By Jonny Robinson, West Ham fan, 17th April 2002
Who's best, Defoe or Di Canio? - Have your say in the footieNews chat room

A belated happy easter to everyone. I know that it has been a long time since my last column, New Years Eve in fact, but I am now back with what can only be described as the best piece of journalistic writing you will ever read!

After just 4 wins and 26 goals it appears that the much loved Leicester City are finally leaving the hallowed grounds of the English Premiership. Even worse the wonderful Brian Deane has tweaked a hamstring and will not play again this season. Furthermore, there is some doubt about how Leicester will cope next season in Division 1, bearing in mind star midfielder Muzzy Izzet is certain to leave the club, hopefully to West Ham (see my column is still about the Hammers). Maybe Leicester were a little premature in getting rid of the World Cup hopeful Ade Akinbiyi. I know he has received a great deal of criticism, but if you want effort, work rate and commitment, Ade is your man! Sadly the other players in the Leicester team have been lacking in these departments.

Returning to what the column should be about, it appears that West Hams youngster Adam Newton will make his move to Leyton Orient permanent, after scoring his first goal for the club in their 1-1 draw with Exeter City.

On a much brighter note, I am delighted to report that Glenn Roeder has finally established himself as a Premiership Manager of some credit. His man management skills, particularly of the unpredictable Paolo DiCanio has been excellent. He has led the Hammers up to seventh in the league even past London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, and this from a position of great vulnerability earlier in the season. I am sure West Ham will continue to develop and next season will be challenging for a top six finish.

Further good news, for Jermaine Defoe at least, is the opportunity to show his worth after Paolo DiCanio attained an injury against Charlton. Defoe certainly has the talent to prosper in the Premiership, evident in the 10 goals scored already. It is only unfortunate that with Freddie Kanoute and Paolo at the club he has not been given more starts. However, with Paulo reaching the end of his career this situation will surely be rectified in the coming seasons.

Even more good news for the Hammers faithful is the news that Arsenal reject Nigel Winterburn will finally leave the club at the end of this season, as the club has decided not to renew his contract. I’m sure you will appreciate that Winterburn's performances at left back have been wholly inadequate, and I am sure in the future Vladimir Labant will develop into an excellent left back. Hopefully.

Once again West Ham have managed to get a trio of players into the England Squad. The superb David James has shown the country what a great keeper he can be, and midfield stars Joe Cole and Trevor Sinclair have also forced their way into the squad. Sinclair will hopefully be given the opportunity to impress down the right, with David Beckham being injured, and will be unlikely start on the left with Kieron Dyer in the squad. Surprisingly though, Michael Carrick has not been called up, which suggests that Sven Goran Eriksson has already made up his mind with regard to the youngsters World Cup hopes. Whether this proves to be good or not will have to wait until late May.

Finally, my nominations for West Ham Player of the Year: David James, Tomas Repka, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Trevor Sinclair, Freddie Kanoute and Paolo Dicanio (maybe).

Laterz,

Jonny Robinson

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By Jonny Robinson, West Ham fan, 31st December 2001
Where will the Hammers finish in the league this season? - Have your say in the footieNews chat room

It appears things are looking up for West Ham United and all of the clubs supporters. With a six game unbeaten run including a victory against championship defenders Manchester United and draws with contenders Arsenal and Liverpool, the onus is certainly good for the club. Especially when you consider that the performances against both Arsenal and Liverpool deserved a victory. After a dismal first half of the season, West Ham have finally shown their class, and we can only hope that the second half continues in much the same way as this half finished.

Further good news comes from Mr Roeder himself, who has said that he hopes to be able to bring in a few players at the beginning of the year. One player with which the club has been linked is Wolves’ centre half Kevin Muscat. Being renowned for his thuggish image, he would continue the West Ham tradition of hard defenders of recent times, such as Julian Dicks, Tomas Repka, Stuart Pearce and Igor Stimac. However, Muscat has not been too popular among fans, including many Wolves fans, particularly after his disgraceful challenge on Christian Dugarry during France ’98 that put the player out of action for 3 months.

West ham are also linked with another defender, this time 27 year old Slovakian Vladimir Labant. Currently playing for Czech champions Sparta Prague, the player has been quoted as saying: "I have been in England to acquaint myself with the background of the club, but we did not talk about the conditions of my contract." The defender is reported to have good pace and to be an exceptional passer, particularly long passes. He has been known to play as fullback and on the left of midfield, all positions that the Hammers are weak in.

While only making 18 appearances for his country, he is in his 3rd season with Sparta Prague in the Champions League - good credentials for a place at West Ham. However, he was linked with PSV earlier in the season, but the transfer never happened, as Sparta were unwilling to let him leave whilst they were still in the Champions League. They are currently in second behind Real Madrid, and the phase is not concluded until Friday.

One piece of disappointing news is the imminent departure of second choice ‘keeper Shaka Hislop. After being relegated to the bench after the purchase of David James, Hislop has become frustrated at the lack of first team football, and has decided it is time to move on. Like fellow reserve goal keeper Craig Forest, Shaka’s contract runs out in the summer, so it is possible that youngster Steven Byewater may become second choice at the club, an opportunity that I’m sure he will love.

Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas, and enjoy the New Year!!

Cheers,

Jonny Robinson


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Fancy doing what Jonny Robinson is doing? - We're looking for a fan of each club to provide a weekly report on the club they support, be it transfer gossip or a match report - its a chance for you to brush up on your journalism skills and get your name on the site - interested? then email your details, the club you support and your first report to info@footienews.com and we'll be in touch!

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