West Ham defender told he should 'be let go' for actions on the bench

Former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie is not impressed with a current member of the Hammers playing squad. He said he would 'let go' of Hammers defender Ben Johnson after he was seen 'smiling' on the bench in a game where the Irons 'were getting battered'.

As a result of this, McAvennie has begun to question Johnson's character. He lauded his natural ability, saying there is 'no doubt the boy can play' but suggested that he is not mentally 'strong enough'. Additionally, the 64-year-old also believes that Vladimir Coufal is the better player and is more deserving of a regular spot in the starting XI for West Ham.

Johnson has struggled for game time this season. He has played in ten Premier League games so far in the current campaign, failing to score a single goal or notch up a single assist. Coufal, meanwhile, has played 27 times in England's top division this season, racking up seven assists along the way.

At the age of 31, he is approaching the end of his prime years - regardless of this, he is enjoying a great season for the Hammers, while Johnson is not.

What did Frank McAvennie say regarding West Ham defender Ben Johnson?

Speaking in an interview with Football Insider, McAvennie said: "I remember West Ham were getting battered once and [Johnson] was smiling on the bench, I was stunned. This isn’t good, it’s not a good trait for me. It stuck with me and I’m sure some of the fans would have seen that as well.

"There’s no doubt the boy can play, but Coufal is a better player for me. He’s more my kind of player, he likes a tackle and he’s a wholehearted player. The fans love that. Johnson is just not a strong enough boy for me and I would let him go."