A good window for the Hammers

With the late news that Matt Jarvis has gone on loan to Norwich for the season, West Ham's summer dealing is complete. It's been a good window. Ten senior players have come in (plus Stephen Hendrie from Hamilton and young Martin Samuelson from Man City), while nine have departed. 

The defence has been strengthened by the signings of Ogbonna, Jenkinson and Randolph, while in midfield we've added a great player in Dimitri Payet, Obiang who looks effective as a defensive shield, Alex Song whom we know on his day is one of the best holding players in the league and Lanzini, who had a great game at Liverpool.And we've finally strengthened the attack with Jelavic, Moses and Antonio. West Ham have spent around £34 million and recouped maybe £7 million from the sales of Downing and Maiga, so credit to Sullivan and Gold for their investment in the team.

Of the departures, only Downing is a possible regret. We've released or sold the ageing Kevin Nolan and squad players and loanees such as Cole, Demel, Nene, Jaaskelainen and Maiga. Diego Poyet has gone out on loan as has Matt Jarvis, who never matched his near £10 million price tag, though there were times when he looked a decent player — if we'd had some more effective strikers and attacking midfielders to finish off bis crosses early on he might have gained in confidence. But latterly he seemed to find a defender with every cross and just hasn't scored enough goals.

The squad is looking much stronger and it's interesting to debate what is now our best term. If everyone's fit (which never happens at West Ham!) then I'd go for: Adrian; Jenkinsion, Ogbonna, Reid, Cresswell; Kouyate, Song, Noble, Payet; Sakho, Carroll. But that's leaving out Valencia, Obiang, Lanzini, Tomkins, Collins, Oxford, Amalfitano, Zarate, Jelavic, Antonio and Moses, most of whom could make a claim for a first-team place. Steady on, I'm almost feeling optimistic…