Carroll nets in friendly draw
WHUFC.com
Hammers frontman Andy Carroll capped his first 90 minutes of the campaign with a goal
13.11.2014
Andy Carroll was back among the goals in Claret and Blue on Thursday afternoon, as a West Ham United XI drew 3-3 with Fulham in a behind-closed-doors friendly at the Boleyn Ground. England international Carroll, who made his first Barclays Premier League appearance of the season as a substitute in the goalless draw against Aston Villa, completed the 90 minutes and netted from close range to level the scores at two apiece. West Ham's No9 looked sharp, putting in a typically robust display, as he won headers at will and created a number of chances for himself and team-mates alike. Fielding a strong-looking XI, West Ham opened the scoring early on courtesy of a superb Ricardo Vaz Te volley, one that owed plenty to Matt Jarvis' burst into the box. In an entertaining and open affair, both sides had several a sight of goal, before Moussa Dembele squared things up with a smart finish. Kevin Nolan then smashed the bar, but the Cottagers were to turn the game on its head when Chris David struck. The topsy-turvy contest continued with Carroll's leveller, before former Oldham Athletic and Leeds United forward Matt Smith fired Fulham in front for a second time. The Hammers, however, had the final say, with Nolan striking late on to complete the scoring.
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New Stadium Newsletter - No.4
Whufc.COM
The famous Champions Sculpture on Barking Road could be set for a new home
13.11.2014
Champions Sculpture could be set for new home
Since West Ham United were awarded the status of anchor concessionaire at the former Olympic Stadium in March 2013, the Club have been clear that the iconic venue and its surrounds will look and feel like home to the Claret and Blue Army come the Hammers' first game in 2016.
One of the key subjects of discussion by West Ham fans is the relocation of the world-famous Champions Sculpture. This week sees the start of the process to make that wish become a reality.
The sculpture, which famously sits on Barking Road, was jointly commissioned by Newham Council and West Ham United in 2001, depicting the iconic World Cup celebrations of Bobby Moore, Sir Geoff Hurst, Martin Peters and Ray Wilson.
Created by the Royal Sculptor, Philip Jackson, it was unveiled in April 2003 by the Duke of York, then president of the Football Association.
With preparations for life at the new Stadium continuing apace, a planning application is set to be submitted that identifies a suitable spot on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park as a potential new home for the prestigious sculpture.
Subject to further consultation with Hammers supporters, local residents and councillors and the relevant planning authorities, it is likely that the 16-foot sculpture will be relocated to the Stadium Island.
The planning application, which will be submitted by the E20 Stadium Partnership to the London Legacy Development Corporation, outlines proposals for a new landmark that would not only make the Stadium site look and feel like West Ham's new home, but also continue to respect the legacy of the 2012 Games.
The Club are also continuing to work closely with Galliard Group, who are leading the redevelopment project for the Boleyn Ground, about how best to honour and respect more than 110 years of West Ham history on the site. Galliard are expected to submit a planning application to Newham Council within the next few weeks, which will include eye-catching features that celebrate West Ham United's legacy in Upton Park.
No reservations about new Stadium seat selection process
There have been rave reviews from new Club London members about their experience at our dedicated Reservation Centre in Westfield Stratford City, and the market-leading 'virtual venue' technology that has helped them select their seats.
Lifelong Hammer Lee Andrews, 25, said: "I didn't expect what I saw, to be honest, I thought it was brilliant. It's got me so much more excited to make the move and frankly I now wish we were going next season.
"I thoroughly enjoyed seeing everything up on the big screen, particularly when they showed exactly where I'll be sitting. It was great.
"If people are debating whether to go down there or not, I'd advise that they 100 per cent do. It really does give you a good insight and it's a great way of showing the fans what there is to come."
A Season Ticket Holder of some 30 years, Laurence Marshall, 46, was one of the very first to experience the Reservation Centre and he too was suitably impressed.
He said: "It's incredibly helpful. To go there and experience it allows you to get a far better feel for the Stadium. It gives you a better idea of what the experience will be at the new Stadium and the whole experience is really impressive.
"If people are concerned about where they sit and with whom they sit, spending some time with the team, who, in fairness, were very transparent and passed on a lot of information about the Stadium and the different options, is hugely important."
For Mr Marshall, not only was he able to secure a seat for himself, but also ensure that he remains with a group of friends, who have all sat together at the Boleyn Ground for many a year.
"The person dealing with me was fantastic," he confirmed. "He's a West Ham fan, very knowledgeable on what the various offerings were and was incredibly helpful in trying to get the most suitable option for myself and also to consider the enlarged group that I sit with.
"A number of us that have been sitting together for ten years and we'd said that it would be nice when we move to the new Stadium for all of us to be able to continue sitting together.
"To be honest, I explained this to the staff and they helped us get the block of seats together, arranging for people to go down and experience the Reservation Centre.
"They did a fantastic job of working with us all and we actually all said at the last home game, having now secured the seats that actually everyone has got a lot more excitement and is looking forward to the prospect of moving to the Olympic Stadium and the facilities that it's got to offer. We found it all a very positive experience."
The Club would like to remind fans that all existing Season Ticket Holders will be emailed with details of when their appointment at the Reservation Centre is likely to be early next year.
Club London filling up fast
It is not just in the Barclays Premier League that West Ham United have made a fast start, with the spectacular Club London facilities at our new Stadium filling up quickly.
When we move to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in 2016, Club London will offer supporters the chance to watch the most exciting league in the world from the newest and most luxurious members' club in the capital.
In just seven weeks since the launch of Club London, many of the blocks of seats in the new Stadium's West Stand are already full to capacity.
The BM6, celebrating Bobby Moore's legacy, is sold out and the other VIP areas are also proving popular, with more than three-quarters of the places in The Forge 1895 lounge sold and memberships in the Royal East and Arnold Hills lounges being snapped up quickly too.
Anyone who is interested in securing a place in the Royal East or Arnold Hills lounges is advised to sign up to the waiting list without delay. To avoid missing out CLICK HERE. If you're an existing corporate customer who is yet to book an appointment, please do so today by calling 0808 110 2016.
New Stadium questions
Thanks to the many hundreds of you who responded to our invitation to send in questions about the new Stadium. The Reservation Centre, Club London and the migration of Season Ticket Holders remain the hot topics so here are answers to some of the most common questions you have been asking:
As a Season Ticket Holder, when can I expect to hear about my appointment at the Reservation Centre?
The Club will start making contact with Season Ticket Holders in Spring 2015 with details of when to expect confirmation of their own appointment.
At the appointment, dedicated advisors will help supporters select the most appropriate seat at the new Stadium for their needs using groundbreaking virtual technology.
Full details and timing of this migration process will be announced early next year.
I want to continue to sit with the group of friends that I sit with at the Boleyn Ground, but we've never officially bought Season Tickets together. How we do go about it?
It has always been a key part of the Club's thinking that the move to the new Stadium will allow fans the chance to surround themselves with their friends and family. That is an essential part of maximising the atmosphere and community spirit within our new home, and making matchdays an even more special day out.
We appreciate that for the majority of people that has been impossible at the Boleyn Ground, with key parts of the ground being so densely populated with Season Ticket Holders, whereas it is something that the extra capacity at the new Stadium will enable. Further details on how supporters can arrange their grouping will be released early next year.
Please keep your questions coming by emailing newstadium@westhamunited.co.uk. We will answer more of the most popular questions in the next newsletter.
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Lionel lights up the Boleyn Ground
WHUFC.com
Lionel Messi lit up the Boleyn Ground on Wednesday in Argentina's 2-1 friendly win over Croatia
13.11.2014
The Boleyn Ground enjoyed a taste of the exotic on Wednesday evening, as a star-laden Argentina side came from behind to down Croatia 2-1.
They turned out in their numbers to see Carlos Tevez, Lionel Messi et al and, after a spluttering start, were not to be disappointed.
The little magician sparkled, intermittently, and, fittingly, struck the decisive second-half penalty to complete the South Americans' turnaround. There was also the small matter of a certain Tevez gracing the Boleyn Ground once more.The West Ham United favourite joined the fray shortly after the hour, with his every touch greeted with suitably noisy approval from the stands. Not only was this his first Upton Park outing since November 2012 but also an international return three long years in the making. It was his night and he should have marked it with a goal, dragging an effort wide of the far post after 70 minutes. Carlos Tevez received a hero's welcome upon making his Boleyn return .
Croatia, for their part, were easy on the eye and a touch unlucky, perhaps. Their opener typified their efforts on the night. Some fancy Mateo Kovacic footwork presented Anas Sharbini with a sight of goal, whose unerring finish into the far corner was delightful. Barcelona teenager Alen Halilovic looked the part too, though the Europeans did most of the defending after the break. But Argentina, as you might expect, came on strong after the interval and Christian Ansaldi's hopeful blast clattered into Sergio Aguero and beyond Lovre Kalinic. It looked suspiciously like it might have struck an arm, but this was hardly an evening of controversy. Aguero was then felled by the Croat 'keeper, handing Messi the chance to score at the Boleyn from the spot, much to the delight of most of the 19,834 strong crowd. He didn't miss, he rarely does, though he did strike a post late on. Among the fanfare was the occasional rendition of bubbles. Incongruous? Perhaps, but Carlos, for one, felt at home.
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Downing delighted with England recall
WHUFC.com
Hammers' midfielder Stewart Downing is relishing his return to international football
13.11.2014
West Ham United midfielder Stewart Downing has been in superb form this season scoring twice from his new found position at the top the midfield diamond. Now, his impressive exploits have been rewarded with an England call up by manager Roy Hodgson. The 30-year-old is hoping to add to his collection of 34 international caps when England play Slovenia in their Euro 2016 qualifier on Saturday at Wembley.
Speaking ahead of the match, Downing said: "I'm certainly enjoying my football. You have your ups and down in football and at the moment I'm on a high and playing well. "Thankfully Roy has noticed that and I just want to continue. I think playing in a good team, in form has helped as well. I just want to carry on as I have been doing."
Downing's good form is in large part due to his transition from a winger to an attacking midfielder which has inspired the Hammers to climb up to fourth in the Premier League. The main thing for me is that the manager is happy with the way I'm playing. There's a lot England players who are playing in a similar role, but I'm happy to play wherever, on the wing or in the middle. There's a lot of competition but we'll have to see what the manager decides."I prefer it in the middle because I'm more involved, it's a bit different but I'm really enjoying it at the minute. Hopefully I can perform and I'm itching to get playing."
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Ravel returns to West Ham - for one night
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 13th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
Ravel Morrison was back at the Boleyn Ground last night - to watch Argentina beat Croatia 2-1. The on-loan midfielder took his place with members of the Development Squad last night in the otherwise-empty Alpari Upper to watch Lionel Messa and Co. reverse a 1-0 deficit, with the Barca star grabbing the match-winning penalty in front of the Bobby Moor Lower.
Morrison - who is currently on loan at Championship club Cardiff City - drove the 150 miles from Wales to the east End after training finished for the day in order to attend the match, only the second international friendly to be staged in Upton Park. Upon watching the game - and instead of remaining in the capital overnight - Morrison, accompanied by a friend, drove straight back to Wales where he resumed training with the Bluebirds this morning.
Since moving to Cardiff on loan at the beginning of September, Morrison has made six appearances for City - five as a substitute - without scoring a goal. His most recent appearance came in s 3-0 defeat at Bolton the weekend before last. Out of contract with West Ham this coming summer, the former Manchester United graduate is unlikely to be offered a new deal with the hammers - despite being rated around the £10million mark at one point last season.
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Mauro Zarate denies exit rumours
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 13th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
Mauro Zarate has challenged reports that he wants to leave West Ham, telling followers of his Twitter feed that he has no desire to leave the club. It was reported earlier in the week that the 27-year-old forward was eyeing a return to Serie A. However those reports appar to be well wide of the mark, as you may see from Mauro's comments on Twitter this morning below,.
Mauro Zarate ✔ @mau_zeta
According to recent news articles i would like to inform that I have no agent and I never said that I wanted to leave West Ham.
Mauro Zarate ✔ @mau_zeta
If that would happen it would be because a joint decision of the club and myself. The most important thing is that West Ham will keep progressing. The manager is doing a great job and has my full support!
Mauro Zarate ✔ @mau_zeta
Come on you irons !!!!!!
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Stewart Downing is happy to be back in the England squad after lengthy absence
Last Updated: 13/11/14 8:00am
SSN
Stewart Downing is pleased to have finally made a return to the England squad and has vowed to take full advantage of the second opportunity he thought would never come. Roy Hodgson recalled the West Ham winger back into the squad for this month's games with Slovenia and Scotland – thereby ending a two-year spell in the international wilderness. And Downing credits his fine club form for his unexpected recall to the international stage. "I've admitted in the past that I thought my chance had passed. But you've got to keep going and trying to play well and it's paid off," Downing told Sky Sports News HQ. "Roy's been watching the West Ham games and he's called me up so I'm very happy about that. I need to carry that form into an England shirt and stay here. "The squad is a little bit different; I was a little nervous coming in yesterday. Obviously there's the same faces in the staff but there a lot of new lads coming in. It's exciting, I'm happy to be here with the top players and great talent. Hopefully I can help them along the way and we can get some good results this week."
Downing's last England appearance came in Hodgson's first game in charge of the national side, a 1-0 victory away to Norway in the build-up to Euro 2012. Similarly to that tournament, England were sent crashing out of this summer's World Cup - albeit at an earlier stage. And Downing was full of praise for a squad he claims have fully recovered from their Brazil heartache. "There are a lot of young lads here under a lot of pressure and they've responded really well," Downing added. "It's going to take time - they are only young boys and they've got to build a team here and it will take a couple of campaigns to get going. But I think Roy is doing a good job. He's building a team and he's got a good mix of seniors and young lads to bring them through."
Wayne Rooney is on course to win his 100th England cap in Saturday's qualifier with Slovenia, and Downing believes England's talismanic figure deserves all the plaudits ahead of another historic night at Wembley. "First of all it's a great achievement, especially for someone of his age," Downing said. "He's adapted himself very well; he's always been available for England and turned up when he's been called upon. Not only that he's a great player. "We want players like Wayne Rooney here - he's obviously a talisman for us and gets a lot of goals so hopefully he'll continue that by getting at the weekend goal to celebrate a great achievement."
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MY NIGHT WITH MESSI
By Sean Whetstone 13 Nov 2014 at 19:19
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Nigel Kahn
As we wind our way into Christmas the pantomime season is beginning and where better to see my first show than at one of if not the greatest theatre in the country, The Boleyn Ground. A fair sized audience were in attendance to see a stellar cast of performers complete with Villains, Returning Hero's and the Dashing prince. In-between the performance an attempt at a game of football broke out between Argentina and Croatia, two teams gifted in their own way with skill power and pace.
While of course it appears that the introduction is to be tongue in cheek actually to me it was all most like being at a pantomime. The prince of football in attendance being Lionel Messi, cheered from the first moment his name was called out, every time he received the ball the crowd around where I was rose in anticipation willing him to beat five men and put the ball in the goal. The Villain came in the guise of Eric Llamella, a second half substitute who was roundly booed not just when he came onto the pitch but every time he touched the ball and then we have the returning hero, Carlos Tevez. The most expensive player in West Ham's history, back on the pitch he once graced, roared on by those in the crowd that remember his efforts in the Claret and blue shirt of West Ham.
Friendly internationals are generally are not the most entertaining of games but with this fixture the chance to pass up on seeing Messi playing at the Boleyn, well it was just too good to miss, the game though, to me, looked like a side show, the crowd was not your usual West Ham crowd for a start, I reckon most of those round me hardly ever attended football games. Every time Messi went to take a corner in front of us, they ran forward with their camera phones out, some even turning their back to the pitch to get a selfie with Messi in the background.
I must admit I do despair at the road football is going, luckily West Ham is not afflicted yet with a mass of football tourists, there for the occasion and not watching the game, though once the move to the Olympic Stadium has taken place I imagine the influx will be substantial. If this is the future then I can see me having no part of it, call me a dinosaur, a football snob I don't care, I walked out the ground feeling I had been to a pantomime, perhaps if I had been sitting with the large group of Argentinian fans in the chicken run I may have had a different experience as they looked to have enjoyed the game for what it was, from the parts I could see, was a good game of football. Messi in flight is a joy to behold, and the technical abilities of Arguero and Di Maria look second to none.
Saying that though the Croatians played very well, neat interchanging passing , looking to breakfast on the counter, they were not second class at all and considering they were missing their heart beat in Modric were unlucky to lose the game in my opinion. I suppose looking back the two pluses of the night were that Karren Brady's claim of world class players at West Ham has finally come true and without the need of moving, West Ham last night finally cracked the old question "How do we get more of the local community to come". The answer is Don't have West Ham playing there!
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ZARATE WANTS TO STAY
By Sean Whetstone 13 Nov 2014 at 14:02
West Ham Till I Die
Yesterday a person claiming to be Mauro Zarate's agent claimed his client may seek a move away from West Ham in the winter transfer window. He claims Zarate is unsettled in London after being continually played out of his preferable position. Speaking to ITV Sport, his agent said, "At West Ham he plays behind the strikers and that is not his position," said Luis Ruzzi.
"He is a centre-forward and if there is a team out there willing to let him play in his natural role, then we will be very happy to consider it. Mauro is often used out of position by the current coach (Sam Allardyce) and this is pushing him to seriously consider changing his club. It's true he has a contract until 2017 with the Hammers but I think we can find a solution to suit everyone. At this time you could get Zarate for a much lower price than he is really worth. Anyone who decides to go for him will certainly be getting a bargain.It's true, there has been contact with Torino, but also with other Italian club," Ruzzi said. "Can Zarate return to Serie A? We shall see, we shall see. The market is about to reopen and there are teams looking for strikers. Mauro is 27, so he's matured and ready for the big step up. After all, we know his quality."
Sources close to the club dispute the claims that Zarate is unsettled in London and is unhappy with manager Sam Allardyce. They claim he is loving his time in East London and sometimes wears his West Ham shirt when he is out and about. They have been surprised by the comments made by the man claiming to be his agent.
This afternoon the player himself set the record straight on twitter "According to recent news articles i would like to inform that I have no agent and I never said that I wanted to leave West Ham.If that would happen it would be because a joint decision of the club and myself. The most important thing is that West Ham will keep progressing. The manager is doing a great job and has my full support! Come on you irons !!!!!! Sorry about my English!!!"
When he signed for West Ham in the summer his agent was his brother Rolando Zarate pictured below
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£215,000 PER WEEK FOR ALEX SONG? ARE YOU HAVING A LAUGH?
By Sean Whetstone 13 Nov 2014 at 09:47
West Ham Till I Die
Reports in the Daily Express that West Ham are paying Alex Song £140,000 per week while on loan seem very wide of the mark.
Express Sport claims "West Ham are paying all of Song's £140,000–a–week Barca wages, making him the highest–paid player in the club's history. The wages are in addition to the £3 million loan fee Sullivan and Gold splashed out to bring the player to east London.
Barca signed Song from Arsenal for £15m in 2012 and have told West Ham they want to recoup the entirety of their outlay."
The suggestion is we will pay £5.6m in wages plus a £3 million loan fee costing us £8.6 million over 40 weeks is quite frankly ludicrous, this would mean Alex Song is costing the Hammers an equivalent of £215,000 per week! The story also claims Barcelona will want the full £15m as a permanent transfer fee.
We could never fit those kind of wages in our Financial Fair Play budget of £60 million per season.
Alex Song is claimed to have earned £55,000 per week at Arsenal, jumping up to £70,000 per week when he joined Barcelona. He is thought to be earning £80,000 per week at West Ham, £60,000 per week less than the Express claim. I also understand there is no loan fee as the Express stated meaning the real cost over the 40 week loan is £3.2 million compared to the £8.6m claim. It is suggested Song could be available for around a £10 million transfer fee at the end of the season.
Don't believe the hype!
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West Ham striker Mauro Zarate rejects suggestion he wants to leave Upton Park in January
Nov 13, 2014 15:34 By Liam Prenderville
The Argentine has made just four Premier League appearances and quotes emerged on Thursday indicating he was after a move away
The Mirror
West Ham's Mauro Zarate has rejected suggestions he is already considering his future with the club. Reports on Thursday claimed the Argentine was unhappy at Upton Park after being played out of position by Sam Allardyce. Quotes from his alleged agent Luis Ruzzi indicated Zarate would leave west London in January if things didn't change, with Italian side Torini interested. He was quoted as saying: "At West Ham he plays behind the strikers and that is not his position. He is a centre-forward and if there is a team out there willing to let him play in his natural role, then we will be very happy to consider it." However, Zarate has taken to Twitter to quash the suggestions and insists he does not even have an agent. He tweeted: "According to recent news articles i would like to inform that I have no agent and I never said that I wanted to leave West Ham. "If that would happen it would be because a joint decision of the club and myself. The most important thing is that West Ham will keep progressing. "The manager is doing a great job and has my full support! Come on you irons!!!"
Zarate joined Sam Allardyce's men on a three-year deal this summer but has made just four Premier League appearances. Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia have established themselves as the Hammers' first-choice strike partnership with Zarate not featuring since the win over Stoke at the start of October. He was back on the bench against Stoke earlier this month but failed to make the matchday squad for Saturday's draw with Aston Villa.
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FFP alone knocks Song story on head
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 13, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Like most, I could barely believe my eyes this morning when I read a story claiming that Alex Song was costing the club a combined total of around £215k a in loan and wages fees. That was as much to do with the fact that I knew it wasn't true as being amazed that such figures could find their way into print. The story emerged at the same time as we had run a question and answer session with David Sullivan in which he said this of the FFP situation: "We have a wage cap this season for all players, including 124% employers NI of *£56m which includes all win and positional bonuses.. Next year it goes to £60m. "You can only exceed that figure if you increase NON TV income or make a profit selling players. We are right on the limit."
So the very idea that we could afford to pay such a ludicrous loan fee and wages (£3 million plus £140k personal terms) really did take silly season speculation to a new high. However, as a double check we asked the co owner to confirm which he was happy to do and that tells us one very encouraging thing about West Ham and world football. Slowly but surely top players are ready to join this club without holding us to ransom and that has a lot to do with the Olympic Stadium scenario which they perceive as representing the ambition of the club. However, make no mistake, the sort of wages mentioned in this morning's bizarre 'exclusive are not within the bounds of current FFP figures or indeed the modus operandi of this club's co owners …as their record shows very clearly!
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Zarate 'move' shows day to day agent madness
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 13, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Mauro Zarate was this afternoon forced onto Twitter to explain that he had no current connection with an agent who appeared to be speaking in his name! The agent, Luis Ruzzi, declared that the Argentinian was unhappy at not being played as a striker by Sam Allardyce and this could push him out of the club claiming that Torino would be among the interested clubs. The story prompted a ClaretandHugh probe into Ruzzi and has demonstrated for the umpteenth time the madness faced by club owners. And whilst it is quite true that Zarate like any player in the world – is unhappy at being played out of position – it's clear that Ruzzi appears to have been positioning himself to receive offers to move Mauro. Well played Mauro for coming straight out and making it clear the bloke has no authority to speak on your behalf.
Indeed a very well placed club source told us that although he wants to play, and in his preferred position, he acknowledges the present team is doing a great job and is more than ready to wait his chance. Whilst Mauro has no formal agent he listens to the advice of a trusted adviser who has remained close to the player for nearly ten years . We at ClarertandHugh will not be running or repeating any stories of this nature again unless the quotes come from him. Our source told us: "This demonstrates the agent problem in this game. I know of one situation where a player's father told no less than TEN agents to try finding a player a Premier League club. That's the madness we face on a day to day basis."
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Hammers and Europe presents perils
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 13, 2014 in Whispers
Scott A
Claret & Hugh
Scott Alsweiler is a fanatical Hammer currently residing in Upstate New York with his American wife, where he confuses his neighbours by flying a West Ham flag outside his house and his insistence on speaking English. We are delighted to welcome him to the Claretandhugh team of bloggers and in his first piece he discusses whether European football would necessarily be a good thing for the club in the run-up to the Olympic Stadium move. Glad to welcome you aboard mate!
After eleven games we're currently sitting in fourth. We're really having an astounding season to date, and people are wondering if we'll end up playing European football next season.
If the squad stays fit, and we continue to see the sort of quality football we've seen so far this season, it just might happen. And nothing would excite me more. But would it necessarily be a good thing for the club in the lead-up to our move to the Olympic Stadium?
If we do make it, the big issue will be fitness and injuries. It could easily destroy our last season in the Premier League at Upton Park if we end up afflicted by a string of injuries to key players.
2014-02-23 10.49.28 (1)And therein lies the danger. It is possible for us to make this work. But only if the Davids are willing and able to continue spending to bolster the squad significantly. Players need rest, and a hectic schedule of EPL, cups, and European games won't allow it.
As it is we need to shore up our defence – injuries to Reid and Collins could leave us woefully short and I think we lack depth in the centre back positions.
If we do manage to spend wisely (and FFP will come into play here), and strengthen the squad, then playing in Europe on the eve of our move could be the best thing for us.
We'll gain a larger fanbase and be more ready to fill seats at our new home. We'll need to spend on quality players for each and every position, to ensure we are able to best deal with the needs of all competitions.
Europe? Most pundits doubt our ability to remain in contention. I might be biased, but I think they're wrong. But if we're looking seriously at it, the club must be ready to pull out the chequebook and enhance the squad in a significant fashion.
If we don't, we risk losing not only at that level, but also in the home-grown competitions. And that is truly unaffordable.
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