Hammers snap up Nene
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of Brazilian forward Nene
18.02.2015
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of Brazilian forward Nenê. The South American, who can play out wide or down the middle and is a dead-ball specialist, joins the Hammers until the end of the season, subject to international clearance. The former Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain player has enjoyed a goal-filled career, scoring well over 100 goals for clubs in Brazil, Spain and France, finishing as the top scorer in Ligue 1 in 2011/12. Most recently, Nenê spent two seasons with Al-Gharafa Sports Club, scoring 21 goals in 44 appearances. Now, though, he is relishing his first crack at the English Barclays Premier League. He said: "I am very excited and happy to be here. I'm proud to come to a really big club like West Ham and I'm going to do my best to help the team. I've been thinking about coming back to Europe for a few months because here the football, the ambience, everything is better. "It's a really good challenge for me, to come to a competition like the Premier League. It's the most competitive in the world so this is the motivation for me."
Nenê is also looking forward to showing West Ham fans his wide range of attacking skills. "I like to get on the ball and show my technique," he revealed. "I like taking free-kicks, so practice to be good at that. I like making assists - that is my real work, to make the final pass to put the striker in a good position to score the goals."
Born in Jundiaí in the state of São Paulo, Nenê began his career by scoring 26 goals in just 32 league games for local club Paulista.
His form there saw him attract the attention of Brazil's biggest clubs, earning moves first to Palmeiras and then Pele's old side Santos.
At the age of 22, Nenê began a ten-year stay in Europe in 2003, when he joined Spanish outfit Mallorca for a season. That was followed by two years with Alaves, who he helped to win promotion to La Liga in 2005. Nenê spent the 2006/07 season with Celta de Vigo, scoring eight times, including strikes against Real Madrid and Barcelona, leading to a move to French club Monaco. There, he won Player of the Year honours in 2008 before spending a season back in Spain on loan at Espanyol. After scoring 14 goals for Monaco in 2009/10, Nenê moved to the French capital, where he excelled in the colours of PSG. He netted another 14 times in 2010/11 before topping the French Ligue 1 scoring charts with 21 goals the following season, while also registering eleven assists with his outstanding delivery and set plays.
While Nenê's form in a PSG shirt saw him coveted by many of Europe's top clubs, he opted to try a new challenge in the Middle East by signing for Al-Gharafa in the Qatar Stars League in January 2013. There, he continued his prolific ways. Nenê becomes just the second Brazilian to represent West Ham, with the other being Ilan, whose goals helped keep the Hammers in the Premier League in 2009/10.
Tweet us your welcome message to Nenê using the hashtag #WelcomeNene.
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The Big Interview - Carl Jenkinson
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Carl Jenkinson is looking ahead to facing Tottenham this Sunday
17.02.2015
On loan right-back Carl Jenkinson has been in fine form for West Ham United this season having joined from his boyhood club Arsenal in the summer. The talented 23-year-old has been a regular member of Sam Allardyce's starting XI this term, making 24 appearances in total.
Ahead of the Hammers trip to White Hart Lane this Sunday, whufc.com caught up with the in form defender as he prepares for his first game against rivals Spurs in a Claret and Blue shirt...
Carl, a disappointing result last weekend, but a great opportunity to bounce back against Tottenham this Sunday?
CJ: "Tottenham is a huge game, it always is anyway but particularly after a heavy defeat. There's a lot of disappointment around the club at the moment and we need to turn it around and get back on track."
After a defeat do you prefer to play straight away or have time to reflect and reorganise?
CJ: "I prefer playing straight away whenever you lose, it helps to get it out of the system and put things right. Saturday was a disappointment and we all just want to put it behind us and get back to winning ways."
Three games last week but now we have eight days between games to prepare, whereas Tottenham play in the Europa League on Thursday evening. Does that help slightly?
CJ: "They usually change their squad a bit for the Europa League, they have a big enough squad to cope with it. It's good for us because we have time to get a few injured players back to fitness as well as giving us a bit of a break.
"We've had a lot of games recently so it's good to be able to recover. The last few games have been tough physically. Playing Manchester
United is always going to be tough and then playing with ten men away at Southampton and then again at West Brom, has taken it out of us a bit."
We've tended to do well in the big games and put in some good performances. What do you put that down to?
CJ: "I think the main thing is that we have the players to play in the big games. We've got a good squad and good players here. Everyone seems to lift themselves for the bigger games that bit more. We have done very well in the big games and it's important that we keep on doing that. It's also important we focus on every game and win the other games too."
As an Arsenal man, are games against Tottenham a bit more special for you?
CJ: "Yeah of course. This is the first time I've played against Tottenham for a different club other than Arsenal, it's always a game you never want to lose."
The atmosphere in these games are usually really good. Do you have to block it out or do you use it to your advantage?
CJ: "A bit of both really. Of course you have to focus on your game and what's going on around you. But the atmosphere is what makes the
game so special and it shows how much the game means to everyone. As they beat us earlier in the season we're desperate to go there, play well and get a result."
Harry Kane has been in excellent form this season, how good do you think he is?
CJ: "He's been excellent this season. I know him quite well from playing together in the England U21s. He's a nice lad and good footballer, he works hard and he's reaping the rewards of that. He deserves all the praise he's getting at the moment. I think he's going to be a big player for England in the future, I hope we keep him quiet this weekend."
What have you made of Tottenham more generally this season, they seem to be coming into a bit of form at the moment?
CJ: "Yeah, they're doing alright aren't they? They've always had some good players and they've been doing well lately. It's important we knock them off their perch a little bit and that's the mentality we need to bring into the game. We're a great side as well and play to our strengths. If we do that, we have a great chance of getting a good result."
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West Ham sign Brazilian striker Nene on free transfer
BBC.co.uk
West Ham have signed former Paris Saint-Germain forward Nene until the end of the season on a free transfer, subject to international clearance. The Brazilian, Ligue 1's top scorer in 2011-12, was a free agent after leaving Qatari side Al-Gharafa in January. The 33-year-old striker said: "I am very excited and happy to be here." "I've been thinking about coming back to Europe for a few months because here the football, the ambience, everything is better. "It's a really good challenge for me, to come to a competition like the Premier League. It's the most competitive in the world so this is the motivation for me." Nene has played in Spain for Real Mallorca, Alaves, Celta Vigo and Espanyol, and in France for Monaco. His arrival provides an extra attacking option for West Ham manager Sam Allardyce, who will be without club-record signing Andy Carroll for the rest of the season. Carroll, bought from Liverpool for £15m in 2013 after a season's loan, has had surgery on medial knee ligament damage suffered during a 0-0 draw at Southampton on 11 February.
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West Ham sign Carroll replacement
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 18th February 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have confirmed the arrival of Brazilian veteran Nene on a short-term contract. The 33-year-old, who has been a free agent since been released by Quatari club Al-Gharafa last year has been brought in to the Boleyn as cover for the stricken Andy Carroll, who is out of action until next season. "I am very excited and happy to be here," he told whufc.com. "I'm proud to come to a really big club like West Ham and I'm going to do my best to help the team. "I've been thinking about coming back to Europe for a few months because here the football, the ambience, everything is better. "It's a really good challenge for me, to come to a competition like the Premier League. It's the most competitive in the world so this is the motivation for me."
The 6' Brazilian began his career in South America back in 1999. He moved to Europe in 2003 to join Mallorca, with whom he stayed for just one season. Alaves snapped up the free kick specialist in the summer of 2004 - a club he went on to score 21 times for in 78 games. Thereafter he enjoyed spells with Celta (3 goal in 38 appearances), Monaco (19 in 63) and Espanyol (4 in 35). In 2010, Nene earned a dream move to Paris St Germain in a €5.5.million switch. His second year at the club saw his finish level with current Arsenal star Olivier Giroud as Ligue 1's top goalscorer. However after falling out with head coach Carlo Ancelotti he left France to join Al-Gharafa of Qatar for €4.5.million.
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In brief - Wednesday's news round-up
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 18th February 2015
By: Jack Hammer
Get the very latest West Ham news in one place, with our new daily media round-up!
Chelsea to press ahead with summer bid for West Ham's Enner Valencia
CHELSEA are preparing a summer move for West Ham striker Enner Valencia.
http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/558815/Enner-Valencia-Chelsea-transfer-latest-West-Ham
Bookies slash odds on Sam Allardyce leaving West Ham amid David Moyes and Slaven Bilic speculation
Bookies have slashed the odds on Sam Allardyce leaving West Ham after a flood of money was placed on Big Sam being the next Premier League manager to leave his job.
http://metro.co.uk/2015/02/17/bookies-slash-odds-on-sam-allardyce-leaving-west-ham-amid-david-moyes-and-slaven-bilic-speculation-5067379/
West Ham transfer target Nene 'undergoing medical before signing short-term deal at club'
West Ham are moving closer to finding a replacement for injured striker Andy Carroll, with former Paris Saint-Germain winger Nene reportedly undergoing a medical at the club on Tuesday.
http://metro.co.uk/2015/02/17/west-ham-transfer-target-nene-undergoing-medical-before-signing-short-term-deal-at-club-5067134/
West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan: No new deal for boss Sam Allardyce
DAVID SULLIVAN will wait until the summer to decide whether to keep Sam Allardyce as West Ham boss.
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/426041/West-Ham-co-chairman-David-Sullivan-No-new-deal-for-boss-Sam-Allardyce
West Ham, Spurs and Wolfsburg in three-way battle for ex Chelsea and Everton star Lukaku
WEST HAM, Tottenham and Wolfsburg have all set their sights on prizing Everton striker Romelu Lukaku away from Goodison Park.
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/425989/Romelu-Lukaku-Everton-West-Ham-Tottenham-Wolfsburg-Transfer-News-Gossip-Stars-Latest
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West Ham United striker Andy Carroll undergoes knee surgery
Last Updated: 18/02/15 2:55pm
SSN
West Ham striker Andy Carroll could miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery on his knee. Carroll suffered medial ligament damage after coming on as a substitute in the goalless draw at Southampton on February 11. He was forced to play on as manager Sam Allardyce had used all three substitutes and goalkeeper Adrian had been sent off for handling outside his area. "Surgery went great and glad to be put back together into one piece! Now I just need some entertainment to keep me occupied! #bored." After the surgery, Carroll tweeted: "Surgery went great and glad to be put back together into one piece! Now I just need some entertainment to keep me occupied! #bored." Carroll's injury is the latest in a long line of fitness problems to beset the former Newcastle and Liverpool striker.
He missed the first three months of the season after tearing ankle ligaments on a pre-season tour of New Zealand and was forced to sit out most of the last campaign with a heel problem. Carroll also picked up a hamstring injury in September 2012 in his first game on loan with West Ham from Liverpool before injuring his knee against Manchester United shortly after his return to the side. West Ham have been linked with a move for out-of-contract former Paris Saint-Germain forward Nene but have yet to sign anyone as cover for Carroll.
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West Ham complete signing of Brazilian striker Nene on free transfer
Last Updated: 18/02/15 7:50pm
SSN
West Ham have completed the signing of former Paris Saint-Germain striker Nene until the end of the season. The 33-year-old Brazilian arrives on a free transfer after leaving Qatar side Al-Gharafa in January and will help ease the injury concerns of Hammers manager Sam Allardyce following a long-term injury to club-record signing Andy Carroll. West Ham confirmed on Friday that Carroll will miss the remainder of the season as he requires surgery on a knee ligament injury suffered in the 0-0 draw at Southampton last week. Allardyce can call upon Carlton Cole, whose move to West Brom fell through in January, and summer signings Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho in attack but co-chairman David Sullivan earlier admitted they were looking to sign an attacking player who is a free agent. Nene fits that category and has a decent scoring record in Spain and France, where his 21 goals in 35 Ligue 1 games for PSG saw him finish joint-top goalscorer in 2011-12 along with Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud, who played for Montpellier at the time. Nene, who becomes just the second Brazilian to represent West Ham, with the other being Ilan, expressed his delight at sealing the move. "I am very excited and happy to be here. I'm proud to come to a really big club like West Ham and I'm going to do my best to help the team," Nene said. "I've been thinking about coming back to Europe for a few months because here the football, the ambience, everything is better. "It's a really good challenge for me, to come to a competition like the Premier League. It's the most competitive in the world so this is the motivation for me."
Nene is also looking forward to showing West Ham fans his wide range of attacking skills. "I like to get on the ball and show my technique," Nene added. "I like taking free-kicks, so practice to be good at that. I like making assists - that is my real work, to make the final pass to put the striker in a good position to score the goals."
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Why West Ham should be wary of looking to replace Sam Allardyce...
Last Updated: 18/02/15 2:44pm
SSN
With speculation abound that Sam Allardyce could depart West Ham, we look at what happened when he left his previous clubs... I'm not suited to Bolton or Blackburn, I would be more suited to Internazionale or Real Madrid," said Sam Allardyce in September 2010. "It wouldn't be a problem to me to go and manage those clubs because I would win the Double or the league every time. "Give me Manchester United or Chelsea and I would do the same, it wouldn't be a problem. It's not where I'm suited to, it's just where I've been for most of the time. It's not a problem to take me into the higher reaches of the Champions League or Premier League and would make my job a lot easier in winning it." Allardyce's high opinion of his credentials may be debatable, but it is difficult to question his record as a Premier League manager. The 60-year-old's results-driven philosophy took Bolton from the old Division One to European nights at the then Reebok Stadium, while he steered Blackburn from the relegation zone to the top ten within 18 months. Allardyce has brought similar success to West Ham - who briefly flirted with a top-four challenge this season after returning to the top flight in 2012 - but speculation persists that he could be replaced in the summer when his contract expires. Here we look at the 'Allardyce curse', and how previous clubs have struggled following his departure…
Bolton - resigned in 2007
It is quite a remarkable achievement that Allardyce has never left a club in a lower position than when he took over, with Bolton benefiting the most from that statistic. After guiding Wanderers back into the Premier League in his first full season in charge, Allardyce oversaw four consecutive top-eight finishes as well as a run to the League Cup final in 2004. Those achievements brought a move to Newcastle in 2007 and Bolton plummeted as a result. Sammy Lee was sacked after losing six of his first nine matches before Gary Megson arrived to stave off relegation by a single point. The next three seasons saw Wanderers continue to struggle in the bottom half and they were eventually relegated in 2011/12 under Owen Coyle - their third appointment in as many years following Allardyce's exit.
Newcastle - sacked in 2008
After seven successful years at Bolton, Allardyce was sacked just seven months into his reign at Newcastle despite the Magpies sitting comfortably in 11th with 26 points from 21 matches. An absence of flowing football and a miserable run of three consecutive defeats over Christmas paved the way for the manager's exit, with Kevin Keegan hired as his replacement in mid-January. Newcastle's Messiah failed to inspire an upturn in fortunes, however, gaining just 17 points from his first 16 games and quitting in September 2008 after just eight months in charge. Chaos ensued, with Chris Hughton, Joe Kinnear and Alan Shearer all having a stint at the helm before Newcastle dropped into the Championship on the final day of the season. It is difficult to imagine the same scenario happening had Allardyce been given more time.
Blackburn - sacked in 2010
Despite Newcastle's collapse following Allardyce's dismissal, his sacking at Blackburn proved even more calamitous. Rovers were five points adrift in the relegation zone when they called on Allardyce in December 2008 after a run of six successive defeats under Paul Ince.
The club's form soon picked up as they survived by seven points - the same season Newcastle went down - and a top-ten finish was secured the following campaign. That wasn't enough to convince new owners Venky's, however, who sacked Allardyce within a month of their buy-out in November 2010 and replaced him with rookie coach Steve Kean. Kean's inexperience was soon exposed and, despite Blackburn surviving on the final day in 2010/11, they suffered the drop the following year, becoming the third club in a row to lose Allardyce and eventually end up in the Championship.
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END OF THE HONEYMOON, ALTHOUGH THERE WAS NEVER A LOVE AFFAIR
By Bobby Shovels 18 Feb 2015 at 14:00
West Ham Till I Die
At a time when many a Chelsea fan must be disgusted to be associated with the club after the ugly scenes at a Paris metro station, I still feel pretty low being a West Ham fan.
I know there has never been a love affair with Big Sam – ever since he arrived at Upton Park there have been mumblings. However, the first two seasons – promotion and Premier League stability – silenced any vocal doubts. That all changed last season, and ever since, there has been a growing number arguing that Big Sam offers nothing beyond partial stability.
Of course, for many, West Ham should be pushing for Europe – not in a few years but now. Hence, the uptick in form that led to a top four finish for Christmas was evidently where many of us feel we naturally belong. To be a West Ham fan is to live in history: 2015 should really feel like 1985/86 or 1964-66. Clearly for Sam, the success was too soon – it has made many West Ham fans feel that if we are not up there for long, this season is a failure.
There is still such short-termism from the fans, still naivety about where we should be and how long it will take to get there. How amazing that in the days after West Brom the optimism of before Christmas has dissipated to leave us in a situation believing Big Sam should go by May. I was never one of the fans who felt we were going to challenge for the Champions League or for Europa. Yes, there was irony in the chant "Barcelona, we're coming for you," but perhaps for some – a vocal few – there was a genuine belief that we could actually be playing in Camp Nou next year.
See, either we're meant to be up there in dream land, or we're not. So if we are not, after a 4-0 loss to West Brom, then Big Sam has to go. Because last year's problems should be able to clear themselves up in a few months and then we can go from 13th one year to 4th the next. If we're going to end up 8th, that's not good enough – so the argument seems to go.
In many ways, the West Brom game was what I was waiting for – a real sign that we have made improvements this year, but – as with any long-term project – there is some way to go. I thought the result might knock a bit of reality into the players, some of whom – like Andy Carroll – let early success get to their head. I did not expect this one result to lead to a complete rethinking of the set up at West Ham – as if Gold and Sullivan are responding to a YouTube video rather than common sense.
Big Sam is brash, he is over-confident and he sticks to his guns. Yes, that is a personality trait some may find grating, but he gets the job done. Mr Dale said in his last post, "I will shed few tears if Sam goes at the end of the season, especially if he is replaced by a top class manager like Michael Laudrup." Laudrup? One trophy and a season and a half at Swansea makes us think he is right for us? Oh, he was never given a chance at Swansea you may cry. Well, arguably neither has Big Sam.
We of course point to Southampton as a model for success – but they have a manifesto, an outlook, state–of-the-art training facilities; in general, a clear structure that they have built over the years. Ours is just thinking we're the best and living off history. Southampton have been building for years, we have just been dreaming and talking, not doing.
Read up on Southampton and there is a real sense of organisation, dialogue, a commitment to the long term. Look at West Ham; we get fines for fielding players illegally, claiming we were none the wiser. We have chairmen who tried to get Martin O'Neill in while Avram Grant was still boss and well aware of his tenuous position; it failed, we went down. We have chairmen constantly interfering, hiring a manager they have seemingly never really liked. Well, I guess they like him a bit more than Grant.
We're also looking to Moyes and Billic. The latter a clear ploy to please fans, the former an interesting suggestion. Moyes surely claim into Everton and set up a framework over a number of years that gave them stability and allowed them to regularly challenge the top four. Isn't that what Sam is meant to do? Yet Moyes was given a decade; Big Sam only three seasons in the Premier League, and we all know the first two seasons back in the top flight after promotion are always a challenge.
It seems ludicrous to me to have such high expectations during a long-term shift in changing West Ham. To only be happy when we're 4th and angry when we're 8th. Big Sam is damned in any scenario – if he succeeds, he is expected to never falter. If he struggles, it's all over. Part of me hopes that whoever eventually takes over struggles like Sam, perhaps exposing faults in the way the club is set up and exposing the fact that sometimes success takes time and a clear, long-term plan.
It is clear to me that Big Sam's sacking – or a failure to renew his contract – would say more about the ridiculous expectations of many fans this season and will act more as a light on how impatient and naive we are about ensuring success comes back to Upton Park.
Just as many football fans will not want to be associated with the video of Chelsea fans in Paris, so too many, like myself, will not want to be associated with the vitriol and pettiness of the fans that ambushed Sullivan on Saturday. My anger and patience need to take a lot more testing.
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NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO CHANGE MANAGER
By Iain Dale 18 Feb 2015 at 09:15
West Ham Till I Die
Over the last twenty four hours we have seen reports on various sights predicting that Sam Allardyce was about to be sacked or about to resign. It is alleged that David Sullivan finds him increasingly impossible to deal with and that there's little love lost between them. Whatever the truth of that, surely it would be madness to get rid of him mid season, especially at a time when we can really push on and finish as high as sixth. Changing manager now would be very disruptive and threaten what so far has been a highly successful season. The defeat at WBA seems to have coloured the fact that the previous week we wer ebacvk to our best and very nearly secured a famous victory against Manchester United.
The other issue at hand is the fact that Sullivan and Allardyce seem to constantly disagree over which players to bring in to the club. On the face of it you'd have to say Sullivan has the better record here. Allardyce chose Carroll over Bony. He wanted Wickham over Sakho. Allardyce never wanted Zarate and never gave him a chance. The same situation is about to repeat itself with Nene.
That cannot go on. But if Allardyce is to go, it should be at the end of his contract. Whatever his faults, there is little doubt that most of the players have huge respect for him and get on well with him. There is a team spirit in the dressing room which has been absent since, well, you tell me. That could go very very quickly if there was a managerial change now.
There is a time for change. But it is not now. Arguably it is also not at the end of the season either. We are only a season away from going to the Olymoic Stadium. We have to be in the Premier League when that move takes place. Allardyce would certainly ensure that happens. It would be a brave chairman who didn't renew his contract at the end of the season.
Given my views on Allardyce and my role in the Big Sam Out campaign you may feel like accusing me of being hypocritical in what I have written above. Maybe. But the time to get rid of Sam was then. It is not now. If the circumstances change, you change your views. I will shed few tears if Sam goes at the end of the season, especially if he is replaced by a top class manager like Michael Laudrup. But to change horses now would be very short-sighted, especially when there is no natural successor available.
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West Ham secure signing of Nene - with winger at centre of latest Upton Park struggle
20:19, 18 February 2015 By Adrian Kajumba
The 33-year-old had been a free agent but was snapped up by Sam Allardyce after undergoing a medical at Upton Park on Tuesday night
The Mirror
The man at the centre of the latest behind the scenes of friction at West Ham completed his short term move to Upton Park on Wednesday.
Brazilian winger Nene wrapped up his free transfer after undergoing a medical on Tuesday. He will need to prove he is up to the task pretty quickly to avoid becoming the next Mauro Zarate after finding himself in the middle of another Hammers' power struggle. Boss Sam Allardyce has needed persuading to do the Nene deal, after his initial reservations, with co-owner David Sullivan much keener to push it through. Allardyce held talks with co-chairman David Gold at the technical board meeting at the training ground on Tuesday. The club stress it was over youth team players rather than Allardyce's future, with his contract up in the summer. But the manager's prospects of getting a new contract have been hit after a fan backlash following the club's FA Cup defeat at West Brom on Saturday. The Baggies and and Lokomotiv Moscow had also shown interest in signing Nene, but he preferred a move to West Ham for the rest of this season, after leaving Qatari side Al-Gharafa last month. The Hammers hope the 33 year-old goalscoring winger will help plug the gap after striker Andy Carroll was ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.
Striker Diafra Sakho and Zarate were both the subjects of dispute between owners and manager when they signed for the club in the summer.
Sakho has been a success with 10 goals this season. But Zarate ended up hardly kicking a ball for the Hammers before being loaned out to QPR in January and accusing Allardyce of ignoring him for "personal reasons" because he was a Sullivan signing. Allardyce hit back, claiming the Argentinian simply wasn't good enough to be a regular. He has proved to not be fit enough for QPR who were so unimpressed with his condition they tried to send him back to Upton Park just weeks after taking him. West Ham will now know what shape Nene is in after a month of inactivity and his medical. His pedigree will certainly be a source of encouragement. After starting his career in Brazil, Nene has spent the bulk of his career in Spain and France and scored a league goal roughly every three and a half games in Europe.
West Ham may only be lining him up to be a squad player but it might take a similar positive contribution when he does feature for him to avoid suffering the same fate as Zarate.
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Andy Carroll uploads gruesome Instagram picture after undergoing knee surgery
15:47, 18 February 2015 By Liam Corless
The England hitman went under the knife after tearing his medial ligament during the Hammers' 0-0 draw with Southampton last week
The Mirror
Andy Carroll has uploaded a picture of his crocked knee to Instagram after undergoing surgery on his torn medial ligament. The England striker, 26, picked up the injury against Southampton last week and is likely to spend the rest of the season on the sidelines after going under the knife. Carroll appeared to be in good spirits after the operation, posting the image with the caption: "That's knee modelling out the window!! Great job by Mr Andy Williams (his surgeon)." Former Liverpool man Carroll has started just 24 times for the Hammers in the last 18 months due to a series of long-term injuries. The striker appeared to be picking up form prior to this latest setback, having scored five goals in 11 games for Sam Allardyce's side
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Leroy: My short list for Sam's job
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 17, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
I've believed for some time now that this would be Sam Allardyce's last season as West Ham United's boss. I have no special information but it's looked a given for a while. And shouldthat be how it turns out as looks very likely I believe it will have all be handled perfectly from both Sam and the club's point of view.
It's very rare indeed for managers to see out their contracts these days and it will be good to see that happen in this case with Sam probably having left a top ten club behind him. Some things simply run their course and I believe that's the case here. His reputation will remain intact and the Hammers can move on probably to a very different kind of football. Both he and the club have different challenges ahead of them but whoever comes in he will inherit a squad which can only get better. I think the club needs an ambitious young manager with things to prove and is ready to play in a way with which West Ham have always been associated.
Frank De Boer has to be a candidate if we can get him along with Michael Laudrup but there's another guy out there who I like – Frank Rijkaard who is currently without a club. He had a good spell with Barcelona before things went wrong and hasn't had a real crack at a top club since. He has something to prove to himself and plays the game the way we love. I have a feeling he could be the man for us.
Sean Dyce and Eddie Howe have been mentioned but I don't think either of them are ready at this stage and would be gambles. So my short list would come down to Rijkaard, Laudrup and De Boer. Interesting times ahead. In closing I want to say that the shameful scenes surrounding our chairman David Sullivan absolutely sickened me to the pit of my stomach. There is absolutely no room for that in out game and I hope the blokes involved feel as disgusted with themselves as I and all right thinking supporters do – you have smeared the name of our great club. I thought those days were behind us but a small band of verbal terrorists have brought huge shame on us. David – all our thoughts are with you at this difficult time with your Mum so poorly. Every one of us has you in our thoughts and we apologise for the cowards and the bullies!
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Nene looks a pawn in Irons power struggle
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 18, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
The only Nene I'd heard of until late last week was a river which runs through Peterborough! Now, however, a Brazilian footballer of the same name has turned up at West Ham and looks like becoming a pawn in a highly political game between co-chairman and near director of football David Sullivan and his manager Sam Allardyce. It's now no secret that this is a Sullivan-inspired move and that the manager didn't want the former PSG winger who has been plying his trade in the middle east for the last couple of years. Quite why – given Andy Carroll's injury and the lack of possible future option in the event of possible injuries and suspensions – isn't clear. Anything is surely better than nothing!
On the face of it this is a nothing deal which really shouldn't matter in the great scheme of things but over the last 13 games it could become one of the biggest shows in town. Allardyce's job is very much on the line. What was a closely guarded secret has spilled over into the mainstream media and it seems from where I sit that if he has the remotest interest in saving his job we may see a little bit of the 33 year old. Anybody who is holding tight to the idea that us media lads are making a lot of fuss about nothing on Sam's situation will now get a front row seat of the power struggle that's about to be played out. Should Allardyce act entirely out of character and play the bloke it could be a sign he he is doing his last minute best to hang on to his job. If he doesn't -the more likely scenario – he will presumably be sticking it up DS and the board as far as he can before probably heaving a massive sigh of relief as he makes his final exit from the Boleyn.
The politics played out behind the scenes are presenting what appears to me and others as an impossible situation.
Sam and his long term scout Martin Glover have been matched up by Sullivan and his adviser, Tony Henry. Who is having the final say on signings amid reports that Henry isn't allowed anywhere near the training ground by the manager is anyone's guess. That my friends is difficult. Whether such a situation is sustainable has to be very doubtful indeed! On top of all this is the discovery by ClaretandHugh that Sam Allardyce has a clause in his contract which doesn't allow a director of football. That one seems to have been circumvented by the board deciding they will have a bigger say in transfers with DS the main player. Life has never been dull at the Boleyn but there will only ever be one winner in such a situation. To quote the oldest cliche in the world: He who pays the piper calls the tune.
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Valencia speculation on the rise
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 18, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Enner Valencia is being reported as remaining a target for Jose Mourinho. The Hammers striker was reported as a Jose Mourinho target in the last transfer window but ClaretandHugh was told this evening: "There was never any official inquiry – never mind a bid. "And the famous report that they had offered £8 million plus Loic Remy never happened. We heard an awful lot of agent talk but that's par for the course in January. "Enner remains very much a part of the Hammers future and it would take a very big bid indeed for us to even give it a second thought." However, that hasn't deterred The Express from resurrecting the story in which they say that the 25 year old will be a summer target. However, with change afoot at Upton Park the player – who has been forced to operate wide on several occasions – will be keen to see what the Hammers future holds should he be operating, as seems likely, under a new manager.
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Colourful ex Argentine boss on Irons list
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 18, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have colourful Marseilles boss Marcelo Bielsa on their list of Sam Allardyce replacements. The former Argentine national coach's outfit is currently sitting in second place in the French Ligue 1 two points behind leaders Lyon. West Ham sources have exclusively revealed to ClaretandHugh that the 59 year old's name has been in the frame but his extrovert and highly independent character could work against him. He was Argentine boss between 1998-2004 before taking on the same role with Chile where he became a national hero after leading the country into the 2010 World Cup. Moving on to Athletico Bilbao, he guided the team into the final of the Europa League final losing 3-0 to Atletico Madrid. He joined Marseilles last year on a two year deal and the Hammers are keen although he is very much his own man and will do it his way. A Hammers source told us: "A very strong case has been made for him and he's under consideration. It's true he has a very strong personality. "The fans would love the pressing attacking football he serves up which is very much of the "West Ham Way"
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Here's a boss who could sing the right song!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 18, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
By Rich Sprent
With Rafa Benitez being reportedly too expensive, Diego Simeone, a 100/1 shot, David Moyes is enjoying life in Spain and promised money to spend in the summer, the Irons managerial options seem to be narrowing. Jurgen Klopp is surely also unlikely even if we were to look at the Dortmund manager, Eddie Howe and Sean Dyche are too inexperienced leaving the 'usual suspects Hoddle, McLeish, McClaren and the like.ls. So who does it leave? Michael Laudrup has a cloud over him following his odd exit from South Wales although there'sno doubting his fledgling managerial ability although he may be carrying too much baggage for the owners. Frank Rijkaard had an excellent pedigree as a player. He steered Barca to success and dallied in Turkey and is currently unattached having last managed the Saudi national team.
He has the coaching credentials for sure as does Frank De Boer. Both are schooled in the Ajax way but neither has experience of the Premier League and it is arguable whether they have a 'Plan B' if the possession football doesn't work.
Cut from similar cloth to LVG, they could have a slow start in English football if he is anything to go by. Mind you, at the last look, that other (more junior) United weren't doing too bad if a little 'direct' in their approach play. Slaven Bilic only played 48 games for us and some fans have voiced disapproval at his leaving the club to go to Everton but how many players play for one club? And how many of those make good managers? His managerial record is interesting one. National team plaudits for his work as the boss of the exciting Croatia team that beat England 3-2 at Wembley all those years ago. Club management at Locomotiv proved tricky and he was dismissed after their worst finish, 9th, in the Russian Premier League. At Besiktas he is again trending. Excellent team performances v Sp*rs in the Europa League and his side currently top the Turkish league. He is understandably the bookies' favourite. There is one name, however, that hasn't been mentioned in connection with our job although his team have gone from being relegation fodder to actually competing for the Champions League spots. He has been described over the past five seasons as being astute in the transfer market; playing a recognisable brand of free flowing attacking football; has a working defensive ethos which allow his teams to play. He is also apparently open to offers in the Summer and has expressed interest in managing in the Premier League.
Sounds impressive? Well Christophe Galtier is! He is the 48 year old coach of Saint Etienne. No, not the 90's indie band but the Ligue 1 side that currently sit 4th behind only Lyon, Marseille & PSG. He reportedly turned Newcastle down but has indicated that he will consider his options in the Summer. St Etienne sang that 'Only love can break your heart'. If the Daves do their homework right then we could be onto the real thing to take us forward. And it'll be us breaking our rivals hearts.
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Hammers trigger finger poised on Sam
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 18, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce's West Ham future is coming to an end but reports that "crunch talks" between the manager and David Gold were held at the training ground yesterday are incorrect. ClaretandHugh can confirm that there were indeed "talks" but Gold told ClaretandHugh it was a routine meeting about team affairs and that there will be no departure before the end of the season. The co-chairman told us: "I had an hour with Sam and I am sure the team will come out firing on Sunday with everybody bar Andy Carroll fit." With David Sullivan at his 97 year old mother's hospital bedside at a critical time, any thoughts the board would pull the trigger on their manager at this time are wrong although the finger is undoubtedly poised. West Ham – as reported here yesterday – denied that the manager had been sacked after reports had emerged on websites. But it is now widely accepted that with his hunt for a replacement underway across Europe, the Irons will be posting an "under new management " sign at the Boleyn for the start of next season.
ClaretandHugh can also confirm stories that the manager is not entirely in agreement with the board over the signing of former Paris Saint Germain striker Nene, 33 – a free agent – who is close to agreeing terms. However, this is small beer in the great scheme of things with recent league results, the brand of football exit from the FA Cup and fan reaction creating the real tensions. A parting of the ways seems inevitable with David Sullivan insisting again yesterday that no contract is on offer and nothing will be decided until the end of the season.
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