West Ham’s new addition will provide much-needed experience in relegation dog-fight – opinion
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - JULY 14: Manager of Notts County Kevin Nolan looks on during a Pre-Season match between Notts County and Derby County at Meadow Lane Stadium on July 14, 2018 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Ashley Allen/Getty Images)
West Ham United’s winter break has been sabotaged by storm Ciara, which caused their fixture with Premier League Champions Manchester City to be postponed and rearranged to February 19th. It would be understandable for West Ham’s squad to be disappointed in having missed their break while others get a fortnight off, having already suffered from fixture congestion due to Liverpool’s FIFA Club World Cup win.
However, the new addition to the Hammers coaching setup Kevin Nolan insists after spending a week with the squad that is not the case and is defiant about the prospects of their relegation from the Premier League. “This has been the first week where the gaffer has been able to have real input in what he wants to show, so we’re hoping we’ll be able to see some good, positive stuff,” said the former Leyton Orient boss.
“We’ve all been in these situations before, we all know what is needed and we’re very confident that we can get there come the end of the season,” said Nolan. But his comments are a stark contrast to the viewpoint of former Hammers player James Collins after the Welsh centre back went to visit some of his former teammates in training. “They would give their right arm off for a bit of time off,” said Collins prior to their fixture being rearranged.
In particular, the former central defender spoke about captain Mark Noble saying: “He was like he’s living under a cloud, just mentally, not even the football.” Given the club has recently employed him and as a former player, it is not surprising that Nolan has shed a positive light on their current situation, one point away from safety in 18th place. But the contrast in both former players’ comments, along with the close nature of the timing will only serve to confuse fans as to what the reality of the mood within the squad is.
David Moyes’ side will need to take inspiration from Nolan’s comment that he has: “seen enough from the lads in training,” especially considering the fixtures they have on the horizon. In five of their next six matches, the Hammers face Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Wolves and Tottenham Hotspur – a particularly challenging run as they bid to ensure their Premier League survival.