Scout Report – James Tomkins
Filed under: Scout Reports - Posted by: Paul
Our series of articles focussing on key targets from the promoted clubs continues with a look at one of West Ham’s defensive assets. Hammers centre-half James Tomkins missed a single league game last term and was one of only two players from Sam Allardyce’s side to feature in the npower Championship team of the season, along with midfielder Mark Noble:
The Statistics
A product of the Hammers’ youth academy, Tomkins signed for the club at the age of seven and has worked his way up through the ranks. The centre-half made his debut in the 2007-08 campaign after a spate of injuries handed him a chance and went on to win the Young Hammer of the Year award after making six first-team appearances. Aside from a brief five-week loan spell at Derby the following season, Tomkins has been a one-club man.
The centre-half has struggled with injuries and failed to gain the trust of certain managers over his time at Upton Park; prior to Sam Allardyce’s arrival last summer, he had made just 60 league appearances in his first four seasons at the club. Installed alongside Winston Reid at the heart of the Hammers backline, Tomkins – who occasionally featured in a defensive midfield role under the former Bolton boss – was a stand-out performer as Big Sam guided the club back into the Premier League at the first attempt, returning four goals and a couple of assists. In total, he has played 104 league matches, scoring six times and providing three assists, and has represented England at youth level from Under 16 – Under 21.
The Prospects
Costing 4.5 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) and 4.1 in the Sky Sports game, Tomkins is pricier than his fellow Hammers defenders in the latter game, with Reid matching his valuation in FPL. His guaranteed game time, however, has helped him pick up plenty of suitors and he is, resultantly, the most popular West Ham defender in both games, despite cheaper alternatives in Allardyce’s backline.
While many Fantasy managers are eyeing up the Hammers defence as we look for cut-price rotation options, it’s worth bearing in mind that Allardyce’s side were statistically more impressive away from home in the 2011/12 campaign. Not only did West Ham win more games on the road (13 to 11), they picked up 10 away clean sheets compared to just seven at home and also conceded less goals on their travels (22 v 26). A repeat pattern could well prove frustrating for Fantasy managers looking to mainly utilise their Hammers defensive assets at home, perhaps suggesting Jussi Jaaskelainen may be more reliable in FPL due to save points, though Tomkins’ ability to register blocks could prove essential in boosting his EA SPORTS Player Performance Index score and help him pick up bonus.
Tomkins’ involvement with the Great Britain Olympic squad has many worrying over his game time at the start of the season but even if Stuart Pearce’s team reach the final on Saturday August 11, it still gives the defender a full week before the Hammers get their season underway at home to Aston Villa – considering how integral Tomkins was to the team’s defensive performances last term, it seems unlikely this will affect Allardyce’s selection policy.
With (FUL, SUN, SOT) all set to visit Upton Park by the end of Gameweek 8 and trips to Swansea, Norwich and QPR also on the agenda, the Hammers are picking up plenty investment due to what is clearly one of the kindest opening schedules around. If Allardyce can engineer a quick start out the blocks, Tomkins has the potential to immediately flourish and establish himself as one of the best value defenders on offer to Fantasy managers for the season ahead.
Further Reference
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paul
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July 30 at 8:33 pm
Milanista says:
Not the first name in my team sheet.
July 30 at 8:35 pm
He's an entertainer, Borinis not his style. says:
Nor mine.
July 30 at 8:35 pm
Conrad. - Michu @ Santi's Sleigh! says:
July 30 at 8:35 pm
Kings of Lyon says:
Cheeky
July 30 at 8:36 pm
Doosra - "A revolution is a struggle to the death between the future and the past." - A Noble quote from Fidel says:
Well, he bloody well should be!!!
July 30 at 8:35 pm
Fernando Torres says:
LOL TOMKINS
July 30 at 8:35 pm
Doosra - "A revolution is a struggle to the death between the future and the past." - A Noble quote from Fidel says:
LOL you …
July 30 at 8:35 pm
Gervinho's Forehead - I want to marry Cheryl! says:
New grav, eh
July 30 at 8:38 pm
Doosra - "A revolution is a struggle to the death between the future and the past." - A Noble quote from Fidel says:
For a while, crocodile.
July 30 at 8:39 pm
Gervinho's Forehead - I want to marry Cheryl! says:
Oh you silly child
July 30 at 8:38 pm
Doosra - "A revolution is a struggle to the death between the future and the past." - A Noble quote from Fidel says:
Pot – Kettle.
July 30 at 8:39 pm
Yossi: The Jewish Iniesta I.D=485 says:
July 30 at 8:36 pm
Gervinho's Forehead - I want to marry Cheryl! says:
LOL FERNANDO TORRES.
July 30 at 8:36 pm
ghimster says:
westham ?
July 30 at 8:36 pm
Corrigan says:
Wilson, Cuellar, Hughes and even Fabio look better value. Even Alcaraz may be unleashed as a bargain.
July 30 at 8:37 pm
Milanista says:
Cuellar, Fabio and the slightly pricier Boyce and Saylor for me.
July 30 at 8:40 pm
Corrigan says:
Expanding in to the 5 range are we? Lot of love for Saylor – personally gone Collocini.
July 30 at 8:44 pm
Milanista says:
Yeah 4 cheapish that rotate, NEW/SUN and QPR/WIG, plus a big hitter (Chelsea to start, then probably Lescott). Once the team value is built up a little one of the cheapies could become someone like Sagna.
I think Saylor offers more goal threat though will keep an eye on expected game time before committing.
July 30 at 8:48 pm
Corrigan says:
Saylor looks nailed on, but with his injury, Williamson and Perch deputising well, talk of Swansea’s Williams and Collo being club captain, I know Collo will play every single game no matter what.
July 30 at 8:38 pm
Doosra - "A revolution is a struggle to the death between the future and the past." - A Noble quote from Fidel says:
Now that is rubbish.
July 30 at 8:36 pm
hak17 says:
Flair I got that
Rate my team please
Al Habsi – federcihi
Rafael – Fabio – Koscielny – Fonte – Demel
Hazard – Siggy – Kagawa – Traabt – El Ahmadi
Podolski – Tevez – Torres
2 mil in the bank
July 30 at 8:37 pm
Now back to me says:
I’m not going to lie to you… it’s not the best.
July 30 at 8:42 pm
hak17 says:
elaborate
July 30 at 8:37 pm
Gervinho's Forehead - I want to marry Cheryl! says:
Way, way too many punts. Podolski, seriously?! As KSI would say, U MAD?!?!?!
July 30 at 8:41 pm
hak17 says:
haha I know thats the point of flair, had a standard team but changed. Podolski might make way for bent
July 30 at 8:39 pm
PDM Allstars FPL Top 1000 ANY Season 100-348 says:
Just have 3 of those in my 15 …. therefore not good
July 30 at 8:42 pm
hak17 says:
haha I may have a week defence but my attack more than makes up for it
July 30 at 8:39 pm
Gazza2000 says:
I would not touch Podolski for the first weeks…
There are also better options for El Ahmadi imo
July 30 at 8:43 pm
hak17 says:
He might go for Bent. Any options other then El Ahmadi, all of the 4.5 are fillers
July 30 at 8:41 pm
KujaliaFC says:
Swap out Taarabt for Diaby.
July 30 at 8:43 pm
hak17 says:
I think traabt will carry his form through from the back of last season
July 30 at 8:43 pm
spectrum says:
Ric Flair would probably be a better punt than Podolski woooooooooo
July 30 at 8:45 pm
hak17 says:
Its time for Podolski to shine just wait and see
July 30 at 8:50 pm
KujaliaFC says:
Diaby and Podolski both.
July 30 at 8:49 pm
hak17 says:
Al Habsi / Fed
Rafael / Ivanovic / Clichy / ( Fabio / fonte )
Kagawa / Pilkington / Hazard / Traabt / (El Ahmadi)
Torres / Bent / Tevez
2 mil
slight change
July 30 at 8:36 pm
Geodex says:
Noble is enough for West Ham cover.
July 30 at 8:42 pm
Wild Rover says:
Too much
July 30 at 8:36 pm
Doosra - "A revolution is a struggle to the death between the future and the past." - A Noble quote from Fidel says:
Very, very nice, Paul. But I would say that, wouldn’t I?
July 30 at 8:57 pm
Declan says:
Didn’t recognise you with the grav
July 30 at 8:36 pm
Kings of Lyon says:
Theyve not really impressed in the pre season. would rather Cuellar at tht price
July 30 at 8:38 pm
Scroobius Mac says:
Or Fabio.
July 30 at 8:37 pm
Corrigan says:
Anyone wear Vivo Bearfoot shoes?
July 30 at 8:45 pm
Podge says:
Why is he looking for them back ?
July 30 at 8:39 pm
Kings of Lyon says:
I keep seeing so many RMTs without Boselli, are you people mad? Hes only 5.5
July 30 at 8:40 pm
Doosra - "A revolution is a struggle to the death between the future and the past." - A Noble quote from Fidel says:
Well … WE are sane … but …
July 30 at 8:41 pm
Kings of Lyon says:
Ahhh i see what youre doing here playing the bluff
good move.
July 30 at 8:42 pm
Doosra - "A revolution is a struggle to the death between the future and the past." - A Noble quote from Fidel says:
Classic munster move!
July 30 at 8:41 pm
PDM Allstars FPL Top 1000 ANY Season 100-348 says:
I`ve got an extra £0.5m in the bank for Pog >> Bos in GW2
July 30 at 8:43 pm
Kings of Lyon says:
Now thats flair. Just hope Pog scores more than 2 goals ’cause thats what the Boss is gettin at the Bridge
July 30 at 8:39 pm
rasher says:
so hoilett down as midfielder and at 6.5.. tempted to bring him in for the start but will probably wait and see how he gets on
July 30 at 8:39 pm
Kings of Lyon says:
Id go for Taarabt if youre after qrp mid coverage but its a mine field in there
July 30 at 8:43 pm
rasher says:
yeah taarabt is on the radar alrite he did gash last year though
July 30 at 8:44 pm
Kings of Lyon says:
Very true but he is a class player, if a little tempremental
July 30 at 8:40 pm
Milanista says:
QPR have dodgy fixtures so best to wait before spending 6.5 on one of their players.
July 30 at 8:42 pm
Corrigan says:
agreed, but if you only have 6 to spend then Taarabt is the man.
July 30 at 8:44 pm
rasher says:
yeah thats it.. it will be intersting to see what hughes has as his 1st team as he’s singed alot of players
July 30 at 8:42 pm
Fernando Torres says:
My mate who supports West Ham said their starting defence should be something like
Demel Reid Tomkins Taylor
He has a season ticket.
July 30 at 8:46 pm
Doosra - "A revolution is a struggle to the death between the future and the past." - A Noble quote from Fidel says:
Does he only go to away matches?
July 30 at 8:43 pm
RD84 says:
Cuellar or Hughes?
July 30 at 8:44 pm
Corrigan says:
Both! Just the same as Tevez or Aguero.
July 30 at 8:47 pm
RD84 says:
LOL, so who would your five be of Cuellar, Lescott, Cole, Demel, Hughes, and Fabio?
July 30 at 8:48 pm
RD84 says:
keep in mind that Demel is 4.0 to Hughes, Fabio, and Cuellar’s 4.5…
July 30 at 8:49 pm
Corrigan says:
Lescott Cole Hughes Cuellar Wilson???
July 30 at 9:02 pm
RD84 says:
Nah, I don’t like Stoke’s fixtures for the first 10 games or so.
July 30 at 8:44 pm
Demi says:
Cuellar
July 30 at 8:46 pm
Milanista says:
Definitely Cuellar. Sunderland kept more clean sheets than Fulham last season (crucially more home clean sheets) and MON was only in charge for 2/3 of the season.
July 30 at 8:50 pm
RD84 says:
Thanks for the (slightly generic) stats. I hadn’t looked into that.
July 30 at 8:58 pm
Milanista says:
For your information, I have some very detailed defensive stats!
July 30 at 8:43 pm
JohnRoss says:
Watching all this swimming is making me burn calories. Better switch on master chef or something.
July 30 at 9:11 pm
PDM Allstars FPL Top 1000 ANY Season 100-348 says:
Play safe Man v Food !!
July 30 at 8:43 pm
Gervinho's Forehead - I want to marry Cheryl! says:
Right, I’m off to open my fast.
Cheerio!
July 30 at 8:44 pm
Doosra - "A revolution is a struggle to the death between the future and the past." - A Noble quote from Fidel says:
Au revoir, young man!
July 30 at 8:45 pm
beric says:
Enjoy!
July 30 at 8:44 pm
preseasonblues says:
Anyone looking at the West Ham/ QPR/ Stoke rotation?
July 30 at 8:46 pm
Kings of Lyon says:
Non. I dont try the QPR or WHU defence yet
July 30 at 8:46 pm
Kings of Lyon says:
*trust
July 30 at 8:46 pm
preseasonblues says:
fair enough. QPR were good at home at the end of last season. I’m not bothering reading too much into WHUs preseason. Big Sam’s teams are always solid, and were reasonably so last year.
July 30 at 8:48 pm
Kings of Lyon says:
I know but at the end of last season it was a must win mentality against teams with little to play for.
July 30 at 8:48 pm
RD84 says:
Stoke fixtures are awful for the first 10 weeks or so.
July 30 at 8:52 pm
preseasonblues says:
Wow, hadn’t realised they were so bad. Still, they rotate beautifully with the other two, guess the danger is that morale may be broken.
Games I would use Stoke defence would be: wig/SWA/SUN/QPR
July 30 at 8:57 pm
Corrigan says:
All the top sides struggle at Stoke, don’t forget. Its a b******d of an away game.
July 30 at 8:44 pm
Scroobius Mac says:
I like that:
BAE Luiz Rafael Fabio Coloccini
Is a viable defence. What a glorious bunch of mops.
July 30 at 8:45 pm
RD84 says:
As long as Rafael plays, I like it.
July 30 at 8:44 pm
Tommytour59 says:
Evening All!
1) Anyone going without Aguero?
2) Anyone going mad with Mata Hazard and Torres?
July 30 at 8:48 pm
Doosra - "A revolution is a struggle to the death between the future and the past." - A Noble quote from Fidel says:
1) Me.
2) No.
July 30 at 8:49 pm
Tommytour59 says:
Whos the grav Doos?
July 30 at 8:50 pm
Doosra - "A revolution is a struggle to the death between the future and the past." - A Noble quote from Fidel says:
July 30 at 8:56 pm
gormdubhgorm says:
It suits you I think…:)
July 30 at 8:48 pm
Milanista says:
Evening Tommy.
1) Currently going Tevez over Aguero. May change back but it certainly allows for a nice midfield!
2) No, thinking of dropping Torres for Mata and going defender, Mata, Hazard
July 30 at 8:48 pm
Hutton dressed as Lahm -Bring on 2012/13 says:
1. Yes
2. Yes,Yes, No
July 30 at 8:51 pm
Tommytour59 says:
Hey mate, Im debating Tevez reckon he will start both SOT liv but reckon he could be rested for QPR (Balo will throw a strop if not). May have him in for one week only?
July 30 at 8:51 pm
Conrad. - Michu @ Santi's Sleigh! says:
just Aguero / Mata for me
July 30 at 9:25 pm
Strawberry Jelavic says:
1. Me
2. Yes!
July 30 at 8:46 pm
FreezeGotSteeze says:
RMT:
Federici (Mignolet)
Lescott – Cole – Fabio (Demel – Cuellar)
Bale – Noble – Hazard – Taarabt (Maloney)
Graham / Petric – Aguero – Torres
£2m left over.
Torres -> Adebayor after GW1.
So will have £2.5m
July 30 at 8:47 pm
Hutton dressed as Lahm -Bring on 2012/13 says:
Nice on paper. Do Fed and Migs rotate?
July 30 at 8:50 pm
FreezeGotSteeze says:
Not much. Federici is more for a 1st team back-up than a rotation keeper.
Not sure weather to go with De Gea – Mignolet / Federici
July 30 at 8:53 pm
Hutton dressed as Lahm -Bring on 2012/13 says:
If you are going with Migs, then you might as well go with Krul over DeGea imo
July 30 at 8:56 pm
FreezeGotSteeze says:
Yeah, i’m not sure because depending on how Chelsea play I may swap Cole for Saylor or Santon once they have the better schedule.
Whats your opinion on Graham and Petric??
July 30 at 11:03 pm
Hutton dressed as Lahm -Bring on 2012/13 says:
n
July 30 at 8:47 pm
Hutton dressed as Lahm -Bring on 2012/13 says:
I’m back!
July 30 at 8:52 pm
beric says:
Yippee!
July 30 at 8:47 pm
Demi says:
Say for arguments sake Debuchy signs for Newcastle. Would you pay 5.5m, given S Taylor and the others are all 5?
July 30 at 8:48 pm
Fernando Torres says:
No way.
July 30 at 8:48 pm
Holy see says:
Nay. Even if he’s 5.0, I’ll still get Saylor or Santon.
July 30 at 8:49 pm
nomar says:
Yes but Newcastle early fixtures are nasty so for that money you’d want to get some cleanies early.
July 30 at 8:49 pm
Hutton dressed as Lahm -Bring on 2012/13 says:
IF Saylor is fit, he is in for me. A great goalscoring defender.
Debuchy…..not so sure at 5.5, but could be great
July 30 at 8:49 pm
Scroobius Mac says:
No. He may be attacking but not enough to be worthy of .5 more than the rest of them – all of whom have good attributes.
July 30 at 8:52 pm
Conrad. - Michu @ Santi's Sleigh! says:
this ^
at 5m, i’d go for Debuchy though.
July 30 at 8:56 pm
Demi says:
True. Guess it’s a case of me liking the player and so being a bit biased. It’s probably not sensible. I’d be all over him at 5 though.
July 30 at 8:49 pm
Bowstring92 says:
Santon all the way.
July 30 at 8:51 pm
Milanista says:
No, if his performances are good (in FPL terms) I could change my mind but currently don’t think he would be worth the extra.
If he comes in at 5 he’s straight in my team.
July 30 at 8:47 pm
Jordan says:
RMT
krul
koscielny /cole /lescott
hazard (c) /arteta / kagawa
carroll / bent /boselli
minge / sinclair /pienaar /clyne
July 30 at 8:49 pm
Hutton dressed as Lahm -Bring on 2012/13 says:
I wasa thinking great, then I saw Carroll Boselli and Arteta.
Try again!
July 30 at 8:49 pm
Jordan says:
pffffft pienaar playing ,2nd sub dawson
July 30 at 8:52 pm
Hutton dressed as Lahm -Bring on 2012/13 says:
Even worse
July 30 at 8:48 pm
Holy see says:
So anyone tempted by Carroll if he ends up at Wham? Think I’d prefer George Michael.
July 30 at 8:48 pm
Doosra - "A revolution is a struggle to the death between the future and the past." - A Noble quote from Fidel says:
Me.
July 30 at 8:51 pm
Hutton dressed as Lahm -Bring on 2012/13 says:
I think it nails on Noble in my team though, but not sure on big Andy at his price…..yet
July 30 at 8:51 pm
Doosra - "A revolution is a struggle to the death between the future and the past." - A Noble quote from Fidel says:
I will revert to Noble, now.
July 30 at 8:52 pm
Holy see says:
You and your flair-dare picks! For 8.5, I’ll take Bent thankee very much yes siree bobalobalob.
July 30 at 9:02 pm
QPR expects...Taarabt to shine says:
Andrew Ridgely plays better than Andy Carroll
July 30 at 8:48 pm
preseasonblues says:
How much are people spending on their defences? I’ve spent £26m at the moment, reckon thats probably the average?
July 30 at 8:48 pm
Doosra - "A revolution is a struggle to the death between the future and the past." - A Noble quote from Fidel says:
26.5
July 30 at 8:50 pm
Gazza2000 says:
25 here
July 30 at 8:50 pm
Bowstring92 says:
25.5 but it will be dropping down to 24 after the DGW (Cole –> Swansea defender)
July 30 at 8:54 pm
preseasonblues says:
Cheers guys. Guess I’m at the higher end then. Reckon Cole to Swansea may be what I’ll end up doing also. Either that or Hazard > someone else, will see how Chelsea are looking.
July 30 at 8:52 pm
Hutton dressed as Lahm -Bring on 2012/13 says:
25/26 for me. Undecided
July 30 at 8:53 pm
Corrigan says:
Keepers: 9
Back 5: 25
July 30 at 8:54 pm
preseasonblues says:
Blimey Corrigan, you’re cheap. Living up to your name. Aguero/ Rooney/ Bent?
July 30 at 9:01 pm
Corrigan says:
6.5 5 4.5 4.5 4.5
Tevez Aguero Rooney
July 30 at 8:54 pm
Milanista says:
26.5 at the moment.
July 30 at 8:56 pm
Smurf says:
Keepers 10.0m
Defenders 25.0m
July 30 at 9:04 pm
Declan says:
24.5
July 30 at 8:52 pm
gers23 says:
anyone want a game of fifa 12 on ps3 lol?
July 30 at 8:52 pm
Smurf says:
Ive currently got Michu who I will play each week and Guthrie who I will bench each week but looking at getting Noble/Maloney and rotating them. Any thoughts on this?
July 30 at 8:55 pm
Tommytour59 says:
A lot are doing this including me currently although I will play Maloney more often than not as I believe he is great value. If you are debating changing Muchu/Guthrie Id go Taarabt/Maloney as they rotate better and are more explosive.
July 30 at 9:02 pm
Smurf says:
I really really like the idea of a Westham Mid Noble or Nolan for A) their fixtures & B) The threat Carrol shoud bring in the Long Ball system West Ham play.
July 30 at 8:58 pm
Podge says:
Guthrie is very hard to replace at that price so best not to start with him
July 30 at 8:52 pm
George Agdgdgwngo says:
Heres one for you.
Hangeland or clichy.
I guess this is where value comes in as both had very similar scores last year.
July 30 at 8:54 pm
Corrigan says:
Neither. Hughes and Lescott.
July 30 at 8:56 pm
Conrad. - Michu @ Santi's Sleigh! says:
Clichy, unless ManC sign a good LB.
July 30 at 8:54 pm
Tommytour59 says:
Actually like the look of this
Foster Begovic
Hangeland Rangel Coloccini Cuellar Fabio
Silva Mata Hazard Maloney Noble
Tevez Torres Graham
2.5m in bank
July 30 at 8:56 pm
Hutton dressed as Lahm -Bring on 2012/13 says:
I quite like the lack of “big” defender as they are all pretty good and gives better balance
Think its a little Spain heavy though!
July 30 at 8:57 pm
Now back to me says:
+1. I made a similar team with that defence earlier. Quite like it. I had Demel instead of Fabio and Taarabt instead of Noble.
July 30 at 8:59 pm
Tommytour59 says:
Mmmm that would be one sexy midfield!
July 30 at 9:06 pm
Smurf says:
Its nice and similar to mine however I would use 0.5m for Begovic to Mignolet. Migs/Foster rotate great and Begovic is not guaranteed and has poor fixtures.
July 30 at 8:55 pm
Hutton dressed as Lahm -Bring on 2012/13 says:
I think a strong bench is VITAL this season
It will be the season of mega rotation from all of the top 6 with all their assets
It may pay to go 7-9 million players who are nailed on for mid table teams
July 30 at 8:57 pm
Holy see says:
Same thing was said before last season. Folks with Ferguson did quite well.
July 30 at 8:57 pm
gormdubhgorm says:
A strong bench is vital every season unless you have a 4.0 mid-fielder…
July 30 at 8:58 pm
Kings of Lyon says:
Just a shame Sess is 8.0
July 30 at 8:58 pm
tristanabc says:
de Gea Federici
Demel Hutton Lescott Hangeland Terry
Hazard Noble Maloney Pienaar Sinclair
Torres Graham Aguero
2.0 in bank for Torres to Rooney gw2
Any thoughts are appreciated!
July 30 at 9:09 pm
Declan says:
Not too sure about hutton. I think lichaj will play. I’d have McClean instead of Pienaar aswell. Like the rest though. Similar to mine