Please release me let me go...

[frank marker]

https://www.whufc.com/news/club-stateme ... ngs-depart

As mentioned briefly on the itk thread. Thought it deserved it's own thread. Somewhere for folks to heap praise or vent their spleen on four departing hammers. Anyone you'd keep?

[Massive Attack]

Put bluntly, it was the cheapest send-off that was ideal for Sullivan and Brady. No new contracts, no testimonial, get 3 off the wage bill in 1 hit and all we'll give them is a framed West Ham shirt only for 1 player that they probably sourced off Ebay. 

These were history making much loved Cup winners for the Club and that was their send-off. Stay classy Brady and Sullivan, don't you ever change.

[zico]

My first thought was that Potter should have started Fab and not taken Cress off in a sea of subs but then I remembered Billy Bonds didn't bring Tony Gale on and probably wouldn't have brought Frank Mac on if Mitchell Thomas hadn't apparently feigned an injury in their last games and Billy obviously wasn't a nasty sod. That said think they deserved a better send off.

[Mad Ferret]

Fab on Potter:

“He has chosen his path and is sticking to it consistently. I realise that this is the reality of football. A lot has changed over the course of the season. Since the new coach came in, everything has changed, including a possible contract extension. Every coach has the right to build a team as they see fit. You have to accept that and move on.”

[Jaan Kenbrovin]

I don’t understand why Antonio hasn’t been released. It would be insane to give him a new contract. I’d rather Cresswell have stayed than Antonio.

 

[Eerie Decent]

Apparently built a big gaff up in his neck of the woods, so will try to get a contract closer to home I'd imagine.

[Lee Trundle]

I like Cresswell.  He's easily in the top 5 of my most favourite players in the last decade.   But we should have moved on from him last season.

The reason we kept him, was because he's cheap.

[threesixty]

I've heard Cresswell was offered a contract, but turned it down.

It was a bit of pub talk, but from someone who usually gets decent info.

 

 

yeah, that would make sense. I can see Fulham or someone picking him up. In a different team where he's not so exposed I think he will do well, even at 35. It's not as if he's been playing every week for the last 5yrs. His legs should be fine.

[Eerie Decent]

I've heard Cresswell was offered a contract, but turned it down.

It was a bit of pub talk, but from someone who usually gets decent info.

[threesixty]

Fabianski after the game: "I feel disappointed with how it looked today. I was secretly hoping that I would be able to say goodbye to the fans at a home match while being on the pitch for at least a moment."

I think I would have played him for the last home game.  It's not like we've got anything to play for, and it would have been nice send off for him.

 

 

If Potter was a mean guy but got results I would kind of get it. But clearly he's a bit of a bastard but with no results, so what is the point?

Also, I'd love to know if they offered Cresswell any sort of contract? From what I can see apart from AWB he's been our best defender in recent months. I wouldn't be surprised if he is still in the Prem next season and if Potter is still our manager, he beats us on the opposing team. 

[Mad Ferret]

I doubt he would’ve gifted Forest a goal.

[Lee Trundle]

Fabianski after the game: "I feel disappointed with how it looked today. I was secretly hoping that I would be able to say goodbye to the fans at a home match while being on the pitch for at least a moment."

I think I would have played him for the last home game.  It's not like we've got anything to play for, and it would have been nice send off for him.

[Fauxstralian]

Great characters who have given over 20 years to the club 
Saw the Fabianski video this morning & all 3 very emotional about their time with us & what saying goodbye means
Top blokes & not sure we can afford to lose those sort of characters given our current state … though I agree that it’s the right time in each case

[Vexed]

It's the right decision but it's a shame that we're losing some of the better characters at the club all in one go. Ings apart the other three have been a rare thing at West Ham, highly successful transfers where the club have got great value from a relatively low outlay. Less than 20m spent for all three if my memory still works. Great business. Dont see much of that anymore. 

I wish them all well, would like to see Coufal come on and score today just to see him go fucking mental. But it would be just like Potter to stick everyone behind the ball and play out a joyless 1-0 loss. A fitting send off, mirroring our current predicament. 

Fuck next season already. 

[Gank]

I've always liked Cresswell but why would we want to offer him a role at the club over someone more experienced and/or qualified? What sort of role? Certainly not Coaching, seeing as he's never coached anyone in his life. Ambassadorial? Not with that accent. 

He's not short of money, thanks to us, so farewell Cresswell, you've been great, now go and play for someone else or retire.

[62Hammer]

Hopefully the club will show some sense and offer Cresswell some role at the club.  Always gave 100%.

I agree, but he's probably got more football to play yet, most likely in the Championship. Glad to have him back on the staff any time, though.

[El Scorchio]

A left back, but ditto with Ilunga. 

That was in response to Zico’s post about one season wonders. 

[Eerie Decent]

Same with Fabianski. Class keeper, class act.

For me, without doubt the best keeper since Parkes. Yes, he'sbetter than Ludo. So undervalued by a lot of fans, there was a 3 year period in particular where he was ridiculous.
 

[Fauxstralian]

People say players don’t care
The Cresswell & Coufal videos show that isn’t true in many cases
Very emotional 
Hope we give them & Fabianski a great send off today with the respect they deserve … and a thumping win 

[zico]

Hopefully the club will show some sense and offer Cresswell some role at the club.  Always gave 100%.

[Massive Attack]

Hear, hear!  

[Lee Trundle]

A fantastic servant to the club.  I wish him nothing but good luck in what he does next.

[Massive Attack]

To think Cresswell cost us just £3.75M as well.

Outstanding return for what we got back out of him. 

[Monsieur merde de cheval]

Cress is the first scouser to discover  a golf club .
All courtesy of WHU

[honky cat]

I reckon Ings will be next seasons Chris Wood. For someone else. Its the west ham way.

 

[zico]

I'll miss Coufal. Had a great first 2 seasons with us. 

What is it with right backs? Didn't Jenkinson have a decent period, and of course the one season wonder Sebastian Schemmell.