Tuesday, January 10

Daily WHUFC News - 10th January 2012

Orient down development squad
WHUFC.com
Ian Hendon's side lost out 3-0 to Leyton Orient in their opening game of
2012
09.01.2012

Ian Hendon's development squad went down to a 3-0 defeat by Leyton Orient in
their opening fixture of 2012 on Tuesday. Two first-half penalties and a
second-half strike from veteran striker Jamie Cureton put paid to West Ham
United's chances at Chadwell Heath in a game that saw the Hammers field a
number of trialists. On the positive side, 17-year-old Academy goalkeeper
Sam Baxter enjoyed an encouraging debut, while Matt Fry came through his
first full 90 minutes since the pre-season after recovering from calf
surgery. Jordan Brown (pictured) also caught the eye with a strong
performance, while Brian Montenegro gave his all less than 24 hours after
making his first-team debut at Sheffield Wednesday. Baxter was called into
action within the opening 20 seconds, making a fine diving save to deny
Cureton following a defensive slip.

Both sides created chances before the Os took the lead on 17 minutes. Dean
Cox played a one-two with Moses Odubajo before being felled by a sliding
challenge from Sergio Sanchez. The captain disputed the decision and may
well have got the ball, but the referee was unmoved and Ben Chorley stepped
up to score from 12 yards.
The Hammers twice went close, with one trialist shooting over before seeing
his low shot diverted wide by the foot of goalkeeper Jamie Jones. In between
those two chances, however, Orient doubled their lead.

The second spot-kick arrived on 42 minutes. Cox's through ball found Billy
Lobjoit, who went to ground under a challenge from Fry that appeared to
occur outside the penalty area. Again, a penalty was given and this time
Cureton stepped up to send Baxter the wrong way from the spot. Hendon
introduced youngsters Kieran Sadlier and Pelly Ruddock after half-time, but
the changes could not alter the course of the game. Instead, it was the
visitors who wrapped up their victory courtesy of Cureton's low finish just
before the hour-mark. West Ham's best chance of the game arrived with nine
minutes remaining when the two substitutes combined, only for Ruddock to
volley Sadlier's free-kick into the side-netting from close-range.

West Ham United XI: Baxter, Sanchez, Brown, Trialist (Ruddock 70), Fry,
Trialist, Trialist, Trialist, McCallum (Sadlier 46), Trialist, Montenegro
Sub not used: Wootton

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Millwall tickets latest
WHUFC.com
The club has released the ticket information for the London derby against
Millwall
09.01.2012

West Ham United can confirm ticketing arrangements for the forthcoming
npower Championship fixture against Millwall at the Boleyn Ground. The
match, which will kick-off at 12.30pm on Saturday 4 February, will be
all-ticket with no cash turnstile sales on the day. After consultation
between the club, the police and the Safety Advisory Board, visiting
supporters will exclusively occupy the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand with only
the Upper Tier open.

Season ticket holders normally occupying both the Upper and Lower Tiers will
be relocated to alternative home sections with the seats automatically
processed. To amend any relocations, please contact the Customer Service
team on 0871 222 2700 via Option 3

In the event this fixture reaches general sale, tickets will only be
available to supporters with a previous purchase history on the club's
ticketing system.
Tickets, which go on sale to Academy members from Tuesday 10 January, are
non-transferable and any tickets found to be sold and transferred will
result in both fans being banned from the club.

With the reduced capacity and the fact the game will not be televised, the
fixture is expected to sell out so supporters are advised to move quickly in
order to secure their seat. For full ticket prices and selling dates, please
click here.

West Ham United would like to take this opportunity to thank fans for the
continued loyal support shown once again this season and remind all of the
importance of appropriate matchday behaviour towards visiting supporters,
the stadium, pitch and the staff at West Ham United. The club has a zero
tolerance policy towards pitch invasions, threatening behaviour, foul and
abusive language and offensive chanting and will not hesitate to impose
lifetime bans where necessary.

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Blackpool fixture update
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's fixture away at Blackpool could be subject to change
09.01.2012

Supporters planning an away trip to watch West Ham United at Blackpool on
Saturday 18 February should note the fixture could be subject to change. If
Blackpool beat Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup fourth round at the end of
January, the Tangerines would then be scheduled to play their fifth-round
fixture on the same weekend of the Hammers' npower Championship visit. This
would mean the league fixture would have to be rearranged for a new date.

whufc.com and the club's official twtter feed @whufc_official will provide
further updates once they are available.

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Riff-raff moved upstairs
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 9th January 2012
By: Staff Writer

Millwall fans attending the Boleyn Ground for the forthcoming Championship
fixture with West Ham have been given the upper tier of the Trevor Brooking
stand on Police advice. The Met Police - in conjunction with West Ham United
and the Safety Advisory Board - have decreed that away fans be given the
stand's upper tier - usually reserved for family seating - for the match
which takes place on Saturday, 4th February. Those supporters who have
season tickets in the Trevor Brooking Stand upper tier will be moved to
alternative locations, to be confirmed. However West Ham United have
confirmed that the Boleyn Ground will have a reduced capacity for the day -
which suggests some areas of the lower tier of the Trevor Brooking Stand,
directly underneath the away fans may also be closed. Tickets for the game
go on sale to Academy members from 10th January. General sale tickets -
should there be any - will be sold to supporters with a previous purchase
history only. The last time West Ham met Millwall in Upton Park back in 2009
a number of minor skirmishes between opposing fans broke out around the
ground - due mainly to the Metropolitan Police's inability to provide
sufficient numbers on the night.

A number of West Ham supporters were also pictured running onto the field of
play to celebrate Junior Stanislas' late equaliser - a situation that led to
the media falsely accusing West Ham supporters of conducting running battles
with Millwall fans on the pitch. Police figures released later confirmed
there had been just ten arrests in all on the night.

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John set to sign
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 9th January 2012
By: Staff Writer

American defender George John could be confirmed as West Ham's first signing
of the January transfer window within the next 24 hours. The 24-year-old,
who currently plays for FC Dallas in Major League Soccer (MLS) looks set to
be confirmed as a Hammer imminently after it was reported that he has passed
a medical and agreed terms with United. Daily Mirror journalist Alan Nixon
revealed news of the 6'3" John's impending arrival (which we should stress
remains unconfirmed at present); talking via his account on social network
Twitter, Nixon wrote: "Signing for West Ham. Been over. Passed 'test' and
all agreed." John, a central defender who can also play as a defensive
midfielder, is yet to feature for the United States' national team. Despite
this he was poised to join Premier League strugglers Blackburn Rovers at the
start of the current season but having agreed a £1.2million deal, the
transfer fell through after he failed to agree personal terms. International
clearance should not be an issue for West Ham - who are said to have paid a
nominal fee - as John is understood to have collected a Greek passport at
the time of his proposed switch to Ewood Park.

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40 years of hurt
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 9th January 2012
By: Staff Writer

It's 40 years this week since West Ham were sent tumbling out of the FA Cup
by Blackpool. Bobby Moore, Jimmy Greaves and Brian Dear were all suspended
by a furious Ron Greenwood as a result of a pre-match drink-up at Jack
London's Blackpool club the night before West Ham were thrashed 4-0 by the
Seasiders, bottom of the First Division and on their way to relegation.
Sadly not much has changed in the intervening 40 years since when West Ham
have lost no less than TWENTY-FIVE times to lower league opposition in the
two domestic Cups - most recently to Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend. So
join us now as we take a look back at each and every occasion on which the
Hammers have been humiliated by lower league opposition in the last forty
years, which we kick off with that defeat at Blackpool (who whilst not
technically lower league opposition, qualify for inclusion on the loose
premise that they started all this)...


1971: Blackpool 4 West Ham Utd 0 (FA Cup)

Moore, Greaves and Best go out on the piss the night before the game. Young
Tony Green takes advantage and scores two in the opening half. West Ham
capitulate after the break as Craven and Mowbray add further goals. 'Pool
manager Stokoe will win the Cup within three years as manager of Sunderland.
Highlights.

1972: Stockport 2 West Ham Utd 1 (FA Cup)

Long before Iain Dowie's infamous 1996 own goal, West Ham were dumped out of
the League Cup by fourth division Hatters on an equally memorable (for them,
at least) night. Clyde Best's goal restored parity after the home side had
taken an early lead through Russell but a penalty on the stroke of half time
- conceded by John McDowell - gives Town a famous victory.

1973: Hull City 1 West Ham Utd 0 (FA Cup)

Minnows Hull are simply too-much for Ron Greenwood's Hammers in a thick
Humberside fog. The game's only goal comes on the half-hour mark when a
dodgy Bobby Moore back pass lets the home side in (Houghton scoring the
winner).

1974: Hereford 2 West Ham Utd 1 (FA Cup)

Hammers fans feared the worst when United fail to beat the league newcomers
at the Boleyn (in Bobby Moore's last game for the club). The replay starts
well when Clyde Best opens the scoring but West Ham are pegged back two
minutes later by Naylor's penalty. With 16 minutes left to play Jones
smashed home the winner; Ronnie Radford, scorer of possibly the most famous
FA Cup goal of all plays for the home side.

1974: Fulham 2 West Ham Utd 1 (League Cup)

West Ham have the last laugh at the end of the season when they gain revenge
against the second division side at Wembley in the other Cup competition.
But it's Fulham's night in the League Cup when goals from Mullery and Slough
are took much for the Hammers, who had led through Trevor Brooking's first
half striker.

1978: West Ham Utd 1 Swindon Town 2 (League Cup)

Third Division Swindon become the first of two lower-league sides to triumph
over John Lyall's side this season. Swindon take a shock 2-0 lead before
David Cross misses from the penalty spot. Robson's late effort is scant
consolation for such an embarrassing reversal.

1979: Newport 2 West Ham Utd 1 (FA Cup)

The Welsh minnows move the fixture to the evening which adds to the
atmosphere. Pop Robson's scorcher cancels out Goddard's opener but Mervyn
Day's fluff allows Woods to nod home the winner with just nine minutes of
time remaining.

1982: Watford 2 West Ham Utd 0 (FA Cup)

Not the biggest shock on the list given that Watford are flying high at the
top of Division Two at the time. But second half goals from Armstrong and
Callaghan are enough to condemn Lyall's Hammers - featuring new signing
Frankie Van Der Elst - to defeat in this fourth round tie at Vicarage Road.

1987: West Ham Utd 2 Barnsley 5 (Littlewoods Cup)

Another two-legged affair in which West Ham appear to have the advantage
having drawn 0-0 at Oakwell in the first leg. But the wheels come off at the
Boleyn despite West Ham leading 2-0 at half time. Barsnley take the game to
extra time after pulling it back to 2-2 then three goals in eight extra time
minutes leave John Lyall's side facing another embarrassing Cup exit.

1990: Torquay 1 West Ham Utd 0 (FA Cup)

It's the week before Lou Macari faces gambling accusations and all Hell
breaks loose at West Ham. Teenager Paul Hirons comes off the bench to score
the only goal of the game for fourth division Torquay in the mud and rain.

1992: West Ham Utd 2 Sunderland 3 (FA Cup)

The hard work appears to have been done as West Ham secure a 1-1 draw at
second division Sunderland (Mike Small). But Bonds' team blow the chance of
making the quarter finals after going 2-0 down early on in the replay.
Having given their all to pull it back to 2-2 (Allen x2) United have little
left in the tank and Rush grabs a late winner for the Rokerites.

1992: Crewe Alex 2 West Ham Utd 0 (Coca Cola Cup)

This two-legged affair ends in misery for the Hammers who fail to make the
most of home advantage in the first leg. A 0-0 draw at the Boleyn - in which
Alex were the better side - is followed by a 2-0 defeat at Gresty Road as
Naylor and Lunt score late on.

1993: Barnsley 4 West Ham Utd 1 (FA Cup)

Two down at the break, Billy Bonds' shell-shocked side pull one back from
the penalty spot through Ian Bishop. But instead of sparking a revival, West
Ham concede two more last on - Craig Rammell completing a hat-trick - and
are sent tumbling out of the Cup.

1994: Luton 3 West Ham Utd 2 (FA Cup)

A semi-final against Chelsea awaits the winners but West Ham are undone by
second division Town. Martin Allen's opener is wiped out by Scott Oakes who
puts Luton 2-1 up two minutes into the second half. Ian Bishop restores
parity on the hour mark but Oakes takes advantage of a Steve Potts slip to
win the game. Highlights here.

1996: Grimsby Town 3 West Ham Utd 0 (FA Cup)

Harry Redknapp's side were distinctly second best when they were heavily
beaten at Blundell Park thanks to goals from Childs, Woods and Forrester.
Grimsby's top goalscorer is missing through injury but they still record
their first win over top-flight opposition for the first time in 60 years.

1996: Stockport 2 West Ham Utd 1 (Coca Cola Cup)

Julian Dicks puts West Ham ahead before Iain Dowie scores the own goal of
the century with a flying header a minute later. A sense of foreboding grips
the travelling faithful before Brett Angel scores what proves to be the
winner. Despite having an hour left to play West Ham go close only once when
Bishop hits the woodwork.

1997: West Ham Utd 0 Wrexham 1 (FA Cup)

Harry Redknapp's West Ham look clueless in front of goal. The Welsh Division
Two side sense blood and Russell's 90th minute winner leaves the hosts no
time to respond.

1998: Northampton Town 2 West Ham Utd 0 (Worthington Cup)

A 2-0 defeat in the first leg of this two-legged affair isn't the end of the
world for West Ham who have the second leg at the Boleyn to make amends.
Despite creating 27 shots at goal the Hammers fail to score until the 90th
minute and go out 2-1 on aggregate.

1999: Swansea 1 West Ham Utd 0 (FA Cup)

Julian Dicks' late equaliser at the Boleyn earns West Ham a replay. The
Irons, in the throes of selling John Hartson to Wimbledon look inept up
front and Fulham reject Thomas scores the game's only goal on the half hour
mark.

2001: Reading 0 West Ham Utd 0 (Reading win 6-5 on penalties) (League Cup)

Most minds are on other things on September 11th 2001. West Ham were 4-3 up
in the shootout but Defoe hits the post to give the hosts a lifeline. Scott
Minto misses the next spot kick and the home side proceed to the next round
when Viveash converts the 12th penalty of the shoootout.

2002: West Ham Utd 0 Oldham 1 (League Cup)

Carlo Corazzin scores the only goal of the game for the second division
visitors three minutes ahead of the half time break. Glenn Roeder's West Ham
create a host of chances but fail to convert a single one and leave the
field to a rousing chorus of boos.


2006: Chesterfield 2 West Ham Utd 1 (Carling Cup)

Alan Pardew was just a month away from the sack when he took his side to
League One Chesterfield. In the midst of a dreadful run of form, West Ham
went ahead through Marlon Harewood inside five minutes but Colin Larkin
equalised shortly after the break. Caleb Folan's 86th minute winner leaves
United no time to respond.

2008: Watford 1 West Ham Utd 0 (Carling Cup)

Gianfranco Zola can do little to prevent his under-par side falling to
defeat at Championship Watford in only his second game in charge. Hayden
Mullins' 70th minute own goal in enough to send West Ham spiralling out of
the competition.

2010: West Ham Utd 1 Aldershot Town 2 (Carling Cup)

Despite Junior Stanislas' early goal putting West Ham ahead debutant Callum
McNaughton's red card for a professional foul leaves the Hammers a man
short. Late goals from Luke Guttridge and Danny Hylton wins the game for the
League Two outfit.

2011: Sheffield Wednesday 1 West Ham Utd 0 (FA Cup)

Chris O'Grady's goal three minutes from time is enough to condemn Sam
Allardyce's squad to a third round exit at Hillsborough. West Ham had hit
the post and missed a penalty (Baldock) before O'Grady scored.

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Which 5 Players Should West Ham Sell?
January 9th, 2012 - 11:22 pm by Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die

Obviously our first concern, as fans, is who we might be signing in this
transfer window to improve our team's chances of gaining promotion. We all
have our views on what the priorities should be. After nine days I guess
most of us had expected someone to have been signed by now. Well, word is we
have signed someone. A player no one has ever heard of called George John
from Dallas. Great. I'm sure you're as excited as me!

But of course, this is also time to do some business by selling some fringe
players. Again, we'll all have views. I have created a simple one question
poll, where you can nominate up to 5 players you think we should sell during
this transfer window.

For what it's worth, there is only one player I would definitely get rid of
and his initials are FP.

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By George! Hammers get John
Published: Today
The Sun

WEST HAM hope to finalise a move for FC Dallas centre-back George John.
John, 24, was also a target for Blackburn but reports suggest that Hammers
boss Sam Allardyce has won the race to sign him.

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West Ham close in on double signing
Published 22:30 09/01/12 By Alan Nixon
The Mirror

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is ready to make a splash in the transfer market
by signing Evian striker Yannick Sagbo. Big Sam's top spies saw Sagbo in
French Cup action at the weekend and Hammers could make an offer for the
former Monaco prospect in the next few days. Sagbo, 23, is keen to come to
England after helping little Evian make a big impact in French football. The
Benin international would cost around £2million and Hammers are trying to
move out some of their strike force to make way for his arrival.

* BUSY Hammers are also signing United States international defender George
John to bolster their Premier League promotion bid. FC Dallas defender John
left their pre-season training camp to head for London where he went through
a medical in an attempt to complete a move to England at the second attempt.
The 24-year-old was due to join Blackburn last summer, but doubts about an
ankle problem brought talks to an end. Now. though, John is ready for the
challenge and available for a low fee of around £200,000 as his contract
with the Texan team is running out.

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Rob Green linked with move to France
Published 22:30 09/01/12 By John Cross
The Mirror

West Ham keeper Rob Green has reached stalemate over his future at Upton
Park - and that has sparked interest from French club Monaco. The Hammers
hierarchy are reluctant to begin new contract negotiations with the
31-year-old until they know whether they will get back into the Premier
League. Green is still on Premier League money and West Ham are trying to
run a tighter ship in the Championship, even though the England keeper is
out of contract at the end of the season.
That has alerted several clubs including Monaco who, after being relegated
to the second tier last season, have wealthy new backers. Green may be open
to a move abroad, but it could be seen as a risk to go to Monaco, whose No.1
keeper Sebastien Chabbert is a long-term injury absentee.

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FRANK LAMPARD COULD MAKE A WEST HAM RETURN
Daily Express
Monday January 9,2012
By Tony Banks

FRANK Lampard could end his career back at his first club West Ham. Unhappy
at a lack of opportunities at Chelsea under Andre Villas Boas, Lampard, 33,
is poised to move in the summer if things do not improve. A return to West
Ham, who he left in 2001, depends on them winning promotion to the Premier
League but Lampard would take a pay-cut.

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West Ham look to bring in FC Dallas defender John on loan as Allardyce ramps
up Rhodes bid
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 10:45 PM on 9th January 2012
Daily Mail

West Ham are trying to sign FC Dallas defender George John on loan. The
24-year-old was due to join Blackburn last summer but the deal fell through
over work permit issues. John has dual nationality for the US and Greece but
has yet to win a full international cap. Meanwhile, Sam Allardyce is hoping
to advance his bid for Huddersfield striker Jordan Rhodes. Goalkeeper
Robert Green is a possible target for Monaco as Sebastien Chabbert has a
knee injury.

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Japan striker Ryoichi Maeda set for West Ham trial - report
Jan 10, 2012 4:18:00 AM
By Kosuke Kato
Goal.com

Samurai Blue forward Ryoichi Maeda will this week undertake a trial at
Championship club West Ham United according to a Japanese report. Nippon
Sports has reported that Jubilo Iwata striker Maeda will arrive in England
on Tuesday as West Ham manager Sam Allardyce looks to bolster his attacking
options to enhance West Ham's bid for promotion. However it is expected to
be a shortened trial at the West London club as Maeda is expected to return
to Japan on January 15.
"Maeda, like his teammates, will all report to the club on the 15th to begin
our preparations for next season" Jubilo Iwata president Manuchi Yoshino
told the media.
Maeda, 30, started his career at Jubilo Iwata and boasts a strike rate of
115 goals in 260 appearances, as well as twice earning the J-League Golden
Boot award in the previous three seasons. The striker has made 14
appearances for the Japanese national team and was a member of the
victorious squad that won the 2011 Asian Cup. According to reports from the
United Kingdom, Allardyce is hopeful the striker will be able to earn a work
permit, having previously shown interest in him in December. When Goal.com
contacted West Ham they refused to offer any comment on the proposed trial.
If successful, Maeda will be the second Japanese player in the Football
Championship, with Yuki Abe already plying his trade at Leicester City,
whilst Tadanari Lee is also hopeful of a move to Southampton.

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