West Ham’s season ended last Sunday on an upbeat note after one of the most depressing periods in recent history. The victory against Ipswich might just be window dressing but it is clear that fourteenth place – with the extra millions and better outward appearance- can only be better than seventeenth where the club sat for several weeks.
However insignificant in the global scheme, better to finish above Manchester United and Tottenham. Crumbs of comfort but I’ll take them. Perhaps in a sign the fates have re-aligned for West Ham, news from Jamaica-gleaner.com that incredibly:
“Michail Antonio in training with Reggae Boys” . Less than six months after the multiple femur fracture and repair that leaves most people immobile for months, West Ham’s number nine – until next month anyway – has been in training with the Jamaica squad. According to the report:
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“A source inside the Jamaica Football Federation confirmed the player was only involved in the training session and is not expected to take part in the Unity Cup set to begin tomorrow.
Antonio is listed as a member of McClaren’s 60-man preliminary squad for the Concacaf Gold Cup and could return to action in the regional tournament next month.”
Antonio in his prime
Incredible. At the time of the crash many thought he wouldn’t even walk again. Just about the time his last salary cheque must be dropping through the letter box, hopefully this brings closer the prospect of a short term deal.
Even if it just gets Antonio back on the Hammers bench as part of his rehab – this is not so much a story about being a contributing, effective striker at West Ham so much as about Mikey’s recovery for his future. Brilliant to see his progress.