Two World Class Signings

On deadline day last year West Ham signed two young upcoming international stars who had just impressed in a world cup. This year we have signed a 32 year old Peruvian and a striker who is deemed surplus to requirements at Wigan.

However we all know what the signings of Tevez and Mascherano led to and considering the horrendous injuries to Dyer and Faubert the signing of Solano has to be seen as a blessing. In fact Solano will hopefully prove to be the best crosser of the ball West Ham have seen for a while.

That aside, Eggert Magnusson has only himself to blame for any disappointment that West Ham fans feel at this year's signings. He promised the fans two world class players and has failed to deliver on that promise.

On paper though, despite the lack of world class signings, the club have progressed in the close season. Parker for Reo-Coker, Ljungberg for Konchesky, Bellamy for Harewood, Faubert / Dyer / Solano for Benayoun all seem to represent a trade up. But that is only on paper. The big worry has to be how many games we will get from the new signings. Dyer is already out for the season and Parker is yet to make an appearance for the club. Personally I can't see Ljungberg and Parker completing the season without more time lost through injury.

So the jury is still out. West Ham on paper have progressed but have yet to convince on the pitch. However with Parker, Ashton and now Solano to come into the team there is still hope that Curbishley has the nucleus of a good team.