West Ham Women Expert: Harder must sign new striker in summer
We’re delighted to welcome Michelle Irons as our exclusive West Ham Women’s expert. Each week she’ll be giving her views on the biggest talking points at Victoria Road…
Michelle Irons believes West Ham Women are approaching a crucial season and called on Ollie Harder to spend wisely in the transfer window.
The Irons are set for a cash injection due to Sky Sports buying the TV rights to show the Women’s Super League next year.
And after losing several key stars for various reasons Irons is keen for West Ham to strengthen their depth, and is particularly eager to see a forward signed.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, Irons said, “We finished the WSL season with a somewhat acceptable 15 points from 22 games played.
“Overall, we did not balance our squad very well as we lost Adriana Leon, Leanne Kiernan, Rachel Daly and Alisha Lehmann as our forward attack and our squad was too thin.
“Going forward into the summer, I would like see Olli [Harder] recruit wisely, add more squad depth and definitely sign a striker.
“Next season will be huge as the games are now going to be seen live on Sky Sports and with that injection of revenue, we have to take full advantage of that.
“I’m excited to see what is to come in 2021/2022.”
Big summer ahead
Everyone at West Ham will be hoping for a better return than three wins from 22 games but success will come down to how well Harder recruits in the window.
Keeping key players fit will also be important, as we missed Leon when she was injured.
Leon suffered a broken foot [BBC] and we hope she uses the close season to stay well rested, so that she is raring to go when the 2021/22 campaign kicks off.
Irons is right to point to our need for a striker, as the attack let us down on occasion this term, recording a return of just 21 goals in 22 games.
We want to see the Hammers show a bit more adventure going forward and by signing a lynchpin up-front we will have someone to build attacks around.
In other West Ham news, ‘Miles from play’ – Keith Hackett makes referee claim over huge West Ham call v Brighton.
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