5 signings West Ham should make if they get promoted

Promotion may perhaps seems like more of a struggle now than it ever has this season, but there must be someone at the helm of West Ham United who is mentally planning for a campaign in the Premier League next year in order for us to be fully prepared. Although our squad has proved to be sufficient to keep us in contention for the automatic promotion spots, there is no doubt that some strengthening must be done if we are to survive comfortably in the top of league of English football and allow Sam Allardyce to continue his progress with us in 2013. Here are five suggestions who he should consider enquiring about in the summer transfer window if we are to be promoted:

1. Nathaniel Clyne


Most young talented English players are linked to the likes of Manchester United, and Clyne is not exempt, however, if a big side doesn’t approach him in the summer, he could be tempted by a move to West Ham. Our reputation of providing opportunities for young footballers, the prospect of first-team Premiership games and staying in London are likely to be big selling points for Clyne who is yet to experience the top-flight and may be getting itchy feet at remaining in the Championship as he moves into his twenties. The right-back position has been rather inconsistent at West Ham this season due to Guy Demel’s injury troubles and so it has been occupied by the likes of Winston Reid, Julien Faubert and mainly, Joey O’Brien. Clyne is an exciting prospect and is also consistent, having played every single game of last season’s campaign. He’s a good player now, but he’s certainly one for the future as well; hopefully that future can be at Upton Park.

2. Robert Snodgrass


It was rumoured that we looked into this possibility in January but that ultimately turned out to be fruitless; I’m sure that Premier League status would give us far more power to push this transfer through. Although just 24 years of age, the Scottish international has made 158 appearances for Leeds and although Neil Warnock’s reign has started well, if Leeds remain in the Championship, it’s possible that Snodgrass would seek a move which would elevate him to the Premiership. Snodgrass is one of the most creative players in the Championship, having provided the assist for 11 goals, but has also managed to notch 12 himself, that’s more than any of our players and that’s from midfield! We’ve lacked creativity from midfield this year so he would be an extremely valuable addition.

3. Matt Jarvis


This one’s for the opposite side of the field to Snodgrass; Jarvis has played on the left-wing for Wolves in the Premier League for a number of seasons now and his form has even led to a call-up for England, the first Wolves player to do so since 1990! West Ham’s team has really lacked quality from out wide this year with Matt Taylor the only player seemingly capable of delivering a quality cross, these two would really add a different dimension to our team and would be certain to provide goals and chip in with a few themselves. If Wolves are relegated, which it looks like they are going to be, Jarvis could be a real option. If we’re not able to sign him we could look into the possibility of Peter Whittingham at Cardiff.

4. Victor Moses


There was a time when Moses was being linked with Barcelona, seriously. Of course this was probably courtesy of media-hype and a very, very good agent but there is no doubt that Moses has quality and would be a good addition to our side. Although we have already mentioned two wingers, Snodgrass can operate in the centre and Moses offers the raw speed, which the previous two are not so renowned for, that we have arguably lacked this year. Moses has also featured up front on various occasions and could therefore be perfect for Sam Allardyce’s regular switches from 4-4-2 to 4-5-1 throughout a game. Apparently Moses has suggested that he will not be sticking around if Wigan drop to the Championship so this could be a realistic addition.

5. Steven Fletcher


It’s never very pleasant to raid a relegated club, but if Wolves were to go down, a double-deal for Fletcher and Jarvis would mean good business. It’s been frustratingly long since we’ve had a really good finisher of chances at West Ham, and although perhaps not given great recognition, Fletcher is one of these. He has scored 20 Premiership goals in 49 games for Wolves, but his chance conversion rate is even more impressive. Wolves have never created a lot of chances, and one of the reasons they have managed to survive thus far is due to Fletcher’s efficiency; stats taken in February show that Demba Ba’s chance conversion rate was 63%, Robin Van Persie’s was 49% and incredibly, Steven Fletcher’s was 79%! We haven’t created a lot of chances this year, but those that we have, we’ve often been unable to finish; replacing Carlton Cole with Fletcher would’ve put us top of the league, and that is with Cole’s statistics being taken from the Championship and Fletcher’s from the Premier League. We know Allardyce is a fan of statistics so it is unlikely that Fletcher has gone unnoticed by him.

We have certainly paved a tough road to the Premier League, but a victory against Reading at the weekend could completely turn that around and give us back the momentum which we need to penetrate the automatic promotion spots. Each of these players would certainly be exciting additions to a decent squad who have certainly lacked the energy, speed, flair and confidence, which these players could offer, on far too many occasions.

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