Seven facts you might not know about Sir Trevor Brooking
WHUFC.com
August 29 2017 marks 50 years to the day that a certain Sir Trevor Brooking made his very first appearance for West Ham United. The midfielder played on the right-wing in a 3-3 draw with Burnley at Turf Moor, and so began the start of one of the most iconic careers in West Ham United history.
On the anniversary of Sir Trevor's special day we've taken a look at seven facts about the man himself you might not have known about:
He was also offered deals by Tottenham and Chelsea
Sir Trevor is undoubtedly a West Ham United legend. However things could have gone very differently for the iconic No10 - and he may have never played for West Ham at all - had he and his parents accepted a very different deal.
Brooking's signature at 15 was also pursued by Chelsea and Tottenham, with all three clubs offering him an apprenticeship. Only West Ham United would allow him to finish his studies at school though and despite Chelsea offering his parents a £500 signing fee and a car, Brooking opted to sign with the Hammers in July 1965.
Only three players have made more appearances for West Ham United
What a career Sir Trevor had with West Ham United! The midfielder played for the Club for 18 seasons between 1966-1984, amassing an incredible 643 appearances across all competitions for the Irons.
This number has been bettered by only three other players in the Club's history. The one-and-only Bobby Moore played in just one more match for the Hammers with 644. Frank Lampard Sr featured in 670 matches for West Ham during his career but the record holder, with 799 showings, is Billy Bonds.
He is West Ham United's eighth highest scorer ever
During his West Ham United career Sir Trevor netted 102 goals for the Hammers, a record that has only been bettered by seven other players in the Club's history.
Sir Trevor's best campaign saw the No10 net 11 times in the 1972/73 season for the Hammers, but his consistency across his lengthy spell with the Irons meant he rightfully earned his stance as one of West Ham United's top ever goal-scorers.
He scored the winning FA Cup goal in 1980
Now, you probably knew this one. But it's so good it just had to be mentioned.
Sir Trevor helped the Hammers to win two FA Cups, in 1975 and 1980, and he was the goalscorer in the second of those victories as the Irons saw off Arsenal 1-0.
The midfielder scored a rare header in the 13th minute to hand West Ham United the trophy and is still the last time a club from outside the top flight won the competition.
He has won the most Hammer of the Year awards
Sir Trevor's performances for West Ham United were legendary with the No10 the first player to win three consecutive Hammer of the Year awards - between 1976-1978.
The midfielder ended up winning five Hammer of the Year awards during his career, the only player in the history of the Club to do so with his other wins coming in 1972 and 1984.
Four players - Billy Bonds, Bobby Moore and Julian Dicks - have claimed the award on four occasions and Scott Parker is the only other player to win three consecutive Hammer of the Year honours.
He has managed West Ham United as well
Okay, Sir Trevor's never actually been employed as West Ham United manager, but the former No10 has been the club's caretaker boss on two occasions.
Both of those spells came in 2003. Sir Trevor took charge of West Ham United for the final three games of the 2002/03 campaign, picking up seven points, and also managed the team for 11 matches of the 2003/04 season in the Championship.
Of the 14 games Sir Trevor has been West Ham United's (caretaker) manager he lost just once, and claimed 31 points out of a possible 42.
His variety of nicknames at West Ham United
There's no doubt that Sir Trevor has earned his status as one of the best players to ever grace the pitch for West Ham United, but his different attributes also saw the midfielder given three different nicknames during his time with the Club.
As a youngster Brooking had yet to fully develop and was therefore prone to being outmuscled by opponents. This led to his teammates calling him 'Cyril', after Cyril Lord the carpet salesman, because manager Ron Greenwood had told him "you're always on the floor".
His second was gifted to him due to a lack of natural pace. Although technically sensational Sir Trevor was never blessed with outstanding speed, leasing to his teammates dubbing him 'Boog' - after a slow baseball player called Boog Powell that the team had watched in action during a tour of the United States.
Sir Trevor's final nickname - 'Hadleigh' - comes from the lead character of a television show of the same name known for his gentlemanly conduct. The former No10's lack of bookings during his West Ham United career, and sporting behaviour, saw him called 'Hadleigh' by his teammates.
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International Hammers: Who is playing, who has nearly qualified for the World Cup and where can I watch?
WHUFC.com
The first international break of the 2016/17 season is upon us and that means West Ham United players are jetting all over the world to represent their countries.
No fewer than 18 Hammers have been called-up by their respective nations, with FIFA World Cup qualifiers and friendly matches to be played in venues from Mexico City to Ougadougou and Astana to London.
Here's all you need to know about the Hammers' international commitments over the next fortnight...
Which Hammers have been called-up for international duty?
Eighteen (yes, 18!) West Ham United players have been called-up, including eleven seniors and six at age-group level. Take a deep breath... OK, here we go!
Marko Arnautovic (Austria), Andre Ayew (Ghana), Chicharito (Mexico), James Collins (Wales), Conor Coventry (Republic of Ireland U19), Aaron Cresswell (England), Edimilson Fernandes (Switzerland), Jose Fonte (Portugal), Sead Haksabanovic (Montenegro), Joe Hart (England), Dan Kemp (England U19), Cheikhou Kouyate (Senegal), Arthur Masuaku (DR Congo), Rihards Matrevics (Latvia U19), Domingos Quina (Portugal U20), Anthony Scully (Republic of Ireland U19) and Nathan Trott (England U20)
Unfortunately a 19th Hammer, Manuel Lanzini, was removed the Argentina squad for two FIFA World Cup qualifiers due to a right knee injury.
Where can I watch the Hammers on TV?
ITV, Sky Sports and BT Sport are the official broadcasters of 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in the UK, with ITV covering England games, Sky showing the European matches and BT bringing viewers the African ties.
Starting in Europe, Sead Haksabanovic and Montenegro travel to Kazakhstan in Group E on Friday 1 September, with Sky Sports Football showing the 5pm kick-off, before ITV bring us Joe Hart, Aaron Cresswell and England's Group F qualifier from Malta at 7.45pm.
Sky Sports Football will also be there as James Collins and Marko Arnautovic square-off when Wales host Austria in Group D in Cardiff on Saturday 2 September at 7.45pm.
England's home game with Slovakia at Wembley on Monday (7.45pm) and Wales' trip to Moldova on Tuesday (7.45pm) will be shown by ITV and Sky Sports Mix respectively.
Jose Fonte's Portugal sit second in UEFA Group B, three points behind Edimilson Fernandes' Switzerland. The Euro 2016 champions' qualifier in Hungary on Sunday will be screened live by ITV4 at 7.45pm.
Last but not least, Cheikhou Kouyate's Senegal host Burkina Faso on Saturday at 9pm, live on BT Sport 1.
Getty Images
Are any of our lads close to sealing qualification for Russia 2018?
Yes. Chicharito is the closest, with his Mexico side needing just one more win to secure their place at next summer's FIFA World Cup finals.
El Tri sit top of the CONCACAF Round 5 group with 14 points from six matches. Victory in either their home tie with Panama in Mexico City in the early hours of Saturday morning (2.30am BST) or in Costa Rica next Wednesday (3.05am BST) will be enough to send Mexico to Russia.
Potential DR Congo debutant Arthur Masuaku arrives with his new national team unbeaten at the top of CAF Group A. Victory in their double-header with Tunisia would all but book their place at their second World Cup finals appearance.
What about the younger lads?
Seven teenagers have been called-up at the various age-group levels - three by Republic of Ireland, two by England and one each by Latvia and Portugal.
Fresh from winning the European U19 Championship with England, Nathan Trott is now in the U20 squad for friendly matches with the Netherlands on Thursday and in Switzerland on Monday.
Portugal's Domingos Quina was on the losing side in that U19 final and he too has been included in his country's U20 squad. They host the Czech Republic on Thursday before traveling to the Netherlands on Monday.
Elsewhere, Declan Rice could make his Ireland U21 debut in a European Championship qualifier in Azerbaijan on Tuesday, while Dan Kemp is in the England U19 squad for a home friendly with Poland on Friday.
Conor Coventry, Anthony Scully and Ireland U19s have a friendly double-header with the Czech Republic, while goalkeeper Rihards Matrevics travel to Greece for two matches.
So, can you tell me the full story?
Of course! Here is a complete list of international fixtures potentially involving West Ham United players - in chronological order. For simplicity, all times are BST!
Thursday 31 August
Sead Haksabanovic, Kazakhstan v Montenegro, UEFA Group E, Astana, 5pm
Nathan Trott, England U20 v Netherlands U20, Friendly, Telford, 7pm
Domingos Quina, Portugal U20 v Czech Republic U20, Friendly, Abrantes, 7pm
Edimilson Fernandes, Switzerland v Andorra, UEFA Group B, St Gallen, 7.45pm
Jose Fonte, Portugal v Faroe Islands, UEFA Group B, Porto, 7.45pm
Friday 1 September
Andre Ayew, Ghana v Congo, CAF Group E, Kumasi, 2.30pm
Dan Kemp, England U19 v Poland U19, Friendly, St George's Park, 7pm
Aaron Cresswell/Joe Hart, Malta v England, UEFA Group F, Ta'Qali, 7.45pm
Arthur Masuaku, Tunisia v DR Congo, CAF Group A, Rades, 9pm
Saturday 2 September
Chicharito, Mexico v Panama, CONCACAF Round 5, Mexico City, 2.30am
Domingos Quina, Netherlands U20 v Portugal U20, Friendly, Rijnsburg, 1pm
Rihards Matrevics, Greece U19 v Latvia U19, Friendly, Agrinio, TBC
Cheikhou Kouyate, Senegal v Burkina Faso, CAF Group D, Dakar, 7pm
James Collins/Marko Arnautovic, Wales v Austria, UEFA Group D, Cardiff, 7.45pm
Conor Coventry/Anthony Scully, Republic of Ireland U19 v Czech Republic U19, Friendly, Waterford, 7.45pm
Getty Images
Sunday 3 September
Edimilson Fernandes, Latvia v Switzerland, UEFA Group B, Riga, 7.45pm
Jose Fonte, Hungary v Portugal, UEFA Group B, Budapest, 7.45pm
Monday 4 September
Conor Coventry/Anthony Scully, Republic of Ireland U19 v Czech Republic U19, Friendly, Waterford, 1pm
Rihards Matrevics, Greece U19 v Latvia U19, Friendly, Agrinio, TBC
Nathan Trott, Switzerland U20 v England U20, Friendly, Winterthur, 5pm
Sead Haksabanovic, Montenegro v Romania, UEFA Group E, Podgorica, 7.45pm
Aaron Cresswell/Joe Hart, England v Slovakia, UEFA Group F, Wembley, 7.45pm
Tuesday 5 September
Declan Rice, Azerbaijan U21 v Republic of Ireland U21, Euro Group 5, Baku, 1pm
Cheikhou Kouyate, Burkina Faso v Senegal, CAF Group D, Ougadougou, 5pm
Arthur Masuaku, DR Congo v Tunisia, CAF Group A, Kinshasa, 7.30pm
Dan Kemp, England U19 v Germany U19, Friendly, Mansfield, 7pm
Andre Ayew, Congo v Ghana, CAF Group D, Brazzaville, 7.45pm
James Collins, Moldova v Wales, UEFA Group D, Chisinau, 7.45pm
Marko Arnautovic, Austria v Georgia, UEFA Group D, Vienna, 7.45pm
Wednesday 6 September
Chicharito, Costa Rica v Mexico, CONCACAF Round 5, San Jose, 3.05am
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50 years on: Sir Trevor Brooking remembers his Hammers debut
WHUFC.com
August 29, 1967. Burnley 3 West Ham United 3 in the old First Division. The record books show that West Ham's goalscorers that day were England's World Cup heroes Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters. However, the fixture was also notable for the senior first-team debut of an 18-year-old local lad by the name of Trevor Brooking. Little did anyone present at Turf Moor know then that the tall, slim, dark-haired midfielder would go on to make 643 appearances over a period of 17 years, winning two FA Cups, 47 England caps and five Hammer of the Year awards, with his services to the game eventually earning a deserved knighthood.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary, Sir Trevor recently made a visit to Chadwell Heath, now the dedicated headquarters of West Ham's Academy players and staff, and reflected on the day when it all began for him half a century ago. "Burnley were one of the top sides in the 60s," recalled Sir Trevor. "The day before, Ron Greenwood pulled me aside and said I would be travelling up to Turf Moor with the squad and starting the game. He told me that he preferred to give young players their debut away from home, without the pressure of the home crowd. "I played a wider role on the left of midfield against Burnley which, funnily enough, was the case when I first got my chance with England, before moving to my preferred position in the centre. "It was obviously a big game for me, and a 3-3 draw was a really good result for us up there. Our goalscorers, ironically, were Moore, Hurst and Peters. Not a bad trio!"
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IN SLAVEN WE TRUST….
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 29 AUGUST 2017 AT 3:50PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Mike Buckler – Block 217
This is my first article for TWHW, and I hope to do many more. I just wish my first one were more positive!
I write this critique with a heavy heart, but a very clear mind. I've been a West Ham supporter my whole life, and have been a season ticket holder through good times and bad. The club hasn't won a single piece of serious silverware (excluding play-off finals) in my lifetime, yet my love for West Ham is unconditional and my loyalty unwavering. That doesn't mean I'll tolerate a lack of strategy and ambition, though, so I'm prepared to speak up when I don't think things are right.
It would be easy to write-off criticism of the manager and team as 'knee-jerk' when we are just two away fixtures into the new season, and the first of those against a resurgent Manchester United. However, the core issues at West Ham have existed for many years, and I therefore think it is time that everyone associated with the club considers the root causes of these issues.
I think our shortcomings, when it comes to performances and results, point to critical flaws with the manager, but we – the supporters – are also not entirely blameless. I'll focus on the manager here, but will write another article soon about the impact on the club of fans being too sentimental and nostalgic.
Slaven Bilic is, on paper, everything West Ham could possibly want from a manager. He proudly wore the claret and blue threads in the prime years of his career, and was part of the Croatian team that finished third in World Cup '98. After retiring as a player, Bilic coached Croatia for over 6 years, leading them to the late stages of an international tournament, and he worked with some very talented players in the process. He is intelligent, articulate, and likeable. And his most compelling attribute- he understands the history and culture of the club, and he is clear as day when talking to the media about what the supporters expect from the players and the team on the pitch.
So why do I believe Slaven is largely at fault for all of the on-field issues?
Well, for me it comes down to three areas where we are seriously lacking, and he is ultimately responsible for all of them.
Quality, depth and balance of the squad
Physical and mental conditioning of the players
Formation, team selection, tactics and playing style
Quality, depth and balance of the squad
If Bilic is responsible for assembling the first team squad, then he is responsible for identifying players that add quality, depth and balance. Whilst there is no doubt in my mind that we have added the right calibre of player this summer, for which he and the Chairmen should be commended, the outcomes of the previous two transfer windows were appalling. £40m spent in less than six months for Ayew, Fonte and Snodgrass might honestly be the worst business in football. Ever.
Subsequently, we are still lacking (reliable) depth in certain positions and the squad is getting worryingly older. If I were in charge, I would sign a pair of young forwards with high potential, one that could play on the left and one to play up top. But the depth and balance of our squad would, of course, be less of an issue if Bilic were more willing to give our talented youngsters a chance in their right positions. For example, I would start Declan Rice alongside Reid (if available) in our next match against Newcastle, because I'm sure he would do a much better job than Fonte or Ogbonna.
Finally, a real irritation for all supporters is that throughout Slaven's tenue as manager he has repeatedly played some of our best players out of position. This is a direct consequence of not adding enough depth to the squad, either through recruitment or giving academy prospects an opportunity. After two games this season it seems that Bilic is less inclined to do this but, as I have already mentioned, I'd like to see Declan Rice given a chance at centre half rather than as a defensive midfielder.
Physical and mental conditioning of the players
One of my biggest concerns right now is that most of the players are lacking match fitness, stamina and discipline. For the last two years, pre-season has been more about travelling around the world playing exhibition-style matches, rather than properly preparing the squad for Premier League football. The pre-season programme and schedule of managers must come under Slaven's responsibility, so he is accountable. You could also argue that we only got off to a flyer in Bilic's first season in charge because we were forced to play competitive Europa League football from the beginning of July.
Let's also consider that if the rumours coming from inside and outside the club are true – that training under Bilic lacks intensity – then there is little wonder why the players are complacent and ill-disciplined on match days. I can't help but feel that Bilic's personality and management style are akin to a teacher at school that is every pupil's mate, but that he isn't strict enough when it matters and therefore doesn't necessarily get the best performance and grades out of the students.
I was part of the majority of supporters that were pleased to see the back of Big Sam, but Bilic could learn a great deal from his obsession with optimising performance through sports science.
Formation, team selection, tactics and playing style
Perhaps the most damning criticism of Bilic is that he doesn't seem to have a preferred system, nor does he appear to know his best eleven when everyone is fit. And when it comes to team selection, he shows loyalty for the wrong reasons- players should be in the team on merit, not because of their CV, or the fact that they were born in Canning Town!
Based on the talent in the squad, I think we should play a system either with four at the back and two up top, or five at the back with one up top. Crucially, without a fit Andy Carroll or Diafra Sakho, which we all know is most of the time, we are not maximising our talent by playing a system with one striker through the middle. Few would argue that Chicharito is our most talented striker, so it is abundantly clear to me that playing him up top on his own will limit his ability to score. I am fully prepared to be proved wrong once we see him joined on the field by Lanzini, but I still feel a system with two strikers would help alleviate the pressure on our defence.
When it comes to tactics and playing style, West Ham has quite a negative identity under Bilic. The formation often invites too much pressure on our defence, and we don't seem to move the ball quickly enough in transition to pose an effective counter attack. Playing two defensive midfielders in front of two centre halves isn't a guarantee to conceding fewer goals. On the contrary, the best teams in the Premier League (generally speaking) keep more clean sheets, and I believe that is in part because they spend more time attacking than defending. If the club succeeds in signing William Carvahlo, then perhaps Bilic will have the confidence to play just one defensive midfielder, which would allow him to give Chicharito a strike partner. Time will tell.
I'd like to conclude the article by saying that I am desperate for Slaven to turn things around, because he seems to be a top bloke and like most West Ham fans I suffer from an illogical sense of sentimentality and nostalgia. The problem, though, is that all of the issues I've covered in this article have existed throughout Bilic's tenure, and I'm not convinced he will change any time soon.
What do you think? I'd like to hear from you!
COYI
Mike Buckler – Block 217
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A TIME FOR COOL HEADS
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 29 AUGUST 2017 AT 2:09PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @FarehamHammer
Well that was shocking wasn't it? I just could not believe the team list when I saw it and I bet neither could you either. Picking a midfield of Noble, Rice and Fernandes, when you had Kouyate, Obiang and Lanzini on the bench was UTTER MADNESS. A bit like you and I being in bed, flanked by Suzanne Boyle on one side, Beyoncé on the other and deciding to s*** Suzanne Boyle. Some will say Kouyate and Lanzini were not fully match fit. Christ on a bike! We were playing Newcastle a team bereft of any confidence; if we attacked them from the off-it would of paid dividends. Then at the appropriate time, once the damage is done, the manager brings the trio off individually. He is in training every day and should know the level of fitness of each player. Part of me wonders if he picked the starting midfield trio on purpose, in an effort to get The Board to bring in Carvalho. Stupid and suicidal if he did.
Something does not ring right in regards to the chairman and Bilic. Slaven keeps on talking about: net spend, players sold as a result we have money to spend, saying the squad is not is not big enough. Yes, I know he said yesterday that he was "satisfied with his squad"- I don't believe that. I think that he was told that there is no more dough and has had no option but to put a positive spin on things. A while back he said that the board did well and there would be no more big signings. It is clear that the manager desperately wants Carvalho. I think Carvalho's name has been leaked to the media from Slaven's people. Why would G&S leak Carvalho's name to the media? There are no season tickets to be sold and they had delivered in their promise to bring in four proven Premiership quality players. Till Carvalho's name appeared in the media, most were happy with the window They were content to see what transpires in the dying days of the transfer window. If there has been a rift between the board and Slaven over Carvalho, things like that would also affect the players-which in turn results in performances like yesterday.
Well apparently the chairman and Bilic met and had two positive meetings. Those baying for Bilic's blood reminded me of those baying for Jesus's at The Crucifixion. Unlike Pontius Pilate, Gold and Sullivan did not deliver them Slaven's blood. They don't like sacking managers. It would cost a lot of money for starters. They would have to pay off Bilic and his staff, bring in a new manager and his team. He will want to bring in his own signings, what happens to the players bought for Slaven? Far too much dough! I have no doubt though that Sullivan has told Slaven that things must improve on the pitch ASAP. I would guess that Slaven would have told Sullivan that although we have done good business it's not enough-which is true. Our squad's depth is paper thin and unbalanced. We are playing catch up this season, due to last season's summer fiasco and both Slaven and the board are to blame. Look there is no doubt that The Board DO believe in Bilic. The way they went out of their way to land Javier Hernandez speaks for itself. I also think they will sanction a couple more players brought in, possibly even try at this late hour to land Carvalho. Although like anything in life, you don't always get what you want. If that were to happen, I could see someone like Obiang being sold. Sadly Slaven does not seem to rate him somehow.
One of the biggest issues Slaven Bilic has to deal with is the Mark Noble one. Playing Noble is costing West Ham in match after match. No it is not a case of not 'respecting' Noble, some want the boy from Canning Town in the team at any cost. They would rather have the likes of Obiang, who is different class to Noble SOLD, if it meant Noble kept his place in the team. Their basis for keeping him in the team? He's 'West Ham'. Then in that case Slaven, has got to play you or me in the team, as we are 'West Ham'. The simple reality about Noble is this: He has absolutely no pace, offers nothing going forward, resorts to vicious fouls in dangerous positions, as he is too slow to get back. When closed down quickly, is either dispossessed or passes straight to the opposition. He offers nothing offensively, passing anywhere but forward (will come back to that in a mo.). The opposition know he is the weak link and exploit that. Cutting through our midfield like a knife through butter. As a result our defence has no protection. The strikers also get no service, as a result they have to drop to the half way line to collect the ball! How can you hurt the opposition like that?
So what IF we sign William Carvalho? A huge imposing defensive midfielder, not much gets past him. This would surely mean the end of Noble? Ironically not. It could well be The SALVATION of Noble! Some of Noble's best football was played when 'The Wardrobe' Papa Diop played for the Cub. Diop was like Carvalho, a big imposing man. He shielded Noble, giving him time and space on the ball. As a result Noble switched play superbly at times. Popping up here there and everywhere, giving short crisp passes, and keeping the ball moving. Carvalho or no Carvalho a change of captaincy is needed, Noble is not suited to the role of Captain, too quick to lose his head, give it to someone like Zabaleta. Someone who knows how to steady ship that is exactly what we need now. A steady hand. Yes Saturday was bad but time for some leadership on and off the pitch to be shown and get the good ship West Ham United sailing forward. Why not? You know as well as I do, that we have the potential to do that. Bilic? The future is in his hands. Time to deliver! And us the supporters? Win a few games and it will be; Super Slav! Super Slav! Super SLAVEN BILIC!
We are more than a football club, we're a way of life!
COYI!!
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Not another long goodbye…
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 29th August 2017
By: Paul Walker
We've all been here before, haven't we? Slaven Bilic is on the naughty step again and Lord Sully has the raging hump. Is this just another tedious chapter in the long, long goodbye for yet another manager?
To my recollection, this is the third, maybe second, time in the past year that West Ham's manager has been summoned (never asked politely to pop over for a chat, but summoned by the powers on high) for a showdown with our chairman as yet another calamity in the 'other' Eastenders soap opera gathers speed.
It is always the same. The team lose a string of games, and Bilic gets told he has four games to save his job. I recall way back at the beginning of last season we were out of Europe and getting battered by everybody from Manchester City to Watford. Five defeats in six if I recall.
We are then due to face Spurs, Manchester United twice, Arsenal and Liverpool and Bilic is put under tremendous pressure to turn things around. We end up being unlucky to lose at Spurs and draw at Man U and Liverpool.
Then it happens again. We lose to Chelsea, Bournemouth, Leicester, Hull and Arsenal on the spin. Lose the next one at home to Swansea and Slav is toast, we are told. We win 1-0.
Somehow we claw our way to 11th after one defeat in the last seven. But there is still a far-reaching end of season review and it all totters on through the summer, with Slav changing his medical staff rather than axing his coaches as the board seem to want.
Now after a seemingly never ending tour of the western world--Austria (twice), Bremen (twice), Hamburg, Iceland, Manchester, Southampton, Cheltenham and Newcastle in 41 demanding days, we find ourselves rock bottom of the table and Slav taking the blame.
It's getting tedious, boring and predictable. The same complaints from the fans and the board are repeated over and over. Slav can't organise a defence to save his life, the team show no pace, desire, effort or belief and we are going through new signings ten to the dozen.
Now we are told the board are unhappy with the application, team selection and tactics. Many of the fans who have supported Slav through all this turmoil are turning against him.
It's all turning nasty and the inevitable seems closer than ever. David Sullivan, though, knows he faces a decision he clearly does not want to take. The fan base are split on so many things, but Bilic--to those who are anti-board--is their shining light, the rekindling of a West Ham many feel has gone forever.
You sense that fans who are supportive of the board want a change in management. Light the claret and blue touch paper Dave, and stand well back.
Jamie Redknapp reckons Bilic is still suffering from the transfer shambles of last summer, he may well be right. This window has seen five new players signed, only three who cost a transfer fee. Sullivan was being praised to the heavens for his work in getting Joe Hart, Pablo Zabaleta, Javier Hernandez, Marko Arnautovic to the club.
Even the promising kid, Saed Haksabanovic was considered a coup.
Since then, three weeks have been and gone and nobody has been added to the squad. In that time Bilic has clearly been told to sell to give the club the reduced wage bill to buy someone like William Carvalho.
We have sold £30m worth of players and the spend is about £42m. The worst aspect of the transfer dealings is that of the 18 players who have joined the club since Sam Byram arrived in January 2016, nine have already gone and that will be ten if Jose Fonte is sold to Crystal Palace. That's a shocking situation.
If you go back to the beginning of Bilic's reign, which started in June 2015, we have signed (bought or loaned) 48 players and 22 have already left. How you are supposed to forge a proper squad, team spirit and togetherness after that turnover is beyond me.
The other problem is the slow depleting of our squad. If you ignore the four lads from the academy who were released--they will always be replaced by promotion from within--14 players (sold or loaned)have left the club, and only the five previously mentioned have arrived.
Sullivan has, in effect, launched a culling of the nonsense of last summer, to get flops off the wage bill. But in doing so, Bilic's options have decreased.
The fact that so many injuries have hampered this season's preparation has added to the problem. We were promised two strikers would be signed. We only have Hernandez. Arnautovic, to me, is a wide attacking midfielder. He is not a striker. He can do that job, but so too can Michail Antonio, but it's not something want to be the norm.
We still need a commanding centre-back, a forceful holding midfield player and another striker. Andy Carroll, you may have noticed, is still not fit.
But none of this has happened, and in the last days of the window, I'm not holding my breath. At least Sullivan has not done the stupid thing and sacked a manager in a transfer window. Even now, the uncertainty will clearly put off possible arrivals, that's too obvious for words.
You can tell I am hedging my bets here. I too have grown frustrated with the current situation, and the flood of goals we concede. But don't forget, Bilic was told when he arrived that he had to change the style away from the big Sam era. Some how we don't seem to have hit on a happy medium.
Managers deserve longer than three matches, even if much of the problem is a hang-over from the previous season.
But the problem goes deeper. We are told that senior players are not carrying out instructions, that Mark Noble should be dropped, that people are played out of position.
Worse was a small line in an Ian Herbert report on the Newcastle game in the Mail. Ian's a good operator, and he came up with a carefully worded line: "There are thought to be tensions in the background about an element of Bilic's team selection elsewhere on the field", having previously discussed the problems at central defence.
Later he said "Noble is still an influence but not the player he was." The article was clearly saying this moaning was not coming from a fellow player, but someone behind the scenes. So now we have a non-playing member of the club staff briefing against the manager. That doesn't impress me one bit.
There are many who hope Bilic can turn this around in the four games he seemingly has been given. Huddersfield, Spurs and Swansea at home and West Brom away. Bilic has made mistakes and can clearly be stubborn, but no manager deserves the sort of sustained pressure from within the club that he has had to contend with over the past year.
Injuries and poor judgement in the market, plus the new stadium problems have dealt him a poor hand. I doubt he will survive another showdown with the chairman.
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Slaven Bilic to remain at West Ham for time being
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 29/08/17 7:38am
SSN
Slaven Bilic will remain West Ham manager for the time being, according to Sky sources. Sky Sports News understands the Croatian held talks with co-owner David Sullivan over the past two days following Saturday's 3-0 Premier League defeat at Newcastle. West Ham have lost all three of their Premier League matches so far this season and Bilic has been told that performances and results must improve. Sky Sports News understands West Ham were considering dismissing Bilic following the dismal result at St James' Park, which left them bottom of the Premier League. Bilic has also been told that the level of performance - against a newly-promoted team - was totally unacceptable. The 48-year-old has less than 11 months remaining on his current contract and talks about extending his deal were cancelled earlier this year after a series of poor results.
West Ham backed Bilic in the transfer market this summer following a disappointing 2016/17 campaign, with winger Marko Arnautovic arriving from Stoke for a club-record £25m fee. Joe Hart, Pablo Zabaleta and Javier Hernandez have also joined the Hammers, but have so far been unable to inspire their new side to a positive result in the Premier League. West Ham's owners are big admirers of Rafael Benitez, whose own future at Newcastle is uncertain. The Spaniard has recently expressed discontent at the club's activity in the transfer market. Benitez was hours away from becoming West Ham's manager when they appointed Bilic two years ago but he was offered the Real Madrid job at the last minute. Sky Sports News understands Benitez has a release clause in his Newcastle contract that is more than £5m.
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Irons fail in 'keeper bid
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 29th August 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are reported to have had a bid for Dutch Joroen Zoet turned down. According to De Telegraaf, West Ham's bid of £3million (for a player rated in the £5-6million bracket) was recently rejected by the player's current club, PSV. And it is said that could alert fellow Premier League sides such as Newcastle, who have also been actively monitoring Zoet's situation despite being unwilling to meet his current asking price.
* Former Hammer Ravel Morrison is on his way to Mexico's MX League after agreeing to join Atlas. Still only 24, the troubled midfielder's career has already taken in spells at Manchester United, Birmingham, Queens Park Rangers, Lazio as well as West Ham. But having failed to shine in Serie A last season, Morrison is now heading for even warmer climes; he is expected to complete a free transfer to Atlas - who are currently 13th in the table - within the next day or two.
* Crystal Palace are being linked with an £8million move for West Ham's Jose Fonte. The former Southampton defender, who moved to east London in an £8million deal back in January has failed to settle and could be a surprise out ahead of this week's transfer deadline.
* Summer transfer targets Kevin Wimmer and Keita Balde have completed moves to Stoke City and Ligue 1 Monaco respectively. The Potters are reported to have paid around £18million for Austiran defender Wimmer, whilst Balde will set the French club back some €30million. West Ham emerged as a late contender to sign the 22-year-old striker in mid-July.
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Robert Snodgrass reveals he was forced to quit West Ham because manager Slaven Bilic wouldn't play him in his 'right position'
Robert Snodgrass joined Championship club Aston Villa on loan last week
He made just eight starts since joining the Hammers for £10million in January
Snodgrass says he was concerned about Bilic's plans for him from his debut
By Craig Hope for the Daily Mail
PUBLISHED: 22:32, 29 August 2017 | UPDATED: 22:32, 29 August 2017
Robert Snodgrass says he was forced to quit West Ham after manager Slaven Bilic refused to play him in his preferred position. The Scotland winger joined Championship club Aston Villa on loan last week having made just eight starts since joining the Hammers in a £10million deal from Hull in January. But Snodgrass says he was concerned about Bilic's plans for him as early as his debut. 'I was coming on against Manchester City and he said, 'Where do you want to play, on the left or right?',' Snodgrass recalled. 'I thought, 'You've just signed me and I've played on the right or behind the striker at Hull City all season'. 'I found it very strange. That was my debut. And every time I played I was on the left. I don't know why he did it. 'I came in as (Dmitri) Payet had left and maybe it was a case of 'you can play there', but I'd only filled in on the left a couple of times. I'm not a left midfielder. I hate that position, I don't like it. 'It's fine to play for one or two games but you need to play in your right position, especially on the back of scoring nine goals for Hull. 'When I eventually did speak to him I said, 'You obviously signed me for that type of money and that you must have watched and seen that I wasn't a left midfielder'. 'His answer was basically that when people are confident they can play anywhere. That wasn't the case for me.' Snodgrass added: 'There were a lot of different things involved. There was a lot of broken promises, a lot of dishonesty and I thought this is not what I am about. 'I know myself that when there is a manager who knows how to get the best out of you then it's different - and that's why I chose Villa. I wanted to work with Steve Bruce again. 'At West Ham, he (Bilic) wanted me to play cup games to try and impress but I said I'd done it at international level and Premier League and there was no way on earth I was staying to play cup games. 'I've got nothing to prove to anyone. I've scored nearly 100 goals in my career and done it with a smile on my face. 'He (Bilic) knew I was good about the place and great with all the lads. But I need to play games - it's as simple as that.'
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Aleksandar Mitrovic faces retrospective ban after FA charge Newcastle striker for alleged act of violent conduct
The Toon star's raised arm during their win over West Ham wasn't seen by the on-pitch officials
The Mirror
BYAARON FLANAGAN
18:53, 29 AUG 2017UPDATED19:03, 29 AUG 2017
Aleksandar Mitrovic is facing a three game ban after being charged by the Football Association. The Newcastle striker has been charged with an alleged act of violent conduct from Saturday's win over West Ham. Mitrovic appeared to clash with Manuel Lanzini in an incident that was not seen by any of the match officials at St James' Park. The Serbian was a second half substitute and went on to score the third and final goal in the 3-0 win. An FA statement said: "Aleksandar Mitrovic has been charged for an alleged act of violent conduct which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video. "The Newcastle United forward was involved in an incident with West Ham United's Manuel Lanzini in the 80th minute of the game on Saturday (26 August 2017). "He has until 6pm on 30 August 2017 to respond to the charge."
FA chiefs are able to retrospectively ban footballers for incidents that are not included in a referee's post-match report. The statement continued: "Off the ball incidents which are not seen at the time by the match officials are referred to a panel of three former elite referees. "Each referee panel member will review the video footage independently of one another to determine whether they consider it a sending-off offence. "For retrospective action to be taken, and an FA charge to follow, the decision of the panel must be unanimous."
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Ravel Morrison set for career revival mission... in Mexico
fourfourtwo.com
The Lazio midfielder looks to be on the verge of joining Atlas FC on loan, in yet another bid to revive his career.
The Mirror have reported that former England youth international Morrison will join the Mexican side on a one-year loan deal, with the option to buy included at the end of the contract. The 24-year-old will join Atlas during a tough time – the Guadalajara side are currently fighting relegation and still suffering from the loss of their captain Rafa Marquez, who has been sanctioned by the U.S Treasury Department for an alleged connection to drug trafficking. Morrison was tipped for greatness and spoken about in the same breath as Paul Pogba during his time as a Manchester United youngster. However, due to problems on and off the field, his career has dwindled with short-term stints at Birmingham, West Ham, QPR, Cardiff and Lazio. It was reported that Harry Redknapp was open to taking Morrison on loan at Birmingham for the season (where he'd been on trial this summer), but a move never materialised and Morrison will apparently meet up with his new team-mates imminently.
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Where on earth did it all go wrong for Ravel Morrison?
fourfourtwo.com
In 2011, Ravel Morrison was the star of a Youth Cup-winning Manchester United outfit that featured Paul Pogba. So how come the Frenchman is now worth £90m, while his ex-teammate's in the Championship?
By Andy Mitten
Published
14 April 2017
Gary Neville chose a timely moment to learn the ropes in television. While he was still a player, the right-back commentated for MUTV in the 2010/11 season, climbing up a rickety ladder at Altrincham's Moss Lane ground or into the Old Trafford gantry to watch youth-team and reserve matches. Manchester United's junior side, featuring Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard, shone, with one player especially sticking out.
"Ravel Morrison's ability was just a scandal," Neville tells FourFourTwo. "He was playing in a midfield three with Pogba and Ryan Tunnicliffe. All of them were outstanding, but Ravel was the principal game changer. He was an unbelievable talent, a Paul Gascoigne-type who could beat men and score some incredible goals. There are few players in central midfield who can beat people – Ravel could drift past them."
United midfield legend Paddy Crerand is prepared to go even further than Neville in his assessment of Morrison's potential. "Ravel was the best youngster I'd seen since George Best," he gushes. This is based on seeing almost every game Morrison played for United youth and reserve teams while working for MUTV. "Even in a side with Pogba, Ravel stood out. He was fast and had a quick football brain – everything a big star should have."
Paul McGuinness worked extensively with Morrison when he was the youth coach at United, a position that he held for 23 years until 2016. "Ravel has the quality that the very best players possess – timing," he tells FFT. "He has the ability to keep the ball until just the right moment to play the pass through the opposition's defence, or to entice some defenders in and then slip right past them."
After a particularly tough 2010/11 FA Youth Cup run which saw them eliminate some top teams, including Liverpool and Chelsea, United met Sheffield United in the two-legged final. The side from Manchester won 6-3 on aggregate with Morrison exceptional, bagging a brace in a 4-1 second-leg victory at Old Trafford. It meant a record 10th FA Youth Cup for United, with Tunnicliffe, Lingard, Pogba and Morrison all pictured with the trophy. They were making some waves.
"Ravel Morrison was younger than me but he was brought up to train with us," said Blackburn Rovers defender Corry Evans, then with United. "You could see his ability – he was effortless as he glided past players and could shoot and score with either foot."
Pogba and Morrison were the first to be given a chance with the first team, the latter making a cameo in a 2010 League Cup Fourth Round victory over Wolves, but neither would make the crucial breakthrough. Both ended up in Italy. Pogba became one of the most sought-after players in world football. Morrison did not.
Born in Wythenshawe in February 1993, Morrison didn't grow up on the vast 1930s council estate near Manchester airport which takes the same name, but rather in the upper working class/lower middle class region of west Manchester, in between Old Trafford and the Carrington training ground. United spotted Morrison while playing for Fletcher Moss Rangers, which picks up some of the best young Mancunian talents, but as Morrison progressed through the Red Devils' ranks, his behaviour and outside influences were becoming an issue.
United felt they'd done as much as they could and given him chance after chance. They had supported him even after he was convicted of intimidating a witness to a knifepoint robbery, for which he'd escaped with a 12-month referral order and was instructed to cough up £2,000 in compensation. And they also backed him after he admitted criminal damage, having thrown his partner's phone from her parents' window. Morrison was referred to Salford's youth offending team for domestic violence counselling, and then fined again.
Others at Old Trafford insist that if Morrison was 10 per cent less talented, his behaviour would have seen him thrown out of football by the time he hit 16
United had a vested interest. Alex Ferguson told senior players that Morrison was the biggest talent he had seen at United at the age of 14. Better than Paul Scholes, better than Ryan Giggs. Others at Old Trafford insist that if Morrison was 10 per cent less talented, his behaviour would have seen him thrown out of football by the time he hit 16.
But Ferguson persisted. He even moved him to the first-team dressing room, but the senior players soon became exasperated with the errant youngster. How could someone so talented, they thought, be at fault so often? Why was he always in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong crowd?
They'd all made the necessary sacrifices to become a professional footballer and they'd reached the very top. The rewards were there for Morrison to see every day – the status, respect and accoutrements of wealth. It frustrated them even more that someone with such natural talent appeared to be throwing it all away.
Morrison has been portrayed as a thick thug, but those who know him well insist that is not the case. His intelligence extends beyond what he can do with a football, but circumstances in his life haven't helped him.
People hold back when they're talking about Morrison. He turned 24 in February but his career is still alive and they don't want to damage his prospects. He is not the bore sitting at the end of the bar saying what could have been. He's still a professional and people who know him hope he'll carve a successful career. Many are Mancunians, who'd love him to fulfil his immense talent and believe he just needs a break.
"He was actually a nice lad," says Crerand, who grew up in Glasgow's notorious Gorbals. "Quiet and respectful. Sometimes when you grow up with a group of lads, some go astray and you don't. When you're the one getting a few quid, that can be an issue."
Personal problems
Many have tried to help him. When Morrison played for England U21s, scoring twice against Lithuania in October 2013, boss Gareth Southgate thought he had him on the straight and narrow and hoped that he would soon be playing with the senior team. Roy Hodgson agreed.
There's a clip of a Morrison goal from one of Southgate's training sessions which shows his outrageous skill. A cross comes in, and just as he appears ready to volley it, he turns his body and flicks the ball in with the back of his leg – it earned a second round of applause in that session. He scored similar goals at United.
Other coaches in England's younger age groups who'd experienced Morrison found him more difficult to work with and were reluctant to take him away on three-day trips abroad. "He's had deep-rooted issues and you can either point to him and say he doesn't know how to behave and is at fault," a United source explains to us, "or you can say he is a by-product of his upbringing, a victim who needs some help and guidance. He thought that things that were socially unacceptable were acceptable. He comes from an environment where gangs are prevalent and authority is distrusted, where you look after your own if there's an issue, not call the police."
Ferguson had worked with players from tough backgrounds before, including some of his very best. Although he'd finally said goodbye a year earlier, the Scot didn't mention Morrison in his second book, published in 2013. He did, however, in his 2015 tome titled Leading. Sadly there are examples of players who have similar backgrounds to Giggs or Cristiano Ronaldo who, despite enormous natural talent, just aren't emotionally or mentally strong enough to overcome the hurts of their childhood and their inner demons," wrote Ferguson. Ravel Morrison might be the saddest case. He possessed as much natural talent as any youngster we ever signed, but he kept getting into trouble. It was painful to sell him to West Ham in January 2012 because he could have been a fantastic player. But, over a period of several years, the problems off the pitch continued to escalate and so we had little option but to cut the cord."
"That's a genius goal"
Morrison's transfer fee was £650,000, rising to £2.5 million pending appearances of £25,000 per game. On one level, ample compensation for someone who cost nothing and whose United career amounted to three substitute outings for the first team. "I hope you can sort him out, because if you can he will be a genius," Ferguson told then-Hammers manager Sam Allardyce. "He's a brilliant player," the Scot said. "Brilliant ability, top-class ability. He needs to get away from Manchester – start a new life." "He [Ferguson] let Ravel go for Ravel's benefit, because he could not see it happening at Manchester United," said Allardyce. "It was: 'Get him down there and see if you can get the best out of him, because you'll have a great player on your hands'."
As Pogba moved to Juventus in the summer of 2012 after turning down the highest-ever reserve team contract offered to a Red Devil, Allardyce sent Morrison on loan to second-division Birmingham City. Initially it didn't go well, with senior professionals concerned by his timekeeping, but after a showdown with manager Lee Clark he became one of the Midlanders' star men. Clark was keen for him to stay the following year, but Allardyce wanted him back. Finally, Morrison was taking off in the top flight.
His breathtaking goal in a 3-0 win against Spurs in October 2013 was described like this by Allardyce: "Ravel Morrison picks the ball up in his own half, heads directly for [Jan] Vertonghen and [Michael] Dawson, slips those two like they weren't there, waits for the keeper to go down – a keeper who's shown how good he is at one-on-ones, and how quick he is off the line – then uses his outstanding ability to dink it over him. The genius of Ravel Morrison. That is a genius goalfor me. You will struggle to see a better goal than that this season."
Murky end at West Ham
Morrison was watching his diet, he was well-behaved and he had a professional demeanour. He was the most exciting young Hammer since Joe Cole or Michael Carrick. Then it went wrong and, for once, he doesn't appear to have been at fault. Morrison claimed he was quickly dropped from the team because he refused to sign with the agent Mark Curtis, who has long had links with many of Allardyce's players. Morrison has had several agents or people purporting to represent him. Allardyce denied the claims, but they resurfaced during the investigation that led to him losing his job as England manager after just 67 days. Fulham put a £4 million bid in for Ravel, which West Ham rejected before complaining to the FA for alleged tapping up – as Morrison's former youth coach Rene Meulensteen was managing the Cottagers. Regardless, Morrison's career was, undeservedly, now back in limbo again. When Allardyce left his England post in September, Morrison tweeted: "No 1 listened to a word I said."
Morrison's Hammers contract expired in 2015 – he'd spent a part of 2014/15 on loan at Cardiff before Bluebirds manager Russell Slade cut his stay short. His next destination was Lazio, where he was unable to break into the first team and was criticised by coach Stefano Pioli for a lack of professionalism in training and an unwillingness to learn Italian. Lazio are contracted to pay his wages – and collect his fines when he does not show up – through until June 2017.
Last chance saloon?
This January, Morrison trained with Wigan Athletic under Warren Joyce, his former coach at United's reserve team. "Ravel's obviously not played a lot of football recently," Joyce said, "but I know how much of a talent he is from my days at Manchester United. It's a unique opportunity for us really because we have got a chance to have a look at him and assess his fitness." Wigan didn't push for Morrison, whose wages at Lazio were too high, but QPR did and he chose to join them for a second spell. He had fared well in west London during a 2014 loan, scoring six goals in 17 games. "I've grown up and matured a lot," Morrison admitted on signing for the west Londoners. "No more messing around – I am focussed and that has been my mindset for the last six months. I'm excited to be given the chance to play football again." Many hope he's right, though they remain cautious. "He should be a star, that kid," laments Crerand. "He's still young and he's still got time but he's also wasted time, and if Alex Ferguson couldn't get the best out of him, who can?"
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SLAVEN BILIC: THE CASE FOR THE DEFENCE
By Dan Coker 29 Aug 2017 at 17:00
WTID
After attending the match at Newcastle on Saturday, I've kept in touch with comments on WHTID over the Bank Holiday weekend. I spent the weekend in Northumberland as part of the trip up north for the game and have been surprised and saddened at the strength of the response from the posts and comments since – I do, however, respect each and every one of those views and know they come, in all cases, from a love of West Ham United.
Regular readers of the comments section will know I'm a huge supporter of Slaven Bilic. I make no apologies for that and I recognise this piece flies in the face of the majority of comments but I felt someone had to stick their head above the parapet.
I wanted Slaven to take charge of West Ham United a year before he did. I was delighted when he did and the wonderful last season at the Boleyn is a testament to Slaven's transfer priorities (Payet, Lanzini and Ogbonna) and relationship with the fans which made that final Upton Park season such a joyous journey. Last season was a tough campaign and reasons have been discussed at length previously – poor signings, a lack of full support from the board (to be discussed later) and a new stadium which is the polar opposite of Upton Park in terms of atmosphere and opposition intimidation. In this article, I will seek to outline why Slaven deserves (a lot) longer in his post as West Ham manager.
1. The New Signings
I think most would agree we have had a decent transfer window. New players take time to gel though and there would be little point in allowing Slaven to sign his first choices in various positions if he was not given time to get it right with those players. Signing Chicharito means a big shift in our style of play. We are trying to play the ball on the floor at the start of moves but, at present, this is slow and methodical, ends up going backwards to the defence or Joe Hart and then the long ball is played anyway. Our play through midfield needs to be sharper and perhaps that is why Slaven has highlighted William Carvalho as a key component to that play – someone who can get the ball from the defence and play it quickly to Manuel Lanzini and get us looking threatening in advanced positions. At Newcastle, we lacked cohesion in our play moving forward and, consequently, devoid of ideas.
Slaven also broke the club's transfer record to sign Marko Arnautovic. The Austrian is clearly a key part of the manager's thinking this season yet, through the forward's own idiocy, has only been available for less than a game-and-a-half of the campaign thus far. Ironically, I was not a fan of signing Arnautovic but Slav has placed significant faith in him and deserves the opportunity to try and embed him into the side, alongside a fit Lanzini – he has not had the chance to pair the two together in the same side as yet.
Many supporters were vociferous throughout last season in the need for us to sign a right-back. We have now signed an orthodox right-back and the same supporters now don't want us to play with a right-back and instead revert to a back three and wing-backs. Pablo Zabaleta is not a right-sided centre-half, nor a right wing-back. He is, however, a right-back which people were screaming blue murder for last season. I am sure there will be occasions when we play three at the back this season, and the formation does suit Sam Byram and Aaron Cresswell, but the board and manager delivered on what many asked for so why ask for a change in formation and push Zabaleta into being a square peg in a round hole?
In essence, Slaven signed these players on what he thought (rightly or wrongly) the club needed after 2016/17. He deserves the opportunity to try to build a team around these new players.
2. Returning Players
If you asked any supporter who are our best centre-half, central midfielder and creative player, I'm sure the vast majority will come back to you and say Winston Reid, Cheikhou Kouyate and Manuel Lanzini. Slaven has been denied the services of Reid for two of our three opening league games, while Kouyate has not completed a half of football in the opening month and Lanzini has only played 45 minutes. Reid, Kouyate and Lanzini are critical figures to the spine of the team and, again, Slaven deserves the opportunity to team them with the new signings over a period of time.
3. Contracts
There is something fundamentally wrong with our board's approach to contracts. Dimitri Payet was made the club's highest-paid player at the end of his first season with the club while Michail Antonio has signed three contracts in under two years at the club. Winston Reid, at 29, has just signed a six-year deal while Robert Snodgrass was brought in on what must have been a huge pay rise from his salary at Hull.
While new contracts are thrown around to players like confetti, our joint owner David Sullivan told the press that Slaven must prove he is not a 'one-season wonder'. Now I appreciate some may say Mr Sullivan may have been proved right and it is certainly true that the club should protect their playing assets as they are the ones who, if signed long-term with the club, will bring in the most money if sold.
But what kind of message do comments like Sullivan's and the contractual situation send to the players? It smacks of the players being looked after whatever their performance level while the manager is the one shunted forward to the firing line. In order to motivate the players, the manager must be seen to have the support of the board at all times and comments like Sullivan's and the fact Slaven sweats on a new contract while the players get extensions and pay rises at the drop of a hat does not seem to be an effective way to run a football club.
4. The Board
Following on from their contractual decisions and media comments, the Board must do more to support their manager. I am more than happy to hold my hands up and say they have done a tremendous job in bringing in the players Slaven wanted this summer but they should support their manager rather than undermine him in an underhand fashion through social or fan media.
Furthermore, and despite the good work done in signing players so far this window, the net spend remains relatively low. Slaven even said in his press conference last week that Newcastle had outspent us in net terms. Slaven clearly believes that William Carvalho is a missing link in what he is trying to achieve this season – we shall see if the board can pull that one out of the hat as I personally do not believe the deal is dead.
It was also the board who took us to a stadium which cannot host a home Premier League game until a month into this season. Starting a season with three league games on the road is not easy for any football club – the fixture list for us pulled out a title contender, a side with a new manager and a newly-promoted club. Each of those scenarios will look to their early home games to lay a marker down for their season and their fans – we have arrived to those grounds as homeless lambs to the slaughter, regardless of who may or may not have the better squad.
I travelled a 620-mile round trip to see us limply lose 3-0 at Newcastle – the Bank Holiday traffic saw me in my car for more than 15 hours there and back over the course of the weekend. Yet I still have faith in Slaven Bilic as the right man to lead our football club and hope sincerely that he is given the opportunity to do so. No other manager in our entire history has taken us to two top-11 finishes in his first two top-flight seasons. He is third out of nine in our Premier League win ratio table (see below). A lot of the early success can be attributed to the form of Payet but, after losing him mid-season last term, Bilic has set about building a new side and deserves the opportunity to make that side gel.
West Ham Managers' Premier League Win %
Alan Curbishley – 37.1%
Alan Pardew – 36.36%
Slaven Bilic – 35.44%
Harry Redknapp – 34.94%
Glenn Roeder – 30.99%
Billy Bonds – 30.95%
Sam Allardyce – 30.7%
Gianfranco Zola – 27.78%
Avram Grant – 18.42%
Of course, we clearly have our problems. Despite my defence of Slav, I can see we are struggling to defend as a team, that we are making far too many individual errors and that we are finding it difficult to work the ball into threatening areas, regardless of which players are available. But I also know that Slaven shows courage in the face of adversity – see the 0-0 draws fought out when devoid of attacking personnel in his first season or the clean sheets when really needed last season. The players dig in for him when they have to, as at Southampton recently, although I recognise we need to lose the 'when they have to' from that statement moving forward.
The pressure is now on to perform at home, a pressure amplified by the results on the road. I have been saying for weeks that we would have a difficult start to the season and the knock-on effect will mean that Huddersfield at home will not simply turn our season around – things could even get worse before they get better as West Brom are no pushovers at The Hawthorns and Tottenham were last season's runners-up. I have also, however, previously stated that our campaign will kickstart in October and November – form and confidence is temporary but class is permanent and we have very good players in our squad. Get them fit and playing together, get two or three wins to boost confidence and belief and I still firmly believe that we have what it takes in our squad – and our manager – to have a very decent 2017/18 season, despite the disastrous start.
COYI
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Gun-wielding motorbike rider 'threatened to shoot West Ham striker Andy Carroll for his £22,000 wristwatch as he drove his Jeep home from training'
Jack O'Brien, 22, denies attempting to rob the England-capped 28-year-old
West Ham striker says he was chased by two men on motorcycles in Essex
Motorbike rider 'repeatedly pointed at him with a gun and demanded his watch'
O'Brien had used the motorbike before - but says it was not him last November
By Martin Robinson, Uk Chief Reporter For Mailonline
PUBLISHED: 12:48, 29 August 2017 | UPDATED: 13:12, 29 August 2017
A gun-wielding motorbike rider tried to rob West Ham striker Andy Carroll of his £22,000 wristwatch as he drove his green Jeep home from training, a trial heard.
Jack O'Brien, 22, denies attempting to rob the England-capped 28-year-old on November 2 2016. The 6ft 4ins footballer was returning home from his club's training ground when he was chased by two motorbikes at around 12.15pm, Basildon Crown Court heard. Prosecutor Simon Gladwell said two motorbike riders chased Carroll after one approached him at traffic lights in Romford Road, Hainault, north-east London and demanded his watch. Mr Gladwell said the rider, who the prosecution allege was O'Brien, 'said to him 'nice watch' and he replied 'thanks'. 'The driver had his visor up. He then said 'give me your watch'. 'Mr Carroll pulled away as the lights were green.' He said that during the incident the motorbike rider 'repeatedly pointed at him with a gun, or pretending to have a gun and demanding to have his watch'.
Mr Gladwell said Carroll did a U-turn and eventually managed to get back to the West Ham training ground, but he was pursued by the two motorbikes for some distance. 'Mr Carroll accelerated away as he was scared, did a U-turn and headed back towards the West Ham training ground,' he said. 'He realised the threat was real.' He continued: 'Mr Carroll was beeping at other cars and driving on the wrong side of the road to get away, but still the motorbikes were following him. 'The first bike got in front of him and approached his front passenger door but Mr Carroll managed to find a gap and get away. 'During part of this incident Mr Carroll called police as he was being pursued.'
Michael Edmonds, defending, said O'Brien, of Navarre Gardens, Romford, was not the motorbike rider. He said O'Brien had used the motorbike, jacket and helmet for crime before, but that it was not him using the motorbike on this occasion. The trial, estimated to last three days, continues.
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Motorcyclist with gun tried to rob West Ham's Andy Carroll of watch, court told
Jack O'Brien denies attempting to rob the 28-year-old striker in November 2016.
BT Sport
FOOTBALL 29/08/17 12:46
A gun-wielding motorbike rider tried to rob West Ham striker Andy Carroll of his £22,000 wristwatch as he drove his green Jeep home from training, a trial has heard. Jack O'Brien, 22, denies attempting to rob the England-capped 28-year-old on November 2 2016. The 6ft 4in footballer was returning home from his club's training ground when he was chased by two motorbikes at around 12.15pm, Basildon Crown Court heard.
Prosecutor Simon Gladwell said two motorbike riders chased Carroll after one approached him at traffic lights in Romford Road, Hainault, north-east London, and demanded his watch. Mr Gladwell said the rider, who the prosecution allege was O'Brien, "said to him 'nice watch' and he replied 'thanks'. The driver had his visor up. He then said 'give me your watch'. Mr Carroll pulled away as the lights were green". He said that during the incident the motorbike rider "repeatedly pointed at him with a gun, or pretending to have a gun and demanding to have his watch".
Mr Gladwell said Carroll did a U-turn and eventually managed to get back to the West Ham training ground, but he was pursued by the two motorbikes for some distance. "Mr Carroll accelerated away as he was scared, did a U-turn and headed back towards the West Ham training ground," he said. "He realised the threat was real." He continued: "Mr Carroll was beeping at other cars and driving on the wrong side of the road to get away, but still the motorbikes were following him.
"The first bike got in front of him and approached his front passenger door but Mr Carroll managed to find a gap and get away. During part of this incident Mr Carroll called police as he was being pursued."
Michael Edmonds, defending, said O'Brien, of Navarre Gardens, Romford, was not the motorbike rider. He said O'Brien had used the motorbike, jacket and helmet for crime before, but that it was not him using the motorbike on this occasion. The trial, estimated to last three days, continues.
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Monaco try to hijack West Ham's William Carvalho transfer with €41m bid - report
The latest West Ham transfer news sees Monaco enter the race for William Carvalho
Football London
BYROB GUEST
11:05, 29 AUG 2017
Ligue 1 champions Monaco are set to try and push through a deal for Sporting Lisbon's William Carvalho, according to reports. French publication L'Equipe claim that Leonardo Jardim's team have opened talks with the Portuguese club after West Ham's move for the player hit a brick wall. The French side have been linked with a move for Anderlecht's Leander Dendoncker, yet L'Equipe report that the 25-year-old is the club's first choice to strengthen their midfield. However, just like the Hammers, agreeing a fee with Sporting could be rather difficult for Monaco. Given West Ham had failed to agree on a fee for Carvalho, it seems that Monaco's offer of €35million, with a further €6million in bonuses, will be turned down as it is below the club's asking price. Although it seemed that a move for Carvalho was dead, there is still a chance that the Hammers could try and push through a deal before Thursday's transfer deadline.
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West Ham reportedly furious over Carvalho saga
BY LONDON FOOTBALL NEWS 29/08/2017
The Daily Mirror say West Ham have given Sporting Lisbon an ultimatum over midfielder William Carvalho. The Hammers are said to have offered £30m plus £5m in add-ons but the Portuguese club have reportedly upped the asking price to £40m. The Mirror say that has left the Hammers furious and that they have told Sporting to accept their offer or there will be no deal. The Mirror also say Slaven Bilic has been given four matches to save his job as West Ham manager.
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BILIC IS CERTAIN TO GO ... EVENTUALLY
By Tony Hanna 29 Aug 2017 at 08:00
WTID
Name two of our best post war managers and I would suggest that nearly everyone would choose one of either Ron Greenwood or John Lyall in their selections? Perhaps many would choose both? Between them, they masterminded all four of our major triumphs in the history of the club. Despite this, the stark reality is John Lyall was sacked and whilst Ron was "moved upstairs" as a token of respect, both managers were removed from their positions due to poor recent performances. It is the fate of nearly every manager in modern day football. A few manage to go on their own terms, whether it be retirement or a move to a bigger club, but a football managers fate is reasonably predictable. So when fans jump on the band wagon for a manager to be sacked, their wishes are normally met – eventually. There is no correct or incorrect, if and when the axe does fall. Only time will tell if the correct decision has been made or not. It is much, much harder to keep a manager in difficult circumstances than to sack him. I will make a prediction now. Our next manager will be sacked due to poor performances or not delivering expectations, however exciting it may be when he arrives. Of course it is entirely possible he may do a great job in which case we will lose him to a bigger club. My money is on the sack. History tells us that sometimes it has been a good move to sack the boss, based on an improvement in the quality of football and or results. But there are also many instances where the decisions have been misguided.
Personally, I have become very frustrated with Slaven for not fixing the bleedin' obvious. For a mid -table club, and that is what we are, we have a pretty good squad of players. I still think Carvalho is the glue that will fix up many problems, but he or any other player of his ilk would struggle as well unless the manager can get the formations right and the tactics. Any glimmer of hope that remains for West Ham to sign Carvalho seem to be disappearing fast with the instability of Bilic's future. That would be a really big missed opportunity. There are solid cases for Bilic to go and the counter is for him to be given more time, especially as we haven't even played a home game yet. A few weeks ago I wrote that in my experience the season takes about eight games before you can get a real guide. I reckon Slav has got about that long to get it right, give or take a game or so. The performance at Newcastle was simply awful but I still maintain that our efforts in the Southampton game indicated that Bilic has not lost the dressing room as yet.
Just a couple of finer points away from the usual dialogue about Bilic, formations and player selections that you may wish to discuss. We are getting so little quality possession nowadays as the opposition week in week out use the high press which either forces errors from us, or we go back to Hart for the long punt. So, someone on the blog wrote on the weekend, why is it when we got a free kick in the opponents half we played a short side ways pass, only to be pressed and the ball found its way all the way back to Hart again….punt! Why did we not play the ball into the opposition box from the free kick? That's what most teams do to us. That was a very good question. Also, back in December 2015 I wrote an article titled "Our New Weapon". With the signing of Antonio we gained not only an exceptional player, but someone with a huge long throw. It was this I was alluding to in my title. Who felt comfortable when we were playing Stoke and Rory Delap grabbed the ball for a long throw? Now, I am not saying that we should become a carbon copy of those Stoke days under Tony Pulis, but I am saying that if we have an "edge", anywhere on the pitch, we should be using it to our maximum advantage. Having a throw in has long been a disadvantage for West Ham. Our inability to keep possession from them is bordering on embarrassing. So why have we not put the opposition on the back foot when circumstances allow for Antonio to hurl a long one into the box? Perhaps it is seen to be too old fashioned? Works though!
Bookies Update……with all the uncertainty around the club at the moment it is difficult to know if the owners will support the manager with any significant funds for the remainder of this window? Personally I would break the bank to get Carvalho but if G&S spent that amount of money how much would there be left for any new manager, should there be one, in the January transfer window? The two cheaper midfield players we have been linked with for months have both drifted heavily in the bookies markets. Jack Wilshere was 4/6 (60%) at one stage and is now a 9/1 chance (10%). Jota was also short odds for many weeks but is now quoted at 4/1 (20%). To be honest there are no other players in the frame to join us with just days to go before the deadline. Never say never though, as we all know, deals can come from nowhere when circumstances demand.
Elsewhere, two transfers that look done are Serge Aurier from PSG to Spurs, and Bony looks like heading back to Swansea. The markets suggest that both Danny Drinkwater and Oxlaide-Chamberlain are talking to Chelsea with the latter looking likely to sign soon. If the Ox does make the move it may well reignite the Gunners interest in Leicester's Riyad Mahrez. Fabian Delph may be heading to Stoke City and Arsenal's Perez could be on his way to Deportivo in deals that will stretch to deadline day.
The odds on Bilic to be first manager to go are 6/4 (40%). Note, this market is not just to get the sack (or leave), but to be the first manager to leave his post in the Premier League. Crystal Palace's Frank de Boer is even money favourite (50%). This will be my last Bookies Update of this transfer window and I hope you have enjoyed them?
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