Only appearing in the 90th minute, Evan Ferguson had another frustrating afternoon at Goodison Park, spending more time warming-up than participating in the action on the pitch. I cannot help feeling that this is not what he – or we – expected when he signed up for a London Stadium loan in the winter transfer window. It is now March and there are just nine games to go ( he cannot play against Brighton), and I’m sure his parent club is just as disappointed as Hammers’ supporters with his 5 brief substitute appearances for 90 minutes in total.
This despite Graham Potter’s assertion that he was ‘really happy‘ with his Irish forward. Potter’s own words:
“He came in as a young player who has had time out with injuries, to come and help the squad, and that’s what he’s done…He came on against Brentford and made a good impact, and he’s done well when he’s been in the games. He’s building himself up all the time”
When Ferguson arrived he’d just made one appearance as a substitute for Brighton in their 7-0 shellacking by Nottingham Forest on 1st February, so perhaps he’s been recovering more slowly from an injury: Maybe that explains his lack of a start at West Ham,who, let’s face it, have no other options as a striker without Fullkrug or Antonio. ( Danny Ings is not a ‘starter’ option for a Premier League club these days, before you comment).
Jarrod Bowen starting as the lone striker yesterday can only mean Ferguson still isn’t fit enough for a start – surely?
A conundrum indeed given that the young forward has been called up by his national side. Our highly placed source inside West Ham was quite categorical today when quizzed by Claret and Hugh about any injury or fitness issue that might be preventing Ferguson from starting:
“He’s not injured – [just] not being picked”.
Which was very surprising. Here is the forward Graham Potter pressed for, the only signing in the January window – unused.
Gonzo’s earlier article suggests Potter will have his work cut out keeping Ferguson onside. He’s not wrong! The Hammers’ manager professes to be ‘really happy with him‘ – but – no starts for the striker.
No fitness worries, just left out through his manager’s choice. Difficult to square that circle. I hope Ferguson goes away with Ireland and smashes a couple of hat-tricks to remind his temporary coach that he’s here to play, not to warm the bench. Thursday, 20th March 7.45pm, Bulgaria v Ireland. And again, three days later, Ireland v Bulgaria, Dublin 7.45pm GMT on Sunday 23 March. Two games in three days – let’s see how fit he is!
