Review of the Team: Part I - Goalkeeper and Defence

Starting with the Goalkeeper,  Jussi Jaaskelainen had a mixed start with many fans having doubts whether the Finland international was good enough for the Premier League. It was not until the home game against Tottenham when the Hammers finally appreciated the work that Jaaskelainen had done, as his man of the match performance kept the Hammers in with a shout of a point until Bale popped up. Jaaskelainen won save of the season thankfully, with his save against Tottenham when he made a finger tip save from a curling Gareth Bale shot which was making its way to the top corner. He also made an equally impressive reaction save against West Brom from a deflected Romelu Lukaku free-kick. Jussi's solid season has been rewarded by Allardyce signing Real Betis keeper Adrian to give the Finnish goalie some competition throughout the season with the Spaniard likely to be the long-term keeper. Adrian impressed many with his man of the match performance against Real Madrid, and Hammers fans will be hoping his can replicate these performances at Upton Park. Stephen Henderson looked very nervous against Wigan last year in the Capital One Cup, and is likely to be sold.

Right back is a position very much up for grabs, with Guy Demel and Joey O'Brien looking to impress Allardyce during pre-season. Demel had a solid season work the wing well with whoever he played with. O'Brien also had a good season playing most of it at left-back. Long-term West Ham will be looking for a right-back but this is not essential next season, and likely Demel will start the season at full-back. Left back is a position filled after much of the season with O'Brien filling in, but Allardyce has secured the services of Romanian international Razvan Rat. A experienced international who has played in the Champions League for Shakhtar. George McCartney injured for the most of last season, and only has one year left on his contract is likely to be a back-up. One man who is unlikely to be anywhere near the starting line-up is Jordan Spence, but unlike many Hammers fans I can understand why. Although he is a graduate from the academy he has not excelled apart from the Man Utd cup game. Spence's performance against Wigan in the League cup and his lack of appearances on-loan for Bristol City indicate a player not living up to his potential. For a full back he looks very uncomfortable when defending, and for someone who was in my long term team a few years ago has not improved enough.

Last year this was probably the Hammers' best position with the partnership of New Zealand captain and player of the year Winston Reid and James 'Ginger Pele' Collins. Sadly this partnership came at a cost as future England international James Tomkins has been on the bench. Tomkins did play his part especially in the game against Liverpool at Anfield were helped Collins keep Suarez quiet. Reid was indispensable at the beginning of the season, and was exceptional apart from a few mistakes. Collins had a poor start with some fans thinking why Allardyce had brought the Welshman back to Upton Park. However his form after the New Year was exceptional and was a late contender for player of the season. When Collins was injured it showed how the Hammers missed the Welshman as their form declined until he came back into the team. Tomkins will be thinking he wished had not have played in the Olympics but with a good pre-season we may see the return of Tomkins but at whose expense? With that question, there is also the problem of injuries as it seems all three will have some time on the sidelines with either injuries or suspensions meaning a fourth centre-half is needed as cover or competition. After the abysmal Pogatetz showed why Middlesbrough went down in 2009, we need good cover not a quick loan decision like the Austrian was in January. His poor performances luckily were not a hindrance in good season for the Hammers.

With one new keeper and a left back in already, I expect the Hammers to make one more acquisition with the move for a new centre back. However if an experienced and quality right back becomes available then I can see Allardyce becoming interested looking to the long-term future of the club.

Come On You Irons!