West Ham have had some legendary full backs, Julian Dicks, Stuart Pearce, Ray Stewart to name three, but as always we have had our share of slightly less successful players in the left and right back positions. Here are some examples of our worst right and left backs.
Sebastien Schemmel 61 Apps, 1 Goal (2001-2003)
A Harry Redknapp signing, Schemmel looked like being a world beater in his first season (2000-01). A busy attacking full back he was outstanding in the famous FA Cup win at Old Trafford and was Hammer of the Year in first season a firm fans favourite.
It all unravelled very quickly the following season where personal issues and an appalling attitude saw the full-back quickly fall out of favour with new manager Glenn Roeder, not before the Frenchmen put in some of the most insipid performances ever witnessed it a Hammers jersey.
Herita Ilunga 66 Apps (2008-2012)
A Congolese international, Ilunga, like many people in the list, came to the club at time when the team were struggling. A left back strong in the air and very uncompromising in the tackle. When he first joined, injuries and lack of opportunities under a variety of managers during a time of turmoil at the club, saw Ilunga really diminish as a player over time. He eventually left the club to join Doncaster in 2012.
Vladimir Labant 14 Apps (2002)
A £1 million signing from Sparta Prague he managed only 14 games before being returned on loan the following season. Slow on the turn and weak in the tackle, he did have a cultured left foot but seemed completely unprepared for the physicality of the Premier League, His last game was a 4-0 shellacking at Newcastle, where Labant was full rabbit in the headlights mode and he only played 20 minutes as sub!
Labant was a former Slovakian footballer of the year and did represent his country 27 times, but his move to England didn’t really work out.
Wayne Quinn 22 Apps (2003-2004)
A former England under 21 international, Quinn played the first half of the 2003-04 season but was a hesitant present at full back, his habit of frequently tackling with the wrong foot, a tendency to play opposition players onside and what must be close to football’s most unfortunate name did not endear him to the fans. Signed on loan from Newcastle he returned in 2004 and was released by the Magpies and subsequently did not play League football again, despite being only 28.
Who was your least favourite? Vote in the poll below and stay tuned for next week’s nominees at centre back.
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