubert - With so little playing time this season Faubert is another who has it all to do next year. Despite the injuries - and comments made to Equipe earlier in the season regarding the club's trianing methods - the flying Frenchman stays.Stay/go: stay
21. Richard Wright - Already in an extended loan spell with Championship side Southampton, Wright will almost certainly go having complained earlier in the season about a lack of first team football. Stay/go: go
22. Tony Stokes - Another who is like to be moved on having failed to break through to the first team squad.Stay/go: go
23. Jimmy Walker - A hugely popular figure around the club despite barely featuring this season, Walker's lower-end-of-the-pay-scale wages could save him - especially if number two Wright does move on.Stay/go: stay
24. Christian Dailly - On loan with Rangers since the turn of the year, Dailly will offically leave the club this summer when his current deal expires.Stay/go: go
25. Bobby Zamora - Having barely featured this season Zamora is another under threat. However one of either him or Cole are almost certain to be retained; we think the Z-man, on past value, just has the edge.Stay/go: stay
26. Nigel Quashie - Will be moved on this summer if a buyer can be found (and assuming someone can find him first).Stay/go: go
27. Calum Davenport - Had he not broken his neck playing on loan at Watford in January he would have been one of the first out of the door having failed to impress. Like Collins, his injury means he will be going nowhere (until next January, at least).Stay/go: stay
28. Kyel Reid - Another who has failed to impress Curbishley, the young winger could be tempted by a move to Crystal Palace where he spent a successful spell on loan recently.Stay/go: go
29. Lee Bowyer - Started the season superbly but like many others spent the end of it on the treatment table. His numerous injuries are a concern and the right offer could tempt Curbishley to let one of his former proteges go. Stay/go: go
30. James Tomkins - Having finally broken through to the first team Tomkins is finally beginning to realise years of promise. Going nowhere.Stay/go: stay
32. Kieron Dyer - After missing virtually the entire season through injury Dyer is looking forward to returning to action next year. A huge investment, Curbishley will want to see some of his potential realised next season.Stay/go: stay
33. Henri Camara - Why he's still here is a mystery - as is why he was ever signed in the first place. Thankfully he's only on loan.Stay/go: go
34. Luis Boa Morte - Possibly the most under-threat of the big-money Curbishley signings. The fans just haven't taken to him and once that happens your days are usually numbered. The problem will be finding a buyer willing to pay a decent amount for a 31-year-old who cost £5 million just 18 months earlier.Stay/go: go
40. Fred Sears - Likely to be considered a fully-fledged member of the first team squad next season although a loan move may be on the cards should Curbishley sign another striker this summer to complement his existing options.Stay/go: stay
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Agree mostly to that list, except i think Cole and Zamora should exit for West Ham to make a second move on Darren Bent, now that Modric has taken 3rd choice. If its a question of money sell off Freddie, Faubert is more than capable to play his pos.
Modric doesnt play upfront. Fuck Darren Bent he rejected us once he can lick my sack. Diego Milito from Zaragoza is who we want.
Post a Comment