Latest Opinion

With 19 games played in the Premiership this season, West Ham, under new manager Glenn Roeder are exactly half way through their league programme.

Join KUMB as we take a look at the highs and lows of the season so far, as we give our verdict on Roeder's reign since he took the helm in the summer - much to the dissatisfaction of many, it must be said.

Squad (B+)
Since taking over Roeder has brought in five new faces; Seb Schemmel, Laurent Courtois, Don Hutchison, Tomas Repka and David James. The bulk of the £15m kitty was spent on the final three of those, and it is hard to argue that the signings have proved anything but positive. David James, after suffering that horrific knee injury is now back to his best, and showing the kind of form which should see him join the rest of the England squad in Japan next year. Repka is proving to be the rock at the heart of our defence, and Hutchison is finally showing the kind of form that a £5m transfer fee should command. Schemmel, whom Redknapp was keen to oust has done brilliantly, which leaves Courtois. Brought in on a free he is the only one of Roeder's captures who has failed to deliver thus far, but considering he was a Bossie and therefore a relatively risk-free gamble that shouldn't detract from Roeder's achievements.

Tactics (B-)
It is hard to argue that Roeder was anything but tactically inept during his first few games in command. At Middlesborough, Everton and Blackburn we saw some horrendous tactical choices which even Harry Redknapp, not exactly known for his tactical ingenuity must have laughed at. He tinkered with five at the back during the early away games, and it resulted in some awful performances, none more so than in the games at Everton and Blackburn. But an inspired change of heart at Manchester United led to Don Hutchison, so ineffective in the centre of midfield until that point being moved out to the right wing and Joe Cole coming in the middle from the left flank where he was, to put it bluntly, wasted. Since that fateful afternoon Roeder has stuck with this particular brand of 4-4-2, and boy, has it paid dividends. Unbeaten since it looks like Roeder has found the magic formula which brings the best out of everybody (well except perhaps for Trevor Sinclair, but there's plenty of scope for improvement there).

Home games (B-)
The record reads: P-9 W-4 D-3 L-2 F-13 A-6 Pts-15

A brilliant start to the home campaign saw us reach November before recording our first home defeat. The wins against Newcastle and Chelsea were particularly sweet, and Leeds were lucky not to go back up North with a defeat behind them on the opening day of the season. However, until the 4-0 Boxing Day success again Derby we had not won at the Boleyn since October - a run of four games without a victory, which included the very bad derby defeat at the hands of Tottenham. It can be argued that we were unlucky not to fare better against Arsenal and Aston Villa, but both games were for the taking in all honestly. In all fairness the lack of atmosphere at the Boleyn so far hasn't helped, and Roeder has his work cut out trying to get this sorry bunch singing again.

Away games (D+)
So far: P-10 W-2 D-3 L-5 F-11 A-24 Pts-9

One defeat in the last five away games is a massive improvement on the form we showed on our travels at the start of the season. Defeats at places such as Middlesbrough and Everton left us right in the mire as Roeder fumbled with different tactical selections and personnel on a weekly basis. The lowest point was obviously the 7-1 thrashing at Blackburn, the darkest day for the club for many a season. Only four clubs have picked up less wins on their travels this season, and only basement boys Derby have conceded more. Happily now it looks like we're on the up, and the win at Old Trafford was the pinnacle of Roeder's achievements so far.

Media (C+)
Glenn appears at best uncomfortable in front of the cameras, at worst like a rabbit in headlights. Whereas Harry Redknapp, for all his faults, knew how to play the media, Glenn is still less than confident when talking to the press. However many have been impressed by his quiet, yet thoughtful approach to interviews, seeing this as a welcome change from Redknapp's robust approach. Becoming more confident as the weeks pass, Glenn is on his way to becoming a great ambassador for the club.

Overall
But for the recent wins against Man Utd and Derby, plus the well earned point against Arsenal the Hammers could be ensconced in the relegation battle at the foot of the table. It must be remembered that until a fortnight ago we had spent the duration of the season in the bottom five or six, and many were fearful for our future in the top flight. But the recent well-timed run of results - we're now unbeaten in five games - has lifted us into eleventh spot, a reasonable performance considering the wealth of talent available to Roeder.

At the beginning of the season we at KUMB, along with the majority of Hammers fans voiced our concerns over the appointment of the relatively inexperienced Roeder. That concern still remains - we still feel that Roeder has an awful lot to learn - but it appears that he has finally found a system which he is happy with, and a squad of players which he can finally call his own.

This team - assuming we don't suffer too many injuries between now and May - should be capable of a top eight finish at the very least; this, after all, was the very least Harry Redknapp expected from his troops when he was in command, and that was without the likes of Hutchison, James and Repka.

Glenn Roeder has, in recent weeks, shown us that he can deliver against the very best. What he needs to do now is prove that he can do it consistently, and also against the likes of Ipswich, Southampton and Blackburn (and that's no slight on any of those clubs).

If the rumours about a six month trial period were true, you can rest assured that Roeder will be offered an extension to continue the good work which he has begun.

Here at KUMB the jury remains undecided, but we certainly hope that come May 2002 Glenn can face his critics and say 'I told you so'.

Overall verdict: C+
Glenn has shown much promise of late, but there is clearly room for improvement still.

* Like to share your thoughts on this article? Please visit the KUMB Forum to leave a comment.

* Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the highlighted author/s and do not necessarily represent or reflect the official policy or position of KUMB.com.