Ian Hendon: Freddie Piquionne must build on AFC Wimbledon hat-trick

by Tom Moore Monday, August 6, 2012
11:44 AM

The Frenchman has been linked with a move away from the Hammers

West Ham development coach Ian Hendon has called on forgotten man Freddie Piquionne to carry on from where he left off after scoring a hat-trick against AFC Wimbledon.

The 33-year-old Frenchman spent the end of last season on loan at Doncaster Rovers, scoring two goals in eight games.

The striker is out of favour with Sam Allardyce and while the first-team were playing Ipwsich, Piquionne was with the youngsters at AFC Wimbledon.

“I think Freddie has shown his quality and he will be the first to accept that he hasn’t been doing it in recent games,” Hendon said.

“Unluckily for Wimbledon they caught him on a good day.

“Freddie has got that quality and he must show it week in, week out, or to put himself in the window or back into the manager’s plans.

A Luke Moore brace had given the Dons a 2-0 half-time lead but the Frenchman’s hat-trick along with Blair Turgott’s strike gave the Hammers the win.

“It was the proverbial game of two halves,” Hendon added.

“We didn’t come out brightly and found ourselves 2-0 down.

“We created a lot of chances in the first half but we came out in the second half and fought much better. I’m really pleased with the turnaround.

“I’ve got a couple of my lads back from the first team. It adds a bit of strength to us and we’ve got a few of the older boys back.”