Club starts appreciation thread for Ryan Fredericks who West Ham boss David Moyes deemed surplus to requirements in the summer.
West Ham fans were excited by the signing of Fredericks from Fulham back in 2018 given his electric pace.
But in the four years thereafter, the right-back failed to ever make the position his own.
There was the odd standout performance which felt like Fredericks had finally arrived in a West Ham shirt.
But they proved to be false dawns and West Ham decided against renewing the full-back’s contract as he left to join newly-promoted Bournemouth just as he had the Hammers – on a free transfer.
Things looked like they might change for Fredericks when he enjoyed an excellent but brief performance against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup last season.
He used his pace to cut down the right and set up Manuel Lanzini for the only goal of the game at Old Trafford.
But Fredericks was injured in the process and – as was all too often the case during his time at West Ham – he had a long spell out of the side.
Given his pace and versatility, Fredericks should have been Moyes’ dream utility squad player.
His performance alongside Vladimir Coufal as a double right-back tag team to shackle Jack Grealish in a win at Villa Park a couple of seasons ago was a great example of that.
But when it came to the crunch the popular character proved far too ponderous and seemingly nervous on the ball.
It was the consistent, niggling injuries that did for Fredericks at the London Stadium.
Fredericks always appreciated playing for West Ham. He admitted in an interview last season he loved every minute of being a West Ham player (whufc.com).
Club starts appreciation thread for Ryan Fredericks who West Ham boss David Moyes deemed surplus to requirements
Yet another injury in pre-season stopped Fredericks in his tracks at new club Bournemouth.
But he is back fit and made his first start for Bournemouth in their 2-1 comeback win over Leicester at the weekend.
The former Hammer clearly impressed.
Because his club has started an appreciation thread for Fredericks who West Ham boss Moyes deemed surplus to requirements in the summer.
Bournemouth posted a picture of Fredericks on his knees, looking to the skies and celebrating, saying: “Ryan Fredericks appreciation,” alongside a lovestruck emoji.
The post actually had more responses from West Ham fans wishing Fredericks well and congratulating him than it did from Cherries supporters.
That’s why they say ‘once a Hammer, always a Hammer’.
Ironically West Ham have struggled in the right-back position after Moyes let Fredericks go in the summer.
Vladimir Coufal has been battling to try and rediscover his top form while Ben Johnson has been injured for several weeks.
Moyes has found an answer in the last seven days, though, and his name is Thilo Kehrer.
All the best to Fredericks, though, who was a popular member of West Ham’s squad and by all accounts a good professional.
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