Daily WHUFC News - 24th August 2013

Jussi eyes another clean sheet
WHUFC.com
Defensive solidity key to another positive result says goalkeeper
24.08.2013

West Ham United goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen is determined to build on last week's solid start with another positive result against Newcastle United on Saturday. The Hammers kept a clean sheet against Cardiff City and Jaaskelainen is sure another shut out would provide the key for another three point haul.
First of all, though, the Londoners will have to beware a backlash from the Geordies following their 4-0 loss to Manchester City on Monday. "It was a great start," the Finn said. "When you play against promoted teams they normally carry on a high from last season, but we got the goal in the first half then second half made sure they didn't get any chances. "We scored at crucial times to take the pressure off the defending. We used our chances to score and we need to keep on building what we were doing at the end of last season now. "We got a great 1-0 win at Newcastle last year, but obviously it's a new year now. They're going to have a reaction from their defeat on Monday night and we have to keep patient, defend well and keep their crowd quiet, "We have to be ready for their reaction and with the experience we have hopefully we can cope with that well."

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Newcastle United match preview
WHUFC.com
The essential pre-match info ahead of Saturday's match at Newcastle United
23.08.2013

NEWCASTLE UNITED v WEST HAM UNITED
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
ST JAMES' PARK
SATURDAY 24 AUGUST 2013
KICK-OFF: 3PM
REFEREE: PHIL DOWD

Introduction
• West Ham United travel to Newcastle United this weekend for their first Barclays Premier League away match of the campaign.
• Sam Allardyce's men made the perfect start last week, defeating Cardiff City 2-0 thanks to goals from midfield men Joe Cole and former Magpie Kevin Nolan.
• Newcastle United endured a less-productive first match, losing defender Steven Taylor to a red card and Argentine international Jonas Gutierrez to a hamstring injury along the way to a 4-0 defeat at Manchester City.
• This will be the 124th meeting between West Ham and the Magpies in all competitions. The Hammers have won 38 to Newcastle's 49, while there have been 36 draws played out between the teams.
• Magpies boss and one time Hammers manager Alan Pardew will be celebrating his 100th match in charge of Newcastle.
• Pardew's side will hope to better last season's disappointing form, when they followed up qualifying for the UEFA Europa League by going through a relegation battle along the way to a 16th place finish.
• The Hammers will have good memories of last season's trip to the north east, as Kevin Nolan scored on his return to St James' Park, turning home a Joey O'Brien shot, to give Big Sam's team a 1-0 victory - a three-point haul that lifted them to sixth in the Premier League table.
Team news
West Ham United
• The Hammers will be without ex-Newcastle striker Andy Carroll, who continues his comeback from a heel injury at Chadwell Heath. He is set to step up his training imminently, but remains unavailable for selection. George McCartney, meanwhile, is closing in on a return from his knee problem and could make his comeback for Tuesday's Capital One Cup clash with Cheltenham Town.
Newcastle United
• Defender Steven Taylor is suspended for Saturday's visit of the Hammers after being sent off for a clash with Sergio Aguero in the Magpies' 4-0 defeat to Manchester City on Monday night. Jonas Gutierrez limped off with a hamstring injury in the same game, while striker Loic Remy, a summer arrival from QPR, is out with a nagging calf problem.
• Remy is Newcastle's only summer arrival to date, while Yohan Cabaye sat out the defeat to Manchester City after Newcastle received an approach from Arsenal for his services.

Last Time Out
West Ham United
Saturday 17 August
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 2-0 Cardiff City
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen; Demel, Reid, Collins, O'Brien; Nolan, Noble, Diame (Diarra 82); Cole (Vaz Te 90), Maiga, Jarvis (Downing 71)
Subs not used: Adrian, Tomkins, Rat, Morrison
Goals: Cole 13, Nolan 76

Newcastle United
Monday 19 August
Manchester City 4-0 Newcastle United
Newcastle United: Krul; Yanga-M'Biwa, S.Taylor, Coloccini, Debuchy; Sissoko, Gutierrez (Anita 44), Tiote; Gouffran (Dummett 45), Cisse, Ben Arfa (Sh.Ameobi 65)
Subs not used: Elliot, Marveaux, Obertan, Sa.Ameobi

Previous meeting
Saturday 4 May 2013
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 0-0 Newcastle United
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen; Demel (Taylor 80), Reid, Collins, O'Brien; Nolan, O'Neil, Diame; Vaz Te (Collison 59), Carroll, Jarvis (J.Cole 84)
Subs not used: Henderson, Pogatetz, Noble, C.Cole
Newcastle United: Elliot, Coloccini, Simpson, Yanga-M'Bwia, Taylor, Cabaye, Ben Arfa (Sh.Ameobi 65), Gutierrez, Tiote, Cisse, Gouffran (Gosling 77)
Subs not used: Harper, Williamson, Perch, Anita, Campbell

Ten-year records
West Ham United
2012/13 Premier League 10th
2011/12 Championship 3rd (promoted via Play-Offs)
2010/11 Premier League 20th (relegated to Championship)

2009/10 Premier League 17th

2008/09 Premier League 9th

2007/08 Premier League 10th

2006/07 Premier League 15th

2005/06 Premier League 9th

2004/05 Championship 6th (promoted to Premier League via Play-Offs)

2003/04 Division One 4th

Newcastle United
2012/13 Premier League 16th
2011/12 Premier League 5th
2010/11 Premier League 12th
2009/10 Championship 1st
2008/09 Premier League 18th
2007/08 Premier League 12th
2006/07 Premier League 13th
2005/06 Premier League 7th
2004/05 Premier League 14th
2003/04 Premier League 5th

Referee
• Saturday's referee will be Phil Dowd.
• Dowd is in his 13h season as a Select Group official, having initially been promoted to the Barclays Premier League list of referees in 2001.

• Dowd began refereeing in local leagues in 1984, officiating in the Staffordshire Senior League and Midland Football Alliance. He was appointed to the Football League list of assistant referees in 1992, before joining the League's full list of referees in 1997, aged 34.

• The 49-year-old is commonly considered to be one of England's best match officials, an opinion backed by his appointments as the referee for the 2012 FA Cup and 2010 Football League Cup finals.

• Previously, Dowd was the fourth official at the 2006 FA Cup final between West Ham United and Liverpool at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

• Dowd has refereed 23 West Ham fixtures in total, the most-recent being the last day of the season 4-2 victory over Reading in May.
• He will be assisted by Simon Bennett and Dave Bryan, while the fourth official is Kevin Friend.

General Information
• There are only a handful of tickets remaining for this fixture. Click here for full information.
• The weather forecast for Saturday is for light rain at 3pm, with temperatures at 17C (63F).

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Potts primed for Chelsea test
WHUFC.com
Steve Potts' youngsters travel to Chelsea in the Barclays U18 Premier League on Saturday
23.08.2013

Steve Potts has challenged his West Ham United youngsters to rise to the challenge again when they travel to Chelsea on Saturday. The Hammers started their Barclays U18 Premier League season in sensational style by defeating Manchester United 2-1 at Little Heath last weekend. Now, Potts and his players face another difficult encounter when they take on the FA Youth Cup runners-up at Cobham. "I've said before what a good league this is and how it's going to test the boys," said the U18s manager. "You couldn't ask for a harder test than our start at home to Manchester United and away to Chelsea. "I know it will be a real test. Chelsea are probably the benchmark in U18s football at the moment because of the money they have thrown at their Academy, especially at youth-team level, so it will be a good test for us. "It hit home a couple of years ago when we went to play Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup and people were saying that their team cost £11m to put together and ours cost £20,000! "I just think it will be a great test for our boys to see what they are all about and find the level they need to be at."

Reflecting on last weekend's 2-1 win over Manchester United, Potts was proud of his players' efforts in both attack and defence. Lewis Page and Jerry Amoo put the Hammers two goals up, but the Red Devils put their hosts under intense pressure in the second half and set-up a nervy finish with a penalty just a few minutes from full-time. "I just thought it was an all-round good team performance on top of all the individual stuff. The key to it was how well they played as a group. "Unless you are like that, you are going to find it difficult and I couldn't ask for any more from that point of view. "Manchester United at home didn't need any building up at all and the boys didn't surprise me with how well they reacted to playing against them. The only doubt is if they are going to play the name rather than the team, but they went about it the right way and their football came out. "In the first half we were excellent. In the second half, Manchester United had a lot of the ball, but we defended well and the pleasing thing was that we thoroughly deserved the win, I thought."

While West Ham's Academy sides will always play good football, anyone who saw the U18s' victory over Manchester United will have also enjoyed the resilience and determination shown to maintain their advantage. Potts said those same qualities will definitely be required at Chelsea, who started their own Barclays U18 Premier League campaign with a 3-0 win over Sunderland. "We only conceded from a penalty towards the end and there was a bit of everything in the game. There was some good football played, some intelligent play with and without the ball and when it came to putting our bodies on the line, the nitty gritty and our defending, I thought we did that well too. "I was pleased and the key now is not getting carried away with that one result. We're going to go all over the country this season and it's going to throw up all sorts of challenges for the boys, like long trips up north in the winter and different styles of football.
"On Saturday we'll be up against a footballing Chelsea team, that's for sure, so I'm looking forward to seeing how the boys react to it."

Watch out for live coverage of Saturday's trip to Chelsea on twitter @whufc_official from 11am.

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Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
Hammers right-back Guy Demel pens the latest player blog ahead of Saturday's trip to Newcastle
23.08.2013

West Ham United full-back Guy Demel was as pleased as anyone to see Stewart Downing rock up at the Boleyn Ground in recent weeks, having twice had to marshal the England winger last season. The Ivorian international is now keen to team up with the 29-year-old, knowing that the Hammers' new No23 will cause many an opposing full-back a headache this term.

Everyone's feeling good after Saturday's win. It makes it a pleasure to come into work and easy to turn up at the training ground. Everyone's got a smile on their face. It's really good to work with such a great set of lads. When you win, everything becomes easier. That's why we're looking forward to getting a good result at Newcastle as well. Back-to-back wins for the first two games of the season would be fantastic. It will make us even more confident, so it's another win that we're looking for.

I knew Stewart before he signed for West Ham. I played against him last year, and he was playing on my side, so I knew he was good! When he came on, I'm not sure exactly how long he played for, he showed what he's about, very skilful and quick. That's exactly what we need. Competition for places is tough now. Don't forget, Joe Cole scored and he's a first-class player as well. It's always good to play with that calibre of player, whether it's Downing or Joe Cole, because they've got quality. It's good to have them.

It's good when a winger in front of me gives the opposition full-back a tough time, because then he'll call the winger to help him. So it will be less pressure for me and makes my life a whole lot easier! It's really good to play with those guys in front of me. Looking ahead to Saturday, it won't be easy up at Newcastle, it never is. Even Cardiff wasn't easy, maybe we made it look that way, but it wasn't. So against Newcastle, it's going to be tougher from the start, because they obviously lost their first game - so they're going to want to impress. But if we can keep a clean sheet and withstand the pressure, we've got every chance of coming back with the win.

As ever, there's a lot of chat at the training ground, some big characters. But to be fair, everybody's in the gym most of the time, working hard because it's still early days in the season. Everyone's looking to get into shape. But it's a good laugh in the gym, we play music and we push each other. Men and their egos! So for now, that's where we're spending most of our time, but as the season goes on, we'll be more relaxed and there'll be more time to enjoy. Right now it's all work and no play, as we're still in that pre-season mentality.

Safe trip to all those travelling up on Saturday, see you there!

Guy

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Nolan wants St James' Park repeat
WHUFC.com
Hammers skipper Kevin Nolan is looking to begin with a bang on the road at his old club
23.08.2013

West Ham United skipper Kevin Nolan says his team know exactly what is required if they are to start their away Barclays Premier League programme in the manner they crave at Newcastle United on Saturday. The Hammers' campaign began with a 2-0 victory over Cardiff City on Saturday, helped by an early goal from Joe Cole, and now Nolan's focus is on improving last season's away win tally of three. He spent two-and-a-half years at St James' Park so knows more than most what kind of threat the Hammers will have to deal with on Tyneside. "When the fixtures came out, I went down, saw Liverpool, all the big clubs, and obviously I looked out for Newcastle having been transferred here from there," he told West Ham TV. "We have them as the first away game of the season, and going back there will be tough but it's one I'm looking forward to after such a fantastic start. "It was quite surreal the last time I went back, but I really enjoyed it. It's a fantastic stadium to play in, and the fans are so passionate. Hopefully we can replicate what we did last season - I thought we were brilliant, gave a solid performance and getting the goal was fantastic. "We want to start off what will become a successful season away from home. We need to address our away form and hopefully that will begin from this weekend. "We need to at least double the amount of away wins we had last season, if we do that'll put us right in the mix in that top ten, as long as we carry on with the home form. "We've changed a few things, I can't say here what as they might be reading, but hopefully we'll see a stronger side to us, and with the new acquisitions that will make things a bit easier."

Newcastle were defeated 4-0 at Manchester City in their opening fixture, but Nolan believes they will provide a sterner test on this occasion. He continued: "One thing I always found is that when you play for Newcastle, when you walk out at St James' Park and you play for them, they demand everything you've got. Believe me, they'll be a different side on Saturday to the one the world saw on Monday. "We have to be prepared for that, Alan Pardew's a fighter, he's not going to lie down and let us steamroller them. He'll be having them right fired up for it, we need to deal with that, the crowd and the occasion. "What we need to happen is keep them quiet for 20 or 30 minutes, get the crowd on their backs and then stamp our authority on the match. "That's what I'm hoping for on Saturday and we need to be not too fazed by what happened [to them] on Monday."

On a personal level, Nolan began the season with a bang by notching the Hammers' second in the victory over Cardiff. He ended up with ten to take the accolade of the Club's top scorer last season and wants to keep on experiencing the feeling of scoring vital goals. He added: "When I look back on my season, if I score 15 goals and seven of them haven't meant anything, they don't really count for me. The ones which count are the goals like last week, when people are a little jittery, but then we've finished Cardiff off after a fantastic move. "That's when you need the goals, and that's what I like to think I'm about as a leader, being able to pop up with one."

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Kevin Nolan: West Ham captain retains England hope
BBC.co.uk

West Ham captain Kevin Nolan has not given up on representing England. The 31-year-old midfielder has scored 62 goals in over 330 Premier League appearances but is yet to receive an international call-up. He told BBC London 94.9: "I would love a call-up - there is nothing that would make me and my family more proud. "I think I have deserved a call throughout my career. When I see the people who have got caps, I think I should have had a few."

Liverpool-born Nolan, who has been capped by England at Under-18 and Under-21 levels, acknowledges competition for national places is stiff but believes his record speaks for itself. "When you look at the likes of Frank Lampard, who is still doing it in the Premier League, I think he has probably been the main culprit of why I haven't got many caps," Nolan continued. "Him and Steven Gerrard, and the way they have performed over the last 10 to 15 years. "I have been growing up with them. If I was coming up with this new crop I think I might have got a few here and there.

Kevin Nolan's career
Bolton (Trainee-Jan 2009): 345 appearances, 50 goals
Newcastle (Jan 09-June 11): 86 appearances, 30 goals
West Ham (June 11-present): 85 appearances, 24 goals

"I have never been too far behind them. In terms of Premier League goals I am up there with the best. That is something I am proud of and it is never too late, as I feel I am getting stronger and fitter and better."

The former Bolton Wanderers and Newcastle United man believes his move from the Magpies to Upton Park in 2011 has helped breathe new life into his career. After linking up with manager Sam Allardyce for the second time in his career, Nolan has scored 24 goals in his first two seasons in east London.
"I know what Sam Allardyce does to clubs and what he does for players," he said. "As an individual, I knew that if I was to stay with Sam he would get the best out of me in my latter years as a professional footballer and give me the best chance to stay at the top of my game for as long as I can. "In the past two seasons I have only got stronger and I am hoping to get better again this year. "I am feeling great and staying clear of injury and that is a big bonus for me."

Nolan, who is now in his 14th full season as a professional having made his first-team debut as a 17-year-old for Bolton in 2000, also says that seeing Southampton striker Rickie Lambert score on his international debut for England last week has convinced him that he too has something to offer his country.
"You only have to look at Rickie the other day," he said. "He's the same age as me and I grew up with him, playing in teams in Liverpool with him and I was delighted for him. "Hopefully I might get that call and if I do hopefully I'll take the chance, push on and maybe get a few caps and not just be a one-cap wonder."

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Newcastle v West Ham
KO 15:00
23 August 2013
Last updated at 13:20
By Alistair Mann
BBC Match of the Day commentator

BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: St James' Park Date: Saturday, 24 August
Continue reading the main story

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew must decide whether to recall Yohan Cabaye, who was left out of Monday's defeat at Manchester City following a transfer bid by Arsenal. Steven Taylor is suspended, Cheick Tiote faces a fitness test on a groin problem, and Jonas Gutierrez and Loic Remy are definitely out.

West Ham remain without injured pair Andy Carroll and George McCartney. There could be a debut for Razvan Rat and a first start for Stewart Downing.

MATCH PREVIEW

A former Newcastle United player once famously likened being at the club to living in a goldfish bowl, such was the intensity of the scrutiny that players and staff were constantly under. As a one-club city and statistically the third best-supported side in the Premier League, every situation does appear to be viewed with enormous significance, so the developing feelings of angst which greeted the 4-0 mauling at the Etihad Stadium on Monday were to be expected.
"After what has happened at Newcastle this summer, including Joe Kinnear's appointment as director of football which I think has undermined manager Alan Pardew, I would expect a noisy reaction from the Magpies fans for their first home game of the season."

In reality, the result itself merely accentuated the overriding sense of negativity with which supporters have viewed the lack of transfer activity during the summer. Their only addition, loanee Loic Remy, is injured so manager Alan Pardew currently has the same players with which he ended last season - less Yohan Cabaye, whose departure now seems imminent. Pardew has admitted that a new arrival would inject a much-needed morale boost. That new face won't be in place in time for the visit of West Ham, a match for which he'll also be without the suspended Steven Taylor and injured Jonas Gutierez, two more consequences of the damaging defeat at Manchester City.

By contrast, the visitors will arrive in buoyant mood, not just because of their efficient opening-day win against Cardiff City but also with almost all their own squad assembly now complete. Latest recruit Stewart Downing could well be in line for his first start in a side that will contain Newcastle's former skipper Kevin Nolan. His committed two and half years on Tyneside are still appreciated, despite his winning goal for the Hammers in the same fixture last year.
That another ex Magpie Sam Allardyce has won at St James' Park on his last three visits only adds to the intrigue.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
This is the 124th game between the two clubs in all competitions. Newcastle lead by 46 wins to West Ham's 38.
The last time Newcastle won this fixture was in January 2011 when Kevin Nolan scored in a 5-0 thrashing - their biggest ever win over West Ham
West Ham won at St James' Park for the first time in 10 attempts last season, with ex-Magpie Nolan the match-winner.
Sam Allardyce's team were the only side that managed to keep a clean sheet both home and away against Newcastle United in the Premier League last season.

Newcastle
Alan Pardew's side have only earned five points from their last seven matches and sit bottom of the Premier League on goal difference.
Monday's drubbing was Newcastle's heaviest opening-day defeat in the top flight since 1988 (0-4 v Everton).
Newcastle are trying to avoid losing a fourth Premier League game in a row for the first time.
Steven Taylor's red card on Monday was Newcastle's fifth since the start of last season; only Arsenal (6) have had more dismissals over the same period.

West Ham
West Ham were the only team not to win consecutive Premier League games last season.
The Hammers have won just one of their last 14 away games in the Premier League.
Sam Allardyce has presided over victories in his last three visits to Newcastle with West Ham, Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers.
Allardyce was sacked by Newcastle after 24 games in 2008, describing it as one of the "lowest points in his career".
Kevin Nolan has scored in three of the last four Premier League encounters between these two sides, although two of those goals came for Newcastle United.

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Duke pleased with West Ham trial
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 23rd August 2013
By: Staff Writer

Aussie forward Mitchell Duke admitted that he was "star struck" when first arriving at Chadwell Heath on loan. The Central Coast Mariners striker was invited to England earlier this month in order to train with West Ham's first team but returned home last weekend without a contract offer. Despite failing to land an extended stay in the UK, Duke - who admits to being an Arsenal supporter - believes that the experience will only serve him well for the future - even if he was slightly daunted by the quality of players he found himself training alongside. "It was an unreal experience, getting the chance to play at what is just a different level of quality," the 22-year-old told The Advertiser. "Just watching the players you realise it's a different pace, they're making different runs. There's so much quality. "Every player there is big and powerful physically, you realise the power they have to have. Andy Carroll was injured but to train with the likes of Stuart Downing, Joe Cole and Alou Diarra was almost surreal. "I had a few little chats here and there but you know, no one was there to teach me. That's how it is in football, it was all about seeing how I stood on my own two feet. Hopefully in the long run I can get more of a taste of that level. "I thought I fitted in well, didn't look too out of place and hopefully that's going to feed into my confidence in the A-League next season. From that point of view, the really important part of the week for me was to see how I stood in relation to the level of football we're talking about and I felt reasonably comfortable."

* Former Hammer Carlton Cole, still without a club having been released by West Ham at the end of last season is being linked with a move to France. St Etienne, who were rumoured to be keen to land Modibo Maiga on loan from the Hammers are reported to have turned their attention to the former England international.

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Newcastle United v West Ham United
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 23rd August 2013
By: Preview Percy

It's Friday which can mean only one thing. But before that Preview Percy takes a look at this weekend's opponents. You might want to give it a bit of a swerve if you're Joe Kinnear. Or even if you're not....

Next up we face a 560+ mile round trip up the A1 to Newcastle United. You can add another mile or two to that distance just by climbing up to the away section of the ground. Kick-off this Saturday is the traditional 3pm. Which is good.

Regular readers will recall that when I do a Newcastle preview I usually go to to one of my oldest friends in the form of Geordie Preview Alastair for a bit of background. In getting ready for this one we met in our local, The Swan and Superinjunction over a pint or two of Allardyce's Best. It was a convivial session with shared memories of our playing days much to the fore. Then I mentioned Joe Kinnear, whereupon my companion went as white as a sheet, pulled out a bottle of those special pills he has marked "to be taken only in moments of extreme stress" and swallowed six of them before starting to weep uncontrollably whilst curled up on the floor in a foetal position.

You see It's been an "interesting" few months for the Magpies, even by their standards. The announcement of the arrival of somewhat bonkers Joe Kinnear would have been sensational enough on its own. However, the manner in which the news appeared was even madder. Firstly, Kinnear went about telling everyone he'd been appointed before, as is usually the case, the club announced it. Then there were the interviews themselves. Kinnear, it seems, has a rather tenuous grip on reality.

I guess you could forgive the odd inexactitude in the interest of bigging up the old CV. Such as having played over 400 times for Spurs (he didn't), having won the Manager Of The Year award three times (he didn't), having made a big profit on John Hartson who he had signed on a free (er, signed for £7,5m), having signed current Magpies 'keeper Tim Krul for the club (Krul arrived two years before Kinnear) etc etc. Problem is that anyone with a computer could check such facts. So to finish the interview by claiming you're much more intelligent than your supporters is a bit of an own goal.

Kinnear's arrival prompted the departure of MD Derek Llambias. You'd have though that Kinnear might have kept a low profile after first interview. Nope. Back he came claiming to be "head and shoulders" over everyone else. Whilst the manufacturers of a well known dandruff treatment were considering legal action over this comment, Kinnear went into overdrive, He started out by pointing out that every club had a director of football (nope). Then, seemingly oblivious to the old adage "when in a hole stop digging" he went on and on: "I've been a manager for 35 years" proving his grasp of maths is about as strong as his grasp on reality. "I've won every award there is as a player" well, except the league Joe. And the European Cup. And the (much missed) Cup-Winners Cup. And I must have missed the Republic Of Ireland's Euro and World Cup triumphs. "I had two years at Forest" (less than a year), "two years winning promotion at Luton" (one relegation, one promotion), and almost two years at Newcastle (er, 8 months. If you include three of sick leave). There's no justice is there really. I mean Kinnear comes out with all that sort of stuff and it's ME that has to spend my twilight years in the Avram Grant Olympic Rest Home For The Bewildered!

All this has prompted much speculation over the future of one A Pardew esquire. Certainly, if there have been transfer targets this window there's been little success in getting them in. Carroll was linked with a return to his first club but it has been suggested that a proposed move was blocked by Kinnear. Similarly, all thoughts of signing Darren Bent seem to have disappeared (though frankly that's probably no bad thing). The one big arrival of the summer has been striker Loic Remy from QPR on loan. The Geordies reportedly pipped ourselves to the striker, though their enthusiasm has been tempered by the fact that he is a) injured and b) may possibly be unavailable for "legal reasons" after September when he has ben bailed to return to have a chat with plod in connection with an alleged rape incident. All of which makes one wonder how long our former manager is likely to put up with such interference in his job.

The Geordies' version of kumb is nufc.com – a web address which our mate Biffa had the foresight to register before it occurred to the club – something that still irritates the people behind their official site. A look through the news pages on there suggests that owner Mike Ashley may be turning his attentions elsewhere. Having already invested in a stake with Rangers north of the border, it has been rumoured that the man who single-handedly dresses 50% of those one might meet at a jobcentre or White Hart Lane (Primark have got the other 50%) may be looking to up sticks and throw his lot all in north of the border. There have also been some intriguing rumours as to who might take over in the event of Ashley's departure – which nufc.com will only refer to as "Americans". All good stuff.

As if all the madness surrounding Kinnear wasn't enough to be dealing with they then had the Cisse affair. Cisse, you will recall, expressed his major disapproval of the club's new shirt sponsors, Wonga.com, on the grounds that profiting from interest on loans is against Islamic law. So far, so very principled. It got as far as the first XI squad disappearing abroad for pre-season training whilst leaving the striker behind on Tyneside to train alone. With his mates all away he was left at a bit of a loose end of an evening so where better to wind down after a day's hard solo training than, er, a casino. The problem is that everyone has a cameraphone these days and, well, you can imagine the discussions that took place over the finer points of Sharia Law once the Newcastle management returned to resolve the issue.

The fixture computer sent them to Man City on the opening day. Sky told the fixture computer to think again and moved the match to Monday. By that time Arsenal had been beaten hilariously by Villa at home, prompting the traditional early-season moaning from their supporters over their lack of spending, Which, in turn, prompted the traditional early-season attempts at panic buying from Wenger, who offered £10m for midfielder Yohan Cabaye. ("Johan Kebab" – Joe Kinnear). Cabaye was sent back to the North East by Pardew prior to the Man City match for not being in the "right frame of mind" with Pardew clearly being angry at the timing of Arsenal's bid. Presumably Pardew is equally unimpressed by reports linking the player to a move to French moneybags PSG.

Whether or not Cabaye would have made a difference in the match itself is probably unlikely. In goal Krull was a busy chap, making at least three point-blank saves before the Citizens took the lead. The Magpies' cause was not helped by Steven Taylor's daft cuffing of Aguero around the noggin resulting in an instant red card. They also lost Gutierrez through injury which will put pressure on a squad that would appear to lack depth.

Taylor's dismissal will put paid to all thoughts of a reunion with Andy Carroll – though it seems unlikely that the latter will be fit in any case. They have a chequered history those two – Carroll's hand and Taylor's jaw both being broken during a training ground bust up involving text messages and a woman. Best not to ask.

In defence they will at least have Fabricio Coloccini available for selection. He was linked with a return to his boyhood club San Lorenzo. However, despite alleged Papal intervention, Coloccini has remained on Tyneside, where he is regularly serenaded with that song we used to sing about Christian Dailly all those years ago.

Indications are that Remy is another week away from making an appearance at the earliest. They went with Cisse alone up front against Man City but there may be a place for Shola Ameobi ("Ammamobi" – Joe Kinnear) who, bless him, is still there despite a less than spectacular record in front of goal over the many years that he has been with the club.

Ameobi's kid brother, midfielder Sammy, is also on the books – he came on as sub at Eastlands or whatever it's called on Monday. Ameobi jr was less than impressed with Kinnear's pronunciation of the family name and went onto twitter to say so. At least when Bobby Robson got players' names wrong it was as a result of an endearing absent-mindedness rather than some clumsy attempt to be "funny" – when Shola A. was asked by Howard Wilkinson what Robson usually called him Ameobi is reported to have replied "Carl Cort".

As for us, last week's win was a thoroughly satisfactory 90 minutes. Some might point to a lack of cutting edge from the visitors but you can only beat what's in front of you. It was a solid, nay professional performance featuring two excellent goals. Not much mention of hoof ball in the papers this weekend was there?! I must admit I was even pleasantly surprised by the form of Downing in his brief spell on the pitch. Another player rescued from ruination at the hands of Liverpool?

Other than Carroll and the unfortunate McCartney there are no injuries to speak of which gives the manager the nice problem of having to decide who to leave out. The bench last weekend consisted of Adrian, Tomkins, Rat, Morrison, Vaz Te, Diarra, and Downing which looked pretty strong to me. Add to those the fact that Collison and Taylor couldn't get a look in and we have a bit of depth for once.

The one area which could perhaps do with a bit of beefing up is, of course the striking dept. Maiga looks ok when we play to his strengths but that's something that we sometimes don't do. And with Carroll out we look rather short were anything to happen to Maiga. We'd still have to shift players out to get someone in – Taylor and Vaz Te seem to be near the top of that particular list – thanks to the new wage rules. At time of writing there's still no sign of that happening.

So prediction time then. Newcastle were well beaten against Man City and the big question is how much of that defeat can be attributed to how well the home side played and how much was down to Newcastle playing badly. Clearly, internally, they are a club in some disarray internally at the moment and I would normally think of going for a win under those circumstances. However, with only one game played this season I have no idea whether we're going to be a bit more adventurous on the road this term. So, with an air of caution in mind, the AGORHFTB has borrowed a sum of money (£2.50) from Newcastle's sponsors and we've placed it on a 1-1 draw in the hope that our winnings will enable us to make the appropriate repayment of £2,226,597 which will be due on Matron's payday.

Enjoy the game!

When Last We Met At St James' Park: Won 1-0 (November 2012).
Nolan's first half effort – turning in a wayward shot from JO'B – was enough to give us all three points – though Jaaskalainen had to make a couple of good saves late on to ensure a rare away win.

Referee: Phil Dowd. Lucky to still be on the list last season after failing the fitness tests. Reports suggest that he's slimmed down a bit this close season which is just as well. Last seen conducting the Bobby Moore Stand's rendition of "you're too fat to referee" in the fixture between the two clubs at the Boleyn in May, before the effort of waving his arms in time to the tune proved too exhausting for him and he had to go for a lie down.

Danger Man: Papisse Cisse ("Sisseeeee" – Joe Kinnear) – difficult to single anyone out so early in the season but Cisse topped their score charts last term. Just don't ask him for a sub until payday.

Daft Fact Of The Week: According to an un-broadcast part of his interview with Talksport, Joe Kinnear was the first man on the moon, can speak thirty-six languages (including Klingon), and is currently also the lead singer with the as popular as they are talentless boy band One Direction.

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Sam staying schtum
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 23rd August 2013
By: Staff Writer

Sam Allardyce says new acquisitions ahead of the transfer deadline 11 days for now are "unlikely" - though few, it seems, believe him. Allardyce, speaking ahead of this weekend's trip to Newcastle told reporters that although the squad is unbalanced, due to the financial restraints imposed by FFP new arrivals ahead of the September 1 were improbable. "It's unlikely that there will be any ins and outs," he revealed. "You never say never, but we're not actively looking at any players to bring in nor are we actively looking at selling any players either. "I've got the squad I've got and that's it; if there is a new player to come in we'll need to sell first. But I don't envisage that happening and I'm not looking at doing it because I'm happy with the squad I've got at the moment.
"It's not frustrating for me. There's a new set of regulations that says you've got a limit on your wages, set by these new rules. I've hit my limit and that's it, we move on. "I'm not panicking and I'm not anxious about any transfers like a lot of managers will be in the next few weeks, because we did our business as quick as we possibly could and that's it. We've got a very good squad."

Despite Big Sam's insistence that the club's summer business has been concluded, few supporters believe that the squad won't be enhanced by at least one new arrival ahead of the deadline. However one player almost certainly not on his way to east London - permanently, at least - is triallist Mitchel Duke, who has returned to Australia following a week spent training with the first tea squad at Chadwell Heath.

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Pards on Big Sam
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 23rd August 2013
By: Staff Writer

Former Hammers boss Alan Pardew believes that West Ham are in safe hands with current manager Sam Allardyce.

Pardew, who managed West Ham between 2003 and 2006 has been on Tyneside since succeeding Chris Hughton (now at Norwich) in 2010. The 52-year-old, whose own position has looked less than secure in recent weeks insists that the Hammers - whom his Newcastle side meet tomorrow - are a good shout for another top half finish.

"Sam's an experienced manager," Pardew told the Gazette. "There's no danger of West Ham going down, they've got good players. You like to think they're in the same bracket as us. So it's a big game for us. A big three points in that little group I think we're in."

Meanwhile Allardyce believes that despite Newcastle's 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Manchester City last Monday, the Magpies - whom he briefly managed in 2007 - will provide a far tougher proposition on their own turf.

"Even though Newcastle had, probably a poor performance Alan would say in the end, that was only brought about by circumstances and Manchester City being absolutely brilliant," he said. "First game of the season at St James' Park and the fans will lift the players, so we will have to be on top form to make sure we get a result."

One player Pardew could well be without this weekend is midfielder Yohan Cabaye, who was the subject of a £10million bid from Arsenal earlier in the week. The 27-year-old failed to play in Monday's 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Manchester City and Pardew refused to state either way whether the French international would be involved.

"There's a solution that he goes. There's also a solution that he stays," Pardew explained. "If he stays, he has to be in a position where he produces his best football. He has to have faith in the manager, and he has faith in the group around him.

"I have to support him, and I will, until such time that there is a solution. For me, he is a great player that will be difficult to replace. I'd like him to stay like our fans do. He's a special player, but we'll have to wait and see."

Pardew, who is already without the services of Jonas Gutierrez (hamstring) could also be missing Cheik Tiote who is struggling to overcome a groin strain.

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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce wants to continue five-year unbeaten run against Newcastle
Last Updated: August 23, 2013 5:19pm
SSN

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is hoping to continue his personal unbeaten run against Newcastle on Saturday. Allardyce has not lost to Newcastle since United sacked him after an eight-month spell in January 2008. He has taken them on as Blackburn and West Ham boss and is yet to lose since, and the Hammers beat Newcastle 1-0 at St James' Park last season, former Magpie Kevin Nolan scoring the only goal. The upcoming fixture would have carried extra significance for Allardyce in the past but now any lingering issues with his departure are forgotten. "I've been back quite a few times," he said. "From my point of view, it's always been a very positive result whenever I've gone back. I haven't gone back and been beaten yet, so I want the lads to keep that record up for me if they can. It's a difficult place to go and a difficult place to get points. "As the years go by any (antipathy) soon diminishes, you look to the future and look to build your career. Thinking about the past is not in my make up, it's not my philosophy to keep going backwards."

"As the years go by any (antipathy) soon diminishes, you look to the future and look to build your career. Thinking about the past is not in my make up, it's not my philosophy to keep going backwards. "It's always about what's going to happen next, how we're going to build a better future, how we're going to become better as a team and improve the club."

West Ham won their season opener 2-0 against Cardiff last weekend, whilst Newcastle were hammered 4-0 at Manchester City. But Allardyce will not allow his players to become over-confident going in to the match on Saturday. "We all know that we were poor away from home last season, even if Newcastle wasn't one of the venues that we slipped up on away from home last year," he said. "I'll just remind the lads over the next couple of days that we had a great start last season and then went to Swansea and got beaten 3-0, and that could have been four or five. "The Premier League is obviously a very difficult place to play your football and without 100 per cent commitment and focus on every single game, you won't get the result that you're looking for. "You cannot ease off, every time you do that in this league you get punished. We have to be 100 per cent focused and we have to improve our away form from last season, starting with Saturday's game at Newcastle. "Even though Newcastle had probably a poor performance, Alan (Pardew) would say that was only brought about by circumstances and Manchester City being absolutely brilliant."

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Newcastle take on West Ham at St James' Park
Last Updated: August 23, 2013 2:07pm
SSN

West Ham travel to face Newcastle at St James' Park with Sam Allardyce aiming to pile the misery on his former club. Alan Pardew celebrates his 100th Premier League game in charge of Newcastle with the visit of former club West Ham. Pardew will be looking for a response from his side after their disappointing 4-0 defeat to Manchester City on Monday night. West Ham on the other hand kicked off their campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over Cardiff and they will be confident ahead of their trip to Tyneside. The Hammers won on their last visit to St James' Park with former Newcastle man Kevin Nolan scoring the winner.

Paul Merson's prediction

So Sam Allardyce is back at St James' Park! Well I can tell you one thing: Newcastle wouldn't have got relegated if they'd have kept him. Newcastle were poor, very poor, against Man City. Yes, it was no huge surprise and you can point to the sending-off of Steven Taylor but the game was gone by then. They were opened up many times and that will need fixing. At least Alan Pardew is thinking they don't have to do too much because they are not going to be as bad as they were last season. But I need to see them a couple more games - starting against Big Sam's West Ham - before you can see if the pressure is going to be on them. But West Ham trying to win away games means only one thing... a Newcastle win.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1

Newcastle
Last 6
Man City (a)4-0
Braga (h)1-1
Rangers (a)1-1

Newcastle will be without defender Steven Taylor as he begins a three-match ban following his sending off against Manchester City. Jonas Gutierrez is also set to miss out after picking up a hamstring problem in the defeat at the Etihad Stadium. On-loan striker Loic Remy is still sidelined with a calf injury, while Davide Santon remains a major doubt after missing the City defeat with a hip injury.

West Ham
Last 6
2-0
Pacos Ferreira (h)2-1
Braga (a)1-0
Hamburg (a)1-3
Colchester (a)1-2
Bournemth (a)0-2

West Ham forward Andy Carroll will miss the opportunity to face his former club when the Hammers travel to take on Newcastle. The club's record signing is still struggling with an ankle injury although he is getting closer to a return to training, as is defender George McCartney (knee). Full-back Razvan Rat is in line to make his debut whilst Stewart Downing could make his first start for the club.

Opta Stats:

The Hammers were the only side that managed to keep a clean sheet both home and away against Newcastle United in the Premier League last season.
After creating the most chances without an assist in the Premier League last term (46), Matt Jarvis assisted Joe Cole's goal with his first chance created in 2013/14.
Since the start of 2012, Newcastle have won five of their seven Premier League home games against sides from London (L2).

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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has no funds left
Last Updated: August 23, 2013 9:56am
SSN

West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce has reiterated that the club would have to sell before dipping back into the transfer market. Hammers co-owner David Gold revealed earlier in the week that no more additions will be sanctioned until players are moved on. Allardyce has already spent some £25million this summer and has reached his limit in terms of squad salary. It has been suggested that he may look to make one more move before the window closes, with West Ham still short on strikers, but Allardyce insists he is happy with what he has got and has no plans to request more cash. He said: "I've got no money left. "If we wanted to bring a new player in, we would have to sell some players." "That's it. If we wanted to bring a new player in, we would have to sell some players. "But I'm not looking to do that because I'm happy with the squad I've got. "I'm not panicking because we've done all our business as quick as we possibly can."

Allardyce's attacking options should be bolstered over the next week or so by the return to fitness of Andy Carroll, with the England international close to shaking off a heel complaint. "Over the next few days, I expect him to step up training," added Allardyce.

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MATCH PREVIEW: NEWCASTLE V WEST HAM
By Iain Dale 24 Aug 2013 at 07:36
West Ham Till I Die

I know this is probably a really stupid thing to say, but I reckon the Newcastle match could well be a defining game. If we win it, expectations are going to be sky high and we're all going to expect a good season finishing in the top half. And in a week's time we'll expect to have nine points on the board and have reached the second round of whatever the League Cup is called nowadays. Football isn't life that, though, is it? Especially if you're a West Ham fan who supports a club with no real strikers.

Although we won the same game last year, back in 2011 we were slaughtered 5-0. Even with their injury, suspension and transfer woes, Newcastle are not to be misunderestimated, as George Bush might say. They have some quality players who will have been humiliated after their drubbing at Manchester City in their first game. We also need to bear in mind that last season we were the only club in the Premier League never to win two consecutive games. It would be nice to break that particular hoodoo today.

Newcastle will probably line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation: Krul; Debuchy, Yanga-Mbiwa, Coloccini, Santon; Sissoko, Anita; Marveaux, Ben Arfa, Gouffran; Cisse. They are missing S Taylor (suspended), Gutierrez (hamstring), Remy (knee), Williamson (knock), Haidara (knock), Alnwick (calf/shin), R Taylor (knee) not to mention Cabaye (Arsenal bound).

The most likely change I can see in our starting eleven is Downing in for Jarvis or Cole, but my suspicion is that Sam Allardyce doesn't think he is fit enough to last ninety minutes. In theory Rat could come in for O'Brien, but why change a winning team? O'Brien played very well last week.

Last week I correctly predicted a 2-0 Hammers win. Unusually, I was right. Let's see if lightning can strike twice. This week I'm going for a 2-0 win again, with Maiga to score.

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IS RICARDO VAZ TE THE ANSWER TO OUR STRIKER PROBLEMS?
By Iain Dale 23 Aug 2013 at 22:55
West Ham Till I Die

One nice thing about this new site is that far more of you are contacting me via the CONTACT button at the top of the page, either to give me feedback on the site, or to make suggestions as to subjects we might debate. This evening, I had just appeared on ANY QUESTIONS and got this email from Leon.

I am a former season ticket holder and as always I am keeping a keen eye on the summer transfer window like most fans. West Ham, or rather the two David's and Sam, have done a fantastic job over the past few seasons and with the new ffp rules seem to be working overtime to keep the playing staff both balanced and competitive, which brings me to my main point.

We are in desperate need for at least one more goal scoring forward and in my opinion I think we have that player at the club in Vaz Te. I think he could handle playing in a more central role and Sam could I hope really get the best out of him. Now he might not be able to hold the ball up as well and others at the club but I think with the right service/support from midfield he could be the man to put the ball in the back of the net on a regular basis running into channels and getting in behind the last defender.

If I'm not mistaken Vaz has played this role at other clubs and I would love to see if your man at West Ham stats could dig anything up supporting my thinking. Enjoy the game tomorrow. Let's hope that Newcastle do not have the wounded animal approach to the game.

Well, it's a point of view, and on reflection, I wonder if he has a point. Let's not forget, in 16 Championship games, he scored 12 goals. Some may say he found his level that season, but he hasn't become a bad player overnight. I suspect he is a bit like Carlton Cole, a player who performs best when his manager shows his confidence in him.

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GO FOR JORDAN RHODES AND TRY THE PART-EXCHANGE ROUTE!
By S J Chandos 23 Aug 2013 at 07:30
West Ham Till I Die

It is hard to believe that the club will allow the transfer window to slam shut without bringing in the necessary striker reinforcements. Our current situation, pertaining to the club's salary cap, is well documented and discussed on WHTID. It is a situation that should never have arisen, but it has. So, now we need to find a way out of the impasse. The objective is to off load two or three squad players and bring in at least one striker. And a solution could be to tie up a part-exchange deal.

Now, I doubt Henderson, Taylor, Vaz Te or McCartney will generate much interest in Turin or Lisbon, but they might in Blackburn! In these circumstances, drastic action is called for to find a suitable solution. Jordan Rhodes is probably the best goal scoring prospect outside the Premier League. He has a fanastic goal scoring record and, at 23 years of age, time for further development of his game. He is a full Scotland international and it is indicative of the direction of travel of English football that he has not yet been given a opportunity by a top tier club. Perhaps West Ham Utd should give Rhodes that opportunity?

Jordan Rhodes
To do that, we need to convince Blackburn Rovers to part with their prize asset. It will take money, a combined deal equivalent to at least £8m or above, and possibly the enticement of offering two or three experienced players in part-exchange. Sometimes clubs need to sacrifice a prize asset to strengthen their squad in other positions and bring in vital extra experience. In fact, we did much the same in the 1990s, when we sold Julian Dicks to Liverpool and took cash, plus David Burrows and Mike Marsh in part-exchange. And that bit of sharp business certainly paid dividends for us that season, it transformed us from relegation favourites and secured two players who were instrumental in ensuring a comfortable PL finish. While, more recently, we took Bobby Zamora from Spurs in part-exchange for Jermaine Defoe. That did not prove to be such a bad deal either, did it! Blackburn Rovers could see the value of transacting a similar sort of deal?

The real beauty of a part-exchange deal, in our current situation, is that it effectively 'kills three birds with one stone.' It would secure a new striker, move on some fringe squad players and generate some room for manoeuvre in the salary budget. Offering Vaz Te could be a deal clincher, because he is a tried and proven goal scorer at Championship level. Add in the experience of Matt Taylor and/or George McCartney as well, plus c.£5m, and arguably it looks a good package for the Championship club. Of course, there may be difficulties getting our fringe players to move or Blackburn Rovers may just prefer to keep Jordan Rhodes. But there is an old saying, which is: 'if you do not ask, you do not get' and that is certainly the case here.

As Iain has pointed out, Sam Allardyce has made recent public statements which seem to rule out the possibility of bringing in another striker. And that could, indeed, either be Allardyce turning up the heat on the co-owners to deliver or a straightforward statement of the probable outcome of the present state of financial affairs. Who knows? But what is certain is that the club would be taking a significant risk in not strengthening their strike force. I am sure that the club are pursuing all possible options to get surplus players out and the right players in. All this blog does is float the idea that we could try to tie it all up in one major deal that secures a promising British talent like Jordan Rhodes. It could very well prove to be one of the deals of the season.

As I stated previously, the 'end game' of this transfer window could very well be tense for us. All we can hope is that, through this or some other route, the club capture the signing(s) that will give us a greater cutting edge in attack. Sam Allardyce, David Sullivan and David Gold all know that further transfer business is necessary. So, lets hope that they collectively ensure that it happens. The degree of success that we achieve this season could very well hang upon it!

SJ. Chandos.

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West Ham's Matt Jarvis targets England recall from within Andy Carroll's shadow
23 Aug 2013 22:30
The Mirror

Matt Jarvis was the most relieved man at Upton Park when Andy Carroll made a club-record move to West Ham during the summer – and now hopes to force his way into the England squad alongside the big Geordie. Jarvis, had been the Hammers' record signing after he completed a £10.75million move from Wolves last summer, and major things were expected... but not delivered. The talented wideman admits there was a big responsibility on his shoulders to produce from the very start, and it took him time to find his best form under Sam Allardyce. But with the Londoners forking out £15m to sign Liverpool striker Carroll on a permanent basis following a season-long loan, Jarvis is now hoping the new boy will be the focus of attention rather than him. He said: "That is one thing that he can take off me and hopefully I can just go out and enjoy my football and make sure I'm playing well. "I think you do get affected by it, but it just comes with football. I'd go out and just try and play as well as I could every week but it comes as part and parcel of football. "I know exactly what my role is in the team – I can get crosses, get assists and get goals myself. It's fantastic to know exactly what he wants from me. "It would be good to increase my goal tally and chip in with more assists as well for the team."

With England facing crucial World Cup ­qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine next month, and two more in October against Montenegro and Poland, Jarvis knows he has a great chance to impress Roy Hodgson. Jarvis, whose only cap to date came against Ghana in 2011, added: "Of course I would love to get back in there, but I've just got to play well for West Ham. "We've got strong ­competition for places so hopefully it brings the best out of everyone."

Billy Bonds is to receive a lifetime achievement award at Upton Park. He made a club record 793 first-team appearances in 21 seasons at the club.

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