Should they stay or should they go....?
With the news that Dean Ashton is set to enter into contract talks at the end of the week, it’s time to assess who should stay and who should from the class of 2008…
Stay at all costs: Green, Ferdinand, Upson, McCartney, Noble, Parker, Ashton
These guys represent the nucleus of the team that we should build. An all-English spine should be the basis for us to employ some flair and creativity in other areas. Nolbe didn’t have the best of seasons but did spend a lot of it playing out of position or when he was clearly injured, but he is West Ham through and through. I also think Anton Ferdinand will grow in maturity next season and could be key for us, especially in partnership with the excellent Upson.
Exit Upton Park: Quashie, Mullins, Boa Morte, Spector, Pantsil, Neill, Bowyer
Guess the most controversial here is Mullins who is the marmite of West Ham United, splitting opinion between supporters. I just find him too negative and although his short passing is accurate, there are better tacklers out there to play that holding role. I don’t think Spector should be part of the team if we expect to be taken seriously, he is a decent Championship player at best. And I don’t subscribe to the Pantsil fan club, he seems like a lovely fella but I just don’t see him commanding a regular spot.
Quite like you to hang around, but don’t expect me to beg: Solano, Faubert, Zamora, Cole, Dyer, Etherington, Ljungberg
The two lads up front have worked hard but not produced anywhere near enough goals between them. With Bellamy back they will be bit-part players at best and I think that is all they should expect if they decide to hang around.
There are others who I just don’t know what to do with, Gabbidon and Collins have been injured for an eternity. It will be interesting to see if they still have something to offer next season, it’s not as if they will command big fees having seen so little of them for so long. And obviously the kids like Sears and Tomkins will still be around and we can look forward to watching them develop next season.

