Bargain Basement - Footballs sought after Free Agents

Ashley Cole - 33 - Defender

Widely regarded as the best English left-back in a generation, the 33-year-old is out of contract at Chelsea this summer after eight years at Stamford Bridge. Announced his international retirement prior to the naming of Roy Hodgson's England squad ahead of the World Cup in Brazil. Chelsea are believed to have offered a renewed 12-month contract with reduced terms but Cole looks poised to move on. The former Arsenal man is considering offers from several big clubs, both domestically and abroad - with Monaco and even Real Madrid showing an interest.

Rio Ferdinand - 35 - Defender

After 12 years and 10 trophies, 35-year-old Ferdinand has left Manchester United. Out of contract this summer, the West Ham academy product is available for nothing over a decade on from his record £30million arrival from Leeds. Near-unmatched experience at the highest level and no haggling over a transfer fee will make Ferdinand an attractive proposal for many clubs. FA Cup winners Arsenal, vanquished finalists Hull, MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy and a clutch of Turkish clubs are thought to be interested.

Samuel Eto'o - 33 - Striker

Derided over his age by Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, Eto'o will nevertheless carry the hopes of a nation when he turns out for Cameroon in his fourth World Cup this summer. His goalscoring record speaks for itself, with an impressive 55 strikes in 116 appearances for his country. Even an underwhelming single season at Chelsea delivered nine goals in 21 Premier League appearances. Speculation as to where the prolific goalscorer will play next is rife, with offers from clubs in the United States, Australia, Italy and Spain said to be forthcoming.

Gareth Barry - 33 - Midfielder

It was shrewd of Everton boss Roberto Martinez to sign the Manchester City midfielder on loan in the last knockings of the transfer window last summer. Barry proved a key member of Everton's squad, helping them to a fifth-placed finish in the Premier League. However, a reported clause in the loan deal between City and Everton mean that the Toffees will need to raise £2.5million to sign him permanently, despite the player being out of contract this summer. A move to the MLS is also on the cards.

Bacary Sagna - 31 - Defender

Of all the players on this list Sagna's future looks the most certain, with Manchester City his expected destination. City boss Manuel Pellegrini has earmarked his targets early and Sagna is top of his shopping list. The France full-back is out of contract this summer but signed off from the Gunners in style by winning his first silverware in the FA Cup final. A move to City could also come with a reported  £120,000-a-week pay deal, while the lack of a transfer fee will be very attractive to City after their recent financial fair play sanction from UEFA. 

Burton Striker Billy Kee to name baby 'Wembley'

Burton Albion Striker Billy Kee has told BBC Radio Derby that he'll name his unborn child after Wembley stadium should he score and the Brewers beat Fleetwood Town in the League Two Play Off final.

Kee's wife, Leigh, was due to give birth on Thursday, 22 May, but Burton's leading goalscorer this season hopes for double celebrations at Wembley Stadium.

"If I score and we win I'll put it in there." Kee said.

The 24 year old has scored 14 goals this season and will look to add to that tally against the Cod Army at Wembley on Monday.

Kee is hopeful ahead of the one off game: "I never thought I'd play there, but this is the real bread and butter, just hope we can all realise that and get something out of the game."

Exeter City DoF: "No offers for Grimes"

Exeter City's Director of Football Steve Perryman has confirmed that no offers have been received for the Grecians teenage midfielder Matt Grimes.

The 18 year has enjoyed an impressive first season as a professional, turning out 37 times for the first team, and starring for the under 21s in the Premier League cup before picking up the clubs player of the year award.

Perryman insisted on the clubs website that: "There have been no bids so far and no discussions with anyone relating to a transfer."

Their has been speculation linking the Exeter academy product with a more away from St James Park and a host of Premier League and Championship clubs are allegedly queueing up to sign the midfielder.

It comes as no surprise to Perryman that Grimes is attracting interest from clubs up the footballing ladder: “Matt is arguably the best technical player that I have seen come through our Academy during my nine years with the club."

The director of football hastened to add however that Exeter are not making any preparations for the youngsters exit: “As things stand we’re preparing for Matt to be an Exeter City player next season."

Bury confirm pre-season fixtures

Bury FC have announced their pre season fixtures, getting under way at 7:30pm on 9th July with an away trip to Radcliffe Borough.

Nine days later, the Shakers host Championship side Sheffield Wednesday at Gigg Lane, before making the short journey to Salford to play the Ammies in a 3pm kick off game.

City were purchased earlier in the year by former Manchester United players Gary and Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt.

The Bury first team squad will then head to Tenerife for 7 days from 20th to 27th June.

On their return, Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers will await them at Gigg Lane on 30th June, kicking off at 7:45pm.

On August 1st and 2nd Bury will play firstly away at Ramsbottom United, fielding a mixed side, then the first team will take on Rochdale at home, the Dale won automatic promotion to League One after finishing 3rd in League Two last season.

The final games of pre season will see a mixed side play Wigan Athletic on Wednesday 6th August, at a neutral ground yet to be confirmed, followed by a Lee Rigby benefit game at Gigg Lane, kick off TBC.

Charlie Sheringham looking for new club

Striker Charlie Sheringham has not been offered a new contract at AFC Wimbledon ahead of the new season and will leave the club.

The 26 year old suffered a nasty ankle injury soon after joining the Don's in June 2013, and has struggled to break into the side since returning to action.

Speaking to the clubs website, Wimbledon boss Neal Ardley said: "From Charlie’s point of view he feels he probably never got a good run in the team and rightly so. It was stop-start for him after he suffered a bad injury. From my point of view we had a bit of a striker crisis throughout the season and we were not scoring enough goals."

Sheringham spent time on loan at Salisbury City during the second half of the 2013-14 season and will now be looking for a new club.

His last contribution on loan at the Whites saw Sheringham score in a 2-2 draw with Chester on the final day of the Conference Premier campaign which condemned the Blues to relegation on goal difference.

Ardley wished the striker well after spending less than 12 months at Kingsmeadow: “Charlie is a good player and I think he will do well wherever he goes. I hope he gets a good deal somewhere else.”

AFC Wimbledon make first summer signing

AFC Wimbledon have made their first signing of the summer, completing a deal for Oxford United's Sean Rigg on a free transfer.

The 25 year old made 32 appearances and scored 2 goals for the U's during the 2013-14 campaign.

Don's boss Neal Ardley told the clubs official website: "I have always liked him when Sean's played against us and been impressed when I've watched him in games."

Rigg has made over 200 Football League appearances during spells with Bristol Rovers, Port Vale and Oxford.

His new manager was quick to make arrangements to bring the midfielder to Kingsmeadow when alerted to his availability, "Sean is quick and direct and can score goals, which is obviously an area we are trying to improve upon."

Starting his career at Bristol Rovers, Rigg helped the club win promotion to League 1 through the play-offs in 2007.

He has spent the entirety of his career in the Football League, apart from a loan spell at Forest Green in 2009 where he scored six goals in 14 games.

Eastleigh sign former AFC Wimbledon striker Jack Midson

Eastleigh have confirmed the signing of ex-AFC Wimbledon striker Jack Midson on a two year deal.

The 30 year old netted 42 goals in 140 appearances for the Don's but was among eight players released by the Don's earlier this month, bringing an end to a 3 year association between club and player.

His new boss Richard Hill admitted to not wasting any time in contacting the player once he learned of Midson's release from AFC Wimbledon:

"I have been speaking to Jack for a few weeks now, desperately trying to get this deal over the line. Jack is an extremely ambitious lad and, to come and play in the Conference, he needed to be convinced that we’re not going into this league just to tread water"

In his first season at Kingsmeadow, Midson scored 18 goals to finish tied top of the League Two scoring charts in 2011-12.

Continued his potency in front of goal the following season as the clubs top scorer in the league with 13 goals.

Hill stated that the acquisition of a player like Midson is a positive move for the clubs future:

"Jack has committed to us for the next two years and, once more, that speaks volumes for this club’s long-term aspirations.  We are all looking forward to welcoming a player of Jack’s pedigree and goal-scoring ability into what we consider is already a high-quality squad."

Midsun is Eastleigh's second signing this week after signing James Constable also on a two year contract.

Accrington Stanley Striker Receives NI Call Up

Accrington Stanley striker James Gray has been called up to the Northern Ireland squad ahead of friendlies against Uruguay and Chile on Friday 30th May and Wednesday 4th June respectively.

A regular for the under-21s, Gray couldn't believe he'd been selected, telling Accrington Stanley's official website: "To be honest I thought it was a wind up! I’m just absolutely made up to be in the squad and travel. I’m speechless."

The former Middlesborough youngster has the chance to emulate his father, Phil Gray, who represented NI 26 times, scoring 6 goals.

Gray's call up comes after Huddersfield frontman Martin Paterson was forced to withdraw from the squad after suffering a number of injuries throughout the 2013-14 campaign.

The 21 year old attributes his selection to his recent form at the tail end of the season, featuring more regularly for Stanley, scoring 3 goals in the final 2 games, "I think that was a major part, getting into a bit of scoring form and getting rewarded."

Attention will now turn to a trip to the southern hemisphere and a gilt-edged opportunity of full international honours afforded to him by NI manager Michael O'Neill.

Who is Eliaquim Mangala?

As the race to sign Porto centre back Eliaquim Mangala hots up, it seems Chelsea are the Frenchman's preferred option over newly crowned Premier League champions Manchester City with location being the apparent dealbreaker.

Here's a rundown of his key moments so far.

1991: Born in Colombes, France

1996: Family moves to Belgium.

1996: Plays for Athletic Club Lustin, situated in Namur, where his family moved.

2002: Leaves AC Lustin and moves on to C.S. Wépionnais.

2004: After 2 years at C.S. Wépionnais, Mangala moves to Namur.

2006: Joins the IPES Waremme Football School.

2008: Signs for Belgian top flight club Standard Liege.

2008: Tastes silverware early into his Belgian Pro League career, winning the Belgian Super Cup.

2009: Makes debut for France Under-21s against Tunisia.

2009: Scored against Arsenal in Liege's 3-2 home defeat in the Champions League.

2009: Helps his new club to the Belgian Pro League title.

2009: Part of Standard Liege team that retains Belgian Super Cup.

2010: Reaching Quarter finals of the Europa League with Liege.

2011: Forced to withdraw from the French squad to play Slovenia in Euro 2011 Under 21 qualification group match, due to a groin injury.

2011: However did return on 15 November 2011, in a 2013 Under 21s European Championship qualifier, Mangala opened the scoring against Slovakia, France’s main rival in the group.

2011: Scores the first goal in a 2-0 victory over Westerlo in the Belgian Cup final. His last trophy at Standard Liege.

2011: Signs for Portuguese Champions Porto for £5.5 million.

2012: Makes 23rd and final appearance for the French Under 21's on 16 October 2012, France failed to qualify for the 2013 Under 21 European Championships after losing to Norway 4-5 on aggregate.

2012: His move to Portugal provides immediate success, winning Portugal's Primeira Liga in his first full season.

2012: Adds to Portuguese premier league win with the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira or Portuguese Super Cup with a slender 1-0 win over Académica de Coimbra.

2013: Porto retain the Primeira Liga with Mangala in the side.

2013: Club keeps the Portuguese Super Cup at the Estádio do Dragão by beating Vitória de Guimarães 3-0 in the final.

2013: Received his first cap from France senior squad on 6 June 2013 in a friendly against Uruguay. France lost the game 1-0, Liverpool's Luis Suarez with the only goal.

2014: Porto finish third in Primeira Liga 6 points behind 2nd placed Sporting Lisbon and 13 points behind Champions Benfica.

England's U17 Emerging Stars

Stop the presses, England have won a penalty shoot-out.

The Three Lions' Under-17 team were triumphant in the final of the European
Championship on Wednesday night, romping home on penalty kicks 4-1 against
Holland after the match ended 1-1.

The victory for John Peacock's talented group of youngsters emulates the
achievements of England Under-17s in the same tournament four years ago. 

On that occasion the likes of World Cup-bound Everton midfielder Ross Barkley,
Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland and West Brom striker Saido Berahino were among
England's heroes.

So, what potential England stars of tomorrow have been on show in Malta?

 

Dominic Solanke - 16 - Forward

The Chelsea youngster has become a key member of Peacock's team in recent
months. The 16-year-old scored England's goal in the final and boasts an
impressive record for the Three Lions, netting 11 goals in 14 appearances.
Powerful, athletic and quick, Solanke is a regular for the Chelsea Under-18s.
His late brace helped the Blues to a thrilling 7-6 aggregate victory over Fulham
in the FA Youth Cup final earlier this month.

 

Jonjoe Kenny - 17 - Defender

Scored the winning penalty in the shoot-out. Kenny spent seven years in the
Everton academy before signing scholarship forms with the Toffees in June 2013.
The defender is equally adept at full-back and centre-back, and made his debut
for the Under-17s in the Euro qualifier against Armenia in October.

 

Patrick Roberts - 17 - Forward

The 17-year-old possesses a blend of great skill and technique which makes him
a valuable attacking outlet. Played a part in England's goal against Holland and
topped the assist charts with four, as well as weighing in with three goals
during the tournament. Made his first-team debut for Fulham against Manchester
City in March having signed professional contract that will keep him at Cottage
Road until June 2016. Is rumoured to have caught the eye of Arsenal, Barcelona
and Real Madrid. 

 
Ryan Ledson - 16 - Midfielder

Captained the Under-17s to the title. Has spent 11 years at Everton's academy,
signing as a scholar in 2013 at the same time as Jonjoe Kenny. The
tough-tackling midfielder has excelled in the middle of the park for England and
his smooth passing is often at the heart of England's approach play.

 

Freddie Woodman - 17 - Goalkeeper

The son of Newcastle goalkeeping coach Andy Woodman is one of the most
highly-rated young goalkeepers in the country. Conceded just one goal during
qualification and has been a regular starter for Newcastle's Under-18s. Has yet
to make a competitive appearance for the Magpies' Under-21s but did play for
Newcastle's reserves in a friendly against York aged just 14. Signed a long-term
contract with Newcastle earlier this year.

 

Taylor Moore - 16 - Midfielder

Born in London, Moore has lived in France since the age of seven. On arriving
in France, Moore played for Etaples before signing for Lens, where he has spent
the last five years. The midfielder joins an exclusive club of English players
who have donned the national jersey while playing abroad, following the likes of
David Beckham, Owen Hargeaves and Michael Owen. A relatively new addition to the
Under-17 set-up, having joined up with England for the first time in February.

On This Day..

SPORTING BIRTHDAYS

Howard Kendall (soccer) - three-times manager of Everton, who led the club to two league championships and FA Cup glory, born 1946.

Lee Hughes (soccer) - former West Brom and Coventry striker, currently with Forest Green Rovers, born 1976.

Danny Tiatto (soccer) - Former Manchester City and Australia midfielder, born 1973.

Jurgen Melzer (tennis) - Wimbledon and US Open men's doubles winner from Austria, born 1981.

Tranquillo Barnetta (soccer) - Switzerland and Schalke winger, currently on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt, born 1985.

Matt Jarvis (soccer) - West Ham and England winger, born 1986.

Novak Djokovic (tennis) - Serbia's world number two, born 1987.

Arturo Vidal (soccer) - Juventus and Chile midfielder, born 1987.

ON THIS DAY IN SPORT

1946: Manchester United legend George Best was born in Belfast. Best won the European Cup with United in 1968 and was voted European Footballer of the Year later that same year. He died in 2005 after a long battle with alcohol addiction.

1990: Wembley staged its first game since being converted to an all-seater stadium as Uruguay beat England in a friendly.

1991 - Inter Milan wins 20th UEFA Cup at Rome

1994 - Toronto NBA franchise unveils name "Raptors" & logo

1996: Juventus beat Ajax on penalties to win the Champions League final in Rome.

1999: Newly-crowned Premier League champions Manchester United beat Newcastle 2-0 in the FA Cup final at Wembley. They went on to win the Champions League final against Bayern Munich four days later to complete an unprecedented treble.

2005: Rangers claimed the Scottish Premier League title in the most sensational fashion. The Gers defeated Hibernian at Easter Road but the Ibrox club were

helped to the title as Motherwell stunned Celtic with a 2-1 triumph at Fir Park, with Scott McDonald scoring twice in the last two minutes.

2008: Celtic won won their third consecutive Clydesdale Bank Premier League title with a 1-0 victory at Dundee United.

2010: Inter Milan beat Bayern Munich 2-0 in the Champions League final. Diego Milito scored both goals at Real Madrid's Bernabeu stadium, with Jose Mourinho's Inter becoming the first Italian side to win the league, cup and Champions League treble.

2010: Blackpool twice came from behind to beat Cardiff 3-2 in the Coca-Cola Championship play-off final, securing promotion to the Barclays Premier League.

2011: Birmingham and Blackpool were relegated on the final day of the Barclays Premier League season as Wigan, Wolves and Blackburn survived.

2011: Manager Carlo Ancelotti was sacked by Chelsea shortly after their season-ending 1-0 defeat at Everton.

2012: Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho signed a new contract to tie him to the club until 2016.

2013: Glasgow Rangers agree deal to sign former Kilmarnock goalkeeper Cammy Bell on a 4 year contract.

2013: Golfer Sergio Garcia offered Tiger Woods an unreserved apology for what he called "stupid and out of place" comments at the European Tour's annual awards ceremony.

Does Bojan have a future at Barcelona?

Former Barcelona captain Luis Enrique has signed a 2 year deal to take the reins at the Nou Camp and will look to ring the changes following a barren season without honours under Gerardo Martino.

Following the retirement of Carlos Puyol, out of contract Victor Valdes and a host of squad players allowed to leave, the 44 year old will look to tap into the rich talent pool at the clubs academy La Masia.

When officially presented to the media for the first time as FC Barcelona manager, 'Lucho' said:

“I love to support young players but I demand that they show hunger and ambition. The door is open to all B players, and all the players in the youth teams.”

Enrique spent 3 years as head coach of Barcelona B and welcomes back three graduates of the Catalan's world renowned academy after successful loan spells, Rafinha Alcantara from Celta Vigo, Gerard Deulofeu from Everton and Bojan Krkic from Ajax.

In the curious case of Bojan Krkic, a player with such promise early on in his Barcelona career, has spent the last three seasons out on loan, firstly none other than Enrique brought the striker to Italian side Roma in his maiden managerial role, a stint at AC Milan followed and lastly at Dutch champions Ajax where he helped Frank De Boer's young side claim a fourth consecutive Eredivisie title.

The player has a year left on his Barcelona contract and may be given a lifeline by the new boss after previous regimes left the promising talent in loan market purgatory.

Bojan was handed his Barcelona debut in 2007 by Dutch manager Frank Rijkaard shortly after his 17th birthday, finishing his first season with 10 goals, the youngster broke Raul's record of most goals scored in a debut season.

The following season he scored a combined 5 goals in the Copa del Rey to help the Catalan's lift the trophy for the first time in 11 years. Bojan struggled to find the net consistently in 2009-10 but hit form towards the end of the campaign, notching up 7 of his 8 goals in the final 12 games.

Despite the departure of Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the summer of 2010, the young striker found his chances in the first team limited, falling behind Lionel Messi, David Villa and Pedro in the pecking order.

At the end of the 2010-11 season Bojan had accumulated over 100 appearances for the club, but expressed the need to go out on loan in order to gain more first team football after struggling to nail down a first team place.

Roma agreed to sign him for an initial £11 million with an option to sign the youngster long term for £25 million, Barcelona also installed a buy back price of £13 million. After his first season in Italy, he was allowed to move to AC Milan on a season long loan, which didn't impact on the pre-agreed buy back clause.

The season concluded with both Roma and Milan passing up the opportunity to sign Bojan permanently, thus returning to Barcelona in the hope of resurrecting his Catalan based career.

It proved a false dawn as he was loaned out to Ajax for the 2012-13 campaign. Amassing 24 appearances, starting 17 and contributing 4 goals on route to Amsterdam's 33rd league crown.

He returns to the Nou Camp with his future up in the air, at still only 23 he has bags of potential and is thought to be held in high regard by those at Barcelona. He may be a prime candidate to help the Barcelona rebuilding project but after his promising career has stuttered whilst out on loan so too his reputation, the Catalan's may wish to cash in, with Liverpool among the teams rumoured to be interested in the player.

The Spaniard of Serbian descent commented on his future: “We'll see what happens, I've really enjoyed this season and I have to assess the pros and cons. Back to Barca is obviously an option, I have a year on my contract with the club.

“We'll see, I must evaluate the best for me and my progression.”

As the all conquering Barca side of the last decade looks fractious and set to disperse, the club is allegedly willing to listen to offers for the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Dani Alves, however this is no guarantee those players mentioned will leave.

The appointment of Enrique is not the only restructuring at Barcelona, with former first team assistant under Tito Villanova, Jordi Roura being named director of youth football, while physical fitness manager Aureli Altimira will take up a new role as youth system coordinator.

Bojan highlighted that wherever he plays in future, he would take with him "The philosophy, style of play and passion for the game" that he has experienced in Amsterdam.

Everything you need to know about Luis Enrique

1981: Joins Sporting Gijon academy, aged 11.

1988: Signs professional contract with Sporting Gijon B.

1990: Makes Sporting Gijon first team league debut.

1991: Makes international debut for Spain on April 17th 1991 against Romania under the orders of coach Luis Suárez.

1991: Signs for Real Madrid.

1992: Won a gold medal as part of the Spanish national team at the Olympics in Barcelona.

1993: Won Copa del Rey, his first trophy at Madrid.

1993: Member of Real Madrid team to beat Barcelona, claiming Spanish Super Cup.

1994: Selected for Spain ahead of the World Cup in USA.

1994: Scored his first international goal in a 3-0 win over Switzerland in the World Cup round of 16.

1994: In the 1–2 World Cup quarter-final defeat against Italy, Mauro Tassotti's elbowed Luis Enrique in the face, breaking his nose, he reportedly lost a pint of blood as a result, but during the match the incident went unpunished; Tassotti was banned for eight games afterwards, and never played internationally again.

1994: Captured Spanish Super Cup with Real Madrid.

1995: Won La Liga with Real Madrid.

1996: In Spain squad for the European Championships held in England.

1996: Signed for Barcelona on a free transfer from rivals Real Madrid after allegedly being recommended by outgoing Barca manager Johan Cruyff.

1996: Gets his hands on first trophy at Barcelona with Spanish Super Cup win.

1997: Wins Copa del Rey, UEFA Cup winners cup, and UEFA Super cup at Barcelona.

1998: Barcelona retain Copa del Rey and win La Liga title.

1998: Represents Spain at the France 98 World Cup.

1998: Plays a major role in a 6–1 routing of Bulgaria in the last game of the World Cup group stages, scoring and assisting once and also winning a penalty, despite the emphatic result, Spain are eliminated from the tournament.

1999: Wins 2nd league title at Barcelona, the 3rd and final La Liga trophy of his career.

1999: Nets a hat-trick, in a 9–0 win over San Marino in the Euro 2000 qualifiers.

2002: Makes last World Cup appearance for Spain in Japan and Korea.

2004: Retires from football at FC Barcelona.

2005: Took part in the New York Marathon.

2006: Finished the Amsterdam Marathon.

2008: Becomes Barcelona B Manager.

2010: Masterminded Barcelona B's promotion to the Spanish second division for the first time in 11 years in the 2009/10 season with a record points tally.

2011: Guides Barca B to record 71 points total and third place in the second division, behind Betis and Rayo Vallecano who together with Granada won promotion to the top flight.

2011: Left role as Barcelona B manager after 3 seasons in charge.

2011: Took over as Head Coach of AS Roma, reaching the semi final of the Italian cup but leaves the club at the end of the season after finishing 7th in Serie A, failing to qualify for Europe.

2013: Replaced former Spain team-mate Abel Resino in charge of Celta Vigo and guided the club to ninth place in La Liga.

2014: Appointed Gerardo Martino's successor at the Nou Camp, signing a two year deal at Barcelona.

4 Areas West Ham United can improve for next season

West Ham United released a statement after a 'constructive' meeting with Sam Allardyce in which the manager received assurances of his job security, however, in return the board has outlined certain expectations ahead of next season. 

Improvements to the playing and backroom staff are needed to ensure the team provides more entertainment on the pitch, as well as a top ten finish.

Here are 4 areas West Ham need to strengthen. Food for thought Big Sam.

 

Striker to support Andy Carroll

Since a four game win streak in February, West Ham almost grinded to a halt in the Premier League, finishing the 2013-14 campaign with eight defeats from thirteen games. This despite Andy Carroll's return to fitness. Its evident that a partner to lighten the load on Carroll in front of goal is a necessity. Carroll has good on-field chemistry with Kevin Nolan, however more firepower is needed over the course of a 38 game season. Goals win games.

More of a midfield presence

Creativity and a conveyor belt of chances is required from midfield, another area where the Hammers have been left wanting. Both Matt Jarvis and Stewart Downing are capable wide men who can pick a pass. However they lack consistency in attack, raw pace to beat their man, and a clinical edge in front of goal. West Ham as a team need to be more industrious in how and where there goals come from.

The board has insisted they will "support him (Allardyce) with the resources that he needs"

A creative midfielder/playmaker type or winger to unlock the door up front should be on the summer shopping list with the aforementioned frontman.

Attacking Coach

The board have agreed to an overhaul of the scouting system and the need for an 'attacking' coach. A perfect candidate may be Les Ferdinand, his role at Tottenham has been of a similar mould. After the departure of Tim Sherwood, Sir Les might deemed surplus to requirements by the incoming new manager, whoever that may be. If the team is to achieve a top ten finish, proficiency in the final third is as important as being solid at the back.

Change in philosophy?

Sam Allardyce has a certain style of play that is tried and tested in the Premier League, with Sam at the helm, survival in the top tier of English football is almost a given. But to reach the next level, a change in philosophy may not be a bad thing. By no means does the manager need to completely tear up the rulebook. Just tweak things accordingly to take that next step the clubs board and its fans no doubt want.