A message from the Joint-Chairmen
WHUFc.com
Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold reflect on their first five
years at West Ham United
18.01.2015
Monday 19 January marks five years to the day since the moment that we, as
two proud Eastenders, took to the helm of the Club we have loved and
supported all our lives. So we feel the time is right to take stock of the
progress we have made and look forward to the challenges and opportunities
ahead.
It is an especially exciting time to be the Joint-Chairmen of this Club.
After our stunning start to the season, with performances that have had the
whole country talking, we sit comfortably in the top half of the table and
have a fourth round tie in the FA Cup to look forward to after last week's
thrilling win against Everton.
It is all a far cry from the situation West Ham faced back in January 2010,
when we first bought a majority share. To put our progress in perspective,
we have already won more games in this campaign than we did in the whole of
that 2009/10 season.
We inherited a club that was riddled with debt, had little or no expectation
from the management team, lacked strategy on and off the pitch and had no
idea what the future held for it. Avoiding relegation seemed to be the limit
of the Club's ambitions and with no plan to expand the Boleyn Ground, there
was little prospect of improvement.
As some supporters may recall, in the summer of 2010, we set out a ten-point
pledge to highlight the areas we wanted to address to start turning that
situation around and to give West Ham's loyal supporters reasons to look
forward to the future with confidence.
They were:
1. Management: We pledged to recruit a high-calibre manager with the
experience to deliver good football and results. After the disappointment of
relegation in 2011, we put our faith in Sam Allardyce to win promotion and
secure our status in the Barclays Premier League. He repaid that faith by
picking up the pieces of a relegated squad, rebuilding its morale and then
securing promotion to the Premier League via a memorable Play-Off Final win
at Wembley. Two consecutive mid-table finishes followed and this year he has
led us to our best-ever start to a Premier League season. Big Sam is now the
second longest-serving manager in the Premier League and we hope his
experience can now lead us to what would be a creditable top-six finish this
season.
2. New players: We said we wanted an exciting and balanced squad, with new
signings that shared our ambitions and could play in the 'West Ham Way'. Our
transfer business last summer typifies that approach: nine players brought
in with an average age of 24. Our recruitment was as varied as it was
successful, one of the brightest young talents in the Championship, a World
Cup star and a loan signing from Barcelona, and their impact on changing the
Club's fortunes is evident for all to see. In our opinion we now have one of
the best West Ham squads in recent memory.
3. The Academy: We always want to see Academy talent given a chance. James
Tomkins was the last player to break into the first team on a consistent
basis and we are desperate to see more make the grade. With Tony Carr moving
to an ambassadorial role, we restructured the Academy, appointing Terry
Westley as its new head. Just last week, we made a big statement for the
future by seeing off competition from several of the country's biggest clubs
to seal long-term deals for two of our most exciting prospects in Reece
Oxford and Joe Powell.
4. Clearing the debt: We pledged that West Ham would never again be placed
in peril and that we would get the Club back on a sound financial footing.
We have kept that pledge and last year's highest-ever turnover of £114.8
million has not only allowed us to invest in the playing squad, but also
continue to clear the Club's debts. We made a record £10.3m profit last
season and remain on track to have cleared all external debt by the time we
move to our new Stadium.
5. Season Ticket prices: We said we would reward fans who make the long-term
commitment of buying a Season Ticket and do more for the younger supporters
who are the lifeblood of the Club. We kept Season Ticket prices at our
previous Premier League level on our return to the top flight and then froze
them again two years later. Indeed, while still tackling the debt, over the
past five years, the price of a renewed Season Ticket has come down in
relation to the cost of living.
We also continued with our campaign to make football more affordable by
freezing Season Ticket prices for younger fans this season and next,
committing to six Kids for a Quid games and introducing a new category 'C'
ticket, which starts at just £20 for adults. These incentives, combined with
the impressive performances of the team, have seen us grow our support among
Under-18s by 23 per cent in the last two years.
6. Status and image: We said we wanted to build on our proud history and
values to promote the Club's status and image as far and wide as possible.
Now with star signings from across the globe, official supporters' clubs
from Canada to Kazakhstan, and the move to a world-famous venue just 20
months away, West Ham's international profile has never been higher. A total
of 14 of our matches were televised last season and we were officially
recognised as one of the world's leading football brands by Brandfinance,
placing us again in the top nine of Premier League clubs in the world's 50
most valuable football brands.
7. Enjoyment: We said we wanted to bring the fun and enjoyment back to a
matchday out at West Ham. That has meant restoring attacking, entertaining
and successful football on the pitch but also increased activity for fans
before the match and at half time, with better videos, improved music,
interviews with former players and celebrities and interactive activities
for young Hammers in and around the Stadium.
8. Community: We said we wanted to do even more for local schools and
businesses and extend our commitment to multi-sports, education and healthy
living. Thanks to the inspirational drive of Vice-Chairman Karren Brady and
new head of our West Ham United Foundation, Joseph Lyons, we have seen a
dramatic improvement. More than 15,000 youngsters have so far engaged with
the Foundation's employability, training and mentoring schemes, 6,000
underachieving children in Newham have received out-of-school study support
at the Club's Inspire Learning Centre and more than 20,000 deprived
youngsters in the Olympic Boroughs have also engaged with West Ham's Kicks
Project, which has seen a tangible reduction in anti-social behaviour in the
areas covered.
9. The Olympic Stadium: We said moving to the Olympic Stadium would be a
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we pledged to do our best to make it
happen. Our perseverance through three long and testing bidding processes
was eventually rewarded when we were named anchor concessionaires in March
2013. Our success in that bid is one of the great achievements of the past
five years. It gives us the chance to take West Ham to a new level by
generating more revenues to invest in the playing squad, attracting the best
players to sign for us and then hopefully competing with the top teams in
Europe. It will also give the greatest fans in the world one of the greatest
stadiums in all of football.
10. The supporters: We said our most important commitment was listening to
what you have to say and being open, transparent and available. Whether
talking to you on social media, or face to face at fans' forums, we hope we
have personally delivered on that commitment. And by establishing the
Supporter Advisory Board, appointing a dedicated Supporter Liaison Officer,
conducting polls and consultations on the new Stadium, the final season
plans and the new crest, we hope you have seen us not just listening to -
but acting on - your views.
In all these ten areas, significant progress has been made, but we recognise
there is still much more to do and that fresh challenges and new goals will
always lie ahead as we continue to shape the future of the Club. Therefore,
today we are issuing another ten-point pledge to help shape our vision for
the next five years. Our passion, commitment and desire to drive West Ham
further forward is as much alive today as it was the day we walked through
the gates.
1. Continue to invest in the playing squad. Our aim is to bring in more
world-class players that can play in the 'West Ham Way'. We have broken the
Club's transfer record twice in the last three years and we will continue to
make significant funds available to strengthen the playing squad this summer
as we build a team that will befit our new home. We will also endeavour to
hang onto our best players as, too often in the past, previous Boards have
sold our most promising players.
2. Give the Boleyn Ground the fitting farewell it deserves. With your
support we must ensure that we pay a fitting farewell to our home of more
than a century. We plan to use the opportunity, when people around the world
will be watching, to celebrate everything that is great about this Club, its
history, its fans and its future.
3. Clear the debt. Our latest set of accounts clearly shows the progress
made in this area, but we have pledged to be free of external debt by the
time we leave the Boleyn Ground and that must remain our focus for the next
18 months.
4. Deliver a new Stadium that exceeds fans' expectations. Having secured a
99-year lease to become anchor concessionaire, we must now make sure we
deliver a stunning new Stadium that Hammers fans are proud to call home. We
have secured a UEFA Category 4 Stadium, which is the highest category in the
world, and with the new roof, retractable seating, supporters facilities and
the new hospitality areas, your new Stadium will become the benchmark of
best stadia in the world.
5. Continue to serve our community. Having provided more than 1.5 million
opportunities for local people, the re-launched West Ham United Foundation
is now in a position to significantly expand its work over a wider area of
East London, Essex and beyond.
6. Employ the best staff to take the Club forward. While we are proud of the
Club's achievements, we should be clear it is not just down to the Board. We
have ensured we have the very best people in the right jobs, from football
staff and sports science to the new Stadium project team and supporter
services. We can all see the difference these people are making to West Ham
United and our progress on and off the pitch. West Ham is proud to be an
equal opportunities employer who has the best interests of its staff and its
customers at the heart of every decision the Board makes.
7. Communicate clearly and transparently with supporters. Whether it be
through our new soon-to-be-launched digital platform, social media,
newsletters, fans' forums or the SAB, we will continue to communicate the
Club's important messages to supporters. We pride ourselves on being
accessible Chairmen and will always listen to supporters' feedback on the
issues that matter to them.
8. Continue our affordable football campaign. A Season Ticket will always
offer the best value to anyone wanting to watch every West Ham game. We also
want to make sure that everyone has the chance to watch top-flight football
so will be building on our current promotions, such as the award-winning
schemes like Kids for a Quid, when we move to the new Stadium.
9. Make sure watching West Ham is enjoyable. We were clear last summer that
we share the West Ham fans' desire for entertaining football and are
delighted to see that return in abundance this season. The new Stadium will
offer unrivalled opportunities to improve the matchday experience away from
the pitch and we will be reaching out to supporters over the coming months
to make sure our new facilities offer one of the very best days out in the
Premier League.
10. Continue to increase the profile of our Club. The new Stadium will
automatically put West Ham on a pedestal around the world and it is our job
to ensure we maximise on that opportunity. We are already receiving
approaches from big brands that are desperate to be part of our exciting
journey and as our profile increases we will, in turn, be able to attract
better players from across the globe.
Like you, there are no limits to our ambitions for West Ham and there is no
end to our enthusiasm to achieve them.
But more importantly, over the coming years, we will, for the first time in
the modern era, have the Stadium, the playing squad and the global reach
that will give us the chance to turn our collective dreams into reality.
Thank you for your continued support.
David Sullivan and David Gold
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On-Song Hammers delight Alex
WHUFC.com
Hammers midfielder Alex Song was delighted with the second half display
against Hull City
19.01.2015
Alex Song felt West Ham United's ability to put an indifferent first half
behind them to see off Hull City on Sunday was the sign of a good side. The
Hammers had their struggles before the break as Hull's five-man midfield
stifled their ability to create chances, but a tactical switch at the break
changed the flow of the game. Song had a hand in the game-clinching second
and third goals just after the mid-point of the second period, playing
incisive passes into the feet of Enner Valencia and Stewart Downing and he
was delighed with the three point haul. "It was a very important win," he
said. "All the teams at the top won, so it was very important that we did as
well at home. "We started badly and the first half was difficult. Everton
was a long game and our legs were a little bit heavy, but we showed great
character to come back in the second half. "We had to keep going and keep
trying to play the best football we can, and in the end we are happy because
it was different in the second half. "We were sharper and we kept the ball
going forward with quick passing. It was a good result. "Always when you
score, first of all, you have to control the game. We got the goal early in
the second half and that helped us to keep playing how we want to play. "I
think it was very good and I think we have to learn from the way we played
in the second half for the next game. "The way we played after half time we
have to enjoy and just look forward to the next game now."
Song's pass for Downing's 72nd minute goal was a thing of beauty as he
threaded a ball through the eye of a needle, perfect for the No11 to burst
on to and finish coolly beyond Allan McGregor. The Cameroon midfielder
thrives off that kind of movement and was happy to play his part in an
important win. "Stewart's run for his goal is normal," he explained. "When I
have the ball, I always look forward and that's what I like, when players
give me the movement like Stewart did. "Valencia too, when I get the ball I
know straight away they will go forward. When I see them in space I just
want to give them the right ball for them to go on and try to score. "On
Sunday it was a very good move and a very good goal. If we continue to
improve like this more things can happen and I'm very happy for Stewart
today, the way he is playing."
On a personal level, Song is glad to be back in the team after suffering a
spell of illness recently, which forced him out of the first running of the
FA Cup tie at Everton. "I'm feeling much better," he confirmed. "When I came
back from Cameroon I was a little sick for five days. "It was hard to play
against Everton, as I couldn't really breathe properly, but it was good for
me to play then because I need to play to get my fitness back. "Then today
it was much better. Hopefully I can have a full recovery this week and be
ready for the next game because we have a lot of important games coming up."
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Senegal off to the perfect start
WHUFC.com
West Ham United midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate started in Senegal's 2-1 group
stage victory over Ghana
19.01.2015
Cheikhou Kouyate started as Senegal began their Africa Cup of Nations
campaign with a dramatic 2-1 group C victory against Ghana on Monday
evening. Senegal came from behind to claim maximum points, after Andre Ayew
scored a first half penalty for Ghana. Stoke's Mame Diouf levelled, before
Moussa Sow, of Fenerbahce, notched a stoppage time equaliser. It gave
Kouyate, who was earning his 15th cap for his country, the perfect start as
Senegal attempt to lift the title for the first time. Their next match is on
Friday when they take on South Africa.
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Sign up to the final season waiting list
WHUFC.com
Places are filling up quickly on the waiting list for 2015/16 Season Tickets
19.01.2015
With Season Tickets for the current campaign now sold out, supporters are
urged to join the waiting list for 2015/16 Season Tickets in order to give
themselves a chance of being here for the final year at the Boleyn Ground.
With the Hammers enjoying an outstanding first half of the season, Season
Tickets have proven extremely popular - so much so that they are no longer
available as the Club heads into the final seven home matches of the
campaign. Demand is set to be even higher as we bid the Boleyn Ground an
emotional farewell in 2015/16 so sign up to the waiting list before it's too
late! 2015/16 Season Ticket Holders will be our priority when it comes to
seats in the new Stadium. So this is the one and only way to experience a
brilliant Boleyn send-off, before taking your seat in our stunning new
Stratford home. Two seasons that no West Ham fan will want to miss!
Individuals will be added on a first-come, first-served basis and allocated
their Season Tickets accordingly, so we urge supporters to sign up promptly.
For those wishing to join, a £10 registration fee is payable, which is then
redeemable against your Season Ticket purchase.
Please note that a place on the waiting list does not automatically
guarantee a Season Ticket, with demand already exceptionally high and likely
to exceed capacity. Those who are unsuccessful for the 2015/16 season will
instead be offered the opportunity to join the waiting list for a 2016/17
Season Ticket, subject to availability.
Sign up now by clicking here, call 0871 529 1966 (10p per minute plus
network extras) or visit the Boleyn Ground Ticket Office in person.
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A ten point pledge for the NEXT five years
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 19th January 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's co-chairmen have released a statement to mark the fifth
anniversary of their purchase of the club.
In January 2010, David Sullivan and David Gold bought a majority share of
West Ham, since when they have increased their stake considerably. Upon
taking the control of the club they released a ten-point pledge, which they
have reviewed five years on - read more about that here.
Additionally, Sullivan and Gold have issued a new ten point pledge to "shape
our vision for the next five years" - whilst thanking fans for their loyal
support during the recent turbulent years.
The ten points are as follows:
1. Continue to invest in the playing squad. Our aim is to bring in more
world-class players that can play in the 'West Ham Way'. We have broken the
Club's transfer record twice in the last three years and we will continue to
make significant funds available to strengthen the playing squad this summer
as we build a team that will befit our new home. We will also endeavour to
hang onto our best players as, too often in the past, previous Boards have
sold our most promising players.
2. Give the Boleyn Ground the fitting farewell it deserves. With your
support we must ensure that we pay a fitting farewell to our home of more
than a century. We plan to use the opportunity, when people around the world
will be watching, to celebrate everything that is great about this Club, its
history, its fans and its future.
3. Clear the debt. Our latest set of accounts clearly shows the progress
made in this area, but we have pledged to be free of external debt by the
time we leave the Boleyn Ground and that must remain our focus for the next
18 months.
4. Deliver a new Stadium that exceeds fans' expectations. Having secured a
99-year lease to become anchor concessionaire, we must now make sure we
deliver a stunning new Stadium that Hammers fans are proud to call home. We
have secured a UEFA Category 4 Stadium, which is the highest category in the
world, and with the new roof, retractable seating, supporters facilities and
the new hospitality areas, your new Stadium will become the benchmark of
best stadia in the world.
5. Continue to serve our community. Having provided more than 1.5 million
opportunities for local people, the re-launched West Ham United Foundation
is now in a position to significantly expand its work over a wider area of
East London, Essex and beyond.
6. Employ the best staff to take the Club forward. While we are proud of the
Club's achievements, we should be clear it is not just down to the Board. We
have ensured we have the very best people in the right jobs, from football
staff and sports science to the new Stadium project team and supporter
services. We can all see the difference these people are making to West Ham
United and our progress on and off the pitch. West Ham is proud to be an
equal opportunities employer who has the best interests of its staff and its
customers at the heart of every decision the Board makes.
7. Communicate clearly and transparently with supporters. Whether it be
through our new soon-to-be-launched digital platform, social media,
newsletters, fans' forums or the SAB, we will continue to communicate the
Club's important messages to supporters. We pride ourselves on being
accessible Chairmen and will always listen to supporters' feedback on the
issues that matter to them.
8. Continue our affordable football campaign. A Season Ticket will always
offer the best value to anyone wanting to watch every West Ham game. We also
want to make sure that everyone has the chance to watch top-flight football
so will be building on our current promotions, such as the award-winning
schemes like Kids for a Quid, when we move to the new Stadium.
9. Make sure watching West Ham is enjoyable. We were clear last summer that
we share the West Ham fans' desire for entertaining football and are
delighted to see that return in abundance this season. The new Stadium will
offer unrivalled opportunities to improve the matchday experience away from
the pitch and we will be reaching out to supporters over the coming months
to make sure our new facilities offer one of the very best days out in the
Premier League.
10. Continue to increase the profile of our Club. The new Stadium will
automatically put West Ham on a pedestal around the world and it is our job
to ensure we maximise on that opportunity. We are already receiving
approaches from big brands that are desperate to be part of our exciting
journey and as our profile increases we will, in turn, be able to attract
better players from across the globe.
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West Ham eyeing shock January raid for Manchester United midfielder Darren
Fletcher
Jan 19, 2015 19:34 By Darren Lewis
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce wants to build on his side's impressive season by
bringing in the experienced Scotland man
The Mirror
West Ham United have made an audacious bid to land Manchester United
midfielder Darren Fletcher. Fletcher, 30, is out of contract at the end of
the season and has yet to sign a new deal. He is expected to make a decision
on his future by the end of January. Tony Pulis at West Brom, Scottish
champions Celtic and Spanish club Valencia are all keen on the Scotland
international, who has made just 16 appearances this season. It is
understood Fletcher is keen to test himself abroad but with West Ham aiming
for the top four, Sam Allardyce believes Fletcher would be tempted by the
challenge of pushing for Champions League football with another English
club. Fletcher last played for United in their 2-0 FA Cup Third Round win at
Yeovil on January 4 and is after regular first team action.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce believes landing the United star this month would
give the east Londoners even more strength in depth going into the second
half of the season. The club have leapt up the table after landing Cheikou
Kouyate, Enner Valencia, Aaron Cresswell, Diafra Sakho and Alex Song on loan
last summer. Big Sam insisted on Sunday that the signings were the best that
he has benefited from during his time as a boss. He said: "Recruitment is
everything in the world of football. You recruit well, you become a great
manager.
"Better players do better things, take things on board quicker, get better
results. Our recruitment this year has been fantastic. "To have so many
players make such a difference in one season's recruitment is the best I've
ever had in my entire career." But West Ham's joint-chairmen, David Gold and
David Sullivan, have steadfastly maintained that they would have to free up
space on their wage bill before signing even more players. Portuguese
forward Ricardo Vaz Te has now left by mutual consent and the club are
willing to listen to offers for winger Matt Jarvis.
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West Ham defender Winston Reid makes it clear he wants Arsenal move if they
bid this month
Jan 19, 2015 22:30 By Darren Lewis
The New Zealand centre-half wants to push through a move across London to
the Emirates as Sam Allardyce targets replacements
The Mirror
Winston Reid has made it clear to West Ham that he wants to join Arsenal
should the Gunners bid for him this month. Arsene Wenger has confirmed he is
in for a new centre-back this month and Reid, out of contract in the summer,
does not want to be denied a dream move.
The 26-year-old has flatly refused to sign a new deal and was dropped for
Sunday's 3-0 win over Hull, coming on after an injury to James Collins.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce insisted afterwards that Collins and James
Tomkins had started the match at centre-back because they had done so well
in last week's epic FA Cup Third Round replay win over Everton. But it is
believed Big Sam did not consider Reid to be focused amid his contract
wrangle and the interest from Arsenal and Spurs. West Ham insistent that
they want around £8million for the centre-back should Arsenal come in for
him this month. The Gunners had hoped to land Reid for around £4-5million.
Reid fears he will be priced out of a move. West Ham have already had a bid
rejected for Nigeria international Azubuike Egwuekwe, the player they have
targeted as Reid's replacement. His club, Warri Wolves, want £4million for
him.
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West Ham have the belief to secure a top-four Premier League finish, insists
striker Andy Carroll
Jan 19, 2015 22:30 By Darren Lewis
The Hammers put Hull City to the sword on Sunday afternoon and their
towering number nine is in positive mood
The Mirror
Andy Carroll says there is "belief" in the West Ham dressing room that the
club can end the season with European football. The east Londoners -
celebrating five years since Davids Gold and Sullivan took over - crushed
Hull 3-0 on Sunday to reignite their challenge for the top four. The victory
was their first in the Premier League since December 20. Defeats to Chelsea
and Arsenal, followed by draws against West Brom, Swansea and Everton,
prompted suggestions that the Hammers' push for the top four had run out of
steam. In the wake of Sunday's win, however, Carroll revealed the squad are
convinced that there is enough quality within their ranks to reach the next
level by the end of this season - whether in the Champions League or the
Europa League.
The 26-year-old striker, scorer of the first goal against Hull, said:
"There's a belief in the dressing room, I don't see why not.
"We haven't had a win in the last few games but we've had the performances
that can take us up to the top." Alex Song, involved in two of the three
goals against the Tigers, added: "It was a very important win. All the teams
at the top won, so it was very important that we did as well at home."
And Hammers chairman David Sullivan once again confirmed: "Our target? To
finish in a Champions League spot. "That's not to say we will but why not
aim high? The other target is to win the FA Cup which is becoming harder
every year." The Hammers - four points off fourth-placed Manchester United -
remain convinced that a shock Champions League place is still within their
grasp. They still have striker Diafra Sakho - currently injured - and
talented midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate, currently at the Africa Cup of Nations
to come back into their squad for the second half of the season. They are
also looking to beef up their squad further during the January transfer
window. They will need to as Saturday's FA Cup Fourth Round tie at Bristol
City as their subsequent four games are against Liverpool, Manchester
United, Southampton and Tottenham. Stewart Downing, however, has insisted
the Hammers have the goals within the side to feel confident about
maintaining their challenge.
The England winger, who hit his fifth of the season against Hull, said:
"I've always wanted to get more goals. "Sunday was about the team winning
but if we can chip in with goals all round the team, it's obviously
healthier for us and it gets us further up the league.
"I think that's the pleasing thing. We've got goals in and around the team.
If it's not Andy, Enner or me, we've got other lads. Diafra [Sakho] was
missing on Sunday, so we have to step up. If we all chip in, we finish in a
better position. Simple."
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Gold…en moments as Irons stride on
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 19, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Gold has revealed that to have reached the position West Ham currently
occupy in the Premier League on the weekend of his and David Sullivan's
fifth anniversary is "magical stuff." He told ClaretandHugh: "Here we are
seventh in the League beating the likes of Hull 3-0 with players like
Kouyate and Sakho to come back. "There were plenty of moans at our first
half performance yesterday but when Sam went back to the diamond, the
difference was immediate. That's us at our best and I think that's how we
will stay now." He made it quite clear that nobody could afford to see
themselves as an automatic first teamer anymore saying: "We have so many
outstanding players here now. "Who for example would ever have thought that
the likes of Mark Noble would need to fight for their places but that's the
case now. "Mark knows the position as do all the others. There are no gimees
at West Ham United anymore. We are in a very healthy League position and off
to Bristol for an important Cup tie. "It's magical stuff and shows how far
we have come this last five years. The fans should be celebrating – life is
good."
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Barca transfer embargo and Alex Song
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 19, 2015 in Whispers
By Harry Sherlock
Claret & Hugh
Barcelona's transfer embargo has been used by some to suggest that West Ham
maybe in a tricky position as they bid to clinch the permanent transfer of
Alex Song! Barca's suspension – after Fifa found them guilty of breaching
transfer rules relating to the acquisitions of players under the age of 18
-means that they can't sign another player in 2015. And that immediately
raises the question as to whether the Catalan giants will want to let Alex
Song leave the club. We want to sign him long term of coursd and there is
reported interest from Liverpool along with some in Turkey – thus a bidding
war may be in prospect. David Sullivan puts it simply: "Could he [Song]
leave at the end of the season? Yes he could – loan players always can.
Barcelona paid £15m for him. You have to judge him over the season and I
think Song has to judge West Ham over the season.
Barca's transfer predicament is unlikely to have any bearing on whether Song
stays or leaves the Nou Camp for all the reports are that his face has never
quite fitted at the club Under Gerardo Martino, Song started against Rayo
Vallecano in 2013 and Barcelona subsequently lost the possession battle for
the first time in 317 competitive games. Song became the scapegoat. In a
squad also featuring the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi, the
Cameroon international failed to settle as Barca embarked on a period of
unprecedented domestic and European dominance. It is hardly Song's fault; a
highly capable midfielder, with an excellent range of passing, he arrived at
the club at a time when Barcelona were, unquestionably, the best team on the
planet. They regressed slightly under Martino and remain on the slide and
even Messi is believed to be unsettled, prompting talk of a Chelsea move.
Yet they simply do not need Song. Despite the transfer embargo, Barcelona's
La Masia facility remains one of the finest production lines in world
football and they continue to churn out world-class prospects. Sergi Roberto
is just 22 and is widely regarded as one of the best young midfielders in
Europe, while 21-year-old Rafinha – brother of Bayern Munich's Thiago
Alcantara – has been heavily linked with a move to England. Of Spain's
current Under-21 squad, five players come from Barca – they have a
remarkable depth of talent and thus, Song has become expendable. The Irons;
main problem is that Barca are in a magnificent negotiating position because
of their transfer ban and are in a position to demand whatever they wish
from any interested parties.
Song signed a five-year contract upon his arrival at the club in 2012 and,
as is customary in Spain, a release clause was included. It stands at £63
million. That is designed to put off interested clubs but it can complicate
matters when a player becomes surplus to requirements. Reports have
suggested that Barca have set an asking price of £11.5m for the player and
they are not in a position where they need to budge. It comes down to
whether we can meet the £11.5 million or whether intrest from elsewhere will
push it higher when there are the wages to consider as well. The transfer
ban, however, looks to be a side issue!
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"Tippy tappy b…..ks?" Verbal b…..ks more like!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 19, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Quite where Sam's head was when he described "tippy tappy football as b…..ks
sometimes" and that it was a return to the direct game in the second half
which won yesterday's match remains entirely beyond me! This is not an anti
Allardyce rant because I'm sure he was winding up the faithful for reasons
best known to himself. Personally I don't understand a single word of what
he had to say. I just don't get it – somebody help me here please. I can see
no context in which the remarks make sense at all. His precise quote was:
""All this tippy-tappy stuff – everybody keeps on going about the right way
to play football – is all a load of b******s sometimes.
"Getting the ball into the opposition box as quickly as you can with quality
is definitely sometimes the best way forward and that's what we did in the
second half and that's why we won the game." Does Enner Valencia and Morgan
Amalfitano's fancy footwork for the Frenchman's goal qualify as tippy tappy?
Was the glorious pass to Stewart Downing from Alex Song and the run to
score, tippy tappy?
Was the rocket shot from Enner Valencis which fell to Andy Carroll tippy
tappy? Sorry Sam none of what you had to say makes the remotest sense to me
unless for reasons I don't understand you considered out first half display
tippy tappy. In fact we didn't play any football at all and your admission
that you returned to the diamond in the second half is peculiar given that
most don't believe you should have abandoned it in the first place. A return
to a style which has seen us produce our best football this season is hardly
the mark of tactical awareness – quite the opposite in fact as it should
never have been abandoned in the first place. If there's anybody out there
who has the first clue what those remarks are all about, please leave your
comments here or on the FB ClaretandHugh forum.
Enlighten me…PLEASE!
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Tuesday, January 20
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