It is fair to say our resident West Ham fans have needed many beverages to get themselves through the last couple months.

Topped off by their beloved Dimitri Payet forcing a move back to Marseille – Hammers fans could only take heart in the fact that Slaven Bilic moved quickly to replace him in the shape of former Hull City man, Robert Snodgrass.

Many factors have led to this season becoming one to forget for Irons fans, who will be disappointed following their big move from Upton Park across to the London Stadium.

However, with all that said – the Irons are still sitting mid-table and something would have to go seriously wrong for the east Londoners to end up anywhere near the relegation zone. This has led to our Landlord suggesting that maybe it’s time to experiment in time for next season and give a few players a chance to prove themselves for the second half of the season.

As expected, this has sparked much discussion among all fans in the Transfer Tavern with everyone wanting to weigh in with their views, here are two players that punters in the Tavern believe deserve more respect and recognition…

Sam Byram

Byram joined the Hammers a year ago from Championship side, Leeds United and initially impressed on his debut bringing desire and energy to the team especially in his attacking play.

Since then, however, Byram has failed to kick on due to the evolution of Michail Antonio in the right-wing back role as well as the signing of Alvaro Arbeloa who had provided stiff competition to the young Englishman until he sustained an injury against Arsenal in December.

Byram himself has been sideling with a hamstring injury but at the age of 23 and the fact that he has so much potential, our Landlord was happy to see him get the start against Manchester City last week and hopes to see more chances go Byram’s way.

Havard Nordtveit

Though currently hampered by a minor knock, our Landlord believes Nordtveit should be one of the first names of the West Ham team sheet when fit.

There is obviously lots of competition in the West Ham midfield which has seen Nordtveit moved around the pitch when fit, however, a ball winning midfielder is pivotal in modern day Premier League football and Hammers fans in the Transfer Tavern believe the Norwegian is more than up to the test.

One thing is for sure, West Ham need someone to step up and protect a defence which has been leaking goals this season.