Preview - Watford
WHUFC.com
The background
The Hammers will be looking to end their run of Premier League draws, which
was extended to four against Leicester on Sunday, when Watford visit the
Boleyn Ground on Wednesday.
Slaven Bilic's men last tasted victory against Everton in early March and
will be looking to get back into the form that catapulted them into
contention for a Champions League spot.
The Hornets were themselves without a win in six prior to their away victory
against West Brom at the Hawthorns, and Quique Sanchez Flores' side will be
keen to build momentum heading into their Emirates FA Cup semi-final tie
against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Watford started the season, unexpectedly, in terrific fashion, and held a
top-half spot in the Premier League until February, but their form has
tailed off recently, making Wednesday's clash an intriguing fixture.
The history
West Ham and Watford have met on 70 occasions in competitive matches, with
the Claret and Blues winning 40. The Hornets have been victorious in 18 of
the games, while 12 have been ended all square.
The Hertfordshire outfit have been more competitive in the last ten years
however, and the Hammers have recorded just one victory against Wednesday's
opponents in the last seven meetings.
An Odion Ighalo double secured Watford's win in the October league fixture,
the first game between the two sides since West Ham's promotion campaign of
2011/12.
The match
Team news
West Ham United
The Hammers have a fully fit squad with Diafra Sakho back from injury and
both James Collins and Sam Byram ready to play their part.
Watford
Quique Sanchez Flores is expected to make wholesale changes to Watford's
side ahead of their Emirates FA Cup semi-final.
Heurelho Gomes is set to keep his place between the sticks but there are
sure to be replacements elsewhere on the pitch.
Match info
Mike Dean will take charge of the fixture at the Boleyn Ground. He last
refereed the Hammers in their 1-0 victory over Sunderland in February. John
Brooks and Simon Long will be Dean's assistants and Mike Jones is the fourth
official.
The sides have met five times in the Premier League in its current form,
with both the clubs winning two fixtures each.
West Ham were unbeaten in 14 matches against Watford for a period of 17
years from 1989 – 2006.
Slaven Bilic's team are unbeaten in 14 Premier League home matches. Their
last league defeat at the Boleyn was against Bournemouth in August.
West Ham have scored in each of their last 12 matches. The last time the
Hammers drew a blank was against Southampton at St. Mary's in February.
Watford have only scored more than twice in two matches this season, against
Aston Villa in a 3-2 victory in November, and when Liverpool were thrashed
3-0 just before Christmas.
Ticketing, travel, coverage and other info
Tickets for this fixture are SOLD OUT.
The District and Hammersmith & City lines are set to serve Upton Park
station as normal on Wednesday. Click here for the latest Tube information
and here for National Rail.
The weather is expected to stay dry in east London on Wednesday, with
temperatures at 9C (48F) around kick-off.
If you're not heading to the game, make sure you keep up to date with the
action on our digital channels. The whufc.com Match Centre will have live
audio commentary, in-running stats, photos and more, while you can get
involved in the conversation on social using #WHUWAT
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Antonio - We have still got everything to play for
WHUFC.com
West Ham United midfielder Michail Antonio insists the Club have still got
everything to play for and hopes the Boleyn Ground will remain a fortress as
the Hammers look to keep alive their hopes of securing a European place. The
2-2 draw with Leicester on Sunday kept Slaven Bilic's side three points
behind Manchester United in fifth place. The Hammers were heading for a
victory after late goals from Andy Carroll and a wonder strike from Aaron
Cresswell helped the east London Club stage a dramatic comeback against the
Premier League leaders. But Leicester were awarded a controversial penalty
in the 95th minute which Leonardo Ulloa converted and the West Ham players
were forced to settle for a point. Antonio is refusing to be affected by the
late drama at the King Power Stadium and hopes the impressive unbeaten run
in the Premier League at the Boleyn Ground will help them get back to
winning ways when they face Watford on Wednesday night. Antonio said: "We
were trying to be tight at the back and they were trying to find a way
through and they got the penalty right at the end. "We have just got to look
forward now and try and forget this game. "We have still got everything to
play for. The Boleyn Ground has been a fortress for us this season and we
have only lost once in the FA Cup since August so hopefully we can keep
going and pushing on."
Antonio was pleased to see Cresswell back on the scoresheet following his
first goal since Boxing Day, but it was certainly worth waiting for as he
struck a superb left-foot shot into the roof of the net. Antonio added:
"What a strike that was from Aaron. He has hit that very well and we see him
do that in training as well. It was great technique." Having played in the
Midlands, Antonio knows what it would mean for Leicester to win the Premier
League this season. The 26-year-old also feels it would be great for the
whole league if a team outside the top six could win the top flight. "I wish
Leicester good luck for the rest of the season and I hope they can do it.
"It will be good for the Premier League if they can do it and it gives
everyone a boost for next season that any team can win it."
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Slaven Speaks - Watford
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic was keen to focus on the future when he met the media to
discuss Wednesday's Barclays Premier League fixture with Watford. With
Sunday's event-filled 2-2 draw at leaders Leicester City still fresh in the
memories of the press, the manager was asked for further comment on a
controversial afternoon at the King Power Stadium.
However, Bilic was eager to instead talk about the final five fixtures of
the season, starting with the visit of the Hornets.
Slaven, the weekend game is still big news, so how do you look back on the
game now?
"Of course that game is still fresh, but we played well. Leicester had won
their last five or six games 1-0 and kept clean sheets, but we scored two
goals and were good. The only thing I wasn't happy with was the way we
played after we scored our second goal. We just waited for the final
whistle, didn't keep the ball and we should have done better, to be fair."
There were lots of talking points in the game, so what are your thoughts on
those decisions now?
"I spoke about this after the game and I was sympathetic towards the referee
because it was extremely hard for him in that game. We or the FA should find
a way to help them and make their jobs easier. There was pressure there. It
was an unbelievably important game for both teams, so it was hard for them."
Are you still in the race for the top four?
"The gap is big, but the gap can be reduced if we win games. We are still in
a big race for the European spots and we're going to do everything we can."
Have the recent decisions changed the players' approach to games?
"Anyone who watched that game would have no doubt that our defeat by Man
United didn't affect our confidence or motivation, because we came back from
1-0 down on their home soil and were not happy with 1-1, so we chased for
another goal. That showed we have great team spirit and determination, and
great motivation of course."
You face Watford next at the Boleyn Ground in the Barclays Premier League,
so what are your thoughts on this game?
"We have a big game of football on Wednesday night, because Watford are a
good team and one which has an FA Cup semi-final to look forward to this
weekend at Wembley.
"The game at Vicarage Road in October was one of the very few times I have
been really disappointed and angry after the game, because we simply didn't
show up and they deserved the 2-0 win. We had a very bad game.
"They have gone on and are secure in the Premier League and they also beat
Arsenal away to get to the FA Cup semi-final.
"They may rest some players, but they have good and big squad full of
international players. They have a certain way of playing and if they pick
players who didn't play at the weekend, they'll have fresh legs, which is
good for them.
"They are hard to beat and are very compact and it's very hard to play
through them with the way they play. The way their strikers are playing and
have played, they are capable of harming teams."
Finally, what is your team news ahead of the Watford game?
"With one training session to go, Diafra Sakho is back from injury so we
have a full squad available, which is good."
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Payet - The love the fans give me is incredible
WHUFC.com
Dimitri Payet is enjoying a memorable first season in England and has been
rewarded for his impressive displays after being nominated for the PFA
Player of the Year. The French star has wasted no time becoming a cult hero
with the West Ham United fans and is rated one of the best free-kick takers
in the world.
Payet is determined to help the Hammers push for a European place come the
end of the season and also hopes to have a memorable summer by being named
in the France squad for the European Championship Finals.
You must be slightly frustrated after Sunday's match against Leicester when
we fell just short of beating the Premier League leaders at their ground?
DP: "We are frustrated by the last moments of the game. But, if we are
honest, we know that we needed to get the ball clear and we would then have
avoided any doubt in the referee's mind and wouldn't have given away the
penalty. It was a bit scrappy in the midfield and the sending off helped us
and gave us a boost and allowed us to go on and grab the equaliser. I think
where we are today, it is Leicester's title to win now."
Did you find it difficult to get over the disappointment of the elimination
from the FA Cup last week?
DP: "We were disappointed after the defeat against Manchester United.
Continuing in the cup was one of our objectives for the last few weeks of
the season, and so to go out was frustrating. There is an element of the
last few games catching up with us, following a series of very tough games.
We have the Watford game and then we have some time that we can use to
recharge our batteries."
How does it feel to have been nominated for PFA Player of the Year in your
first season in England?
DP: "There is a lot of quality on the list and just to be nominated is
really something special. Some people thought that it was a slightly bizarre
decision to come to West Ham, but like I have done in all the clubs I have
played for, I have improved and taken my game to the next level."
How are you enjoying life here at West Ham?
DP: "I have worked very hard and now I am reaping the rewards and enjoying
my time here. I am making the most of every moment here as things are going
well. The fans here are great, there are lots of things being created for
me. Some t-shirts with the song they sing about me which is really nice.
It's touching to have been welcomed so nicely and the love the fans give me
is absolutely incredible."
With the performances on the pitch both in claret and blue and for the
French team, do you think you are you having the best season of your life?
DP: "I have built on what I did last year with Marseille, with maybe a bit
more coverage this season because I am now playing in the Premier League. I
managed to reproduce what I have done with West Ham when I was playing for
France last month and I feel that I am in the best form of my life. My job
now is just to make sure that this form lasts for as long as possible."
What role has the manager played in your form this season?
DP: "He has of course been really important to my form this year. I have to
say that without my teammates, I wouldn't be able to flourish on the pitch
as I have done and so it is really a combination of several elements. I am
grateful to all the staff at Marseille and all of the other coaches who have
helped me get to where I am today."
Have you already started thinking ahead to the exciting summer you will be
having with the national side in Euro 2016?
DP: "No, I am still fully focussed on my game here. We have had game after
game in the past few weeks. There are too many important things to think
about before then, with so many games that can have an impact on a final
position in the League."
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West Ham United v Watford
WED, 20 APR 2016PREMIER LEAGUE
19:45
Venue: Boleyn Ground
BBC.co.uk
TEAM NEWS
West Ham have forward Diafra Sakho available again after a knee injury.
Sakho's recovery means the Hammers have a full-strength squad for the visit
of Watford, with Sam Byram, Manuel Lanzini and Andy Carroll in line for a
recall.
Watford head coach Quique Sanchez Flores has promised to make changes with
Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace in mind. Goalkeeper
Heurelho Gomes is the only confirmed starter for Wednesday's rearranged
fixture.
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Watford head coach Quique Sanchez Flores: "We will use a lot of new players
(against West Ham). I am completely confident in the first XI I will pick; I
am really curious how we can develop, and the characteristics of the
players. "We respect West Ham, they are very good, they are one of the best
in the Premier League but I trust a lot in my players and I think we can
give a very good performance."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
With the Hornets playing Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-finals this
weekend, Quique Sanchez Flores is going to change his team around. Because
of that, I am backing West Ham.
Prediction: 2-0
Victory over Watford would set a top-flight West Ham record of 15 unbeaten
home matches - their last league defeat at Upton Park came on 22 August
against Bournemouth.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
West Ham have won just one of their last seven matches against Watford in
all competitions (W1, D2, L4).
The Hammers have won 12 of the 16 league meetings at home (D2, L2).
West Ham
West Ham are unbeaten in eight league games (W3, D5) - but the last four
have been draws.
The Hammers could go nine top-flight matches without defeat for the first
time since an 18-match run in 1985.
They will set a top-flight club record of 15 unbeaten home matches in a row
if they avoid defeat against Watford. Their last league defeat at Upton Park
came on 22 August against Bournemouth.
Andy Carroll has scored eight league goals this season, his best return
since registering 13 in the 2010-11 season. Carroll has scored five goals in
his last five matches in all competitions.
Watford
Watford earned their first league win in seven attempts at the expense of
West Brom on Saturday.
Only five teams have won more away league games than Watford's six this
season.
They have now won twice as many Premier League away games this season as
they did in their previous two Premier League seasons combined.
Ben Watson's winner on Saturday meant he became only the third player to
score more than one league goal for Watford this season.
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ExWHUEmployee many Exclusives: Martinez signing imminent, Stadium Naming
Rights, Pre-Season tour details and much more
April 18, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
ExWHUEmployee
The Leicester game was a really strange match. As usual it was full of
referee controversy where I was just baffled at the inconsistency. There
could have been about five penalties either way for pushing in the area and
then he decided to give us one. Then, as Andy Carroll said, he decided to
even it up and give a ridiculous penalty to them. If that is enough
physical contact for a penalty then I would have been sent off every game I
played comparatively as I used to tackle much harder than that, although I
obviously played at a much lower level.
As I have said a number of times I really think we are missing Ginger Pele
in the defence. Not just for his ability but for his leadership qualities.
When Collins played both he and Ogbonna seemed to play well, now with Reid
and Ogbonna they seem to take it in turns and both don't have great games at
the same time. Statistically we have shipped far more goal without Collins
in the team. Another change I would consider making, which will be seen by
some as very odd, is that I believe Randolph should perhaps start the game
at Watford. Adrian wasn't at fault for any of the goals but almost every
game that Randolph has played he has been man of the match and I strongly
believe you should pick players on form.
Valencia and Emineke have been disappointing recently. Valencia is very
much a confidence player and feels low about his form and the reaction of
the fans. The club will not keep Emineke at the end of the season and I do
believe that should the right offer come in for Valencia the club would
consider it. The forward situation is a little delicate at the moment
because Andy Carroll appears to be the only one on form. If we can keep him
fit, we have a superb player on our hands. This takes us on to our other
forward Sakho. I think the club have been very clever on how the have
"managed this situation". I spoke in detail factually about his predicament
in my last column. I was shocked to read that people were blaming me
reporting this news for us losing to Manchester United!?! Of course that is
the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard and if you remember from what I
said last week I deliberately held off reporting it until the papers had
covered the story. One of the same people claimed I was only writing the
story to make money from the hits. I would like to also point out I haven't
made any money for myself. It has either gone back into the site or we have
given almost £2k to charity.
Like I said at the time it was very poor timing for this "injury" to happen.
It appears that the "injury" has been well managed and that he could return
to the squad against Watford. I mentioned another player who had allegedly
been involved in provoking Sakho. This player has also not featured in the
squad since the incident, he is unlikely to feature again, which will spell
the end of his two season career here.
As for new recruits we have scouts everywhere and have watched so many
players. We are looking at a right back, winger and a forward or two.
Whilst I don't think the signing of the Turkish right back from Fenerbahce,
Gokhan Gonul, has been completed it wouldn't surprise me if we do bring in
an experienced right back to cover especially as Joey O'Brien won't be
offered a new contract and will likely join Big Sam at Sunderland and Byram
is still considered "raw".
The signing of Havard Nordtveit has however been completed and the club are
deliberately holding off making it official until the end of the season. I
am not sure why this story keeps getting repeated on facebook groups and
national newspapers. It is done and dusted.
We have looked at a number of options for the wing Tore, Sisto and now Pablo
Sarabia from Getafe who are likely to be relegated this year. He has 5
goals and 5 assists in 25 appearances and has represented Spain at most of
the younger levels. He has been linked with moves to the Premiership in the
past few weeks (Arsenal and Swansea) and it seems we have had a look. Of
course the forward targets are well documented and have been covered in many
columns.
One player who will likely sign tomorrow (Tuesday) is Antonio Martinez the
young Spanish forward from Valencia. As we reported on the site a while
back, the player has already passed his medical but hold ups due to Gary
Neville's sacking as manager and agent demands have meant the transfer has
been delayed. As I said this transfer is expected to go through tomorrow.
We will also be looking at other youngsters from across Europe.
We have agreed in principal to have a partnership with Hajduk Split, Bilic's
old club to be able to sign younger players. Keep an eye out for a
particular Nikola Vlasic, who is an 18 year old winger from there. He may
be someone we look at should this partnership be finalised.
Our preseason summer plans have been shaping up. It has been well
documented that we will have a tour to the USA, this has now been confirmed
and it will be the 4th July until the 12th July. The players will then be
back for a day before they fly to Austria for 10 days. They will be looking
to take in a number of opposition whilst in these countries as well as
intensive fitness work.
The WestHamWay.co.uk hope to be able to cover at least one of these tours by
having representatives at the match. The site is really growing and we have
been in talks with a number of different companies for future work. We will
be featuring heavily on a popular newspaper where our stories will be
included on their apps and also in a new fanzine which will initially be
available online but also at the new ground. I therefore need new and
exciting writers. We have many of you offering to write and I urge if you
are interested please just email me quickly and get started without
hesitation (thewesthamway@gmail.com). We are also expanding further into
merchandise and art work too. It is a great time to advertise with the site
with our App and soon to be new website layout, myself and the site
featuring in national newspapers, our imminent acceptance to News Now and
top journalist, ex-players and celebrities writing for us. We offer many
packages to advertise and have been in talks with three or so companies.
You can have a banner on the site, sponsor a feature, get mentioned by Evan
on our videos, have tweets put out about your company- there are many
possibilities.
There was a lot of rumours in the press and on twitter this morning that the
stadium naming rights had been won by Samsung. Samsung were an initial
mover and did show some interest but they are meant to be right down the
pecking order as confirmed by The West Ham Way writer Jack Sullivan's tweet.
The final deal has not yet been totally concluded and the bidding process is
still ongoing although there is a feeling that the club know who the winner
will be and that the deal is not that far off. I can exclusively reveal
that the company most likely to win is multi billion foreign company who
specialise in IT and vehicles. They are not a massive name in the UK market
but they are hoping to be and have a lot of financial clout. I cannot say
the name as I am not entirely sure of the legal obligations but the company
certainly offer us a lot of financial potential but are not one of the more
famous brands. I can also reveal that Heineken were also front runners at
one point and it is said that they have potentially secured some deals
themselves including providing the match day beer on the day and lots of the
corporate sponsoring.
Whilst the Manchester United result was extremely disappointing and
Leicester frustrating we have to pick ourselves up and beat Watford who will
be concentrating on their FA Cup Semi-Final. The plans that are in place
for our great club are truly amazing. I get frustrated by all the
negativity when we go a goal down (against the top place team!!) and how
quick people are to get upset. In my eyes we need to enjoy the end of a
great season and create as many memories as we can of our beautiful old
stadium. We are drawing our Matthew Etherington signed testimonial shirt
winner tomorrow. I will be meeting up with Matty in the pub and you can see
the Ex Hammer of the year draw the winner of this great prize. There is
still a chance to enter, so get involved. Come and chat to TheWestHamWayTv
at the Watford game and talk about your memories from the magical Boleyn
Ground too and lets think what an amazing future we have.
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West Ham v Watford preview: Diafra Sakho could return for Hammers
By Pete Hall
Last Updated: 19/04/16 1:21pm
SSN
West Ham could welcome back Diafra Sakho for their trip to Watford as they
try to reignite their top four aspirations. Since an enthralling comeback
victory at Everton at the beginning for March, the Hammers have drawn four
games in a row - seeing their Champions League dream dwindle. Victory at
Leicester on Super Sunday would have done their cause a world of good, but a
controversial late penalty denied Slaven Bilic's men a much-needed three
points. Defeat at Watford will all-but end the Hammers' season, but with the
Hornets obviously distracted by their upcoming FA Cup semi-final, West Ham
make the short trip to Vicarage Road as firm favourites. A fortunate victory
at West Brom last time out completely secured Watford's Premier League
status for next season, after a run of six without a win.
Team news
Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores is planning to make a number of
changes to his side. The Hornets boss wants to keep his players as fresh as
possible ahead of their FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace on Sunday
but intends to play the same shape as usual. Goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes is
the only player confirmed to be in the starting XI for the game but Flores
has a full squad to chose from with no injuries.
Sakho could return to the West Ham squad. The Senegal striker has recovered
from the knee injury which forced him to miss Barclays Premier League draws
with Arsenal and Leicester, as well as the midweek FA Cup defeat by
Manchester United. Boss Bilic therefore has a full-strength squad and could
hand recalls to Sam Byram, Manuel Lanzini and Andy Carroll, who climbed off
the bench to score a penalty at Leicester on Sunday.
Opta stats
West Ham United have won just one of their last seven matches against
Watford in all competitions (W1 D2 L4).
The Hornets have scored one goal in each of their last three visits to the
Boleyn Ground, winning two and losing none of those visits.
Watford have scored just seven goals in their last 13 Premier League games
and have averaged just three shots on target per game in this period (39
shots on target overall).
The Hornets have already won twice as many league away games this season (6)
as in their two previous Premier League campaigns combined (3 in 1999-00 &
2006-07 combined).
There have been 23 goals scored in the last five Premier League games
involving Slaven Bilic's side, with West Ham both scoring and conceding at
least twice in each game.
West Ham are unbeaten in eight successive games in the Premier League (W3 D5
L0), but the last four of these have been draws. They haven't gone nine
unbeaten in the top-flight since a run of 18 games between August-December
1985.
West Ham haven't suffered a home league defeat since August 22nd 2015 and
are currently on a 14-game unbeaten league run at the Boleyn Ground (W7 D7
L0). They have never gone 15 in a row there without defeat in the
top-flight.
Dimtri Payet needs one more goal to become just the second West Ham
midfielder to score 10+ goals in a Premier League season, after Kevin Nolan
in 2012/13.
Andy Carroll has scored eight Premier League goals this season; his best
return since 2010/11 (13). Indeed, Carroll has netted five goals in his last
four league games.
Just seven different players have scored a goal for Watford in the Premier
League this season (excl. own goals) - the lowest spread of any team in the
competition.
Charlie predicts
I still think there's a bit of life in West Ham, even though the top four
has gone for them, and they still have a lot more incentive to win here than
their visitors. I know they've been getting the bad luck with the referees'
calls but they always seem to get into a position where they can take
advantage of others' slip-ups and they stumble. It's as if there's a mental
block and that has hurt them. Watford have more than done enough in the
league and with an FA Cup semi-final coming up, they've lost an edge. Odion
Ighalo's goals have dried up. It will be an emotional final few games at
Upton Park and that will keep driving West Ham on.
Charlie predictions: 2-0 and Manuel Lanzini to score first - 33/1 with Sky
Bet
Betting
West Ham are odds-on at 8/13 with Sky Bet to beat Watford and boost their
hopes of securing a place in the top six. The Hammers are 11/10 shots to
achieve that feat with Watford 15/2 outsiders to land a top-half finish. The
Hornets won the corresponding fixture 2-0 and are 9/2 to complete the
double, with the draw trading at 29/10. Andy Carroll bagged a hat-trick in
the last match at Upton Park and is 4/1 to break the deadlock and 6/5 to net
anytime, while Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney are both 9/4 shots to score
anytime. Get the latest odds and tips from our Sky Sports pundits here.
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FA investigates reports Jon Moss was abused by Leicester officials
By Kaveh Solhekol, SSNHQ reporter
Last Updated: 19/04/16 1:18pm
SSN
The Football Association is investigating reports that referee Jon Moss was
verbally abused by Leicester City club officials in the tunnel at the King
Power Stadium on Sunday. The Foxes salvaged a point in a 2-2 draw with West
Ham United in a game overshadowed by a number of controversial decisions by
the official. Leicester have already been charged by the FA for failing to
control their players and surrounding the referee after Moss awarded West
Ham an 83rd-minute penalty. Leicester could face more charges if the FA
decide to act on reports that Moss was abused by club officials and had
water thrown at him by Leicester supporters. The FA would be able take
action if they received reports of such incidents from Moss, members of his
officiating team or other independent witnesses. After the game Moss
returned to the referee's room and asked to see the Leicester club
secretary. He was then seen speaking to Leicester's operations director
Andrew Neville. Leonardo Ulloa scored from the penalty spot in the fifth
minute of injury-time to earn 10-man Leicester, who had Jamie Vardy sent
off, a share of the spoils. Vardy, who opened the scoring on Sunday, has
been charged with improper conduct by the FA for his behaviour following his
red card which could see his one-match ban increased.
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Gold reveals who he wants to win the title
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 19, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
David Gold has made it clear who he wants to win the Championship. Despite a
4-0 drubbing of Stoke City last night the Hammers chairman has made it clear
that Spurs are not the team he wants to see at the top of the pile come the
end of the season. Gold has been receiving messages of support after he and
the Sullivans were abused badly by the Leicester City fans on Sunday.
He had earlier sent a message of assurance that all was well through
ClaretandHugh but has now made it clear the behaviour of a section of Foxes
fans was unacceptable. And on Twitter he made it clear where his affections
lie when it comes to the top honour after a discussion with various
followers. He said: "I want Leicester to win the PL and I am pleased for
their fans but their behaviour towards us was unacceptable. dg"
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Now Mahnidra takes OS naming rights lead
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 19, 2016 in News
C and H
The Times is this morning (Tues) reporting that Indian technology firm
Mahindra have taken the lead in the race for the Olympic Stadium naming
rights. We reported yesterday that there were unconfirmed rumours Samsung
were set to win the race but despite being involved The Times declares today
talks are advanced with Mahindra. The deal -according to the newspaper will
be worth around £6 million – and that the Irons will benefit to the tune of
£1 million through the tenancy agreement which gives them a naming rights
bonus if they total over £4 million a year.
Mahindra has business interests spanning energy, defence and farm equipment.
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Moss has Irons 'previous'….AT SPURS!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 19, 2016 in News, Videos, Whispers
C and H
Ok last word on the Leicester match and it takes us back to February 2015
when the Hammers were held to a 2- draw by Spurs after taking a two goal
lead at White Hart Lane. The Hammers had of course taken the lead and six
minutes into extra time the referee awarded a penalty for Spurs which with
time gone should have been the last kick of the match. You may recall that
Adrian saved the penalty and by the letter of the law – or rather tick of
the clock – the follow-up shot should have been ruled out. To quote from the
BBC report at the time: "The striker (Kane) went down in the box under the
slightest pressure from Song and after seeing his penalty saved by Adrian
kept his composure to slot home the rebound for the Premier League's
sixth-placed side."
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Worrying signs on Irons OS catering income
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 19, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Exclusive
West Ham's Olympic Stadium catering 'partner' has failed to make any profit
on it's two primary catering contracts in the UK with Wembley and Arsenal's
Emirates Stadium. Last week's publication of the Olympic Stadium agreement
confirmed West Ham will earn a 30% share of catering profits after the first
£500,000 of profit is paid to stadium owners E20 Stadium LLP.
But American sub contractor Delaware North (Wembley) posted pre tax losses
of £3.9m for it's Wembley Stadium contract in 2015. Turnover at the contract
was down £3.9m year-on-year to £23.8m, while pre-tax loss increased to £2.3m
from £279,885 in 2013, according to documents filed at Companies House. A
statement within the accounts say "We therefore continue to look for
appropriate additional new business opportunities and we were delighted to
be awarded a long term contract to operate the former Olympic Stadium
[renamed South Park Stadium] from June 2015, which includes UK Athletics and
West Ham United as key tenants,"
It's other UK division called Delaware North Hospitality Services, which
operates at Arsenal's home ground the Emirates, and IPro Stadium, OSc3home
to Derby County Football Club, saw its pre-tax loss rise from £736,182 in
2013 to £1.2m despite turnover growing to £19.1m. The news must raise
serious doubts how much profit if any can be made at the former Olympic
Stadium and whether West Ham will ever see any of it in the profit share
agreement. Catering company Elior currently runs the existing contract for
the Boleyn ground catering and hotel which ends in June. The company says
that contract is worth almost £5m per year at present which means West Ham
will be giving up significant catering income when they move to the former
Olympic Stadium in August.
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Here's the Sakho Watford update
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 19, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Diafra Sakho is 100 per cent fit and ready to return to the Irons squad for
tomorrow evening's clash against Watford. The striker has been missing
during a key week of the club's season but ClaretandHugh was assured this
morning that he is now fully fit. We were told by our senior source at the
club: "There is no medical reason why he should not be included in the squad
and our best guess is that he will be on the bench." The club's official
line has been that the Senegal hit man has been suffering from a minor
injury but that has been treated with scepticism by those close to the
squad. It seems certain and has been reported there was a training ground
bust-up between himself and another player when it became clear he was not
going to be involved in the team for the Arsenal match. Now, however, his
situation has been sorted and it will be interesting to see whether or not
he is involved at some stage during the game against the Hornets. Should he
not be then the risk of further negative media speculation could arise at a
critical stage of the season.
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Referee Jon Moss 'had drinks thrown at him' by Leicester fans after draw
with West Ham
TalkSport
Moss sent off Jamie Vardy for two yellow card offences on Sunday afternoon
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Referee Jon Moss was targeted by Leicester fans 'who threw drinks and
shouted abuse at him' following the Foxes' 2-2 draw with West Ham on Sunday.
Moss came under fierce criticism over his handling of the match in which he
sent off Jamie Vardy and awarded the Hammers a penalty. The home fans were
so incensed that they targeted the official as he headed for the tunnel at
full-time, according to a report in The Times. Moss was also verbally
attacked by at least one player and a member of club staff, the report
claims. The thrilling encouter emded moments after Leonardo Ulloa slotted
home a late penalty to earn the league leaders a draw, but events from that
day could have ramifications for the title run-in. Vardy has been charge by
the Football Association with improper conduct for his behaviour following
his second half dismissal where he appeared to direct verbal abuse at Moss.
The in-form striker, who has scored 21 league goals so far this season,
could miss as many as three of the final four matches of the season.
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SUCCESS HAS GONE TO THEIR HEADS
By Bobby Shovels 19 Apr 2016 at 08:00
WTID
I have never been to a game like on Sunday, where the mood before and after
the 90 minutes has transformed so dramatically.
Before kick off, in the glorious Spring sunshine that made it a perfect day
for a great game of football – and that it was, in the end – West Ham and
Leicester fans were united in their belief that, regardless of the result,
all parties would be happy because Tottenham would still – hopefully – not
finish the season on top of the Premier League.
Come 3:30, how that had changed: as my friend and I walked outside the
ground, two burly Leicester fans shouted in our ears: "You're just like
Arsenal you lot, a bunch of cheaters." My mate piped back, as the two
perpetrators marched off into a retail park: "You guys run pretty quickly."
That was getting it lightly: another Hammers fan and his wife had to deal
with a particularly loud, angry and illogical Leicester fan who, once again,
bemoaned our Arsenal cheating status as he went on and on and on about
refereeing injustice.
Even a few hours later, when one had assumed the dust of Jonathan Moss'
decisions had settled, a foursome of City fans barked snidely: "Nice scarf."
Amazingly, hours after a game that saw Leicester extend their lead at the
top of the league to eight points with just four games to go, and the club's
fans – who have been treated to the greatest season in their many of their
lifetimes, and they still couldn't bear to see a claret and blue scarf.
Colours of a team that had nothing to do with the refereeing decisions that
so irked them. Colours of a team who were dealt the harshest of refereeing
blows in that match. Colours of a team who could far more easily claim that
the referee was the reason why they dropped points and not vice versa.
My friend and I decided that, clearly, in our opinion, success had gone to
the Leicester fans' heads. For a club that one year before had beaten us to
start their amazing great escape, for some of their fans – and I stress some
– to be so irked and petty and confrontational about a draw seemed utterly
bizarre to us. When you reach the dizzying heights of the top of the Premier
League, perhaps you begin to get a sense of entitlement? For a minority of
their fans, not content with a season free of long-term injuries and of
beneficial decisions that have seen them awarded countless penalties, a
referee not on his best form was just too much.
But wait, their anger was because their beloved Jamie Vardy was sent off.
Vardy, a man who's having a film made about him, who has become the talk of
the town and country and had a phenomenal season. A man who has seen a huge
amount of positive media reporting throughout the season. And all that has
hidden from view the fact that he has a diving problem and many pundits
believe he did indeed dive. The game changed at that point, yes. But it
didn't unfairly. It happened because he dived. I think Vardy's story is a
fairy tale, but Leicester fans seem to ignore the fact that: 1, it was a
dive; 2, he has dived before, and 3, he is not a perfect human being. I
still firmly agree with The Telegraph's Jack Liew in his criticism that
Vardy got off very, very lightly regarding his racist comments last summer.
That has nothing to do with Sunday of course, but it must be pointed out
that Vardy – and Leicester – have been given an easy ride by the press. We
all still want City to win the title – but that does not mean they should be
immune to criticism.
And with that, Vardy has been charged with improper conduct and the
possibility of his ban being extended. That sense of privilege from
Leicester's fans clearly filters down to their players.
Yet while my friend and I thought that some sections of the Leicester fans
were poorly behaved, it was clearly felt by many others – including our
chairmen, who faced a hostile environment and had objects thrown at them. I
still don't understand such anger being directed at West Ham for decisions
beyond their control and moreover, for the rightful sending off of a striker
who dived. Who dived. Emphasise that word: dived. That is one of the worst
offences: to sully the game of football with simulation. That is a trait
that is not fitting of champions. Of course, even if the anger comes from
his first yellow card, he had been warned before by the referee and his
yellow was a cumulative decision. The idea that Vardy should not have been
sent off is grounded in the logic that no one should rock the Leicester
bandwagon.
And it is not just us fans and chairmen who have felt the rough side of
Leicester City's fans: take a look at Twitter, and many journalists who
tweeted in favour of the Vardy decision got their fare share of stick for
not siding with the fairytale's poster boy.
Despite all this, I still want Leicester to win the league. Having watched
the Spurs v Stoke game in a pub with Tottenham fans, one cannot explain how
sick their joy makes me. But I am utterly shocked at some of the Leicester
fans' decision – and I once again emphasise that it was not all Leicester
fans, but a decent vocal number of them – to make all West Ham fans and
figures the scapegoats for a blatant dive by their star striker in a season
where they can hardly complain that everyone is out to cheat and take points
off them. They have had the near universal backing from neutrals,
journalists and football fans whose team has no chance of a top four slot
but want to see someone break into that elite pack.
Leicester City sell shirts saying: "The People's Champions." Well, that is
entirely in question now. For the real People's Champions would be far more
friendly to the people than they have shown.
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Leicester launch investigation after West Ham owners claim they were
subjected to sickening abuse by home supporters
Leicester were held to a 2-2 draw by West Ham at the King Power Stadium
West Ham were awarded a late penalty to kick-start their comeback
Hammers co-owners say they were subjected to vile abuse by home fans
Leicester have told the West Ham directors they will investigate claims
By BEN NAGLE FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 01:18, 19 April 2016 | UPDATED: 01:21, 19 April 2016
Leicester City have launched an investigation after West Ham co-owners David
Gold and David Sullivan were subjected to sickening abuse at the King Power
Stadium on Sunday. The table-topping Foxes were eventually held to a 2-2
draw after three late goals, and among the drama home fans took exception to
the referee's decision to award West Ham a late penalty.
According to the Daily Mirror, supporters turned on the joint West Ham
owners and their families, firing foul-mouthed abuse and gestures at the
group. Speaking to the paper, Sullivan said: 'We didn't stay to applaud our
own players off as we felt threatened. We've spoken to Leicester and they've
told us they would look into it. 'My partner and children were very upset
by the way we were abused. It was the worst we have had for years and we
were not sure why. 'It was the referee making the decisions, not us. If our
fans behaved like that to the away directors I would not stand for it. It's
not good enough in 2016. Almost a throwback to the bad old days!' Leicester
went 1-0 up through Jamie Vardy in the first half, but things took a turn
for the worse when the England striker was sent off and the team conceded
twice late on. The Foxes were awarded a penalty of their own in stoppage
time to salvage a point, but some home fans appeared more keen to dish out
abuse than celebrate. Co-chairman David Gold told fans' website Claret and
Hugh: 'It became very unpleasant and hostile. They were throwing abuse at us
and chucking their cardboard clapper boards at us but you never know in a
mob of people whether there is one very dangerous individual do you? 'The
trouble went on until the referee decided to give them a penalty which was
the softest I have possibly ever seen. 'Nobody on the planet will convince
me that was a spot kick.'
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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