Daily WHUFC News - 1st December 2012

A message from the Joint-Chairmen
WHUFC.com
Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold have written an open letter to
supporters
30.11.2012

Dear Supporters,

Firstly, we would like to thank you for supporting the team this season,
wherever they have played. From Austria, Germany and Portugal in pre-season
through to our home and away games in the Barclays Premier League, you have
always been there, cheering the players on. Saturday's match with Chelsea
promises to be thrilling affair and we know we can count on all of you to
provide the customary passionate backing for the team that we have witnessed
in every game since we arrived at the club.

That is why we were disappointed to read about the actions of the small
section of fans that let the club down during last Sunday's game at
Tottenham Hotspur. We were not only disappointed because they reflected
badly on our club, but they misrepresented the tens of thousands of
outstanding supporters who follow the team home and away throughout the
season.

We have both been sent hundreds of emails and have personally spoken to a
number of fans, who have all told us that they share our sentiments and are
angry that the reputation of their club has been besmirched by the actions
of a few mindless individuals.

We have said to them what we will say to you now - it is up to us all to not
tolerate anything that we deem to be unacceptable when supporting West Ham
United. In the rare case that you do see or hear anything inappropriate,
there are a number of ways you can report the matter.

Two of the easiest ways are to speak to your nearest steward at the stadium
or use the Boleyn Ground's anonymous fan phone number - 07860 404 069 -
where all calls will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

We have made it very clear over the past week that we will not tolerate any
form of discriminatory behaviour and one by one we will root out those fans
that do not deserve to represent this great club of ours.

Everyone at West Ham United is looking forward to Saturday's visit of the
champions of Europe, Chelsea, and given the news reports of this week, it is
inevitable that much focus will be on our club this weekend. This fixture
will hopefully provide us with the perfect opportunity to show the world
what being a
West Ham fan is all about - supporting with pride, passion and respect.

Enjoy the game.
Come on you Irons!

David Sullivan David Gold
Joint Chairman Joint Chairman

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United statement
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have been praised for their reaction to last Sunday's game
at White Hart Lane
30.11.2012

West Ham United remain committed to using every available means to root out
the small number of individuals that let our great club down at White Hart
Lane on Sunday. As stated earlier in the week, a zero tolerance policy will
continue to apply to anyone identified. Meanwhile, the club has received
positive feedback on its handling of the issues raised at last Sunday's
fixture. Lord Herman Ouseley, Chair of Kick it Out said: "Kick It Out is
encouraged by the swift action taken by West Ham United in the wake of
Sunday's fixture. Clubs have the power to show leadership and set an example
for the vast majority of its supporters to follow in instances like this.
Here, they've done exactly that. "Kick It Out has seen first-hand the
appetite the club has in embracing anti-discrimination initiatives, with
David Gold and James Tomkins both acting as campaign ambassadors in 2012. By
doing this they're helping to send a message as to what is and what isn't
acceptable. "It is clear they feel abuse of this kind won't be tolerated
and, in a period where the issue is high on the agenda, this approach is
something we applaud."

West Ham United has a proud history as a community football club and the
Board are determined to help further enhance that reputation. Since David
Sullivan and David Gold arrived in 2010, the club has been driven by an
agenda to serve its community and this culture runs through its core. The
current Board developed the 'Moore than a Football Club' ethos, through
which the club has been pursuing a number of projects designed to promote
diversity, inclusion and community cohesion. The club's Kickz programme,
which provides diversionary activities for young people deemed to be at risk
of offending, engages and welcomes 20,000 participants each year in Newham
and Tower Hamlets. The club's delivery model is a nationally recognised
example of good practice. Whilst this agenda has always been an integral
part of West Ham United's vision, recent events have encouraged the Board to
extend this remit yet further and embrace some fresh thinking about which
events to prioritise with the fanbase and local communities going forward.
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan said: ''We, as a club, wish to build upon our
reputation and become a beacon of best practice in the areas of diversity,
inclusion and reaching communities, not only to other football clubs but
also in wider society. That is our intent and our ambition. "We are
currently considering a number of new projects to make us more effective and
to strengthen the club's leadership role in the community. We will make sure
that we keep supporters fully updated on the ambitious plans we are
passionately committed to delivering''

To learn more about West Ham United's work in the community or share your
ideas to promote community cohesion, email community@westhamunited.co.uk

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chelsea match preview
WHUFC.com
All the essential background information ahead of Saturday's lunch-time
visit of the Blues
30.11.2012

WEST HAM UNITED v CHELSEA
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
SATURDAY 1 DECEMBER 2012
KICK-OFF: 12.45PM
REFEREE: MARTIN ATKINSON
FULL AUDIO AND TEXT COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV

iPHONE APP I TWITTER I FACEBOOK I PODCAST

Match Sponsor
West Ham United would like to welcome today's Match Sponsors Scan Print
(UK). Scan Print (UK) offers a range of bet capture hardware and EPOS
solutions to the betting and gaming industry. For more information, click
here.

Introduction
• West Ham United host Chelsea on Saturday in their eighth home Barclays
Premier League fixture of the season. The Hammers will contest their fourth
12.45pm kick-off of the 2012/13 campaign, having travelled to Swansea City
and Norwich City and hosted Fulham on a Saturday lunch-time previously this
term.
• West Ham United go into the weekend tenth in the Barclays Premier League
table, having collected 19 points from their opening 14 fixtures. However,
the Hammers will be eager to pick up points after collecing five from their
five league games in November.
• Newly-promoted West Ham United start the weekend in tenth, having picked
up 12 points from seven home Barclays Premier League games so far, beating
Aston Villa (1-0), Fulham (3-0) and Southampton (4-1), drawing with
Sunderland (1-1), Manchester City (0-0) and Stoke City (1-1) and losing out
to Arsenal (1-3).
• Chelsea play their third game since the appointment of Spaniard Rafael
Benitez as the club's new interim manager on 22 November.
• Chelsea start the weekend in third position, having collected 26 points
from their opening 14 matches. The Blues have won three, drawn two and lost
just one of their six away league matches played so far.
• The Blues have failed to score in any of their last three matches in all
competitions, losing 3-0 at Juventus in the UEFA Champions League before
drawing 0-0 with Manchester City and Fulham in the Barclays Premier League.
• West Ham United have not beaten Chelsea in any of their previous 13
meetings - 12 of them in the Premier League and six of them at the Boleyn
Ground. The Hammers' most-recent victory over the Blues came on 3 May 2003,
when Paolo Di Canio scored the winning goal in a 1-0 success at the Boleyn
Ground. Di Canio also netted twice in a 3-2 victory at Stamford Bridge in
the reverse fixture that season on 28 September 2002.
• Chelsea have won the previous three Premier League matches between the two
clubs, scoring ten goals and conceding just two.


Team news

West Ham United

• Mark Noble is likely to return to the starting line-up after missing
Wednesday's trip to Old Trafford through suspension.
• Ricardo Vaz Te (shoulder), Alou Diarra (thigh) and Jack Collison (knee)
are all definitely out, while Yossi Benayoun is unavailable due to the terms
of his loan from parent club Chelsea.
• Stephen Henderson (Ipswich Town), Ravel Morrison (Birmingham City) and Rob
Hall (Birmingham City) are all out on loan, as are youngsters Paul McCallum
(AFC Wimbledon), Blair Turgott (Bradford City) and Dan Potts (Colchester
United).
Chelsea

• England trio forward Daniel Sturridge (hamstring), defender John Terry
(knee) and midfielder Frank Lampard (calf) all remain sidelined through
injury.
• Centre-back David Luiz is suspended after picking up his fifth booking of
the season against Fulham on Wednesday evening.

Background

• Saturday's fixture marks the 87th league meeting between the two clubs.
West Ham United will draw level with their opponents on 35 victories should
they be successful, while there have been just 17 draws. In 30 Premier
League meetings, Chelsea have chalked up 16 victories, West Ham have won
nine times and there have been just five draws.
• The first-ever meeting between the two clubs in any competition came on 11
September 1915 in the war-time London Combination principal tournament. West
Ham United were at home and the game ended goalless.
• The first-ever league meeting between the two clubs took place on 20
October 1923 and also ended goalless. That match was played at Division One
at Stamford Bridge.
• West Ham United's biggest league victory over Chelsea came in Division Two
on Valentine's Day 1981. The Hammers romped to a 4-0 success on their way to
winning the title and promotion to the top-flight. West Ham have never
beaten Chelsea by more than a single-goal margin in the Premier League,
doing so on nine occasions.
• Chelsea's biggest win over West Ham United came on 9 April 1966 at
Stamford Bridge, when the Blues thumped the Hammers 6-2. At the Boleyn
Ground, Chelsea won 4-0 on 1 March 2008, a result that also marks the Blues'
biggest Premier League win over the Hammers.
• The biggest crowd to witness a West Ham United versus Chelsea fixture at
the Boleyn Ground was the 39,240 who witnessed a 2-2 Division One draw on 22
August 1970.
• The two clubs met exactly 95 years ago on 1 December 1917, when Danny Shea
scored West Ham United's goal in a 1-1 war-time London Combination principal
tournament fixture. Chelsea also hosted the Hammers on 1 December 2007, when
Joe Cole scored the only goal of the game to end West Ham's six-match
unbeaten run.
• Tony Cottee has scored more goals against Chelsea than any other West Ham
United player, scoring eight times. Geoff Hurst and John Dick managed six
each, while the Hammers' all-time leading scorer Vic Watson scored three in
five appearances against the Blues.
• John Bond scored the first league hat-trick by a West Ham United player
against Chelsea when he was pressed into an emergency centre-forward role on
6 February 1960. Right-back Bond netted three times, including one penalty,
in a 4-2 Division One success at the Boleyn Ground. Billy Bonds also netted
an unlikely hat-trick against Chelsea in a 3-0 Division One home win on 2
March 1974.

Last time out

Wednesday 28 November 2012
Barclays Premier League
Manchester United 1-0 West Ham United
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Reid, Tomkins, O'Brien, Collins, Demel,
Nolan, Jarvis (Maiga 70), Taylor, Diame (O'Neil 76), Carroll (Cole 62).
Subs not used: Spiegel, Spence, Moncur, Lletget

Wednesday 28 November 2012
Barclays Premier League
Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Cole, David Luiz, Azpilicueta, Bertrand (Mata 63),
Romeu, Ramires, Oscar, Hazard (Marin 82), Torres.
Subs not used: Turnbull, Ferreira, Cahill, Mikel, Moses


Previous meeting

Fernando Torres scored his first Chelsea goal to end a personal goalless
stretch lasting 903 minutes. The Spain forward sealed the points for the
Blues after Frank Lampard had opened the scoring from close range. Florent
Malouda completed the scoring in the third minute of added time to increase
West Ham United's relegation fears.
West Ham United: Green, Gabbidon, Spector, Da Costa, Bridge, Jacobsen,
Hitzlsperger, Noble (Keane 59), Cole (Piquionne 78), Sears (Obinna 81), Ba
Subs not used: Boffin, Tomkins, Boa Morte, Kovac
Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, A.Cole, Essien (Benayoun 56), Lampard,
Mikel, Malouda, Kalou (Anelka 70), Drogba (Torres 76)
Subs not used: Turnbull, Ferrerira, Bertrand, Zhirkov

Last six meetings (Premier League unless stated)

23 April 2011 - Chelsea 3-0 West Ham United
11 September 2010 - West Ham United 1-3 Chelsea
13 March 2010 - Chelsea 4-1 West Ham United
20 December 2009 - West Ham United 1-1 Chelsea
25 April 2009 - West Ham United 0-1 Chelsea
14 December 2008 - Chelsea 1-1 West Ham United

v Chelsea (all competitions) W 36 D 18 L 41

Ten-year records

West Ham United

2011/12 Championship 3rd (86 points - promoted via Play-Offs)
2010/11 Premier League 20th (33 points - relegated to Championship)
2009/10 Premier League 17th (35 points)
2008/09 Premier League 9th (51 points)
2007/08 Premier League 10th (49 points)
2006/07 Premier League 15th (41 points)
2005/06 Premier League 9th (55 points)
2004/05 Championship 6th (73 points - promoted via play-offs)
2003/04 Championship 4th (74 points)
2002/03 Premier League 18th (42 points - relegated to Championship)

Chelsea
2011/12 Premier League 6th (64 points)
2010/11 Premier League 2nd (71 points)
2009/10 Premier League 1st (86 points - champions)
2008/09 Premier League 3rd (83 points)
2007/08 Premier League 2nd (85 points)
2006/07 Premier League 2nd (83 points)
2005/06 Premier League 1st (91 points - champions)
2004/05 Premier League 1st (95 points - champions)
2003/04 Premier League 2nd (79 points)
2002/03 Premier League 4th (67 points)


Referee

• Saturday's match referee will be Martin Atkinson.
• A referee since the age of 16, Atkinson was promoted to the Football
League list of assistant referees in 1998. In 2000, Atkinson was promoted to
the Select Group of assistant referees, allowing him to run the line in
Premier League matches.
• Atkinson joined the National List of referees for the Football League at
the start of the 2003/04 season before taking charge of his first Premier
League fixture on 20 April 2005 when Manchester City entertained Birmingham
City.
• Atkinson was the man in the middle at the 2006 FA Community Shield between
Chelsea and Liverpool at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. He also took
charge of the 2008 FA Trophy final between Ebbsfleet United and Torquay
United at Wembley Stadium.
• Atkinson refereed one West Ham game last season - the 2-1 home defeat to
Burnley on 3 December 2011 and was the man in the middle earlier this season
as the Hammers lost 3-0 to Swansea City

Old boys

• Carlton Cole began his career at Chelsea, making 31 appearances between
August 2001 and May 2006, and scoring eight times.
• Chelsea's Frank Lampard began his professional career at West Ham United,
making 187 league and cup appearances and scoring 38 goals before heading
west in June 2001.
• On-loan midfielder Yossi Benayoun is owned by Chelsea. The Israeli
international spent two seasons at West Ham in his first spell between July
2005 and July 2007, scoring eight goals in 72 appearances. Benayoun started
the 2006 FA Cup final for the Hammers and also played a starring role in the
'Great Escape' season of 2006/07.
• Chelsea captain John Terry spent time at West Ham United as a schoolboy.
• Among the other players who have represented both clubs are Clive Allen,
Syd Bishop, Peter Brabrook, Billy Bridgeman, Billy Brown, Robert Bush,
Dickie Deacon, Alan Dickens, Len Goulden, Jimmy Greaves, Ron Greenwood CBE,
George Hilsdon, George Horn, Joseph Hughes, Sir Geoff Hurst, William
Jackson, Glen Johnson, Joe Kirkup, Andy Malcolm, Harry Medhurst, Scott
Minto, Eric Parsons, Joe Payne, Dave Sexton, John Sissons, Ron Tindall and
Billy Williams.


General information

• For ticket information, click here.

• For the latest travel news visit the TFL website by clicking here and use
the Journey Planner.
• Saturday afternoon's forecast in East London is white clouds with maximum
temperatures of 4C (40F).

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Agents fees
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have published fees paid to Agents in 2011/12
30.11.2012

Along with all Barclays Premier League and Football League Clubs, West Ham
United have published the total Agents fees paid in 2011/12. In accordance
with Football Association Football Agents Regulations, the club can confirm
the total amount paid to Agents during the period 1 October 2011 to 30
September 2012.
Payment to Agents - 2011-2012
Total amount paid to Agents in the period 1 October 2011 to 30 September
2012 - £4,436,992.
Explanatory note:
The amount shown is the aggregate of all payments made to Agents during the
reporting period for Agency Activity, including payments made by the Club on
behalf of Players.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ginge ready for Blues test
WHUFC.com
James Collins is looking forward positively to Saturday's visit of European
champions Chelsea
30.11.2012

James Collins says West Ham United remain 'full of confidence' ahead of
Saturday's Barclays Premier League visit of Chelsea. The Hammers prepare to
host the UEFA Champions League winners on the back of defeats at Tottenham
Hotspur and Manchester United, but Sam Allardyce's side remain in the top
half of the table and have lost just one home league game all season. On
Wednesday, they were hugely unfortunate to lose 1-0 at Old Trafford to a
deflected first-minute goal from Robin van Persie. For those reasons, Ginge
believes West Ham should go into the weekend looking to chalk up their
fourth home victory of the campaign against a Blues side who have failed to
score in their last three matches. "We are disappointed we did not get
something from the game at Manchester United," said the No19. "We said in
the changing room after that teams have gone to Old Trafford, conceded early
and then been heavily beaten.
"Our defending was great, the manager said that, we defended as a team and
we were a little unlucky not to nick a goal right at the end. On the whole I
thought we played really well apart from the opening goal but, that said, it
was a deflection. These things happened but you have to try and get the
block in.
"We were solid, created chances and we were a constant threat from set
pieces, which is great, it means we go into another big game against Chelsea
full of confidence."

Since Rafael Benitez took charge at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have been held
to goalless draws by Manchester City and Fulham. While he is not expecting
an easy afternoon's work, Collins believes West Ham have a chance to
capitalise on any uncertainty inside the Blues' ranks. "Things don't seem to
be quite right down there, as they have been in years gone by, and they have
drawn to successive games against Manchester City and Fulham. If we play
like we did against Manchester United, defending well and creating chances,
then I am sure we can get a positive result in front of our own fans. "It is
a tough run of fixtures at the moment and we need to ensure we keep
confidence high but with performances like that at Old Trafford it will not
be hard to do. "We know that on our day we can beat anyone especially at
home where we have been very good."

Collins himself was recalled to the starting line-up against Sir Alex
Ferguson's side after a spell out of the side and he could not be happier to
be back. The big Welshman was at his best at Old Trafford, winning a series
of tackles and headers, and was hugely unlucky to see Van Persie's shot loop
off his out-stretched boot and spin past Jussi Jaaskelainen. The 29-year-old
is seeking to keep his place against Chelsea, with competition for places
likely to be fierce with the return of Mark Noble from suspension. Whoever
Big Sam picks, the defender is confident that they will be able to keep
Benitez's team at bay. "I pulled my hamstring late on against Manchester
City and since then the boys have been doing, as long as the team is winning
I am happy. Joey O'Brien, James Tomkins and Winston Reid have been superb,
so to come in and get my chance and perform reasonably well on Wednesday
makes me very happy."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v Chelsea
KO 12:45
30 November 2012
Last updated at 11:17
By Steve Wilson
BBC Match of the Day commentator

BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 1 December

TEAM NEWS

Mark Noble is expected to make his 200th league appearance for West Ham
after serving a one-match ban for the midweek defeat by Manchester United.
George McCartney may return from an ankle injury, while Andy Carroll is
nursing a knee problem and will be assessed.

Chelsea will once again be without influential pair John Terry and Frank
Lampard due to injury. Daniel Sturridge is not ready to return from a pulled
hamstring.

MATCH PREVIEW

It's been a tough 10 days for Rafael Benitez. As we open the first doors on
our advent calendars, I can't help wondering if, like Ebenezer Scrooge on
Christmas Eve, Rafa's nights are filled with awful terrors? As the clock
strikes deep in the darkness do nightmares conjure the jeering, angry faces
of Chelsea fans waving their little banners of discontent? Does the frown of
Fernando Torres leer into his fitful slumber? Does the look of cold boredom
on the face of Roman bramovich make him wake with a start? Do the ghosts of
Chelsea managers past, present and future lurk in the murky recesses of his
agitated sleep?
How Rafa could do with a new dawn, a soothing and friendly face, a warm hand
of welcome, an encouraging word, some seasonal cheer, just a smile.
Instead it's "Hola" to Sam Allardyce. You see, Rafa and Sam have history.
The last time they met in 2010, this is what Rafa said about Big Sam and his
style of play - he wasn't holding back on the sarcasm. "I think it is a
model for all the managers around the world, their style of football, his
behaviour, and I'm sure all parents will enjoy this model and encourage
their kids to be the same. The style of football, I think, Barcelona are
thinking of copying." This came a year after Big Sam took big offence at a
supposedly dismissive gesture made by Benitez following Liverpool's second
goal against Blackburn in 2009. However, it all started way back in 2004
when Benitez' first ever defeat in the Premier League was inflicted by Sam's
Bolton. Afterwards, Rafa complained that the result was turned by a
challenge which ended Sami Hyypia's game and left him with a broken nose:
"He's good in the air, and all the game the ball was in the air".
Does Big Sam care? I think not. Here's Sam on Rafa in 2009: "Our
relationship is on the bad side of average; he doesn't like me. We always
used to batter Liverpool at the Reebok, but you can't help him whingeing and
moaning can you? He loves it. I've managed to psyche out a few managers in
my time, but nobody has ever psyched me out. I don't give a damn what they
say before, during or after a game. " You get the feeling that Allardyce
would love nothing more than to batter Benitez again and keep the nightmares
coming: Big Sam, the Bogey Man.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 12 league meetings with West Ham, plus a
League Cup tie, since a 1-0 defeat at Upton Park in May 2003 (W11, D2).

West Ham
The Hammers have managed only one victory, and five points, from their last
six matches.
Sam Allardyce's side have failed to win a match in which they have trailed
this season, gaining just two points from losing positions (D2, L4).
They have also only earned two points from their six matches against clubs
currently in the top half of the table.
If fit, Andy Carroll is expected to make his 100th career league start.

Chelsea
Chelsea's points tally of 26 is their lowest in the Premier League after 14
games of a season since Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003.
They have failed to win in their last six Premier League matches, equalling
their longest barren run in the Abramovich era. They also went six games
without victory from November to December 2010, when Carlo Ancelotti was
manager.
Rafael Benitez is the second Chelsea manager under Abramovich to fail to win
in his opening two matches in charge; the first was Avram Grant.
It's more than five years since Chelsea failed to score in three successive
league matches - that was as part of a four-match goalless streak in
September 2007.
The European champions scored 19 goals in their opening eight league games
but have managed just five in their subsequent six matches.
Fernando Torres hasn't scored in the league in 10 hours and 49 minutes since
his goal against Norwich on 6 October.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Premier League: Rafa Benitez searching for first win as Chelsea visit West
Ham
By Paul Higham Twitter: @SkySportsPaulH. Last Updated: November 30,
2012 1:40pm
SSN

Rafa Benitez will go in search of his first win, and indeed first goal, as
Chelsea manager when his team make the short trip to Upton Park to face West
Ham in Saturday's lunchtime kick-off, live on Sky Sports 2 HD. The former
Liverpool manager is almost guaranteed a warmer welcome in East London than
the frosty reception that greeted him in West London when he took his
position as 'interim' boss at Stamford Bridge. Two goalless draws have done
little to thaw relations between Chelsea's fans and their new manager, so it
may be something of a relief to travel away from home for the first time and
take on a Hammers side with just one win in five at home. Despite no win in
six Chelsea are still third in the Premier League and a seven-point deficit
is by no means insurmountable, but they badly need a shot in the arm and
three points in the weekend's opening game will do the job nicely. Fernando
Torres may also just fancy his chances on Saturday given the opposition, as
he has bagged six goals in six games against West Ham to make them his
favoured opponent. On the opposite side to Torres is the man who replaced
him at Anfield, Andy Carroll, so their performances will be interesting
given the pair have netted just 18 league goals in 114 games combined since
they fetched £85million in transfer fees.

Sam Allardyce has his side in tenth place in the table but they have
suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time this season after a narrow
loss at Old Trafford during the week. There is no love lost between
Allardyce and Benitez after they endured a fractious relationship as
managers of Bolton and Liverpool respectively - with Big Sam winning just
two of ten contests between the two as managers.

West Ham
Last 6
1-0
3-1
1-1
0-1
0-0
2-1

West Ham will have midfielder Mark Noble back from suspension for Saturday's
Barclays Premier League game against Chelsea at Upton Park. Noble missed the
midweek defeat to Manchester United after picking up five bookings this
season. Striker Andy Carroll has a slight knee problem and will be assessed
before manager Sam Allardyce names his team.

Chelsea
Last 6
0-0
0-0
3-0
2-1
1-1
3-2
Brazilian defender David Luiz will miss out after a fifth yellow card of the
season against Fulham in mid-week will see him suspended for the game.
Captain John Terry will again be missing with a knee injury and Frank
Lampard could miss his latest return to Upton Park because of a calf
problem. Benitez has been criticised for his defensive approach in selecting
Ryan Bertrand over Juan Mata, but the Spaniard could get the start this time
around with Daniel Sturridge unlikely to figure.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
James Collins in optimistic mood ahead of West Ham's home date with Chelsea
Last Updated: November 30, 2012 9:23pm
SSN

James Collins feels West Ham could be taking in a London derby with capital
rivals Chelsea at just the right time. The Hammers will welcome Rafa Benitez
and his Chelsea side to Upton Park on Saturday, with the Blues still looking
for their first win and first goals under their new interim boss. West Ham
were undone by another title-chasing outfit, Manchester United, in midweek,
but Collins feels Sam Allardyce's side, who continue to occupy a top-half
standing in the Premier League, have every reason to head into their latest
fixture full of confidence. "We were disappointed we didn't get anything out
of the game against Manchester United," he said in the Evening Standard. "I
imagine some teams who have gone to Old Trafford and conceded an early goal
as we did could have been beaten six or seven. "The result didn't go our way
but we still have a lot of confidence as we go into the game against
Chelsea. I don't think it's a bad time to play them. Things don't seem to be
quite right there at the moment, not as settled as in years gone by.
"They've drawn their last two games and I am sure if we play as well as we
did during the week we can get a result in front of our own fans. "Chelsea
are in their league position for a good reason. It's going to be difficult
for us and we will have to defend well but we can hit teams on the break."

Lucky

Collins will enter the weekend in the knowledge that he is just one booking
away from a ban, and the Wales international is aware that serving a
suspension could force him behind James Tomkins and Winston Reid in the
centre-half pecking order. He added: "I was a bit lucky to avoid another
yellow card at Old Trafford. "There was a tackle in the first half and a
handball after the break so I just need to be a bit careful this time. It
was really good to be back in the team but there have been no complaints
from me. "I pulled my hamstring against Manchester City but the boys have
been doing well - James and Winston have been great - so as long as the team
are performing well, I'm happy just to be back here and getting another
chance."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Sam Allardyce not looking to renew rivalry with Chelsea's Rafa
Benitez
Last Updated: November 30, 2012 5:25pm
SSN

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is not looking to renew an old rivalry with
Chelsea counterpart Rafa Benitez when the teams go head-to-head in
Saturday's Sky lunchtime match. Allardyce was manager at Blackburn and
Benitez at Liverpoolwhen the pair begun a war of words over three years ago.
Benitez sarcastically suggested Barcelona were looking to imitate
Blackburn's robust style, with Allardyce hitting back by saying: "He's got
personal with it for many, many years now. That's why I don't like him and
the feeling is probably mutual."

The origins of the fall-out date back to 2009 when Allardyce felt the
Spaniard had made a 'game over' hand gesture when Liverpool went 2-0 up
against his Blackburn side. In the build-up to the Upton Park clash,
Allardyce said: "It was a long time ago, a lot of water has gone under the
bridge since then and I am just looking forward to the game. "I don't want
to jump into that scenario, I am a bit bigger than that, I don't want to go
tit for tat. "All I do is look to compete at a level going against not just
Chelsea, but also against a man who has a real good record, to see if we can
upset them."

Having started his managerial reign at Stamford Bridge with two goalless
draws, Benitez will also have other thoughts dominating his head, not to
mention winning over his own fans after their initial frosty reception.
Allardyce remains wary of the dangers the current Champions League winners
will pose though, adding: "In the last two games they have not conceded a
goal. At the heart of every good side is producing a clean sheet. "Rafa has
already sorted out what was a problem under former manager Roberto Di
Matteo, and now they have got a couple of clean sheets in a row, so it will
not be long before they can turn that into a victory if they continue to
defend like that. "It will be more difficult to break Chelsea down than it
would have been, chances will be few and far between."

Allardyce maintains once the Blues are back to winning ways, the boo-boys
will soon be appeased. He continued: "At Chelsea, like any other club, it is
all about winning. I am sure once Rafa starts winning, then that will
change, when the team starts winning then supporters get behind everybody.
"It takes time to adjust to the ideas of a new coaching regime, that is
always the case. "Over the last few years, Chelsea players have been used to
it because they have had a quite a few changes."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
One of the bitterest feuds in football is ready to
re-ignite as Sam insists Rafa was... DISRESPECTFUL
The Sun
By VIKKI ORVICE
Published: 8 hrs ago

SAM ALLARDYCE has rekindled his bitter feud with Rafa Benitez, accusing the
new Chelsea boss of being a poor loser. There has been no love lost between
the managers since Allardyce, then in charge of Bolton, inflicted the first
league defeat of Benitez's Liverpool tenure in August 2004. Kop defender
Sami Hyypia suffered a broken nose in the opening minutes and the incident
prompted the first in a series of taunts from Benitez about Big Sam's direct
style of football.
The animosity deepened in 2009 when Allardyce accused Benitez of showing
contempt for him with an alleged hand gesture when Fernando Torres scored
two goals for Liverpool in a 4-0 victory over Blackburn at Anfield.
Manchester United chief Alex Ferguson also came out and backed Big Sam. Rafa
has said sarcastically: "I think it is a model for all the managers around
the world, their style of football, his behaviour. The style of football, I
think, Barcelona are thinking of copying."

Allardyce also claimed the Liverpool boss even sent a DVD to the referees'
chief Keith Hackett in protest at his rival's methods at Rovers. The two
meet for the first time since then today when Allardyce, now at West Ham,
will be desperate to pile the pressure on the new Chelsea manager.

The Blues are still waiting for their first win under Benitez after two drab
goalless draws at home and fans are still unhappy at the Spaniard's
appointment following Roberto Di Matteo's sacking. Allardyce said: "It was
never hate at first sight because he didn't know me and I only knew what
he'd done at Valencia.
"But I suppose what he didn't like was getting beaten. You can't get on with
everyone in football but my reasons for that stay private. "All I do is look
to compete at a level against not just Chelsea but also against a man who
has a real good record, to see if we can upset them and get points off him
again. Every manager is different and you weigh up the tactics they like to
play and get yours ready. "If you get it right you can upset the big boys.
Liverpool were at the time and we managed to upset them. "He has been
disrespectful to me but it was a long time ago. It's one of those things —
we can't all get on, can we?
"The bottom line is whatever managers say between themselves it is still
about the players going out there and doing it."

Allardyce, whose team are aiming to bounce back at Upton Park after
back-to-back defeats against Tottenham and Manchester United, said: "The key
issue for us is to try to get some points on the board as quickly as
possible in this difficult run of fixtures. "I wouldn't say it was a good
time to play Chelsea because they have not conceded a goal in the last two
games. "At the heart of every good side is keeping a clean sheet. "Rafa has
already sorted out what was a problem under Roberto and now they have got a
couple of clean sheets in a row. "It will not be long before they can turn
that into a victory if they continue to defend like that. "It takes time to
adjust to a new regime and, over the last few years, Chelsea players have
been used to that because they have had quite a few changes.

RAFA BENITEZ admits Chelsea skipper John Terry is pushing to return early
from his knee injury "Chelsea are coming to Upton Park as a fantastic
football side that won the FA Cup and the Champions League. I'm more
concerned about the players they're going to pick, and how my team is going
to cope with that, than what Rafa's going to say about me. My focus is on
the team. "I haven't given a second's thought to what happened in the past
between me and Rafa. "There's too much going on with me and getting my team
ready."

Allardyce has also said he may make a loan move for former Hammers star Joe
Cole, now back at Liverpool, in the transfer window. The Hammers boss added:
"I think it will depend where we are and what we do in the next week or two,
particularly with our injury list. "Also on whether the chairman can find
any money to support the team. Whether they can find any more or not is
something I will discuss with them in the near future. "But I think if there
is a possibility it would be more on the loan front than a permanent deal.
"You would have thought Joe would be involved at Liverpool by now because of
all their injury problems and lack of strength in depth. He doesn't appear
to have managed to do that."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Our spies will spot the yobs
Exclusive
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: 8 hrs ago
The Sun

WEST HAM have drafted in special plainclothes 'spotters' to keep an eye out
for offensive gestures from fans. Extra stewards have also been brought in
for today's clash with Chelsea as they crack down on the yobs who brought
shame to the club. The FA are investigating anti-Semitic chanting and Nazi
salutes from some Hammers fans aimed at Spurs supporters during last
Sunday's match at White Hart Lane. And joint-chairman David Sullivan has
written a message to the fans in today's match programme. He said: "For most
of the minority who were involved in making offensive gestures at Tottenham
it was most likely an exercise in winding up the opposition. "Throwing out
your right arm in a Nazi salute may seem an easy gesture with little thought
for the consequences — but just for a moment have a think about what it
stands for. "Just a few years before I was born a lunatic embarked on a
deliberate policy of trying to eradicate an entire race of people from this
planet. "Six million people died as a result of that dreadful crime. "Whole
families were forcibly transported from their homes and upon arrival at
concentration camps, lives were decided upon a whim. "There are many
survivors of the Holocaust alive today, possibly among us in the crowd at
Upton Park this lunchtime. "We have many Jewish supporters, like my good
friend and business partner David Gold, as well as our rivals Spurs. "Just
ponder what they have witnessed and endured. "I hope this may serve as a
chilling reminder to us all about our responsibilities as human beings."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cut it out: Hammers chiefs warn fans against "inappropriate" chanting
The Mirror
30 Nov 2012 18:20

West Ham's co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold have come together to
write an open letter to the club's supporters ahead of their all-London
encounter with Chelsea. The joint-chairmen have urged the Hammers faithful
to "show the world what being a West Ham fan is all about" by being on
behaviour ahead of Saturday's lunchtime kick off. A group of away fans last
week disgraced the East London club after they were heard hissing, mimicking
the sound of Jews being gassed during the Second World War, and also
chanting the name of Adolf Hitler. The Irons have already taken swift
action, with one of their fans banned for life because of the chanting and
two supporters cautioned by police for a racially aggravated public order
offence. Now, Gold and Sullivan - themselves both life-long Hammers - hope
the Irons can put on a united front in tomorrow's televised encounter. Their
open letter, published on the club's official website, www.whufc.com, read:
"Saturday's match with Chelsea promises to be thrilling affair and we know
we can count on all of you to provide the customary passionate backing for
the team that we have witnessed in every game since we arrived at the club.
"That is why we were disappointed to read about the actions of the small
section of fans that let the club down during last Sunday's game at
Tottenham Hotspur. "We were not only disappointed because they reflected
badly on our club, but they misrepresented the tens of thousands of
outstanding supporters who follow the team home and away throughout the
season. "We have both been sent hundreds of emails and have personally
spoken to a number of fans, who have all told us that they share our
sentiments and are angry that the reputation of their club has been
besmirched by the actions of a few mindless individuals. "We have said to
them what we will say to you now - it is up to us all to not tolerate
anything that we deem to be unacceptable when supporting West Ham United. In
the rare case that you do see or hear anything inappropriate, there are a
number of ways you can report the matter. "Two of the easiest ways are to
speak to your nearest steward at the stadium or use the Boleyn Ground's
anonymous fan phone number - 07860 404 069 - where all calls will be treated
in the strictest of confidence. "We have made it very clear over the past
week that we will not tolerate any form of discriminatory behaviour and one
by one we will root out those fans that do not deserve to represent this
great club of ours. "Everyone at West Ham United is looking forward to
Saturday's visit of the champions of Europe, Chelsea, and given the news
reports of this week, it is inevitable that much focus will be on our club
this weekend. This fixture will hopefully provide us with the perfect
opportunity to show the world what being a West Ham fan is all about -
supporting with pride, passion and respect."

Anti-racism group Kick it Out have praised the Hammers' tough stance
following last weekend's sickening chants.

Lord Herman Ouseley, Chair of Kick it Out, said: "Kick It Out is encouraged
by the swift action taken by West Ham United in the wake of Sunday's
fixture.
"Clubs have the power to show leadership and set an example for the vast
majority of its supporters to follow in instances like this. Here, they've
done exactly that. "Kick It Out has seen first-hand the appetite the club
has in embracing anti-discrimination initiatives, with David Gold and James
Tomkins both acting as campaign ambassadors in 2012. By doing this they're
helping to send a message as to what is and what isn't acceptable. "It is
clear they feel abuse of this kind won't be tolerated and, in a period where
the issue is high on the agenda, this approach is something we applaud."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Iron man? Allardyce hints at a return to West Ham for Joe Cole
The Mirror
30 Nov 2012 22:30

Sam Allardyce is keen on taking Joe Cole back to West Ham on loan. The
England midfielder has yet to start a Premier League match under Liverpool's
first-year manager Brendan Rodgers, despite returning from a hamstring
injury in October. Cole, who the Reds loaned out to French side Lille for
all of last season, started his career at Upton Park before moving to
Chelsea in 2003 and then on to Anfield two years ago. The 31-year-old has
already been linked with rock-bottom QPR, where he would be reunited with
his former Irons manager Harry Redknapp. But Allardyce has now said the
Merseyside misfit could help the Hammers' injury-hit squad by moving back to
east London. Big Sam said: "You would have thought that Joe would be
involved there by now, because of all of ­Brendan's injury problems and his
lack of strength in depth. "But he doesn't appear to have managed to be able
to do that there. "Whether we move for him depends on where we are and what
we do in the next week or two, particularly with our injury list. "My
chairmen extended as much money as they possibly could in August - and went
beyond it. "Whether they can find any more or not is ­something I will
discuss with them in the near future. "I think if there is a chance, it
would be more on the terms of a loan, than on a permanent deal for the
player."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Loan star: Carroll to face late fitness test in time for Chelsea game
The Mirror
30 Nov 2012 15:17

Andy Carroll will face a late fitness on his injured knee before tomorrow's
visit of Chelsea. The England forward, on-loan from Liverpool, scored his
first goal for West Ham in last weekend's defeat at Tottenham. But he is
struggling to be fit for another London derby tomorrow as the Hammers seek
their first win over the Blues in 14 matches stretching back to 2003. "Andy
Carroll has a knock on the knee which we will have to assess again later
today and tomorrow to see how that is," said the Irons boss. "Hopefully that
will be OK because we are really thin on the ground at the moment. Every man
needs to keep putting in the shift that they are doing to try and get a
result at home on Saturday." The Championship playoff winners enjoyed a
flying start to the season but have lost their last two matches to Tottenham
and Manchester United to slide down to 10th place. "At then end of the day
we have lost two games on the trot for the first time this season,"
Allardyce added. "Given the teams that we were playing, I don't see why the
players should lose any confidence. I think it depends on how long the run
goes without any points. "The key issue is to try and get some points as
quickly as possible in this difficult run of fixtures. We have a fantastic
home record in 2012 - not just this season - so we will have to see if we
can reach the same heights, which we are certainly going to have to do
against Chelsea."
Mark Noble returns to the squad after suspension.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com