They say once a Hammer, always a Hammer and West Ham will be saddened by the situation former star Ryan Fredericks finds himself in.
West Ham fans were excited by the signing of Ryan Fredericks from Fulham back in 2018 given his electric pace.
Likened to Kyle Walker and a former sprinter, Fredericks was even introduced to West Ham supporters with a video of him running the 100m.
In the four years that followed, the right-back failed to ever truly make the position his own.
But he was involved in several memorable victories and helped play a part in West Ham’s rise from battling relegation to qualifying for Europe.
There was the odd standout performance here and there from Fredericks during his time in east London.
One of those came during an excellent but brief performance in a Carabao Cup win at Manchester United. But Fredericks was injured in the process of setting up Manuel Lanzini’s winner and – as was too often the case during his time at West Ham – it resulted in an extended spell on the sidelines.
West Ham did not offer Declan Rice’s good friend a new contract and he left for Bournemouth in the summer of 2022.
West Ham will be saddened by what’s happening to Fredericks
In truth the writing had been on the wall ever since David Moyes signed Vladimir Coufal.
There was a poignant moment at the final whistle after West Ham’s defeat to Arsenal at the end of what was his final game.
Fredericks knew the end had come.
The defender sank to one knee and stared down at the turf.
He stayed fixed in the pose for a long while. It was more than just disappointment at the loss.
This was a player who had always spoken about how much he had loved every minute of being a West Ham player.
Fredericks looked down at the pitch, clearly taking a moment to acknowledge that it would more than likely be his last action in front of West Ham’s London Stadium crowd.
And as he did it was hard not to feel somewhat sorry for him.
Rapid former Hammer without a club at just 31
He moved on to the south coast and Hammers fans wished him well.
But West Ham will be saddened by what’s happening to ex star Fredericks.
At 31, Fredericks – especially with his pace and engine – should be looking to play for several more years at a good level.
After a torrid time with the Cherries which was ravaged by injuries, Fredericks now finds himself not only without a club but without the prospect of one.
Back in February, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola said the former Hammer must “try to be a football player again” after spending most of last season on the sidelines, rather than worry about his expiring contract at Vitality Stadium.
“I think Ryan is different,” Iraola told The Daily Echo at the time.
“More difficult and different situation because right now he has to prioritise his health.
“He is in a tough moment, he hasn’t even trained once with us, because he is having recurring injuries.
Cherries boss Iraola saw what was coming
“I think his number one priority right now is his health issue.
“And to try to be a football player again.”
Fredericks’ last start came all the way back in November 2022, when Cherries lost 4-3 away at Leeds United.
Fredericks’ 13 appearances for Bournemouth all came in his first season there.
Injury after injury ravaged both campaigns.
And it has left the well-liked star without a club and the season well underway.
They say once a Hammer, always a Hammer. So it is sad to see Fredericks potentially facing the end of his career now at just 31.
One thing is for sure he will always be fondly remembered in east London as part of the squad which set West Ham’s record ever Premier League points total.
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