Daily WHUFC News - 15th May 2015

Big Sam on: Everton
WHUFC.com


West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce faced the media ahead of Saturday's game with Everton.

In what will be the Hammers' fourth encounter with the Blues this season, as well as the last home game, Big Sam fielded questions on his future, European ambitions and stopping Romelu Lukaku.
Hello Sam, can we start with any contract news?

SA: "There isn't any news. It was always going to be decided at the end of the season, and it will be decided then. There's only two weeks left of speculation before we'll all know."

Has the uncertainty effected the players?

SA: "I don't think so. Our lack of results has been due to missing some core players through injury. While we've managed to overcome the injuries to Winston Reid and James Tomkins remarkably well, our problem has been not scoring enough.

"We haven't been able to convert our chances, we had 29 shots against Burnley and only scored once so that really highlighted our problem. Our missed chances have really cost us in the last six or seven games."

Do you think Everton participating in the Europa League has damaged their League campaign, and if so does that put you off qualifying for it?

SA: "The backlash is that you get criticized if your league form dips. But it's well proven how hard it is to compete in Europe and maintain your league position. It is particularly difficult for the smaller clubs who aren't used to playing twice a week.

"The routine of Thursday and Sunday is very difficult to sustain. I had it at Bolton and we managed to finish eighth which was a great achievement. It can be managed but it is extremely difficult.

"If we are to compete in Europe we'll have to avoid injuries as best as possible."

What is the target for the last two games of the season?

SA: "We want to get over the 50 point mark. We're all hugely disappointed that we haven't managed it yet and we should have done it by now.

"We could easily be in the mid 50s but due to a few lapses in concentration we're not quite there. Hopefully on Saturday the boys will go out and put the chances that we will create away. We want to win our last home game and try and to enjoy the game.

"We've been able to enjoy the majority of the season. We haven't brushed with relegation this season at all, not for a minute. We've scored more goals and got more points."

Do you yourself want to be here next season?

SA: "It depends on the contract. There's a lot of areas to negotiate, not just my contract but the staff, new players and the budget. As well as that it's about the direction we think we're going in.

"We're going in the right direction it's a question of how fast we want to do it in. So all that need to be discussed and agreed. After that we'll need to move quickly, whatever the decision. Thankfully the owners have always moved quickly to secure new players which has helped to improve the squad."

What has the player's reaction been to the possibility of playing in Europe?

SA: "Once they get over the fact that it means coming back a bit earlier I'm sure they'll relish it. It's a new competition for most of our players and it gives our players who haven't played as much as they would've liked an opportunity to play.

"It also gives a new opportunity for our younger players coming through. It would be a very long season, starting on 2 July and we'll finish two weeks later than normal. It'll be an extremely difficult challenge but one we'll be happy to take on."

What do you make of Everton, you've played them three times already this season?

SA: "We've had three excellent game with them, very even games mainly and hard fought. Our game in the FA Cup replay was a superb game, I thought we were excellent and obviously delighted to win. It was a very exciting finish with the game going to penalties and the goalkeepers having to take them too.

"We have to make sure we stop Romelu Lukaku because he always scores against us, that's something we have to do. He scores every time we play them."

Are the owners behind getting into Europe?

SA: "Yes, very much so. We have to be realistic and take the opportunity when it comes. While it may be seen as an easy way to get in, Europe is Europe and it'll be a fantastic experience should be qualify."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tomkins hopes for swift return
WHUFC.com

James Tomkins is remaining hopeful of a return to first team action before the end of the season as he nears the end of his recovery from a dislocated shoulder.

The 26-year-old defender has been absent since early March since suffering the injury, which curtailed a fine run of form which had made him a fixture in the side over the winter months.

Now, with just two games to go, Tomkins has twin aims – returning to play some part at Newcastle on the final day if at all possible, and seeing the Hammers finish in the top half of the table.

Fans will desperate to see you back on the pitch and you've tweeted a few pictures of your rehab. Your shoulder's looking strong so how's it going?

JT: "It's going well. I'm out on the pitch now, running and stepping up the training. I like being out there with a ball at my feet, so I've been doing some light training in the run up to the Everton game, and hopefully I'll be in full training ahead of Newcastle. That's the plan, and I'm staying positive that I can be fit before the end of the season."

With two games to go we're all hoping to finish in the top half. We could finish with over 50 points, so everyone would have taken that if it had been offered last August, surely?

JT: "I think so. It's hard because when you start so well and are fourth in the table the expectations are going to be higher, which comes with the territory of doing so well. We did that, but have had a disappointing time since January. The results haven't been as good and have slipped down the table. Hopefully we finish off well and end in the top half of the table."

What's been your highlight?

JT: "There have been a couple of great days at Upton Park. Liverpool was one of the stand-outs and Everton was massive drama. Those two for me."

It's a sign of what a great season it's been that so many names were in the frame for Hammer of the Year, including yours. Who would you have given it to?

JT: "I think it went to the right person in Aaron Cresswell. He's played every game this year and been really consistent. Adrian, Sakho and Kouyate were probably the other names in the hat, but I think Cress nicks it for me because he's been really good on a consistent basis. His free-kick against Stoke sealed it up for me."

You play closer to him on the pitch than anyone at centre half, so what is it? He's stepped up from the Championship and taken to it like a duck to water.

JT: "I know and it's brilliant because you don't see too many players step up and do so well in the Premier League. He's done that and grown in every game. He's maturing as a player so it's great for him. He's slotted in there and it's brilliant to play alongside him."

You've taken the plunge and joined Twitter. Nobes did recently too, you've had plenty of positive feedback so far…

JT: "It's all good. Not playing so much with the injury, I can put a bit of time into other interests and going on Twitter means I can give a bit back to the fans, which they always like to see. I've taken the plunge and I'm enjoying it at the minute."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dev Squad aiming to upset Blues
WHUFC.com

The West Ham United Development Squad are hoping to cause an upset when they travel across London to play title challengers Chelsea.

Just like their imperious first team, the Blues have been by far one of the best teams this season. Currently, fourth with two games in hand, the west Londoners know they need a win on Friday night to keep their title challenge alive.

As for the Hammers, the narrow 2-1 defeat to Everton last Friday confirmed their relegation to Division Two.

Despite a season of disappointing results, there have been a number of positives, in particular the progression of Djair Parfitt-Williams who has taken the step from the U18s to the U21s like a duck to water.

Speaking ahead of the difficult trip to Stamford Bridge, the talented 18-year-old said: "Chelsea will be a tough game, they're a very good side. We just have to try our best and see what happens."

Having scored nine goals for the U18s, predominantly at the start of the season, it proved enough to become top goal scorer.

Toward the second half of the campaign, the youngster made the step up to the Dev Squad where his goal scoring form has continued, including netting to the winner against Leicester City and a superb individual effort against Everton.

"It's great to be top goalscorer. I've worked hard on my finishing which has paid off in my games.

"My best goal this season probably has to be the one I just scored against Everton a few days ago. I scored a good goal against Brighton earlier in the season for the U21s, they're my two best ones."

Speaking after the defeat against the Toffees, U21s coach Steve Potts warned of the challenge that lay ahead for his side.

Potts, who played at Stamford Bridge a number of times during an illustrious career, said: "Chelsea away is probably the toughest game of the year. It's over at Stamford Bridge which should be a good experience for the boys. We have to be resolute over there.

"Hopefully playing in an actual stadium will give everyone a lift and the lads will rise to it."

Parfitt-Williams, who joined the club as an U15 has thrived since he joined the Hammers. Reflecting on the his time in east London, he thanked Potts and Academy manager Terry Westley for their impact on his fledgling career.

"Steve has been my coach ever since I've been here. We've moved up the age groups together, U18s and then U21s.

"Terry has always been genuine with me. He's always there to give advice and he's sort of taken me under my wing. I'm very grateful for them and everyone at the Academy."

The Development Squad play Chelsea U21s at Stamford Bridge on Friday 15 May, kick off at 7.05pm. We'll have team news, updates and reaction on www.whufc.com and @whufc_official throughout the proceedings.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Young Lions face Russian test in quarter finals
WHUFC.com

The England U17s have progressed to the quarter finals of the European Championships in Bulgaria finishing top of Group D.

The Young Lions, captained by West Ham United's Reece Oxford, got their campaign off to a great start with a 1-0 win over Italy.

John Peacock's side soon followed that up with a 0-0 draw with the Netherlands before a 1-0 win over the Republic of Ireland sealed their qualification.

England, the defending champions, will now face a stern test against Russia on Saturday 16 May, kick off 4pm local time in the Bulgarian city of Burgas.

The Russians finished second in Group C with four points, behind table topping France who recorded a 100% winning start to the tournament.

The Russians drew 2-2 with their Greek counterparts before slipping to a 1-0 defeat by France. They entered their third group game knowing only a win would be good enough to keep their hopes alive, and they did just that – overcoming Scotland 2-0.

The winners of Saturday's game will face either Croatia or Belgium on the 19th with the final held in Burgas on Friday 22 May.

Quarter final draw:

Friday 15
Croatia v Belgium (4pm, Burgas)
Germany v Spain (7pm, Stara Zagora)

Saturday 16
England v Russia (4pm Burgas)
France v Italy (7pm, Stara Zagora)

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
£15m price tag slapped on Hammers target
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 14th May 2015
By: Staff Writer

Sporting have placed a £15m price tag on Algerian striker and West Ham target Islam Slimani.

The 26-year-old forward, long linked with a move to the Boleyn Ground changed agents this week and is "70 per cent" likely to leave Portugal this summer, according to journalist Nabil Djellit.

"He had already had offers from German and Italian clubs last summer but Sporting didn't want to let him go," Djellit told Foot Mercato. "They ask €15million; I know that would create interested in England, Italy and Germany."

Should West Ham move for Slimani this summer they are likely to face opposition from the likes of Schalke 04, Naples, Fiorentina and Tottenham, who have also been linked with Slimani.

Ironically another former West Ham target could be on his way to Estádio José Alvalade to replace the Algerian international. 23-year-old Ishak Belfodil, who cancelled his contract with Parma last week has scored just once in 23 appearances this season but is still fancied by Sporting.

In other transfer news, Athletico younster Leo Baptistao - who we first brought you news of last weekend - is being strongly linked with Serie A side Roma. The 22-year-old, currently on loan at Rayo Vallecano has also been monitored by Borussia Dortmund, Genoa and Southampton recently.

And over in Italy further speculation suggests West Ham have offered Sampdoria €8million for Spanish midfielder Pedro Obiang. The 23-year-old former Athletico youth player has been at Samdoria since the age of 16 and has represented Spain at Under 17, 19 and 21 level.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce: I'll stay if the price is right
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 14th May 2015
By: Staff Writer

Sam Allardyce admitted today that he would consider signing a new contract at West Ham - but only if the terms were favourable.

Contrary to reports that appeared in the national press earlier this week, Allardyce told reporters he would extend his four-year stay at the club if a deal could done that favoured all parties.

When asked if he wants to stay at the club, he replied: "It depends on the contract. There's a lot of areas to negotiate, not just my contract but the staff, new players and the budget. As well as that, it's about the direction we think we're going in.

"We're going in the right direction, it's a question of how fast we want to do it in. All that need to be discussed and agreed. After that we'll need to move quickly, whatever the decision.

"It was always going to be decided at the end of the season, and it will be decided then. There's only two weeks left of speculation before we'll all know."

Allardyce, who could be leading West Ham out at the Boleyn Ground for the final time against Everton this weekend also denied a suggestion that the uncertainly surrounding his position had contributed to West Ham's slump in the second half of the season.

"Our lack of results has been due to missing some core players through injury," he countered. "Whilst we've managed to overcome the injuries to Winston Reid and James Tomkins remarkably well, our problem has been not scoring enough [goals].

"We haven't been able to convert our chances. We had 29 shots against Burnley and only scored once, so that really highlighted our problem. Our missed chances have really cost us in the last six or seven games."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce looks to youth for Euro qualifiers
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 14th May 2015
By: Staff Writer

Sam Allardyce intends to integrate some of the club's up and coming youngsters into the first team - should West Ham qualify for the Europa Cup's qualifying stages.

The Hammers boss admitted today that if, as expected, the Hammers qualify for the competition via UEFA's Fair Play league he intends to blood some youngsters in the early stages.

"It gives a new opportunity for our younger players coming through," said Allardyce, speaking at this morning's pre-match press conference.

"It would be a very long season and we'll finish two weeks later than normal. It'll be an extremely difficult challenge but one we'll be happy to take on.

"Once they get over the fact that it means coming back a bit earlier I'm sure they'll relish it. It's a new competition for most of our players and it gives our players who haven't played as much as they would've liked an opportunity to play."

The first qualifying round for next season's Europa Cup begins on 1 July - less than six weeks after the end of the current campaign.

And should West Ham then go all the way in the competition and reach next year's final in Basel on 18 May, they would have to play an astonishing 23 games in addition to their regular Premier League, FA Cup and Capital One Cup programme.

That extra demand is something which Allardyce is acutely aware of. "it's well proven how hard it is to compete in Europe and maintain your league position," he warned. "It is particularly difficult for the smaller clubs who aren't used to playing twice a week.

"The routine of Thursday and Sunday is very difficult to sustain. I had it at Bolton and we managed to finish eighth which was a great achievement. It can be managed, but it is extremely difficult.

"If we are to compete in Europe we'll have to avoid injuries as best as possible."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce says his West Ham future will become clear soon
Last Updated: 14/05/15 1:00pm
SSN

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce insists it is far from certain that Saturday's game against Everton will be his final home game in charge of West Ham.

Despite remaining on course to achieve his target of 50 points and a top-10 finish in the Premier League this term, Allardyce's position has been the subject of intense speculation in recent months.

But the 60-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer, remains unfazed despite the uncertainty about whether he will remain at West Ham next season.

Speaking ahead of the game against Everton, Allardyce said: "Nearly two years ago when we finished 10th in the Premier League, I signed a contract on May 29, after the season had finished. It was probably a good two weeks before the season finished that we negotiated it.

"I think at the end of this season, it falls along the same lines. We sit down and we negotiate and I think then the outcome will be made to clear to everyone when those negotiations are finished.

"The speculation about other managers coming here is bound to happen. Speculation that they're not happy with me or I'm not happy with them is bound to happen, because you have lots of columns to fill today.

"You're bound to get a whisper here and a whisper there, and third-hand information from here or from there, somebody telling you this and that which is the world we live in today.

"But like I said from a point of view of whether I am staying or going, that hasn't been decided yet."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rafa out of Europe but two others in Irons sights
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 14, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Napoli have crashed out of the Europa Cup at the semi final stage and the big question now is whether Rafa Benitez is out of the Serie A club and on his way to Upton Park.

The Italian outfit were defeated 1-0 by Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk in the Ukraine which throws doubts over his future at the club ahead of new contract talks.

But it strengthens the Hammers position with a top source telling us : "The board really like Rafa because he knows the Premier League and would arrive ready to hit the ground running.

"The big question has always been whether he can be prised out of Napoli – this result may make things easier for us to achieve that."

Benitez is known to be keen on a Premier League return and with his wife still living in the country the Hammers may now be looking an attractive option.

Slaven Bilic still remains a possible option but our source added: "There's one other candidate who is being kept a big secret. All anyone will say is that he's never worked in the UK but has a great record abroad.

"However, Rafa looks a more likely candidate tonight."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bookies make Rafa odds-on for Irons job
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 14, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & hUgh

Rafa Benitez's odds to become the next West Ham boss have crashed to as short as 4/5 in places.

The Napoli boss is even money with another after being a long shot last week.

A quick look at http://www.oddschecker.com/football/football-specials/west-ham/next-permanent-manager gives the latest position and shows that Slaven Bilic has now overtaken David Moyes as second favourite in some places.

Unlike some we take bookies odds cautiously but for such a high profile boss to be attracting such a weight of money andmove into odds-on territory is is interesting to put it mildly.

It seems that reports Rafa is being relentlessly hunted by the Irons board is pretty accurate.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam's final 90 Boleyn minutes?
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 14, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Nigel Kahn (right) is probably Sam Allardyce's longest and loudest long term critic.

Today (Thurs) on the eve of what could be the manager's final appearance in the Boleyn dug-out for the visit of Everton, the guy known to some as 'Nasty Nige' gives his feelings as we all approach the the final home game of the season.

Last season I made a fool of myself when I trumpeted: "Sam is finished."

I declared he was being sacked…that his time was up and asked Sam to sing "My Way" as a leaving song.

So today I wouldn't be so foolish to say the same again …would I? Oh yes I would.

No matter how our final home game of the season turns out against Everton, it will be a great day – it's the last time we will be managed by him at the Boleyn I aim to celebrate. It's time to party.

It may seem strange to celebrate but since Christmas we ain't had a lot to celebrate so that's a good enough reason to do so.

Of course there is that nagging doubt that it all may not happen, He may get a new contract but I'm a gambling man, and the Press have long been proclaiming it.

The owners may be saying no decision until the end of the season but really, if they were dead set on keeping him, they would have tied home up long time ago.

Back at Christmas we were sitting in the top four, looking forward to an FA Cup run (cough) so they had ample opportunity to say: "Sam, here's another two years."

They didn't and the season crashed and burned, the FA cup demise sealed his fate and since then it's been mainly dross. Them sticking to the no contact until the end of the year actually means nocontract at all.

Mind you, I don't think he would sign one anyway. If you were Sam and you read daily that every available manager is being lined up for your job, would you really take what they offered you knowing you were not only second best but probably seventh or eighth -.the fall back guy. I know I wouldn't accept it, and probably be telling them to stick it where the s don't shne.

However, I can see other clubs fighting to get him ;, Sunderland all day long would love him plus QPR and Fulham would hope he could do for them what he managed for us.

Us fans are often painted as being ungrateful in the way he has been treated, but he, while achieving everything the owners have asked of him, only has himself to blame.

Football is not like the business world where you can be blunt, direct and to the point to your staff because in the general workplace you have not got 35,000 fans to get along with as well.

He may think he doesn't need to pander to us and that he only needs to do what his employers ask of him. But in this game 35,000 are looking on and when the social media crowd are added it's probably around 60,000 may be even more.

Make little or no attempt when you are as disliked as he is, to change and win them round then those fans will make life difficult.

DG on Twitter is inundated day after day with 'get him out' tweets, articles are written which the club do monitor, urging the owners to sack him. Ultmately, the pressure tells , the outcome is inevitable and it's time to wave goodbye.

The replacement list is fluctuates day by day with the apparent favourite being Rafa Benitez, who Sam claimed in a Sky interview a couple of seasons back was no better than him

That may be true, but, football is about trophies and when Rafa puts his on the table they look mighty impressive; Champions League, UEFA cup, FA cup, trophies in Spain as well.

Sams table is empty – he has won nothing, his promotions have only come via play offs so he's not won a league title either. I will welcome any manager although my preference would require the club to change its current set up and I can't see the owners handing back the transfer reigns to a De Boer or Rijkaard.

I must admit I don't envy the owners making that decision, struggle next season and those who have backed Sam being quick to point out that never happened under their man!

On the other hand, if Europe does beckon, a word of warning. The last time we qualified for Europe via league placing resulted in us having to start in July, but come May Harry was gone and we stayed up by the skin of our teeth with 42 points, the same total as two later and that saw us go down.

This summer is the most important in the club's history. Get the right manager, sprinkle in some class players then the top eight should beckon. Get the wrong man, a couple of gambles and the unthinkable could happen.

Who'd want to be an owner?

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Algerian international interest reignited
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 14, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Hammers long term target Islam Slimani could leave Portugal this summer after changing his agent. The 26 year old has just split from his previous agent in order to be represented by Luca Bascherini. He had already had offers from German, Italian and English clubs last summer but Sporting CP had not wanted to let go. They value him at 15 million euros with Schalke 04, Spurs, West Ham, Naples and Fiorentina are all claimed to be interested in the striker who scored 14 goals in 29 games this season.

Earlier this year Algerian international confirmed West ham had previously bid for him saying "It is true that there was an offer from West Ham, but I was happy with my team and I made a good choice. Stability is positive. I have to work harder to make progress." The 28-capped international who scored two goals in the world cup continued: "I am focused on finishing the season at full strength and winning a title, at least. Then we'll see. Maybe next year."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tomkins' Newcastle hope
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 14, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

James Tomkins hopes he may be ready to play some sort of small part in the final game of the season at Newcastle.

The central defender – out with a dislocated shoulder for over two months – was believed to be ready to see out the season on the sidelines.

But he told the official site after returning to training: "It's going well. I'm out on the pitch now, running and stepping up the training, I like being out there with a ball at my feet, so I've been doing some light training in the run up to the Everton game, and hopefully I'll be in full training ahead of Newcastle.

"That's the plan, and I'm staying positive that I can be fit before the end of the season."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam's contract pleas look a tad desperate
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 14, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

A couple of days ago a now infamous report claimed emphatically that Sam Allardyce has made up his mind he would not be staying at Upton Park even if a new contract was offered!

The Daily Telegraph wrote: ""His future will not be at West Ham and he has decided that he will leave the club even if they make a firm proposal to him in the next few weeks."

The newspaper added: "Sources at West Ham have insisted that there was an approach made to Allardyce recently, with a new two-year deal potentially on offer, but it was declined."
Hammers media officers immediately got busy and within a couple of hours stories were out saying: 'No contract has been offered and therefore none has been refused.'
Today Sam – who apparently was definitely leaving – spent a part of his press conference saying a contract needs to be offered quickly when the season ends and there's much to sort out.
The possibility of a Europa Cup qualifying campaign is used as the reason for this given that time will be tight!
In the meantime it's a fact that the Hammers are going hell for leather to get Rafa Benitez into the club and ClaretandHugh will hope to update you further on the hunt later in the day on other names in the frame.
Sam's pleas for things to be settled quickly in the meantime are understandable – we get his concern – but such public proclamations begin to look a tad desperate.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons must raise Obiang offer
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 14, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Pedro Obiang will be allowed to leave Sampdoria at the end of the season following a meeting held yesterday by the president of Sampdoria and the players representatives.

However, according to Calciomercato.com the Hammers must raise their offer to 8.5 million euros (£6.15m) to fend off late interest from Tottenham.

The Spanish midfielder has made 60 appearances for Sampdoria since 2010 scoring just one goal. He was capped for Spain at youth level and is seen as an ideal replacement for Alex Song.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
OS seat colour to be revealed soon
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 14, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Work has commenced to rebuild the lower tier of the Olympic Stadium following the completion of the new translucent roof with new look floodlights in recent days.

The buried running track has recently been uncovered and the focus is now rebuilding the lower stands in time for the first test event on Sunday 19th July.

Seats will soon be installed very soon and OS watchers will be keen to see whether the original Black and White seats will be re-installed or whether new Claret and Blue seats will be introduced. Close attention will be paid to any pattern created with the seats such as crossed hammers.

All construction works will be suspended between 19 July and 7 November.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce: Only Houdini could do better job than me at West Ham
• Allardyce: 'If you want more you will have to be calling for Houdini'
• West Ham manager: contract situation will be resolved after season ends
• Allardyce: Europa League chance makes contract talks more urgent
The Guardian
David Hytner
Thursday 14 May 2015 22.30 BST Last modified on Friday 15 May 2015 00.55 BST

Sam Allardyce has said that only Harry Houdini could have done a better job than him as the West Ham United manager over the past four years. Allardyce's future is on the line, with his two-year contract due to expire next month and the club's owners planning to decide on whether to stick with him only after the club's final match of the season at Newcastle United on Sunday week.

A host of managers have been linked with the potential vacancy, the most prominent at present being Napoli's Rafael Benítez. Yet Allardyce was in bullish mood on Thursday morning. Chewing gum and with the word "Gaffer" printed on to his club flip-flops, he put forward a strong defence of his stewardship.

Allardyce won promotion from the Championship, via the play-offs, in his first season and he has since finished 10th and 13th in the Premier League. With two matches of this season to go, his team are again 10th and they face 11th-placed Everton at Upton Park on Saturday.

"I have had a great time here, I have enjoyed myself, I have enjoyed London and I have done what I was asked to do, which was deliver a team that, this time round, has not only been the most successful [of his tenure] but the most entertaining, the most thrilling," Allardyce said. "It is the youngest squad we have put together since I have been here. If you want somebody else to do more than I have done then I think you will have to be calling for Houdini."

Allardyce signed a two-year contract when he took over from Avram Grant in 2011 and he was asked whether he would seek a minimum of two more years when he sits down with the co-chairman David Sullivan after the Newcastle game. West Ham enter the Olympic Stadium the season after next.

"I don't know until it comes but I wouldn't have thought it will be any different to a two-year," Allardyce said. "The owners have been pretty consistent – it has been a two-year and a two-year. So I would have thought that is where it will start."


Allardyce said it was important to resolve the situation as quickly as possible, especially as West Ham's plans for the summer stand to be turned upside-down if they were to qualify for the Europa League via England's fair play table. They sit second, behind Liverpool, who are likely to qualify through their league position for the Europa League, and marginally ahead of Everton.

"Particularly if we are in Europe, we need to be quick about that negotiation," Allardyce said. "Our first game would be on 2 July and there's a lot to finalise – planning and pre-season – on the basis of that."

Allardyce was also asked whether the uncertainly over his continued employment had affected player recruitment plans for the summer. He said that it had not. "We're just accumulating our targets at the moment," Allardyce said. "Our first list of targets are generally not successful. So we generally get down to the first group of players that you would look for and then the second group. Generally, because of the situation throughout the world of football, you have to play an extremely good game of poker in the summer."

Allardyce said it was "not inevitable" that the game against Everton would be his last at Upton Park as the West Ham manager and he warmed to an extremely familiar theme.

"There is no news as always [on the contract]," he said. "It's at the end of the season. It was always going to be at the end of the season and it will still be the end of the season. Two years ago, I signed on 29 May. At the end of this season, it falls in the same lines. We sit down and we negotiate. Whether I'm staying or going, that hasn't been decided. I could do without this because of the speculation it causes but I'm not in control of it at the moment."

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

http://vyperz.blogspot.com