Ed Chamberlin is one of the most loved sports broadcasters in the country, and I was fortunate enough to speak with the Sky Sports presenter with regards to West Ham United’s season thus far and beyond. Here’s what he had to say:
1) The signing of Dimitri Payet is one of many examples of how money from television deals has given mid-table clubs the opportunity to compete in the transfer market. Where do you think the Frenchman ranks among the signings of the summer?
‘Payet has been outstanding. You could tell on that first Super Sunday of the season at Arsenal that he had something special and he backed that up in the games that followed. When I interviewed Slaven Bilic it was interesting to hear him say that he’d been tracking the Frenchman for some time and his good start has clearly not surprised his manager. Now Payet must prove he can play to this level through a long, tough Premier League season.‘
2) Having won at Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool already, where should the Hammers realistically be aiming to finish come May 2016?
‘I wish I’d had a pound in those three remarkable away wins at 1200/1! There is the talent in the squad to finish in the top eight, though to do that West Ham must be more consistent at home and make Upton Park a fortress again.‘
3) Are there any players in the West Ham squad that you think have a chance of going to the Euros with England, most notably Mark Noble and Aaron Cresswell?
‘Both have a chance. Mark Noble would appear to have a few ahead of him in the battle for a central midfield berth. Aaron Cresswell has proved to be a superb signing and is so consistent every week. Luke Shaw’s injury has opened the door at left-back but this is an area of strength for England and it won’t be easy for Cresswell.‘
4) Do you think the move to the Olympic Stadium will be a help or a hindrance to the club?
‘A big help. It should take West Ham to a new level. I was sceptical about the stadium as a football venue until seeing it host Rugby World Cup fixtures. It was very impressive and created a superb atmosphere.‘
5) What has been your best memory of West Ham whilst working within the media industry?
‘We’ve had plenty of terrific West Ham games on Super Sunday and Monday Night Football. I always enjoy presenting games from West Ham. However, the win at Arsenal on the first show of the season takes some beating. We sat in the studio in complete amazement.‘
6) And finally, do you think it’s right to be playing players as young as 16 as we saw with Reece Oxford, or should the youthful stars not be thrown into the deep end?
‘It’s great to see young talent given a chance but every case is different. Plenty of 16-year-olds would not have been able to handle it but Reece Oxford looked ready and was outstanding when handed his chance.‘
