Although a popular figure at West Ham, Adrian has always been at the mercy of the fans when it comes to judgement over his goalkeeping credentials.
Bought in by Sam Allardyce on a free transfer from Real Betis, he appeared to be a perfect replacement for the ageing Jussi Jaaskaleinen.
It wasn’t long before he became a cult hero at West Ham. He always had an heroic save in his locker against the big teams. He was a presence in the goal and had the physical athleticism to make it as a Premier League stopper.
His infamous penalty shootout decider against Everton in the FA Cup only endeared him further to the West Ham faithful. Forever fans of a maverick, West Ham fans were willing to support a man who was committed to the club and who offered great value for a free transfer.
However, in the club’s ascension to the top-half in the 2015-16 season alongside the move to the Olympic Stadium, fans’ expectations were raised. The errors that had once been in Adrian’s game became more costly as West Ham looked to raise the bar.
Maybe Adrian was a victim of the club’s optimism. West Ham has been home to run of the mill players who gave their all. Carlton Cole and Mark Noble, both of whom took pay-cuts to stay at the club through it’s relegation, went from fan favourites to scapegoats.
Adrian came from an era of Matt Taylor, James Tomkins and Stewart Downing. Players that gave their utmost but didn’t represent the newfound optimism and ambition of West Ham.
When Fabianski joined last season, Adrian was consigned to folklore and was no longer integral to the squad. It was only when West Ham signed a quality goalkeeper did it become apparent that Adrian was never the answer to West Ham’s success.
It was unfortunate that a player who had memorable moments in a West Ham shirt and appeared 125 times for the club was now not only a reminder of yesteryear, but a reminder that West Ham are no longer the club they once were.
This is why the move to Anfield is as bizarre as it is justified. I’ve seen fans question Adrian’s legacy over the past few days. Some pass him off as an average keeper and can’t understand why some are sad to see him leave.
He is a reminder of what West Ham once was. In an era of mercenaries like Payet and Arnautovic, Adrian was loyal and committed. Although his ability may be questioned, his character and influence on modern West Ham history won’t be forgotten.
