WHUFC.com
Full debutant Jordan Spence is feeling the hurt of relegation following
Sunday's defeat at Wigan
16.05.2011
For Jordan Spence, Sunday's Barclays Premier League trip to Wigan Athletic
was one of the proudest moments of his young career. Six years after joining
West Ham United, the England Under-21 defender made his full debut at the DW
Stadium, showing his promise and composure during arguably the Hammers'
biggest league match in five seasons. A week short of his 21st birthday,
Spence should have been celebrating, but instead he was left shattered by
the unwelcome spectre of relegation. Typical of his mature and positive
approach to both football and life in general, the defender is already
targeting a promotion push in the Championship next term. "The over-riding
emotion at the moment is just huge disappointment," he said. "I don't
actually have words to articulate how disappointed I am. "It was my full
debut on Sunday, but throughout the season, when I've been at West Ham I've
been part of the squad. I've been part of the squad from the first day of
the season to the last and it's hard to take. "I joined the club when we
were in the Championship and I've played in the Championship this year [for
Bristol City on loan] and it certainly wasn't the direction I wanted West
Ham to take so, yes, it's disappointing. "I'm immensely proud to represent
this football club and it means so much to myself and my family. I also want
to thank God because I've had some ups and downs throughout my short career,
so to pull on a West Ham jersey and to start a game of this importance was
fantastic for me. "It's a proud moment and I'm sure, when the dust settles,
it's a start for me that I can build on."
While Spence spent much of the spring at Bristol City, he has been a regular
member of the first-team squad for the majority of the campaign, captaining
the reserves and training daily alongside the likes of Scott Parker and
Robert Green. Having been with the club since the age of 15, the Essex-born
player knows just how much West Ham means to its supporters and has vowed to
do everything he can to put smiles back on their faces. "The message to the
fans is 'Thanks for your support'. You saw the support on Sunday and that's
not the support of a Championship side. The reality is that we've been
relegated and there will be plenty of people who will pick the bones out of
every single thing that has occurred. "We have been relegated and we can't
underestimate the Championship is a difficult league, but I can say that I
and whoever else is out there will do everything we can to bring us back to
where we deserve to be. "We're a big club in the Premier League so we're an
even bigger club in the Championship."
Before embarking on a 2011/12 campaign in the Championship, Spence and his
team-mates must raise themselves for one final top-flight challenge in the
shape of a home game against Sunderland on Sunday. While a victory will not
lift them off the bottom, the No27 insisted that the players will be doing
all they can to sign-off a difficult season with a victory. "I think from me
making my debut on Sunday to the most senior player, this is our trade and
we certainly don't like losing. Everybody who plays next weekend will not be
going out there to lose. "We'll be wearing a West Ham shirt and we see the
supporters and what it means to them and I can only reiterate, from the
personal point of view of a player who has been at this football club for a
number of years, how this is something that hurts."
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Fernandes renews interest
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 16th May 2011
By: Staff Writer
Air Asia CEO and West Ham United supporter Tony Fernandes has once again
expressed his interest in investing in West Ham United. The 47-year-old
Malaysian entrepreneur was beaten by David Gold and Sullivan in the race to
purchase West Ham in 2010 after his offer to buy the club outright was
rejected. But speaking in the wake of West Ham's relegation to the
Championship, Fernandes - talking via Twitter - insisted that he would be
ready to renew his interest - should he have the backing of the fanbase.
"Gutted to see West Ham relegated," he said. "How do you go from 2-0 [up] to
lose 3 2? If the fans want me to get involved I will. It's a great club and
we fans have suffered too long."
Since losing the fight to win control of West Ham, Fernandes - who is said
to have a personal wealth of around $330million - has furthered his interest
in motor racing, having recently purchased the Caterham Road Car company.
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McClaren in denial
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 16th May 2011
By: Staff Writer
Sources close to Steve McClaren have insisted that the former England
manager has not even spoken to West Ham United. A flurry of speculation this
morning suggested that McClaren was set to be named as the successor to
Avram Grant, who was unceremoniously dumped following yesterday's disastrous
3-2 defeat at Wigan. Not so, according to the unnamed source - who told Sky
Sports: "There is no truth in Steve talking with West Ham at all. All this
has caught him totally by surprise, and there has been no contact
whatsoever. "He does not know where these reports have come from and he can
categorically deny having any contact with anyone at West Ham or anyone
connected with West Ham."
McClaren, who was linked with a move to West Ham back in 2001 before Glenn
Roeder took the job has been out of work since being fired by Wolfsburg in
February - just nine months after landing the job.
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By Royal appointment
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 15th May 2011
By: Matthew O'Greel
So Avram Grant has finally gone. Several months too late, say many.
A whole series of names have already been suggested as potential
replacements for the failed Israeli; rising stars such as Lambert, Poyet and
Hughton plus experienced old heads like Allardyce, Holloway and Curbishley
have all been mooted as potential successors to Grant. Meanwhile former
fans' favourites Dicks and Di Canio have also announced their availability,
albeit by very different means.
The winner of the race to succeed Grant will almost certainly have to
rebuild a team from scratch, with his squad likely to be a motley crew of
Academy starlets, a slew of Premier League outcasts (either on loan on
permanent deals) and a handful of experienced pros, the likes of whom will
be required for the demanding 50+ match campaign that awaits.
All of the names mentioned above have their own merits, their own particular
strong points that suggest they could 'do a job'. But the question is, how
many could - and would - do it 'the West Ham way'?
Before I continue I should make it clear that I'm not referring to some
flowery, romantic, rose-tinted, nostalgic vision of what West Ham may have
been for a brief period in our history, during the first half of the 1960s.
An example of this can perhaps be seen on Merseyside, at Anfield, where Bill
Shankly's vision came to be known as 'the Liverpool way'.
The Liverpool way - which has been as inconspicuous on Merseyside as in east
London of late - refers more to a management ethos, a passing down of ideas
and traditions like some precious, family heirloom.
Shankly's original vision that transformed his club was handed on to - and
refined by - the equally successful Bob Paisley, then Joe Fagan and Kenny
Dalglish after him. Oh, and black sheep Roy Evans. But they don't talk about
his reign much up on the Wirral.
The Reds, having spent years chasing the coat tails of fierce rivals
Manchester United whilst gambling on a series of non-Liverpool men such as
Houllier, Benitez and Hodgson - have now returned to one of their own in
'King' Kenny. The transformation, in just three months, has been
extraordinary.
Now I'm not suggesting for a moment that just because it's worked for them
it would necessarily work for us. However like Liverpool, we have suffered
by hiring managers who simply didn't understand 'the West Ham way' - not
through any fault of their own, just simply because they'd never been part
of it.
In fact the only one who did, Alan Curbishley, generally disappointed with
his defensive approach that occasionally led fans to sing 'you don't know
what you're doing'. Although those same fans probably wouldn't sneer at a
tenth-place finish so readily these days.
There are a numbers of managers and coaches out there who took inspiration
from their time at the Boleyn, albeit with varying degrees of success. In
recent years the likes of Tony Cottee, Paul Ince, Martin Allen and Julian
Dicks have all tried their luck whilst another, Harry Redknapp is considered
by many as a shoo-in for the forthcoming England manager's post. Alan
Devonshire continues to ply his trade in the lower echelons of the league
structure, whilst Steve Lomas is a highly-rated newcomer (although the job
comes too soon for him).
However none of them, for various reasons really fit the bill. From the
aforementioned, Cottee, Ince and Dicks have failed to impress whilst Allen's
modus operandi is perhaps a little too unorthadox. A Redknapp return is,
it's fair to say, reasonably unlikely...
Yet there is one man who would fit the bill in many ways. A man who
developed his considerably coaching talent under the wings of Ron Greenwood
and John Lyall, in much the same way as Paisley, Fagan and Dalglish learned
from Shankly. A man who has nurtured not just the cream of West Ham's crop
but also that of the nation's. A man who literally lives and breathes 'the
West Ham way'.
And most importantly, a man who really, really wants a crack at the job.
Step forward, Tony Carr CBE.
Perhaps before espousing Carr's virtues we should examine the aspects of his
appointment that would raise concern. At 61, he is no spring chicken - yet
it is the case that none of the club's last five managers, going back to
Harry Redknapp - who lasted for seven years - have remained in the post for
more than three.
What about managerial experience? Well it is a fact that Carr has managed
only as high as reserve level - although he's been doing that for nigh on
thirty years. However first team management is a different beast entirely,
therefore this is a legitimate concern - yet one that applies, to some
degree, to every such managerial appointment.
But the biggest drawback appears to be a worry that should it go tits-up,
Carr's invaluable work with the Youth Academy - work that has earned the
club countless millions over the years and him a meeting with the Queen -
would simply be overlooked in the annuls of club history, in favour of a
disappointing managerial reign. It's also one of the reasons why Trevor
Brooking, perhaps the only other option were the club to return to it's
roots, refrained from accepting the position on a full time basis some eight
years ago.
Yet Carr - who enjoyed a testimonial year in 2010 - admits that his days in
his current role are numbered. In an interview with KUMB.com last year he
estimated that he'd 'go on for another three or four years' with the
Academy, before either retiring or looking for another role. With that in
mind, would he - or the club - have anything to lose by offering him the
first team manager's position?
Of course that experience with the Academy is, undoubtedly, Carr's biggest
bargaining point - and tasked with managing a squad teeming with current and
former Academy players, who better to put in charge than the man who has
overseen the development of their careers from the first day they walked
into Chadwell Heath? A man for whom they have deep respect - and one to whom
they owe their gratitude for giving them the opportunity to earn such a
lucrative living?
As a coach who developed under the direction of John Lyall, Carr epitomises
all that is positive about the club even in these dark, dark days. He holds
dear the club's traditions and would demand that his players respect them
too. A respectful, thoughtful man on the outside, Carr - like Lyall and
Greenwood before him - is not one to suffer fools gladly - as several
precocious young talents have discovered to their chagrin in the past.
From the Board's perspective, his appointment would prove a masterstroke -
an indication of a desire to continue to promote from within and an
appointment that would have a galvanising effect amongst the fanbase, deeply
hurt by this relegation and the perceived negative input from Sullivan, Gold
and vice-chair Brady throughout the season.
It is imperative that in order to move forward and contend for an instant
return to the Premier League both the supporters and the club's owners need
to be working together, singing from the same hymn sheet if you will.
Curbishley; Allardyce; Hughton, Di Canio et al - all have their advocates
but also strong opposition, for various reasons. Curbishley - negative
approach, sued the club; Allardyce - too direct, too steeped in the culture
of Bolton; Hughton, Di Canio - too inexperienced... And on it goes.
By appointing Tony Carr the board would guarantee the support of the entire
fanbase (even if some would reserve their reservations over the impact on
the Academy - not that this should necessarily be an issue). By appointing
Tony Carr the board would give the club the best possible chance of - as
Alan Pardew was wont to say - 'getting back to what we're all about'.
After all - it's not as if the man who first joined the club as an
outstanding youth prospect some 48 years ago hasn't earned the chance.
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Gold admits own failings
Co-owner distraught following relegation to the Championship
Last Updated: May 16, 2011 10:15am
SSN
David Gold has admitted he wishes he had done things differently after West
Ham were relegated and manager Avram Grant was sacked on a dark day for the
club.
The Hammers went down after squandering a 2-0 lead at fellow strugglers
Wigan on Sunday to lose 3-2. Just over an hour after the final whistle at
the DW Stadium, a statement from the club confirmed Grant's time in charge
of the east London outfit had come to an end. The decision was made before
the team departed for their journey home to the capital, with the owners
deciding Grant, who was appointed on a four-year contract last summer, was
no longer the right man to lead the club forward.
Co-owner Grant had stuck by Grant earlier in the season, when the outlook
appeared brighter following a busy winter in the transfer window. Gold wrote
on Twitter: "I honestly believed with the players we brought in in January,
plus the imminent return of [Thomas] Hitzlsperger, we had done enough to
pull clear of danger. "I know that Scotty Parker shared that belief with me
and we both had confidence that we would retain our Premiership status.
"This is undoubtedly the worst moment in all the years I've been supporting
West Ham and of course I wish I'd done things differently."
After succeeding Gianfranco Zola, Grant oversaw four defeats in his first
four league games, a sequence which set the tone for the rest of the
campaign. There was a brief revival when West Ham took 10 points from five
fixtures between February 2 and March 5, including a memorable 3-1 home
victory over Liverpool. By that stage Grant had used the transfer window to
sign striker Demba Ba and acquire Robbie Keane and Wayne Bridge on loan,
while Thomas Hitzlsperger, who joined the club the previous June, made his
long-awaited debut after recovering from injury. However, the Hammers lost
inspirational midfielder Parker to an Achilles problem last month, and did
not have enough to get themselves out of trouble, with yesterday's sixth
defeat in seven league games sealing their fate.
In his post-match press conference, Grant had accepted responsibility and
apologised to the club's supporters. "I will not speak too much about the
unbelievable problems we have had this year and other things because it is a
game of results," the 56-year-old Israeli said. "My job was to keep the team
in the league and I didn't do it. "Many things were good, but at the end of
the day football is a game of results and the results are my responsibility.
"Today so many supporters came, it was great, unbelievable, and they have
been good to me all season. "I wanted so much for them that we could do
better. I am very sorry about this."
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Clubs on Jones alert
Celtic in amongst those checking on Orient ace
By Graeme Bailey - Follow me on Twitter @graemebailey. Last
Updated: May 16, 2011 11:52am
SSN
A host of clubs are ready to make a move for Leyton Orient star Jamie Jones
after talks over a new deal stalled, skysports.com understands The
22-year-old has been offered a new long-term deal to remain at Brisbane
Road. However, skysports.com understands talks have stalled which has now
alerted a number of clubs to his availability. Amongst those leading the
chase are SPL giants Celtic - who have been keeping close tabs on him.
Interest is also strong in England, with West Ham, Leicester and Sheffield
United also keen. Jones, who has played over 40 games this season, has been
with Orient since 2008 after joining from Everton.
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McClaren favourite for Irons
Former England boss emerges as front-runner to succeed Grant
Last Updated: May 16, 2011 10:19am
SSN
Steve McClaren has emerged as the odds-on favourite to succeed Avram Grant
as West Ham manager. The former England boss saw his odds tumble on Monday
to 1/3 with Sky Bet to take over at Upton Park. McClaren has been out of
work since losing his job at Bundesliga side Wolfsburg earlier in the
season. The Hammers went down to the npower Championship after squandering a
2-0 lead at fellow strugglers Wigan on Sunday to lose 3-2. Steve McClaren is
now 1/3 favourite with Sky Bet to take over at Upton Park. Click here for
the full range of prices on the next West Ham manager. Just over an hour
after the final whistle at the DW Stadium, a statement from the club
confirmed Grant's time in charge of the east London outfit had come to an
end. The decision was made before the team departed for their journey home
to the capital, with the owners deciding Grant, who was appointed on a
four-year contract last summer, was no longer the right man to lead the club
forward. The club are now in the hunt for a new manager with McClaren making
the early running in the betting.
Whoever takes over from Grant will be charged with the task of bringing them
straight back up to the top tier with the Hammers preparing to move in to
the Olympic Stadium. Sky Bet offer 2/1 for them to be promoted next season
and 7/1 to be crowned Championship champions. Sky Bet football trader Mike
Triffitt said: "We've been cutting the price all morning but punters have
continued to back McClaren to be Grant's successor. "However, there seems to
be little movement out there from West Ham and it might just be the perfect
time to back one of the other candidates with the market so distorted amid
the McClaren speculation."
After succeeding Gianfranco Zola, Grant oversaw four defeats in his first
four league games, a sequence which set the tone for the rest of the
campaign. There was a brief revival when West Ham took 10 points from five
fixtures between February 2 and March 5, including a memorable 3-1 home
victory over Liverpool. By that stage Grant had used the transfer window to
sign striker Demba Ba and acquire Robbie Keane and Wayne Bridge on loan,
while Thomas Hitzlsperger, who joined the club the previous June, made his
long-awaited debut after recovering from injury. However, the Hammers lost
inspirational midfielder Scott Parker to an Achilles problem last month, and
did not have enough to get themselves out of trouble, with Sunday's sixth
defeat in seven league games sealing their fate.
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McClaren Irons link denied
No talks with former England boss and relegated West Ham
By Graeme Bailey - Follow me on Twitter @graemebailey. Last
Updated: May 16, 2011 11:07am
SSN
Steve McClaren has not held talks with West Ham United, sources close to the
former England manager have confirmed to skysports.com. The former England
coach has been made favourite for the Upton Park job following a wave of
speculation on Monday about Avram Grant's successor - after he was sacked on
Sunday following their relegation from the Premier League. McClaren was one
of the early front-runners, before being made bookmakers' favourite after
speculation increased about him taking the job. However, sources close to
the former England and Middlesbrough manager have told skysports.com that
there has been 'no contact whatsoever'.
The sources confirmed: "There is no truth in Steve talking with West Ham at
all. "All this has caught him totally by surprise, and there has been no
contact whatsoever. "He does not know where these reports have come from and
he can categorically deny having any contact with anyone at West Ham or
anyone connected with West Ham."
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Reid unsure of Hammers future
New Zealand ace waiting
By Edwin Chong. Last Updated: May 16, 2011 9:29am
SSN
New Zealand international defender Winston Reid has admitted his future with
West Ham is up in the air. The Hammers were relegated from the Premier
League after Sunday's 3-2 loss to Wigan and although the defender's
preference is to remain at West Ham, he is prepared to accept any decision
that comes his way. "Relegation here is such a massive thing. I don't think
people understand it really but it just turns a club upside down," Reid told
3news. "If you get a manager that tells you, 'I don't think I'll need your
services for next season', then you're going to have to find something new
aren't you? "Because I'm only 22 I don't really want to. I would rather be
playing football regularly." Reid's first season into his three-year deal at
Upton Park has been punctuated by injuries and managed only 12 appearances
in all competitions. A number of clubs from Italy, Germany and the
Premiership are reportedly interested in the All White, but the player has
denied receiving any offers to date.
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Five candidates to lead West Ham next year
BetFairFootball.com
The tabloids are full of speculation over who will succeed Avram Grant as
the 14th manager in West Ham's history after the Israeli's sacking following
their relegation from the Premier League. We've thumbed through the
newspapers and compiled a list of five of the most fancied...
Steve McClaren
England fans may disagree but McClaren's record in club management is
probably strong enough to justify a Premier League job, however the
newspapers are talking up the former Middlesbrough boss as a frontrunner for
the Boleyn Ground gig. His lack of Championship experience counts against
him.
Chris Hughton
Hughton is in many ways the obvious choice as a former West Ham man who has
guided a relegated side up as champions at the first attempt. The only real
question mark is that as the Newcastle job was his first managerial role, it
remains unclear whether he could achieve similar success elsewhere.
Alan Curbishley
Curbishley wasn't too popular in his first stint in charge of the Irons but
he was fairly successful and has never truly failed as a coach, even if his
supposed pragmatic approach has earned him criticism. He hasn't worked since
his constructive dismissal three years ago though, which is a slight
concern.
Gus Poyet
The Brighton boss has claimed that he has no interest in abandoning the
Seagulls and quite possibly wouldn't for another team in the same division,
while despite his impressive season in League One, West Ham supporters have
probably had their fill of foreign tacticians with a Chelsea background!
Paolo Di Canio
The terrace idol has had his name chanted throughout the campaign in
apparent defiance at Avram Grant's continued reign, yet it's unlikely that
many fans will truly want a rookie to lead them during one of the toughest
periods in their recent history, especially after the Gianfranco Zola
experiment.
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West Ham relegation is 'worst moment' for chairman David Gold
Hammers chairman says: 'I wish I'd done things differently'
McClaren among the early favourites to replace Grant
John Ashdown
guardian.co.uk, Monday 16 May 2011 11.15 BST
The West Ham United chairman David Gold says the club's relegation to the
Championship is "undoubtedly the worst moment in all the years I've been
supporting West Ham". The Hammers threw away a two-goal lead at Wigan on
Sunday, with Charles N'Zogbia's injury-time goal returning the club to the
second tier after six years in the Premier League. "This is undoubtedly the
worst moment in all the years I've been supporting West Ham & of course I
wish I'd done things differently," said Gold on his Twitter feed. "I
honestly believed with the players we brought in in Jan + the imminent
return of Hitzlsperger, we had done enough to pull clear of danger."
Gold, who along with David Sullivan took control of the club in January
2010, acted quickly following confirmation of the club's relegation by
sacking the manager Avram Grant. Bookmakers have Steve McClaren, Chris
Hughton, Sam Allardyce and Slaven Bilic among the favourites to replace the
Israeli.
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Why Spurs shouldn't pick over West Ham's corpse
Sport.co.uk
Posted by Sport.co.uk on: 16 May 2011 - 11:33
Author: Joe Minihane
With West Ham staring Championship football in the face, the transfer
rumours have already started swirling. Where are the Irons' best players
going to be turning out next season? With crushing inevitability, Spurs
appear top of the list of destinations. But with a relatively settled squad
and the need to keep wages in check, there's every reason why Redknapp and
Levy shouldn't bother swooping down on the Boleyn Ground and relieving West
Ham of their best and brightest.
A year ago, I was all for Scott Parker pulling on a Spurs shirt. Despite
plenty of arguments with fellow Tottenham fans, I honestly felt he would
give us added steel in midfield. Huddlestone and Palacios hardly engendered
confidence, then as now, while Sandro remained a young and unknown quantity.
But now there really is no need to nab Parker.
Most importantly, there's not a place for him. Sandro and Modric have looked
immense in the middle of the park, the latter's playmaking passes
complimented by the Brazilian's uncompromising approach to mopping up
anything that could potentially cause the back four any concern. Huddlestone
provides ample cover, with Pienaar capable of fitting in and Palacios always
available when the need arises.
Then there are the issues of Parker's wages, age and fitness. His recent
achilles injury helped speed up West Ham's demise and during his stints at
Chelsea and Newcastle, he was always a fixture in the treatment room. At 30,
he's not fully over the hill, but would offer no more than a couple of
seasons at the top level, while his financial demands are believed to be
behind Spurs' failure to land him at the start of the current term.
So, what of the other options? Rob Green appears destined for Villa, but
with Spurs in need of a new number one, would he be a smart option? No
chance. He's as error prone as Gomes, with a similar penchant for great
reaction saves followed by woeful lapses of concentration. Surely
Birmingham's Ben Foster will be the go to choice, especially if we help sink
the Blues down at the Lane this weekend.
Carlton Cole? Spurs already have one misfiring, overly self-assured England
striker among their ranks. Adding Cole to Defoe won't work. He won't deliver
the 20 goals minimum that the club needs from a new striker. He's the cheap
option, of course, but that doesn't mean Redknapp should be busting out the
cheque book.
Demba Ba certainly looks sharp, and is the only Hammer I'd be keen on. But
it's doubtful he'd be anything more than an impact sub. What Spurs need is a
striker who can play nine games out of ten and score in at least half of
them. Who that is remains a mystery, but Ba, for all his poaching prowess
against Wigan this weekend, is not first choice.
That leaves the likes of Mark Noble and Matthew Upson. The former being a
midfielder, he's of little use to Spurs. The latter has looked so devoid of
leadership qualities that it's hard to believe he's the captain of the
Hammers. If Spurs do buy a new centre back, he shouldn't be it.
Will Redknapp buy from Upton Park? Don't bet against it. Will he be right to
do so? Certainly not.
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Hammers fire sale
By Alex Dunn - Follow me on Twitter @skysportsaldunn. Last Updated: May
16, 2011 12:37pm
SSN
When Avram Grant's protestations that he wanted to bring messrs Gold and
Sullivan back into the boardroom with him fell on deaf ears, the
inevitability of having Karren Brady crook a finger in his direction and
utter the immortal line 'you're fired' must have dawned on him. Whether
Brady donned a Danger Mouse mask to dispense with her nemesis Baron
Greenback at the DW Stadium is privy only to those present, but what is less
cloaked in secrecy is that the West Ham side which starts next season in the
Championship will look very different to the one that trudged off the field
on Sunday.
Beleaguered West Ham fans may take solace in talk of multiple exits but
despite the fact the majority of those who have donned claret and blue this
season have underperformed, there will be no shortage of takers at the Upton
Park fire sale. Here, we look at those likely to depart the East End outfit
over the summer and ruminate on where they might pitch up next.
Robert Green
While it's fair to say Green has endured a difficult 12 months there will
almost certainly be Premier League takers for a goalkeeper who on his day is
a largely dependable performer. Green started the season still scarred by
his monumental gaffe in South Africa against USA, with a series of mistakes
in the first part of the campaign further undermining his confidence. At the
DW Stadium on Sunday he was outstanding prior to gifting Charles N'Zogbia a
late winner and it is this inconsistency in his game that could put off a
top-six outfit enquiring after his services. Aston Villa may be in the
market for a keeper as Brad Friedel is not getting any younger, while his
best chance of a move further up the pyramid could be at Arsenal - whose
problems in this area have been well documented.
Matthew Upson
While most neutrals wrongly assume it is Scott Parker who wears the
captain's armband at Upton Park it is real skipper Upson who could be first
out of the exit door. The centre-half shelved contract talks in January and
with his existing deal set to expire in the summer, it seems implausible
he'll be playing Championship football next season. Although his form has
been indifferent at best, some West Ham fans would say that's a generous
description, an experienced England international available on a free
transfer is rarer than a Robbie Keane goal and as such, there will be plenty
of takers. Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is known to be a fan and given
he'll be mulling over the futures of both Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King
over the summer, could see Upson as a favourable alternative. Upson was
linked with a return to Arsenal in January but going backwards is unlikely
to pacify a disgruntled Gunners faithful craving big name signings.
Scott Parker
The Football Writers' Player of the Year has had more eulogies written about
him than Pippa Middleton's derriere over the past few months. Parker
embodies everything West Ham have lacked this season; guts, drive,
determination, application, quality. At the DW Stadium he gave an emotional
farewell to the travelling band of Hammers, who will bear him no malice
whatsoever when he signs off his West Ham career on the final day of the
season. David Gold has already conceded he will not stand in his talisman's
way should a big offer be lodged and January suitors Spurs will not be the
only club hankering after his services. In recent Euro 2012 qualifiers he
has excelled and in showing he has the necessary qualities to be a success
on the international arena, has opened up a move to a top-four side. Arsenal
are crying out for a ball winner to complement the studious promptings of
Cesc Fabregas and Jack Wilshere, and the fact Parker teamed up so
impressively with the latter while with England will certainly intrigue
Arsene Wenger. Sir Alex Ferguson could see him as a suitable alternative to
the perma-crocked and almost certainly on his way Owen Hargreaves, while
Liverpool are known to be keen and Manchester City aren't exactly short of a
few bob either.
Demba Ba
While it's fair to say Grant has acquired more boobs in the market than the
editor of Playboy, the signing of Ba has proved an unqualified success.
Stoke rejected the chance to land the Senegalese hit-man in January when he
failed a medical but West Ham took a chance and were rewarded with a series
of exciting displays and a goal record that currently reads seven from 12
top flight appearances. His goal-rate at Hoffenheim in Germany was equally
impressive and now he has proved his fitness, and ability to cut it in the
top flight, Ba could be on the move again in the summer. Sunderland,
Blackburn and Newcastle have all been tentatively linked.
Thomas Hitzlsperger
Had injury not prevented West Ham's marquee summer signing from having to
wait until 21st February to make his debut the club might still be a Premier
League outfit today. Since returning to the fray the Germany international
has shown all his class, with 52 caps testimony to a player with no shortage
of ability. It has been documented that Hitzlsperger has a relegation
release clause and with budgets to be cut as the club gears up for the
Championship, the highest wage earners will likely be shown the door. When
the midfield schemer, with a jackhammer of a left foot, left Aston Villa
earlier in his career he said he was open to a return; a declaration that
may interest whoever is in the Villa Park dugout next season. Although a
player of his calibre is unlikely to be shy of offers.
Carlton Cole
Dubbed 'Can't Control' by some Hammers supporters exasperated by a season in
which he has regressed, Cole looks like a man in desperate need of a change
of scene. Under Gianfranco Zola last season he finally looked to be
fulfilling the potential that once saw Claudio Ranieri bestow on him the
moniker 'Young Lion' during their time together at Chelsea, but this term he
has lacked any kind of form whatsoever. On Sunday at Wigan strike partner
Keane's profligacy proved contagious as Cole got his feet all wrong when
presented with a sitter at 2-2. Fabio Capello remains a fan and when his
head is right and playing with confidence, Cole can be a genuine threat in
front of goal. Liverpool have been linked in the past but their acquisition
of Andy Carroll will likely see him have to scale back his ambition of a
move to Merseyside.
Of the rest....
The nomadic Freddie Piquionne is unlikely to fancy a spell chasing lost
causes in the Championship at this stage of his career and could jump ship.
His goal record is hardly Lineker-esque but with a decent touch and top
flight know-how could appeal to newly promoted sides, with QPR the type of
club where he might just pitch up next.
Mark Noble is one of the club's most bankable assets but with Parker set to
depart, the best chance of an immediate return to the Premier League would
be to build a side around the Londoner. A firm favourite with the club's
supporters, Noble - along with the likes of James Tomkins, Junior Stanislas,
Jordan Spence and Zavon Hines - could be the nucleus of a bright young team
that exorcises the memory of the over priced, over paid under performers of
recent years.
Danny Gabbidon and Jonathan Spector are both out of contract and the early
indications are that the pair will be on the move. Either, indeed both,
could do decent jobs in the Championship but it looks as though pastures new
await the Wales and USA internationals respectively.
Loan trio Robbie Keane, Wayne Bridge and Victor Obinna will return to their
parent clubs after varying degrees of success, while Pablo Barrera will
likely look to move on after making just 14 appearances since joining in the
summer from UNAM following a bright World Cup showing.
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Surrendering Hammers never truly believed they could do it
James Olley
16 May 2011
Evening Standard
Relegation battles are won by teams who manage to resist the current
dragging them down but West Ham allowed such negativity to consume them that
their fate was inevitable. There was a pessimism from the outset at the DW
Stadium yesterday born out of resignation to a future that had not yet been
written. The travelling support were a credit to the club - numbering 5,000
as they did - but their chants of "You're going down with West Ham" at the
Wigan following encapsulated the mood. Scott Parker and Matthew Upson were
among the more experienced players to miss out - rumour has it Lars Jacobsen
was fit but left out altogether - as Avram Grant selected a youthful side
more suited to team planning for next season than battling to keep the
present one alive. Jordan Spence made his first full debut, Zavon Hines only
his third Premier League start of the season and Jack Collison his first as
Grant opted for youth at a time when experience often tells. For a period,
it appeared Grant had got it right as West Ham raced into a 2-0 lead,
however their pre-eminence did not last. Perhaps Grant felt the club's
younger players had an exuberance that would break the negativity that has
enveloped them virtually all season. While owners David Gold and David
Sullivan deserve recognition for their role in saving the club from
financial implosion and securing the Olympic Stadium as a future home, their
mid-season dalliance with Martin O'Neill undermined Grant in a way from
which he never recovered.
Sources close to O'Neill claim he was approached and walked away, the club
privately maintain the Northern Irishman made the first move and
subsequently backtracked. Whatever the truth, aside from a fleeting rally in
late February, the Hammers' slide has been unrelenting. Yesterday's defeat
was merely confirmation, the rot had set in long before. On a weekend when
Blackpool and Wolves earned battling victories to enhance their survival
hopes, the contrast with West Ham's capitulation was marked and decisive. As
it turned out, Fulham's victory over Birmingham would have given them a
lifeline but the Hammers never truly believed an escape was on. And when
exactly was the last time they did believe? West Ham have thrown away 22
points from winning positions this season, the latest surrender condemning
them to the Championship.
Among the variety of excuses Grant used to explain away West Ham's plight
was the curious claim there were no especially poor sides in the Premier
League. He found one in Wigan and yet still could not beat them. What Wigan
lacked in nous and support - there were plenty of empty seats in the stadium
despite their top- flight status being on the line - they made up for in
spirit, endeavour and belief. "I don't think this is the time to say what is
wrong with the team but when you are leading 2-0 - and not for the first
time - I think it is a psychology problem more than any other thing," said
Grant. "We had more chances than them in the last 10 minutes but they
scored. Maybe this is the story of the season."
Removing Grant from his job after the game was clearly a placatory measure
for the supporters. The Israeli manager was simply unable to instil enough
resolve and self-belief in a group of players whose talent appeared destined
for greater things than relegation. They were unable to defeat a Wigan side
with such palpable failings even with the benefit of two goals in the
opening 26 minutes gifted courtesy of an embarrassing inability to defend
set-pieces. Thomas Hitzlsperger swung over a cross from the left for Demba
Ba to head home and 14 minutes later, the same supply line delivered a
free-kick to the far post where James Tomkins headed back across goal for Ba
to force the ball over the line. The visiting faithful could barely believe
the situation developing before them - especially with Fulham leading
Birmingham. Some of them dared to dream but goalkeeper Robert Green was
required to keep Wigan at bay. Latics boss Roberto Martinez grasped the
nettle at half-time with a double substitution while the Hammers appeared
unsure whether to check or raise, to borrow poker parlance. They folded.
Memories were stirred of Grant's admission he had not known what to say to
his players at half-time in West Ham's Carling Cup semi-final against
Birmingham as they looked similarly bereft of direction.
Wigan roused themselves against the dying of the light while West Ham's
mental frailty was exposed. Tomkins was adjudged to have fouled Charles
N'Zogbia, who dusted himself down to curl the resultant free-kick
beautifully into the top corner. Parker was introduced but could not stem
the tide as substitute Connor Sammon levelled. On came Carlton Cole and then
Robbie Keane and the game became desperately stretched. Cole missed the best
chance - finding his legs entangled inside the six-yard box with the goal at
his mercy - and N'Zogbia delivered the killer blow in stoppage time with a
low drive that beat Green too easily. A light aircraft flew over the stadium
pulling a banner which read "Avram Grant - Millwall Legend". His response
was: "Whatever people want to say it is okay. I do not have a problem with
what they say about me now because football is a game of results. "My job
was to keep the team in the Premier League and I didn't do it."
Grant's departure will not alone eradicate the stench of pessimism deepened
by relegation. Gold and Sullivan may have secured the Olympic Stadium but
before they get there, the Hammers must now visit the likes of Oakwell and
the Keepmoat Stadium. There is a massive rebuilding task ahead with a huge
wage bill to reduce and a squad to overhaul - only then will any positivity
return.
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