Tue 7 Feb 06
Dean’s return
You’ve gotta figure that Dean Ashton is pleased to be back in the Premiership, having moved from Norwich to West Ham late in the January transfer window. The Toffees, and I’m sure others, had reportedly been after him. Ashton notched the winner against Sunderland on the weekend. It was a bit sad to compare the two promoted sides — you’d probably think that, at the outset of the season, Sunderland would have expected their positions to be reversed. Anyway, a great move for the Hammers.
Mike Campbell
“It was a bit sad to compare the two promoted sides — you’d probably think that, at the outset of the season, Sunderland would have expected their positions to be reversed.”
Both Pardew and Jewell assumed their roles with a view to assembling squads worthy of Premiership football. McCarthy prioritised promotion, and is suffering in consequence. Sunderland have retained a physical style better suited to the Championship, seeking to muscle opponents out of games (Saturday’s game changed upon Harewood’s taking to the pitch. It’s difficult to muscle out of the game a man who is all muscle.). Both West Ham and Wigan have prospered through good, attacking football. Their success is something to be celebrated. IMHO.
I agree. I like the Hammers anyway (my wife even has a West Ham shirt) and Wigan won me over in Week One when they were very unfortunate to lose to Chelsea.