Match Day Thread West Ham United vs Southampton 25/09/2016 4pm Kick-off

Shane is the one whose legs are a constant blur

 

I do that! Must be an age thing!

 

I don't look like anybody else and that seems to please everyone.

 

What's Lawro's logic behind this season was always going to be tougher for them, regardless of the location change?

 

Just found out I'm six rows from the back - anyone got a telescope?

 

Is it time to give up on Jay? I think if we are honest he will not be back as he was. Injury after injury. Your thoughts please..
I'm trying not to be negative, Im interested to see what you all think.

 

I've said for quite a while I don't think he'll ever be the player we saw 13/14 again, a shame but that's these injuries can do to players who rely heavily on pace. Interesting to see how he recovers from this latest set back though as he scored a goal (and generally looked lively) against Sparta.

 

I think he forgot that bit. Personally, I've got us down for an away win, provided we can convert the chances and that Antonio doesn't score against his old club.

Even if he was a big loanee. Ever since League One, I wish we'd kept him. Reading certainly didn't want him really. Then again, we had Puncheon and Oxo at the time. No, if I think back, I still wish we'd kept him.

 

West Ham fans don't seem confident at all. A lot are expecting comfortable Saints win, let's hope we deliver that!

Can't help but be worried by that though, they're in terrible form, we've won 3 on the bounce.... you know what happens next...

I'd love to see us get an early goal, score in the first 10 and then just start knocking the ball around nicely and the fans will be on their back, and almost do our job for us. Even better if Shane gets it. Can't help but think the big pitch will benefit us tomorrow.

 

Not giving up yet. There's been glimpses. It's going to be tough for him but let's see how bad this groom injury is? It might be that his re-adjustment of running style and all the extra building he's been doing is causing the problems and maybe too many problems.

I think he needs to play regularly this year if he's going to make it.

 

Antonio has proved me wrong. I thought he was fun we had him, but a Headless chicken.

 

To be honest I wonder how much of the problem now is in his body, and how much in his head. Some players - Rickie, Pelle - can play through any amount of discomfort. Others, like Marion Pahars for instance, never recover psychologically from injury and pull up at the first twinge. Professional athletes push their bodies hard and most reach a point in their careers when they are never without some pain or niggle. I wonder whether Jay has reached that point and is unable mentally to push through it.

I could be completely wrong here, it really is just a thought, but one I've had for a while now.

 

I thought he had been out for a long time, then I saw a player interviewed on Channel 5 who had come back to play after 4 years of recovery. I know he was from the lower leagues but surely Jay will be a different player but not a complete write off. It might be a matter of mental strength to keep going.

 

Too early to be negative. Its just a muscle strain its tough getting that last bit of match fitness and not getting niggles. I think he's mentally strong enough. If he keeps getting on the pitch I think that's all the motivation he needs.
I think we give him to Christmas.

 

I agree with this, but I'd give him til the end of the season before thinking he's done.

 

If reports are correct that he had surgery on his groin then I don't think he is at a point where it's in his head, a la Sturridge

 

You are spot on. I have sore legs and my feet are killing me following some bike riding and even a bit of football (dusted off the Astros after a few years), but I must sit in the Rickie/Graziano mould because I have advised the wife I will push through the pain and walk briskly to the pub tonight if she fancies a drink.

 

He's proved me wrong too. I thought he was a good standard for where we were but never did I think he was a future PL player. It just goes to show how many lower league players can make it if given the chance.

 

You're a true warrior Fats

 

I agree, all his injuries seem to have needed surgery so he doesn't appear to be a sick note just yet. But as others have said I do think his original injury has caused more problems further down the line and it may be that he never fully recovers. Obviously, this is all speculation and we could all be way off the truth but he is a bit of a concern.