As expected, last night Carl Jenkinson completed a one-year loan move to West Ham. Following the arrival of both Mathieu Debuchy and Calum Chambers, the topic of Jenkinson’s immediate future has been a strongly mooted topic recently.
Of his move, Jenkinson said: “I was flattered to have a lot of options but, deep down, if I was being honest with myself, West Ham was always the place I wanted to go.
“I’m clearly seen as a big part of things here and hopefully I can prove my worth because it is an important year for me.”
With Sam Allardyce having been badgered into a difficult position this season – being forced to get his team playing the mythical ‘West Ham way’ – he has opted for Jenkinson’s experience in a team that plays with a more expansive style.
The ex-Charlton man has always shown himself to be a hard worker up and down the right flank, and has proven to be an effective crosser of the ball, even managing to assist a rare Nicklas Bendtner goal last season.
The lifelong Gooner has had his first-team options limited over the past three seasons, and he recognises this opportunity may be a last chance saloon if he is to succeed in fulfilling his potential at his boyhood club.
We wish Jenko the best of luck for the coming season.