Season Preview 2013/2014 - One to Watch

This years one to watch is a player who may not get many chances in Sam Allardyce's side during the upcoming season but the former Manchester United man has already hit the ground running with some impressive performances in pre-season. In games against Cork City and Boreham Wood, Ravel Morrison was very good, it may have been games against weak opposition but he showed glimpses of talent that Sir Alex was reluctant to let go at Old Trafford.

Last year, Hammers fans thought it may have been the time to put Morrison in to the fray and see what he can give to the team. Big Sam thought otherwise and felt that what the midfielder needed was some time away from Upton Park to gain some first team experience.

So off Morrison went to Championship side Birmingham. After 13 man of the match awards, in a mid table team, the youngster is worth a punt to play this season. The Championship may not be the best league but it is still very competitive, meaning his man of the match awards are not worthless. He showed great promise at Birmingham with manager Lee Clark declaring his want to keep the trickster at St Andrews, showing how much of an effect he had on the Blues.

The issues for West Ham and Allardyce is whether Morrison is mature enough to hold down a first team place in the Premier League. He certainly showed consistency during his time at Birmingham but playing in the top flight is much harder which means the midfielder will have to work harder and knuckle down to impress.

Manchester United knew what sort of player they had with Morrison, but it was the off the field problems that were too much for the Red Devils to keep the talented youngster. Reports had suggested that last season there was a rift between Allardyce and Morrison, but it seems that Allardyce is looking beyond that and giving him a chance in the first team. Morrison looks to have grown out of causing havoc that got him in trouble before and during his move to Upton Park.

For a player who only cost £300,000, we all hope he will be the bargain of the 21st century and if he goes on to become the player we hope it may help us financially or lead us to greatness. Morrison has the potential if he is able to demonstrate by Allardyce, to become a Hammers great. He needs games, and personally Ravel is ready. Watching him play for Birmingham in a few games over the course of last season, he showed he grew as a player.

Hopefully, if Allardyce decides to keep the former United player around, he will torment defenders and give the Hammers a creative spark which they were lacking at times last season. Morrison is one to watch, and a perfect player to have away from home when West Ham counter attack teams.

 Come On You Irons!