The Official West Ham United Thread. Vol 2
Discussion
Hammer67 said:
Harsh. A fit AC on his day was/is a top level striker. Much better player on the deck than he was given credit for.
His main strength IMO was forcing defences to double up on him creating space for others to play in and he knew where the goal was.
Sad that his body can't cope with the stresses of the game and he didn't help himself either on or off the pitch.
Could/should have been England`s No 9 in a similar way that Ashton could/should/would have. Sad case of what might have been.
I hope he has a decent few years back home before he jacks it in.
That’s pretty much my thoughts. AC could be unplayable, great in the air and good feet. I just can’t see him ever being fully fit again.His main strength IMO was forcing defences to double up on him creating space for others to play in and he knew where the goal was.
Sad that his body can't cope with the stresses of the game and he didn't help himself either on or off the pitch.
Could/should have been England`s No 9 in a similar way that Ashton could/should/would have. Sad case of what might have been.
I hope he has a decent few years back home before he jacks it in.
coldel said:
100% teams are still thinking they have an aggressive unplayable 25 year old on their hands, when in fact he is now an injury ravaged wreck who will play a handful of games whose touch and skill is just rusting away like a old Jap car with no underseal parked outside by the sea. He is championship level if that, there are so many players that have come on the scene that do what he does and some.
- maybe a touch harsh mate, funny though. Hammer67 said:
Harsh. A fit AC on his day was/is a top level striker. Much better player on the deck than he was given credit for.
His main strength IMO was forcing defences to double up on him creating space for others to play in and he knew where the goal was.
Sad that his body can't cope with the stresses of the game and he didn't help himself either on or off the pitch.
Could/should have been England`s No 9 in a similar way that Ashton could/should/would have. Sad case of what might have been.
I hope he has a decent few years back home before he jacks it in.
But that was my point, teams think they are getting the AC of 25 years old, but they are not. They are getting a guy whose current game (and fitness) isn't up to scratch for the modern top level game. There are many other players of his ilk and his age who are fit, better first touch, better team play etc.His main strength IMO was forcing defences to double up on him creating space for others to play in and he knew where the goal was.
Sad that his body can't cope with the stresses of the game and he didn't help himself either on or off the pitch.
Could/should have been England`s No 9 in a similar way that Ashton could/should/would have. Sad case of what might have been.
I hope he has a decent few years back home before he jacks it in.
I get he has been unlucky with injuries, but he hasn't helped himself by binge drinking etc. whilst injured. Personally I saw him have 1 or 2 good seasons then sprial downwards, if Im being very objective about it.
coldel said:
Hammer67 said:
Harsh. A fit AC on his day was/is a top level striker. Much better player on the deck than he was given credit for.
His main strength IMO was forcing defences to double up on him creating space for others to play in and he knew where the goal was.
Sad that his body can't cope with the stresses of the game and he didn't help himself either on or off the pitch.
Could/should have been England`s No 9 in a similar way that Ashton could/should/would have. Sad case of what might have been.
I hope he has a decent few years back home before he jacks it in.
But that was my point, teams think they are getting the AC of 25 years old, but they are not. They are getting a guy whose current game (and fitness) isn't up to scratch for the modern top level game. There are many other players of his ilk and his age who are fit, better first touch, better team play etc.His main strength IMO was forcing defences to double up on him creating space for others to play in and he knew where the goal was.
Sad that his body can't cope with the stresses of the game and he didn't help himself either on or off the pitch.
Could/should have been England`s No 9 in a similar way that Ashton could/should/would have. Sad case of what might have been.
I hope he has a decent few years back home before he jacks it in.
I get he has been unlucky with injuries, but he hasn't helped himself by binge drinking etc. whilst injured. Personally I saw him have 1 or 2 good seasons then sprial downwards, if Im being very objective about it.
Doubt there are any that aren't fully aware of his history and age.
There wasn't exactly a stampede for his signature when we released him.
Yes, agreed he was his own worst enemy at times but that IMO his talent and abilities as a top level, old school, centre forward are beyond doubt. He just couldn't stay on the pitch.
Personally I wish him well.
Thoughts on Ox away this evening?
Suspect several changes from the weekend & a start for an Academy player.
Also, thinking about spuds v Col U yesterday, WH have never played Colchester in a competitive fixture (several friendlies though) - odd stat, can't be many teams in the English leagues that we haven't.
Suspect several changes from the weekend & a start for an Academy player.
Also, thinking about spuds v Col U yesterday, WH have never played Colchester in a competitive fixture (several friendlies though) - odd stat, can't be many teams in the English leagues that we haven't.
Hammer67 said:
Why the f
k doesn't someone ie The Manager ever learn from previous and simply play our strongest available side from the start in these matches?
Then, if you get into a healthy lead, hook people off.
Same old, same old. It's happened so often now & under so many Managers that it's never a surprise.k doesn't someone ie The Manager ever learn from previous and simply play our strongest available side from the start in these matches? Then, if you get into a healthy lead, hook people off.
Disgraceful performance though & we'll be utterly f
ked if/when Haller picks up a lengthy injury. I played football last night and on the way there predicted a 3-0 win to Oxford. I wasnt far off. Even the chap in the car with me said after we finished that I called it!
Usual service resumed, put out hugely changed team that never plays together against up for it in form lower league team at their ground on a windy wet night and a loss inevitably arrives. To be honest I think the fans just stop going to these games, and wasting their time and money, put in the same amount of effort as the players tend to do on that evening and not bother.
I haven't summoned the courage to watch any highlights yet but player ratings are pretty harsh for Ajeti, Sanchez (as always), Zaba, Fornals. Ajeti looks like he isnt capable of playing a lone striker role, so why on earth we signed him as we dont play any other way is beyond me. Should have put the £8m somewhere else and kept Hugill for all Ajeti brings to the game.
Usual service resumed, put out hugely changed team that never plays together against up for it in form lower league team at their ground on a windy wet night and a loss inevitably arrives. To be honest I think the fans just stop going to these games, and wasting their time and money, put in the same amount of effort as the players tend to do on that evening and not bother.
I haven't summoned the courage to watch any highlights yet but player ratings are pretty harsh for Ajeti, Sanchez (as always), Zaba, Fornals. Ajeti looks like he isnt capable of playing a lone striker role, so why on earth we signed him as we dont play any other way is beyond me. Should have put the £8m somewhere else and kept Hugill for all Ajeti brings to the game.
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