Review of the Team: Part IV - Forwards

The forward line for the next seasons will be lead by Andy Carroll. Carroll signed a six year deal to make his move to West Ham a permanent one after a rather successful loan spell last season. The big man is the Hammers most expensive signing and which has divided people not just Hammers fans but the footballing world. Carroll did have a successful season even though it was hit with injuries leading to him missing three months of the season. Even with these injuries, Carroll still scored seven goals and became a fans favourite. The cries at the end of the season from the fans to sign Carroll showed how influential he became at Upton Park. Carroll signed a six year deal, which is hopefully a sign of good things to come.

Apart from Carroll, the Hammers' successes were few and far between with strikers. Hammers' fans will have seen the last of Carlton Cole in a Claret and Blue shirt with his last goal against Everton. Cole when played, did not set the world alight last season apart from one game against his former club Chelsea. Cole has not turned out to be the striker many thought he would be at the age of 22 when Alan Pardew signed the former number 9 for £2 million. Cole was always hit and miss, only playing his best football under Zola and maybe it was time for him to leave.

Lastly, the final striker Modibo Maiga is likely to be sold, after not really been given a chance at Upton Park. He has shown a few glimpses of what he can do, with goals against Southampton and Wigan as well as his performance in the last game of the season coming on as a substitute. Maiga, though is likely to be sold back to France making way for new forwards to complement Carroll.

Hopefully, last year's loans signings of Chamakh and Paulista are not replicated this year and the Hammers can bring players in who will actually benefit the side. Two more forwards are needed to support Carroll, one to compete and one to be a back-up. Although, Allardyce may see Vaz-Te as the back-up striker or Kevin Nolan, but signings are definitely needed in the forward areas.

 

Come On You Irons!