Analytics United, formed by West Ham fans Jack Elderton and Callum Goodall, provides supporters with detailed analysis of their squad and its various players. In their most recent column, They have used performance data to break down what new goalkeeper Wes Foderingham can offer the West Ham squad.

West Ham confirmed the arrival of 33 year old Wes Foderingham on a free transfer after the keeper’s contract at previous club Sheffield United had expired. With plenty of experience in his professional career, Foderingham could certainly prove to be a wise and valuable addition to the Hammer’s goalkeeping department.

During his career, Foderingham has played for a variety of clubs. Similarly to his new colleagues Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen, Foderingham climbed his way up the footballing ladder as his journey took him from non league to the Premier League.

In 2020, after five years at Rangers, Foderingham joined his previous club Sheffield United. After two successful seasons in the Championship, the 33 year old was part of the Sheffield United side that won promotion to the Premier League, and in doing so, completed his climb up the leagues to the Premier League.

Despite Sheffield United’s challenging year in the Premier League last season and their defensive challenges, Foderingham consistently displayed his shot stopping ability throughout the 23/24 campaign. These included standout goalkeeping performances in defeats away to both Manchester United and Everton. Despite conceding four against United, Foderingham saved nine of the thirteen shots on target he faced.

His performances in the Championship however, when Sheffield United had one of the better defences in the league were noticeably different. For example, in the 21/22 campaign, he was rated in the 93rd percentile in regards to goals prevented per 90 minutes.

With West Ham having recently bid farewell to Angelo Ogbonna, a vastly experienced professional who knew the club inside out and was well loved by those within the club as well as supporters, the signing of Foderingham certainly makes a lot of sense. Foderingham has had a very respectable career to date, climbing his way up the leagues, the mentality required to do so as well as his vast experience will be a beneficial addition to the current Hammers squad.

One thing Foderingham deserves great credit for is that last season, in a team that struggled for the majority of the season and ultimately went down, he consistently gave a good account of himself and proved that he is a more than viable option between the sticks when needed.