Patrice Evra has great pedigree but can he still cut it in Premier League? | Sachin Nakrani

The former France captain looks in fine shape and has a point to prove after his ban for kicking a fan but at 36 he has a big job on to lift an ageing West Ham defence

It should probably surprise no one that West Ham United have signed Patrice Evra. After all, they have previous when it comes to taking a punt on a player who has been banned for lashing out on a football pitch. Just over 19 years ago it was Paolo Di Canio, who arrived at Upton Park on the back of ‘Alcockgate’ and, as the Guardian’s Jon Brodkin wrote at the time, with “more eyebrows than glasses” raised in east London. The Italian went on to shine, however, and the hope for those of a claret and blue persuasion will be that Evra can do the same.

West Ham certainly need a lift given the on-pitch slump that has seen them exit the FA Cup and slip to only three points above the relegation zone. Injuries are mounting, as is supporter dissatisfaction with the board following an underwhelming transfer window, and if that were not enough the club were moved to sack their head of recruitment Tony Henry last week after he made disparaging comments about African players. Whichever way you look at it, West Ham are sliding into another crisis.

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