Tim Steidten stance on Andy Irving transfer emerges at West Ham United
West Ham chief Tim Steidten viewed signing Andy Irving as a risk-free move for the Irons, according to The Athletic.
The outlet reported on its website on Saturday (12 October) that the Hammers technical director believed that signing the midfielder from Klagenfurt was a safe bet for David Moyes’ side at the time.
Irving was the subject of transfer interest during the summer window, with Julen Lopetegui convincing the Scotsman to stay at the London Stadium amid interest from Espanyol ahead of pre-season.
Lopetegui has been impressed with the midfielder’s work ethic at the London Stadium and wanted to keep him in East London to bolster the depth of the squad ahead of his first season in charge of the Irons.
Who is West Ham ace Andy Irving?
It’s safe to say that the signing of Irving certainly raised a few eyebrows at the time, but after years of confusion, the Hammers’ transfer decision has started to make a bit more sense in the early weeks of the season.
The midfielder may not be the best player in the Premier League, but he adds some much-needed depth and work ethic to Lopetegui’s side that cannot be undervalued, especially as the manager looks to make his mark at the London Stadium.
Irving’s early displays off of the bench so far this season have earned him a call-up to Steve Clarke’s senior Scotland squad and he could be set to win his first international cap during the October international break.
Whether or not the midfielder will be able to force his way into the Irons’ starting XI on a regular basis remains to be seen, but Lopetegui has shown already this season that he is willing to take a chance on the 24-year-old.
As Steidten suggested at the time, this was about as risk-free a move as the Hammers could complete. Either Irving doesn’t make the grade in claret and blue or the Irons have found an excellent midfielder on the cheap.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers’ plans for Niclas Fullkrug have emerged after developments at the London Stadium
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.