Daily WHUFC News - 23rd May 2015

On this day - 23 May
WHUFC.com

Classic match

Liverpool 5-1 West Ham United
Division One
23 May 1989

West Ham United's only involvement on this date was not one they would want
to remember - as not only did they suffer a heavy defeat at the hands of
Liverpool, but they also suffered relegation to Division Two as a result.
The Hammers, who had been stuck in the bottom three since the sixth game of
the season, kept their hopes of survival alive the previous weekend with a
2-1 win at Nottingham Forest. But this trip to Anfield, their fourth away
game in succession, would not yield the result they craved. Liverpool took a
20th minute lead through John Aldridge, but West Ham soon hit back through
Leroy Rosenior's 15th goal of the season. That was as good as it got for
West Ham though, as Liverpool pulled away after the hour mark. Ray
Houghton's double set them on their way, before Ian Rush and John Barnes
added late goals to settle it. Liverpool's season still had one more game to
go, and they were pipped to the title by losing out to Arsenal in a
winner-takes-all final fixture.

Complete record

1989 Liverpool 5-1 West Ham United (Division One)

Played 1, Won 0, Drawn 0, Lost 1, Scored 1, Conceded 5

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Teddy thankful for Hammers chance
WHUFC.com

Teddy Sheringham has thanked West Ham United for giving him the opportunity
to embark on what he hopes will be a long and successful managerial career.
The former England striker joined the Hammers in the newly-formed role of
attacking coach last summer, charged with improving the squad's performance
in the final third of the pitch. Working with the likes of Diafra Sakho,
Enner Valencia, Stewart Downing and Andy Carroll, Sheringham's influence
played a role in West Ham's outstanding opening half to the 2014/15
campaign. After a few years out of the game, Sheringham's season on the
training pitch at Chadwell Heath also inspired him to take the next step in
his career by agreeing to become manager of League Two club Stevenage this
summer. "It's the next logical step for me," the 49-year-old told whufc.com.
"I said to the press on Thursday that coming to West Ham last year felt
right and I've been involved. I'm not exactly a young coach, so it's not as
if I need four or five years in this role or to step up to be an assistant
manager – I need to get out there and manage myself. "This has just come out
of the blue and it feels right. As much as West Ham felt right last year,
this feels right to go and have another challenge."

After a period outside football following his retirement at the end of a
glittering playing career, Sheringham was not 100 per cent sure he wanted to
take on a full-time coaching role. Now, after nine months working part-time
as a member of Sam Allardyce's backroom staff, he is fully committed to
making a success of being a manager in his own right. "Football is my first
love," he confirmed. "I was given a talent as a kid to play football and I
did everything in my power to be as good as I could as a player, so football
is in my blood. I am involved in the game and I want to be more involved, so
I am going into League Two and we'll see what happens. "Without a doubt, the
chance that Sam and West Ham has given me this season, money can't buy. That
sort of experience will be invaluable to me over the coming years as I carry
on managing. I've been involved in the first team and been able to talk to
players without barriers and I've been involved in every meeting I wanted to
be involved in. "It's been a great experience I'll be forever indebted to
West Ham for that sort of involvement. For an inexperienced coach coming in,
you normally have to work your way up to it, so Sam has done very well for
me."

Early in his time at West Ham, Sheringham identified Sakho as an outstanding
talent, and the Senegal star has responded by scoring 12 goals in his debut
season in English football. With more hard work and better luck on the
injury front, the former UEFA Champions League winner believes the No15
could become a special player. "Without a doubt Diafra has done fantastic
this season, but he can do better. You only have to look at his attitude
because it is top-notch – he doesn't want to lose in training, in games or
his one-to-one battles. I fully expect him to do better next year, even
though he has been exceptional this season. "If I was going to be
ultra-critical, he still needs to work on his left side and he's not too old
to do that. Having said that, he is still a top player with a top attitude
and one to watch, without a doubt."

While Sakho will not be one of them, Sheringham confirmed that he expects to
retain close links with West Ham in his new job, by taking young Hammers on
loan at Stevenage next season. "Without a doubt there are one or two I have
my eye on and hopefully something will come of that throughout next season.
There are a few good 'uns here!"

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View on the Opposition - Newcastle United
WHUFC.com

Newcastle Chronicles's chief sports writer Lee Ryder gives us the lowdown on
Sunday's opponents Newcastle United

I imagine it's a nervy time for Newcastle fans at the moment, what's the
mood on Tyneside?

Very nervous at the moment. Newcastle can't buy a win at the moment, they
haven't won for three months. With that in mind, a lot of fans will be
keeping an eye on the KC Stadium. They'll be praying for a Man United win
which is quite ironic seeing at they used to be rivals. But that's how it's
panned out.

"West Ham is always a tough game. Sam Allardyce will want to go out on a
high and he used to manager up here. Contemplating what could go wrong does
make you feel a little bit nervous."

Despite the results, who has been in good form recently?

"It's slim picking to be honest with you. Ayoze Perez has got a couple of
goals in the last few games. Jack Colback in midfield has been great all
season despite Newcastle's struggles. After that, you really are scrapping
the barrel. It's up to someone to step up and perform. Will they wake up? We
have to wait and see."

Where has it gone wrong for Newcastle. Was Alan Pardew leaving the turning
point or where the problems before that?

"There were problems before that. Pardew has done great since he joined
Crystal Palace and that has made Newcastle's decline look worse. But if he
had stayed at Newcastle I think there would have been similar problems.

"Alan Pardew had long enough to build his own team, yes they were ninth in
the table but it was a very tight table. It was a bad start to the season, a
bad end to last season and I think he realised the games was up."

What would relegation mean for Newcastle?

"If you look at teams like Wigan, Leeds and Blackpool, there's no guarantee
that you're going to bounce back. Unless a huge investor comes in, I don't
see Mike Ashley leaving the club any time soon. I'm sure they have plans for
next season, potentially a new head coach and new players coming in. I'm
expecting quite a shake up. There's plenty to do and I think the board know
that.

"West Ham fans know exactly what it's like to be relegated. It's certainly
not easy, it's a painful experience. West Ham had to go via the play offs
last time. So there are no guarantees, the Championship is an unforgiving
place. With the money around nowadays it's always going to be difficult."


West Ham won the reverse fixture 1-0 earlier in the season, what do you
remember about that game?

"It was a disappointing day for Newcastle. They didn't create much. Moussa
Sissoko was sent off for two silly yellow cards. They just weren't at it. In
contrast, West Ham were on a good run and they deserved to win. It's not a
game I look back on with much fondness, let's put it that way."

John Carver's side have struggled to win recently

West Ham arguably don't have too much to play for, does that make them an
ideal team to play?

"On paper that's probably how it looks. Newcastle have lost to top teams,
middling teams and bottom teams. They've lost them all and they cannot buy a
win. If West Ham do turn up with their flip flops on then all the better
because they need all the help they can get. West Ham can still finish in
the top ten which isn't a bad achievement and I'm sure that's what they'll
be focused on."

Andy Carroll is injured but Sam Allardyce and Kevin Nolan are set to feature
on Sunday, what kind of reception can they expect?

"Sam Allardyce always gets a few boos up here, the fans didn't take to his
style of football. Kevin Nolan is a little bit different. He was part of the
promotion winning team, he's a massive legend for a lot of fans because of
that. He scored a lot of goals and helped to stabilize the club and the fans
won't forget his contribution to the club.

"He showed he cared for the Black and White cause. By the same token, he's a
West Ham player and I don't think he would give anything less than 100%.
He's always liable to pop up and get the odd goal or two."

Finally, what is your prediction for the Sunday's score?

"That's a big question. With the way that Newcastle have been playing, I
find it hard to see them winning. They might be able to get a draw and
hopefully Manchester United do us a favour at Hull. I'll go for 1-1 and
Kevin Nolan to get his hundredth goal."

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Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com

Hello everyone,

I am looking forward to finishing the season well at Newcastle United on
Sunday afternoon.

I think it's not easy to play this kind of game because we know Newcastle
are in a bad position and need points to stay in the Premier League. Also,
we are not in a good situation because we didn't win for a long time away
from home.

I'm sorry for what has happened to Newcastle but we want to win. We are
professional players and we have to do the job, so we will go into the game
and try to get the result.

We definitely need to produce a performance, because it is a long time since
we did this. In the first few months of the season, we played very well, and
we need to play the same way and finish the season well and make the fans
happy. The fans deserve more because we didn't follow the way we wanted to
follow, so we need to finish well.

I don't know what has happened to Newcastle, because when I look at their
squad I see a lot of good players. I don't know what's wrong. They need
something, because they are not in a good position for their fans or for
their club.

Newcastle is a very big club in England with a very big history. I know a
lot of Cameroon players who have played there and they are always talking
about the club and how they were doing. Today, they are in trouble.

Hopefully for them, they will come out of this situation, but at this moment
it is not good for them because they are playing against us. We are safe,
but we are not in a good situation, so we need to finish well.

At the start of the season, we reached a high level and the people deserve
more because we have not done what we wanted to do, so we have to finish
well. That is what I am saying.

I am very happy with the way things have gone at West Ham, especially with
the fans, because of the way they have always welcomed me. I will never
forget that, and that's why I will do my best in this game and finish well
and then say 'Goodbye' to everyone.

You never know what might happen, but it has been a pleasure for me to be
here and wear this shirt. I will always have a part of my heart in West Ham
because I have enjoyed my time here a lot, with the way the fans have been
behind me.

I am sorry because we maybe didn't do what they expected of us this season.
We started playing so well that they wanted more. I always said it would be
difficult because we don't have a big squad, so I know from my time at
Arsenal and Barcelona that, when you want to win, the squad has to have 25
players.

If you have this and two or three players are injured, you can replace with
the same quality. I am not saying we don't have quality, but when you want
to look to finish in the top four, you have to have a very big squad and
very good quality of players.

In West Ham we have very good players, but we don't have the squad to fight
for this with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea or the Manchester clubs. That's
why we have dropped many points.

When you are not playing every game like we did with high intensity at the
top level, it's not easy to reach 100 per cent in every single game.
Hopefully West Ham will manage to do even better next season. I will always
look here to see how West Ham are doing.

Thank you for everything this season,

Alex

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Big Sam on: Newcastle United
WHUFC.com

Big Sam faced the press ahead of the Hammers' trip to Newcastle United in
what is the final round of games this season.

During the press conference, the Gaffer fielded questions on his future,
facing his former employers and reflecting on a positive season at the
Boleyn.
Morning Sam, how have preparations been for this match?

"The lads have had a few days off, but not five. The best way after a long
season is to spend some time at home with the families. They can't get any
fitter. They could do with a physical and mental rest. A few days training
with a reminder of the basics, which we always do.

"It's not about Newcastle for me; some people have suggested I am all up for
winning to try to send them down, I want to win it for West Ham because
that's where I work. I want to finish with a win away from home and finish
with 50 points.

"From a player point of view, James Collins is out (calf), having to leave
the field after a few minutes. There was another fantastic performance from
Reece Burke. James Tomkins is fit to join the squad again. Off we go to
Newcastle tomorrow and we will try to get a result and a win."

But surely it's only human nature for you to want to win this game more than
others?

"It's too far down the road for any of that stuff. It's been a long time
since we parted company. For me, looking back is not what I am really about.
Since Newcastle, I have had a fantastic time at Blackburn Rovers and a
fantastic time here since then, which is nearly seven years. Time flies
doesn't it?"

What do you think Hull fans may think when they hear your players have had
some time off?

"We are all disappointed, none more so than the players and myself that we
have not achieved more than we have. We could have had such a great season.
We could have probably matched, with a bit more luck, nearly the best season
West Ham have had in the Premier League.

"We had the opportunity just after Christmas. We all know, that a few
seconds less we would be at the 58 or 60 points mark. But it's not to be,
which has taught us a lesson, and we have not managed to sustain the
results. The factors are that the squad strength-in-depth, though we have
still played well, because of a shortage of goals, we have not been able to
achieve results that the performances deserve."
There's increasing speculation on your future?

"It will all be sorted on Monday, one way or another. I am not personally
having a meeting. But my agent will be available to speak to the owners. At
this moment in time, because the season has finished so late, I want to take
the only opportunity I have, which is half term, to go away with my
grandchildren. I will shoot off to Spain. Whatever will be will be."

There's been reports that your apartment in Canary Wharf has been sold?

"The apartment was sold. It's bound to bring up speculation, but the
apartment was sold about two months ago. In the contract there was a
two-month notice period, which meant that I should have been out on May 15th
but they extended it to the end of the season. The apartment has been bought
and I had to move out. If you want to ring up the travel agents and ask them
if it has been sold, then do so."

What do you make of Teddy Sheringham leaving for Stevenage, it's a bit of
casualty of all the uncertainly isn't it?

"It's not a casualty. It's a great opportunity for Teddy. Probably getting
involved at football at this club has given him that little bit of a spark.
He's been stimulated, he has enjoyed his time with us and we have enjoyed
having him. That has created an opportunity for him to test his skills as a
manager. All Teddy has to look forward is a lot of hard work and a lot of
sleepless nights."

Do you think the players have been affected by the speculation?

"It's a possibility, speculation can breed some complacency in the dressing
room. It has happened before, perhaps it wasn't quite as much speculation
the first time round after getting promoted. I think I signed my contract on
May 11th, which was discussed slightly before the end of the season.

"This time it's more speculation of all other managers taking my position.
Probably tomorrow it will be Carlo Ancelotti, he will be the next in line. I
can't affect that. By Monday the situation will be sorted."

Could the owners have helped that?

"It's their decision and you have to abide by that. I'm comfortable with it,
I don't have a problem. Distractions are something you put aside all the
time as a manager to make sure you focus on your position, regardless of
what the speculation.

"Doing the job you are paid to do is what you are here for. So there are
always many distractions when you are a manager of a club of this size. You
have to forget that and deal with the players and get them to play as best
as they can."

Do you hope that this isn't your final game for West Ham?

"I am hopeful it's not my final game. But we will wait and see. The full
situation will be resolved next week and we will take it from there."

It's crucial for Hull that you win against Newcastle, isn't it?

"It's not only Hull fans but it's also for my big mate Steve Bruce, if he
wants anyone to win it's me but he has to win himself – that's the most
important thing for Steve.

"I am sure there will be twists and turns throughout the game one way or the
other. I have experienced that once in my management career. We had to play
Middlesbrough on the last game of the season, at Bolton in year two. We knew
if we won that game we would stay up and we managed to do that, 2-1.
,
"It's clear in my mind how difficult that week was. It's a very difficult
week for those boys in that position and players. We are not in that
position, we have to make sure we get 50 points if we can."

Are you surprised that Newcastle are in this position?

"I'm not sure they've played that poorly. The ultimate situation is, is that
you can play as well as you like, but if you don't wins you get put under
severe pressure. Wins can boost confidence but a couple of defeats can
destroy it.

"As a manager, that is the tough side of the game, trying to restore the
confidence. That has been a hugely difficult task for John. He's a great
guy, he is Newcastle through-and-through, he loves the club from top to
bottom. But the players haven't done what they should have done for him and
themselves. That happens, surprises happen at this level, that's why it's
the best league in the world. Apart from the top boys, we can all be
vulnerable to relegation at some stage."

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Newcastle v West Ham United
KO 15:00
22 May 2015
Last updated at 13:41
By Steve Wilson
BBC Match of the Day commentator

BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: St James' Park Date: Sunday, 24 May

TEAM NEWS

Newcastle defender Mike Williamson is available to face West Ham after
serving a two-match suspension. Siem de Jong could also return to the squad
after a thigh problem but Papiss Cisse is still not fit enough to start
following his knee injury.

West Ham defender James Collins will miss the trip to Tyneside after
suffering a calf strain last week. Kevin Nolan returns following a family
bereavement, while James Tomkins is in the squad after recovering from
injury.

MATCH PREVIEW

When Sam Allardyce was sacked as manager of Newcastle United in January
2008, he had been in charge for 21 Premier League games - of which they had
won seven, earning a total of 26 points. John Carver has overseen Newcastle
for a total of 18 Premier League games - of which they have won two, earning
a total of nine points. Someone questioned this week whether Allardyce would
be particularly motivated by the prospect of relegating Newcastle.
Motivated? You'd better believe it. Others would probably find sending
Newcastle down more difficult; perhaps it's just as well that Andy Carroll
is injured. Kevin Nolan wouldn't relish it either - but he's been desperate
to complete his century of league goals ever since he scored his 99th at the
beginning of December. It would be just like football to conjure a scenario
where's Nolan's 100th relegates the team he used to captain. Newcastle's
head coach John Carver has urged his players to avoid TV and social media
this week - but I reckon every last one of them would have been glued to
Sunderland's survival act at Arsenal, whatever the manager said.

Lawro's prediction
"Whether they beat the drop or not, I think people should look at Newcastle
as an example of how not to run a football club." Those who haven't been
hiding under a rock will know by now that Newcastle have taken one point in
10 games. One in ten. They might need three on Sunday. They'll be
desperately hoping that the news from Hull is favourable for them because
there's little disputing that - on form right now - Newcastle are the worst
team in the Premier League. If Hull produce the result they need, then
Newcastle will have to save themselves. Do they have guts, the spirit, the
belief and the desire? Long-time watchers of this once great club tell me
that they fear they do not.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
West Ham have lost just one of their last four games away to Newcastle.
However, their win in 2012-13 is their sole victory in the last 11 Premier
League trips to St James' Park.
Four of the previous seven meetings between these sides at St James' Park
have ended in a draw.
Newcastle
Newcastle have gone 10 Premier League games without a win (D1, L9) for the
first time since May 2009 - when they were relegated.
They have equalled their Premier League club record of 19 defeats in a
season, set in each of the previous two campaigns.
Newcastle have won just one of their nine league games at St James' Park
under John Carver (D3, L5).
They have kept just one clean sheet in their last 14 league matches.
The Magpies haven't won their final Premier League game of the season since
May 2006 (D2, L5).
West Ham
West Ham have won just one of their last seven Premier League games.
They have gone 11 league matches without an away victory (D5, L6).
However, they haven't lost to any of the current bottom five this season
(W6, D3).
Sam Allardyce's side have scored just twice in their last five games, while
only Burnley have scored fewer than West Ham's 14 goals in 2015.
The Hammers have dropped points in five of their last 14 games by conceding
goals in the final five minutes.

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Euro 2016 qualifiers: Wales' James Collins out of Belgium game
BBC.co.uk

West Ham United defender James Collins will miss Wales' Euro 2016 qualifier
against Belgium in June because of a calf injury. Collins, 31, has been
ruled out of West Ham's final Premier League game of the season at
Newcastle. The former Cardiff City and Aston Villa player suffered the
injury during his side's 2-1 defeat by Everton last Saturday. Chris Coleman
will name his squad for the 12 June qualifier on Tuesday. Collins made his
first appearance in Wales' Euro 2016 qualifying campaign in the 3-0 win over
Israel in March. The centre-half started in place of Hull City's James
Chester, who missed the game after suffering a shoulder injury. Chester, 26,
returned to action for Hull in April but Wales will be without Tottenham
left-back Ben Davies for the Belgium game. Former Swansea City defender
Davies has been ruled out after having surgery on a dislocated shoulder. The
22-year-old defender slipped and fell awkwardly during the Premier League
match away to Southampton. Wales are currently second in Euro 2016
qualifying group B, behind Belgium on goal difference.

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Slaven Bilic backed to be the next West Ham manager
By Tim Clement
Last Updated: 22/05/15 3:49pm
SSN

Slaven Bilic is being backed to replace Sam Allardyce as West Ham manager,
with Sky Bet reporting a surge of bets on the outgoing Besiktas boss taking
the reins at Upton Park. The club's owners David Sullivan and David Gold are
widely expected to confirm that Allardyce's contract, which expires this
summer, will not be extended in a meeting on Monday. Speculation that the
parties will go their separate ways has only increased since the 60-year-old
confirmed he will leave it to his agent to attend the discussions as he
heads off on a family holiday.

Next West Ham manager odds:
Slaven Bilic 5/6, Rafa Benitez 6/1, Steve McClaren 12/1, David Moyes 14/1.
Find the full odds here.

Sky Bet, who make Allardyce 12/1 to still be in charge come the start of
next season, have reported a run of bets on Bilic to be his replacement,
consequently cutting the Croat's odds from 5/1 to 5/6 on Friday afternoon.
Bilic spent a solitary campaign as a player at Upton Park between 1996/97
and has held various managerial positions since retiring in 2001, including
the Croatia national post.

Besiktas have confirmed that he will leave his current position following
the conclusion of the current campaign, which comes to an end next weekend
with the Super Lig title beyond their grasp. Sky Bet's Chris Spicer said:
"Both the situations of Allardyce and Bilic make it appear a logical move,
which seems to have prompted the backing with a lack of concrete links.
"Given the market was only opened recently, we're expecting plenty of
movement as various candidates are linked, but for now at least it is Bilic
who is attracting all of the backing."

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James Tomkins: West Ham won't make it easy for Newcastle
Last Updated: 22/05/15 5:01pm
SSN

James Tomkins says West Ham are determined to beat Newcastle on Survival
Sunday – no matter what the consequences may be for their opponents. Sam
Allardyce's side travel to St James' Park on Sunday afternoon knowing that
victory would relegate Newcastle if Hull City beat Manchester United.
However, defender Tomkins has assured Hull's supporters that West Ham have
set their sights on reaching the 50-point mark in the Premier League, which
could prove enough to secure a top-half finish. He told skysports.com: "The
coaches and everyone at the club are motivated and we are going to work hard
right until the end. We will not let anyone have an easy game, and as
players we'll always give as much as we can. "We want to get to that
50-point mark which was the target we set at the start of the season and if
we can match that it would be ideal, but Newcastle are fighting for their
lives so it'll be a tough game. But they will be expecting a tough game
against us and we don't want to let them down really. "We want to make it
as hard as we possibly can for Newcastle, you cannot be friendly even if the
opposition is fighting for their lives. We need to try to exploit their
weaknesses and make the crowd uneasy."

That crowd unrest at Newcastle has escalated in recent weeks, with a protest
planned to commence in the stadium after the game on Sunday.
And Tomkins is hoping West Ham can use any negativity in the stands to their
advantage. He added: "The atmosphere at St James' is going to be electric
but if we can get on top of them then you will hear some boos and jeers
because Newcastle are a massive club with a massive fan base and we just
want to put as much pressure on them as we can. "It's definitely going to be
very edgy and speaking from experience, the crowd will be edgy at that sort
of time and they'll be expecting a lot from their team." The 26-year-old was
part of the West Ham squad that was relegated at the end of the 2010/11
season, as well as being a key part of their instant return the following
year. And he knows what Sunday's match means to Newcastle and their
followers. He said: "They're a massive team that certainly needs to be in
the Premier League, especially with the supporters they have and the history
of the club. It is all against them at the moment, but the league table
doesn't lie and they are down there for a reason. "It's going to be a hard
game on Sunday for both of us."

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Carlton Cole doesn't know if he will stay at West Ham next season
Last Updated: 22/05/15 8:05pm
SSN

West Ham striker Carlton Cole revealed he still does not know where his
future lies beyond this season. Cole's contract expires at the end of the
season and it is unclear whether he will stay at the club beyond the summer.
No new deal is on the table for the 31-year-old, and speaking on Sky Sports'
Fantasy Football Club, he insisted he has nothing to hide - he just doesn't
know where he will be next season.
"I really don't know [if he is staying]," Cole said. "A year and a half ago
I thought I was leaving, but I am still at West Ham
"You never know in football. If Sam is still there, he will phone me up and
tell me. You don't know what a new manager will do. I am in limbo." The
former Chelsea hitman almost joined up with Tony Pulis at West Brom in the
January transfer window, but the move fell through after the Hammers failed
to bring in another striker – much to Cole's annoyance. "I was there doing
the medical; then I was back home," Cole added. "It was disappointing as I
was going to get some first-team football. "At the time I was not happy
about it, but it was one of those things and I had to get on with it."

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Newcastle v West Ham preview: John Carver desperate for win to guarantee
survival
Last Updated: 22/05/15 8:53pm
SSN

Newcastle head into Sunday's clash with West Ham knowing only a win will
absolutely guarantee their Premier League survival. John Carver's men sit
two points above 18th-placed Hull City but with an inferior goal difference,
so a win for Hull and anything but victory for the Magpies will see them
drop to the Championship. Newcastle have lost nine of their last 10 Premier
League outings, leaving them in serious danger of relegation, which looked a
long shot when Carver took over halfway through the season. The Hammers,
meanwhile, also face uncertainty with Sam Allardyce's job the source of
constant speculation, and the manager revealed there will be a meeting on
Monday about his future, although he will not attend personally.

Team news

Mike Williamson returns for the hosts after serving a two-match ban
following his second dismissal of the season at Leicester, and he could be
joined in the squad by midfielder Siem de Jong, who is back in training
after a thigh problem. Striker Papiss Cisse (knee) and winger Rolando Aarons
(hamstring) are fit, if short of match fitness, but goalkeeper Rob Elliot
(thigh), defenders Steven Taylor (calf/shin) and Massadio Haidara (knee),
and midfielder Cheick Tiote (also knee) remain on the sidelines.

West Ham defender James Collins will miss the trip to Tyneside, and the
Wales international has also been ruled out of the European Championship
qualifier against Belgium on June 12. Defender James Tomkins returns to the
team, though, after recovering from a dislocated shoulder.

Opta facts

John Carver's men have to ignore a poor record against West Ham
Newcastle have lost only one of their last 11 Premier League games versus
West Ham at St James Park (W5 D5).
West Ham have kept a clean sheet in four of their last five PL matches
against the Magpies.
Newcastle are on the longest current winless run in games on the final day
the Premier League (seven matches).

The last time Newcastle were relegated from the Premier League, the final
day games were played on May 24, Hull faced Man Utd and Sunderland played
Chelsea.
Sam Allardyce has won just two of his last 15 Premier League games (D5 L8).
West Ham have ended the season with a negative goal difference in all 18
Premier League seasons they've featured in before this season. Heading into
the final day at Newcastle they are on minus one, so a win of any kind would
end the run.

Merson's prediction

There will be drama. I just don't think Newcastle are a good team – at all.
But this weekend all comes down to the fans. Newcastle's fans are great but
they have to stick with the team for 90 minutes – not just for 20 minutes.
If you had to pick one team at home to get a result, it would be West Ham,
without a doubt. I would be backing Newcastle to go down if it was any team
but West Ham. The only thing is, Sam Allardyce is going back to Newcastle –
he shouldn't have got sacked there.

Would he love to send them down? I'm going to say yes. Would Kevin Nolan
want to send Newcastle down? I don't think so. The thing is, it's OK
Allardyce wanting to send them down but the players are the ones on the
pitch. There will be drama. It will be tight all the way but Newcastle will
nick it with a late goal.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (8/1 with Sky Bet)

Betting

Newcastle United are 8/11 for the win they require to guarantee their
safety, with West Ham rated 3/1 to put the Magpies in danger with a draw or
100/30 to take all three points. The Magpies were as long as 200/1 to go
down as recently as the beginning of April, but on the final day they're 9/2
to join Burnley and QPR in the Sky Bet Championship next season. Sam
Allardyce will be eager to get one over his old club, and the Hammers are
6/4 to score first, while Newcastle are 8/1 to come from behind and win.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SAM'S BACKROOM DISBANDING
By Sean Whetstone 22 May 2015 at 08:15

The disbanding of Sam Allardyce's backroom staff has begun with Teddy
Sheringham unveiled as the new manager of Stevenage yesterday.

Stevenage officially confirmed that West Ham attacking coach Teddy
Sheringham will take over as as Manager in the summer.
The 49 year old former Hammer was appointed West Ham's attacking coach on a
part-time basis back in May 2014.

Asked about the influence of Allardyce's situation at a press conference,
Sheringham said:

'It has probably helped. 'If Sam had been told four months ago that he was
staying in the job he probably would have sorted his backroom staff to stay.
The longer it has gone on, the uncertainty has left things very open. This
chance has come about and it felt right.If Sam had asked me four months ago
I probably would have stayed another year and seen where it had taken me.'
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Teddy later added about Sam:

"(Sam) is still hopeful that something will happen – it happened like that
the last time he was out of contract at West Ham.I don't think it's any
mystery or secret that they have been trying to look for other managers.
Just because… the next contract isn't straight at his feet doesn't mean to
say that it's not going to happen."
In a final twist it appears it was Sam who persuaded Teddy to take the
Stevenage job

"I spoke to my family (about taking the Stevenage job) but professionally,
it was just Sam. I told him I'd had an approach and as soon as I said it was
from Stevenage he said 'take it'. His endorsement was a big deciding
factor."
Chairman David Sullivan added on West Ham's official website:

""We appointed Teddy as our new attacking coach last summer with a view to
improving our forward play, and I must say he took to the part-time role
with real enthusiasm and commitment, with the likes of Diafra Sakho and
Enner Valencia joining us and working regularly with a man of Teddy's
calibre, we know he will have helped improve their game.While we are
disappointed to be losing Teddy's services, we are happy to have played a
part in developing his coaching skills and will be watching closely as he
embarks on his managerial career at Stevenage."

West Ham Assistant Manager McDonald has been linked with the Blackpool
manager job recently vacated by Lee Clark. The forty-nine year-old was
linked to the Carlisle United recently but chose to remain loyal to the Sam
Allardyce, however this time it could be different with Allardyce's future
uncertain.

McDonald has worked alongside Big Sam at Bolton and Blackburn as well as at
West Ham. He had a successful spell as manager of Carlisle seven years ago
before being sacked just one game into the new season for non-footballing
reasons never fully explained.

Hammers first team coach Ian Hendon has also been linked to another vacant
manager post at Leyton Orient. He has become the surprise 1/2 odds on
favorite?


Orient sacked Italian boss Fabio Liverani last week, following their
relegation from League One. Former Italy international Liverani became
Orient's fourth manager of the season in December when he replaced
compatriot Mauro Milanese. Hendon played for Tottenham, Barnet and Leyton
Orient and had spells managing Barnet and Dover Athletic as well assistant
manager of Gillingham before he joined West Ham in 2011.

Of course we shouldn't read too much into all of this or the fact that Sam
Allardyce moved out of his Docklands flat on Wednesday this week.

This morning Sam cleared up speculation around his moving out of his flat
saying: "It's bound to bring up speculation but the apartment was sold
around two months ago, In the contract there was a two-month notice period
which meant that in actual fact I should have been out on the 15th, but they
extended it for me until the end of the season. The apartment has been
bought and I had to move out one way or the other. I can only say what the
truth is, if you want to ring up (estate agents) Morgan Randall and ask if
the apartment has been sold, give them a ring."

I understand Allardyce flies out to Spain with his wife Lynn on Monday
morning so will not be present at any board meeting held on Monday. His
magnificent Spanish villa on the Costa Blanca is named "Casa St James" which
he paid for with the £4m pay-off he received from Newcastle when they sacked
him. I wonder whether he will be buying a second holiday home called 'Casa
Boleyn' with the estimated £10m in wages and bonuses he is thought to have
earned over the past four years at West Ham?

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
teve Bruce: I trust Sam Allardyce to make sure West Ham are up for for
Newcastle's crucial relegation clash
22:30, 22 MAY 2015
BY DAVID ANDERSON , NEIL MCLEMAN
Survival hopes of Bruce's Hull side looked dented when Hammers players were
given string of days off before St James' clash
The Mirror

Steve Bruce claims he trusts West Ham boss Sam Allardyce to do his best to
beat Newcastle. Allardyce appeared to boost Newcastle's survival hopes and
dent Hull's by giving his players a string of days off in the build-up to
Saturday's clash at St James' Park.
But Bruce refused to criticise his old friend and is confident the Hammers
will be properly prepared to face Newcastle. "That's his prerogative," said
Bruce. "It's his business what he does with his players, but Sam's a man of
integrity and honesty and he'll make sure his team are properly prepared for
Newcastle. "He will be wanting to win that game, and he'll make sure his
players go out there and try all they know to get a result."

Allardyce has predicted his team will draw at Newcastle – leaving Bruce to
beat Manchester United and condemn his former club to relegation. West Ham
have gone 11 away games without a win since a victory at West Brom in
December and have scored only twice in their last five games. But Allardyce,
who was sacked by Newcastle in 2008, insisted: "The odds are probably a draw
at the moment. "And I am sure between Newcastle and Hull and whatever the
situation, and how it changes, it will be making either side very, very
nervous. "But for us it is about concentrating on ourselves and trying to
win."

Hull boss Bruce is desperate to avoid having another relegation on his CV
after going down with Birmingham in 2006. Bruce has never beaten his old
club United in 21 attempts as a manager, knows how catastrophic relegation
can be. "Personally, I went down with Birmingham a few years ago, and I
don't want another relegation on my CV because it's tough to live with," he
said. "It's a blot on the copy book, that's for sure, but the worst thing of
all is that when it happens, you have to start all over again, rebuilding
the club from scratch.
"It's going right down to the wire and, if there is to be one final twist,
why shouldn't it be in our favour for once? We're capable, so let's hope we
can pull it off."

Gambling fan David Meyler insists outsiders Hull are worth a punt to win
their battle to beat the drop.The Irish midfielder said: "I sure do like a
bet, and I would certainly put it on at 3-1 that Hull stay up. "I've had
loads of winners at that price, and let's hope my tip this time turns out to
be the biggest and most important of the lot. "There's no reason why it
can't happen, and I still believe in all my team-mates, the manager and all
the staff. "It's going to be tough, for sure, and there's going to be a lot
of tension around the place. But pressure? That just makes me laugh. "In my
mind, pressure is what you put in tyres. This is a game of football, and all
the lads in our dressing-room are really looking forward to it."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Alex Song: West Ham need to build a bigger squad to mix it with the Premier
League's big hitters
17:06, 22 MAY 2015
BY DARREN LEWIS
The 27-year-old, who looks set to leave Upton Park at the end of his loan
spell, says the Irons need more strength in depth
The Mirror

Alex Song believes West Ham need to scrap their dreams of a shock challenge
to the big guns until they get a better squad. The 27-year-old midfielder is
set to leave Upton Park when his loan spell ends after Sunday's game at
Newcastle as the Hammer have decided not to pursue an option to keep him.
The east Londoners were desperate to tie him down to a permanent deal during
the first half of the season when the club's impressive displays had
insiders dreaming of a surprise Champions League bid. West Ham's results
have dipped dramatically over the second half of the campaign, however, and
Song has been unable to reproduce his early-season form. The club are set to
invest in up to five new players this summer. Song believes fresh blood is a
must to ensure the Hammers have the quality to challenge the likes of
Chelsea , Arsenal or the Manchester clubs. He said: "I am very happy with
the way things have gone at West Ham, especially with the fans, because of
the way they have always welcomed me. I will never forget that, and that's
why I will do my best in this game and finish well and then say 'Goodbye' to
everyone. "I am sorry because we maybe didn't do what they expected of us
this season. We started playing so well that they wanted more. "I always
said it would be difficult because we don't have a big squad, so I know from
my time at Arsenal and Barcelona that, when you want to win, the squad has
to have 25 players. "If you have this and two or three players are injured,
you can replace with the same quality. "I am not saying we don't have
quality, but when you want to look to finish in the top four, you have to
have a very big squad and very good quality of players. "In West Ham we have
very good players, but we don't have the squad to fight for this with the
likes of Arsenal, Chelsea or the Manchester clubs. That's why we have
dropped many points. "When you are not playing every game like we did with
high intensity at the top level, it's not easy to reach 100 per cent in
every single game. Hopefully West Ham will manage to do even better next
season. I will always look here to see how West Ham are doing."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce to skip summit meeting over his future on Monday...to go on
holiday with grandchildren
10:22, 22 MAY 2015
BY NEIL MCLEMAN
The Hammers boss is widely expected to depart Upton Park but he will not be
in the UK to discover if he has a future at the club
The Mirror

Sam Allardyce will not attend the meeting on Monday to decide his West Ham
future. Instead, the Hammers boss will be in Spain on holiday with his
grandchildren. Big Sam, who will be out of contract next month, will send
his agent Mark Curtis to hear his fate while he heads off to the sun. "It
will all be sorted one way or another on Monday," he said. "I am not
personally having a meeting. But my agent will be available to speak to the
owners. "I want to take the only opportunity I have, which is half term, to
go away with my grandchildren.
"I can meet the owners when I come back. I sacrifice all my family when I do
the job. "I have the opportunity once in the year to be with them, and be
with them on holiday. They live up in the north west and I live down here
and it is rare that I see them. "In my career I rarely saw my own children
growing up so it's always been important to be with them this week - and I
have done that for many years.
"That is important for me. There is the whole summer to sort things out. I
am hopeful it's not my final game. "But we will wait and see. The full
situation will be resolved next week and we will take it from there."

The Hammers boss confirmed Mirror Sport stories this week that his squad had
a reduced training schedule before Sunday's visit to Newcastle – and the
meters had been read on the Canary Wharf flat he is selling. Allardyce led
West Ham to promotion in his first season and kept the club in the Premier
League for three seasons as they prepare to move to the Olympic Stadium next
year. "I define my time here as brilliant," he claimed. "It has been an
outstanding experience for me and we will find out next week whether it will
continue or not. "I've done what I have been asked to do and make sure we
have a sustainable football club in The Premier League. "You're always sad
if you leave a football club. But I've outlived the average life of a
manager in the Premier League by a long way. "It's just short of two years
now, the average life of a Premier League manager, because it's been pretty
stable this year. "But if I leave, I'm leaving because my contract runs out.
I don't think I'm going to be leaving by now renewing my contract and saying
they are sacking me. "It's a natural process, but we will find that out."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Teddy Sheringham took Stevenage manager's job on advice of his West Ham boss
Sam Allardyce
22:30, 21 MAY 2015
BY ADRIAN KAJUMBA
The ex-England striker's move to League Two appears to begin the break-up of
Big Sam's staff ahead of his own expected departure next week
The Mirror

Sam Allardyce persuaded Teddy Sheringham to make the move into management
despite being on the brink of losing his own job. Sheringham, 49, took his
first step on the managerial ladder on Thursday when he was appointed by
League Two Stevenage, kick-starting the break up of Allardyce's West Ham
backroom staff. The Hammers No2 Neil McDonald is in talks with League One
side Blackpool and Ian Hendon is a contender for the top job at fourth-tier
Leyton Orient, as Allardyce's coaches try to sort out their futures ahead of
his expected departure next week. Former Tottenham and Manchester United
star Sheringham - West Ham's attacking coach this season - said: "I spoke to
my family (about taking the Stevenage job) but professionally, it was just
Sam. "I told him I'd had an approach and as soon as I said it was from
Stevenage he said 'take it'. "His endorsement was a big deciding factor."
Ex-England striker Sheringham, handed a three-year deal by Stevenage,
admitted the doubts over Allardyce's Hammers future contributed too. He
said: "The uncertainty has carried on for everyone at West Ham for the last
four to six months. If Sam had asked me four months ago I probably would
have stayed and seen where it had taken me. "But longer it has gone on, the
uncertainty has left things very open and this chance (at Stevenage) has
come about and it felt right."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle relegation battle hopes boosted as West Ham players take most of
week off before final-day decider
22:30, 21 MAY 2015
BY DARREN LEWIS
Hull fans counting on the Hammers to do them a favour on Sunday will be
surprised by their relaxed approach
The Mirror

Sam Allardyce has given his West Ham players the week off ahead of their
crucial relegation clash against Newcastle on Sunday. In a move that will
shock Hull City fans hoping for the Irons to do them a favour, the Upton
Park club will have their second session of the week on Friday lunchtime.
Three Hammers stars - James Collins, Kevin Nolan and James O'Brien - were at
the Premier League darts finale at the O2 arena in London on Thursday night
for a celebrity challenge match. Sunday's massive fixtures will decide
whether it's Newcastle or Hull - who are at home to Manchester United - who
join Burnley and QPR in going down to the Championship. Allardyce is set to
part company with West Ham after Sunday's game and Mirror Sport understands
he could go within a few hours of the final whistle. His contract is set to
expire but talks over his future, which had been scheduled for Monday, will
almost certainly be scrapped. Former Newcastle boss Big Sam's move this week
has stunned insiders at West Ham and comes after the club lost to Everton
last Saturday. That result meant the Hammers have won just two of their last
16 matches. The poor run of form over the second half of the season has led
to the club deciding not to renew Allardyce's contract. Mirror Sport
revealed earlier this week that Big Sam spent this week preparing to quit
his Canary Wharf apartment.
Allardyce's backroom staff are already preparing for his departure:
forwards' coach Teddy Sheringham was named as the new boss at Stevenage on
Thursday, No2 Neil McDonald is in talks with Blackpool and first-team coach
Ian Hendon is a contender for the Leyton Orient job.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam on holiday when decision is made
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 22, 2015 in Whispers
C AN DH

Sam Allardyce has told reporters that he will be on holiday as his future is
decided next week.

He used his London Evening Standard column to say:

"My future at West Ham will be decided after this weekend, I will be on
holiday with my grandchildren, something I'm looking forward to immensely,
but my representatives will be talking to the club. There's nothing more I
can say on that. I'm not in control of the situation so we'll just wait and
see."

Speaking to reporters earlier he added:

"My future will be sorted out one way or the other on Monday," said
Allardyce. "I am going away with my grandchildren to Spain, but my agent
will be available to speak to the owners. It will be the owners' decision.
The speculation has possibly affected the players a bit, with all the other
names of managers who are being linked to the job. I'm sure Carlo Ancelotti
will be the next name, but I cannot affect that."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons fury over 'holiday' ahead of £1.2m game
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 22, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H

West Ham insiders are furious that the team will get found out through a
lack of training when they face a £1.2 million game at Newcastle this
weekend. Everton and the Irons are on level points at 47 and many in the
club believe every effort should have been made to ensure we finish ahead of
the merseysiders and pocket another £1 million plus in positional money.
Manager Sam Allardyce chose to give the squad much of the week off off
before revealing he was off to Spain with wife Lynn for a holiday with the
grandkids as the club hold their meeting over his future. We were told:
"Obviously if Everton beat Spurs we stay where we are anyway but should we
lose and Palace win against Swansea at Selhurst Park we could lose another
position there. "We owe it to everybody to go up there and really give it a
go and nobody believes that giving players two or three days off when
there's still so much at stake, notably for Newcastle and Burnley, was the
way to go. "Nobody seems to think a million or two pounds is very important
in a game which counts in billions but it can still make a difference.play
right to the very end. It can, for example,buy you a player who can be the
difference to relegation or survival. "There have been a lot of questions
asked about the events of this week and many people are very unhappy."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam thinks it's all over- it is NOW!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 22, 2015 in Whispers
EXCLUSIVE
C AND H

West Ham sources received former Sam Allardyce assistant Phil Brown's:
"They're crazy to let him go" outburst on talkSport in stunned silence
before waves of laughter broke out. The Southend boss and former Allardyce
assistant at Bolton had said: ""I think it's crazy that West Ham are letting
him go. He's one of our top English managers," After finally letting the at
out of the bag, Brown added: "A lot of people have pigeon-holed him as a
survival manager which is ludicrous. He's got promotion from the
Championship and not only survived but taken them into the top half. "He
came to West Ham to do a job and nobody can say he hasn't."

However, ClaretandHugh's top contact inside the club laughed: "Crazy to
keep Sam?…crazy?" "No I'm afraid Mr Brown needs to understand we'd be crazy
to keep him – three win in 20 games! It is safe for you to write that it's
over."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Brown: 'West Ham are letting him go'
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 22, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H

Sam Allardyce's former assistant Phil Brown just told Adrian Durham & Darren
Gough on Talk sport radio "West Ham are letting him go" when asked about his
good mate Sam Allardyce. The Southend United manager quickly tried to
cover his tracks after he realised his gaff but it appears the cat is well
and truly out of the bag.

Last month Brown heaped praise on his mate Sam saying "Sam has done a
fabulous job. He's always been a manager who does what it says on the tin.
He's bold, brash, hard and he's fair. He tells you what he's going to do and
he does it. You can't argue that he's done anything else at West Ham.
Whether you like him or loathe him, it doesn't matter. He's done exactly
what he said he would do – get them promoted, keep them in the Premier
League and then challenge. He's done it.

"For him not to be rewarded with another contract is just beyond me. I think
that's the reason why the season has begun to peter out and taper off. I
don't think we do appreciate him enough."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Song says Sorry & Goodbye
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 22, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H

Barcelona loanee Alex Song has penned a farewell blog for the club's
official website in which he appears to hint he will say goodbye to
everyone. He also apologised because the team didn't do what was expected of
them.

"I am very happy with the way things have gone at West Ham, especially with
the fans, because of the way they have always welcomed me. I will never
forget that, and that's why I will do my best in this game and finish well
and then say 'Goodbye' to everyone." he told WHUFC.com

"You never know what might happen, but it has been a pleasure for me to be
here and wear this shirt. I will always have a part of my heart in West Ham
because I have enjoyed my time here a lot, with the way the fans have been
behind me.

"I am sorry because we maybe didn't do what they expected of us this season.
We started playing so well that they wanted more. I always said it would be
difficult because we don't have a big squad, so I know from my time at
Arsenal and Barcelona that, when you want to win, the squad has to have 25
players.

"If you have this and two or three players are injured, you can replace with
the same quality. I am not saying we don't have quality, but when you want
to look to finish in the top four, you have to have a very big squad and
very good quality of players.

"In West Ham we have very good players, but we don't have the squad to fight
for this with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea or the Manchester clubs. That's
why we have dropped many points.

"When you are not playing every game like we did with high intensity at the
top level, it's not easy to reach 100 per cent in every single game.
Hopefully West Ham will manage to do even better next season. I will always
look here to see how West Ham are doing."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sheri all but lets Sam cat out of bag
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 22, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H

Teddy Sheringham appears to have come as close as it gets to letting cats
out of bags without going the whole hog! Discussing the reasons for taking
his first step into management at Stevenage, he claimed the uncertainty over
the 60 year old's position had contributed to the decision. He said: "The
uncertainty has carried on for everyone at West Ham for the last four to six
months. If Sam had asked me four months ago I probably would have stayed and
seen where it had taken me. "But longer it has gone on, the uncertainty has
left things very open and this chance (at Stevenage) has come about and it
felt right."

Meanwhile, the Hammers No2 Neil McDonald is in talks with League One side
Blackpool and Ian Hendon is a contender for the top job at fourth-tier
Leyton Orient. Sheringham added: "I spoke to my family (about taking the
Stevenage job) but professionally, it was just Sam. I told him I'd had an
approach and as soon as I said it was from Stevenage he said 'take it'. "His
endorsement was a big deciding factor."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons uncomfortable with squad "holiday"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 22, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H

West Ham's medical staff have been twiddling their thumbs for much of this
week after Sam Allardyce handed the he players an unexpected 'holiday –
first reported here on Monday! Sam Allardyce's move in handing the squad
Sunday Monday and Tuesday off ahead of a crucial clash affecting the
relegation zone on Sunday has not gone down well among Upton Park insiders.
Morning reports even claimed they did not return to the training ground
until today but the newspapers concerned changed that in on line editions
claiming they were in action yesterday. The Mirror said: "In a move that
will shock Hull City fans fans hoping for the Irons to do them a favour, the
Upton Park club will have their second session of the week on Friday
lunchtime." Other sources claimed to ClaretandHugh: "The medical staff are
being paid to get players fit/treat them and there have been no players to
work with for much of the week!" The unexpected break drew the comment from
one insider: "Sam believes that rewards bring results – mind you that hasn't
worked too well since Dubai has it?"
Another said: "Hull City fans may be a little uncomfortable with Sam
Allardyce's relaxed approach given it will be either them or Newcastlewho
join QPR and Burnley in the Championship. Some around here most certainly
are. Three Hammers stars – James Collins, Kevin Nolan and James O'Brien –
were also reported to be at the Premier League darts finale at the O2 arena
in London on Thursday night for a celebrity challenge match although none of
the three are likely to feature on Sunday.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam's farewell speech
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 22, 2015 in News Agenda, Whispers
C AND H

Sam Allardyce has used his London Evening Standard to reflect on his four
years at West Ham in something which closely resembles a farewell speech.

"I would just like to take this opportunity, in this final column of the
season, to look back on my four years at West Ham. Progression is always the
key word for any manager when he joins a new club. To do that, he must ask
questions and find the answers. What are the difficulties? How do you
overcome them? How do you achieve the targets set by the owners?

The ambition of the owners has to be balanced by financial availability. If
they want to move forward quickly then you have to spend more money. If,
however, you want to progress at a steadier pace, then you have to spend the
money available more wisely. If you have little or no funds, then it's
difficult to move forward at all.

There's always been investment since I've been here and that money has
served the club very well in terms of bringing in players. Over the four
years, the player turnover has been astronomical, particularly in that first
season in the Championship.

That presents a huge task for the manager and you see many lose their jobs
because, as their critics often say: "There was too much change, too
quickly."

We made those wholesale changes and not only coped in that first season but
built a better team, one good enough to go back up to the Premier League at
the first attempt. I had signed a two-year contract and my task was to help
win promotion in that time. One of the hardest things in football is to do
that in the first year — very few achieve that — but we managed it.

You can't over-exaggerate the feeling of depression around a club when they
are relegated and West Ham were no exception. There was desolation
everywhere and you have to help rebuild the confidence, both of the club and
the players — and do it quickly.

I remember sitting down at our pre-season camp, talking to the players
individually, and 50 per cent wanted to leave.

We needed to work hard and quickly and the club sent out a big statement of
intent when we signed Kevin Nolan. I thought the club's financial commitment
there was fantastic, signing an experienced Premier League player — one who
scores goals and is a great captain — and convincing him to come to a club
in the Championship.

That gave us a rock-solid base on which to build and then, later, around
Christmas when the goals dried up, we signed Nicky Maynard and Ricardo Vaz
Te, with Ricardo in particular adding that scoring power.

I thought then we were headed for automatic promotion but no one expected
the surge from Reading, who came up on the rails and pipped us.

The play-offs did, however, provide me with my greatest moments of my time
here at West Ham. The pleasure and delight of that play-off final win over
Blackpool is a memory I will never, ever forget."

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com



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