Ex-West Ham star linked with shocking and unforgivable return he must resist. A journalist has claimed a former West Ham star could be set to make a shocking return to the game after retiring.
One thing that makes West Ham stand out from other clubs has always been the famous Academy. Just ask new boss Graham Potter who stated it was a major part of West Ham’s appeal when deciding to return to football 20 months on from his Chelsea sacking.
When you have come through West Ham’s self-styled Academy of Football and graduated to being a first team regular something very special happens.
Those players are always held in the highest regard by Hammers fans. They are among the most cherished and fondly remembered.
But being a West Ham Academy graduate also comes with a great deal of responsibility.
Just as Mark Noble.
As one of West Ham’s own you hold more sway and influence than other players. But you must behave and act in a certain way.
If you leave the club it needs to be handled correctly. Just ask Frank Lampard. Hammers Academy graduates have a big advantage when it comes to going on to cementing themselves as cult heroes and club legends.
West Ham fans cherish their own but it comes with responsibility. But your reputation can be left tarnished with one false move or if you want out of the club and choose the wrong destination. Even if you handle yourself impeccably throughout. Just ask Declan Rice.
Some Academy graduates are sold by the club without ever really wanting to leave. Now one ex-West Ham star has been linked with a shocking and unforgivable return he must resist.
James Tomkins was one such player who was on the pathway to being a West Ham cult hero and possibly even legend one day. He could have been like Noble and ended up staying with the Hammers his entire career.
But Tomkins wanted to be first choice centre-back and that saw West Ham accept a £10m bid when Crystal Palace came calling. Tomkins has always conducted himself well when facing his boyhood club.
And West Ham have no great rivalry with Palace which damaged his reputation after that move.There was also a feeling Tomkins would at best be a back-up player for the Hammers long-term were he to stay
Ex-West Ham star linked with shocking and unforgivable return
Although many supporters felt the club should have kept him around to have as many players in the building who knew what it means to play for West Ham. Now, though, Tomkins is risking damaging his reputation among the club’s supporters.
When West Ham were looking at the free agent centre-back market following the closure of the summer window, the likes of John Egan, Mats Hummels and Joel Matip were linked.
But Hammers News suggested Tomkins, who had been released by Palace – should be brought back as fourth choice back-up.
Tomkins had made 243 appearances for West Ham when he left – just two less than Declan Rice. Now 35, the Basildon boy went on to make nearly 140 appearances for Palace until being released in the summer.
Fit and with no injury issues, Tomkins confirmed he had no intention to retire but would have to wait and see what offers were forthcoming. Hammers News argued Tomkins would surely be a better choice as short-term fourth choice central defensive cover for his boyhood club.
Ex Hammers hero Tomkins must resist joining Millwall. Now, though, Tomkins could be lured to commit the ultimate sin by signing for West Ham’s arch rivals Millwall.
According to Scottish journalist Alan Nixon on Patreon, Millwall want to talk Tomkins out of retirement to join their squad.
Sun reporter Nixon says the Lions are happy to give Tomkins a final crack.
He states the former West Ham centre half has been sounded out about putting his boots on again but has yet to commit. Before he does he should think long and hard about what he wants his West Ham legacy to look like.
Nobody would begrudge a man from earning a living. But West Ham and Millwall share one of the oldest and fiercest rivalries in all of world football.
Deciding to sign for the other side of the divide is not something any player should do lightly. Others have done it in the past.
