Generally speaking, we here at the Football Transfer Tavern think West Ham have recruited reasonably well over the past 5 years, though there are always a few newbies that let you down.
Obviously, last season’s stand out Hammer was new recruit Dimitri Payet and when players of that calibre sign, it becomes more acceptable to have signed a few duds as well.
However, we at the Tavern are unable to forget about some of the more unusual and disappointing signings and the punters have compiled quite the list!
Despite evolving into a club with scouting networks all over the world, the East London outfit have had their fair share of flops over the past half a decade or so.
Even our Landlord helped provide examples of the most abysmal ones he’s seen arrive at Upton Park.
Sorry, the London Stadium.
Anyway, see what you make of our choices and let us know if we’ve missed off anything obvious!
Roger Johnson
West Ham signed the centre-back in January 2014 on loan from League One side Wolves.
At the time, Johnson was unable to get first team football with the Wolves, after captaining them to relegation from the Premier League AND the Championship.
This meant that Johnson had the unenviable record of three consecutive relegations. Once with Birmingham and twice with Wolves.
Nevertheless, in a crisis of their own, West Ham chose to sign him to save them from relegation troubles.
It didn’t work.
Andy Carroll
It pains us here at The Tavern to have to include him in this list because, despite sometimes looking like the player who burst on to the scene and impressed the punters whilst at Newcastle, his injury record has become indefensible.
In 2013, he became the Hammers record signing, putting pen to paper on a deal worth £15m.
However, it took plenty of time to get the ball rolling because a heel injury sustained at the end of the previous season meant he didn’t play a game until 12th January 2014!
The forward finished the season with two goals for the Hammers though and was beginning to look like he might stay fit and get consistent game time during the next campaign.
Until he gets a run of games and goals, we think he deserves his place on this list.
Modibo Maiga
The most cast iron of all the choices was Mo Maiga though.
Unfortunately for the Irons, Maiga’s transfer from Sochaux to Newcastle fell through in the January prior to his move to London which would have avoided the eventual disappointment he proved to be.
His form was criticised heavily by West Ham fans although he was praised and supported by then manager Sam Allardyce.
He played in four of the Hammers six Europa League qualifying games and didn’t score in any.
