Is Sam Byram the right back West Ham have been looking for?

One of the most encouraging aspects of Saturday's win was the form of Sam Byram when he came on for the second half. We've not seen him since he injured his hamstring against FC Astra back in August, when he was taken off on a bizarre motorised stretcher car that looked like something from Wacky Races. 

Against Palace Byram looked comfortable on the ball and was immediately looking to get forward and also offered defensive cover for Feghouli on the right. It was a remarkably composed performance from a player returning from a long-term injury. He nearly scored with a dipping volley and also got in a couple of fine tackles at the back. Sam played with a bit of fire too and had to be separated from a Palace player at the end. Leeds fans really rated him, and although he needs to do some work on the defensive side of his game, he looked like the natural right back we've been missing. The Hammers still need to buy another right back to provide competition, but Byram returning is a major boost.

Byram the Essex Man

Good to discover that new signing Sam Byram is an Essex Man, born in Thurrock though his family later moved to Yorkshire. He should have a feeling for the club as there are quite a few Irons in his family. Sam says, ""My uncle and my cousin are big West Ham fans and have bought their tickets for the new stadium. My uncle was down here yesterday getting a shirt with my name on the back." 

My Leeds-supporting pal is gutted that Byram is leaving and apparently there have been comparisons with Gareth Bale due to his surging ruins down the right. He;s scored three goals foe Leeds this season including a tasty effort at Forest and a header at Fulham. Looking forward to seeing Sam in action…

Hammers bag Byram?

Several papers today claim that West Ham have beaten Everton to the signature of Leeds' right back Sam Byram fore £3.7m. The promising defender is only 22 and can play in midfield too, though right-back is his preferred position. This would seem to indicate that Carl Jenkinson will be returning to Arsenal after his season-long loan at Upton Park and that Byram will compete with James Tomkins for the right back spot, with Joey O'Brien presumably moving on as well. Slaven Bilic has come up with quite a good system in recent games of playing Tomkins early on and then bringing on Jenkinson when we need to chase games, as at Bournemouth and Newcastle. With Byram, Jenkinson, Tomkins, Ogbonna, Reid, Collins and Cresswell all competing for defensive places we'll certainly have options at the back.