'We Can't Keep Blagging Our Way Through It, We Need A Bold Plan'

West Ham must start signing younger players or the ‘next level’ will only be talk

- Simon Osborn

West Ham United, once again, enter a January transfer window looking for short term fixes to long-term problems.

The Irons found themselves just two points above the relegation zone at the midway point of the season and encamped in the middle of a group of 10 or 12 teams battling to avoid the drop.

At least this time it is pretty clear where the problem lies.

A total of 40 goals conceded in our first 22 Premier League matches shows the defence is in huge need of improvement, although the debate continues as to whether it is our defenders or holding midfielders that need upgrading this month.

Slaven Bilic clearly felt it was the latter, and we will never know if he would still be in a job had he got his wish of signing Portuguese international William Carvalho from Sporting Lisbon in the summer.