AliousIn the 1980s, a television soap opera captivated global audiences with a storyline centered around the question “Who Shot JR?” This plot had viewers everywhere speculating about the culprit behind this infamous act of fictional violence.
This memorable TV narrative came to mind recently while examining correspondence between Sean Whetstone, the associate editor of Claret and Hugh, and a high-ranking source within West Ham United. Their communications covered various topics, including summer player acquisitions, Lopetegui’s appointment, and Steidten’s agreement to proceed with the Spaniard’s recruitment plans.
Amidst these discussions, a third, intriguing piece of information almost went unnoticed, only catching attention upon a second read. This revelation adds an element of mystery to the recruitment of one particular Hammers player this summer – as evident from the accompanying photo, it pertains to the transfer of Crysencio Summerville from Leeds United in the Championship.
While the well-placed club source confirmed that Tim Steidten was responsible for player recruitment this summer – with head coach Lopetegui focusing solely on coaching and team selection – there was one player who arrived at West Ham through a different channel.
Crysencio Summerville has thus far proven to be an inspired signing for the club. Early indications, particularly following his first-half debut against Chelsea on Saturday, suggest he may successfully transition from the Championship to the Premier League, much like club captain Jarrod Bowen did previously. Given this promising start, one might expect Steidten to claim credit for identifying Summerville as a prime transfer target.
However, surprisingly, Steidten was not responsible for this acquisition. Neither, it appears, was Lopetegui.
In a twist that feels quintessentially ‘West Ham,’ our source has disclosed that a mysterious ‘third person’ at the club, someone who ‘loved a good championship player,’ was the one who ‘really pushed for Summerville.’ This revelation deepens the intrigue surrounding the transfer.
So, a new Hammers mystery emerges: ‘Who Pushed for Summerville?’ One would expect the responsible party to come forward and take credit, given Summerville’s trajectory towards becoming a significant success for the club.
Regardless of the mystery, credit must be given to Tim Steidten for having the wisdom to act on this ‘third person’s’ recommendation and successfully recruit our new speedy winger. It’s worth considering the potential headlines had Steidten dismissed the suggestion, only for Summerville to achieve greatness elsewhere, say at Aston Villa. Such a scenario doesn’t bear contemplating.
The author concludes by identifying themselves as a lifelong West Ham United fan and season ticket holder, having occupied a seat in the old Bobby Moore Upper stand at Upton Park from 2003. They now attend matches in the Billy Bonds stand with their adult son, eagerly anticipating the day when their grandson is old enough to be initiated into West Ham fandom, hoping to preempt any potential Manchester United influence from the child’s mother. The writer emphasizes that all opinions expressed are their own, admittedly biased ones.
Alious
