Mohamed Diame in action against Sheffield United in the Capital One Cup (Picture: Getty Images)

After leaving West Ham to join Hull, I knew it would only be a matter of time before Mo Diame launched a stinging attack on the Hammers but I’m surprised how quickly he blasted us and how angry I am with what he had to say.

I understand he must have been frustrated at being played in different positions across midfield. Everyone in Upton Park could see it as he produced average performance week after week.

To suggest, however, that a move to a bigger club would have been possible had he not been asked to fulfil a host of roles by West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is rubbish.



A player worthy of playing in the Premier League’s top four or five clubs would be able shine whether they played on the wing, central midfield or left-back. It’s not where you are positioned; it’s how you play, it’s your touch, your passing ability, your desire to beat your man, what you do without the ball and the passion you show for the cause.


Sadly for Diame, he would only show these traits rarely and more often than not, when he was up against the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester City. Too often against sides, like Stoke, Aston Villa or Crystal Palace, he would go AWOL.

What makes this whole thing worse for Diame is by banging on about how being played in different positions was ‘not good’ for his career, he will inevitably be left with an egg on his face at Hull.

Why? Because believe it or not, football is a team game where you apply your skills and strengths to whatever task your manager gives you for the benefit of the team. If you are as good as say Matt Le Tissier was, you’d be able to argue building a team around Diame but he isn’t that brilliant. He is an average Premier League player who is far too inconsistent.

How can Diame be certain he will be playing in his favoured role every week?

What happens if Hull’s left or right midfielder is injured and Steve Bruce asks Diame, for the benefit of the team, to play out wide? Is he going to throw his toys out the pram?

Is he going to walk off the pitch because playing 30 minutes against Burnley on the left-hand side might scupper his chances to play for Manchester City?

Do me a favour Diame. The reason the biggest clubs weren’t interested in you is because you’re not as good as your inflated ego would lead you to believe.

I was sad when I heard that Diame had gone because I was a signed up member of the Diame Army and on the rare occasion he wanted to play, he was a pleasure to watch.



I was also disappointed he chose to abandon West Ham and move sideways to Hull. Sure, Hull performed well last season and have spent very well in the transfer market over the past couple of seasons, but I don’t believe Diame has moved up to the next level.

But having read these comments, I would like to thank Hull for taking Diame off our hands. Enjoy reading stories about him moaning about not being at a bigger club and being played out of position for the foreseeable future.

MORE: Why West Ham fans shouldn’t pay the court fine for pitch invader Jordan Dunne

MORE: Club Metro