Arsenal match preview
WHUFC.com
All the team news, statistics and records ahead of Saturday's London derby
with the Gunners
05.10.2012
WEST HAM UNITED V ARSENAL
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
SATURDAY 6 OCTOBER 2012
KICK-OFF: 5.30pm
REFEREE: PHIL DOWD
FULL AUDIO AND TEXT COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV
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John Bond
• There will be a minute's applause prior to kick-off in memory of West Ham
United legend John Bond. The full-back passed away on 25 September at the
age of 79. Born and raised just a few hundred yards from the Boleyn Ground,
Bond played 444 games for the Hammers, scoring 37 times. He won the Division
Two title in 1958 and lifted the FA Cup in 1964 before embarking on a
successful career in management.
Important travel information
• Supporters attending the game are reminded that due to engineering work
there is no direct c2c train service between Upminster and Barking on
Saturday. The London Underground District line will be restricted to
operating between Barking and West Ham between 2pm and 11pm only.
• Supporters travelling from Upminster will need to use the half-hourly c2c
shuttle service between Upminster and Grays, changing at Grays for trains to
Barking and West Ham
• Supporters from Basildon, Laindon and West Horndon should travel to Pitsea
and change for trains via Barking and West Ham.
• The District line is closed between Aldgate to Upminster all weekend (in
addition to the Hammersmith and City line being closed between King's Cross
to Barking). However, the District line closure will be reduced between 2pm
and 11pm (Aldgate East to West Ham) to allow West Ham and Arsenal supporters
to travel to Upton Park station. This means the line is operational through
West Ham between West Ham and Barking between 2pm and 11pm. Those
supporters travelling from Central London should use the Jubilee line to
West Ham and change for the District line.
• For the latest London Underground, DLR and bus travel updates and news
click here.
Introduction
• West Ham United host Arsenal still unbeaten at home in the Barclays
Premier League and on the back of their first away win of the season at
Queens Park Rangers on Monday night.
• Andy Carroll is expected to feature after returning from injury in that
2-1 win at Loftus Road. Yossi Benayoun could also feature against the club
where he spent last season on loan from Chelsea.
• The last meeting between the two sides came at the Boleyn Ground, but the
Hammers will be hoping for more luck this time out after suffering a 3-0
defeat in the 2010/11 season.
• West Ham United's last win over Arsenal came in the Premier League on 7
April 2007, Bobby Zamora scored on the stroke of half-time to give the
Hammers all three points as they became the first away team to win at the
Emirates Stadium. There have been nine meetings since then, with the Gunners
emerging victories on seven occasions and the other two ending in draws.
• Last time out at the Boleyn Ground in the Barclays Premier League it was
drama at the death as captain Kevin Nolan volleyed home a 90th-minute
equaliser against Sunderland. The Black Cates had gone in front after nine
minutes through Scotland striker Steven Fletcher.
• Arsenal suffered their first Barclays Premier League defeat at home to
Chelsea last weekend, losing 2-1.
• West Ham United v Arsenal is one of six Barclays Premier League matches
taking place on Saturday, the others being: (kick-off 3pm unless stated)
Chelsea v Norwich City, Manchester City v Sunderland (12.45pm), Swansea City
v Reading, West Bromwich Albion v Queens Park Rangers and Wigan Athletic v
Everton.
Last time out
Monday 1 October 2012
Barclays Premier League
Queens Park Rangers 1-2 West Ham United
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Demel, Collins, Reid (Tomkins 23), O'Brien
(McCartney 35), Noble, Diame, Nolan, Vaz Te, Jarvis, Cole (Carroll 72)
Subs not used: Henderson, Benayoun, O'Neil, Maiga
Goals: Jarvis 3, Vaz Te 35
Wednesday 3 October 2012
UEFA Champions League
Arsenal 3-1 Olympiakos
Arsenal: Mannone; Jenkinson, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs; Arteta, Santi
Cazorla, Coquelin; Oxlade-Chamberlain (Walcott 70), Gervinho (Giroud 79),
Podolski (Ramsey 79)
Subs not used: Shea, Santos, Djourou, Arshavin
Goals: Podolski 42, Gervinho 56, Ramsey 90
Previous meetings
• West Ham United's previous encounter with Arsenal came on Saturday 15
January 2011 and ended in a 3-0 defeat at the Boleyn Ground.
• Robin van Persie put in an outstanding performance, scoring two goals with
Theo Walcott adding another in between the Dutchman's brace. The first came
after 13 minutes when van Persie rifled in from Walcott's cross and the
combination switched one minute before the break as Arsenal took a 2-0 lead.
The Hammers continued to struggle with the attacking duo and Wayne Bridge
allowed Van Persie to complete the scoring from the spot after bringing down
Walcott in the box.
• The teams that day were:
West Ham United: Green, Tomkins, Upson, Spector, Faubert, Bridge (Nouble
89), Kovac, Noble (Boa Morte 20), Cole, Sears (Barrera 64), Hines
Arsenal: Szczesny, Koscielny, Djourou, Clichy, Eboue, Fabregas (Denilson
81), Nasri (Arshavin 88), Walcott (Gibbs 88), Song, Wilshere, Van Persie.
Background
• West Ham United have faced Arsenal 125 times in Premier League, Football
League and the domestic knockout competitions. The Hammers have won 33, the
Gunners have won 54 and there have been 38 draws.
• West Ham United's biggest win over Arsenal came on 7 March 1927 when a Vic
Watson hat-trick helped secure a 7-0 win for the Hammers at the Boleyn
Ground.
• West Ham United defeated Arsenal 8-2 in the first meeting between the two
clubs on Christmas Day 1915. Syd Puddefoot scored five times in the fixture,
which was played in the war-time London Combination principal tournament.
• Including war-time competitions, the Hammers have met the Gunners a
staggering 162 times, with West Ham United winning 48, Arsenal winning 71
and there being 43 draws.
• The third and most-recent time that West Ham United won the FA Cup was
against Arsenal, with the Hammers winning 1-0 at Wembley on 10 May 1980. The
1980 final is also the last time a team outside the top-flight has won the
competition.
• Five of West Ham United's first eight games against Arsenal were in the FA
Cup, with just three of the encounters coming in the league.
• The Hammers have won just once in their last ten meetings with the
Gunners, but prior this recent downturn in form they had won four in a row.
• The Hammers are still unbeaten at home in the Barclays Premier League,
having beaten Aston Villa (1-0) and Fulham (3-0) before drawing 1-1 with
Sunderland last time out at the Boleyn Ground.
• Arsenal have beaten West Ham United 4-0 three times at the Boleyn Ground
in the league - in Division One on 5 October 1925 and 2 March 1963 and in
the Premier League on 6 February 1999.
• West Ham United became the final visiting team to win at Arsenal's old
Highbury home when they chalked up a 3-2 Premier League success on 1
February 2006.
• The Hammers then became the first away side to win to win at Emirates
Stadium, recording a memorable 1-0 Premier League win on 7 April 2007.
• West Ham United midfielder Mohamed Diame and Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby
were team-mates at the famous Clairefontaine Academy near Paris as
youngsters.
• A number of West Ham United and Arsenal players have appeared together for
other clubs, including Modibo Maiga and Gervinho (Le Mans), Guy Demel and
Tomas Rosicky (Borussia Dortmund) and Alou Diarra and Marouane Chamakh
(Girondins de Bordeaux).
• Former West Ham United winger Pat Holland was appointed as head coach of
Arsenal's Under-18 side in the summer of 2012.
• Twenty players have made their West Ham United debuts against Arsenal.
Harry Hodges was the first in a 4-1 Division One defeat at Highbury on 10
September 1923, with Wayne Bridge the most recent in a 3-0 home Barclays
Premier League defeat on 15 January 2011.
• Ron Cater, Almeric Hall and Ken Bainbridge all made their Hammers' bows in
a 6-0 FA Cup third-round first-leg victory over Arsenal at the Boleyn Ground
on 5 January 1946. Hall scored twice and Bainbridge once.
• Ray Houghton made his one and only West Ham United appearance as a
substitute in a 2-0 Division One defeat at Arsenal on 1 May 1982.
• Steve Jones made his second West Ham United 'debut' in a 2-0 Premier
League defeat at Arsenal on 17 August 1996.
• The other players to have made their West Ham United debuts against
Arsenal include John Morton (March 1932), Phil Woosnam (November 1958), Pat
Holland (April 1969), Clyde Best (August 1969), Bobby Gould (November 1973),
Danny Williamson (April 1994), Les Sealey (September 1995), Bernard Lama
(March 1998), Gary Breen (August 2002), Dean Ashton (February 2006), Jack
Collison (January 2008), Fabio Daprela and Anthony Edgar (both January
2010).
Last six meetings
(Premier League unless stated)
15 January 2011: West Ham United 0-3 Arsenal
30 October 2010: Arsenal 1-0 West Ham United
20 March 2010: Arsenal 2-0 West Ham United
3 January 2010 West Ham United 1-2 Arsenal (FA Cup third round)
25 October 2009: West Ham United 2-2 Arsenal
31 January 2009: Arsenal 0-0 West Ham United
Overall record v Arsenal (all competitions) W 33 D38 L 54
Ten-year record
West Ham United
2011/12 Championship 3rd (86 points - promoted to Premier League via
Play-Offs)
2010/11 Premier League 20th (33 points - relegated to Championship)
2009/10 Premier League 17th (35 points)
2008/09 Premier League 9th (51 points)
2007/08 Premier League 10th (49 points)
2006/07 Premier League 15th (41 points)
2005/06 Premier League 9th (55 points)
2004/05 Championship 6th (73 points - promoted to Premier League via
Play-Offs)
2003/04 Division One 4th (74 points)
2002/03 Premier League 18th (42 points - relegated to Division One)
Arsenal
2011/12 Premier League 3rd (70 points)
2010/11 Premier League 4th (68 points)
2009/10 Premier League 3rd (75 points)
2008/09 Premier League 4th72 points)
2007/08 Premier League 3rd (83 points)
2006/07 Premier League 4th (68 points)
2005/06 Premier League 4th (67 points)
2004/05 Premier League 2nd (83 points)
2003/04 Premier League 1st (90 points)
2002/03 Premier League 2nd (78 points)
Referee
• Saturday's referee will be Phil Dowd.
• Phil Dowd is in his 12th season as a Select Group official, having
initially been promoted to the Barclays Premier League list of referees in
2001.
• Dowd began refereeing in local leagues in 1984, officiating in the
Staffordshire Senior League and Midland Football Alliance. He was appointed
to the Football League list of assistant referees in 1992, before joining
the League's full list of referees in 1997, aged 34.
• The 49-year-old is commonly considered to be one of England's best match
officials, an opinion backed by his appointments as the referee for the 2012
FA Cup and 2010 Football League Cup finals.
• Previously, Dowd was the fourth official at the 2006 FA Cup final between
West Ham United and Liverpool at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.
• Dowd has refereed 19 West Ham fixtures in total, the most-recent being a
3-0 Premier League defeat at Chelsea on 23 April 2011. He has taken charge
of 24 Arsenal matches, but none so far this season.
• He will be assisted by Scott Ledger and Michael McDonough, while the
fourth official will be Andre Marriner
Team news
• Jack Collison is unlikely to play after missing the start of the season as
he continues to manage his long-term knee issues.
• Andy Carroll is pushing for a start after returning from a month out with
a hamstring injury in Monday's 2-1 victory at Queens Park Rangers.
• Winston Reid is expected to be fit after recovering from the head injury
he picked up playing against QPR. Fellow defender Joey O'Brien faces a race
to be fit after also going off injured on Monday with a hamstring strain.
• Matt Taylor has returned to full training after missing Monday's win with
a calf injury suffered in the Capital One Cup third-round defeat by Wigan
Athletic on 25 September.
Old boys
• Yossi Benayoun spent two years with West Ham United between 2005 and 2007,
appearing in the 2006 FA Cup final defeat by Liverpool, before joining
Liverpool. After moving to Chelsea on a permanent deal in 2010, the Israel
captain joined Arsenal on loan last season, scoring eight goals in 25
appearances.
• Guy Demel spent a season with Arsenal as a youngster, joining the Gunners
as a 19-year-old in 2000. However, the right-back did not make a first-team
appearance for Arsenal and joined German club Borussia Dortmund the
following summer.
• Among the players who have represented both clubs are Jeremie Aliadiere,
James Bigden, Jimmy Bloomfield, Luis Boa Morte, Liam Brady, George Burgess,
Dick Curtis, Kaba Diawara, Ted Drake, Stan Earle, Bert Fletcher, Ron
Greenwood, Eddie Hapgood, John Hartson, Les Henley, Fergie Hunt, James
Jackson, Bernard Joy, Fred Kemp, Henri Lansbury, Tom Lee, Harry Lewis,
William Linwood, Freddie Ljungberg, Roddy MacEachrane, Jimmy Marshall, David
Noble, John Radford, Stewart Robson, Charles Satterthwaite, Laurie Scott,
Rami Shaaban, Bill Sidley, Bob Stevenson, Davor Suker, Matthew Upson,
Charlie Walker, Nigel Winterburn, Ian Wright, Richard Wright, Bobby Gould,
Seve Walford, Lee Chapman, Manuel Almunia and Clive Allen.
General Information
• Tickets for Saturday's game are SOLD OUT.
• The weather forecast for the game is for a chilly and misty day with a
maximum temperature of 13C (56F).
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Guy going for glory
BBC.co.uk
Guy Demel is aiming to enjoy a successful few weeks with club and country
05.10.2012
Guy Demel has already achieved a lot during his career, but West Ham
United's right-back is eyeing another successful season in 2012/13. The No20
won the Bundesliga title with German giants Borussia Dortmund and appeared
for Ivory Coast at two FIFA World Cup finals. Now firing on all cylinders
after an injury-affected first season with the Hammers, Demel is looking
forward to achieving great things with club and country over the next few
months. The 31-year-old, who spent a year with Arsenal as a teenager, is
aiming to get one over his old employers on Saturday before turning his
attention to international matters. Ivory Coast hold a 4-2 advantage over
Senegal after the first leg of their CAF Cup of Nations final-round
qualifier, with the return game set for 13 October in Dakar. He may have
already been there and done it in a footballing sense, but Demel is hungry
to enjoy more success. "I don't know if we can talk already about making a
great start at West Ham but we are following the process to meet our goals
and right now everything is good," he told West Ham TV. "We're happy with
the situation. "I try to give my best in every game and every day in
training. The most important thing for me is to stay fit because when you
are fit you can compete and you can play and help your team. I'm really
happy to be part of things. "We worked hard during the pre-season and I feel
there is a really good spirit in the team. I think it is more about the work
we have done off the pitch that has helped me to understand my team-mates
better. We have a good atmosphere and that makes things easier."
Demel conceded that it would be fair to assess West Ham's Barclays Premier
League start as 'great' should they beat Arsenal on Saturday. "It won't be
easy to beat Arsenal because they are a good team and they are doing well at
the moment. We know they can keep the ball so we're going to try to play our
best and we're going to try to win the points. "We are not going out to lose
the game. It's going to be hard but it's all about football. We have our
goals and we're playing at home, so with the support of the fans I think it
is possible to do something."
For Demel, Saturday will see him reunited with a number of familiar faces -
most notably his one-time Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, former Dortmund
team-mate Tomas Rosicky and compatriot Gervinho. "I know Gervinho well and I
played with Tomas as well so I know some of their guys. It's always great
and that's why I came here - to play against so many good teams and to
compete and play against this kind of team. "I think they are not happy to
be playing against us right now because we are in a good position, so it
will be nice to meet them but better to beat them!"
Demel might have spent just one season - 2000/01 - with Arsenal, but he was
at the club long enough to see why Wenger has been able to spot, bring in
and develop so many players like him from all over the world. "I think it is
because of the structure and organisation that Arsenal has and the scouting
that they have all around Europe and beyond. They have people all over and
they really understand what Arsene Wenger wants, so most of the time they
don't make mistakes when they see young players. "There is also the quality
of the training ground and the way they train, as well as the philosophy.
Even if they haven't won many trophies for the last few years, you can see
that they stick with their philosophy and it can bring them success again."
Success is something Demel experienced at Dortmund - a club that has come to
the fore recently following two consecutive Bundesliga title wins and a
midweek UEFA Champions League masterclass at Manchester City. The defender
has not been surprised by their success. "I played four years in Dortmund
and was a champion with them as well in 2002. We talked about philosophy and
Dortmund have changed their philosophy and are now like Arsenal in that they
bring through a lot of young players and try to move the ball quickly on the
floor. "It is a good team and is really a good club. They won the Champions
League a long time ago [in 1997] and I follow them as well."
Finally, Demel is also preparing for a game that is sure to capture the
imagination of the whole of African football. Ivory Coast and Senegal are
two of the continent's powerhouse nations, but both have been starved of Cup
of Nations success in recent years - the Ivorians won the competition in
1992 and Senegal have never won the trophy. With that in mind, both are
desperate to reach the 2013 finals in South African next January. "It's
going to be a really hard game because we won 4-2 at home but to play
against Senegal in Dakar is difficult because they have a really good team.
They have good players like Mo Diame, of course, and it won't be easy for
us. "We have to go to the Cup of Nations so we have to deal with them and
for us it is really important to be in the finals in January. For our
generation, this will the last tournament. "We have been twice in the final
and once in the semi-final in the previous four tournaments so we hope this
will be our one to win."
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West Ham v Arsenal
KO 17:30
5 October 2012
Last updated at 12:38
By John Motson
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 6 October
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce could bring Andy Carroll back into the starting
line-up after his return from injury as a substitute against QPR. Winston
Reid should be available despite being knocked out at Loftus Road, but Joey
O'Brien is a doubt. Arsenal could welcome back central defender Per
Mertesacker after he recovered from a virus. But first-choice keeper
Wojciech Szczesny (ankle) and midfielder Abou Diaby (thigh) both remain
unavailable.
MATCH PREVIEW
It's been a good week for West Ham. Victory at QPR left them seventh in the
table and that's better than they would have anticipated at this stage of
the season following promotion. Andy Carroll's sooner-than-expected return
from injury was another piece of good news for the Hammers and he did enough
during a short cameo at Loftus Road to force his way back into the England
squad. Sam Allardyce could well be tempted to start Carroll against Arsenal
who will offer his side their biggest test of the campaign so far.
The Gunners have a great record against their east London rivals, but
Carroll's inclusion would certainly give them something to think about.
Arsenal have looked a little susceptible to crosses into their box -
something the Hammers will undoubtedly try to exploit, particularly if
Carroll is included. However, in general the Gunners have been pretty solid
at the back, a point underlined by Kieran Gibbs's inclusion in the England
squad and Roy Hodgson's assertion that Carl Jenkinson is an England
full-back of the future. And if the Gunners can deal with the threat into
their area then they have plenty in attack to cause West Ham concern. After
a quiet start to his career in England last season, Gervinho now offers a
real threat. Lukas Podolski is also showing the qualities that have made him
such a fine player and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is building on his early
promise. Along with Gibbs and Theo Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain is also in
the England squad - a strong Gunners' contingent underlining the quality at
Arsene Wenger's disposal. In midfield Santi Cazorla looks a really
high-class player and is Arsenal's biggest creative threat. I expect the
Hammers will use Mark Noble to try to shut him out of the game. It will
undoubtedly be a fantastic atmosphere at Upton Park and there's every chance
of this being a gripping London derby. As in any derby no-one will shirk
from a challenge, meaning referee Phil Dowd will need to keep his wits about
him.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League games against West
Ham (W6 D2).
West Ham have not scored in their last three Premier League meetings with
Arsenal.
West Ham
The Hammers are unbeaten at Upton Park in the Premier League this season (W2
D1) and have lost just one of their last 16 home league matches.
They have conceded just one goal in three home games this season - only West
Brom (0) have a better home defensive record.
Victory for West Ham would give them their best ever start to a Premier
League season after seven games and their best in the top flight since they
had 18 points from seven games in 1983-84.
West Ham became the first team in Premier League history to have eight
players booked in the same game during Monday's 2-1 win at Loftus Road. They
have also committed 97 fouls in league action this season, the most in the
top flight.
Arsenal
Arsenal have lost just one of their last 11 Premier League away games (W6 D4
L1) and are unbeaten away from the Emirates in the division this season.
Only Chelsea (3) have conceded fewer goals in the Premier League this season
than Arsenal (4).
Gervinho has scored more goals for Arsenal this season (5) in seven games
than he did in the whole of 2011-12 in 37 games (all comps).
Victory would be Arsene Wenger's 350th in the Premier League.
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New TV dates for your diary
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 5th October 2012
By: Staff Writer
Three new live West Ham fixtures have been confirmed this morning.
Supporters will once again have to rearrange their diaries following today's
announcement that the Hammers are to be broadcast live on TV three times in
December. Chelsea's much-anticipated visit to the Boleyn Ground on Saturday,
1st December has been brought forward to 12.45pm. Meanwhile West Ham's
fixture to Liverpool, also at Upton Park has been put back to Sunday, 9th
December at 4pm. Finally, West Ham's trip to West Bromwich Albion, currently
managed by Gianfranco's former number two Steve Clarke - a match originally
scheduled for Saturday, 15th December - has also been put back 24 hours.
The match now takes place on Sunday, 16th December at 4pm kick off. All
games are to be shown on subscription-only satellite TV.
Current live schedule
Arsenal (h): October 6th, 5.30pm
Man City (h): November 3rd, 5.30pm
Stoke (h): November 19th, 8pm
Chelsea (h): 1st December, 12.45pm
Liverpol (h): 9th December, 4pm
West Bromwich Albion (a): 15th December, 4pm
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West Ham v Arsenal preview
Gunners need win to leapfrog Hammers in Premier League table
Last Updated: October 5, 2012 11:45am
SSN
Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the season against Chelsea last
weekend and will need to be wary once again when they face West Ham at Upton
Park.
The Hammers have been in fine form in front of their own fans, winning two
and drawing one of their three Premier League games at the Boleyn Ground
this season. And Sam Allardyce will be relishing the chance to pit his wits
against Arsene Wenger - a manager he has a winning record against in
top-flight home games. The Arsenal coach will certainly need to tighten up
defensively if his side are to claim the three points needed to overtake
West Ham in the table.
The Gunners, and new assistant Steve Bould, were widely praised for their
improved defensive work in the early stages of this campaign but have now
conceded three goals in their last two league games from set-pieces. That
will encourage a West Ham side bolstered by the return from injury of
England international target-man Andy Carroll.
West Ham
Last 6
1-2
1-4
1-1
0-0
3-0
2-0
Allardyce will consider handing a start to Carroll after he returned to
action as a substitute against QPR but may want to ease the forward back to
full fitness.
Winston Reid has also recovered from a head injury at Loftus Road but
left-back Joey O'Brien is expected to miss out. Jack Collison and Alou
Diarra remain long-term absentees for the Hammers.
Arsenal
Last 6
3-1
1-2
6-1
1-1
1-2
6-1
Jack Wilshere made his long-awaited comeback against West Brom in a reserve
game earlier this week but is not in contention for a first-team place just
yet.
But centre-back Per Mertesacker has recovered from a virus so Wenger will
have a decision to make in defence. Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and
midfielder Abou Diaby remain on the sidelines with ankle and thigh
complaints respectively.
Opta Facts
Arsenal have won six and lost none of the last eight Premier League
encounters with West Ham.
Arsene Wenger has won just two of his nine away games as a coach in Premier
League head to head meetings with Sam Allardyce (W2 D3 L4), the first one v
Bolton in April 2002 and the last one v Blackburn in August 2010.
West Ham scored the most goals from set plays in the 2011-12 Championship,
while the last three league goals Arsenal have conceded have come from dead
ball situations.
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Sam Allardyce warns West Ham they face their biggest test yet when they host
Arsenal
Last Updated: October 5, 2012 4:52pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce has warned his West Ham players that they face the biggest
test of their season so far when they host Arsenal on Saturday. The Premier
League new boys have made an impressive start to the campaign and sit
seventh in the league after three wins and two draws from their opening six
matches. But with the Hammers preparing to meet all of last season's top six
clubs within the next two months, starting with the Gunners, Allardyce is
well aware of the challenge that lies ahead. "We have 11 points from six
games so we are delighted that our start has been as fruitful as it has
been," said Allardyce. "They (Arsenal) are a top four side. This is a big
test for the players and whether they can master the quality of opposition.
"Can they understand what they need to do or change their game slightly to
get best chance of a result? "Arsenal are so good at keeping the ball. We
will need to concentrate that they don't get behind us. That is a key area.
"We need to accept that we won't see the ball as much as other home games,
Villa, Fulham and particularly Sunderland."
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My heroes
West Ham United midfielder Matt Taylor speaks to Sky Sports and looks back
through the years to pick his favourite footballers
Last Updated: October 5, 2012 3:51pm
SSN
Paul Gascoigne
As a kid, I used to go to a lot of Tottenham Hotspur games with my dad.
Watching Gascoigne play for Tottenham and England, he was fantastic. I,
along with a lot of people, do not tire of watching Gascoigne's games. He
saw things other people did not, like picking a pass. One of the biggest
things was the emotion he showed on and off the pitch. He was a wonderful
footballer. Being a Tottenham fan as a kid, he was someone I definitely
looked up to.
Chris Waddle
He was a fantastic, jinking winger. You never really knew if he was going to
cross the ball or not. He had so many tricks in his locker and a lot of
feints. He was great to watch, really pleasing on the eye and, at the time,
there were not too many players who were similar to him. He put great balls
in the box for assists and also scored some wonderful goals.
Gary Lineker
There is a bit of a common theme, because I used to watch Tottenham.
Obviously not just when he was at Tottenham, when he was at Barcelona as
well, Lineker was a fantastic finisher. If he was playing now, he would be a
modern day poacher. He was always in the right place at the right time. His
finishing was second to none and he rightly got a lot of caps for England
and also a lot of goals for club and country.
Glenn Hoddle
He was fantastic in the middle of the pitch, fantastic on the ball and had
great energy as well. He seemed to make time and space, when mere mortals
like me might not have as much. He picked a pass and scored some wonderful
goals. I cannot remember who it was against but I remember going to White
Hart Lane and seeing him smash one in the top corner. That is my lasting
memory. I think he has had a distinguished coaching career as well.
John Barnes
I am going away from the Tottenham theme. For Liverpool and England, he was
left-footed and so was I as a kid. I looked up to him. He was a proper
No.10. He got the ball and made things happen. He was a captain as well so
was really good. I had a bit of a soft spot for Liverpool as well when I was
a kid.
West Ham United star Matt Taylor officially opened PlayFootball's latest
5-a-side centre in Romford, Essex. PlayFootball is one of the UK's leading
5-a-side centres. Get involved and log on to playfootball.net for more
information
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has no special plans to deal with Andy Carroll
Last Updated: October 5, 2012 2:45pm
SSN
Arsene Wenger has revealed his admiration for Andy Carroll as he prepares
his Arsenal side to cope with the physical threat of the West Ham striker.
The on-loan Liverpool forward appears to have rediscovered some of the form
that deserted him following his high-profile move from Newcastle to Anfield.
Wenger says he never questioned the quality of the 23-year-old but is not
surprised that his career faltered at Liverpool given the weight of
expectation that accompanied his £35m price-tag. However, he insists there
will be no special plan to stop Carroll at Upton Park as the Gunners attempt
to bounce back after losing their unbeaten league record to Chelsea last
time out. "Carroll has the quality and that will come out with time. We
expect Carroll to be at his best - it is down to us to deal with that," said
Wenger. "We can only focus on our own performance and be at our best. "He
started very well, then he had to deal with a high level of expectation with
a massive transfer on his shoulders going to an historic club where a lot
was expected of him. Maybe it was a bit too early for him. "Since I have
seen him at West Ham, he looks back to the Carroll we have seen at
Newcastle, that means with less pressure."
Efficient
Wenger, however, insists the Hammers are anything but a long ball side under
Sam Allardyce, who guided them back up through the play-offs and to a solid
start this season. "West Ham have a good balance, they are efficient, they
are a good mixture I must say between direct play and playing on the
ground," he said. "Technically they are quite sound in midfield, they have
Carroll and (Carlton) Cole up front who can go for high balls. "We know we
will have a big challenge there, we know we will only get away with the
points if we perform at our best." Wenger added: "Allardyce has again a very
good team and you have to give him credit for that. "He has built a good
team, well balanced, always efficient and he is a good manager because he
lasts."
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Match Preview: West Ham v Arsenal
West Ham Till I Die
I always look forward to matches against Arsenal. They are invariably
entertaining and you never quite know what will happen. We have had some
famous victories over them in the last ten years. I'll always remember that
Zamora goal, when we became the first team to beat Arsenal at The Emirates.
Arsenal strike me as quite a vulnerable team at the moment, going through
something of a transition. We certainly have no reason to fear them or feel
inferior. Our start to the season and the fact that we have more points than
them says it all. That's not meant to sound arrogant. It's just that
sometimes teams act as if they're already a goal down when they play teams
like Arsenal. If you don't go out onto the pitch with a positive mental
attitude, then you're already beaten before you cross the white line.
It will be a full house tomorrow and I hope there's a lot of noise. In fact,
i don't think I have looked forward to a match for so long for ages.
I doubt whether there will be many changes to the starting eleven beyond
George McCartney coming in for Joey O'Brien. Winston Reid has recovered from
his injury and I imagine will regain his place, even though James Tomkins
played very well at QPR. I'm so pleased Vaz Te came up trumps at QPR - he's
a real confidence player and wouldn't it be great to see him in top form
against Arsenal. I'm sure we all want to see Andy Carroll play from the
start, but I imagine Sam Allardyce will want to wrap him up in cotton wool
for a little while longer. Expect him to play much of the second half.
Just think. If we win, that's 14 points from 7 games. A third of the way to
safety! And if we continue in this vein, we're heading for 76 points. Lol.
Yes I know I am getting carried away. But who'd have thought we'd have had
this kind of start?
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Karren Brady's football diary
By KARREN BRADY
Last Updated: 06th October 2012
The Sun
SATURDAY, SEPT 29
HE can't say I didn't warn him! I've told a married PL director, short man,
big chest, so many times that he really must stop with the one-night stands.
He tells me that every day his London office is receiving flowers, cards,
cuddly toys and today a copy of Fifty Shades of Grey from a lady who is
looking for a repeat performance. The staff take home the flowers and the
toys go in the bin, although he made no mention of what he did with the
book. His club is north of Watford, but everything arrives with a Spurs logo
on, and he has no idea why, as he can't remember what he told the lady in
question on the night in question!
As the man involved particularly dislikes Spurs, I do not know whether his
present angst is caused more by the extra revenue he's generated into Spurs
coffers than the personal embarrassment he's now suffering as a result of
his dalliance!
SUNDAY, SEPT 30
IN England, Luis Suarez, it is known as poetic justice. Ask Brendan Rodgers
and he will explain what that means. When a footballer goes tumbling without
contact around the penalty areas of the Premier League, referees —
particularly those who have been made to look like chumps — are bound to be
suspicious next time they are asked to judge whether he was fouled or
tripped by fresh air. He may think that Suarez's 'previous' is against him
and choose to give the tackler the benefit of the doubt. We may think it
serves him right. Diving in my book is the third worst offence in football.
MONDAY, OCT 1
WITH his array of helpers — from his management company, from the Ryder Cup
team assistants, from friends, probably a few Romans and countrymen — Rory
McIlroy was within a few minutes of missing his starting time. Only one man
to blame, though. Rory himself. On the odd occasion, Brian Clough used to
tell his players to find their own way to a match, just to keep them honest.
Earlier, in his time as a player, that was the form — by train and bus to an
away game, at home by foot to the players' entrance. This didn't always
work. I know of one player who left for a home match and did not turn up for
three days. When he did, he was still in his slippers and was carrying a
half-empty bottle of gin. He worked for me — for a very short time!
TUESDAY, OCT 2
A FANTASTIC win last night for West Ham against QPR. But this morning I am
informed that we are to be fined £25,000 for the record number of bookings,
we received during the game. Maybe ref Mark Clattenburg was right about all
eight, maybe not. As a club we will examine video evidence. Anyway, I'm not
going to argue although I might not have been so cheery about it had we
lost. However, I do think the number of cards and the offences for which
they are given is out of control. It has reached the point where bosses such
as City's Roberto Mancini are demanding cards for opposing players from the
touchline.
WEDNESDAY, OCT 3
SHOULD Roy Keane take up an offer to manage in Turkey, it'd be impossible to
forecast a long and successful career. Short and explosive, more like.
Keane, one of my greatest footballing heroes, seems to think he has the
makings of a top-class manager while the evidence suggests otherwise. The
intensity he possessed as a player used to fire his team. As a manager it
scalds them. As an ex-pat manager in Turkey, it could cause mayhem in the
bazaar. Blackburn would be a doddle by comparison.
THURSDAY, OCT 4
OUR England manager is alleged to make an off-the-cuff remark about a great
player. Neither of them will be happy about the report of it. I can tell you
only this. Roy is everything an England manager should be — keen, bright and
dedicated. In my 20-years plus in this industry I have never known an
England manager, when on a Premier League visit, to stay and watch the whole
game. Instead, they normally arrive five minutes before the start of the
match, with instructions that they are not to be approached in the
boardroom, and then leave 15 minutes before the end. I guess for
£5million-a-year you can't expect much more! On Monday night we played
against QPR at Loftus Road. Roy was there well before the kick-off and was
still there well after the end, with a smile on his face that beamed pride
in the job and gave me hope. It's no surprise he has picked Andy Caroll but
I did expect Mark Noble to also get a call-up.
FRIDAY, OCT 5
EVEN for as slippery a customer as Peter Ridsdale, there can be no return to
football now. He was only an acquaintance of mine and most people would very
quickly put him in the column marked 'watch out'. The 60-year-old former
Leeds, Barnsley and Cardiff chairman has been barred from all company
directorship until 2020. And the only question that remains is how did he
manage to creep into positions of great responsibility with such ease. It
shows another weakness in our game's financial structuring.
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Big Sam braced
By ANDY BAKER
Published: 05th October 2012
The Sun
SAM ALLARDYCE has told his happy Hammers: Brace yourselves. West Ham sit
seventh in the table on their return to the Premier League, with just one
defeat in six games this term. But boss Allardyce knows today's home clash
with Arsenal will see an end to the honeymoon period. Big Sam said: "We have
11 points from six games so we are delighted that our start has been as
fruitful as it has been. "Arsenal are a top four side. This is a big test
for the players and whether they can master the quality of opposition. "Can
they understand what they need to do to get the best chance of a result? "We
will have our game plan and hopefully that will get us a result but that
means every player playing at their best. "Even then, it may not be good
enough." We're pants — Goals P3
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Sam on pants watch
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: 05th October 2012
SAM ALLARDYCE believes the key to West Ham's revival is clean sheets, clean
pants and clean plates. The Hammers are looking down on tonight's opponents
Arsenal from seventh place in the Premier League after an impressive start
to the season following promotion. And boss Big Sam has imposed a few
housekeeping rules for his stars to keep them grounded and get them pulling
in the same direction — up the table. He said: "It is about making the
surroundings that you are in comfortable and players feeling wanted and
feeling like they are well looked after. "They should enjoy coming into
training and it is not too serious. "It has got its own discipline, of
course. You cannot come in late and if you do you get fined. "You have got
to turn out for training on time and look after your own kit. "Not leave it
lying on the training ground if you take it off. "Put dirty kit in the
baskets that are provided. "They also must put their plates away when
they've finished eating, or if there's food left put your plate on the top.
"Now, if one player doesn't do these things the others say 'oh look, you've
not done this again'. "It creates a family atmosphere and gets a bit of
spirit going. "It is about people getting on well together and having a good
team spirit."
Many of the squad chose extra training on Thursday instead of clocking off.
And new man Andy Carroll, on loan from Liverpool, was among them as West Ham
prepare for the biggest test of their Premier League potential. Allardyce
said: "If they are not looking forward to coming into training they will go
straight home as quick as they can. "This week, they all went off and did
their own stuff, including Andy. "That is a great indicator for me because
it tells me they enjoy being here. "It sends the sports scientists mad
because they worry the boys are doing too much. "I just tell them to shut
up."
Allardyce, who took over in June last year, added: "That is a nice feeling
for me when all of a sudden the players want to stay on the training pitch
when you have blown the whistle. "It was not like that when I first came.
The players wanted to get straight off and get out of here."
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Hammers 'n' tongs: Allardyce ready to fight to protect West Ham's feel-good
factor
The Mirror
Jamie McDonald / Getty
Sam Allardyce is convinced he has made West Ham into happy Hammers once more
- and is ready to have a ruck with his own back-room staff to ensure it
stays that way. The east London club has been transformed since Allardyce
was appointed in June 2011 to such an extent that players are now WANTING to
stay behind after training to do extra work - a contrast to when Avram Grant
was in charge. West Ham have enjoyed a superb start to life back in the top
flight after last season's promotion via the play-offs, winning three of
their opening six league games. Confidence within the squad is sky high as
they prepare to entertain Arsenal in Saturday's televised tea-time game.
Allardyce has revealed how most of his players are refusing to leave the
training field when his sessions end and that he is at loggerheads with his
sports science team, who worry over the amount of work the players are doing
on a daily basis. "That is a nice feeling for me, when all of a sudden the
players want to stay on the training pitch when you have blown the whistle,"
said Allardyce. "It was not like that when I first came - the players wanted
to get straight off and get out of here. "That is a great indicator for me,
because it tels me they enjoy being here.
"Sports Science [staff] will run up to you and say, 'Gaffer, get them off'
and 'They are doing too much.' I just say, 'Shut up.' "They always do that,
but I say if they want to do something on their own, just leave them to it.
If they carry on too long, we will keep an eye on them. "The sports science
[staff] and coaches will tell me what they think we should do but, at the
end of the day, I will make the final decisions. "Sometimes when they don't
like it they have to lump it. "It is about making the surroundings that you
are in comfortable and players feeling wanted and feeling like they are well
looked after. "It has got its own discipline. You cannot come in late. If
you do you get fined. "You have got to turn out for training on time and
look after your own kit. You have got to turn up for certain places and do
what you have to do."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsenal bring Per Mertesacker back for likely aerial duel with Andy Carroll
Arsène Wenger expects giant centre-half to be fit and in the trenches for
West Ham bombardment
JACK PITT-BROOKE SATURDAY 06 OCTOBER 2012
The Independent
Arsène Wenger hopes he has Per Mertesacker ready for the aerial challenge of
West Ham United this evening. Arsenal travel to Upton Park where they are
likely to face a returning Andy Carroll.
Mertesacker has started the season well before suffering from a virus which
has afflicted the Arsenal squad. His heading ability would certainly be
useful if he recovers.
"He has made a big leap," Wenger said of Mertesacker's form this season,
"and he came back very fit and has improved his fitness a lot. His mobility.
He looks very sharp on the first day that he came back. He lost some weight.
And that helps of course."
The Arsenal manager is an admirer of Carroll, who should make his second
West Ham start today. "I rate him, and don't l think we have seen the best
of him until now," Wenger said. "Since I have seen him at West Ham, he looks
back to the Carroll we have seen at Newcastle, that means with less
pressure."
Wenger does not believe that today's threat is purely aerial, though. "West
Ham have a good mixture," he said. "They can come from midfield. [Mohamed]
Diame can make a difference. [Kevin] Nolan is always dangerous on the second
ball. And [Matt] Jarvis is a technical player."
"You know your players need to be 100 per cent focused. One mistake - you
can have a virtual domination and lose the game. It's a concentration
challenge as well." As well as a late decision at centre-back, Wenger is
still searching for his favoured centre-forward. While no-one has taken over
Robin van Persie's role, Wenger said the newly collegial approach to
goal-scoring was a good thing.
Van Persie last season scored 30 of Arsenal's 74 Premier League goals. This
year the burden is being shared, after his move to Manchester United. "We
have no choice," explained Wenger, "as we had one that scored so many."
Losing Van Persie meant losing Van Persie-dependence too and Wenger said
that this was healthier for the team, revealing just how desperate his
players were last year to be led out by their captain, the talismanic Dutch
striker.
"Because when Van Persie was injured of course it is not only that you
cannot score goals any more," Wenger said. "It is the psychological
consequences on the morale of the team. 'Does Van Persie play on Saturday?'
Players ask you already, does Van Persie play on Saturday or not, when he
has two or three days out."
Wenger signed two strikers from the continent in the hope of replacing Van
Persie's 30 goals, but admitted they might not quite make up the required
numbers. "We bought Lukas Podolski [who had scored] 20 [league goals last
season] and [Olivier] Giroud 20, that is 40," Wenger said. "But it
unfortunately has not worked out like that."
Giroud is yet to score in the Premier League, with Gervinho rather
surprisingly becoming the main centre-forward so far. Wenger hopes that the
other wide and creative players will help to contribute. "We hope always
that [Theo] Walcott can improve his number of goals. Gervinho as well," he
said "[Santi] Cazorla will get a few. He gets in good positions and does not
always finish. But he looks like he can score goals."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, October 6
Friday, October 5
Daily WHUFC News - 5th October 2012
Carroll leads international call-ups
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll is one of a host of Hammers called-up for their respective
national sides
04.10.2012
Andy Carroll is one of a host of West Ham United players who have been
called-up for international duty for their respective countries. The striker
has been included in England's squad for two 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers
against San Marino and Poland. England play San Marino at Wembley on Friday
12 October and visit Poland on Tuesday 16 October, having collected four
points from their opening two Group F fixtures. Carroll, who returned from a
month out with a hamstring injury in Monday's 2-1 Barclays Premier League
victory at Queens Park Rangers, has earned eight senior caps, scoring in a
friendly draw with Ghana in March 2011 and the EURO 2012 win over Sweden
earlier this year.
Yossi Benayoun has been included by Israel for their home and away FIFA
World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg. The Israelis play in Luxembourg on
12 October before welcoming the minnows to Ramat Gan on 16 October. Benayoun
has also been included for a friendly international at home to Belarus on 14
November.
The Wales squad for the home FIFA World Cup qualifier against Scotland in
Cardiff on 12 October will be named on Friday, with James Collins expected
to be included.
Further afield, Guy Demel and Mohamed Diame could face one another when
Senegal host Ivory Coast in a vital CAN 2013 qualifier in Dakar on 13
October. Demel's Ivorians hold a 4-2 first-leg advantage going into the
second meeting in the Senegalese capital.
Modibo Maiga is in the Mali squad for their own CAN 2013 qualifier second
leg in Botswana on 12 October. The Malians hold a 3-0 advantage from the
first leg, with Maiga scoring one of the goals.
Of West Ham's age-group players, Kieran Sadlier has been selected for the
Republic of Ireland squad for their UEFA U19 Championsip Qualifying Round
mini-group in Luxembourg between 11-16 October. Ireland will face Luxembourg
in Hesperange on 11 Ocober, FYRO Macedonia in the same venue on 13 October
and Germany in Grevenmacher on 16 October.
Goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel has been included by Switzerland for their U20
friendly with Poland in Vevey on 10 October.
Academy midfielder Taylor Tombides recently appeared for Australia at the
AFC U-16 Championship in Iran. However, the Australians' hopes of reaching
the next FIFA U-17 World Cup were dashed by a 5-1 quarter-final defeat by
the host nation in Tehran.
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Big Sam on: Arsenal
WHUFC.com
Big Sam has spoken to the media ahead of Saturday's sold-out London derby
against Arsenal
04.10.2012
Sam Allardyce believes Saturday's Barclays Premier League encounter with
London rivals Arsenal will be the biggest test of the season so far. With
all tickets for the match now sold out, a storming atmosphere is expected at
the Boleyn Ground come kick off at 5.30pm. Speaking in his weekly pre-match
press conference, Big Sam shared his thoughts on Arsenal, the international
break and the fitness of returning striker Andy Carroll.
Sam, what is the latest team news ahead of Saturday?
SA: "I think Winston Reid is going to be okay, I am not so sure about Joey
O'Brien, who was the other player who came off injured against Queens Park
Rangers. Everybody else apart Alou Diarra and Jack Collison, who have long
term injuries, seems to be okay. We have a good, strong squad to choose from
again and the players are on a high from the win on Monday night."
What is your reaction to Andy Carroll being named in the England squad?
SA: "I am glad, but I think that Andy needs to focus on the Arsenal game
first. I haven't decided what part he will play yet, that decision will be
made on Friday after we assess the squad in training. Because he is short on
match fitness, going to play for England will be good for him and good for
us. We will liaise with the England staff and I will speak to Roy Hodgson.
Andy is in a position to play but we want them to be careful with him.
Fatigue is what brings injuries and
Andy's match fitness, because of his recent injury, is behind what we would
like it to be. Helping England and improving his match fitness is an ideal
solution for all parties."
Is he fit enough to start the game against Arsenal on Saturday?
SA: "I will let you know that when I pick the team on Saturday! Like I said
I haven't made that decision yet, it will be made on Friday and we will take
it from there."
One player who didn't make it into the England squad was Mark Noble. Do you
think his chance will come?
SA: "I think it all depends on how Mark does this season, he has pressed the
buttons to alert Roy and his staff and I am sure they will come and have a
look at him if he continues to play well in the Premier League. If that
happens it gives him a chance and good luck to him. I think there is a
transition currently going on in the England set-up and Mark, other than
last season, is a very experienced Premier League player despite still only
being 25. If Mark keeps playing well and we keep picking up points he will
continue to put himself in the public eye and on Roy's radar."
Arsenal's third goal against Olympiacos came direct from a goal kick. Did
that bring a wry smile to your face?
SA: "You've brought a wry smile to my face with that question that's for
sure! I think goals are scored in a variety of ways, there is no one simple
way of scoring a goal especially in the Premier League. That is what makes
it so appealing across the world. We have to make the choice of what tactic
to use to score, if you have many options available you give yourself a much
better chance of catching your opponents off guard. If you play one way only
you become too predictable."
We are on the verge of the second international break of the season, how
does that affect your preparations?
SA: "It hasn't affected us at all, we have eleven points from six games so
we are delighted that our start has been as fruitful as it has been. I think
that this tends to happen every season, it is not unusual for us to have two
international breaks prior to us moving into the third month of the season.
We have all learnt to deal with it, we just have to keep our fingers crossed
that all our players return as fit as they were when they left. Injuries can
be critical, you only have to look at the extent to which it has affected
Manchester United. If we ran into that many injuries, God help us. But we
have all learnt to deal with international breaks and we are happy to let
our players travel the world with their nations."
Arsenal's defence seems vastly improved this season after the introduction
of Steve Bould, do you agree?
SA: "It certainly looks a lot harder or more difficult to break down. What
we need to think about is how many opportunities will we get to break it
down. People have said over the years that Arsenal have been weak at the
back but the problem you face is getting to their defence, they're so good
at keeping the ball that chances are few and far between. We will have a
game plan and hopefully it will help us to get a result on Saturday but a
game plan will only work if the players perform to the very best of their
ability. Even then it might not be good enough to beat Arsenal but if we can
perform like we did against Fulham and Sunderland we will give them a very
good game on Saturday."
It is fair to say that this is your biggest test of the season so far?
SA: "Yes it is a top four side. It is always a big test for everybody,
especially the players who need to try and match the quality of opposition
they're playing against. Can they understand what they have to do and can
they adapt their game to give themselves the best chance of getting a
positive result? Arsenal are very good at keeping the ball so there will be
times in the game when we need to concentrate out of possession to ensure
they don't get a chance to score. We won't see the ball as much as we have
done at Upton Park in previous games so we have to approach the game in a
different way and of course make sure we make the most of the ball when we
have it. All teams have weaknesses, what we need to do is make sure we find
them and exploit them to score a goal."
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'It is no time to rest'
WHUFC.com
Matt Jarvis has urged West Ham United to continue their fine start against
Arsenal on Saturday
03.10.2012
Matt Jarvis has urged his West Ham United team-mates to push on to even
greater heights as they prepare to welcome Arsenal to the Boleyn Ground on
Saturday. The Hammers have made a fine start to the Barclays Premier League
season, taking eleven points from their opening six games, but Jarvis
believes this is just the beginning. Speaking ahead of Saturday's 5.30pm
kick-off against the Gunners, the England international stated that absolute
focus is paramount ahead of a testing fixture. "It is not time to rest,"
said the No7, who scored his maiden Hammers goal in Monday's 2-1 win at
Queens Park Rangers. "We have had a very good start so far but we have some
very tough games ahead of us, not least when we play Arsenal at home on
Saturday. "There are no easy games in this division. We now need to recover
from the game at Loftus Road and then prepare for a battle at home on
Saturday."
West Ham are yet to be beaten at the Boleyn Ground in the league and Jarvis
believes home advantage cannot be underestimated. "We look like we could
give anyone a game at the moment. We are the home side and I am sure the
fans will give us their full support throughout the course of the match. "We
will have to work extremely hard to make sure we get something out of the
game but if we do that there is no reason why we can't come away with a
positive result."
Jarvis admitted to being surprised that his first goal in claret and blue
had come via a far-post header on Monday. "I must admit I don't often score
headers, but it is always good to get in at the back past and luckily for me
it paid off. I was half trying to score and half trying to put it back
across goal but I am delighted that it went in and even more pleased that we
won the game."
"I think I was one of only three West Ham players not to be booked, it was a
tough game and we had to work very hard for the result. Loftus Road is a
tough place to play and we worked very hard playing some good football, we
were delighted to get the three points."
While he has impressed in recent outings, Jarvis knows he will have to
continue to produce the goods if he wants to keep his place in a strong
Hammers squad.
"I am delighted to be back fit and in the team. I now want to continue to
play well and show the fans what I can do, so hopefully I can keep myself in
the team.
"You need to train with everyone, get to know them and allow them to get you
know you, that is starting to come together more and more now and we got a
great result last time out."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll in
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 4th October 2012
By: Staff Writer
Andy Carroll has been named in the England squad to face San Marino and
Poland. The West Ham striker, who made his comeback from injury as a late
substitute in the 2-1 win against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road on
Monday has been recalled to Roy Hodgson's squad for the forthcoming World
Cup Group H qualifiers. England are due to face minnows San Marino at
Wembley on Friday, 12th October before tackling the Poles in Warsaw four
days later on Tuesday, 16th October. There is no place in the squad for
former Hammer Rob Green, who was captured on camera grinning as West Ham
scored their second goal against his current club on Monday night. West Ham
face Arsenal at the Boleyn Ground this Saturday ahead of the international
break with their next fixture set for Saturday, 20th October when they face
strugglers Southampton - again at the Boleyn.
England squad: Forster, Hart, Ruddy; Baines, Cahill, A Cole, Gibbs,
Jagielka, G Johnson, Lescott, Walker, Shawcross; Carrick, Cleverley,
Gerrard, A Johnson, Lennon, Lampard, Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott;
Defoe, Rooney, Welbeck, Carroll.
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Tomkins: I should have stayed at West Ham
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 4th October 2012
By: Staff Writer
James Tomkins has admitted that his inclusion in Great Britain's Olympic
squad this summer was a waste of time. The 23-year-old central defender was
barely used during the tournament which saw Stuart Pearce's side crash out
at the first knockout stage. And Tomkins, who has lost his place in the
first team at West Ham as a result of failing to take part in a full
pre-season believes in retrospect that he would have been better served
remaining with West Ham during the summer. "I wanted to represent Great
Britain and the manager gave me the chance," he told a tabloid newspaper. "I
went there expecting to play more than I did in the end. "Obviously I
wasted a lot of time and then Ginge and Reidy played a lot together in
pre-season. It was disappointing for me, but I suppose that is what football
is like. "You just have to keep your head down and keep working hard in
training - which I have. It is frustrating to watch, but if we keep getting
the results there is not much I can do."
Since returning to West Ham, the Basildon-born defender has made just one
start in West Ham's five Premier League fixtures - the 3-0 defeat at Swansea
in which he was replaced at half time by Ricardo Vaz Te. Eleven months ago
Tomkins signed a lucrative new five-year contract that keeps him tied to
West Ham until 2016. In May on this year he was named as the KUMB.com Player
of the Year for 2011/12 and the runner-up Most Improved Player.
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The Julian Dicks Column: 4th October
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 4th October 2012
By: Julian Dicks
It's with great pleasure that we welcome West Ham United FC legend Julian
Dicks to KUMB.com. Julian shares his thoughts with the readers of Knees up
Mother Brown on a regular basis via his weekly column, the latest of which
begins a review of Monday night's encouraging win at Loftus Road...
Winning ways
Any result away from home in the Premier League is a fantastic result,
whether the opposition are at the bottom or not. After all, you can only
play what's in front of you. QPR have got some good players and even though
they're struggling so far this season, you still have to go there and get a
result.
Getting that first away win takes the pressure off the team but West Ham
have started the season well, they've had some good results, they're half
way up the table and things are good. They should be full of confidence as
they've had a great start. They might not have played any of the big boys
yet but I'd rather be where they are than where QPR are.
This weekend West Ham face Arsenal who are a good side with some great
players. It'll be a massive game on Saturday, especially at home, but if Mo
Diame, Kevin Nolan and Mark Noble are on their game then I think they've got
a great chance. I've got a feeling they'll turn them over.
Of course, Sam Allardyce had a great record against Arsenal at Bolton. If
West Ham get in their faces, put pressure on them and get amongst them then
they've got a great chance. We all know Arsenal like to play football and
they can pass the ball about better than most teams if they're allowed to,
but I've just got a feeling West Ham will get a result.
Men in black
Mark Clattenburg booked eight West Ham players in Monday night's game with
QPR. It was so different when I played as most referees used to give you the
benefit of the doubt. We all make mistakes; we all mis-time tackles but now,
because they're under so much pressure from FIFA, one bad tackle and a
player is booked or sent off. Nobody gives players the benefit of the doubt
any more.
It's a lot harder for referees these days because they're under a lot of
pressure - not just from FIFA but from the managers. You also get players
brandishing imaginary cards and that's not right; for me, those players
should be sent off. I'm not a lover of referees as you all know(!) but
they're under a lot of pressure and the more we can use modern technology -
such as goal line cameras - the easier it will be for them.
Lazy journalism
I think Sam Allardyce is always going to be associated with a certain style
of football. He could go and manage Barcelona and they'd still say the same.
That's going to stick with him forever; that's just the way it is.
Last season I wasn't a lover of West Ham's football but this year they're
playing some really good football. At the end of the day, most of the media
haven't got a clue what they're looking at anyway but I was still surprised
how much good football West Ham played at the Sunderland game. It wasn't the
season before, but that was about results.
They've got the ball down, they've played it on the floor. With Andy Carroll
back I think there'll be a lot more football played because he takes two or
three players away and that allows other players more time and space to get
the ball down and play.
There will be a tendency at times to play directly to Carroll; we had the
same with Johnny Hartson. We liked to play football too but when you've got
a big striker up there if you can put a quality ball into him it's sometimes
better to play one ball than playing seven or eight balls before getting it
to him.
It's not about route one, direct football - that's not the case. Andy
Carroll's a very good player and if the defenders can get the ball to him -
and it's not about smashing it over his head but playing it onto his head or
into his chest - it allows him to bring midfield players into play.
Mark my words
I think Mark Noble will be an England player one day - but he's not ready
just yet. He's had a great start to the season but you only have to look at
the players in his position and ask: "Is he better than them currently?" -
and the answer is no, not at the moment. But I can certainly see him as a
future England midfielder. He's got some improving to do but he's still
relatively young and I think he's got a great future in front of him.
Some Hammers fans have also suggested that James Tomkins should be in the
England squad. In midfield you can have holding players, attacking players,
ball players and ball winners whereas at centre back there are not many
variations. Essentially you've got to be able to head the ball, you've got
to be a good tackler and, for me, you've got to be able to play a bit of
football. It obviously depends who you're up against but at the moment I
think he'd struggle to make the England squad.
Rio and Frank
I read this week that my old team mate Rio Ferdinand is unlikely to be
selected for England in the near future. At 33 he's probably too old now
plus you've got younger players like Gary Cahill and Ryan Shawcross coming
through - though I'm not so keen on the latter. Rio's had a great career and
been a fantastic player but sometimes you have to say, "hang on a minute,
perhaps I'm getting a little bit old". Of course he still wants to play, but
Roy Hodgson is obviously looking to the future.
It was absolutely fantastic to see Rio, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole and Michael
Carrick come through at West Ham because you could see they were all going
to be fantastic players. They were young lads at the time and they were
cocky with it but it was great to play with them. I played quite a few times
with Rio, Frank and Joe and it was nice to see them progress - especially
Frank and Rio - into world-class players.
Although he got a bit of stick, Frank was always a good player. Yes he was
carrying a bit of weight as a youngster and it didn't help having his dad
there but he was always going to be a good player. What he's achieved is
exceptional.
I used to spend time with Frank after training at Chadwell Heath and he
worked hard at it. He always had ability and he's always had an eye for goal
but it doesn't matter how good you are, you've still got to practise and put
the hours in - and he did that.
I take my hat off to him; he's still doing it now because he loves football.
Julian Dicks was talking to Graeme Howlett.
* Julian is currently available to coach both junior and senior football
teams. For more details, follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JULIAN3DICKS.
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World Cup: England boss Roy Hodgson confident Andy Carroll will be fully fit
Last Updated: October 4, 2012 3:36pm
SSN
England boss Roy Hodgson insists he has no worries about the fitness of
striker Andy Carroll after he was recalled to the squad. The Liverpool
striker, on loan at West Ham, played a big part at the European Championship
this summer under Hodgson - but he missed the World Cup qualifiers with
Moldova and Ukraine due to a hamstring injury. Carroll only returned to
action this week, playing the last 23 minutes of the Hammers' win at Queens
Park Rangers - but that has been enough to convince Hodgson to bring him
back. "Andy played 23 minutes including injury-time on Monday and I am
expecting him to play more minutes on Saturday against Arsenal, either from
the start or coming on," said Hodgson. "He has another week after that so I
don't think there is any reason for me to
question his fitness."
Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster is included for the first time, while
Arsenal full-back Kieran Gibbs,Stoke's Ryan Shawcross and Tottenham's Aaron
Lennon were recalled, plus Hodgson confirmed Carl Jenkinson is being looked
at very closely. "Gibbs and Jenkinson have done exceptionally well for
Arsenal," said Hodgson.
"Jenkinson was a player we thought a lot about but decided we didn't have
quite that many places. He is certainly a player we will think about for the
future.
"Gibbs, Lennon and Shawcross are players we need to see at closer hand. I
have seen them from the stands but it will be nice to have a chance to work
with them and see how they could contribute to the team we are trying to
build up. "There has to be some sort of rejuvenation process with the
England team when a new coach comes in. I am very much aware that Brazil is
two years down the road if we are good enough to get there and in two years
maybe these lads will be real stars in the Premier League."
Experience
Hodgson has retained a core of experience though. With Steven Gerrard
suspended, Frank Lampardseems certain to skipper England against San Marino
next Friday, and there are plenty of others Hodgson feels are capable of
shouldering the burden of responsibility. Little wonder he wants to get away
from the twin subjects of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand. "We have enough
leaders," he said. "Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard are the captain and
vice-captain. "We also have people like Phil Jagielka, Michael Carrick,
Joleon Lescott, Ashley Cole and Glen Johnson. Who knows which of these
younger players emerge as leaders.
"One can only hope there will be one or two who at the moment are in the
early stages of their careers, who will emerge and show the same leadership
qualities as John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard."
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West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce is fully behind Andy Carroll's England
call-up
Last Updated: October 4, 2012 6:39pm
SSN
West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce believes Andy Carroll's England call-up
will prove beneficial to club and country. Carroll has been drafted into Roy
Hodgson's squad for a 2014 World Cup qualifying double-header against San
Marino and Poland despite only recently shaking off a hamstring injury. An
untimely knock picked up shortly after moving to Upton Park on a season-long
loan from Liverpool has limited his involvement for the Hammers, but
Allardyce is happy for the striker to go and get important minutes under his
belt in international competition. "I am glad (he has been called up)," he
said. "Going off to England because he is short on match fitness would be a
good thing for us and a good thing for him. "I will liaise with Roy. Andy is
in a position to play for him but (I want them to) just be careful about
fatigue because fatigue is what brings injuries. "Andy's match fitness is a
little behind where we would like it to be.
"Helping him to perform for England and catch up on match fitness would be
an ideal solution for the pair of us." While Carroll has made the cut for
England, club colleagues such as Mark Noble continue to be overlooked.
Allardyce has, however, revealed that the midfielder is among those being
closely monitored by Hodgson and his coaching team. "I think it depends how
Mark plays this season," he added. "I don't think it is about Mark Noble
playing for England after three or four good games. "He has pressed the
buttons to alert Roy and his staff to come and have a look at him and see if
he continues the good form he has shown in the Premier League up to now.
"There is a transition going on in the England set-up and Mark at 24 is an
experienced Premier League player now. "If he is the public eye and doing
well then I think England will continue to monitor him and see how it goes."
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James Tomkins disappointed to lose West Ham spot after 'wasting time' at
Olympics
Last Updated: October 4, 2012 1:38pm
SSN
James Tomkins has admitted the time he spent at the Olympics contributed to
him losing his place in the West Ham side. Tomkins insists it was an honour
to be selected by Stuart Pearce for the Team GB squad in the summer, but the
experience did not turn out as he would have liked. He made just a couple of
appearances at the Olympics, and has since started just one game for the
Hammers this season. Sam Allardyce has preferred to partner James Collins
and Winston Reid together at centre-back, which Tomkins concedes has been a
bitter pill to swallow. "It is always hard of course. I wanted to represent
Great Britain and the manager gave me the chance," he said in the Daily
Star. "I went there expecting to play more than I did in the end. Obviously
I wasted a lot of time and then Ginge (Collins) and Reidy played a lot
together in pre-season. "It was disappointing for me but I suppose that is
what football is like."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll is one of a host of Hammers called-up for their respective
national sides
04.10.2012
Andy Carroll is one of a host of West Ham United players who have been
called-up for international duty for their respective countries. The striker
has been included in England's squad for two 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers
against San Marino and Poland. England play San Marino at Wembley on Friday
12 October and visit Poland on Tuesday 16 October, having collected four
points from their opening two Group F fixtures. Carroll, who returned from a
month out with a hamstring injury in Monday's 2-1 Barclays Premier League
victory at Queens Park Rangers, has earned eight senior caps, scoring in a
friendly draw with Ghana in March 2011 and the EURO 2012 win over Sweden
earlier this year.
Yossi Benayoun has been included by Israel for their home and away FIFA
World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg. The Israelis play in Luxembourg on
12 October before welcoming the minnows to Ramat Gan on 16 October. Benayoun
has also been included for a friendly international at home to Belarus on 14
November.
The Wales squad for the home FIFA World Cup qualifier against Scotland in
Cardiff on 12 October will be named on Friday, with James Collins expected
to be included.
Further afield, Guy Demel and Mohamed Diame could face one another when
Senegal host Ivory Coast in a vital CAN 2013 qualifier in Dakar on 13
October. Demel's Ivorians hold a 4-2 first-leg advantage going into the
second meeting in the Senegalese capital.
Modibo Maiga is in the Mali squad for their own CAN 2013 qualifier second
leg in Botswana on 12 October. The Malians hold a 3-0 advantage from the
first leg, with Maiga scoring one of the goals.
Of West Ham's age-group players, Kieran Sadlier has been selected for the
Republic of Ireland squad for their UEFA U19 Championsip Qualifying Round
mini-group in Luxembourg between 11-16 October. Ireland will face Luxembourg
in Hesperange on 11 Ocober, FYRO Macedonia in the same venue on 13 October
and Germany in Grevenmacher on 16 October.
Goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel has been included by Switzerland for their U20
friendly with Poland in Vevey on 10 October.
Academy midfielder Taylor Tombides recently appeared for Australia at the
AFC U-16 Championship in Iran. However, the Australians' hopes of reaching
the next FIFA U-17 World Cup were dashed by a 5-1 quarter-final defeat by
the host nation in Tehran.
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Big Sam on: Arsenal
WHUFC.com
Big Sam has spoken to the media ahead of Saturday's sold-out London derby
against Arsenal
04.10.2012
Sam Allardyce believes Saturday's Barclays Premier League encounter with
London rivals Arsenal will be the biggest test of the season so far. With
all tickets for the match now sold out, a storming atmosphere is expected at
the Boleyn Ground come kick off at 5.30pm. Speaking in his weekly pre-match
press conference, Big Sam shared his thoughts on Arsenal, the international
break and the fitness of returning striker Andy Carroll.
Sam, what is the latest team news ahead of Saturday?
SA: "I think Winston Reid is going to be okay, I am not so sure about Joey
O'Brien, who was the other player who came off injured against Queens Park
Rangers. Everybody else apart Alou Diarra and Jack Collison, who have long
term injuries, seems to be okay. We have a good, strong squad to choose from
again and the players are on a high from the win on Monday night."
What is your reaction to Andy Carroll being named in the England squad?
SA: "I am glad, but I think that Andy needs to focus on the Arsenal game
first. I haven't decided what part he will play yet, that decision will be
made on Friday after we assess the squad in training. Because he is short on
match fitness, going to play for England will be good for him and good for
us. We will liaise with the England staff and I will speak to Roy Hodgson.
Andy is in a position to play but we want them to be careful with him.
Fatigue is what brings injuries and
Andy's match fitness, because of his recent injury, is behind what we would
like it to be. Helping England and improving his match fitness is an ideal
solution for all parties."
Is he fit enough to start the game against Arsenal on Saturday?
SA: "I will let you know that when I pick the team on Saturday! Like I said
I haven't made that decision yet, it will be made on Friday and we will take
it from there."
One player who didn't make it into the England squad was Mark Noble. Do you
think his chance will come?
SA: "I think it all depends on how Mark does this season, he has pressed the
buttons to alert Roy and his staff and I am sure they will come and have a
look at him if he continues to play well in the Premier League. If that
happens it gives him a chance and good luck to him. I think there is a
transition currently going on in the England set-up and Mark, other than
last season, is a very experienced Premier League player despite still only
being 25. If Mark keeps playing well and we keep picking up points he will
continue to put himself in the public eye and on Roy's radar."
Arsenal's third goal against Olympiacos came direct from a goal kick. Did
that bring a wry smile to your face?
SA: "You've brought a wry smile to my face with that question that's for
sure! I think goals are scored in a variety of ways, there is no one simple
way of scoring a goal especially in the Premier League. That is what makes
it so appealing across the world. We have to make the choice of what tactic
to use to score, if you have many options available you give yourself a much
better chance of catching your opponents off guard. If you play one way only
you become too predictable."
We are on the verge of the second international break of the season, how
does that affect your preparations?
SA: "It hasn't affected us at all, we have eleven points from six games so
we are delighted that our start has been as fruitful as it has been. I think
that this tends to happen every season, it is not unusual for us to have two
international breaks prior to us moving into the third month of the season.
We have all learnt to deal with it, we just have to keep our fingers crossed
that all our players return as fit as they were when they left. Injuries can
be critical, you only have to look at the extent to which it has affected
Manchester United. If we ran into that many injuries, God help us. But we
have all learnt to deal with international breaks and we are happy to let
our players travel the world with their nations."
Arsenal's defence seems vastly improved this season after the introduction
of Steve Bould, do you agree?
SA: "It certainly looks a lot harder or more difficult to break down. What
we need to think about is how many opportunities will we get to break it
down. People have said over the years that Arsenal have been weak at the
back but the problem you face is getting to their defence, they're so good
at keeping the ball that chances are few and far between. We will have a
game plan and hopefully it will help us to get a result on Saturday but a
game plan will only work if the players perform to the very best of their
ability. Even then it might not be good enough to beat Arsenal but if we can
perform like we did against Fulham and Sunderland we will give them a very
good game on Saturday."
It is fair to say that this is your biggest test of the season so far?
SA: "Yes it is a top four side. It is always a big test for everybody,
especially the players who need to try and match the quality of opposition
they're playing against. Can they understand what they have to do and can
they adapt their game to give themselves the best chance of getting a
positive result? Arsenal are very good at keeping the ball so there will be
times in the game when we need to concentrate out of possession to ensure
they don't get a chance to score. We won't see the ball as much as we have
done at Upton Park in previous games so we have to approach the game in a
different way and of course make sure we make the most of the ball when we
have it. All teams have weaknesses, what we need to do is make sure we find
them and exploit them to score a goal."
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'It is no time to rest'
WHUFC.com
Matt Jarvis has urged West Ham United to continue their fine start against
Arsenal on Saturday
03.10.2012
Matt Jarvis has urged his West Ham United team-mates to push on to even
greater heights as they prepare to welcome Arsenal to the Boleyn Ground on
Saturday. The Hammers have made a fine start to the Barclays Premier League
season, taking eleven points from their opening six games, but Jarvis
believes this is just the beginning. Speaking ahead of Saturday's 5.30pm
kick-off against the Gunners, the England international stated that absolute
focus is paramount ahead of a testing fixture. "It is not time to rest,"
said the No7, who scored his maiden Hammers goal in Monday's 2-1 win at
Queens Park Rangers. "We have had a very good start so far but we have some
very tough games ahead of us, not least when we play Arsenal at home on
Saturday. "There are no easy games in this division. We now need to recover
from the game at Loftus Road and then prepare for a battle at home on
Saturday."
West Ham are yet to be beaten at the Boleyn Ground in the league and Jarvis
believes home advantage cannot be underestimated. "We look like we could
give anyone a game at the moment. We are the home side and I am sure the
fans will give us their full support throughout the course of the match. "We
will have to work extremely hard to make sure we get something out of the
game but if we do that there is no reason why we can't come away with a
positive result."
Jarvis admitted to being surprised that his first goal in claret and blue
had come via a far-post header on Monday. "I must admit I don't often score
headers, but it is always good to get in at the back past and luckily for me
it paid off. I was half trying to score and half trying to put it back
across goal but I am delighted that it went in and even more pleased that we
won the game."
"I think I was one of only three West Ham players not to be booked, it was a
tough game and we had to work very hard for the result. Loftus Road is a
tough place to play and we worked very hard playing some good football, we
were delighted to get the three points."
While he has impressed in recent outings, Jarvis knows he will have to
continue to produce the goods if he wants to keep his place in a strong
Hammers squad.
"I am delighted to be back fit and in the team. I now want to continue to
play well and show the fans what I can do, so hopefully I can keep myself in
the team.
"You need to train with everyone, get to know them and allow them to get you
know you, that is starting to come together more and more now and we got a
great result last time out."
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Carroll in
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 4th October 2012
By: Staff Writer
Andy Carroll has been named in the England squad to face San Marino and
Poland. The West Ham striker, who made his comeback from injury as a late
substitute in the 2-1 win against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road on
Monday has been recalled to Roy Hodgson's squad for the forthcoming World
Cup Group H qualifiers. England are due to face minnows San Marino at
Wembley on Friday, 12th October before tackling the Poles in Warsaw four
days later on Tuesday, 16th October. There is no place in the squad for
former Hammer Rob Green, who was captured on camera grinning as West Ham
scored their second goal against his current club on Monday night. West Ham
face Arsenal at the Boleyn Ground this Saturday ahead of the international
break with their next fixture set for Saturday, 20th October when they face
strugglers Southampton - again at the Boleyn.
England squad: Forster, Hart, Ruddy; Baines, Cahill, A Cole, Gibbs,
Jagielka, G Johnson, Lescott, Walker, Shawcross; Carrick, Cleverley,
Gerrard, A Johnson, Lennon, Lampard, Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott;
Defoe, Rooney, Welbeck, Carroll.
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Tomkins: I should have stayed at West Ham
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 4th October 2012
By: Staff Writer
James Tomkins has admitted that his inclusion in Great Britain's Olympic
squad this summer was a waste of time. The 23-year-old central defender was
barely used during the tournament which saw Stuart Pearce's side crash out
at the first knockout stage. And Tomkins, who has lost his place in the
first team at West Ham as a result of failing to take part in a full
pre-season believes in retrospect that he would have been better served
remaining with West Ham during the summer. "I wanted to represent Great
Britain and the manager gave me the chance," he told a tabloid newspaper. "I
went there expecting to play more than I did in the end. "Obviously I
wasted a lot of time and then Ginge and Reidy played a lot together in
pre-season. It was disappointing for me, but I suppose that is what football
is like. "You just have to keep your head down and keep working hard in
training - which I have. It is frustrating to watch, but if we keep getting
the results there is not much I can do."
Since returning to West Ham, the Basildon-born defender has made just one
start in West Ham's five Premier League fixtures - the 3-0 defeat at Swansea
in which he was replaced at half time by Ricardo Vaz Te. Eleven months ago
Tomkins signed a lucrative new five-year contract that keeps him tied to
West Ham until 2016. In May on this year he was named as the KUMB.com Player
of the Year for 2011/12 and the runner-up Most Improved Player.
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The Julian Dicks Column: 4th October
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 4th October 2012
By: Julian Dicks
It's with great pleasure that we welcome West Ham United FC legend Julian
Dicks to KUMB.com. Julian shares his thoughts with the readers of Knees up
Mother Brown on a regular basis via his weekly column, the latest of which
begins a review of Monday night's encouraging win at Loftus Road...
Winning ways
Any result away from home in the Premier League is a fantastic result,
whether the opposition are at the bottom or not. After all, you can only
play what's in front of you. QPR have got some good players and even though
they're struggling so far this season, you still have to go there and get a
result.
Getting that first away win takes the pressure off the team but West Ham
have started the season well, they've had some good results, they're half
way up the table and things are good. They should be full of confidence as
they've had a great start. They might not have played any of the big boys
yet but I'd rather be where they are than where QPR are.
This weekend West Ham face Arsenal who are a good side with some great
players. It'll be a massive game on Saturday, especially at home, but if Mo
Diame, Kevin Nolan and Mark Noble are on their game then I think they've got
a great chance. I've got a feeling they'll turn them over.
Of course, Sam Allardyce had a great record against Arsenal at Bolton. If
West Ham get in their faces, put pressure on them and get amongst them then
they've got a great chance. We all know Arsenal like to play football and
they can pass the ball about better than most teams if they're allowed to,
but I've just got a feeling West Ham will get a result.
Men in black
Mark Clattenburg booked eight West Ham players in Monday night's game with
QPR. It was so different when I played as most referees used to give you the
benefit of the doubt. We all make mistakes; we all mis-time tackles but now,
because they're under so much pressure from FIFA, one bad tackle and a
player is booked or sent off. Nobody gives players the benefit of the doubt
any more.
It's a lot harder for referees these days because they're under a lot of
pressure - not just from FIFA but from the managers. You also get players
brandishing imaginary cards and that's not right; for me, those players
should be sent off. I'm not a lover of referees as you all know(!) but
they're under a lot of pressure and the more we can use modern technology -
such as goal line cameras - the easier it will be for them.
Lazy journalism
I think Sam Allardyce is always going to be associated with a certain style
of football. He could go and manage Barcelona and they'd still say the same.
That's going to stick with him forever; that's just the way it is.
Last season I wasn't a lover of West Ham's football but this year they're
playing some really good football. At the end of the day, most of the media
haven't got a clue what they're looking at anyway but I was still surprised
how much good football West Ham played at the Sunderland game. It wasn't the
season before, but that was about results.
They've got the ball down, they've played it on the floor. With Andy Carroll
back I think there'll be a lot more football played because he takes two or
three players away and that allows other players more time and space to get
the ball down and play.
There will be a tendency at times to play directly to Carroll; we had the
same with Johnny Hartson. We liked to play football too but when you've got
a big striker up there if you can put a quality ball into him it's sometimes
better to play one ball than playing seven or eight balls before getting it
to him.
It's not about route one, direct football - that's not the case. Andy
Carroll's a very good player and if the defenders can get the ball to him -
and it's not about smashing it over his head but playing it onto his head or
into his chest - it allows him to bring midfield players into play.
Mark my words
I think Mark Noble will be an England player one day - but he's not ready
just yet. He's had a great start to the season but you only have to look at
the players in his position and ask: "Is he better than them currently?" -
and the answer is no, not at the moment. But I can certainly see him as a
future England midfielder. He's got some improving to do but he's still
relatively young and I think he's got a great future in front of him.
Some Hammers fans have also suggested that James Tomkins should be in the
England squad. In midfield you can have holding players, attacking players,
ball players and ball winners whereas at centre back there are not many
variations. Essentially you've got to be able to head the ball, you've got
to be a good tackler and, for me, you've got to be able to play a bit of
football. It obviously depends who you're up against but at the moment I
think he'd struggle to make the England squad.
Rio and Frank
I read this week that my old team mate Rio Ferdinand is unlikely to be
selected for England in the near future. At 33 he's probably too old now
plus you've got younger players like Gary Cahill and Ryan Shawcross coming
through - though I'm not so keen on the latter. Rio's had a great career and
been a fantastic player but sometimes you have to say, "hang on a minute,
perhaps I'm getting a little bit old". Of course he still wants to play, but
Roy Hodgson is obviously looking to the future.
It was absolutely fantastic to see Rio, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole and Michael
Carrick come through at West Ham because you could see they were all going
to be fantastic players. They were young lads at the time and they were
cocky with it but it was great to play with them. I played quite a few times
with Rio, Frank and Joe and it was nice to see them progress - especially
Frank and Rio - into world-class players.
Although he got a bit of stick, Frank was always a good player. Yes he was
carrying a bit of weight as a youngster and it didn't help having his dad
there but he was always going to be a good player. What he's achieved is
exceptional.
I used to spend time with Frank after training at Chadwell Heath and he
worked hard at it. He always had ability and he's always had an eye for goal
but it doesn't matter how good you are, you've still got to practise and put
the hours in - and he did that.
I take my hat off to him; he's still doing it now because he loves football.
Julian Dicks was talking to Graeme Howlett.
* Julian is currently available to coach both junior and senior football
teams. For more details, follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JULIAN3DICKS.
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World Cup: England boss Roy Hodgson confident Andy Carroll will be fully fit
Last Updated: October 4, 2012 3:36pm
SSN
England boss Roy Hodgson insists he has no worries about the fitness of
striker Andy Carroll after he was recalled to the squad. The Liverpool
striker, on loan at West Ham, played a big part at the European Championship
this summer under Hodgson - but he missed the World Cup qualifiers with
Moldova and Ukraine due to a hamstring injury. Carroll only returned to
action this week, playing the last 23 minutes of the Hammers' win at Queens
Park Rangers - but that has been enough to convince Hodgson to bring him
back. "Andy played 23 minutes including injury-time on Monday and I am
expecting him to play more minutes on Saturday against Arsenal, either from
the start or coming on," said Hodgson. "He has another week after that so I
don't think there is any reason for me to
question his fitness."
Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster is included for the first time, while
Arsenal full-back Kieran Gibbs,Stoke's Ryan Shawcross and Tottenham's Aaron
Lennon were recalled, plus Hodgson confirmed Carl Jenkinson is being looked
at very closely. "Gibbs and Jenkinson have done exceptionally well for
Arsenal," said Hodgson.
"Jenkinson was a player we thought a lot about but decided we didn't have
quite that many places. He is certainly a player we will think about for the
future.
"Gibbs, Lennon and Shawcross are players we need to see at closer hand. I
have seen them from the stands but it will be nice to have a chance to work
with them and see how they could contribute to the team we are trying to
build up. "There has to be some sort of rejuvenation process with the
England team when a new coach comes in. I am very much aware that Brazil is
two years down the road if we are good enough to get there and in two years
maybe these lads will be real stars in the Premier League."
Experience
Hodgson has retained a core of experience though. With Steven Gerrard
suspended, Frank Lampardseems certain to skipper England against San Marino
next Friday, and there are plenty of others Hodgson feels are capable of
shouldering the burden of responsibility. Little wonder he wants to get away
from the twin subjects of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand. "We have enough
leaders," he said. "Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard are the captain and
vice-captain. "We also have people like Phil Jagielka, Michael Carrick,
Joleon Lescott, Ashley Cole and Glen Johnson. Who knows which of these
younger players emerge as leaders.
"One can only hope there will be one or two who at the moment are in the
early stages of their careers, who will emerge and show the same leadership
qualities as John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard."
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West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce is fully behind Andy Carroll's England
call-up
Last Updated: October 4, 2012 6:39pm
SSN
West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce believes Andy Carroll's England call-up
will prove beneficial to club and country. Carroll has been drafted into Roy
Hodgson's squad for a 2014 World Cup qualifying double-header against San
Marino and Poland despite only recently shaking off a hamstring injury. An
untimely knock picked up shortly after moving to Upton Park on a season-long
loan from Liverpool has limited his involvement for the Hammers, but
Allardyce is happy for the striker to go and get important minutes under his
belt in international competition. "I am glad (he has been called up)," he
said. "Going off to England because he is short on match fitness would be a
good thing for us and a good thing for him. "I will liaise with Roy. Andy is
in a position to play for him but (I want them to) just be careful about
fatigue because fatigue is what brings injuries. "Andy's match fitness is a
little behind where we would like it to be.
"Helping him to perform for England and catch up on match fitness would be
an ideal solution for the pair of us." While Carroll has made the cut for
England, club colleagues such as Mark Noble continue to be overlooked.
Allardyce has, however, revealed that the midfielder is among those being
closely monitored by Hodgson and his coaching team. "I think it depends how
Mark plays this season," he added. "I don't think it is about Mark Noble
playing for England after three or four good games. "He has pressed the
buttons to alert Roy and his staff to come and have a look at him and see if
he continues the good form he has shown in the Premier League up to now.
"There is a transition going on in the England set-up and Mark at 24 is an
experienced Premier League player now. "If he is the public eye and doing
well then I think England will continue to monitor him and see how it goes."
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James Tomkins disappointed to lose West Ham spot after 'wasting time' at
Olympics
Last Updated: October 4, 2012 1:38pm
SSN
James Tomkins has admitted the time he spent at the Olympics contributed to
him losing his place in the West Ham side. Tomkins insists it was an honour
to be selected by Stuart Pearce for the Team GB squad in the summer, but the
experience did not turn out as he would have liked. He made just a couple of
appearances at the Olympics, and has since started just one game for the
Hammers this season. Sam Allardyce has preferred to partner James Collins
and Winston Reid together at centre-back, which Tomkins concedes has been a
bitter pill to swallow. "It is always hard of course. I wanted to represent
Great Britain and the manager gave me the chance," he said in the Daily
Star. "I went there expecting to play more than I did in the end. Obviously
I wasted a lot of time and then Ginge (Collins) and Reidy played a lot
together in pre-season. "It was disappointing for me but I suppose that is
what football is like."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, October 4
Daily WHUFC News - 4th October 2012
Vaz pointing even higher
WHUFC.com
Ricardo Vaz Te says West Ham United will not rest on their laurels after making an encouraging start
03.10.2012
Ricardo Vaz Te struck his first Barclays Premier League goal for West Ham United and said the best is yet to come. Vaz Te, who celebrated his 26th birthday in fine style as his winning goal saw off London neighbours Queens Park Rangers in a 2-1 away victory, insists that this is only the beginning for Sam Allardyce's team. The volley was the No12's first Premier League goal since he netted the winner for Big Sam's Bolton Wanderers at home to Birmingham City on 7 May 2006. When asked by the national press post-match if that was his best performance in a Hammers shirt against the Hoops, the modest midfielder said: "No, I think my best is yet to come. Scoring was a bonus, because I am here to play my part for the team. "I am always looking to improve myself as we are as a team. I am still young. This is my first year in the Premier League after taking a long absence. I have to make sure I am working hard enough to be in the side, for the gaffer to pick me every week. I will get more confident, more comfortable and hopefully go on to have more performances like tonight and better."
It was Vaz Te's first goal since his late winner in the npower Championship Play-Off final helped West Ham gain promotion back to the top league. He said he was delighted to score but maintained that the key was getting the three points at Loftus Road. "The main thing was to try to get the three points. We knew it would be extremely hard because QPR are under extreme pressure and it was also a derby game. We knew they were going to come at us, so we just made sure we got the basics right and took our chances. It was a perfect night for us. "We had to make sure we stifled their strengths straight away. We knew with the players we have in our team we will always get chances. Sometimes you don't get many in a game but with us, I think it is more often that we will, so we knew we had to take them. The main thing was we took our chances and created the momentum for ourselves to go on and win."
The victory saw Hammers climb to seventh in the table and while Vaz Te said no one is getting carried away at this early stage of the season, a major factor behind West Ham's solid start to the new campaign was 'belief' - something he says also comes from the manager and his staff. "I think a lot has to do with the belief we have as a team. The main objective for us this season is to stay up and fight for a win and fight for the points in every match. "That is the mentality we have with everything. We approach each game with the belief we can get something from every match, get a result. We just believe we are and can be a good Premier League side. "There is no doubt in any individual at this football club, so I think that is the main thing and the gaffer makes us believe that all the time."
While praising the manager and all the staff around them, Vaz Te also spoke of the same desire his team-mates have to do their best to make sure that the club can get through the highs and lows of the season ahead. "It was great to see Andy [Carroll] back. We are very much looked after here at the club and this proves it. The gaffer focuses a lot on all the staff that work with us. With Andy everyone was working hard, as was he, to get him back but not to rush him, which was the main thing. He is such a handful [for teams to play against]. Coley [Carlton Cole] has also been terrific and it is great for the club that we have that competition and that quality of players in our team. "I'm really overwhelmed to be fair to be part of this squad, it is great. To be in the starting line-up is my aim every week but to be around everything here is also very good and you can only keep learning from it all. "We have made a great start to the season, but haven't achieved anything yet, so we must keep going and try to meet our targets. We won't get carried away, but we will strive every day to put in the performances and get the results we need."
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Hammers' style praised by Mail Online
WHUFC.com
Neil Ashton's story on the Mail Online examines some interesting statistics from the season so far
03.10.2012
In an interesting article posted on the Daily Mail Online website, football writer Neil Ashton felt inclined to conduct some research into some of West Ham United's statistics from this season after being impressed with their performance in the 2-1 win at Queens Park Rangers on Monday night. The article, which can be viewed here, is copied in full below.
Allardyce's Hammers play just like Real Madrid and Barcelona... but not how you think
By Neil Ashton
Take a look at these statistics and see whether you can spot a trend: Real Madrid 67. West Ham 65. Barcelona 59. At first glance it is difficult to think of a single reason why Sam Allardyce's team could possibly be mentioned in the same sentence as two of the biggest clubs in world football. Some would even say it is deeply offensive for Sam Allardyce's long-ball merchants to even be mentioned in the same breath as Jose Mourinho or Tito Vilanova's eye-catching teams.
The figures above for the three teams represent the average number of long balls that the teams have played in their respective leagues this season. For the purposes of this analysis, produced by Opta and freely available on the excellent website whoscored.com, any attempted pass which is 25 yards or more constitutes a long ball. They are surprising figures, particular for two Spanish teams who pride themselves on short, incisive passing to slice through the opposition.
The purists will claim that Gerard Pique can change gear at will, picking out Lionel Messi and sending a ball from one half to the other with his superior skills.
The reality is that even Barcelona and Real Madrid, in times of trouble, will resort to the outlets up front and send something long for Cristiano Ronaldo or Messi to chase down. Perhaps this is the reason that Allardyce, in an interview in September 2010 that brought much mirth and derision in football, claimed he could manage Real Madrid. At the time he claimed he would walk away with league titles year in, year out if he was given the chance to manage one of the world's biggest football clubs. Even last weekend, Allardyce's protests continued in an extensive interview with The Observer, when he argued for 'winning football' as opposed to 'pretty passing'. His case is helped by the number of long balls his rivals in the Barclays Premier League are playing.
Liverpool, who are supposed to be taking the short passing game to another level under Brendan Rodgers, average 66 long balls every match. These are the average number of long balls played, on average, this season by the teams who finished in the top four: Champions Manchester City (54), Manchester United (56), Arsenal (49), Tottenham (61). As for the rest of the Premier League, there are some eye-catching statistics among the other sides. Newcastle (78), Everton (69), Reading (67), Wigan (67), Chelsea (65) Fulham (64), West Bromwich (64), Aston Villa (62), Sunderland (62), Norwich (60), QPR (59), Stoke (59), Swansea (55) and Southampton (51).
Pity Rodgers, Alan Pardew, David Moyes, Brian McDermott, Roberto Martinez and Roberto Di Matteo when people become aware of the statistics. With the exception of Arsenal, Southampton and Swansea, it would be easy to argue that the rest of the Premier League is made up of hit and hope teams. Clearly that is not the case, with teams refining their systems to suit the demands of skilful players and a demanding public. No manager likes negative Press, particularly Allardyce. Although he has strengthened the team for the Premier League, he has refined the pattern and style for the Hammers' return to the top flight. At Loftus Road they looked like an established Premier League team, pouncing on the defensive deficiencies of a team who are afraid to play at home. Rangers are seizing up at Loftus Road, a legacy of their 5-0 opening day defeat against Swansea and their failure to win in the Premier League this season. Allardyce has a specific system in place designed to hunt down the opposition and take advantage of teams who want to play The Beautiful Game, but play it badly. At this moment, QPR fall into that category.
The idea that Allardyce takes training at Chadwell Heath each day with full-backs launching endless long balls towards Andy Carroll or Carlton Cole is a myth.
At the beginning of the week, his coaches Neil McDonald and Wally Downes take training and Allardyce has input from the sidelines. They are not trying to reinvent the wheel, but they play small-sided, passing and pressing games to take time away from the players and put them under pressure. As they build up towards matchday, Allardyce's role becomes more prominent and he is heavily involved on the training pitches. On Thursday and Friday, like most teams across the country, they practise set-pieces ahead of a Saturday fixture. Even then, for a team tagged 'long ball', they have won only 50 per cent of their aerial duels this season. Allardyce has always been prickly about the accusations that his teams know only one way to play, but he has adjusted to the demands of modern football. At times they might kick it long, but on Monday night they joined the culture club.
Note: The opinions expressed in the above article are those of the author and not of West Ham United.
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Tonks prepared to be patient
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins knows he may have to wait for his opportunity to become a first-team regular again
03.10.2012
James Tomkins showed West Ham United have strength in depth at centre-half by producing a fine display in Monday's 2-1 Barclays Premier League win at Queens Park Rangers. Tomkins has found himself on the substitutes bench due to the form of James Collins and Winston Reid, so the 2012 London Olympian was delighted to feature at Loftus Road after Reid was forced off with a head injury. A key figure in the club's promotion-winning campaign last season, Tomkins told West Ham TV he would love to be starting week-in week-out, but he is happy to wait for his chance and will be ready when called upon. "I want to play games," said the No5. "It is important to me, but the lads have come in and done really well in the back four so obviously they haven't changed it much.
"It is frustrating to watch [the matches rather than play], but understandable if we keep getting positive results, it was just nice to come on and help win the game on Monday. It gives me confidence and the team is doing really well which is great news."
The Basildon-born defender missed a large chunk of pre-season to play for Team GB at London 2012 and admitted in hindsight it hasn't brought the benefits he had wished. "I wanted to represent Great Britain and the manager gave me the chance to and I appreciated that but I went there expecting to play more than I did in the end. At the same time Ginge and Reidy played a lot together in pre-season. "It was disappointing for me, but I suppose that is what football is like. You have to keep your head down and keep working hard in training which is what I have done. It paid off on Monday because I came on the pitch and did well."
Tomkins was called into action after just 23 minutes when Reid was caught by team-mate Jussi Jaaskelainen and the 23-year-old felt he settled well. "You have to be ready at all times but coming on early as a defender it can take you a little while to get into the game. You always want to start well and try and settle down quite early. "This was my first proper [league] game all season but I thought I settled well and that was important for the rest of the game. I thought the team played very well and it was a well-deserved three points."
Matt Jarvis and Ricardo Vaz Te gave the Hammers a comfortable lead going into half-time but a wonder goal from Adel Taarabt meant a testing end to the game for Tomkins and his defence. "Playing at Loftus Road was difficult. It was my first experience there and it was a hard place to go. Particularly after they scored, the crowed got behind them and you could see how much it helped. "We had a few nervy moments towards the end but that is always going to happen when a team pulls a goal back. They put a lot of pressure on us but we held out and it was nice to shoot up the table again."
Tomkins also believes that those nerves could have been avoided with a bit more luck in front of goal, whilst also giving an insight into what it is like playing against Andy Carroll in training. "Andy had a chance right at the end and we had a few other opportunities we didn't take but as long as we are creating chances that's what matters. Hopefully we will keep putting them away, because the two finishes we did take were really impressive. "I've marked Andy a few times in training, he's an awkward player and he is going to be a good asset for us. We also have Carlton Cole challenging him for that starting spot and they are both good players."
The Hammers face Arsenal on Saturday but Tomkins revealed he and the rest of the players are looking forward to it and will do all they can to secure a positive result. "It will be the toughest game we have faced so far this season. So far we have played teams around where we could finish this season and we have stepped up to the challenge and done really well. "Hopefully we can continue that against Arsenal. We are going to be positive and give it a right go. We are at home where we have got a good record and I think now we are all just looking forward to it."
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"Where do we go from here?" Who cares if the journey's this much fun…
KUMB,com
Filed: Wednesday, 3rd October 2012
By: Rob Paul Chapman
A response to John Rolls' recent article for KUMB.com, which may be found here.
There's a famous story about the late Brian Clough: When a journalist asked the legendarily acerbic manager how he dealt with errant players who disagreed with him he replied "Well, it's like this. I'd invite him into my office, I'd allow him to put forward his point of view, then I'd put forward mine, and together we'd agree that I was right".
As fans, disagreement is to be expected in football. It's a game based on passionately held beliefs and unswayable convictions, put forward with vim and vigour and an unshakable certainty that we are, when all is said and done, absolutely right. All the time. Until we're wrong that is, by which time we've forgotten what our original position was anyway.
You don't get Brian Cloughs along very often these days. But perhaps Big Sam is the last of that old school. Last year our forthright manager may have implied that our fans have a tendency to sway towards delusion.
Well guess what? He was 100% correct. You are ALL deluded. Every single one of you. And before you start throwing things at the screen, so am I. We're all deluded. And not just West Ham fans. Every football fan in the land. That is, in fact, part of the fun.
We convince ourselves that 22 millionaires chasing an inflated pig's bladder around some grass is the single most important thing in the world. Many of us have, at some point, made what would rationally seem like completely inexplicable sacrifices in order to accommodate our great love. This is not the behaviour of a sentient balanced individual. These are the actions of the deluded. And I for one love it. Embrace the delusion. We live in a joyless world of recession and misery and genuinely catastrophic things happening around the world. If we can't take some solace out of our terminal delusion, then frankly what's the point?
But not all delusion is born equal. It comes I many splendored forms. I acknowledge that my own deluded tendency is to place absolute unfathomable and utterly unrealistic faith in my club, its management, players and owners. However I feel that as a self-aware delusional I'm equally capable of spotting the exact mirror image opposite of my brand of delusion in others (lets call them Type B delusionals). I refer to those unable to acknowledge the successes, strengths and triumphs of our club and those who run it. They see the negatives, the apparent failings and will undoubtedly be able to put a pessimistic spin on any given event. They are the kind of people who could win the lottery and then complain about the walk to the post office to cash the cheque.
There are a lot of these Type B delusionals in a football ground. We probably sit or stand near at least one at a game. And these people have their fortes for sure. Whilst my Type A brand of delusion may make me completely blind to impending catastrophe (I'll readily admit I thought Avram Grant and Glenn Roeder would turn out just fine in the long run…), these Type B delusionals are wise before the event.
However, whilst there are (ironically) positives to these Type B delusionals, I can't help feeling that they don't have anywhere near as much fun as us Type A delusionals. And I would like to take these people for a pint, as part of the same universal West Ham family, and try to convince them of the inherent beauty of every given situation; whilst they would do their best to explain why everything was, inherently, when you get to the nub of the matter, actually a bit shit.
I strongly suspect John Rolls, features writer of this parish, to be a Type B delusional. He recently wrote an article for KUMB entitled Where Do We Go From Here? It has been much discussed on the internet and in podcasts, and so as a fellow fan and delusional, I would like to extend a hand across the ocean. I'd like to go for a drink with Mr. Rolls, he would put forward his point of view, then I'd put forward mine, and together we'd agree that I was right.
I imagine it would go something like this:
JR: "My question now is where do we go from here? It was great to get back into the Premier League - but I want more."
RPC: It's one thing to want something, even to know what it is that you want. The ability and/or resources to achieve it are quite another. Football clubs are transient beings. Unless you're one of the tiny minority with the clout to set the pace, the best you can hope for is to be dynamic, reactive and responsible. Adapt to your surroundings and make the best of your situation. This might sound negative, but it's just pragmatic, and arguably more fun than – say – chucking £500m of Middle Eastern oil money into a bottomless pit of unsustainable, foundation-less profligacy dressed-up as ambition
JR: "Being honest, I cannot see us winning the league unless some mega-rich masochist buys the club and I suppose I should just be grateful for survival. "
RPC: This is not so much honesty as realism.
JR: "But being realistic, would I really be happy with West Ham being also-rans? Maybe flirting with the Cups and getting a route into Europe via that route. I am not going to say "yes" to that. "
RPC: This is not so much realism as nihilism, not to mention a fast-track to inevitable disappointment, and an unnecessary double-negative.
JR: "What I would like to know is why we haven't signed some of the bigger names available on free transfers to at least give us a chance of moving up?"
RPC: And this is where – to my Type A delusional mind – the argument just becomes baffling. We have had arguably our best ever transfer window. In the close season and opening couple of weeks of the new one we have signed the following: The current England Number 9 for whom Liverpool paid £35m, a club-record breaking winger, the Number 10 for the African Nations semi-finalists who Newcastle offered £7m for and no less than five current or former international captains. And that on the back of the previous transfer window which was arguably the second best (contextually) in the club's history which brought in the players who enabled us to get promoted, some of whom are currently showing their true class in the Premiership. And all of this from the team who finished third in the second flight last season. If that doesn't scream ambition I don't know what does.
JR: "Look at Stoke - at best, a mid-table side - but they had the balls to go and sign Michael Owen. A front two pairing of Carroll and Owen sounds like it has goals in it, whereas at present we look toothless. "
RPC: Signing Michael Owen for West Ham would have demonstrated a depressing lack of imagination. Owen appears significantly more interested in his horses than playing football these days. When I've seen West Ham this season I've seen a team, united, with a single purpose, fighting to the death for each other. I cannot imagine a world in which Michael Owen would fit into this set-up. You want a frontline with goals in it? You currently have the England #9 and the 6th highest goalscorer from midfield in Premier League history. You also have Jarvis banging in one sumptuous gimmie cross after another. And Vaz Te with his guile and trickery. And besides, if Owen came it'd only be a matter of time before he mistakenly had Andy Carroll tethered to the nearest tree, feeding him a carrot and entering him into the 3.45 at Chepstow. And no one wants to see that.
JR: "Another name that has come up is Thomas Hitzlsperger, another free agent. I think he's a great player."
RPC: So good in fact that the last time he was with us we got relegated. There may be a reason why he's (still) a free agent…
JR: "The board and the manager must change the whole mentality surrounding the club by insisting we finish in the top six and backing the manager to get the right players in. At the moment we are carrying too many Championship-level players."
RPC: It's not about mentality. You can't just will a team to 6th by positive thinking alone. Only a few months ago we were a championship squad. This may account for the championship players, as you can't just change-up a squad wholesale over night. That's what QPR have tried, and they currently sit bottom of the Premiership. But that aside, I actually don't think we have too many Championship-level players at all. Our keeper currently has the best shots to saves ratio in the league, aside from the odd freak error our back-four has looked supremely solid in the main, our midfield oozes class, and our frontline is as exciting as could possibly be expected for a club on our budget.
JR: "We should have - and it hurts to say this - the mentality of Spurs Chairman Daniel Levy and back the manager to sign quality players. "
RPC: You appear to be confusing mentality with money. We tried that once. We bankrupted a Northern European island state. It didn't go well. They're still quite cross.
JR: "Here's an aside for you. Rob Green is, it seems, really p*ssed off at QPR. Let's take him back on loan in January. In my eyes he should never have been let go. "
RPC: He wasn't let go. He was out of contract and he walked. You can only lead a horse to water… [insert Michael Owen/Andy Carroll joke here]
JR: "West Ham have the most fervent supporters and we always get behind the team no matter what the situation. "
RPC: And I've never heard the fans boo the team at half time once, guv'nor…
JR: "Is it not now time for the Board and the manager to realise we deserve more than mid-table mediocrity?"
RPC: Define 'deserve' here? We may end up mid-table this season. I sincerely hope so in fact. But so far there's been nothing remotely mediocre about our first few games. We've had glorious highs and some depressing lows; but we've been enthralled, and entertained, and always kept interested. It'll probably be a rollercoaster this season, and I for one cannot wait.
JR: "Why is it we never seem to make the big signing? "We get linked with so many but they never seem to materialise; why? Are they put off by the lack of ambition from the board? "
RPC: Like I said: The current England Number 9 for whom Liverpool paid £35m, a club-record breaking winger, the Number 10 for the African Nations semi-finalists who Newcastle offered £7m for and no less than five international captains… etc etc
JR: "It can't be the fans, we get behind new players even if they don't do well."
RPC: Mido says hi.
JR: "It raises questions as to whether the manager listens to the scouts. Or is he of the mind that it doesn't matter what they say, we don't sign them any way?"
RPC: The current England Number 9 for whom Liverpool paid £35m, a club-record breaking winger, the current… blah blah blah…. You get the idea.
JR: "In summary, would the board please show as much commitment to providing the fans with quality players so we can do something in the league - and would the scouting system find and insist the manager at least has a look at them. "
RPC: The current England Number 9 for whom Liverpool… yawn…
JR: "Finally can we, the supporters who spend our hard-earned cash watching the team and buying the merchandise and sometimes suffering numerous headaches and heartache as the Hammers cock it up again, get recognition from the board?"
RPC: Or how about this for the old switcheroo: The board get some recognition from us as the fans? They have come into a club ravaged by serial mismanagement, laden with crippling debts, have put their hands in their pockets, brought in a proven manager, recruited astutely and ambitiously and then stepped out of the limelight (thankfully) to let the manager take centre-stage. And that investment and faith is currently paying off in spades.
Yes, we're not going to challenge for the title, or the Champions' League, or probably Europe at all. Possibly ever. And it's possible we only just stave off or even – heaven forbid – succumb to relegation. But personally I'm having an absolute whale of a time right now. As a lifelong fan I've never been more in love with my club. Who knows exactly what the future will bring? But who wants a Cassandra Complex anyway? Enjoy the journey, make sure the driver knows what he's doing, and sit back and enjoy the view. The destination will take care of itself.
But then again, I'm a Type A delusional, so I would say that, wouldn't I?
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Now, where are they?
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 3rd October 2012
By: Jason Eves
I've noticed an article featured in the West Ham United programme (some articles hosted online) where past players are interviewed after their time at West Ham. And I thought to myself, why not find out where some players of old have turned up?
I mean, I could easily drone on about what Carlos Tevez and Scott Parker have been up to. But that would be way too easy, so here's a few previous players handpicked by me along with a summary of their West Ham career and where they've been since leaving...
Roy Carroll
Roy's time in the East End was a mixed bag, racking up just over thirty appearances, but struggles with alcohol and gambling curtailed his two-year stay. He left in the summer of 2007 seeking first team football, originally opting for now fallen giants Rangers, but then moving to Derby County in the new year. But not even he could keep the club up and suffered relegation.
Roy's days were numbered and come the following summer Derby allowed him to terminate his contract in order to join Danish club Odense Boldklub. He debuted for the club the day he signed his contract and after putting in some sterling perfomances he was award Superliga Goalkeeper of the Year 2009. However homesickness kicked in and Carroll eventually had his contract with the club terminated in order to find a club closer to home. Trials in Britain soon followed but nothing came to fruition.
Carroll racked up some more air-miles, opting to sign for OFI Crete in the summer of 2011. After putting in some stellar performances, Greek powerhouses Olympiakos came calling in January signing him for a reported fee of €100k. He is held in high regard by fans through his heart-on-sleeve perfomances.
Savio Nsereko
Ushered in as the man to solve our goalscoring problems, Savio was Signed by our Director of Football Gianluca Nani for a reported fee of £9 million (although the fee is still debated to this day). Mooted as our 'record signing', he was given the number 10 shirt, replacing the outgoing Craig Bellamy.
Savio's tenure at West Ham crumbled under the weight of expectation. He was subsequently sold on to Fiorentina for a Manuel da Costa-plus-cash deal, where he was then farmed out to various clubs around Europe. He continuously went AWOL during times at each loan stint. Savio has now since landed a permanent move to German Third Division club SpVgg Unterhachting. He signed for an undisclosed fee this summer, stating that location was a key factor in his decision.
Alessandro Diamanti
Diamanti was another of Gianluca Nani's scouted players signed for a reported £6million from Brescia (reportedly paid for by our sponsors). He was a landmark signing as he became the 800th player to play for West Ham as he made his debut in the 1-0 defeat to Wigan.
He struggled to adapt to the pace of the Premier League; although he tallied up eight goals in his maiden campaign, only three came from open play. But his energetic displays did earn him recognition as he claimed the runner-up spot of Hammer of the Year behind deserved winner Scott Parker. He has since returned to Brescia for a fraction of the cost (we are still locked in a battle to claim the money Brescia owe us).
In what proved to be a similar year statistically back at Brescia, as well as suffering relegation Diamanti received a call-up to the Italian national team. The following summer he packed his bags again as Bologna snapped him up on a co-ownership deal. He has since found his shooting boots again, hitting double figures for the club in his debut season.
Luís Boa Morte
Luís, I believe is best described as a 'Marmite signing' as the fans either loved him or loathed him during his four-year affiliation in claret and blue. He was signed by Alan Curbishley for an undisclosed fee, reported to be around the £5 million mark. In April 2007 he scored his first goal for the club in a 3-0 win against Wigan. But it wasn't until May 2010 in a 1-1 draw against Man City that he would double his tally for the long-waiting Hammers faithful. He signed a two-year deal come the end of the 2009/10 campaign but only saw out half of it before his contract was terminated.
He subsequently signed for Greek club Larissa, linking up once more with former gaffer Chris Coleman for whom he had worked under at Fulham. However financial problems soon hit the club and Boa Morte exited six months later. A brief stint at South African team Orlando Pirates soon followed and although he signed an 18-month deal, Luís only stayed for a mere four months. He then went on trial at MLS outfit Toronto FC but was back in the UK on trial with League One Portsmouth.
Benni McCarthy
Labelled by many fans as a panic buy in his deadline day move in the January 2010 transfer window, Benni signed a two-and-a-half year deal and widely reported as being very out of shape. As well as being fined in excess of £200,000 for reaching over 15 stone, strict dieting and training regimes soon followed but amounted to nothing. The ties were eventually cut and he was released at the start of the 2011 season, with Karren Brady famously labeling him 'A big fat mistake'.
McCarthy has since returned to his native South Africa, signing for the Orlando Pirates (briefing playing with Boa Morte) and leading the scoring charts averaging a goal every other game whilst aiding the team in retaining the league title. He has also wrote himself into South African folklore as the first South African player to win three league titles with three different teams on two different continents (now that's a mouthful!).
Lucas Neill
Often referred to as 'Lucash' by some sceptical fans following his arrival in January 2007 from Blackburn Rovers, Neill turned down the chance of joining Liverpool before joining the Hammers. His leadership qualities on the field were acknowledged and he was given the captain's armband on numerous occasions before eventually taking it permanently in the wake of Nigel Reo-Coker's transfer to Aston Villa.
The Australian's stay at Upton Park lasted only two years as he decided against prolonging his contract and he joined Everton on a free transfer, linking up with International team-mate and close friend Tim Cahill. His affiliation with the Goodison Park faithful was short-lived as he made the switch to Turkish side Galatasaray, with the reason being a longer contract on offer and linking up with fellow Socceroo Harry Kewell.
After being let go at the end of the Turkish season, Lucas was packing his bags to the oil-rich United Arab Emirates. Signing for Al Jazira on a year long deal where he amassed 19 appearances and scored three goals. Once again as his deal ran up, Lucas was let go and soon enough he landed another deal at fellow UAE club Al Wasl where he is due to start the upcoming season.
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WEST HAM STAR'S TOM-FOOLERY
Daily Star
4th October 2012 By Mike McGrath
JAMES TOMKINS admits he wasted his time by going to the London Olympics and losing his West Ham place. The 23-year-old made only two appearances for Team GB during the Games and slipped behind James Collins and Winston Reid in the pecking order at Upton Park. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce has started the centre-back in only one league game this season – and subbed him at half-time in the defeat by Swansea. But Tomkins said: "It is always hard of course. I wanted to represent Great Britain and the manager gave me the chance. "I went there expecting to play more than I did in the end. Obviously I wasted a lot of time and then Ginge (Collins) and Reidy played a lot together in pre-season. "It was disappointing for me but I suppose that is what football is like."
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Are Sam Allardyce's West Ham a 'dirty' team?
HereIsTheCity
by Jenny Leigh
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has fired back at claims that his team is 'dirty', after they became the first side in Premier League history to receive 8 yellow cards in one game. The Hammers' 1-2 away win against Queen's Park Rangers was a game that Allardyce felt was "an unfortunate scenario" for his side. He claimed, "There was hardly a bad tackle in the game and there was a lot of reaction from the crowd by Mark Clattenburg". Referee Mark Clattenburg also sent off QPR's Samba Diakite for two yellow card offenses in the space of 20 minutes. QPR manager Mark Hughes saw no substantial cause for complaint. He said, after the game: "The first one was a genuine attempt to get the ball but the lad has just nicked it away from him. It doesn't warrant a yellow card in my view. Some referees give them, some don't."
The referee booked Jaaskelainen, Collins, Nolan, Noble, Diame, Cole, Tomkins, and McCartney of West Ham and Taarabt along with the double-booking of Diakite. "We've ended up looking like a dirty team, giving 22 fouls away and getting so many players booked." Allardyce defended his team, "We are not a dirty side. There was hardly a dirty tackle in this game but it'll look a lot different to the people who weren't watching, which is a shame."
The Hammers' manager, formerly of Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers, has earned himself a reputation of utilizing very traditional tactics that rely upon a certain degree of physicality. He is also known to be an obsessive statistician who endlessly analyses performances not only based on the number of passes, fouls, corners, shots and possession percentages – as most managers do – but also states that is often his reason for his purchases.
Infamous for his 'long-ball' strategy, Allardyce has never been shy about his disinterest in "pretty football"; he has been criticized as being a "dinosaur".
Is it possible that simply his preference for his brand and philosophy of traditional football is becoming extinct in a modern game that has become more cultured? One thing's for sure: when the old-fashioned and the new-fashioned ideologies of the game go head-to-head it certainly won't be "pretty."
But critics should remember that direct and deliberately dirty don't necessarily go hand in hand, despite what eight bookings may suggest.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Ricardo Vaz Te says West Ham United will not rest on their laurels after making an encouraging start
03.10.2012
Ricardo Vaz Te struck his first Barclays Premier League goal for West Ham United and said the best is yet to come. Vaz Te, who celebrated his 26th birthday in fine style as his winning goal saw off London neighbours Queens Park Rangers in a 2-1 away victory, insists that this is only the beginning for Sam Allardyce's team. The volley was the No12's first Premier League goal since he netted the winner for Big Sam's Bolton Wanderers at home to Birmingham City on 7 May 2006. When asked by the national press post-match if that was his best performance in a Hammers shirt against the Hoops, the modest midfielder said: "No, I think my best is yet to come. Scoring was a bonus, because I am here to play my part for the team. "I am always looking to improve myself as we are as a team. I am still young. This is my first year in the Premier League after taking a long absence. I have to make sure I am working hard enough to be in the side, for the gaffer to pick me every week. I will get more confident, more comfortable and hopefully go on to have more performances like tonight and better."
It was Vaz Te's first goal since his late winner in the npower Championship Play-Off final helped West Ham gain promotion back to the top league. He said he was delighted to score but maintained that the key was getting the three points at Loftus Road. "The main thing was to try to get the three points. We knew it would be extremely hard because QPR are under extreme pressure and it was also a derby game. We knew they were going to come at us, so we just made sure we got the basics right and took our chances. It was a perfect night for us. "We had to make sure we stifled their strengths straight away. We knew with the players we have in our team we will always get chances. Sometimes you don't get many in a game but with us, I think it is more often that we will, so we knew we had to take them. The main thing was we took our chances and created the momentum for ourselves to go on and win."
The victory saw Hammers climb to seventh in the table and while Vaz Te said no one is getting carried away at this early stage of the season, a major factor behind West Ham's solid start to the new campaign was 'belief' - something he says also comes from the manager and his staff. "I think a lot has to do with the belief we have as a team. The main objective for us this season is to stay up and fight for a win and fight for the points in every match. "That is the mentality we have with everything. We approach each game with the belief we can get something from every match, get a result. We just believe we are and can be a good Premier League side. "There is no doubt in any individual at this football club, so I think that is the main thing and the gaffer makes us believe that all the time."
While praising the manager and all the staff around them, Vaz Te also spoke of the same desire his team-mates have to do their best to make sure that the club can get through the highs and lows of the season ahead. "It was great to see Andy [Carroll] back. We are very much looked after here at the club and this proves it. The gaffer focuses a lot on all the staff that work with us. With Andy everyone was working hard, as was he, to get him back but not to rush him, which was the main thing. He is such a handful [for teams to play against]. Coley [Carlton Cole] has also been terrific and it is great for the club that we have that competition and that quality of players in our team. "I'm really overwhelmed to be fair to be part of this squad, it is great. To be in the starting line-up is my aim every week but to be around everything here is also very good and you can only keep learning from it all. "We have made a great start to the season, but haven't achieved anything yet, so we must keep going and try to meet our targets. We won't get carried away, but we will strive every day to put in the performances and get the results we need."
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Hammers' style praised by Mail Online
WHUFC.com
Neil Ashton's story on the Mail Online examines some interesting statistics from the season so far
03.10.2012
In an interesting article posted on the Daily Mail Online website, football writer Neil Ashton felt inclined to conduct some research into some of West Ham United's statistics from this season after being impressed with their performance in the 2-1 win at Queens Park Rangers on Monday night. The article, which can be viewed here, is copied in full below.
Allardyce's Hammers play just like Real Madrid and Barcelona... but not how you think
By Neil Ashton
Take a look at these statistics and see whether you can spot a trend: Real Madrid 67. West Ham 65. Barcelona 59. At first glance it is difficult to think of a single reason why Sam Allardyce's team could possibly be mentioned in the same sentence as two of the biggest clubs in world football. Some would even say it is deeply offensive for Sam Allardyce's long-ball merchants to even be mentioned in the same breath as Jose Mourinho or Tito Vilanova's eye-catching teams.
The figures above for the three teams represent the average number of long balls that the teams have played in their respective leagues this season. For the purposes of this analysis, produced by Opta and freely available on the excellent website whoscored.com, any attempted pass which is 25 yards or more constitutes a long ball. They are surprising figures, particular for two Spanish teams who pride themselves on short, incisive passing to slice through the opposition.
The purists will claim that Gerard Pique can change gear at will, picking out Lionel Messi and sending a ball from one half to the other with his superior skills.
The reality is that even Barcelona and Real Madrid, in times of trouble, will resort to the outlets up front and send something long for Cristiano Ronaldo or Messi to chase down. Perhaps this is the reason that Allardyce, in an interview in September 2010 that brought much mirth and derision in football, claimed he could manage Real Madrid. At the time he claimed he would walk away with league titles year in, year out if he was given the chance to manage one of the world's biggest football clubs. Even last weekend, Allardyce's protests continued in an extensive interview with The Observer, when he argued for 'winning football' as opposed to 'pretty passing'. His case is helped by the number of long balls his rivals in the Barclays Premier League are playing.
Liverpool, who are supposed to be taking the short passing game to another level under Brendan Rodgers, average 66 long balls every match. These are the average number of long balls played, on average, this season by the teams who finished in the top four: Champions Manchester City (54), Manchester United (56), Arsenal (49), Tottenham (61). As for the rest of the Premier League, there are some eye-catching statistics among the other sides. Newcastle (78), Everton (69), Reading (67), Wigan (67), Chelsea (65) Fulham (64), West Bromwich (64), Aston Villa (62), Sunderland (62), Norwich (60), QPR (59), Stoke (59), Swansea (55) and Southampton (51).
Pity Rodgers, Alan Pardew, David Moyes, Brian McDermott, Roberto Martinez and Roberto Di Matteo when people become aware of the statistics. With the exception of Arsenal, Southampton and Swansea, it would be easy to argue that the rest of the Premier League is made up of hit and hope teams. Clearly that is not the case, with teams refining their systems to suit the demands of skilful players and a demanding public. No manager likes negative Press, particularly Allardyce. Although he has strengthened the team for the Premier League, he has refined the pattern and style for the Hammers' return to the top flight. At Loftus Road they looked like an established Premier League team, pouncing on the defensive deficiencies of a team who are afraid to play at home. Rangers are seizing up at Loftus Road, a legacy of their 5-0 opening day defeat against Swansea and their failure to win in the Premier League this season. Allardyce has a specific system in place designed to hunt down the opposition and take advantage of teams who want to play The Beautiful Game, but play it badly. At this moment, QPR fall into that category.
The idea that Allardyce takes training at Chadwell Heath each day with full-backs launching endless long balls towards Andy Carroll or Carlton Cole is a myth.
At the beginning of the week, his coaches Neil McDonald and Wally Downes take training and Allardyce has input from the sidelines. They are not trying to reinvent the wheel, but they play small-sided, passing and pressing games to take time away from the players and put them under pressure. As they build up towards matchday, Allardyce's role becomes more prominent and he is heavily involved on the training pitches. On Thursday and Friday, like most teams across the country, they practise set-pieces ahead of a Saturday fixture. Even then, for a team tagged 'long ball', they have won only 50 per cent of their aerial duels this season. Allardyce has always been prickly about the accusations that his teams know only one way to play, but he has adjusted to the demands of modern football. At times they might kick it long, but on Monday night they joined the culture club.
Note: The opinions expressed in the above article are those of the author and not of West Ham United.
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Tonks prepared to be patient
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins knows he may have to wait for his opportunity to become a first-team regular again
03.10.2012
James Tomkins showed West Ham United have strength in depth at centre-half by producing a fine display in Monday's 2-1 Barclays Premier League win at Queens Park Rangers. Tomkins has found himself on the substitutes bench due to the form of James Collins and Winston Reid, so the 2012 London Olympian was delighted to feature at Loftus Road after Reid was forced off with a head injury. A key figure in the club's promotion-winning campaign last season, Tomkins told West Ham TV he would love to be starting week-in week-out, but he is happy to wait for his chance and will be ready when called upon. "I want to play games," said the No5. "It is important to me, but the lads have come in and done really well in the back four so obviously they haven't changed it much.
"It is frustrating to watch [the matches rather than play], but understandable if we keep getting positive results, it was just nice to come on and help win the game on Monday. It gives me confidence and the team is doing really well which is great news."
The Basildon-born defender missed a large chunk of pre-season to play for Team GB at London 2012 and admitted in hindsight it hasn't brought the benefits he had wished. "I wanted to represent Great Britain and the manager gave me the chance to and I appreciated that but I went there expecting to play more than I did in the end. At the same time Ginge and Reidy played a lot together in pre-season. "It was disappointing for me, but I suppose that is what football is like. You have to keep your head down and keep working hard in training which is what I have done. It paid off on Monday because I came on the pitch and did well."
Tomkins was called into action after just 23 minutes when Reid was caught by team-mate Jussi Jaaskelainen and the 23-year-old felt he settled well. "You have to be ready at all times but coming on early as a defender it can take you a little while to get into the game. You always want to start well and try and settle down quite early. "This was my first proper [league] game all season but I thought I settled well and that was important for the rest of the game. I thought the team played very well and it was a well-deserved three points."
Matt Jarvis and Ricardo Vaz Te gave the Hammers a comfortable lead going into half-time but a wonder goal from Adel Taarabt meant a testing end to the game for Tomkins and his defence. "Playing at Loftus Road was difficult. It was my first experience there and it was a hard place to go. Particularly after they scored, the crowed got behind them and you could see how much it helped. "We had a few nervy moments towards the end but that is always going to happen when a team pulls a goal back. They put a lot of pressure on us but we held out and it was nice to shoot up the table again."
Tomkins also believes that those nerves could have been avoided with a bit more luck in front of goal, whilst also giving an insight into what it is like playing against Andy Carroll in training. "Andy had a chance right at the end and we had a few other opportunities we didn't take but as long as we are creating chances that's what matters. Hopefully we will keep putting them away, because the two finishes we did take were really impressive. "I've marked Andy a few times in training, he's an awkward player and he is going to be a good asset for us. We also have Carlton Cole challenging him for that starting spot and they are both good players."
The Hammers face Arsenal on Saturday but Tomkins revealed he and the rest of the players are looking forward to it and will do all they can to secure a positive result. "It will be the toughest game we have faced so far this season. So far we have played teams around where we could finish this season and we have stepped up to the challenge and done really well. "Hopefully we can continue that against Arsenal. We are going to be positive and give it a right go. We are at home where we have got a good record and I think now we are all just looking forward to it."
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"Where do we go from here?" Who cares if the journey's this much fun…
KUMB,com
Filed: Wednesday, 3rd October 2012
By: Rob Paul Chapman
A response to John Rolls' recent article for KUMB.com, which may be found here.
There's a famous story about the late Brian Clough: When a journalist asked the legendarily acerbic manager how he dealt with errant players who disagreed with him he replied "Well, it's like this. I'd invite him into my office, I'd allow him to put forward his point of view, then I'd put forward mine, and together we'd agree that I was right".
As fans, disagreement is to be expected in football. It's a game based on passionately held beliefs and unswayable convictions, put forward with vim and vigour and an unshakable certainty that we are, when all is said and done, absolutely right. All the time. Until we're wrong that is, by which time we've forgotten what our original position was anyway.
You don't get Brian Cloughs along very often these days. But perhaps Big Sam is the last of that old school. Last year our forthright manager may have implied that our fans have a tendency to sway towards delusion.
Well guess what? He was 100% correct. You are ALL deluded. Every single one of you. And before you start throwing things at the screen, so am I. We're all deluded. And not just West Ham fans. Every football fan in the land. That is, in fact, part of the fun.
We convince ourselves that 22 millionaires chasing an inflated pig's bladder around some grass is the single most important thing in the world. Many of us have, at some point, made what would rationally seem like completely inexplicable sacrifices in order to accommodate our great love. This is not the behaviour of a sentient balanced individual. These are the actions of the deluded. And I for one love it. Embrace the delusion. We live in a joyless world of recession and misery and genuinely catastrophic things happening around the world. If we can't take some solace out of our terminal delusion, then frankly what's the point?
But not all delusion is born equal. It comes I many splendored forms. I acknowledge that my own deluded tendency is to place absolute unfathomable and utterly unrealistic faith in my club, its management, players and owners. However I feel that as a self-aware delusional I'm equally capable of spotting the exact mirror image opposite of my brand of delusion in others (lets call them Type B delusionals). I refer to those unable to acknowledge the successes, strengths and triumphs of our club and those who run it. They see the negatives, the apparent failings and will undoubtedly be able to put a pessimistic spin on any given event. They are the kind of people who could win the lottery and then complain about the walk to the post office to cash the cheque.
There are a lot of these Type B delusionals in a football ground. We probably sit or stand near at least one at a game. And these people have their fortes for sure. Whilst my Type A brand of delusion may make me completely blind to impending catastrophe (I'll readily admit I thought Avram Grant and Glenn Roeder would turn out just fine in the long run…), these Type B delusionals are wise before the event.
However, whilst there are (ironically) positives to these Type B delusionals, I can't help feeling that they don't have anywhere near as much fun as us Type A delusionals. And I would like to take these people for a pint, as part of the same universal West Ham family, and try to convince them of the inherent beauty of every given situation; whilst they would do their best to explain why everything was, inherently, when you get to the nub of the matter, actually a bit shit.
I strongly suspect John Rolls, features writer of this parish, to be a Type B delusional. He recently wrote an article for KUMB entitled Where Do We Go From Here? It has been much discussed on the internet and in podcasts, and so as a fellow fan and delusional, I would like to extend a hand across the ocean. I'd like to go for a drink with Mr. Rolls, he would put forward his point of view, then I'd put forward mine, and together we'd agree that I was right.
I imagine it would go something like this:
JR: "My question now is where do we go from here? It was great to get back into the Premier League - but I want more."
RPC: It's one thing to want something, even to know what it is that you want. The ability and/or resources to achieve it are quite another. Football clubs are transient beings. Unless you're one of the tiny minority with the clout to set the pace, the best you can hope for is to be dynamic, reactive and responsible. Adapt to your surroundings and make the best of your situation. This might sound negative, but it's just pragmatic, and arguably more fun than – say – chucking £500m of Middle Eastern oil money into a bottomless pit of unsustainable, foundation-less profligacy dressed-up as ambition
JR: "Being honest, I cannot see us winning the league unless some mega-rich masochist buys the club and I suppose I should just be grateful for survival. "
RPC: This is not so much honesty as realism.
JR: "But being realistic, would I really be happy with West Ham being also-rans? Maybe flirting with the Cups and getting a route into Europe via that route. I am not going to say "yes" to that. "
RPC: This is not so much realism as nihilism, not to mention a fast-track to inevitable disappointment, and an unnecessary double-negative.
JR: "What I would like to know is why we haven't signed some of the bigger names available on free transfers to at least give us a chance of moving up?"
RPC: And this is where – to my Type A delusional mind – the argument just becomes baffling. We have had arguably our best ever transfer window. In the close season and opening couple of weeks of the new one we have signed the following: The current England Number 9 for whom Liverpool paid £35m, a club-record breaking winger, the Number 10 for the African Nations semi-finalists who Newcastle offered £7m for and no less than five current or former international captains. And that on the back of the previous transfer window which was arguably the second best (contextually) in the club's history which brought in the players who enabled us to get promoted, some of whom are currently showing their true class in the Premiership. And all of this from the team who finished third in the second flight last season. If that doesn't scream ambition I don't know what does.
JR: "Look at Stoke - at best, a mid-table side - but they had the balls to go and sign Michael Owen. A front two pairing of Carroll and Owen sounds like it has goals in it, whereas at present we look toothless. "
RPC: Signing Michael Owen for West Ham would have demonstrated a depressing lack of imagination. Owen appears significantly more interested in his horses than playing football these days. When I've seen West Ham this season I've seen a team, united, with a single purpose, fighting to the death for each other. I cannot imagine a world in which Michael Owen would fit into this set-up. You want a frontline with goals in it? You currently have the England #9 and the 6th highest goalscorer from midfield in Premier League history. You also have Jarvis banging in one sumptuous gimmie cross after another. And Vaz Te with his guile and trickery. And besides, if Owen came it'd only be a matter of time before he mistakenly had Andy Carroll tethered to the nearest tree, feeding him a carrot and entering him into the 3.45 at Chepstow. And no one wants to see that.
JR: "Another name that has come up is Thomas Hitzlsperger, another free agent. I think he's a great player."
RPC: So good in fact that the last time he was with us we got relegated. There may be a reason why he's (still) a free agent…
JR: "The board and the manager must change the whole mentality surrounding the club by insisting we finish in the top six and backing the manager to get the right players in. At the moment we are carrying too many Championship-level players."
RPC: It's not about mentality. You can't just will a team to 6th by positive thinking alone. Only a few months ago we were a championship squad. This may account for the championship players, as you can't just change-up a squad wholesale over night. That's what QPR have tried, and they currently sit bottom of the Premiership. But that aside, I actually don't think we have too many Championship-level players at all. Our keeper currently has the best shots to saves ratio in the league, aside from the odd freak error our back-four has looked supremely solid in the main, our midfield oozes class, and our frontline is as exciting as could possibly be expected for a club on our budget.
JR: "We should have - and it hurts to say this - the mentality of Spurs Chairman Daniel Levy and back the manager to sign quality players. "
RPC: You appear to be confusing mentality with money. We tried that once. We bankrupted a Northern European island state. It didn't go well. They're still quite cross.
JR: "Here's an aside for you. Rob Green is, it seems, really p*ssed off at QPR. Let's take him back on loan in January. In my eyes he should never have been let go. "
RPC: He wasn't let go. He was out of contract and he walked. You can only lead a horse to water… [insert Michael Owen/Andy Carroll joke here]
JR: "West Ham have the most fervent supporters and we always get behind the team no matter what the situation. "
RPC: And I've never heard the fans boo the team at half time once, guv'nor…
JR: "Is it not now time for the Board and the manager to realise we deserve more than mid-table mediocrity?"
RPC: Define 'deserve' here? We may end up mid-table this season. I sincerely hope so in fact. But so far there's been nothing remotely mediocre about our first few games. We've had glorious highs and some depressing lows; but we've been enthralled, and entertained, and always kept interested. It'll probably be a rollercoaster this season, and I for one cannot wait.
JR: "Why is it we never seem to make the big signing? "We get linked with so many but they never seem to materialise; why? Are they put off by the lack of ambition from the board? "
RPC: Like I said: The current England Number 9 for whom Liverpool paid £35m, a club-record breaking winger, the Number 10 for the African Nations semi-finalists who Newcastle offered £7m for and no less than five international captains… etc etc
JR: "It can't be the fans, we get behind new players even if they don't do well."
RPC: Mido says hi.
JR: "It raises questions as to whether the manager listens to the scouts. Or is he of the mind that it doesn't matter what they say, we don't sign them any way?"
RPC: The current England Number 9 for whom Liverpool paid £35m, a club-record breaking winger, the current… blah blah blah…. You get the idea.
JR: "In summary, would the board please show as much commitment to providing the fans with quality players so we can do something in the league - and would the scouting system find and insist the manager at least has a look at them. "
RPC: The current England Number 9 for whom Liverpool… yawn…
JR: "Finally can we, the supporters who spend our hard-earned cash watching the team and buying the merchandise and sometimes suffering numerous headaches and heartache as the Hammers cock it up again, get recognition from the board?"
RPC: Or how about this for the old switcheroo: The board get some recognition from us as the fans? They have come into a club ravaged by serial mismanagement, laden with crippling debts, have put their hands in their pockets, brought in a proven manager, recruited astutely and ambitiously and then stepped out of the limelight (thankfully) to let the manager take centre-stage. And that investment and faith is currently paying off in spades.
Yes, we're not going to challenge for the title, or the Champions' League, or probably Europe at all. Possibly ever. And it's possible we only just stave off or even – heaven forbid – succumb to relegation. But personally I'm having an absolute whale of a time right now. As a lifelong fan I've never been more in love with my club. Who knows exactly what the future will bring? But who wants a Cassandra Complex anyway? Enjoy the journey, make sure the driver knows what he's doing, and sit back and enjoy the view. The destination will take care of itself.
But then again, I'm a Type A delusional, so I would say that, wouldn't I?
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Now, where are they?
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 3rd October 2012
By: Jason Eves
I've noticed an article featured in the West Ham United programme (some articles hosted online) where past players are interviewed after their time at West Ham. And I thought to myself, why not find out where some players of old have turned up?
I mean, I could easily drone on about what Carlos Tevez and Scott Parker have been up to. But that would be way too easy, so here's a few previous players handpicked by me along with a summary of their West Ham career and where they've been since leaving...
Roy Carroll
Roy's time in the East End was a mixed bag, racking up just over thirty appearances, but struggles with alcohol and gambling curtailed his two-year stay. He left in the summer of 2007 seeking first team football, originally opting for now fallen giants Rangers, but then moving to Derby County in the new year. But not even he could keep the club up and suffered relegation.
Roy's days were numbered and come the following summer Derby allowed him to terminate his contract in order to join Danish club Odense Boldklub. He debuted for the club the day he signed his contract and after putting in some sterling perfomances he was award Superliga Goalkeeper of the Year 2009. However homesickness kicked in and Carroll eventually had his contract with the club terminated in order to find a club closer to home. Trials in Britain soon followed but nothing came to fruition.
Carroll racked up some more air-miles, opting to sign for OFI Crete in the summer of 2011. After putting in some stellar performances, Greek powerhouses Olympiakos came calling in January signing him for a reported fee of €100k. He is held in high regard by fans through his heart-on-sleeve perfomances.
Savio Nsereko
Ushered in as the man to solve our goalscoring problems, Savio was Signed by our Director of Football Gianluca Nani for a reported fee of £9 million (although the fee is still debated to this day). Mooted as our 'record signing', he was given the number 10 shirt, replacing the outgoing Craig Bellamy.
Savio's tenure at West Ham crumbled under the weight of expectation. He was subsequently sold on to Fiorentina for a Manuel da Costa-plus-cash deal, where he was then farmed out to various clubs around Europe. He continuously went AWOL during times at each loan stint. Savio has now since landed a permanent move to German Third Division club SpVgg Unterhachting. He signed for an undisclosed fee this summer, stating that location was a key factor in his decision.
Alessandro Diamanti
Diamanti was another of Gianluca Nani's scouted players signed for a reported £6million from Brescia (reportedly paid for by our sponsors). He was a landmark signing as he became the 800th player to play for West Ham as he made his debut in the 1-0 defeat to Wigan.
He struggled to adapt to the pace of the Premier League; although he tallied up eight goals in his maiden campaign, only three came from open play. But his energetic displays did earn him recognition as he claimed the runner-up spot of Hammer of the Year behind deserved winner Scott Parker. He has since returned to Brescia for a fraction of the cost (we are still locked in a battle to claim the money Brescia owe us).
In what proved to be a similar year statistically back at Brescia, as well as suffering relegation Diamanti received a call-up to the Italian national team. The following summer he packed his bags again as Bologna snapped him up on a co-ownership deal. He has since found his shooting boots again, hitting double figures for the club in his debut season.
Luís Boa Morte
Luís, I believe is best described as a 'Marmite signing' as the fans either loved him or loathed him during his four-year affiliation in claret and blue. He was signed by Alan Curbishley for an undisclosed fee, reported to be around the £5 million mark. In April 2007 he scored his first goal for the club in a 3-0 win against Wigan. But it wasn't until May 2010 in a 1-1 draw against Man City that he would double his tally for the long-waiting Hammers faithful. He signed a two-year deal come the end of the 2009/10 campaign but only saw out half of it before his contract was terminated.
He subsequently signed for Greek club Larissa, linking up once more with former gaffer Chris Coleman for whom he had worked under at Fulham. However financial problems soon hit the club and Boa Morte exited six months later. A brief stint at South African team Orlando Pirates soon followed and although he signed an 18-month deal, Luís only stayed for a mere four months. He then went on trial at MLS outfit Toronto FC but was back in the UK on trial with League One Portsmouth.
Benni McCarthy
Labelled by many fans as a panic buy in his deadline day move in the January 2010 transfer window, Benni signed a two-and-a-half year deal and widely reported as being very out of shape. As well as being fined in excess of £200,000 for reaching over 15 stone, strict dieting and training regimes soon followed but amounted to nothing. The ties were eventually cut and he was released at the start of the 2011 season, with Karren Brady famously labeling him 'A big fat mistake'.
McCarthy has since returned to his native South Africa, signing for the Orlando Pirates (briefing playing with Boa Morte) and leading the scoring charts averaging a goal every other game whilst aiding the team in retaining the league title. He has also wrote himself into South African folklore as the first South African player to win three league titles with three different teams on two different continents (now that's a mouthful!).
Lucas Neill
Often referred to as 'Lucash' by some sceptical fans following his arrival in January 2007 from Blackburn Rovers, Neill turned down the chance of joining Liverpool before joining the Hammers. His leadership qualities on the field were acknowledged and he was given the captain's armband on numerous occasions before eventually taking it permanently in the wake of Nigel Reo-Coker's transfer to Aston Villa.
The Australian's stay at Upton Park lasted only two years as he decided against prolonging his contract and he joined Everton on a free transfer, linking up with International team-mate and close friend Tim Cahill. His affiliation with the Goodison Park faithful was short-lived as he made the switch to Turkish side Galatasaray, with the reason being a longer contract on offer and linking up with fellow Socceroo Harry Kewell.
After being let go at the end of the Turkish season, Lucas was packing his bags to the oil-rich United Arab Emirates. Signing for Al Jazira on a year long deal where he amassed 19 appearances and scored three goals. Once again as his deal ran up, Lucas was let go and soon enough he landed another deal at fellow UAE club Al Wasl where he is due to start the upcoming season.
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WEST HAM STAR'S TOM-FOOLERY
Daily Star
4th October 2012 By Mike McGrath
JAMES TOMKINS admits he wasted his time by going to the London Olympics and losing his West Ham place. The 23-year-old made only two appearances for Team GB during the Games and slipped behind James Collins and Winston Reid in the pecking order at Upton Park. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce has started the centre-back in only one league game this season – and subbed him at half-time in the defeat by Swansea. But Tomkins said: "It is always hard of course. I wanted to represent Great Britain and the manager gave me the chance. "I went there expecting to play more than I did in the end. Obviously I wasted a lot of time and then Ginge (Collins) and Reidy played a lot together in pre-season. "It was disappointing for me but I suppose that is what football is like."
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Are Sam Allardyce's West Ham a 'dirty' team?
HereIsTheCity
by Jenny Leigh
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has fired back at claims that his team is 'dirty', after they became the first side in Premier League history to receive 8 yellow cards in one game. The Hammers' 1-2 away win against Queen's Park Rangers was a game that Allardyce felt was "an unfortunate scenario" for his side. He claimed, "There was hardly a bad tackle in the game and there was a lot of reaction from the crowd by Mark Clattenburg". Referee Mark Clattenburg also sent off QPR's Samba Diakite for two yellow card offenses in the space of 20 minutes. QPR manager Mark Hughes saw no substantial cause for complaint. He said, after the game: "The first one was a genuine attempt to get the ball but the lad has just nicked it away from him. It doesn't warrant a yellow card in my view. Some referees give them, some don't."
The referee booked Jaaskelainen, Collins, Nolan, Noble, Diame, Cole, Tomkins, and McCartney of West Ham and Taarabt along with the double-booking of Diakite. "We've ended up looking like a dirty team, giving 22 fouls away and getting so many players booked." Allardyce defended his team, "We are not a dirty side. There was hardly a dirty tackle in this game but it'll look a lot different to the people who weren't watching, which is a shame."
The Hammers' manager, formerly of Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers, has earned himself a reputation of utilizing very traditional tactics that rely upon a certain degree of physicality. He is also known to be an obsessive statistician who endlessly analyses performances not only based on the number of passes, fouls, corners, shots and possession percentages – as most managers do – but also states that is often his reason for his purchases.
Infamous for his 'long-ball' strategy, Allardyce has never been shy about his disinterest in "pretty football"; he has been criticized as being a "dinosaur".
Is it possible that simply his preference for his brand and philosophy of traditional football is becoming extinct in a modern game that has become more cultured? One thing's for sure: when the old-fashioned and the new-fashioned ideologies of the game go head-to-head it certainly won't be "pretty."
But critics should remember that direct and deliberately dirty don't necessarily go hand in hand, despite what eight bookings may suggest.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, October 3
Daily WHUFC News - 3rd October 2012
The Big Interview - Andy Carroll
WHUFC.com
The returning England striker played his part as West Ham United scored a
fine 2-1 win at Queens Park Rangers
02.10.2012
Andy Carroll was all smiles after making a successful return from injury for
West Ham United in Monday's 2-1 Barclays Premier League victory at Queens
Park Rangers. The England centre forward was back after missing four matches
with a hamstring strain suffered on his debut against Fulham on 1 September.
After a month of hard work and rehabilitation, Carroll was clearly eager to
do well at Loftus Road. The 23-year-old was at his physically-imposing best
during a late cameo, coming close to beating home goalkeeper Julio Cesar
with two rasping efforts and just missing out on finishing crosses from Matt
Jarvis and Kevin Nolan. Speaking exclusively to West Ham TV, Carroll paid
tribute to the club's medical staff and his new team-mates for making his
return as speedy and painless as possible. Now, the No8 is targeting a start
and a win in Saturday's big tea-time clash with Arsenal at the Boleyn
Ground.
After making such an impact on your debut, you must have been itching to
return to action?
AC - "Yes, since the Fulham game I have been dying to get back. I've been
working hard in the gym and the staff here have helped me to get back fit
and obviously coming on at QPR and helping the lads to get the win was
great. It was hard. I was devastated when I got injured but I've worked hard
and I've been the gym every day. I've only been out on the training pitch a
handful of times since so it was great to be out there at Loftus Road
playing football again."
Is it a testament to your fitness that you have returned a lot quicker than
was originally forecast?
AC - "All the medical staff here are great and they have worked well with
us. I've been over the moon with what I've been doing and obviously that has
made for a speedy recovery. I had only trained a handful of times so it was
touch-and-go but all the staff have been great with me. I felt fine and
obviously they wouldn't have risked me if I had any problems. The medical
side have been great. As soon as I stopped feeling the hamstring a week or
two ago I wanted to get back on the pitch but they wouldn't let me because
they told me it wasn't right. I've had to keep working on it and I've got it
right and got 20 minutes on
Monday night. I'm absolutely fine."
Monday's game was an interesting one to make your return in as it certainly
wasn't for the faint-hearted, was it?
AC - "No, there were a few tackles going in and it was a good game to watch.
I was glad I got on and it was great for the lads that we got the three
points."
You spoke about the importance of Big Sam and Kevin Nolan being here in
helping you to decide to move to West Ham United. Has their presence made it
easier to get over the disappointment of being injured on your debut and to
settle in generally?
AC - "It's been great. All the lads are spot-on and there is always banter
flying around and they are a great group of lads. Everyone is in it for each
other and you can see they are behind each other in games. It's the same on
the training ground. It's just great so I'm enjoying it."
Are you looking forward to playing alongside Matt Jarvis on a regular basis,
considering his crossing ability?
AC - "That is what Matt is about. He loves putting balls in the box and that
is what I really thrive on, crosses coming in and getting my head on the end
of them. As you saw when I got on at QPR, he put four or five balls in
straight away. I didn't get on the end of them but he is putting them in
every time."
You have played for Newcastle United and Liverpool, but how do you assess
the quality in the current Hammers squad?
AC - "Yes, I think it is great. All the lads get on well and you can see the
quality in training. We showed that quality at QPR on Monday in what was a
tough game at a tough place to go. It was great to get the win and the three
points."
We move on to Arsenal on Saturday, but presumably we don't have to fear
anyone with the way we have been performing in the Barclays Premier League
so far?
AC - "No, we've obviously been playing really well and we proved that on
Monday. We had quite a few chances but we didn't put them all away. We've
been playing well and I think all the lads are looking forward to Arsenal on
Saturday."
How are you settling in down in London?
AC - "It's completely different. It's a huge city! I'm really enjoying it.
It's completely different but I like it."
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Ladies fightback earns point
WHUFC.com
West Ham United came from two goals down to snatch a valuable 2-2 draw with
Gillingham
02.10.2012
West Ham United Ladies came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Gillingham
in the FA Women's Premier League Southern Division on Sunday. The Gills took
the game by storm and could have been four goals clear within the opening 30
minutes had it not been for some excellent goalkeeping from Toni-Anne Wayne
at Thurrock FC's Ship Lane stadium. Unfortunately for the Hammers, however,
the visitors' persistence paid off and they took a 2-0 lead by scoring twice
in two minutes before the interval. Charlotte Gurr opened the scoring by
firing into the corner of the net past Wayne and just seconds later the
opportunistic Lauren Williams netted from close-range. The home side reacted
well, though, and responded with a goal of their own just before half-time.
With the consent of the referee, Becky Merritt (pictured) took a quick
free-kick from 25 yards which flew past the stranded Gills goalkeeper, who
was still attempting to build her wall. West Ham came out for the second
half rejuvenated by their goal and it took just under 20 minutes for the
Gills to crack under the relentless Hammers pressure. With 26 minutes
remaining in the contest Lindsey Morgan brought the sides level with a
wonderfully-taken goal. Morgan allowed a long ball to float over her
shoulder before lashing a dipping volley into the back of the net. Emma
Thomas almost snatched a late winner when she beat the offside trap but her
powerful shot went just the wrong side of the post. The Ladies' draw means
they now trail early pace-setters Millwall Lionesses by eight points, but
the Hammers do have a game in-hand on their south London rivals. Julia
Setford's side return to action on Sunday, when they travel to Tottenham
Hotspur.
West Ham United Ladies: Wayne, Barling, King, Revell, Sullivan, Little,
Roache, Morgan, Merritt, Rowland, Thomas
Subs used: Stimson, Lipley-Hinton
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Happy birthday, Sir Trevor
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 2nd October 2012
By: Staff Writer
One of West Ham United's greatest servants, Sir Trevor Brooking, is 64
today.
The former England midfielder, who had the former North Bank stand at the
Boleyn Ground named in his honour in 2009, made over 500 appearances for
United in a career that spanned some 17 years.
Born in Barking three years after the end of World War II, Brooking - the
son of a police footballer (a tough-tackling centre half) - was one of the
most gifted pupils at his school. He left Ilford County High with 11
O-Levels (the pre-cursor to GCSE's) and two A-Levels before joining West Ham
at the age of 16.
"I was at one of the old Grammar schools where the Academic side was quite
important," he told KUMB.com in a 2001 interview. "West Ham understood the
problems of leaving and not finishing your GCSE's as they are now.
"So I came to an agreement with West Ham that instead of signing in 1964 I
said I'd join them in 1965 when I'd finished my GCEs. I signed a two year
apprenticeship in the summer of 1965 which was a month after the Cup Winners
Cup final."
It was to be another two years before the talented young Brooking finally
made his debut, in a Division One fixture against Burnley at Turf Moor - and
it was a day to remember, with all three World Cup heroes from the previous
summer getting on the score sheet.
"I was really chuffed that we drew 3-3 and it was weird that they [Moore,
Peters and Hurst] scored," he recalled. "I think that I did okay, and
certainly enjoyed it - it was a decent performance. It was a fairly tough
place to get a result, so 3-3 was excellent."
Brooking soon became a firm fixture in the first team and it wasn't long
before he began to gain admirers - including former Derby manager Brian
Clough who made an audacious bid to sign Brooking and team mate Bobby Moore
in 1972.
"Bobby's agent did some work for me and I was part of the deal," said
Brooking. "Bobby and I were going to go but it was agreed at board level and
then referred to Ron [Greenwood] - and Ron said no.
"There was a spell in 1970/71 when I was on the [transfer] list. There were
a couple of clubs - Luton and Millwall, both second division clubs at the
time - who came in but Ron told them I wasn't for sale. So although I was on
the list, the word came back to me that I wasn't being offered and they
weren't accepting any bids."
That was good news for Hammers fans who saw the youngster blossom at the
Boleyn Ground following the departure of one of West Ham's World Cup winning
triumvirate, Martin Peters, to Tottenham.
Over the course of the next decade Brooking went on to star in all of West
Ham's biggest games - including FA Cup Finals against Fulham and Arsenal, a
Cup Winners' Cup Final against Anderlecht and a League Cup Final against
Liverpool - and make in excess of 50 appearances for England, including a
brief appearance at the 1982 World Cup Finals.
Of those games, the one he will be most remembered for by Hammers fans is
the 1980 FA Cup Final, when he headed home the only goal of the game to
bring the Cup back to east London.
"Bill [Bonds] and Alvin [Martin] never gave them a kick," he recalled. "The
key tactic was Stuart Pearson playing in midfield - we had five in midfield.
At half-time we were one-nil up and assumed that Arsenal would change it,
but they never changed their tactics throughout the 90 minutes - which was a
big mistake!"
It was that FA Cup-winning squad - and the subsequent promotion-winning team
which ran away with the Division Two title the following season - that
Brooking feels was the best West Ham team he was part of in his 17 years at
the club.
"There's no question that the 1980-83 team was the best," he affirmed.
"Parksie in goal; Ray Stewart, Alvin Martin, Bonzo and Frank [Lampard]; Pat,
Pikey, myself and Alan Dev with Crossie and Paul Goddard [up front]. That
was the best, most balanced team that I played in."
Brooking's final appearance for West Ham came on 14th May 1984 in a 1-0 home
defeat to FA Cup Finalists Everton - two years before John Lyall led the
Hammers to their best-ever top flight finish (third in 1985/86).
Since hanging up his boots Brooking has enjoyed spells as a TV pundit, as an
ambassador for Sport England and as Director of Football Development at the
FA. In 2004 he was knighted for his services to sport - a year after he made
his only appearance as a manager when stepping in for Glenn Roeder at West
Ham.
All of the team at KUMB.com would like to wish Sir Trev a very happy
birthday.
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce happy for Andy Carroll to be called up by
England
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
October 2, 2012 9:53am
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce says he has no problem with Andy Carroll being
called up to the England squad for the forthcoming games against San Marino
and Poland. Carroll made a successful return to action in Monday's win over
Queens Park Rangers, playing the final 18 minutes after recovering from a
hamstring injury. England boss Roy Hodgson was an interested observer at
Loftus Road and Allardyce insists Carroll is ready to return for the Three
Lions despite being short of fitness after a month on the sidelines. "I will
speak to Roy personally and give him the lowdown on his match fitness," said
Allardyce.
"He only played twice for Liverpool, he has played 68 minutes for us and now
another 18, so he is short of match fitness which I am sure Roy will deal
with in the right way. "[England duty] gives him match fitness if it is done
sensibly but I don't want to tell Roy how to do his job. "I have to say we
have spent a huge amount of time getting him here and because of fatigue he
pulled his hamstring in the first game so we have to manage that. If England
call him up they will manage that."
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West Ham's Andy Carroll is delighted at his early return from a hamstring
injury
Last Updated: October 2, 2012 4:17pm
SSN
Andy Carroll is delighted with his return to action from injury that came
much sooner than expected. The striker was thought be have been ruled out
for around six weeks when he strained a hamstring in his first match for
West Ham after moving to Upton Park on loan from Liverpool. But his
18-minute cameo against QPR on Monday night came around two weeks ahead of
schedule, and the England international has revealed he was desperate to get
back in claret and blue.
"I have been dying to get back," he admitted. "I was devastated when I got
injured, but I've worked hard and I've been in the gym every day. "I've only
been out on the training pitch a handful of times since so it was great to
be out there at Loftus Road playing football again. "All the medical staff
here are great and they have worked well with us. I've been over the moon
with what I've been doing and obviously that has made for a speedy recovery.
"I had only trained a handful of times so it was touch-and-go, but all the
staff have been great with me. I felt fine and obviously they wouldn't have
risked me if I had any problems."
Carroll, who had made his presence felt in the 68 minutes he managed in the
3-0 win over Fulham on 1st September, says he had to be held back from
making himself available even earlier. He explained: "As soon as I stopped
feeling the hamstring a week or two ago, I wanted to get back on the pitch,
but they wouldn't let me because they told me it wasn't right. "I've had to
keep working on it and I've got it right. I'm absolutely fine."
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West Ham striker Ricardo Vaz Te has told his team-mates they must build on
their positive start to the Premier League campaign.
Last Updated: October 2, 2012 4:36pm
SSN
West Ham striker Ricardo Vaz Te has warned his team-mates they must not rest
on their laurels despite a promising start to the season. The Portuguese
scored the second goal in their 2-1 win away to QPR on Monday night, a
victory that leaves the Hammers seventh in the Premier League table. But
with the club having only just returned to the top-flight after a season in
the Championship, Vaz Te knows they have a long way to go before they can
claim to have had a successful campaign. "It is a great start but we just
have to keep it going. We haven't achieved anything," he said. "We have to
make sure our objectives (are reached) and we have to make sure we don't get
carried away. Week in and week out, we just have to make sure we keep on
performing. "We haven't won anything, we have not done anything. It has been
what six or seven games? It means nothing so far." As for his goal against
London rivals QPR, Vaz Te added: "If I score, it is a bonus. As long as the
team wins and we get the three points, that is the main thing."
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Real Madrid, West Ham and Barca!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
There is an interesting peice in the Sports Mail today, which focuses upon
the Opta statistics for the number of 'long balls' played by teams. A 'long
ball' being defined as a pass or forward ball over 25 yards or more. These
statistics show that so far this season, Real Madrid have played (67), West
Ham (65) and Barca (59). So it would seem, based on this Opta data, that
West Ham are broadly comparable to both of the Spanish giants, in this
respect.
In the PL, so far this season, the statistics for other PL teams are as
follows: Newcastle Utd have played (78), Wigan (67), Liverpool (66), Chelsea
(65), Fulham (64), WBA (64), Villa (62), Sunderland (62), Norwich (60) and
Spurs (61). Even the PL title chasing Manchester teams have played quite a
few such balls: Utd (56), and City (54). This would indicate, domestically,
that Newcastle Utd are the most direct team in the PL, followed by Wigan and
Liverpool; while we are on a par with Chelsea! So, as I have consisently
argued this season, it all comes down what you define as a 'long ball.' But
these statistics make interesting reading. Is it a case of Disraeli's 'lies,
damn lies and statistics' ? Or does it illustrate the fact that there is a
lot of ill defined and stereotypical talk about what constitutes a so-called
'long ball' team or 'direct' style of play. And that other managers use
direct play, without being labelled and stigmatized for it.
Against QPR we saw clear evidence of an another argument that I have
consistently made, that Allardyce's West Ham team will mix up its play,
playing it 'long,' and passing it as circumstances dictate. On Tuesday
evening, West Ham moved the ball very well, with some sharp passing play.
Look at the opening goal, where a well played one-two got behind the QPR
defence for Jarvis's headed goal. Later in the game, we successfully played
the ball around and retained possession. These are all traits that common
wisdom says that you do not see in a 'Big Sam team,' with the big boot
forward supposedly being the MO of their playing style.
The Sportsmail peice also sheds an interesting light on Allardyce's training
methods. Far from the defenders spending training sessions booting it long
to Carroll and Cole, McDonald and Downes put the players in to small groups
where the ball is passed quickly, and they are pressed by team mates, to
reduce the amount of time available on the ball. This not only refines the
ability of players to play the ball in tight, heavily marked games, but
assists with a key tactic of defending high and pressing the opposition in
their own half. As the week progresses Allardyce becomes more directly
involved in training sessions and, towards the end of the week, on Thursday
and Friday, they work on set peices.
Remarking on the victory over QPR, the article concludes by stating that:
'Allardyce has always been prickly about the accusations that his teams know
only one way to play, but he has adjusted to the demands of modern football.
At times they might kick it long, but on Monday night they joined the
culture club.'
I know 'one swallow does not a summer make,' but one wonders if this fair
and interesting peice constitutes the start of a media re-assessment of
Allardyce's methods and playing style? If so, it will be a case of, to
paraphrase George Bernard Shaw's Professor Higgins, in Pygmalion (My Fair
Lady to fans of Cinema), 'By Jove I think they've got it.'
SJ. Chandos.
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Carroll a happy Hammer
Published: 02nd October 2012
The Sun
WEST HAM UNITED hitman Andy Carroll is pleased with his comeback performance
in win at QPR. The big striker - on a season long loan to the Hammers from
Liverpool - made a late cameo appearance in his first game since pulling a
hamstring in his debut against Fulham on September 1. Carroll said: "I have
been dying to get back. "I was devastated when I got injured, but I've
worked hard and I've been in the gym every day. "I've only been out on the
training pitch a handful of times since so it was great to be out there at
Loftus Road playing football again. "All the medical staff here are great
and they have worked well with us. I've been over the moon with what I've
been doing and obviously that has made for a speedy recovery." He added: "I
had only trained a handful of times so it was touch-and-go, but all the
staff have been great with me. I felt fine and obviously they wouldn't have
risked me if I had any problems. "As soon as I stopped feeling the hamstring
a week or two ago, I wanted to get back on the pitch, but they wouldn't let
me because they told me it wasn't right.
"I've had to keep working on it and I've got it right. I'm absolutely fine."
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Carroll's singing! Vaz Te risks Big Sam's wrath by urging England to pick
Andy
The Mirror
West Ham striker Andy Carroll is desperate for an England call-up - and has
been backed to turn Roy Hodgson's men into world beaters. Carroll's West Ham
team-mate Ricardo Vaz Te is convinced that the Geordie centre-forward will
relish the chance of a call-up for England's World Cup qualifiers with San
Marino next Friday and Poland four days later. Anxious Hammers boss Sam
Allardyce has warned Hodgson, who names his party on Thursday, that Carroll
is "woefully, woefully" short of fitness and sharpness. But, after Carroll
came on as a sub in Monday's win at QPR following a month out with a
hamstring injury, Vaz Te said: "He's great to have back. He's such a
handful. He is an England striker. "I'm not sure if he's back in time -
that's for Roy to prove. He [Carroll] proved for us that when he is fit he
is ready. We have one more game, hopefully, that will show [it too]. "Give
him a call - a player will know if he is ready.
"With Andy's strength, England can do anything. Every time you play a ball
to him, you know he is going to control it. He lets the team breathe, he
lets you push on. He buys you time. "Normally, you get big players who are
strong but not so good with their feet. Andy is an all rounder. He is not
fast - but not slow either. He showed that at QPR. "He is a terrific
player."
Carroll, who suffered the injury on his Hammers debut after joining on a
season's loan from Liverpool, said: "I have been dying to get back. "I was
devastated when I got injured, but I've worked hard and I've been in the gym
every day. "As soon as I stopped feeling the hamstring a week or two ago, I
wanted to get back on the pitch, but they wouldn't let me because they told
me it wasn't right. "I've had to keep working on it and I've got it right.
I'm absolutely fine."
Hodgson is also considering recalling Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon after
being impressed with his recent displays. The England boss watched him in
person as Spurs won at Manchester United on Saturday.
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Allardyce's Hammers play just like Real Madrid and Barcelona... but not how
you think
By NEIL ASHTON
PUBLISHED: 23:42, 2 October 2012 | UPDATED: 23:44, 2 October 2012
Daily Mail
Take a look at these statistics and see whether you can spot a trend: Real
Madrid 67. West Ham 65. Barcelona 59. At first glance it is difficult to
think of a single reason why Sam Allardyce's team could possibly be
mentioned in the same sentence as two of the biggest clubs in world
football. Some would even say it is deeply offensive for Sam Allardyce's
long-ball merchants to even be mentioned in the same breath as Jose Mourinho
or Tito Vilanova's eye-catching teams.
After watching West Ham's impressive and stylish victory over QPR at Loftus
Road from the halfway line on Monday night, it is easier to make sense of
the numbers. The figures above for the three teams represent the average
number of long balls that the teams have played in their respective leagues
this season.
For the purposes of this analysis, produced by Opta and freely available on
the excellent website whoscored.com, any attempted pass which is 25 yards or
more constitutes a long ball. They are surprising figures, particular for
two Spanish teams who pride themselves on short, incisive passing to slice
through the opposition. The purists will claim that Gerard Pique can change
gear at will, picking out Lionel Messi and sending a ball from one half to
the other with his superior skills. The reality is that even Barcelona and
Real Madrid, in times of trouble, will resort to the outlets up front and
send something long for Cristiano Ronaldo or Messi to chase down. Perhaps
this is the reason that Allardyce, in an interview in September 2010 that
brought much mirth and derision in football, claimed he could manage Real
Madrid. At the time he claimed he would walk away with league titles year
in, year out if he was given the chance to manage one of the world's biggest
football clubs. Even last weekend, Allardyce's protests continued in an
extensive interview with the Observer, when he argued for 'winning football'
as opposed to 'pretty passing'. His case is helped by the number of long
balls his rivals in the Barclays Premier League are playing. Liverpool, who
are supposed to be taking the short passing game to another level under
Brendan Rodgers, average 66 long balls every match.
These are the average number of long balls played, on average, this season
by the teams who finished in the top four:
Champions Manchester City (54), Manchester United (56), Arsenal (49),
Tottenham (61).
As for the rest of the Premier League, there are some eye-catching
statistics among the other sides.
Newcastle (78), Everton (69), Reading (67), Wigan (67), Chelsea (65) Fulham
(64), West Bromwich (64), Aston Villa (62), Sunderland (62), Norwich (60),
QPR
(59), Stoke (59), Swansea (55) and Southampton (51).
Pity Rodgers, Alan Pardew, David Moyes, Brian McDermott, Roberto Martinez
and Roberto Di Matteo when people become aware of the statistics. With the
exception of Arsenal, Southampton and Swansea, it would be easy to argue
that the rest of the Premier League is made up of hit and hope teams.
Clearly that is not the case, with teams refining their systems to suit the
demands of skilful players and a demanding public. No manager likes negative
Press, particularly Allardyce. Although he has strengthened the team for the
Premier League, he has refined the pattern and style for the Hammers' return
to the top flight. At Loftus Road they looked like an established Premier
League team, pouncing on the defensive deficiencies of a team who are afraid
to play at home. Rangers are seizing up at Loftus Road, a legacy of their
5-0 opening day defeat against Swansea and their failure to win in the
Premier League this season. Allardyce has a specific system in place
designed to hunt down the opposition and take advantage of teams who want to
play The Beautiful Game, but play it badly. At this moment, QPR fall into
that category. The idea that Allardyce takes training at Chadwell Heath each
day with full-backs launching endless long balls towards Andy Carroll or
Carlton Cole is a myth.
At the beginning of the week, his coaches Neil McDonald and Wally Downes
take training and Allardyce has input from the sidelines. They are not
trying to reinvent the wheel, but they play small-sided, passing and
pressing games to take time away from the players and put them under
pressure. As they build up towards matchday, Allardyce's role becomes more
prominent and he is heavily involved on the training pitches. On Thursday
and Friday, like most teams across the country, they practise set-pieces
ahead of a Saturday fixture. Even then, for a team tagged 'long ball', they
have won only 50 per cent of their aerial duels this season. Allardyce has
always been prickly about the accusations that his teams know only one way
to play, but he has adjusted to the demands of modern football. At times
they might kick it long, but on Monday night they joined the culture club.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
The returning England striker played his part as West Ham United scored a
fine 2-1 win at Queens Park Rangers
02.10.2012
Andy Carroll was all smiles after making a successful return from injury for
West Ham United in Monday's 2-1 Barclays Premier League victory at Queens
Park Rangers. The England centre forward was back after missing four matches
with a hamstring strain suffered on his debut against Fulham on 1 September.
After a month of hard work and rehabilitation, Carroll was clearly eager to
do well at Loftus Road. The 23-year-old was at his physically-imposing best
during a late cameo, coming close to beating home goalkeeper Julio Cesar
with two rasping efforts and just missing out on finishing crosses from Matt
Jarvis and Kevin Nolan. Speaking exclusively to West Ham TV, Carroll paid
tribute to the club's medical staff and his new team-mates for making his
return as speedy and painless as possible. Now, the No8 is targeting a start
and a win in Saturday's big tea-time clash with Arsenal at the Boleyn
Ground.
After making such an impact on your debut, you must have been itching to
return to action?
AC - "Yes, since the Fulham game I have been dying to get back. I've been
working hard in the gym and the staff here have helped me to get back fit
and obviously coming on at QPR and helping the lads to get the win was
great. It was hard. I was devastated when I got injured but I've worked hard
and I've been the gym every day. I've only been out on the training pitch a
handful of times since so it was great to be out there at Loftus Road
playing football again."
Is it a testament to your fitness that you have returned a lot quicker than
was originally forecast?
AC - "All the medical staff here are great and they have worked well with
us. I've been over the moon with what I've been doing and obviously that has
made for a speedy recovery. I had only trained a handful of times so it was
touch-and-go but all the staff have been great with me. I felt fine and
obviously they wouldn't have risked me if I had any problems. The medical
side have been great. As soon as I stopped feeling the hamstring a week or
two ago I wanted to get back on the pitch but they wouldn't let me because
they told me it wasn't right. I've had to keep working on it and I've got it
right and got 20 minutes on
Monday night. I'm absolutely fine."
Monday's game was an interesting one to make your return in as it certainly
wasn't for the faint-hearted, was it?
AC - "No, there were a few tackles going in and it was a good game to watch.
I was glad I got on and it was great for the lads that we got the three
points."
You spoke about the importance of Big Sam and Kevin Nolan being here in
helping you to decide to move to West Ham United. Has their presence made it
easier to get over the disappointment of being injured on your debut and to
settle in generally?
AC - "It's been great. All the lads are spot-on and there is always banter
flying around and they are a great group of lads. Everyone is in it for each
other and you can see they are behind each other in games. It's the same on
the training ground. It's just great so I'm enjoying it."
Are you looking forward to playing alongside Matt Jarvis on a regular basis,
considering his crossing ability?
AC - "That is what Matt is about. He loves putting balls in the box and that
is what I really thrive on, crosses coming in and getting my head on the end
of them. As you saw when I got on at QPR, he put four or five balls in
straight away. I didn't get on the end of them but he is putting them in
every time."
You have played for Newcastle United and Liverpool, but how do you assess
the quality in the current Hammers squad?
AC - "Yes, I think it is great. All the lads get on well and you can see the
quality in training. We showed that quality at QPR on Monday in what was a
tough game at a tough place to go. It was great to get the win and the three
points."
We move on to Arsenal on Saturday, but presumably we don't have to fear
anyone with the way we have been performing in the Barclays Premier League
so far?
AC - "No, we've obviously been playing really well and we proved that on
Monday. We had quite a few chances but we didn't put them all away. We've
been playing well and I think all the lads are looking forward to Arsenal on
Saturday."
How are you settling in down in London?
AC - "It's completely different. It's a huge city! I'm really enjoying it.
It's completely different but I like it."
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Ladies fightback earns point
WHUFC.com
West Ham United came from two goals down to snatch a valuable 2-2 draw with
Gillingham
02.10.2012
West Ham United Ladies came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Gillingham
in the FA Women's Premier League Southern Division on Sunday. The Gills took
the game by storm and could have been four goals clear within the opening 30
minutes had it not been for some excellent goalkeeping from Toni-Anne Wayne
at Thurrock FC's Ship Lane stadium. Unfortunately for the Hammers, however,
the visitors' persistence paid off and they took a 2-0 lead by scoring twice
in two minutes before the interval. Charlotte Gurr opened the scoring by
firing into the corner of the net past Wayne and just seconds later the
opportunistic Lauren Williams netted from close-range. The home side reacted
well, though, and responded with a goal of their own just before half-time.
With the consent of the referee, Becky Merritt (pictured) took a quick
free-kick from 25 yards which flew past the stranded Gills goalkeeper, who
was still attempting to build her wall. West Ham came out for the second
half rejuvenated by their goal and it took just under 20 minutes for the
Gills to crack under the relentless Hammers pressure. With 26 minutes
remaining in the contest Lindsey Morgan brought the sides level with a
wonderfully-taken goal. Morgan allowed a long ball to float over her
shoulder before lashing a dipping volley into the back of the net. Emma
Thomas almost snatched a late winner when she beat the offside trap but her
powerful shot went just the wrong side of the post. The Ladies' draw means
they now trail early pace-setters Millwall Lionesses by eight points, but
the Hammers do have a game in-hand on their south London rivals. Julia
Setford's side return to action on Sunday, when they travel to Tottenham
Hotspur.
West Ham United Ladies: Wayne, Barling, King, Revell, Sullivan, Little,
Roache, Morgan, Merritt, Rowland, Thomas
Subs used: Stimson, Lipley-Hinton
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Happy birthday, Sir Trevor
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 2nd October 2012
By: Staff Writer
One of West Ham United's greatest servants, Sir Trevor Brooking, is 64
today.
The former England midfielder, who had the former North Bank stand at the
Boleyn Ground named in his honour in 2009, made over 500 appearances for
United in a career that spanned some 17 years.
Born in Barking three years after the end of World War II, Brooking - the
son of a police footballer (a tough-tackling centre half) - was one of the
most gifted pupils at his school. He left Ilford County High with 11
O-Levels (the pre-cursor to GCSE's) and two A-Levels before joining West Ham
at the age of 16.
"I was at one of the old Grammar schools where the Academic side was quite
important," he told KUMB.com in a 2001 interview. "West Ham understood the
problems of leaving and not finishing your GCSE's as they are now.
"So I came to an agreement with West Ham that instead of signing in 1964 I
said I'd join them in 1965 when I'd finished my GCEs. I signed a two year
apprenticeship in the summer of 1965 which was a month after the Cup Winners
Cup final."
It was to be another two years before the talented young Brooking finally
made his debut, in a Division One fixture against Burnley at Turf Moor - and
it was a day to remember, with all three World Cup heroes from the previous
summer getting on the score sheet.
"I was really chuffed that we drew 3-3 and it was weird that they [Moore,
Peters and Hurst] scored," he recalled. "I think that I did okay, and
certainly enjoyed it - it was a decent performance. It was a fairly tough
place to get a result, so 3-3 was excellent."
Brooking soon became a firm fixture in the first team and it wasn't long
before he began to gain admirers - including former Derby manager Brian
Clough who made an audacious bid to sign Brooking and team mate Bobby Moore
in 1972.
"Bobby's agent did some work for me and I was part of the deal," said
Brooking. "Bobby and I were going to go but it was agreed at board level and
then referred to Ron [Greenwood] - and Ron said no.
"There was a spell in 1970/71 when I was on the [transfer] list. There were
a couple of clubs - Luton and Millwall, both second division clubs at the
time - who came in but Ron told them I wasn't for sale. So although I was on
the list, the word came back to me that I wasn't being offered and they
weren't accepting any bids."
That was good news for Hammers fans who saw the youngster blossom at the
Boleyn Ground following the departure of one of West Ham's World Cup winning
triumvirate, Martin Peters, to Tottenham.
Over the course of the next decade Brooking went on to star in all of West
Ham's biggest games - including FA Cup Finals against Fulham and Arsenal, a
Cup Winners' Cup Final against Anderlecht and a League Cup Final against
Liverpool - and make in excess of 50 appearances for England, including a
brief appearance at the 1982 World Cup Finals.
Of those games, the one he will be most remembered for by Hammers fans is
the 1980 FA Cup Final, when he headed home the only goal of the game to
bring the Cup back to east London.
"Bill [Bonds] and Alvin [Martin] never gave them a kick," he recalled. "The
key tactic was Stuart Pearson playing in midfield - we had five in midfield.
At half-time we were one-nil up and assumed that Arsenal would change it,
but they never changed their tactics throughout the 90 minutes - which was a
big mistake!"
It was that FA Cup-winning squad - and the subsequent promotion-winning team
which ran away with the Division Two title the following season - that
Brooking feels was the best West Ham team he was part of in his 17 years at
the club.
"There's no question that the 1980-83 team was the best," he affirmed.
"Parksie in goal; Ray Stewart, Alvin Martin, Bonzo and Frank [Lampard]; Pat,
Pikey, myself and Alan Dev with Crossie and Paul Goddard [up front]. That
was the best, most balanced team that I played in."
Brooking's final appearance for West Ham came on 14th May 1984 in a 1-0 home
defeat to FA Cup Finalists Everton - two years before John Lyall led the
Hammers to their best-ever top flight finish (third in 1985/86).
Since hanging up his boots Brooking has enjoyed spells as a TV pundit, as an
ambassador for Sport England and as Director of Football Development at the
FA. In 2004 he was knighted for his services to sport - a year after he made
his only appearance as a manager when stepping in for Glenn Roeder at West
Ham.
All of the team at KUMB.com would like to wish Sir Trev a very happy
birthday.
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce happy for Andy Carroll to be called up by
England
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
October 2, 2012 9:53am
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce says he has no problem with Andy Carroll being
called up to the England squad for the forthcoming games against San Marino
and Poland. Carroll made a successful return to action in Monday's win over
Queens Park Rangers, playing the final 18 minutes after recovering from a
hamstring injury. England boss Roy Hodgson was an interested observer at
Loftus Road and Allardyce insists Carroll is ready to return for the Three
Lions despite being short of fitness after a month on the sidelines. "I will
speak to Roy personally and give him the lowdown on his match fitness," said
Allardyce.
"He only played twice for Liverpool, he has played 68 minutes for us and now
another 18, so he is short of match fitness which I am sure Roy will deal
with in the right way. "[England duty] gives him match fitness if it is done
sensibly but I don't want to tell Roy how to do his job. "I have to say we
have spent a huge amount of time getting him here and because of fatigue he
pulled his hamstring in the first game so we have to manage that. If England
call him up they will manage that."
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West Ham's Andy Carroll is delighted at his early return from a hamstring
injury
Last Updated: October 2, 2012 4:17pm
SSN
Andy Carroll is delighted with his return to action from injury that came
much sooner than expected. The striker was thought be have been ruled out
for around six weeks when he strained a hamstring in his first match for
West Ham after moving to Upton Park on loan from Liverpool. But his
18-minute cameo against QPR on Monday night came around two weeks ahead of
schedule, and the England international has revealed he was desperate to get
back in claret and blue.
"I have been dying to get back," he admitted. "I was devastated when I got
injured, but I've worked hard and I've been in the gym every day. "I've only
been out on the training pitch a handful of times since so it was great to
be out there at Loftus Road playing football again. "All the medical staff
here are great and they have worked well with us. I've been over the moon
with what I've been doing and obviously that has made for a speedy recovery.
"I had only trained a handful of times so it was touch-and-go, but all the
staff have been great with me. I felt fine and obviously they wouldn't have
risked me if I had any problems."
Carroll, who had made his presence felt in the 68 minutes he managed in the
3-0 win over Fulham on 1st September, says he had to be held back from
making himself available even earlier. He explained: "As soon as I stopped
feeling the hamstring a week or two ago, I wanted to get back on the pitch,
but they wouldn't let me because they told me it wasn't right. "I've had to
keep working on it and I've got it right. I'm absolutely fine."
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West Ham striker Ricardo Vaz Te has told his team-mates they must build on
their positive start to the Premier League campaign.
Last Updated: October 2, 2012 4:36pm
SSN
West Ham striker Ricardo Vaz Te has warned his team-mates they must not rest
on their laurels despite a promising start to the season. The Portuguese
scored the second goal in their 2-1 win away to QPR on Monday night, a
victory that leaves the Hammers seventh in the Premier League table. But
with the club having only just returned to the top-flight after a season in
the Championship, Vaz Te knows they have a long way to go before they can
claim to have had a successful campaign. "It is a great start but we just
have to keep it going. We haven't achieved anything," he said. "We have to
make sure our objectives (are reached) and we have to make sure we don't get
carried away. Week in and week out, we just have to make sure we keep on
performing. "We haven't won anything, we have not done anything. It has been
what six or seven games? It means nothing so far." As for his goal against
London rivals QPR, Vaz Te added: "If I score, it is a bonus. As long as the
team wins and we get the three points, that is the main thing."
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Real Madrid, West Ham and Barca!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
There is an interesting peice in the Sports Mail today, which focuses upon
the Opta statistics for the number of 'long balls' played by teams. A 'long
ball' being defined as a pass or forward ball over 25 yards or more. These
statistics show that so far this season, Real Madrid have played (67), West
Ham (65) and Barca (59). So it would seem, based on this Opta data, that
West Ham are broadly comparable to both of the Spanish giants, in this
respect.
In the PL, so far this season, the statistics for other PL teams are as
follows: Newcastle Utd have played (78), Wigan (67), Liverpool (66), Chelsea
(65), Fulham (64), WBA (64), Villa (62), Sunderland (62), Norwich (60) and
Spurs (61). Even the PL title chasing Manchester teams have played quite a
few such balls: Utd (56), and City (54). This would indicate, domestically,
that Newcastle Utd are the most direct team in the PL, followed by Wigan and
Liverpool; while we are on a par with Chelsea! So, as I have consisently
argued this season, it all comes down what you define as a 'long ball.' But
these statistics make interesting reading. Is it a case of Disraeli's 'lies,
damn lies and statistics' ? Or does it illustrate the fact that there is a
lot of ill defined and stereotypical talk about what constitutes a so-called
'long ball' team or 'direct' style of play. And that other managers use
direct play, without being labelled and stigmatized for it.
Against QPR we saw clear evidence of an another argument that I have
consistently made, that Allardyce's West Ham team will mix up its play,
playing it 'long,' and passing it as circumstances dictate. On Tuesday
evening, West Ham moved the ball very well, with some sharp passing play.
Look at the opening goal, where a well played one-two got behind the QPR
defence for Jarvis's headed goal. Later in the game, we successfully played
the ball around and retained possession. These are all traits that common
wisdom says that you do not see in a 'Big Sam team,' with the big boot
forward supposedly being the MO of their playing style.
The Sportsmail peice also sheds an interesting light on Allardyce's training
methods. Far from the defenders spending training sessions booting it long
to Carroll and Cole, McDonald and Downes put the players in to small groups
where the ball is passed quickly, and they are pressed by team mates, to
reduce the amount of time available on the ball. This not only refines the
ability of players to play the ball in tight, heavily marked games, but
assists with a key tactic of defending high and pressing the opposition in
their own half. As the week progresses Allardyce becomes more directly
involved in training sessions and, towards the end of the week, on Thursday
and Friday, they work on set peices.
Remarking on the victory over QPR, the article concludes by stating that:
'Allardyce has always been prickly about the accusations that his teams know
only one way to play, but he has adjusted to the demands of modern football.
At times they might kick it long, but on Monday night they joined the
culture club.'
I know 'one swallow does not a summer make,' but one wonders if this fair
and interesting peice constitutes the start of a media re-assessment of
Allardyce's methods and playing style? If so, it will be a case of, to
paraphrase George Bernard Shaw's Professor Higgins, in Pygmalion (My Fair
Lady to fans of Cinema), 'By Jove I think they've got it.'
SJ. Chandos.
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Carroll a happy Hammer
Published: 02nd October 2012
The Sun
WEST HAM UNITED hitman Andy Carroll is pleased with his comeback performance
in win at QPR. The big striker - on a season long loan to the Hammers from
Liverpool - made a late cameo appearance in his first game since pulling a
hamstring in his debut against Fulham on September 1. Carroll said: "I have
been dying to get back. "I was devastated when I got injured, but I've
worked hard and I've been in the gym every day. "I've only been out on the
training pitch a handful of times since so it was great to be out there at
Loftus Road playing football again. "All the medical staff here are great
and they have worked well with us. I've been over the moon with what I've
been doing and obviously that has made for a speedy recovery." He added: "I
had only trained a handful of times so it was touch-and-go, but all the
staff have been great with me. I felt fine and obviously they wouldn't have
risked me if I had any problems. "As soon as I stopped feeling the hamstring
a week or two ago, I wanted to get back on the pitch, but they wouldn't let
me because they told me it wasn't right.
"I've had to keep working on it and I've got it right. I'm absolutely fine."
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Carroll's singing! Vaz Te risks Big Sam's wrath by urging England to pick
Andy
The Mirror
West Ham striker Andy Carroll is desperate for an England call-up - and has
been backed to turn Roy Hodgson's men into world beaters. Carroll's West Ham
team-mate Ricardo Vaz Te is convinced that the Geordie centre-forward will
relish the chance of a call-up for England's World Cup qualifiers with San
Marino next Friday and Poland four days later. Anxious Hammers boss Sam
Allardyce has warned Hodgson, who names his party on Thursday, that Carroll
is "woefully, woefully" short of fitness and sharpness. But, after Carroll
came on as a sub in Monday's win at QPR following a month out with a
hamstring injury, Vaz Te said: "He's great to have back. He's such a
handful. He is an England striker. "I'm not sure if he's back in time -
that's for Roy to prove. He [Carroll] proved for us that when he is fit he
is ready. We have one more game, hopefully, that will show [it too]. "Give
him a call - a player will know if he is ready.
"With Andy's strength, England can do anything. Every time you play a ball
to him, you know he is going to control it. He lets the team breathe, he
lets you push on. He buys you time. "Normally, you get big players who are
strong but not so good with their feet. Andy is an all rounder. He is not
fast - but not slow either. He showed that at QPR. "He is a terrific
player."
Carroll, who suffered the injury on his Hammers debut after joining on a
season's loan from Liverpool, said: "I have been dying to get back. "I was
devastated when I got injured, but I've worked hard and I've been in the gym
every day. "As soon as I stopped feeling the hamstring a week or two ago, I
wanted to get back on the pitch, but they wouldn't let me because they told
me it wasn't right. "I've had to keep working on it and I've got it right.
I'm absolutely fine."
Hodgson is also considering recalling Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon after
being impressed with his recent displays. The England boss watched him in
person as Spurs won at Manchester United on Saturday.
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Allardyce's Hammers play just like Real Madrid and Barcelona... but not how
you think
By NEIL ASHTON
PUBLISHED: 23:42, 2 October 2012 | UPDATED: 23:44, 2 October 2012
Daily Mail
Take a look at these statistics and see whether you can spot a trend: Real
Madrid 67. West Ham 65. Barcelona 59. At first glance it is difficult to
think of a single reason why Sam Allardyce's team could possibly be
mentioned in the same sentence as two of the biggest clubs in world
football. Some would even say it is deeply offensive for Sam Allardyce's
long-ball merchants to even be mentioned in the same breath as Jose Mourinho
or Tito Vilanova's eye-catching teams.
After watching West Ham's impressive and stylish victory over QPR at Loftus
Road from the halfway line on Monday night, it is easier to make sense of
the numbers. The figures above for the three teams represent the average
number of long balls that the teams have played in their respective leagues
this season.
For the purposes of this analysis, produced by Opta and freely available on
the excellent website whoscored.com, any attempted pass which is 25 yards or
more constitutes a long ball. They are surprising figures, particular for
two Spanish teams who pride themselves on short, incisive passing to slice
through the opposition. The purists will claim that Gerard Pique can change
gear at will, picking out Lionel Messi and sending a ball from one half to
the other with his superior skills. The reality is that even Barcelona and
Real Madrid, in times of trouble, will resort to the outlets up front and
send something long for Cristiano Ronaldo or Messi to chase down. Perhaps
this is the reason that Allardyce, in an interview in September 2010 that
brought much mirth and derision in football, claimed he could manage Real
Madrid. At the time he claimed he would walk away with league titles year
in, year out if he was given the chance to manage one of the world's biggest
football clubs. Even last weekend, Allardyce's protests continued in an
extensive interview with the Observer, when he argued for 'winning football'
as opposed to 'pretty passing'. His case is helped by the number of long
balls his rivals in the Barclays Premier League are playing. Liverpool, who
are supposed to be taking the short passing game to another level under
Brendan Rodgers, average 66 long balls every match.
These are the average number of long balls played, on average, this season
by the teams who finished in the top four:
Champions Manchester City (54), Manchester United (56), Arsenal (49),
Tottenham (61).
As for the rest of the Premier League, there are some eye-catching
statistics among the other sides.
Newcastle (78), Everton (69), Reading (67), Wigan (67), Chelsea (65) Fulham
(64), West Bromwich (64), Aston Villa (62), Sunderland (62), Norwich (60),
QPR
(59), Stoke (59), Swansea (55) and Southampton (51).
Pity Rodgers, Alan Pardew, David Moyes, Brian McDermott, Roberto Martinez
and Roberto Di Matteo when people become aware of the statistics. With the
exception of Arsenal, Southampton and Swansea, it would be easy to argue
that the rest of the Premier League is made up of hit and hope teams.
Clearly that is not the case, with teams refining their systems to suit the
demands of skilful players and a demanding public. No manager likes negative
Press, particularly Allardyce. Although he has strengthened the team for the
Premier League, he has refined the pattern and style for the Hammers' return
to the top flight. At Loftus Road they looked like an established Premier
League team, pouncing on the defensive deficiencies of a team who are afraid
to play at home. Rangers are seizing up at Loftus Road, a legacy of their
5-0 opening day defeat against Swansea and their failure to win in the
Premier League this season. Allardyce has a specific system in place
designed to hunt down the opposition and take advantage of teams who want to
play The Beautiful Game, but play it badly. At this moment, QPR fall into
that category. The idea that Allardyce takes training at Chadwell Heath each
day with full-backs launching endless long balls towards Andy Carroll or
Carlton Cole is a myth.
At the beginning of the week, his coaches Neil McDonald and Wally Downes
take training and Allardyce has input from the sidelines. They are not
trying to reinvent the wheel, but they play small-sided, passing and
pressing games to take time away from the players and put them under
pressure. As they build up towards matchday, Allardyce's role becomes more
prominent and he is heavily involved on the training pitches. On Thursday
and Friday, like most teams across the country, they practise set-pieces
ahead of a Saturday fixture. Even then, for a team tagged 'long ball', they
have won only 50 per cent of their aerial duels this season. Allardyce has
always been prickly about the accusations that his teams know only one way
to play, but he has adjusted to the demands of modern football. At times
they might kick it long, but on Monday night they joined the culture club.
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