Daily WHUFC News - 20th March 2015

Hunter signs up as Sports Ambassador
WHUFC.com

Manager Sam Allardyce cuts the Foundation's 25th anniversary cake, joined by
Foundation CEO Joseph Lyons, Patron Matt Jarvis, Sports Ambassador Mark
Hunter MBE and Jussi Jaaskelainen West Ham United will this weekend be
celebrating its annual Foundation Awareness match against Sunderland,
marking another milestone in what has already been a momentous 25th
anniversary year for the West Ham United Foundation. To honour the
anniversary in style, the Foundation is delighted to reveal that Olympic
champion rower Mark Hunter MBE is to become its brand new Sports Ambassador.
Hunter, a lifelong Hammers fan, will be an inspirational figure to the local
young people and the perfect example of just what is achievable. The
36-year-old is thrilled to be climbing aboard at such a poignant time and
cannot wait to get stuck in. "I'm really excited," he confirmed. "To have
been a fan of the Club since I was a kid and now I've the opportunity to
actually come back and give something back to the Club. It's a very special
year, with it being the 25th anniversary and hopefully many more years to
come. "Twenty-five years is a long time and just look how that's evolved
over time, what with the new brand and the new name. It's an exciting time
for the Club anyway, with the move coming in about 18 months' time to the
new Stadium. So things are developing and young people will have the
opportunity to be in that Olympic Park when we move there, that's a big
catchment as well."

Forest Gate-born Hunter, who is also an ambassador for London Youth Rowing
(LYR), says he wants to open youngsters' eyes to the possibilities outside
of football. To learn more about LYR or to get involved, visit their pop-up
stand outside the Boleyn Ground this weekend. The Foundation, of course,
works across all manner of activities and Hunter believes there is something
for everyone. He explained: "We're trying to change the perception that
it's just about football, there's so much more that the Foundation does in
getting kids active, from all different walks of life. "Obviously, with my
background being rowing, we're trying to get some youngsters doing that as
well. But it's mainly about having the variety and more options available
than just kicking a ball about, there's a lot more to it. "It can transform
their perception of what's possible. Give them a chance to try something
new, things that they may never have thought about. If they get to try a
different activity, they find something they like and they go off on a
different path."

So what's the plan for Hunter in his new ambassadorial role? It's simple.
Get East London kids active and learn a thing or two on the way as well."I
want to get involved as much as possible," he added. "I want to learn
things. We always think that we're teaching the kids but they'll be teaching
us as well, sharing the values that they have. It's give and take. "The
plan is to get as many kids as possible from the East End active and
enjoying being a part of the Foundation and a part of West Ham."

The Hammers will be sporting West Ham United Foundation T-shirts during
their pre-match warm-up and half-time entertainment will be provided in the
form of a penalty shootout with the charity's many partners. Supporters
coming along on Saturday should also keep their eyes peeled for a bucket
collection prior to kick-off and for flyers on how they can help support
West Ham's work in the community. For all the very latest goings on, follow
the West Ham United Foundation on Twitter at @WHU_Foundation.

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From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com

Good evening.

We welcome Sunderland to the Boleyn Ground this weekend for a game which
needs to act as a launchpad for our finishing straight this season. Everyone
at the Club – the Board, manager and players – is determined to ensure our
campaign does not fade away after making that fantastic start to the season.
We've just come off an incredibly tough run of fixtures, and six of our last
seven games have been against teams occupying top-seven places in the
division, so perhaps it is understandable that wins have been a little
harder to come by recently. That's not to say we're intimidated by taking on
those sides and I think anyone who witnessed our performances against
Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton would agree.
We were extremely unfortunate not to take more than we did from those games,
but that is in the past now and our focus is on taking as many points as we
can before the end of May and pushing back up the league table. A European
place is still not out of the equation and that must remain our ultimate
target now. Injuries haven't helped us – at Arsenal we were left with just
one fit striker and one centre back due to a couple of freak incidents – but
with a bit of luck the manager will have a few more options on Saturday.
Whichever way, we know we will be able to put out a team more than capable
of ending our seven-game wait for a win. Sunderland will be under the
management of Dick Advocaat for the first time and after slipping to just
one point clear of the relegation zone, we know their players will be fired
up for this one. The contest is just as important for us and with the
fixture list appearing, on paper at least, to offer a favourable run-in, it
would be great to kick that off with a return to winning ways on Saturday.

Come on you Irons.
David Sullivan

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Potts: "We need to believe in ourselves"
WHUFC.com

Development Squad coach Steve Potts said his side need to believe in
themselves when they face a stern test away at Liverpool on Friday 20 March.
The Hammers travel to the inform Reds who are challenging for the Barclays
U21 Premier League title. Currently, they sit in fourth, however they are
just four points behind leaders Manchester United with two games in hand. On
the other hand, the Hammers are currently bottom, and Potts has challenged
his side to prove that they are better than their league position suggests.
"I would like us to believe in ourselves, especially when we have the ball.
There at a level now where they need to go out and show what they can do,
individually and as a team. "We're a young team and we need to grow up
quickly really, collectively we need to be a tighter unit than we were
against Sunderland. "Liverpool away is a very tough game for us. It'll be a
good test to see how we cope with it, hopefully they'll rise to it."

While Liverpool recorded an impressive 4-0 over the Hammers at the Boleyn
Ground earlier in the season, Potts insisted that result bares little
relevance to Friday night's encounter. "They beat us 4-0 earlier in the
season but I don't think it'll play a factor tomorrow night. I remember that
we had a few chances early on in that game and we didn't take them. They
managed to get a few goals before half time and then it was pretty much game
over. They were ruthless that night for sure. "I watched their game when
they came to Upton Park earlier in the season. I didn't see the game but I
know they beat Chelsea at home recently. Having seen a few clips of them,
they definitely have quality about them."

Despite a few injury concerns among the Dev Squad, Potts can call upon Josh
Cullen and Manny Onariase, both of whom were on the first team bench at the
Emirates last weekend. Speaking about their achievement, the former West Ham
left back said: "I was delighted for them, it's great. They've both done
well this year and I think they deserve it. There was a few spaces in the
squad with the injuries to the first team which allowed the boys to get in
there."

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Jenkinson earns U21 call
WHUFc.com

Carl Jenkinson has been named in Gareth Southgate's England U21 squad for
their friendlies against the Czech Republic and Germany.
The Young Lions are preparing for this summer's UEFA European U21
Championship in the Czech Republic so meetings with two of their fellow
finalists is sure to prove a useful exercise. England are first in action on
Friday 27 March when they travel to the Czech Republic, then welcome Germany
to Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium the following Monday for a 7.45pm
kick-off. Jenkinson, 23, has eight U21s caps and two goals for his name,
with this summer's championships providing his final chance to play at that
level.

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Big Sam on: Sunderland
WHUFC.com

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce faced the media ahead of Saturday's
game with the Black Cats. Here's what he had to say about the impact new
manager Dick Advocaat may have, team news and converting good performances
into three points...

Morning Sam, we'll start off with the team news, is it fair to say that
Carlton Cole and Adrian are fit, but not Enner Valencia and Winston Reid?

"Yes, that's fair to say. Carl Jenkinson is back in the frame, Winston
doesn't look like he'll be fit and James Tomkins has just had an operation
on his dislocated shoulder.

"Having Carl and Carlton back with our small squad is a big boost for us.
Hopefully Winston will be back shortly for us, we're prepared to wait until
Saturday morning to make a decision on him."

Last week you mentioned the freak injury to Enner Valencia, are you feeling
more positive given you have some more players coming back?

"A little bit, obviously we want them all back. There's no Andy Carroll and
no Enner Valencia so it's not the strength in depth that we're looking for.
The spine of our team is largely missing with Winston Reid and James Tomkins
also out.

"I expect the players that play on Saturday to give their best because this
game is as big for Sunderland as it is for us. We've got to make sure we're
totally professional and focused.

"There's no easy game in the Premier League, people will expect us to win
but shocks happen all the time. We've had a few shocks beating Liverpool and
Manchester City, Burnley had one of the biggest shocks last weekend. We've
got to be on top of our game and make sure we come away with three points."

Sunderland this weekend, they've been the story of the week with Gus Poyet
sacked and Dick Advocaat coming in. What have you made of events this week?

"They've moved very swiftly which has given them the best possible chance of
improving their results. They're obviously hoping that Dick Advocaat, with
his experience, can draw something more out of the players than Gus managed
to do."

"I think it makes the game more difficult for us, a new manager coming in
plus the fact they got beat 4-0 last weekend. They'll be hurt by that and
the fact they let the fans down. They probably feel like they've let Gus
down as well and I'm sure they'll want to do something about that. Saturday
will be a very tough game."

"We have a few problems of our own that we need to resolve. We've got
problems winning football matches at the moment even though we're playing
pretty well. We've got to make sure that winning games is the most important
thing, hopefully we can do that in style but if not, a win on Saturday is
the most important thing. We've had a poor points total in the last 12 games
or so and we want to change that."

Are you surprised that Sunderland have turned to a man with no Premier
League experience?

"A little bit but when you see the experience he has got, he's a manager
with experience across the world. I wouldn't have thought that they'll be
too many surprises for him in the Premier League.
There's a different level of football in the Premier League in terms of its
quality, its intensity and speed. I think it's more about him getting used
to the players and how best he can pick a system with the players he's got
that works and picks up points. He's managed at a lot of different levels
with a lot of success."

How might the new manager effect Sunderland, and how does that effect the
way you plan on approaching the game?

"It can have an instant effect but it also might take a little longer.
Everyone is talking about Tim Sherwood's impact at Aston Villa, but I think
initially they lost the first two league games but now it has turned around
for him. It can be a short term impact. Generally the stats say over the
long term it doesn't make too much difference, but I certainly think it can
in the short term.

"It all depends on the players and how well they adapt to a new manager and
new methods. I would've thought Tim knew more about the Aston Villa players
than Dick Advocaat does about the Sunderland players having not worked in
this country before. He's got to get to know his players very quickly."

It's been suggested that if there's no resolution to your contract situation
here at West Ham, that you would be a good fit for Sunderland, what would
you say to that?

"It's pure speculation. I'm West Ham manager, I've got a contract here. I
expect at some point to discuss the contract."

Do you expect to be here after the summer, if that contract's right?

"If the contract is right, yes."

You've described the recent results as a bit of a let down compared to the
early season form, is this the start of a comeback?

"It's an opportunity. Our squad is struggling a bit at the moment, every
team does at some point in a season. We need to overcome that with a result
and hopefully that starts on Saturday.

"We've had a challenging run of fixtures, but we've been so close to famous
victories against Manchester United and away at Tottenham and we shouldn't
really have lost to Chelsea. So had we picked up the points we deserved, we
would have been in a fantastic position now.

"The bottom line is, playing good football is great but not winning is
crucial. Not getting results creates a huge amount of pressure on the
players, added to that is West Ham fans will expect us to win, anything less
than that, they won't except anything less."

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Pearce wary of Defoe threat
WHUFC.com

Beware of wounded Black Cats. That's the warning from former West Ham United
favourite Ian Pearce as Big Sam's troops look to get back to winning ways
against Saturday's visitors to the Boleyn Ground. "In Dick Advocaat,
Sunderland have a new manager who the players will be looking to impress in
his first game in charge," counsels the lifelong Hammers fan. "And nobody
needs to be reminded that Jermain Defoe always enjoys scoring a goal or two,
as well!"

Indeed, Ian, who made 163 league and cup appearances in the Claret and Blue
following his £2.3m transfer from Blackburn Rovers in September 1997, knows
at first hand all about the threat of his former Boleyn Ground team-mate,
Defoe.

While the popular Pearce made his mark as a defender during his
six-and-a-half-year spell at the Club, he is also fondly remembered for an
unselfish versatility that saw him wearing many shirts, including that of
stop-gap striker.

"Central defence, right-back, wing-back or centre-forward, West Ham fans
will tell you that I could play badly in all positions!" jests Ian, who
netted ten times for the Hammers before moving way out west to Fulham, in
January 2004. "Seriously, I loved it whenever I got asked to help out by
playing up front and I can remember partnering Jermain in some matches, when
he was just a kid.

"Even though he was the youngest out of the two of us, he still made me do
all his running," smiles the 40-year-old, who is currently enjoying life as
Brighton & Hove Albion's chief scout in the London and South-East region.
"And I was never happy when the the manager used to drop me just to get that
Fredi Kanoute back into the attack!

"Seriously, when I look forward to Saturday's game, I think that West Ham
will simply have too much for Sunderland and I really do fancy us to get all
three points.

"Despite the disappointments of recent weeks, we've still done really well
to go into March in a top-half position and the arrivals of Diafra Sakho and
Enner Valencia have made for some really exciting play up front.

"Now as we head towards the final part of the campaign, the players will
want to finish as high as they possibly can so that the club has a solid
platform going into next season.

"Football can be a ruthless business and nobody is guaranteed anything
heading into the summer, so these next few games will enable the squad to
show everyone that they're worth their place for a very important next
season," concludes Ian, casting an envious eye towards Stratford. "Sure,
everyone will miss the Boleyn Ground – what a place it is to play football –
but as a club you've got to move on and keep up with both the times and your
rivals.

"The Olympic Stadium will certainly enable West Ham United to do just that,
when they move there for the 2016/17 season and, believe me, every player
will want to be a part of that, too."

*Ian Pearce was speaking to lifelong West Ham fan Steve Blowers.

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Jenkinson ready to face fired up Black Cats
WHUFC.com

Carl Jenkinson is expecting Sunderland to come out fighting in Saturday's
game at the Boleyn Ground. The Black Cats' trip to east London is their
first since dispensing with Gus Poyet's services as manager and replacing
him with experienced Dutchman Dick Advocaat. For Jenkinson, the change at
the top comes at an awkward time for the Hammers, although he is still
confident of returning to winning ways against the relegation battlers. "We
had a similar situation earlier in the season too when we played West Brom
at home," he said. "Tony Pulis had just been appointed as manager and it
always gives the team a boost at the end of the day. "They'll have something
to prove and a new manager to impress. That makes things harder in itself
but we just have to focus on ourselves. "They're a decent side, so we know
it's going to be a difficult game, but we're at home and we need to start
getting results. That needs to start on Saturday."

Jenkinson is convinced that improvement in results is just around the
corner, especially as the Hammers have been unfortunate not to pick up more
points against some of the division's top teams in recent weeks. "I think
performance-wise in the main we've done quite well," he explained. "If you
look at the Man United game, the Spurs game, even the Chelsea game, we
should have got more than we did out of them.
"We got two points when it could have been six or seven and things like that
haven't really been going for us. Our performances haven't been reflected in
the results. "As long as we keep the performance level high, the results
will come. At the start of the season the goal was to finish in the top ten.
Being where we are now the goal changes and when you're in this position you
don't just settle for it. "You re-assess your goals and make new ones.
That's what we've done and the aim is to try and get a European spot. I
don't think that's out of our reach as we have winnable games between now
and the end of the season. "We just need to get that first win again to go
on a little run and if we can do that I think we can achieve our aims."

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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce cool on future manager job at Sunderland
Last Updated: 19/03/15 3:49pm
SSN

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has played down stories suggesting he could take
over the managerial reins at Sunderland in the summer.
The 60-year-old has emerged as one of the favourites to be appointed at the
Stadium of Light after the struggling Black Cats sacked Gus Poyet and
installed Dick Advocaat on a short-term deal until the end of the season.
Ahead of their match on Saturday, Sam Allardyce says Sunderland’s
players let down Gus Poyet and West Ham will have to be careful of a
reaction. With Sunderland just one point above the Premier League relegation
zone, former Rangers manager Advocaat has been tasked with maintaining their
top-flight status - and starts with a trip to face West Ham on Saturday
Night Football, live on Sky Sports 1 from 5pm. The Hammers have won only
once in their last 12 league games and Allardyce's contract runs out at the
end of the current campaign - but he insists he will not be looking to leave
east London any time soon. When you see the experience of a man who's
managed across the world I wouldn't have thought there would be too many
surprises for him in the Premier League

"Pure speculation," Allardyce replied when asked about reports linking him
with a move to Sunderland. "I'm West Ham manager and I'm contracted to West
Ham and don't expect anything other than somewhere along the line we'll be
talking about a contract here." When asked if he saw himself at West Ham
next year, he added: "If that contract is right, yes." Poyet's 18-month
reign at Sunderland came to an end following a 4-0 home defeat by Aston
Villa last weekend, a result which leaves the club without a Premier League
victory since January, and Allardyce fears a backlash from whatever side is
named by Advocaat. "They've moved very swiftly for a replacement which is
giving them the best possible chance of improving their results," he said.
"It will be one of those for us that makes the game more difficult with a
new manager coming in and the fact they lost 4-0 last week. "I think the
players of Sunderland will be very hurt by the fact they let their fans down
and also be feeling like they've let Gus down and they'll want to do
something about it."

Despite a managerial career spanning nearly 30 years, Advocaat has yet to
taste life as a Premier League boss, but Allardyce believes his experience
negates any potential surprises to managing in England. He said: "The
experience of Dick Advocaat is one they're looking to draw on and get
something a little more out of the players than Gus managed to do and more
importantly to get points on the board. "When you see the experience of a
man who's managed across the world I wouldn't have thought there would be
too many surprises for him coming and managing in the Premier League.
"There's a different level of football in this Premier League in terms of
its quality and intensity. It's quicker and better and just as skilful as
anywhere else in the world so I think it's more about him getting used to
his players and how best to pick a system with the players he's got to get a
result."

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A SHORT STORY...
By Bianca Westwood 19 Mar 2015 at 08:05
West Ham Till I Die

Once upon a time...

…there was a claret and blue army from the West of Ham who had voyaged over
land and sea, fighting a seemingly lifelong crusade against a ferocious and
truly relentless opponent. Throughout the decades they had many clashes.
Some won, some lost. They had occasionally risen through the ranks and
conquered mighty foes, but sadly they had also oft got caught in enemy
territory, frequently shooting themselves in the foot and beating a hasty
retreat further and further into the danger zone, thus becoming imprisoned
in fearsomely low down and dirty dungeons.

In the best of times they were led by mighty warriors. In the worst of times
the village idiots somehow took over. Over the years the treasury had become
bare and the last of the silver had long since been plundered. The townsfolk
were becoming restless. Supporting this army with mind, body and soul was
becoming a dreadful burden.
Their latest commander in chief was a formidably bolshy character who took
his troops through some rough terrain and they enjoyed some much-needed
success. His latest campaign was largely impressive. Battles had been won
with great finesse and flourish but it wasn't always enough and he knew the
war was far from over. Strong-willed and stubborn he sometimes ignored his
advisors. He cocked a deaf ear to the voice of the people, stuck with his
tactics even in failure and kept faith with his much-maligned captain. He
refused to ingratiate himself with the masses and would never be forgiven
for some of his strategies. The West of Ham citizens wanted glorious
victory! At all costs. And the reigning Kings looked on and became
increasingly worried…could they afford to dispose of their current leader or
would a new figurehead finally lead the weary claret and blue army into the
promised land? Even the beautiful and amazing and gracious and humble and
ever-so-modest Queen Bee didn't know what to do for the good of the realm…
It was a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma….how would the story
end?!

Now, I stopped believing in fairytales a long time ago. The opening chapter
of this particular Premier League campaign may have seemed like a dream come
true but we've all kind of woken up to the harsh reality now haven't we?
It's been grim (and not Grimm!!) recently, to say the least. I'm not
surprised Sam Allardyce chose not to face the media after the hit we took at
the Emirates on Saturday. He obviously wasn't in the mood to dish out the
latest episode of Jackanory. Sometimes things are best left unsaid. I
haven't really felt like saying much about it either. I was hoping for a
birthday miracle (yes another year older, probably not much wiser) but
unfortunately it was not to be. It was a valiant effort by all accounts but
ultimately we were picked off and pulled apart. After coming so close
against Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea I allowed myself to imagine
a better contest but, as hard as this is for me to admit, the gulf in
quality against the Gooners really showed.

Relatively speaking, we're still in a decent position, safely nestled mid
table with that 40 point cushion edging ever-closer towards our grasping
fingertips. So why do I feel so deflated? When I'd have taken this position
like a shot in August? Our early season show-stopping revelry and penchant
for the spectacular has spoiled me. Call me greedy but I liked what I saw
and I want me some more of that please! Unfortunately the funfair seems to
have left town. No more fanfare.

So maybe we are exactly where we're supposed to be. Yes it was exhilarating,
it was a real blast while it lasted but now that seems like the stuff of
myth and legend. Like the Emperor's New Clothes. Underneath that initial
pomp and bluster we're still the rickety rickety old West Ham of yore. It
wasn't completely fake however. We were really good but we're just not that
good. Yet. With our faltering, injury-battered players, makeshift defence,
absentee strike force and too slim squad, mid-table obscurity is quite
possibly where we belong at this moment in time and space.

And that's ok!

Apart from the Hawthorns disaster and the desperately humiliating no show
against Palace we've always been in with a shout. On paper, one league win
in 2015 looks bad. However I think many Hammers fans agree that the stats
don't always tell the full story. Players and managers always trot out the
old "our performances have been there but not the results" cliché but, in
all honesty, we've been undeniably unfortunate at times. Fine margins
indeed.

So now what? Well, for me, as I said earlier in the season I'm not too
fussed about a top six spot just yet anyway. At the risk of repeating myself
it would be a grave mistake to try and embark on a European journey when we
simply don't have the means to do so. I'm so over flirting with the drop and
the last thing we need is a relegation extravaganza during our farewell
season at the Boleyn. The Europa competition is a gamble. To which Stoke,
Swansea, Everton and Spurs would all testify. We can take up that engagement
some other time. We do NOT need to risk a Premier League sortie!

There's nothing wrong with a bit of mediocrity and mid-table obscurity…if
only for a season or two. Let's worry about fighting the good fight and
setting the world alight when we're comfortably and securely ensconced in
our new palatial home. We will get our happily ever after but it might just
take a little longer than we hoped for.

As for the future? It's romantic nowadays to envisage a long-term "project".
How many managers are given the precious gift of time to create something
special? Who has the scope to be truly forward-thinking in a team's
development or club's progression? Those wishes are rarely granted. Chairmen
are no fairy godmothers. Tomorrow is now a land far, far away. Everything
has to happen today. Like it or not we are in the midst of a throwaway
culture, where everything and everyone is disposable. Especially incumbent
football managers…ESPECIALLY those that drastically divide fan opinion. I
hate the precarious nature of it all. It is ruining the true heart of the
game but, reluctantly, I'm coming round to the opinion that it would be
foolish and bad business for us to grant anyone a long lease. Pay offs are
way too frequent in the top flight and we certainly haven't got that kind of
money to throw around.

I don't want to get into a big should-Sam-stay-or-go argument. That drama
has been done to death and I've already asserted my support for him. But my
instinct tells me, if there is no outstanding candidate (and even though
there are whispers that Moyes has already been approached, to me there
isn't) then why not a one year rolling? It's the least he deserves. Then at
the absolute worst we're nigh on guaranteed premier league status going into
the Olympic Stadium. That's if he'd even take that offer. I'm sure he feels
he is owed something more substantial and I don't disagree. But long
contracts for any manager these days are becoming a lesson in sheer fantasy.
They are usually a waste of ink, and, quite frankly, we just don't have the
paper.

Ok so Tim of Sherwood and his merry men have been given a fat contract to
scribble on. So far they've managed to ride in like bandits, robbing points
off of the poor to replenish their own bare coffers. All they care about
right now is survival. They're not looking any further than that. He's
definitely revitalised a once-woeful outfit and if he keeps them up he'll be
worth every penny of his three and a half years. Regrettably for the rest of
us, for a large section of our fans Big Sam is more wicked sheriff than
working man's champion and unfortunately there are signs the board is
wobbling. Unsubstantiated rumours abound yes but the silence is deafening.
The big bad wolf is pacing outside that door and he's getting ready to huff
and puff!

I hope the writing isn't on the wall for him already. That would be a shame.
Plus all the uncertainty can't be doing the players any good. One thing I do
know is that we need to liven this story up sharpish. At this rate our
season is scarily close to petering out into absolute nothingness. There has
to be a better ending to this year's yarn. What a perfect opportunity to get
back on track this Saturday. Will Sam be hero or villain? Enter Dick
Advocaat stage left….

To be continued......

COME ON YOU IRONS,

B x

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In-demand Sam Allardyce wants West Ham stay despite Sunderland interest
15:14, 19 March 2015 By Adrian Kajumba
The Black Cats board are keen on making Allardyce their permanent manager in
the summer when temporary boss Dick Advocaat leaves
The Mirror

Sam Allardyce has reiterated his desire to be in charge of West Ham next
season despite being on Sunderland's wanted list. Allardyce is one of the
names in the frame to become Black Cats boss in the summer. Dick Advocaat
was handed the reins for the rest of the campaign following Gus Poyet's
sacking on Monday. Allardyce's is a contender for the job long term with his
Hammers future up in the air and talks over a new deal on hold until the end
of the season. But he said: "I'm West Ham manager and I'm contracted to West
Ham and don't expect anything other than somewhere along the line we'll be
talking about a contract here. If that contract is right, yes (I will be
here next summer)." West Ham are Advocaat's first Premier League opponents
and Allardyce admits the pressure is on his players after just one win in
their last 12 games. Allardyce said: "The players have got a huge amount of
pressure on because West Ham fans will expect them to win against Sunderland
because of their position in the league and anything less than that they'll
be struggling to accept."

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No new deal for 'locked down' Valencia
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 19, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

West Ham have no plans to hold talks with Enner Valencia over a new deal
after reports emerged it was on the cards. Speculation had arisen in various
media outlets that co owner David Sullivan wanted to close down a release
clause in the Ecuador striker's deal. It was believed that the player could
move on should offers come in at an undisclosed figure but this is not the
case. ClaretandHugh was advised by both sources inside the club and close to
the player that Valencia has no release clauses whatsoever in his deal. We
were told earlier this evening: "We have read these reports but it just
isn't true. Enner has a watertight contract – there are no get-outs
whatsoever so there's obviously no need for talks over a fresh deal.. The
player is locked down tight to West Ham."

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Allardyce talks up a West Ham future!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 19, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Sam Allardyce – describing links to the Sunderland job as "pure speculation"
– is bravely talking up his Hammers future. "Pure speculation," was his
response when asked before adding: "I'm West Ham manager and I'm contracted
to West Ham and don't expect anything other than somewhere along the line
we'll be talking about a contract here."

When asked if he saw himself at West Ham next year, he said: "If that
contract is right, yes." West Ham boss Sam Allardyce will be keen to see his
squad get back on the winning track this weekend at the Emirates. On
Sunderland's position he added ahead of Saturday evening's game he added:
"They've moved very swiftly for a replacement which is giving them the best
possible chance of improving their results. "It will be one of those for us
that makes the game more difficult with a new manager coming in and the fact
they lost 4-0 last week. "I think the players of Sunderland will be very
hurt by the fact they let their fans down and also be feeling like they've
let Gus down and they'll want to do something about it."

He said: "The experience of Dick Advocaat is one they're looking to draw on
and get something a little more out of the players than Gus managed to do
and more importantly to get points on the board. "When you see the
experience of a man who's managed across the world I wouldn't have thought
there would be too many surprises for him coming and managing in the Premier
League. "There's a different level of football in this Premier League in
terms of its quality and intensity. It's quicker and better and just as
skilful as anywhere else in the world so I think it's more about him getting
used to his players and how best to pick a system with the players he's got
to get a result."

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Is our season petering out to nothing?
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 19, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Some will argue our season finished on Christmas day when we reached the
lofty heights in a fake forth place. Since Christmas we have only been able
to muster eight points in 84 days and form has fallen to one that mirrors
relegation struggling Leicester and QPR. We have nine games remaining to
savage something from this season but a dream of a place in Europe is long
gone. As the saying goes there are no easy games in the Premier League.

We face Sunderland with a new manager one place above relegation this
Saturday. We also play Sunderland's fellow relegation strugglers Burnley,
Leicester City, Aston Villa and QPR in the next few weeks. These teams are
desperate to stay in the Premier League to guarantee the minimum revenue £60
million and these will not be easy games, they will not roll over.

It seems unlikely we can do the double over Man City with the home win
against them earlier this season a distance memory.

That just leaves Everton, Stoke and Newcastle, teams unlikely to roll over
to give us easy wins.

So we almost mathematically safe on 39 points but each league position will
earn us another £1.2m. We finished 13th last season earning is £10.8m in
merit payments while a current 10th place will earn £13.2m.

I believe we have lost any momentum and the manager and the players have
little to play for. I see us scoring no more than nine points averaging Sam
Allardyce's famous one point per game.

Wins maybe against Burnley and QPR, draws possible against Sunderland,
Villa and Leicester and possible losses against Manchester City, Everton,
Stoke and Newcastle

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Barca kid eyed as Irons target 'young ones'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 19, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

West Ham United hunt for top youngsters is gaining pace as the summer
approaches and the first name in the frame appears to be Barcelona's teenage
striker Munir El Haddadi. The Hammers – whilst keeping an eye open for
decent free signings in the upper age bracket – are determined to find the
best youngsters around via their revamped scouting policy and would love to
take the player on loan. Recruitment director to the board Tonu Henry's
influence is being felt strongly throughout the club and that is the
direction he is taking. The club are this morning reported to be "targeting
a move" for the youngster who has already represented Span but is currently
in need of first-team football. The Irons hope the newly forged links with
Barcelona via the loan deal which saw Alex Song arrive at the club may give
them an edge.

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S'land gave Irons assurance of no Sam approach
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 19, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Sunderland had told West Ham a month ago they would not be approaching the
club for permission to speak with Sam Allardyce. A close relationship exists
between the two boards and Black Cats owner Ellis Short (right) had made it
clear privately there would be no approach as speculation increased. Short
had decided that he needed a short term replacement for Gus Poyet whilst he
studied the long term possibilities with Dick Advocaat getting the gig. But
public comments from Hammers vice chairman Karren Brady claiming a bookie
she knows had made Allardyce favourite for the job had apparently prompted
the Short assurances to the irons board. However, no such assurances were
given about an approach at the end of the season with an insider telling
ClaretandHugh: "The message and methodology is clear. That's when it all
happens at this club."

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West Ham loanee Paul McCallum playing for Portsmouth's reserves after
difficult loan spell
HITC
Mathew Nash

The 2011 signing from Dulwich Hamlet has not lived up to expectations. In
2011 West Ham United snapped up a promising talent from non-league football
with the arrival of striker Paul McCallum from Dulwich Hamlet. He has
previously scored nine goals in 11 games for the club and The Hammers were
pleased to snap him up. However he has struggled to make an impact at Upton
Park, spending much of his time out on loan. He has had spells with
Rochdale, AFC Wimbledon, Aldershot Town, Torquay United and Hearts and in
January he joined Portsmouth.
It is fair to say that that move has so far proved a disaster. He did not
score in his first two games for the club but was sent off against Southend
United in his second appearance. It was a controversial red card for the
West Ham loanee. He was sent packing for violent conduct after an off the
ball incident and after allegedly making contact with the referee he was
given a seven game ban. That was 11 games ago and since then he has been
languishing in the reserves at the League Two club. He featured again for
the reserves against Gillingham last night, a day after his return to
first-team action against Cheltenham, just two months on from his ridiculous
red card offence. With his contract at West Ham expiring in the summer, do
not expect them keeping McCallum next term.

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West Ham loanee airs ambitious target, admits goals have changed
HITC
Billy Hawkins

West Ham United have been performing above expectations this season, and
Carl Jenkinson has explained what the club are aiming for.
The Hammers sit in 10th place at this late stage of the season, and Carl
Jenkinson has told the official West Ham website what the club are looking
to achieve. A run of poor form in the last few weeks has seen the East
London club drop to mid-table after a strong first half to the campaign, but
they are still in with a chance of qualifying for Europe if results go their
way. The visit of Sunderland this weekend could be a great chance for the
Hammers to get their season back on track, and they follow that tie with a
run of fairly winnable games. Sam Allardyce will be looking to end the
campaign on a high, and a strong finish may be vital in him securing a new
contract to stay at the Boleyn Ground. Having clambered as high as the
Champions League places earlier in the season, it would come as a
disappointment to see the Hammers not qualify for at least the Europa
League. Their current form suggests that such an achievement will be delayed
for another season, but full-back Jenkinson has told the official Irons
website that the aim is still a European place, having started the season
only dreaming of the top half. "At the start of the season the goal was to
finish in the top ten," the on-loan right-back said. "Being where we are now
the goal changes and when you're in this position you don't just settle for
it. "You re-assess your goals and make new ones. That's what we've done and
the aim is to try and get a European spot. I don't think that's out of our
reach as we have winnable games between now and the end of the season."
Despite the next run of fixtures being winnable, West Ham have struggled
against some average teams this season. They will need to overcome that
issue if they want qualify for Europe, with there enough quality in their
squad to hit that target.

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Former West Ham defender arrested over assault claim
Former West Ham defender Calum Davenport has been arrested on suspicion of
assault following an altercation at the end of a lower league match in
Bedfordshire.

Davenport plays for Elstow Abbey FC having drifted down the English football
pyramid after being stabbed in the legs by his sister's boyfriend in 2009.
The former England under-21 star lost half the blood in his body and spent
two days in intensive care before being released by West Ham in 2010. He was
detained on Saturday for his involvement in an incident which resulted with
a 30 year-old man suffering a head injury which required hospital treatment.
It took place in the away dressing room following Elstow Abbey's
Bedfordshire County Football League Division One fixture at Cranfield
United. Davenport had been sent off with ten minutes remaining in the match,
and is currently on police bail until April 17th.

Cranfield United's chairman, Ed Frost, told Bedfordshire on Sunday: The
incident occurred in the away changing room between away players, it was
isolated there and didn't spill over into the club house. This followed a
tense game between two teams at the top of the table, in which Mr Davenport
was sent off in the latter stages.

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