Big Sam on Southampton
WHUFC.com
The manager has spoken to the press ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier
League fixture
19.10.2012
Sam Allardyce has held his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's
Barclays Premier League fixture with Southampton at the Boleyn Ground. The
West Ham United manager was quizzed about everything from international
breaks to racism in football to his thoughts on Saturday's opponents. Big
Sam's press conference ahead of Saturday's sold out showdown with the Saints
can be watched in full on West Ham TV now!
Sam, the international break has come to a close. How is your squad looking
ahead of the clash with Southampton?
SA: "We are OK other than the shock of Senegal versus the Ivory Coast in
which we had two players involved in a horrific situation. One (Guy Demel)
was injured so he didn't play but they have both come back OK. Andy Carroll
has got back and he is OK. Winston Reid did not get back until late on
Thursday but he was called up despite being injured and had to fly 26,000
miles to not play. Everybody else is doing well. Our main problem is that
Winston had a back problem before he left and we do not know how he has
responded to treatment over in New Zealand. Guy has a thigh problem and will
probably not be ready for Saturday and we have a few other injuries but
internationals-wise they have come back OK."
Do you think that going away with the England squad has benefitted Andy
Carroll and his return to full fitness?
SA: "I think it has, yes, but I know Andy and I know he would have probably
liked to have played a lot more than he did. But he has had two weeks in a
very competitive environment and he got 17 minutes against San Marino.
Playing with some very good players will have brought him up to speed and
hopefully he will stay fit for us in the future."
Looking at the state of the pitch in Poland, Andy may have been the ideal
man to go on and get a goal. Did it surprise you that he wasn't brought on?
SA: "I am not here to criticise Roy Hodgson's decision-making process but I
would have liked Andy to play because he is my player. Roy is obviously the
man in charge and he has his view on who he wants to play and who he wants
to bring on and I have absolutely no problem with that."
Southampton were promoted with you last season and received a lot of
plaudits for the way in which they played. Does it satisfy you that they
were unable to
match you in the transfer market and points wise so far this season?
SA: "Well they have matched us because they signed a £12million player in
[Uruguay midfielder] Gaston Ramirez during the transfer window. We only have
Andy on loan and we paid a lot less than that so I think that they have gone
out into the market and spent big like we all have to. What I do think is
that we have coped with the Barclays Premier League very well at the start
of this season and I also think we had a group of fixtures that were less
challenging than Southampton's. From a Premier League point of view our
experience is probably better than theirs so hopefully that will be a
telling factor on Saturday. Our confidence is also very high because we have
been very good at home. I am hoping to see the same kind of performance that
I saw against Aston Villa, Fulham and Sunderland. If we play like that we
will create opportunities and have a very good chance of winning the game."
Would you agree that Southampton have a Barclays Premier League attack with
the likes of Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert, but a Championship-standard
defence?
SA: "I don't know and I do not think Nigel Adkins will look at in that way.
Perhaps you in the media look at it that way because they have scored and
conceded a lot of goals. There are two ways of playing the game and that is
in possession and out of it. If you do not get both right you do not win.
What you do out of possession in the Barclays Premier League is just as
important as what you do with it, especially during your first season. If
you can get both of those on an equal par you will do well. It is usually
more difficult to score goals than it is to concede. Southampton have found
it easier to score but in doing so they have left a lot of gaps. We suffered
the same problem against Arsenal. As we got better in possession they hit us
on the break twice and we found ourselves 3-1 down."
As a man at the forefront of footballing science, have you been surprised by
the news that England players have had to use caffeine and sleeping tablets?
SA: "In football we all use caffeine in one shape or form in our build-up to
the games, depending on the individual, the game and how you want to monitor
it. Because they have had that extra dose of caffeine they find it harder to
sleep so to overcome that they have been given a sleeping tablet or two. I
do not see too much of a problem with it. Because they have had to play 24
hours after hoping to do so it will have had an affect and has meant they
probably could not give the performance they would have liked."
In the light of the recent racist incidents in football, have you ever had
to give your players advice on how to handle abusive atmospheres?
SA: "No, because we do not get them and that is the bottom line. It is
talked about an awful lot but from our point of view we all know where we
stand. At the start of the season we all have the keep racism out of
football cards, badges and t-shirts and we are well aware of our
responsibilities. From within football I do not see any, there have been a
couple of incidents in exchanges of words on the field so everyone has
brought it up again but I personally have not seen it.
From my point of view, in terms of discrimination, I do not see any
internally and I have not seen any for many years at Bolton, Blackburn,
Newcastle and West Ham United. I think that if I have to say anything I
would say that this country is one of the best in the world. We will never
be perfect but we are one of
the best at trying to get it right."
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Cole exclusive on West Ham TV!
WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole has spoken exclusively to West Ham TV ahead of Saturday's visit
of Southampton
20.10.2012
Carlton Cole is aiming to celebrate his birthday by netting his first goal
of the season in Saturday's Barclays Premier League fixture with
Southampton. The West Ham United and England striker has not found the net
since his unforgettable npower Championship Play-Off final strike against
Blackpool at Wembley.
In the same week he turned 29, Cole told West Ham TV he would love to get
off the mark by notching in this weekend's sold out meeting with the
newly-promoted Saints at the Boleyn Ground. "I would love a birthday goal
but to be honest I just want any kind of goal whether it is off my knee, my
chest, my back or wherever my head - I don't mind!" he laughed. "Any goal
would be welcome but as long as we are winning anyway and everyone else is
scoring we will be fine. "Southampton got four points off us last year and
we were not happy with that. We played them at Upton Park with ten men for
most of the game and that was a big game for us but we survived and drew
one-all. "They have not started as well as us this season in the Premier
League, which is a completely different ball game. I have always said that
we have a strong side for the Premier League and while we lost the last game
[at home to Arsenal], we are looking to bounce back straight away. "Our home
form has been very good so hopefully we can bounce back against Southampton.
I think they will be coming here thinking that we are the same team as last
season and that they can grab a few points. "Southampton think they know us
but I think we will surprise them because we are not the same team as last
season. We have added a few good players to our team as well so it will be
an interesting game for them to see if they can handle us. We are very sound
defensively and we are very good going forward at the moment so we have
everything going for us."
While Cole might not have hit the net himself in 2012/13, his all-round
contribution to the team has been appreciated by his coaching staff and
team-mates alike. "I have got a different part. If you want to read into
stats, read into stats, but what I do on the field sometimes doesn't get
mirrored with my goal ratio. Once you are a striker you are a striker and
people will look into different parts of your game to try and criticise you,
but I know what I am picked for and the manager knows why I get in the team
and why I have to be around to help the team out."
One person who always appreciates Cole's efforts - on and off the pitch - is
his mother. Last weekend, the No9 joined his mum Selina and guests at the
launch of CARLAKKA, a foundation founded by the striker dedicated to making
a difference for children in Sierra Leone. The event, held in Chiswick,
raised thousands of pounds towards the cost of building a new school in the
African nation of his mother's birth. "It is close to my Mum's heart and she
wanted me to be the face of the Carlakka Foundation, which is building a
school in Sierra Leone. Calakka has teamed up with the Ndoro Children's
Charity that is going to be building a school in Zimbabwe, so we are trying
to make as much money as possible because they are both good causes. "We see
how the African children live and I have to try and help as much as I can
over there and over here. I will do anything to make my Mum happy. At then
end of the day it is a great cause and I have people there to support me and
I know West Ham will too."
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West Ham v Southampton
KO 15:00
19 October 2012
Last updated at 12:32
BBC.co.uk
By Martin Fisher
Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 20 October
West Ham defenders Winston Reid and Guy Demel face fitness tests on back and
thigh injuries respectively. Ricardo Vaz Te has had surgery on a dislocated
shoulder and been ruled out for three months.
Southampton are without Gaston Ramirez for at least a month due to problems
relating to a dead leg he suffered before the international break. Danny
Butterfield, Jack Cork, Tadanari Lee and Frazer Richardson are out, but
Nathaniel Clyne could return.
MATCH PREVIEW
Side-by-side for most of last season in the Championship, it was Southampton
who stayed the distance to clinch automatic promotion while West Ham had to
take the harder, if more glamorous, route via the play-off final at Wembley.
And yet it's the Hammers that have adapted to life in the top-flight more
impressively. They sit eighth in the table with three wins under their belt
already, while the Saints are just one place and a point above the
relegation zone.
Southampton look like they'll always score goals; his concern is that they
seem even more prone to letting them in. Twenty goals conceded so far means
they have the worst defensive record in the Premier League - 12 of those
have come in their three away games. Trips to Manchester City, Arsenal and
Everton were always going to be challenging but on their day, in their own
way, West Ham can be just as destructive. Ask Fulham. Andy Carroll terrified
their defence at Upton Park on his debut and, now fully-fit again, the
England striker will test Southampton's rickety backline. It's a shame for
the Saints that club-record signing Gaston Ramirez will be missing for the
next month with a thigh injury, meaning much of the creative responsibility
will fall on the shoulders of Adam Lallana. If he's up to the task, and if
Rickie Lambert can get a few sights of goal, Southampton could finally pick
up their first away point or points of the season.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
In their meetings in the Championship last season, the Saints won 1-0 at St
Mary's and drew 1-1 at Upton Park.
Southampton won on their last visit to West Ham in the Premier League, but
it was only their second victory in 10 visits to Upton Park in the division.
This is the 96th meeting between the sides. West Ham have won 36 times,
Southampton 32, and there have been 27 draws.
West Ham
West Ham have scored 88% of their goals in the first half of matches this
season.
The Hammers have committed the most fouls (109) and earned the most cards
(18) so far this season.
Carlton Cole has the lowest pass completion rate (42%) in an opponent's half
of any Premier League player this season.
Southampton
Southampton have dropped 11 points from winning positions this season, the
most in the Premier League. If they had won those points, the Saints would
be second in the table.
They have four points from their first seven Premier League matches, the
same as they had when they were last in the division in 2004-05. They went
on to finish bottom and were relegated.
The Saints have attempted fewer long passes (268) than any other team in the
Premier League this season.
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Jarvis: I'll set 'em up...
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 19th October 2012
By: Staff Writer
Matt Jarvis says that he can't wait to get his partnership with Andy Carroll
up and running. The two recent arrivals in east London have thus far started
just one game together - the 3-1 defeat against Arsenal a fortnight ago -
but West Ham fans have high hopes that the two can form a formidable
partnership on the field. It is a sentiment that Jarvis shares. Talking to a
daily newspaper, he said: "We all know that whatever kind of ball you put
into the box, Andy's going to be bursting to get on it. That's good to know
as a winger. There's 6ft plus of him, so he certainly makes his presence
felt. He's showing what he can do on the pitch and I'm going to be providing
the ammunition for him to go and get on the end of. Hopefully we can strike
up a good understanding."
Jarvis, West Ham's record-signing at £10.75million - who began his career at
Millwall before being released as a 16-year-old - also admitted that he was
keen to add to his sole international cap won in a 2011 friendly against
Ghana. "It does motivate me to keep playing well week-in, week-out," he
added, "and if I do put in the performances, you never know."
Both Jarvis and Carroll are expected to feature in Sam Allardyce's starting
XI when the Hammers take on Premier League strugglers Southampton at the
Boleyn Ground tomorrow afternoon.
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Allardyce on... West Ham United
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 19th October 2012
By: Staff Writer
Ahead of this weekend's Premier League clash with Southampton - a match he
himself described as a 'six-pointer' earlier in the week - Sam Allardyce
spoke to Yahoo about all things West Ham...
How do you assess the start West Ham have made to the season?
Well, up to now I think it's been exceptionally good. I think that while we
were disappointed by losing to Arsenal in our last game you can expect that
with Arsenal being such a good side and with us just promoted back into the
Premier League. Our only real disappointment was the Swansea away game where
we got beat comfortably in the end, but every other performance and every
other result has been very, very good. 11 points in seven games is a good
start for us.
Which of your players have impressed you most in rising to the challenge
this season?
I think one of the most impressive has been Winston Reid, who hasn't really
been in this country that long. The improvement of Winston and the
consistency of performances he gives us as a central defender have been key
to some of our results, because our defensive unit as a team and as
individuals have been very good.
From the players I inherited when I first joined West Ham, Mark Noble has
come good in the Premier League. Plus my captain, Kevin Nolan, who's been
there before and leads the team on and off the field; he's made a good
start. Most of the players, to be perfectly honest, have done their job and
hopefully they can continue to and continue to get the results that we're
looking for.
Andy Carroll: how significant a transfer do you think that was for West Ham
and, in a more general sense, how important is it for a promoted team to get
players like that on loan?
Andy was a big, big signing for us. Even though it's only a loan deal for a
season I think the size of the player - not just in stature but in terms of
his ability - was one where every player who was already at West Ham thought
"wow". I think Andy, with Matt Jarvis and then Yossi Benayoun made the squad
a real secure squad in terms of strength and depth.
While Yossi hasn't been able to break in on a regular basis just yet, Matt
Jarvis and Andy Carroll have made a major impact - not just individually but
to the rest of the team, making them feel like we can do something this
season in terms of where we finish in the Premier League.
What do you think about the prospect of West Ham maybe moving into the
Olympic Stadium?
I've said since arriving at West Ham that I understand the history and
tradition of the Boleyn Ground, but to really become one of the top clubs in
London, if not in this country, then a new stadium is of the utmost
importance.
We've seen Chelsea grow into a major European side over the last decade
because of Roman Abramovich's money. We've seen Arsenal move into a brand
new 60,000 stadium at the Emirates and we've seen Man United grow their
stadium to 75,000. Moving to the Olympic Stadium is a must for the growth
and the development of the club.
60,000 seats are planned and that will satisfy everybody who wants to come
to West Ham - and a fantastic venue it could be too. We experienced what the
atmosphere was like at the Olympics; that same atmosphere could be recreated
with a West Ham football team playing there.
Does it make it even more exciting when we saw the likes of Mo Farrah and
Jess Ennis win Gold there? It's got some memories, hasn't it?
It's got some fantastic memories, the Paralympics as well; the turnout for
the Paralympics and the athletes' success there was absolutely magnificent.
For the area itself it's very important that we do move there and make sure
that we keep the standards up. It's a superb venue, the Olympic Park is a
superb park and I can't see anybody else using it to the maximum as we
could. The big problem to be overcome is the running track around the pitch
which must be maintained, so the engineers would have to plan particularly
well to cope with that situation.
I was going to ask you about that. There's a widely-held perception in this
country that having a running track impacts on the atmosphere. Do you think
that is an issue?
Yes, most definitely. Bayern Munich, for instance, got themselves their own
stadium where the fans come much closer to the touchline and that creates a
much, much better atmosphere. If you go to Spain with the old stadiums, that
creates an even better atmosphere. Because their health and safety rules
aren't as strict as ours their terracing is much steeper, so the fans are
even closer to the pitch than they are in England - and that does create the
electric atmosphere that you're looking for.
In the wake of the Olympics we heard a lot about how footballers contrasted
with athletes. Do you think there are things footballers can learn from
Olympians and Paralympians, or do you think some of the criticism
footballers got was overblown?
The game is a volatile contest so people will lose their temper - but nobody
seems to highlight the fact that rugby players stamp on each others heads or
gauge each others eyes out; that seems to be acceptable. Or ice hockey
[where] players beat themselves up with sticks. But when a footballer kicks
somebody, or does something that's slightly untoward it's "lock them away,
ban them for life".
I think there's a lot of jealousy around football in this country. More and
more people complain about the price and so on and so forth, whereas with
the other sports it's not quite the same. So it's something we have to live
with.
The Olympics is not as fierce a competition because there's not that
day-to-day, week-to-week competitive edge. It's a build-up of four years - a
very dedicated four years of course - and the delight of winning must be one
of the biggest highs anybody's ever experienced.
Do you have a code of conduct at West Ham and what do you think of England's
attempts to implement one?
Yes, we do. I've always had a code of conduct which is signed up to by the
players, the club itself and me as the manager. Any sporting industry has to
be run with discipline; if it's not, then it will fail miserably.
It is adhered to by everybody concerned and if anybody has any complaints,
then I can revert to the code of conduct and say "I'm sorry, but it says in
the code of conduct that you're not supposed to do that; you have, so the
consequences are this" - and there can be no argument. Of course, there's
always the right of appeal on anything that may result in a fine, but
discipline for everything is imperative if you want to succeed today.
There's been a lot of attention paid to diving recently. Why do you think it
creates so much controversy in this country and do you agree with the view
that divers should be banned retrospectively?
As a professional I have a view that diving - or simulation, as it's called
- is not what we want. Over the years, simulation has crept in more and
more; it started with some of the foreign imports who came into the game.
But there is another side to it that says honest players who stay on their
feet don't get fouls given to them by referees today.
From our point of view nobody needs to feign anything if there's no contact.
But I feel that on some occasions, if contact is made, if you don't go down
you don't get [awarded anything]. If there is contact - and the contact is
severe enough - more often than not the referee chooses not to give anything
and that creates a greater frustration and anger than diving does.
If you want to cut diving - blatant dives - out, suspending players would be
a good thing. But you have got to get the other side right as well and
balance that up by giving free kicks that are free kicks when honest players
stay on their feet.
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Big Sam blasts FA
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 18th October 2012
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce has hit out at New Zealand Football after they insisted
Winston Reid make the trip home for the All Whites' World Cup 2014
qualifying match against Tahiti. Reid, who was nursing an injury sustained
during West Ham's 3-1 defeat at home to Arsenal a fortnight ago was ordered
back to New Zealand by the NZF - the country's equivalent of the English FA
- for the match, which the Kiwis won 3-0. That result gave them an aggregate
win of 5-0 and edged them closer to another appearance in the Finals.
However Allardyce was critical of the decision to call Reid - who was an
unused substitute - back for the game. "I don't see any sense in calling
them over and particularly that far, because they are injured," he said. "I
don't see any sense it in at all. I also think there was an underlining
factor that they didn't trust him or us that he was injured. "There's
another underlining factor that tells me that the players are brought there
and then they're put under enormous pressure to play, because of the
loyalties to the country by the coaches and certain political elements which
they have to resist. "On one hand I'm all for international football - but
it doesn't make any sense to take them because they can't play. I don't
understand that at all."
Reid, who has been suffering with a back spasm could make his return to West
Ham's first team against Southampton at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday -
despite having undertaken a mammoth 48-hour flight this week. Should the
in-form centre half not be considered fit to play, James Tomkins is on
standby to deputise.
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West Ham v Southampton preview
Last Updated: October 19, 2012 3:46pm
SSN
It may only be October, but Sam Allardyce has already billed West Ham
United's home date with Southampton on Saturday as a 'six-pointer'. The
Hammers have made a bright start to life back in the Premier League, and
occupy a top-half standing at present, but they are taking nothing for
granted. Allardyce has been around long enough to know that fortunes can
change in an instant, making it all the more important to life live in the
present. That means taking as many points as possible off those sides in and
around you, and those who were promoted alongside you if you are new to the
top-flight.
Southampton will feel exactly the same as they prepare to head for the East
End, with Nigel Adkins' side yet to accumulate the points tally their
performances have deserved. A leaky defence has been the root cause of their
troubles so far, with a division-high 20 goals conceded in just seven
fixtures. The Saints will be aware that they need to plug those gaps if they
are to stop undermining all of the good work they continue to carry out at
the opposite end of the field - with there only seven sides to have scored
more goals than Adkins' men so far this term.
West Ham
Last 6
1-3
1-2
1-4
1-1
0-0
3-0
Defenders Winston Reid and Guy Demel are West Ham's main injury concerns
heading into the weekend. Reid (back) and Demel (thigh) will have to prove
their fitness ahead of the match, while the Hammers will also be without
Ricardo Vaz Te who has had surgery on his dislocated shoulder. Andy Carroll
came through England duty unscathed and is expected to start up front, while
Raphael Spiegel will back up Jussi Jaaskelainen in goal, with Stephen
Henderson beginning his three-month loan with Ipswich.
Southamptn
Last 6
2-2
3-1
2-0
4-1
6-1
2-3
Southampton will be missing record signing Gaston Ramirez on Saturday, and
for the foreseeable future. The 21-year-old faces another four weeks out
after problems related to a dead leg picked up before the international
break and will be joined on the sidelines by Frazer Richardson (thigh). Jack
Cork, Danny Butterfield (both knee) and Tadanari Lee (elbow) are also out,
but Nathaniel Clyne is set to return. Artur Boruc could be involved with
Southampton for the first time.
Opta stats
Southampton have trailed in all seven Premier League games at some point,
the only team to be behind in all of their league games.
Saints have dropped the most points from winning positions in the Premier
League (11). With those points, Southampton would be second in the table.
West Ham have scored a divisional high 88% of their goals in the first half
this season.
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Sam Allardyce backs West Ham to return to winning ways against Southampton
Last Updated: October 19, 2012 2:10pm
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce believes his side will benefit from an easier
start to the season when they meet Southampton this weekend The Hammers
entertain fellow promoted side Saints at Upton Park on Saturday having lost
only once in front of their own fans in the Premier League. Allardyce's side
enjoyed home wins over Aston Villa and Fulhamand a draw with Sunderland
before they finally came unstuck against Arsenal last time out. In contrast,
Saints have already had tough fixtures against Manchester City and United,
Arsenal and high-flying Everton. "We've coped with the Premier League very
well over the start of our season, also I think we had a group of fixtures
that were less challenging than Southampton's," said Allardyce. "We were
disappointed by Arsenal, but our confidence, particularly here at home is
very high. "I hope we can see the same level of performance that I've seen,
particularly against Sunderland, Fulham, and Aston Villa at the start of the
season. If we can hit that level of form, I think we'll get opportunities to
win the game. "Clearly one of (Southampton's) strengths is set plays and I
don't want to jump the gun, but one of our strengths this year is not
conceding from set plays as well as scoring from them. "We'll have to try
and maintain that level and if we cut that side of it out for Southampton
then we obviously limit their percentages of chances of scoring a goal,
because they've been good at it."
The Hammers boss admits that they key to success will likely lay with him
finding the right balance between attack and defence. He said: "There's two
ways of playing the game. You play the game when you're in possession and
you play the game when out of it. If you don't get both right, you don't
win. "Certainly your first year in the Premier League, what you do out of
possession is just as important as what you do in. You've got to get those
two critical points on an equal par if you can. "If you can do that,
particularly defensively, even though Southampton haven't found it that
difficult, they've scored 12 goals in seven games, but they've gone out to
score those 12 goals and left gaps that have been exploited. "We suffered
the same problem against Arsenal two weeks ago, because when we got better
in possession in the game, in the second half particularly, they hit us on
the break and smashed us a couple of times and they ended up winning 3-1.
"Whereas in the balance as it was looking with only 10 minutes to go at 1-1,
we might have got something out of it then all of a sudden..."
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Carlton Cole has West Ham fight club goal
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: 19th October 2012
The Sun
CARLTON COLE has a new W.H.U.F.C to inspire him on the pitch this season.
The Hammers striker wants to be West Ham's Ultimate Fight Champ as he gets
ready to rumble against Southampton today. Cole, 29, teamed up with pal and
UFC fighter Jimi Manuwa for a gruelling workout to make him meaner on the
pitch. He said: "I love UFC. I watch all the DVDs and to get a lesson from
Jimmy is a privilege. "I love all that gladiator stuff. This is the closest
we get to it these days." West Ham fan Manuwa, a mixed martial arts expert,
joked (kind of): "I train six days a week for five or six hours. He chases a
ball about. But Carlton is a quick learner." Cole admits it is time to start
throwing his weight around and toughen up in the search for his first goal
this season. Boss Sam Allardyce has ordered the 6ft 3in powerhouse into the
gym and to drop the perma-grin and become more aggressive in the box. Cole
confessed: "I've not been a softie but I've been a bit nice. "This season
the boss has got a different attitude and wants me to be more aggressive, so
I'm doing extra strength work.
"It's not in my nature to be mean and aggressive, that's why I struggled a
while back to be like that. "I've started doing special training to make me
sturdier on the pitch. "I've been strengthening my core and it's been a main
factor in me trying to be stronger on the pitch. "I've got a big frame and
I'm trying to be meaner. "It's difficult because I get a lot of fouls given
against me. "The manager has picked up on it. It's nothing malicious, I'm
just trying to be strong. "You can be more aggressive but you have to
control it. "It's not about shoving someone to the floor, it's about knowing
how to move someone when they are pushing you in the back, or in the box
attacking the ball and if someone pushes me I won't move. It's not about
throwing your arms about sulking and fouling."
Having said that, if Manuwa wants to sulk, throw tantrums or foul it is fine
by me. The West Ham supporter from Croydon won his first UFC contest last
month and as an expert in boxing, thai boxing, kick boxing, jujitsu and
wrestling, he can do pretty much as he pleases. Cole reckons a workout with
mean machine Manuwa is a valuable lesson in being a bit more of a bruiser.
He said: "I'm privileged to get a little lesson. it's not everyday you go
toe-to-toe with a UFC fighter. "I respect him to the highest order. I've
always had team-mates to fall back on. Having to fend and fight for yourself
is nerve-wracking. "If it goes wrong for him, he only has himself to blame.
"I like all that ancient Roman stuff in the Colosseum. "I like blood and
gore stuff. I love Gladiator. I like those sort of movies where the emperors
decide if you live or die. "UFC is the modern equivalent. Everyone likes
blood and gore if they can. "UFC is the 21st century version. It's all well
run and supervised but it still pits great fighters against each other."
Manuwa, 32, has won all his 12 fights inside the distance since taking up
Mixed Martial Arts four years ago. The worst injury to a competitor in the
past 12 years has been a fractured leg. Manuwa said: "UFC is well
controlled. "It feels like sport rather than anything else because of all
the disciplines I need to constantly practise." West Ham take on Southampton
today — in a rematch between the two teams which led the Championship for
much of last season. It is also their annual anti-racism 'Kick it Out' game.
The Hammers are relatively flourishing in eighth place in the Premier League
while Saints are struggling in 17th with just one win from their seven
games. Cole, who scored 15 goals last season, said: "It's hurting massively
that I haven't scored yet. "Some of the other players are pulling my leg
that I haven't. "Kevin Nolan keeps reminding me that he has three already.
"But it's not just about me. I could score as many as I want but we could
still lose the game. You must know what you are good at. "First and foremost
it's not about me. Sometimes you have to sacrifice yourself for the team.
"At the moment my goals don't matter because we are doing well and are where
we want to be. "Southampton had a tough start with hard games back-to-back
at the start of the season. "That has knocked their confidence a bit. Our
style of football is really direct at the moment. "Not many teams can cope
with us. I would hope we can get maximum points out of this." The next
UFC®154 live event is taking place in Montreal, Quebec on Sunday November 18
and will be aired at 3am on ESPN.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
It's Dr Big Sam! Allardyce plays shrink with West Ham's globe-trotters
The Mirror
19 Oct 2012 21:59
Sam Allardyce has turned to mind games to get his jet-setting Hammers ready
for Saturday's game with Southampton. West Ham have a number of weary
players returning from international duty, including England striker Andy
Carroll - and Big Sam will turn psychologist to get the best out of them.
"International duty has only recently been changed to Friday-Tuesday so
arriving back on Thursday is the norm, but it's about your mental attitude,"
Allardyce said. "Winston Reid [of New Zealand] came back from international
duty last time and had an outstanding game. "So if you're mentally prepared
and looking forward to the game then you play well. But if you wake up and
say, 'Oh, that journey has taken it out of me', then you won't play very
well. "It's the mind that makes you play right. If your mind isn't right, it
doesn't matter about all the skills, you won't play well, you will play
poorly "If you don't talk about good psychological values and being
mentally prepared then you can't perform for the highest level. "Everyone
has a different way to be motivated and, if you understand that, they
deliver better performances."
Allardyce's message comes days after he urged his men to deepen the woes of
a Southampton side that's conceded a league-worst 20 goals so far this
season.
Saints told: Give 'em hell!
By Alex Crook
Southampton chief Nigel Adkins is refusing to sacrifice entertaining
football – despite winning only one of their opening seven games on their
return to the Premier League. As Saints travel to West Ham, Adkins has
insisted: "We want to play 4-3-3 and we want to create chances and score
goals – but we know we need to keep them out at the other end. "We believe
it is the right thing to do, and I will make sure we stick by that." Adkins
will be without Gaston Ramirez because of a leg injury, but defender
Nathaniel Clyne returns. Simon Bird's Premier League predictions: Will
cutting Carroll down to size prove a tall order for Southampton?
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, October 20
Friday, October 19
Daily WHUFC News - 19th October 2012
Southampton match preview
WHUFC.com
All the big-match build-up ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier League visit
of the Saints
18.10.2012
WEST HAM UNITED V SOUTHAMPTON
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
SATURDAY 20 OCTOBER 2012
KICK-OFF: 3PM
REFEREE: NEIL SWARBRICK
FULL AUDIO AND TEXT COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV
iPHONE APP I TWITTER I FACEBOOK I PODCAST
Introduction
• West Ham United face Southampton at the Boleyn Ground looking to bounce
back to winning ways following their first home Barclays Premier League
defeat last time out against Arsenal on 6 October.
• Going into the weekend, West Ham United sit in eighth on eleven points,
while Southampton sit 17th on four points.
• Southampton managed a 2-2 draw last time out against Fulham pn 7 October,
with central defender Jose Fonte scoring both goals, including a last-minute
equaliser.
• Andy Carroll is likely to start after returning to full fitness against
QPR and Arsenal for West Ham United before featuring for England in their
2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiying win over San Marino on 12 October.
• Southampton are yet to pick up any points on the road this season, having
lost at Manchester City (2-3), Arsenal (1-6) and Everton (1-3). The Saints
have let in more goals on their travels (12) than any other club in the
Barclays Premier League.
• West Ham United's top scorer this season is currently Kevin Nolan with
three. Southampton's leading marksman is Rickie Lambert, who has scored four
times.
• The clubs met twice last season in the npower Championship. Southampton
won the first meeting at St Mary's 1-0 in October 2011, with the reverse
fixture at the Boleyn Ground in February this year ending 1-1. Both games
were played on a Tuesday night and Jos Hooiveld scored in both fixtures for
the Saints. Mark Noble's penalty was West Ham's sole strike against
Southampton last term.
• West Ham United's clash with Southampton is one of eight Barclays Premier
League fixtures being played on Saturday. The others are as follows
(kick-off 3pm unless stated): Fulham v Aston Villa, Liverpool v Reading,
Manchester United v Stoke City, Norwich City v Arsenal (5.30pm), Swansea
City v Wigan Athletic, Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea (12.45pm) and West
Bromwich Albion v Manchester City.
Last Time Out
Saturday 6 October 2012
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 1-3 Arsenal
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Reid, McCartney, Collins, Demel (Tomkins 73),
Nolan, Jarvis, Noble, Diame (Cole 82), Carroll, Vaz Te (Taylor 64).
Subs not used: Henderson, Benayoun, O'Neil, Maiga.
Goal: Diame 21
Sunday 7 October 2012
Barclays Premier League
Southampton 2-2 Fulham
Southampton: Gazzaniga, Yoshida, Fonte, Fox, Richardson (Hooiveld 8),
Scneiderlin, S Davis, Lallana, Puncheon (Chaplow 61), Lambert (Guly 67),
Rodriguez.
Subs not used: K Davis, Reeves, Ward-Prowse, Mayuka.
Goals: Fonte 4, 90
Previous meeting
• The most-recent meeting between the two sides came on 14 February 2012 and
ended in a 1-1 draw at the Boleyn Ground. West Ham United sat top of the
npower Championship table, with the Saints just one point behind in second
place. Eventual champions Reading were six points behind in sixth. Mark
Noble opened the scoring from the penalty spot after 21 minutes, but not
before Matt Taylor had been sent-off following an altercation with Billy
Sharp in the lead-up to Noble's penalty. Despite West Ham being reduced to
ten men, it took until 15 minutes from time before the Saints drew level
when Jos Hooiveld poked home from close range to snatch a point.
West Ham United: Green, Reid, Tomkins, Faye, O'Brien, Faubert, Collison
(McCartney 21), Taylor, Noble, Cole (Maynard 65), Vaz Te (O'Neil 71).
Subs not used: Lansbury, Baldock
Southampton: Davis, Richardson (Connolly 80), Fonte, Fox, Hooiveld,
Schneiderlin, Cork, Guly (Puncheon 55), Lallana, Lambert, Sharp (Hammond
83).
Subs not used: Martin, Lee
Background
• Saints goalkeeper Kelvin Davis had a trial at West Ham United in summer
2010 but a move could not be agreed and he re-joined Southampton.
• Southampton full-back Frazer Richardson scored the only goal when Stoke
City won 1-0 against West Ham United on 9 December 2003. He was on loan from
Leeds United at the time.
• West Ham United have been drawn to meet Southampton three times in the FA
Cup - and have gone on to reach the final twice. The Hammers overcame the
Saints after two replays in 1922/23, when they were beaten by Bolton
Wanderers in the first-ever final at Wembley. In 1974/75, West Ham defeated
Southampton 2-1 at The Dell in the third round.
• The first-ever meeting between the two clubs at the Boleyn Ground was a
Southern League Division One fixture at The Dell on 16 December 1899. Then
known as Thames Ironworks FC, Ken McKay scored the visitors' goal in a 3-1
defeat.
• The Hammers' most-recent league victory over Southampton took place
exactly eleven years ago on 20 October 2001 when Frederic Kanoute scored
both goals in a 2-0 Premier League win at the Boleyn Ground.
• West Ham United and Southampton met 20 times in the Premier League between
1993 and 2003. The Hammers won eight times, Southampton six and there were
six draws.
• Southampton's best result at the Boleyn Ground was the 4-2 Premier League
victory achieved over West Ham United on 25 April 1998.
• The largest crowd to attend a West Ham United versus Southampton fixture
was the 35,000 who were at the Division Two fixture at the Boleyn Ground on
13 November 1948. The match finished in a 1-1 draw.
• West Ham United have beaten Southampton 4-0 at home on three occasions -
their biggest victories over the Saints at the Boleyn Ground. All three were
in the old Division Two. The first occasion was on 27 March 1937, with Len
Goulden scoring twice. The second was on 12 April 1947, with Frank Neary
netting a brace, while the third was on 19 April 1952, with Terry Woodgate
getting two goals.
Last six meetings
(Barclays Premier League unless stated)
14 February 2012 - West Ham United 1-1 Southampton (Championship)
18 October 2011 - Southampton 1-0 West Ham United (Championship)
5 April 2003 - Southampton 1-1 West Ham United
2 December 2002 - West Ham United 0-1 Southampton
30 January 2002 - Southampton 2-0 West Ham United
20 October 2001 - West Ham United 2-0 Southampton
Overall record v Southampton (all competitions) W 36 D 27 L 30
Ten-year records
West Ham United
2011/12 Championship 3rd (promoted to Premier League via Play-Offs)
2010/11 Premier League 20th (relegated to Championship)
2009/10 Premier League 17th
2008/09 Premier League 9th
2007/08 Premier League 10th
2006/07 Premier League 15th
2005/06 Premier League 9th
2004/05 Championship 6th (promoted to Premier League via Play-Offs)
2003/04 Championship 4th
2002/03 Premier League 18th (relegated to Championship)
Southampton
2011/12 Championship 2nd (promoted to Premier League)
2010/11 League One 2nd (promoted to Championship)
2009/10 League One 7th
2008/09 Championship 23rd (relegated to League One)
2007/08 Championship 20th
2006/07 Championship 6th
2005/06 Championship 12th
2004/05 Premier League 20th (relegated to Championship)
2003/04 Premier League 12th
2002/03 Premier League 8th
Referee
• The referee will be Neil Swarbrick.
• Swarbrick began refereeing at the age of 29 and within six years he had
been promoted to the National List of assistant referees in 2005.
• Now 42, Swarbrick made his way up the leagues via the Football Conference
and the npower Football League before receiving his first Barclays Premier
League appointment on 11 December 2010. He was officially promoted to the
Select Group of top-flight referees in June 2011.
• So far this season Swarbrick has taken charge of six matches in all
competitions, including two Barclays Premier League fixtures.
• He has taken charge of three West Ham United fixtures in the past, the
most recent being the 2-0 npower Championship Play-Off semi-final first-leg
win at Cardiff City on 3 May 2012.
• Swarbrick has been the man in the middle for five Southampton matches, the
most recent being the 2-2 south coast npower Championship derby with
Portsmouth at St Mary's on 7 April 2012.
Team News
• Ricardo Vaz Te is definitely out after undergoing surgery on a dislocated
shoulder suffered in the 3-1 home Barclays Premier League defeat by Arsenal
on 6 October. Yossi Benayoun, Matt Taylor or Gary O'Neil will deputise.
• Guy Demel (leg) and Winston Reid (back) are both facing races to be fit
after being forced to miss out on international duty for Ivory Coast and New
Zealand respectively. Joey O'Brien and James Tomkins are fit and standing by
to come in, if required.
• France midfielder Alou Diarra continues to be sidelined by a thigh injury.
• Goalkeeper Stephen Henderson has joined npower Championship club Ipswich
Town on a three-month loan, meaning Raphael Spiegel will serve as Jussi
Jaaskelainen's No2. Ravel Morrison is on a season-long loan at npower
Championship club Birmingham City.
• For Southampton, record signing Gaston Ramirez is sidelined with a thigh
injury the Uruguay midfielder suffered in training. England Under-21 and
Team GB midfielder Jack Cork is also out with a leg injury. Right-back
Nathaniel Clyne is expected to be fit after recovering from a leg injury
that ruled him out of England Under-21's UEFA European Championship
qualifier in Serbia in midweek.
Old Boys
• West Ham United's all-time leading goalscorer Vic Watson moved to
Southampton after 15 seasons as a Hammer in 1935. Watson would spend the
1935/36 season at The Dell, scoring 14 goals in 36 appearances to finish as
the Saints' leading goalscorer in Division Two before retiring in summer
1936 at the age of 38.
• Among the other players to have played for both clubs are William Adams,
Eyal Berkovic, Wayne Bridge, Henri Camara, Alistair Campbell, Frank
Costello, Christian Dailly, Calum Davenport, Iain Dowie, Bob Fairman, Jack
Foster, Horace Glover, Richard Hall, Jimmy Harris, Fred Harrison, Joe
Kirkup, George Kitchen, Alex McDonald, Walter Pollard, Nigel Quashie, Albert
Roles, Robbie Slater, David Speedie, Vic Watson, Arthur Wilson, Richard
Wright.
General Information
• Standard tickets for the game against Southampton are now completely sold
out.
• There is significant disruption to public transport on Saturday. Please
click here to see if these changes affect you.
• The weather forecast for Saturday is partly cloudy with temperatures
reaching a maximum of 16C (61F).
Welcome to our Sponsors
• Saturday's Match Sponsors will be Channel Commercials PLC and Matchball
Sponsors will be S.H.E Maritime Serivces Ltd.
• Channel Commercials is an established commercial vehicle and LCV dealer in
Kent, providing sales, parts and servicing for DAF Trucks and Nissan vans.
Alongside new and used trucks, vans and buses, Channel Commercials provides
an impressive portfolio of additional products and services, including a
fully-equipped paint and body shop where accident repair, shot blasting and
signwriting are carried out, as well as a specialist engineering and
fabrication department which specialises in commercial vehicle modification,
welding and rail wagon maintenance. As a leading commercial vehicle dealer
in Kent, Channel Commercials also has factory-trained technicians at four
locations (Ashford, Strood, Sevenoaks and Canterbury) who are able to offer
24-hour servicing for commercial vehicles. For full details, click here.
• S.H.E Maritime Serivces Ltd is a non-vessel operating carrier (NVOCC) with
partners throughout the world. S.H.E Maritime Serivces Ltd's core business
is the handling of less than container load (LCL) and full container load
(FCL) cargo to and from numerous worldwide locations. A complete summary of
the import and export services we operate can be found online here.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U18s to return to action
WHUFC.com
Nick Haycock's young Hammers will host Bolton Wanderers at Little Heath on
Saturday morning
18.10.2012
West Ham United's promising youngsters return to action when Nick Haycock's
side host Bolton Wanderers in the Barclays U18 Premier League at Little
Heath on Saturday, with kick-off at 11am. Due to the recent international
break, the Hammers have not played since being defeated 1-0 by Blackburn
Rovers at home on 6 October, and Haycock said he and his players could not
wait to get back on the pitch after a well-earned rest. "The international
break came round at a nice time because the first-year scholars had had a
hard pre-season and needed a weekend without a game to re-charge their
batteries," confirmed the U18s coach.
"We had a couple of boys away on international duty - Kieran Sadlier did
very well with Republic of Ireland U19s again - and had some of the younger
ones on stand-by for England. "During the last couple of weeks, I've had the
chance to get the squad together and do a seven-game review and look at what
we have and haven't done well and what we can improve on both individually
and collectively. "We'll try to put what we've learnt out on to the pitch
and hopefully the result will be a good performance against Bolton at the
weekend."
While wins and points are always welcomed, Haycock pointed out that player
development and producing future first-team squad members are the primary
goals of the Academy. With a number of scholars already impressing for the
club's table-topping Development Squad, the U18s coach pointed to a system
that is working. The club was delighted to receive the highest Category One
status as part of the new Elite Player Performance Plan, which is aimed at
giving clubs more time on the training pitch with young players, while also
providing for their educational, social, medical and - if required,
residential needs. Last week, more than 400 Academy players and family
members attended an evening at which the Academy's ambitions and
philosophies were explained. "The whole mantra is about developing players
and the whole idea is that the Under-21s (Development Squad) looks like the
next first team. That might be made up of teenagers and young professionals,
but whoever they are must look like a first-team player of the future. "All
the way down the system, that is how we work. We want to promote young
players up to the next level whenever we can. As an example, Manny Onnariase
has played every game for the Under-18s this season and he is still a
schoolboy. "Our performances and team shape have been good in our games so
far and the games we have lost have been down to mistakes, lack of
concentration at set pieces or loose passes out from the back. Those are
understandable in young players. "We've been in every game and even the ones
we have lost, on another day with a little bit more sharper play in the
final third, we could have got something out of them as well. "Obviously it
is about winning as well, but after overcoming the disappointment, we then
sit down every week and analyse what every boy has done well and what he
needs to work on - technically, tactically, physically and mentally. "There
are programmes in place for every boy and every week it is about further
developing each individual player. The pleasing thing for us as an Academy
is that the Under-21s look like a good side full of promise and their
performances have resulted in them getting time on the pitch for the first
team in the Capital One Cup."
Assistant manager Neil McDonald has also taken a keen interest in the
Academy, holding two in-service training sessions for Academy coaches to
learn new approaches and drills to help to develop their own skills. "Macca
has showed that close link and has said to all the staff that the youth
teams are about trying to learn the game. We should try to win, but the
result isn't important. It becomes more so at the Development Squad level,
where you cannot make as many mistakes, then in the first team you can't
make any mistakes because you will get punished. "That is where we are at as
an Academy and I am delighted to be playing the part in it that I am at the
moment."
Saturday's match at Little Heath, Hainault Road, Romford, RM6 5SS, will
kick-off at 11am, with admission and parking both free.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Macca's Dev Squad delight
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald is delighted with the progress of the Development Squad this
season
18.10.2012
Neil McDonald has praised the Development Squad for their performances and
progress during the first part of the 2012/13 season. 'Macca' regularly
attends the Barclays Under-21 Premier League fixtures to check in on Ian
Hendon's rising stars and he has been encouraged by what he has seen.
Speaking to whufc.com, Macca hailed their 2-0 win against Blackburn Rovers
ten days ago - their fifth win in seven games this season. "Their
performances have been absolutely fantastic this season," he said. "I
watched them against Blackburn Rovers and they thoroughly deserved their
victory. "They outplayed Blackburn from start to finish and it was a
fantastic result. They are all full of confidence, which is great."
Paul McCallum and Matthias Fanimo got the goals that night in a tough
contest and Macca was impressed by the maturity of their play. "It was a
hard-fought win and games like that are a massive part of their development.
They worked hard for each and it was tough to create chances but when they
did they took them. Blackburn hardly got over the half way line in the
second half."
Macca is also a firm believer that confidence is key to a player's form and
both he and Sam Allardyce are content in the knowledge that the Hammers'
youngsters will be in fine fettle should they be needed. "Winning and
playing well within the Development Squad will only breed confidence and
help them to integrate into the first team. It is great to see the younger
players coming through and playing well and that is why I always attend the
games because they are good to watch."
Fanimo, Rob Hall, Dylan Tombides, Danny Potts and Jordan Spence have all
featured for Allardyce's side this season and Macca backed more youngsters
to do the same before too long. "We have a couple of players who have
already made cameo appearances and they have to play on a consistent basis
to get into the team. "At the moment they are doing just that, which is
fantastic because you very rarely get that off young players. "They work
very hard to close the opposition down and keep their shape and they take
their chances when they come along. They are also top of the league now and
playing very well so long may it continue."
The Development Squad are next in action on Monday night away at Bolton
Wanderers. The match will be held at the Lancashire FA, with kick-off at
7pm. whufc.com will have further pre-match build-up over the weekend.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam blasts FA
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 18th October 2012
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce has hit out at New Zealand Football after they insisted
Winston Reid make the trip home for the All Whites' World Cup 2014
qualifying match against Tahiti.
Reid, who was nursing an injury sustained during West Ham's 3-1 defeat at
home to Arsenal a fortnight ago was ordered back to New Zealand by the NZF -
the country's equivalent of the English FA - for the match, which the Kiwis
won 3-0.
That result gave them an aggregate win of 5-0 and edged them closer to
another appearance in the Finals. However Allardyce was critical of the
decision to call Reid - who was an unused substitute - back for the game.
"I don't see any sense in calling them over and particularly that far,
because they are injured," he said. "I don't see any sense it in at all. I
also think there was an underlining factor that they didn't trust him or us
that he was injured.
"There's another underlining factor that tells me that the players are
brought there and then they're put under enormous pressure to play, because
of the loyalties to the country by the coaches and certain political
elements which they have to resist.
"On one hand I'm all for international football - but it doesn't make any
sense to take them because they can't play. I don't understand that at all."
Reid, who has been suffering with a back spasm could make his return to West
Ham's first team against Southampton at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday -
despite having undertaken a mammoth 48-hour flight this week.
Should the in-form centre half not be considered fit to play, James Tomkins
is on standby to deputise.
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Rodgers: no Carroll recall
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 18th October 2012
By: Staff Writer
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says he has no intention of recalling Andy
Carroll from his loan at West Ham in January. The under-fire Rodgers, who
only took over at Anfield in the summer has the option of recalling the
England international should he so choose when the transfer window re-opens
in January of next year. However taking Carroll back to Merseyside is not an
option he is currently comtemplating, according to comments he made earlier
today - despite his squad having just one fit striker at present. "Andy has
obviously gone out to get games," said Rodgers. "We have people watching
when he plays and they report back on how he is doing. [But recalling him]
isn't something I have considered, to be honest."
Carroll moved to Liverpool in January 2011 for a British record transfer fee
of £35million - but when Rodgers moved from Swansea to Liverpool earlier
this year he made it clear that the 23-year-old Geordie wasn't part of his
immediate plans. West Ham signed Carroll on a season-long loan on the
penultimate day of the summer transfer window.
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce unhappy with Winston Reid's New Zealand call
Last Updated: October 18, 2012 8:13pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce has expressed his unhappiness after West Ham United defender
Winston Reid was called up by New Zealand despite carrying an injury.
Reid travelled halfway round the world for New Zealand's games against
Tahiti, but was unable to play due to a back injury sustained earlier this
month.
He is now doubtful for the Hammers' game against Southamptonon Saturday and
Allardyce questioned the wisdom of the call-up. "I don't see any sense in
calling them over and particularly that far, because they are injured. I
don't see any sense it in at all," said the West Ham manager. "I also think
there was an underlining factor that they didn't trust him or us that he was
injured. "There's another underlining factor that tells me that the players
are brought there and then they're put under enormous pressure to play,
because of the loyalties to the country by the coaches and certain political
elements which they have to resist.
"On one hand I'm all for international football but it doesn't make any
sense to take them because they can't play. I don't understand that at all,"
he said.
Allardyce is also relieved to have Mohamed Diame and Guy Demel back at Upton
Park unscathed after riots forced the Senegal v Ivory Coast Africa Cup of
Nations qualifier to be abandoned on Sunday. Diame was shielded by police as
he fled to the dressing room late in the second half when crowd violence in
the stadium erupted on to the pitch. He added: "We had two very important
players away in that horrific situation ... they've come back okay."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll stinger
By PHIL THOMAS
Last Updated: 19th October 2012
The Sun
BRENDAN RODGERS has no plans to recall Andy Carroll to Anfield in January
despite Liverpool's striker crisis. The giant Geordie is on a season-long
loan at West Ham but the Reds have the option of bringing him back to
Merseyside in the next transfer window. Luis Suarez is Rodgers' only fit
senior striker after Fabio Borini was ruled out for three months with a
broken metatarsal. Yet when asked if a Carroll return was on the cards,
Rodgers insisted: "It's not something I am considering, to be honest.
"Andy's gone there to get games and obviously we have people watching him
and how he's doing. "The Fabio situation has just come up but, although it's
not ideal, they're the cards we've been dealt." A lack of funds forced
Rodgers to fast-track rookies such as Raheem Sterling, Suso and Andre
Wisdom. But the manager said: "Not every young player can play." Kop keeper
Pepe Reina is struggling to make tomorrow's home game against Reading after
hurting a hamstring on international duty with Spain. Brad Jones is on
standby.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reid the riot act: West Ham livid star had to fly to New Zealand with a bad
back
The Mirror
Richard Heathcote
Sam Allardyce has questioned the sense of Winston Reid's call-up by New
Zealand for their internationals with Tahiti over the past week. The
defender did little more than cheer on his All Whites team-mates after
making the 24-hour journey with a back injury he sustained earlier this
month. Reid remains a doubt for West Ham's match with Southampton this
weekend, much to manager Big Sam's frustration. "I don't see any sense in
calling them over – particularly that far – because they are injured. I
don't see any sense it in at all," he said. "I also think there was an
underlying factor that they didn't trust him, or us, that he was really
injured. "I think the players are brought there and then put under enormous
pressure to play, because of the loyalties to the country by the coaches and
certain political elements which they have to resist. "I'm all for
international football, but it doesn't make any sense to take them because
they can't play."
Allardyce is also relieved to have Mohamed Diame and Guy Demel back
unscathed after riots forced the Senegal v Ivory Coast Africa Cup of Nations
match to be abandoned. Diame was shielded by police as he fled to the
dressing room when crowd violence in the stadium erupted on to the pitch.
"We had two very important players away in that horrific situation, but
they've come back OK," Allardyce added
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce claims rugby players behave much worse than
footballers on the pitch
By John Percy10:00PM BST 18 Oct 2012
The Telegraph
Allardyce, the West Ham manager, is convinced that criticism of footballers
is motivated by jealousy and severe offences in other sports are overlooked.
The success of British athletes at the Olympics this year increased the
focus on the behaviour of Premier League footballers, with recent scrutiny
surrounding John Terry's Football Association charge for racially abusing
Anton Ferdinand and Ashley Cole's Twitter attack on the governing body. Luis
Suárez has also been accused of diving after a string of recent high-profile
incidents to further damage the reputation of the national game but
Allardyce insists football does not deserve such negative coverage in
comparison to other sports. He said: "I think that the game is a volatile
contest so people will lose their temper, but nobody seems to highlight the
fact that rugby players stamp on each others heads, gouge each others eyes,
and that seems to be acceptable. "Or fans go to watch ice hockey players
beat themselves up with the sticks and that also seems acceptable, but a
footballer kicks somebody, or does something that's slightly untoward to the
rules and it's 'lock them away, ban them for life'.
"There's a lot of jealousy around the way football is in this country, I
think, and as it's known as the peoples' game, then I think more and more
people complain about the price, whereas all the other sports it's not quite
the same. "So, it's something we have to live with. In comparing it to the
Olympics, it's not as fierce a competition, because there's not that
day-to-day, week-to-week, competitive edge. It's a build-up of four years –
a very dedicated four years of course – and the delight of winning and the
end of it must be one of the biggest highs anybody's ever experienced."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll stays at West Ham
FRIDAY 19 OCTOBER 2012
by Gareth Purnell
19 October 2012 01:01 AM
Brendan Rodgers says he will not recall the £35m striker Andy Carroll from
loan in January, despite Liverpool's shortage of players up front. Fabio
Borini could be out for up to three months after requiring surgery on a
broken foot, leaving Rodgers with Luis Suarez as his only recognised
first-team striker. But the Liverpool manager said he has not even thought
about recalling Carroll from his season-long loan at West Ham. "It isn't
something I have considered," Rodgers said. "Andy has obviously gone out to
get games. We have people watching and they report back on how he is doing.
But with Fabio's injury just coming up we will assess it from there."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
All the big-match build-up ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier League visit
of the Saints
18.10.2012
WEST HAM UNITED V SOUTHAMPTON
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
SATURDAY 20 OCTOBER 2012
KICK-OFF: 3PM
REFEREE: NEIL SWARBRICK
FULL AUDIO AND TEXT COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV
iPHONE APP I TWITTER I FACEBOOK I PODCAST
Introduction
• West Ham United face Southampton at the Boleyn Ground looking to bounce
back to winning ways following their first home Barclays Premier League
defeat last time out against Arsenal on 6 October.
• Going into the weekend, West Ham United sit in eighth on eleven points,
while Southampton sit 17th on four points.
• Southampton managed a 2-2 draw last time out against Fulham pn 7 October,
with central defender Jose Fonte scoring both goals, including a last-minute
equaliser.
• Andy Carroll is likely to start after returning to full fitness against
QPR and Arsenal for West Ham United before featuring for England in their
2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiying win over San Marino on 12 October.
• Southampton are yet to pick up any points on the road this season, having
lost at Manchester City (2-3), Arsenal (1-6) and Everton (1-3). The Saints
have let in more goals on their travels (12) than any other club in the
Barclays Premier League.
• West Ham United's top scorer this season is currently Kevin Nolan with
three. Southampton's leading marksman is Rickie Lambert, who has scored four
times.
• The clubs met twice last season in the npower Championship. Southampton
won the first meeting at St Mary's 1-0 in October 2011, with the reverse
fixture at the Boleyn Ground in February this year ending 1-1. Both games
were played on a Tuesday night and Jos Hooiveld scored in both fixtures for
the Saints. Mark Noble's penalty was West Ham's sole strike against
Southampton last term.
• West Ham United's clash with Southampton is one of eight Barclays Premier
League fixtures being played on Saturday. The others are as follows
(kick-off 3pm unless stated): Fulham v Aston Villa, Liverpool v Reading,
Manchester United v Stoke City, Norwich City v Arsenal (5.30pm), Swansea
City v Wigan Athletic, Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea (12.45pm) and West
Bromwich Albion v Manchester City.
Last Time Out
Saturday 6 October 2012
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 1-3 Arsenal
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Reid, McCartney, Collins, Demel (Tomkins 73),
Nolan, Jarvis, Noble, Diame (Cole 82), Carroll, Vaz Te (Taylor 64).
Subs not used: Henderson, Benayoun, O'Neil, Maiga.
Goal: Diame 21
Sunday 7 October 2012
Barclays Premier League
Southampton 2-2 Fulham
Southampton: Gazzaniga, Yoshida, Fonte, Fox, Richardson (Hooiveld 8),
Scneiderlin, S Davis, Lallana, Puncheon (Chaplow 61), Lambert (Guly 67),
Rodriguez.
Subs not used: K Davis, Reeves, Ward-Prowse, Mayuka.
Goals: Fonte 4, 90
Previous meeting
• The most-recent meeting between the two sides came on 14 February 2012 and
ended in a 1-1 draw at the Boleyn Ground. West Ham United sat top of the
npower Championship table, with the Saints just one point behind in second
place. Eventual champions Reading were six points behind in sixth. Mark
Noble opened the scoring from the penalty spot after 21 minutes, but not
before Matt Taylor had been sent-off following an altercation with Billy
Sharp in the lead-up to Noble's penalty. Despite West Ham being reduced to
ten men, it took until 15 minutes from time before the Saints drew level
when Jos Hooiveld poked home from close range to snatch a point.
West Ham United: Green, Reid, Tomkins, Faye, O'Brien, Faubert, Collison
(McCartney 21), Taylor, Noble, Cole (Maynard 65), Vaz Te (O'Neil 71).
Subs not used: Lansbury, Baldock
Southampton: Davis, Richardson (Connolly 80), Fonte, Fox, Hooiveld,
Schneiderlin, Cork, Guly (Puncheon 55), Lallana, Lambert, Sharp (Hammond
83).
Subs not used: Martin, Lee
Background
• Saints goalkeeper Kelvin Davis had a trial at West Ham United in summer
2010 but a move could not be agreed and he re-joined Southampton.
• Southampton full-back Frazer Richardson scored the only goal when Stoke
City won 1-0 against West Ham United on 9 December 2003. He was on loan from
Leeds United at the time.
• West Ham United have been drawn to meet Southampton three times in the FA
Cup - and have gone on to reach the final twice. The Hammers overcame the
Saints after two replays in 1922/23, when they were beaten by Bolton
Wanderers in the first-ever final at Wembley. In 1974/75, West Ham defeated
Southampton 2-1 at The Dell in the third round.
• The first-ever meeting between the two clubs at the Boleyn Ground was a
Southern League Division One fixture at The Dell on 16 December 1899. Then
known as Thames Ironworks FC, Ken McKay scored the visitors' goal in a 3-1
defeat.
• The Hammers' most-recent league victory over Southampton took place
exactly eleven years ago on 20 October 2001 when Frederic Kanoute scored
both goals in a 2-0 Premier League win at the Boleyn Ground.
• West Ham United and Southampton met 20 times in the Premier League between
1993 and 2003. The Hammers won eight times, Southampton six and there were
six draws.
• Southampton's best result at the Boleyn Ground was the 4-2 Premier League
victory achieved over West Ham United on 25 April 1998.
• The largest crowd to attend a West Ham United versus Southampton fixture
was the 35,000 who were at the Division Two fixture at the Boleyn Ground on
13 November 1948. The match finished in a 1-1 draw.
• West Ham United have beaten Southampton 4-0 at home on three occasions -
their biggest victories over the Saints at the Boleyn Ground. All three were
in the old Division Two. The first occasion was on 27 March 1937, with Len
Goulden scoring twice. The second was on 12 April 1947, with Frank Neary
netting a brace, while the third was on 19 April 1952, with Terry Woodgate
getting two goals.
Last six meetings
(Barclays Premier League unless stated)
14 February 2012 - West Ham United 1-1 Southampton (Championship)
18 October 2011 - Southampton 1-0 West Ham United (Championship)
5 April 2003 - Southampton 1-1 West Ham United
2 December 2002 - West Ham United 0-1 Southampton
30 January 2002 - Southampton 2-0 West Ham United
20 October 2001 - West Ham United 2-0 Southampton
Overall record v Southampton (all competitions) W 36 D 27 L 30
Ten-year records
West Ham United
2011/12 Championship 3rd (promoted to Premier League via Play-Offs)
2010/11 Premier League 20th (relegated to Championship)
2009/10 Premier League 17th
2008/09 Premier League 9th
2007/08 Premier League 10th
2006/07 Premier League 15th
2005/06 Premier League 9th
2004/05 Championship 6th (promoted to Premier League via Play-Offs)
2003/04 Championship 4th
2002/03 Premier League 18th (relegated to Championship)
Southampton
2011/12 Championship 2nd (promoted to Premier League)
2010/11 League One 2nd (promoted to Championship)
2009/10 League One 7th
2008/09 Championship 23rd (relegated to League One)
2007/08 Championship 20th
2006/07 Championship 6th
2005/06 Championship 12th
2004/05 Premier League 20th (relegated to Championship)
2003/04 Premier League 12th
2002/03 Premier League 8th
Referee
• The referee will be Neil Swarbrick.
• Swarbrick began refereeing at the age of 29 and within six years he had
been promoted to the National List of assistant referees in 2005.
• Now 42, Swarbrick made his way up the leagues via the Football Conference
and the npower Football League before receiving his first Barclays Premier
League appointment on 11 December 2010. He was officially promoted to the
Select Group of top-flight referees in June 2011.
• So far this season Swarbrick has taken charge of six matches in all
competitions, including two Barclays Premier League fixtures.
• He has taken charge of three West Ham United fixtures in the past, the
most recent being the 2-0 npower Championship Play-Off semi-final first-leg
win at Cardiff City on 3 May 2012.
• Swarbrick has been the man in the middle for five Southampton matches, the
most recent being the 2-2 south coast npower Championship derby with
Portsmouth at St Mary's on 7 April 2012.
Team News
• Ricardo Vaz Te is definitely out after undergoing surgery on a dislocated
shoulder suffered in the 3-1 home Barclays Premier League defeat by Arsenal
on 6 October. Yossi Benayoun, Matt Taylor or Gary O'Neil will deputise.
• Guy Demel (leg) and Winston Reid (back) are both facing races to be fit
after being forced to miss out on international duty for Ivory Coast and New
Zealand respectively. Joey O'Brien and James Tomkins are fit and standing by
to come in, if required.
• France midfielder Alou Diarra continues to be sidelined by a thigh injury.
• Goalkeeper Stephen Henderson has joined npower Championship club Ipswich
Town on a three-month loan, meaning Raphael Spiegel will serve as Jussi
Jaaskelainen's No2. Ravel Morrison is on a season-long loan at npower
Championship club Birmingham City.
• For Southampton, record signing Gaston Ramirez is sidelined with a thigh
injury the Uruguay midfielder suffered in training. England Under-21 and
Team GB midfielder Jack Cork is also out with a leg injury. Right-back
Nathaniel Clyne is expected to be fit after recovering from a leg injury
that ruled him out of England Under-21's UEFA European Championship
qualifier in Serbia in midweek.
Old Boys
• West Ham United's all-time leading goalscorer Vic Watson moved to
Southampton after 15 seasons as a Hammer in 1935. Watson would spend the
1935/36 season at The Dell, scoring 14 goals in 36 appearances to finish as
the Saints' leading goalscorer in Division Two before retiring in summer
1936 at the age of 38.
• Among the other players to have played for both clubs are William Adams,
Eyal Berkovic, Wayne Bridge, Henri Camara, Alistair Campbell, Frank
Costello, Christian Dailly, Calum Davenport, Iain Dowie, Bob Fairman, Jack
Foster, Horace Glover, Richard Hall, Jimmy Harris, Fred Harrison, Joe
Kirkup, George Kitchen, Alex McDonald, Walter Pollard, Nigel Quashie, Albert
Roles, Robbie Slater, David Speedie, Vic Watson, Arthur Wilson, Richard
Wright.
General Information
• Standard tickets for the game against Southampton are now completely sold
out.
• There is significant disruption to public transport on Saturday. Please
click here to see if these changes affect you.
• The weather forecast for Saturday is partly cloudy with temperatures
reaching a maximum of 16C (61F).
Welcome to our Sponsors
• Saturday's Match Sponsors will be Channel Commercials PLC and Matchball
Sponsors will be S.H.E Maritime Serivces Ltd.
• Channel Commercials is an established commercial vehicle and LCV dealer in
Kent, providing sales, parts and servicing for DAF Trucks and Nissan vans.
Alongside new and used trucks, vans and buses, Channel Commercials provides
an impressive portfolio of additional products and services, including a
fully-equipped paint and body shop where accident repair, shot blasting and
signwriting are carried out, as well as a specialist engineering and
fabrication department which specialises in commercial vehicle modification,
welding and rail wagon maintenance. As a leading commercial vehicle dealer
in Kent, Channel Commercials also has factory-trained technicians at four
locations (Ashford, Strood, Sevenoaks and Canterbury) who are able to offer
24-hour servicing for commercial vehicles. For full details, click here.
• S.H.E Maritime Serivces Ltd is a non-vessel operating carrier (NVOCC) with
partners throughout the world. S.H.E Maritime Serivces Ltd's core business
is the handling of less than container load (LCL) and full container load
(FCL) cargo to and from numerous worldwide locations. A complete summary of
the import and export services we operate can be found online here.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U18s to return to action
WHUFC.com
Nick Haycock's young Hammers will host Bolton Wanderers at Little Heath on
Saturday morning
18.10.2012
West Ham United's promising youngsters return to action when Nick Haycock's
side host Bolton Wanderers in the Barclays U18 Premier League at Little
Heath on Saturday, with kick-off at 11am. Due to the recent international
break, the Hammers have not played since being defeated 1-0 by Blackburn
Rovers at home on 6 October, and Haycock said he and his players could not
wait to get back on the pitch after a well-earned rest. "The international
break came round at a nice time because the first-year scholars had had a
hard pre-season and needed a weekend without a game to re-charge their
batteries," confirmed the U18s coach.
"We had a couple of boys away on international duty - Kieran Sadlier did
very well with Republic of Ireland U19s again - and had some of the younger
ones on stand-by for England. "During the last couple of weeks, I've had the
chance to get the squad together and do a seven-game review and look at what
we have and haven't done well and what we can improve on both individually
and collectively. "We'll try to put what we've learnt out on to the pitch
and hopefully the result will be a good performance against Bolton at the
weekend."
While wins and points are always welcomed, Haycock pointed out that player
development and producing future first-team squad members are the primary
goals of the Academy. With a number of scholars already impressing for the
club's table-topping Development Squad, the U18s coach pointed to a system
that is working. The club was delighted to receive the highest Category One
status as part of the new Elite Player Performance Plan, which is aimed at
giving clubs more time on the training pitch with young players, while also
providing for their educational, social, medical and - if required,
residential needs. Last week, more than 400 Academy players and family
members attended an evening at which the Academy's ambitions and
philosophies were explained. "The whole mantra is about developing players
and the whole idea is that the Under-21s (Development Squad) looks like the
next first team. That might be made up of teenagers and young professionals,
but whoever they are must look like a first-team player of the future. "All
the way down the system, that is how we work. We want to promote young
players up to the next level whenever we can. As an example, Manny Onnariase
has played every game for the Under-18s this season and he is still a
schoolboy. "Our performances and team shape have been good in our games so
far and the games we have lost have been down to mistakes, lack of
concentration at set pieces or loose passes out from the back. Those are
understandable in young players. "We've been in every game and even the ones
we have lost, on another day with a little bit more sharper play in the
final third, we could have got something out of them as well. "Obviously it
is about winning as well, but after overcoming the disappointment, we then
sit down every week and analyse what every boy has done well and what he
needs to work on - technically, tactically, physically and mentally. "There
are programmes in place for every boy and every week it is about further
developing each individual player. The pleasing thing for us as an Academy
is that the Under-21s look like a good side full of promise and their
performances have resulted in them getting time on the pitch for the first
team in the Capital One Cup."
Assistant manager Neil McDonald has also taken a keen interest in the
Academy, holding two in-service training sessions for Academy coaches to
learn new approaches and drills to help to develop their own skills. "Macca
has showed that close link and has said to all the staff that the youth
teams are about trying to learn the game. We should try to win, but the
result isn't important. It becomes more so at the Development Squad level,
where you cannot make as many mistakes, then in the first team you can't
make any mistakes because you will get punished. "That is where we are at as
an Academy and I am delighted to be playing the part in it that I am at the
moment."
Saturday's match at Little Heath, Hainault Road, Romford, RM6 5SS, will
kick-off at 11am, with admission and parking both free.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Macca's Dev Squad delight
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald is delighted with the progress of the Development Squad this
season
18.10.2012
Neil McDonald has praised the Development Squad for their performances and
progress during the first part of the 2012/13 season. 'Macca' regularly
attends the Barclays Under-21 Premier League fixtures to check in on Ian
Hendon's rising stars and he has been encouraged by what he has seen.
Speaking to whufc.com, Macca hailed their 2-0 win against Blackburn Rovers
ten days ago - their fifth win in seven games this season. "Their
performances have been absolutely fantastic this season," he said. "I
watched them against Blackburn Rovers and they thoroughly deserved their
victory. "They outplayed Blackburn from start to finish and it was a
fantastic result. They are all full of confidence, which is great."
Paul McCallum and Matthias Fanimo got the goals that night in a tough
contest and Macca was impressed by the maturity of their play. "It was a
hard-fought win and games like that are a massive part of their development.
They worked hard for each and it was tough to create chances but when they
did they took them. Blackburn hardly got over the half way line in the
second half."
Macca is also a firm believer that confidence is key to a player's form and
both he and Sam Allardyce are content in the knowledge that the Hammers'
youngsters will be in fine fettle should they be needed. "Winning and
playing well within the Development Squad will only breed confidence and
help them to integrate into the first team. It is great to see the younger
players coming through and playing well and that is why I always attend the
games because they are good to watch."
Fanimo, Rob Hall, Dylan Tombides, Danny Potts and Jordan Spence have all
featured for Allardyce's side this season and Macca backed more youngsters
to do the same before too long. "We have a couple of players who have
already made cameo appearances and they have to play on a consistent basis
to get into the team. "At the moment they are doing just that, which is
fantastic because you very rarely get that off young players. "They work
very hard to close the opposition down and keep their shape and they take
their chances when they come along. They are also top of the league now and
playing very well so long may it continue."
The Development Squad are next in action on Monday night away at Bolton
Wanderers. The match will be held at the Lancashire FA, with kick-off at
7pm. whufc.com will have further pre-match build-up over the weekend.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam blasts FA
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 18th October 2012
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce has hit out at New Zealand Football after they insisted
Winston Reid make the trip home for the All Whites' World Cup 2014
qualifying match against Tahiti.
Reid, who was nursing an injury sustained during West Ham's 3-1 defeat at
home to Arsenal a fortnight ago was ordered back to New Zealand by the NZF -
the country's equivalent of the English FA - for the match, which the Kiwis
won 3-0.
That result gave them an aggregate win of 5-0 and edged them closer to
another appearance in the Finals. However Allardyce was critical of the
decision to call Reid - who was an unused substitute - back for the game.
"I don't see any sense in calling them over and particularly that far,
because they are injured," he said. "I don't see any sense it in at all. I
also think there was an underlining factor that they didn't trust him or us
that he was injured.
"There's another underlining factor that tells me that the players are
brought there and then they're put under enormous pressure to play, because
of the loyalties to the country by the coaches and certain political
elements which they have to resist.
"On one hand I'm all for international football - but it doesn't make any
sense to take them because they can't play. I don't understand that at all."
Reid, who has been suffering with a back spasm could make his return to West
Ham's first team against Southampton at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday -
despite having undertaken a mammoth 48-hour flight this week.
Should the in-form centre half not be considered fit to play, James Tomkins
is on standby to deputise.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rodgers: no Carroll recall
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 18th October 2012
By: Staff Writer
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says he has no intention of recalling Andy
Carroll from his loan at West Ham in January. The under-fire Rodgers, who
only took over at Anfield in the summer has the option of recalling the
England international should he so choose when the transfer window re-opens
in January of next year. However taking Carroll back to Merseyside is not an
option he is currently comtemplating, according to comments he made earlier
today - despite his squad having just one fit striker at present. "Andy has
obviously gone out to get games," said Rodgers. "We have people watching
when he plays and they report back on how he is doing. [But recalling him]
isn't something I have considered, to be honest."
Carroll moved to Liverpool in January 2011 for a British record transfer fee
of £35million - but when Rodgers moved from Swansea to Liverpool earlier
this year he made it clear that the 23-year-old Geordie wasn't part of his
immediate plans. West Ham signed Carroll on a season-long loan on the
penultimate day of the summer transfer window.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce unhappy with Winston Reid's New Zealand call
Last Updated: October 18, 2012 8:13pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce has expressed his unhappiness after West Ham United defender
Winston Reid was called up by New Zealand despite carrying an injury.
Reid travelled halfway round the world for New Zealand's games against
Tahiti, but was unable to play due to a back injury sustained earlier this
month.
He is now doubtful for the Hammers' game against Southamptonon Saturday and
Allardyce questioned the wisdom of the call-up. "I don't see any sense in
calling them over and particularly that far, because they are injured. I
don't see any sense it in at all," said the West Ham manager. "I also think
there was an underlining factor that they didn't trust him or us that he was
injured. "There's another underlining factor that tells me that the players
are brought there and then they're put under enormous pressure to play,
because of the loyalties to the country by the coaches and certain political
elements which they have to resist.
"On one hand I'm all for international football but it doesn't make any
sense to take them because they can't play. I don't understand that at all,"
he said.
Allardyce is also relieved to have Mohamed Diame and Guy Demel back at Upton
Park unscathed after riots forced the Senegal v Ivory Coast Africa Cup of
Nations qualifier to be abandoned on Sunday. Diame was shielded by police as
he fled to the dressing room late in the second half when crowd violence in
the stadium erupted on to the pitch. He added: "We had two very important
players away in that horrific situation ... they've come back okay."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll stinger
By PHIL THOMAS
Last Updated: 19th October 2012
The Sun
BRENDAN RODGERS has no plans to recall Andy Carroll to Anfield in January
despite Liverpool's striker crisis. The giant Geordie is on a season-long
loan at West Ham but the Reds have the option of bringing him back to
Merseyside in the next transfer window. Luis Suarez is Rodgers' only fit
senior striker after Fabio Borini was ruled out for three months with a
broken metatarsal. Yet when asked if a Carroll return was on the cards,
Rodgers insisted: "It's not something I am considering, to be honest.
"Andy's gone there to get games and obviously we have people watching him
and how he's doing. "The Fabio situation has just come up but, although it's
not ideal, they're the cards we've been dealt." A lack of funds forced
Rodgers to fast-track rookies such as Raheem Sterling, Suso and Andre
Wisdom. But the manager said: "Not every young player can play." Kop keeper
Pepe Reina is struggling to make tomorrow's home game against Reading after
hurting a hamstring on international duty with Spain. Brad Jones is on
standby.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reid the riot act: West Ham livid star had to fly to New Zealand with a bad
back
The Mirror
Richard Heathcote
Sam Allardyce has questioned the sense of Winston Reid's call-up by New
Zealand for their internationals with Tahiti over the past week. The
defender did little more than cheer on his All Whites team-mates after
making the 24-hour journey with a back injury he sustained earlier this
month. Reid remains a doubt for West Ham's match with Southampton this
weekend, much to manager Big Sam's frustration. "I don't see any sense in
calling them over – particularly that far – because they are injured. I
don't see any sense it in at all," he said. "I also think there was an
underlying factor that they didn't trust him, or us, that he was really
injured. "I think the players are brought there and then put under enormous
pressure to play, because of the loyalties to the country by the coaches and
certain political elements which they have to resist. "I'm all for
international football, but it doesn't make any sense to take them because
they can't play."
Allardyce is also relieved to have Mohamed Diame and Guy Demel back
unscathed after riots forced the Senegal v Ivory Coast Africa Cup of Nations
match to be abandoned. Diame was shielded by police as he fled to the
dressing room when crowd violence in the stadium erupted on to the pitch.
"We had two very important players away in that horrific situation, but
they've come back OK," Allardyce added
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce claims rugby players behave much worse than
footballers on the pitch
By John Percy10:00PM BST 18 Oct 2012
The Telegraph
Allardyce, the West Ham manager, is convinced that criticism of footballers
is motivated by jealousy and severe offences in other sports are overlooked.
The success of British athletes at the Olympics this year increased the
focus on the behaviour of Premier League footballers, with recent scrutiny
surrounding John Terry's Football Association charge for racially abusing
Anton Ferdinand and Ashley Cole's Twitter attack on the governing body. Luis
Suárez has also been accused of diving after a string of recent high-profile
incidents to further damage the reputation of the national game but
Allardyce insists football does not deserve such negative coverage in
comparison to other sports. He said: "I think that the game is a volatile
contest so people will lose their temper, but nobody seems to highlight the
fact that rugby players stamp on each others heads, gouge each others eyes,
and that seems to be acceptable. "Or fans go to watch ice hockey players
beat themselves up with the sticks and that also seems acceptable, but a
footballer kicks somebody, or does something that's slightly untoward to the
rules and it's 'lock them away, ban them for life'.
"There's a lot of jealousy around the way football is in this country, I
think, and as it's known as the peoples' game, then I think more and more
people complain about the price, whereas all the other sports it's not quite
the same. "So, it's something we have to live with. In comparing it to the
Olympics, it's not as fierce a competition, because there's not that
day-to-day, week-to-week, competitive edge. It's a build-up of four years –
a very dedicated four years of course – and the delight of winning and the
end of it must be one of the biggest highs anybody's ever experienced."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll stays at West Ham
FRIDAY 19 OCTOBER 2012
by Gareth Purnell
19 October 2012 01:01 AM
Brendan Rodgers says he will not recall the £35m striker Andy Carroll from
loan in January, despite Liverpool's shortage of players up front. Fabio
Borini could be out for up to three months after requiring surgery on a
broken foot, leaving Rodgers with Luis Suarez as his only recognised
first-team striker. But the Liverpool manager said he has not even thought
about recalling Carroll from his season-long loan at West Ham. "It isn't
something I have considered," Rodgers said. "Andy has obviously gone out to
get games. We have people watching and they report back on how he is doing.
But with Fabio's injury just coming up we will assess it from there."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, October 18
Daily WHUFC News - 18th October 2012
Jussi plays host to young fans
WHUFC.com
Jussi Jaaskelainen gave a group of young supporters a VIP tour of the Boleyn
Ground this week
17.10.2012
Jussi Jaaskelainen welcomed a young group of visitors to the Boleyn Ground
this week and ensured they had a great time visiting the home of West Ham
United. The Hammers goalkeeper was on hand to welcome Anna Kennedy, who runs
a national charity Anna Kennedy online dedicated to promoting the inclusion
and equality of children and adults with autism and Asperger's Syndrome.
Anna and her fellow guests went pitchside and sat in the home dugout before
being given a personal guided tour of the home dressing room by
Jaaskelainen. There was also a chance to take a look in the away dressing
room, the television media room where pre and post-match interviews are
filmed and the tunnel area. Ms Kennedy said of the visit: "Thank you to West
Ham for a wonderful afternoon at the stadium. Our children and adults met
with Jussi, who was a real gentleman and made the visit very special. We are
looking forward to a continuing link with West Ham. "By inviting us into the
heart of the club, West Ham will be helping us to bring autism further into
mainstream society."
The charity aims to give people with autism and Asperger's Syndrome a better
chance to live and build a structure for themselves, so they can look to
lead independent lives. Ms Kennedy, who is the mother of two sons with
autism, founded Hillingdon Manor School in west London, which is now a
centre of excellence for children and young adults with autism. The school
and the work of the charity have received national recognition and Ms
Kennedy was made an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List earlier this
year, together with being shortlisted for Tesco Mum of the Year award.
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan donated a five-figure sum to the charity
earlier this year - a pledge he made if Hammers won promotion. That money
has helped the charity expand the work that it does. Jaaskelainen said: "It
was good to meet everyone and to hear of the work Anna is doing and everyone
involved in the charity is fantastic. I wish them well and we look forward
to them being here at West Ham again soon."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Important travel information
WHUFC.com
Information for supporters using public transport to get to Saturday's home
fixture with Southampton
17.10.2012
Supporters travelling to Saturday's Barclays Premier League fixture between
West Ham United and Southampton by public transport should take note of the
following important information. Engineering works mean c2c and Greater
Anglia rail, London Underground and Docklands Light Railway services will
all be disrupted on 20 October. Fans should make arrangements as journey
times to the Boleyn Gruond are likely to be extended.
c2c
All c2c rail services between Barking and Upminster are subject to
alteration due to route improvement works.
Network Rail will be undertaking track renewals between Barking and
Upminster on Saturday, meaning a revised service will operate on all c2c
routes.
Pre-match, two trains per hour will also run between Grays and Pitsea via
Upminster. Passengers for Chafford Hundred, Ockendon, Upminster, West
Horndon, Laindon and Basildon should use a shuttle service and change at
Grays for services to Barking and Fenchurch Street or Pitsea for services to
Southend and Shoeburyness.
Post-match, two trains per hour will run between Fenchurch Street and
Shoeburyness, running fast from Barking to Pitsea. Two trains per hour will
also run between Fenchurch Street and Shoeburyness, calling at all stations
via Rainham and Tilbury.
Additional shuttle services will run between Fenchurch Street and Barking
for much of the day.
Greater Anglia
Greater Anglia rail services will be suspended between Shenfield and Witham
due to overhead line renewal work taking place.
Mainline services from Norwich/Ipswich/Clacton/Colchester/Braintree will
terminate at Witham and will connect into a replacement bus service to
Billericay. At Billericay buses will connect into Southend Victoria services
to Liverpool Street.
A shuttle bus service will operate between Ingatestone and Shenfield for
Ingatestone passengers only.
Southend Victoria to Liverpool Street services will operate to an increased
frequency of four trains per hour, with trains strengthened to eight or 12
coaches.
The Southminster branch line will operate to an hourly service.
London Underground
The London Underground District line will be closed between Barking and
Upminster for engineering works. Rail replacement buses will operate.
Service C will call at Barking, Upney, Becontree, Dagenham Heathway and
Dagenham East. Service D will call at Dagenham East, Elm Park, Hornchurch,
Upminster Bridge and Upminster.
The London Underground Circle line will be completely closed.
Docklands Light Railway
There will be no service between Canning Town and Beckton due to engineering
works. A bus replacement service will operate from Canning Town to Beckton,
stopping at all stations except Royal Victoria.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"Nolan, Allardyce and Carroll have got a great relationship"
Lifesapitch.co.uk
Sam Allardyce has once again proved his Premier League managerial acumen by
taking newly promoted West Ham to eighth place after the first seven matches
of the season. And, as the Life's a Pitch team discuss, with Allardyce's
attacking style and a team boasting the combined threat of Andy Carroll and
Kevin Nolan, it should come as no surprise that the Hammers look set to
avoid relegation trouble this season.
"It's what you would expect," says the People's Janine Self. "When West Ham
went down they kept a lot of their players, Sam spent big last season and I
think they've added [new players] very, very wisely. Jussi Jaaskelainen has
got Premier League experience, you've got James Collins and, of course, Andy
Carroll. Build a team around Andy Carroll."
The Sunday Mirror's David Walker agrees that Carroll suits Allardyce's
tactics perfectly, and feels Nolan is already benefitting from the on-loan
Liverpool striker's presence at the Boleyn Ground. "In Kevin Nolan,
Allardyce probably has the best attacking midfielder in England for playing
off a big fella. Nolan is absolutley briliant at arriving in the penalty
area [to feed off knock downs] and scoring with one- and two-touch finishes.
So, Nolan, Allardyce and Carroll have got a great relationship there."
Next up for the Hammers is the visit of fellow promoted side Southampton.
Given that the Saints have already shipped 20 goals in seven games, three of
them own goals, the Mail on Sunday's Ian Ridley expects them to be in for a
tough afternoon with Carroll and friends on the prowl.
"[Southampton have been] very open and easy to score against," says Ian.
"People like young Nat Clyne are finding it tough to take that step up to
the Premier League. Their defence has looked vulnerable, always capable of
an own goal and, particularly when pressured by Andy Carroll, you would
think there might be another one in the offing."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Price of Football - Premier League
BBC.co.uk
Newcastle United offer the cheapest day out for adult fans in the Premier
League, with tickets starting at £15. BBC Sport's Price of Football study
shows that Newcastle, Aston Villa, Fulham and Wigan all offer a ticket,
programme, pie and cup of tea for less than £30, with Newcastle the cheapest
at £23. Liverpool's cheapest day out is the most expensive in the top flight
at £47.30, while champions Manchester City have the second-cheapest season
tickets in the league at £275.
The most expensive matchday ticket in the division is at Arsenal, with some
seats for the club's top category games costing £126. All clubs offer a host
of special offers on certain fixtures, but they were asked for the cheapest
and most expensive matchday tickets which were not part of any promotion.
Arsenal's most expensive seat has gone up from £100 last year, but they have
also reduced prices. Last year's cheapest matchday seat was £35, and this
year it has come down to £26.
Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis says clubs in the top flight must be
careful not to take their supporters for granted. He told BBC Sport: "During
the last year we spent a lot of time working with our fan groups to develop
our ticketing strategy and create a wider and broader range of prices.
"That's been a collaborative effort between us and our fans which has been
welcomed by our fans as a positive development.
Bundesliga bargain
Prices at German champions Borussia Dortmund:
Adult ticket (purchased on day): Cheapest: £12.30 Most expensive: £40.18
Season ticket (adult) - cheapest:£150.27; most expensive: £819.67 (includes
three Champions League group games)
Bratwurst: £2.01
Beer: £3.62
Programme: £1.61
*all prices converted from euros
"It's something that all of us in football need to keep an eye on and keep
responsive to because what we don't want to do is price out particularly
younger fans from the live experience of football. "That is such a
fundamental part of the bond young people form with football. It isn't just
an issue for Arsenal but across the game." Arsenal's cheapest season ticket
at the Emirates is £985 and the most expensive £1,955, although that
includes seven FA Cup or European games in addition to the standard 19
Premier League matches. Wigan have the cheapest season tickets on offer in
the top flight - they start at £255 - with the most expensive seat at the DW
Stadium costing £310 for 19 Premier League games. A programme in the Premier
League will cost fans £3 or £3.50, while the cheapest pie can be found at
Wigan, who charge £2.30. Fulham's is the most expensive at £3.90.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'In Jussi We Trust' - and Raphael Too!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
I think most fans were surprised by the decision, seemingly, out of left
field to loan Stephen Henderson to Ipswich Town. The signing of the
promising Republic of Ireland keeper was viewed in many quarters as a
potential coup. Henderson was highly rated at, his former club, Portsmouth,
and there were high expectations that he might step up as first choice
keeper, in the aftermath of Rob Green's Bosman move. That this has not
happened is partly due to the subsequent signing of Jussi, but it also to
the fact that Henderson has not exactly graped his opportunities (and indeed
some would say the ball!) with both hands when he has featured for the first
team.
However, Henderson is still a young goal keeper and it would not be
unreasonable to argue that he is still learning his trade and could very
well develop in to a top keeper over a slightly longer time frame. This
would have meant working hard with the specialist keeping coach, and the
experienced Jussi, to improve and realise his potential. Now, there is two
ways to look at the news that Henderson has gone out on loan to a
Championship side. The first is that it is purely a short-term arrangement
to give him more immediate first team exposure and sharpen his game. After
all, there is allegedly a clause in the loan deal that West Ham can recall
him at 24 hours notice if he is needed. The second, and alternative, view is
that Henderson has been unsettled at not being first choice and that he has
made this known to the Manager. Who remembers Sam Allardyce's comments after
the Wigan cup defeat, in stating that players could hardly knock on his
door, demanding to play, after performing so poorly when they eventually get
their chance. In retrospect, does it now make sense who Allardyce was
referring to? Could a permanent outward transfer now be on the cards for
Henderson in January, with a new keeper also arriving at the club?
Personally, I am unsure on the issue. Although Henderson's reported
comments, about not being 'a bench warmer,' could quite reasonably be
interpreted as substantiating the latter point of view. Even more
interesting was his reported statement that Pompey had not made him aware of
Ipswich Town's interest last season and, had he known, he might have thought
twice about moving to the Hammers. Now we all know that when players sign
for a new club they invariably make statements to try to get the fans 'on
side,' but does it sound like the comment of a player that is keen to keep
his options open with regard to recommencing his career with the Hammers?
Perhaps, perhaps not? Some times, amazingly in the current mass
media/information age, players still make comments for the local press,
without giving apparent due consideration to the way that they may be
reported elsewhere. Is this such a case?
Anyway, whatever, Henderson's loan means that we are reliant upon Jussi as
first choice and Spiegel as cover. Maybe his performances at Development
Squad level, and in training, has encouraged Allardyce to believe that the
youngster can step up, immediately, if called upon to do so? And, as stated,
there is also the option to recall Henderson at very short notice. So, lets
see what happens? Jussi has done well since arriving at the club and there
is no denying his PL experience. However, I still have certain simmering
anxiety about the goal keeping situation. Maybe it is just that I have grown
accustomed to Rob Green's presence as our last line of defence, maybe it is
because I prefer reaction keepers like Green and Hislop? Alternatively,
perhaps it is because I suspect that Jussi is past his best and that may
become more self-evident at some juncture? I have to say that I am still
processing these issues, as I try to publicly adopt, in the interim, a 'in
Jussi we trust' type position. And by extension, if circumstance dictate,
that might have to apply to Raphael too!
Finally, away from goalkeeping deliberations, it would appear that the Mayor
of London, and the powers to be, are finally militating towards accepting
the reality of the issues relating to the long term sustainability of the
OS. This will, inevitably, mean pursuing the option of 'retro-fitting' a
retractable seating system in the Stadium, as part of a £160-200m
restructuring to make it a viable multi-purpose venue. Approximately £90m is
in the pot to fund the OS redevelopment, Newham Council wish to invest £40m
for the benefit of the local economy/ community and negotiations are ongoing
with West Ham about their possible contribution as the anchor
tenant/stakeholders. No doubt the alleged £2m a year rental will be included
in any financial calculation, the % cut of PL revenues going in to the
public purse and anticipated revenue streams from other sporting and concert
events. In addition, there is £500m sitting in a post-games budget to help
redevelop the wider Olympic Park. It is not beyond the realms of possibility
that the OS redevelopment will receive a further cash injection from that
budget, if it is necessary to seal a deal.
Ironically, any planned retro-fit of the retractable seating, is likely to
result in a wholesale development of the permanent 20,000 seats in the lower
tier. While the temporary seats in the upper tiers might stay in place?
Although it is unclear how the extension of the roof and inclusion of
hospitality facilities will impact upon that? Of course, all of this is made
necessary by the extreme folly of the poor decision-making in determining
the design of the stadium. Whereas Jowell, Livingstone and Coe deserve huge
credit for winning the 2012 games, many are now questioning the poor
strategic planning, that has directly led so many 'chickens come home to
roost' with regard to the inbuilt limitations of the OS design.
At least the success of the OS during the games has clearly shown the Spurs
sponsored 'bulldoze and rebuild' proposal to be both philistine and
politically impossible to deliver (Something that some of us suspected all
along). Still at least their game playing, allied to the 2011 summer
disturbances, got the Mayor of London to invest in the the supporting
infrastrucure of their proposed Northumberland Park redevelopment. Least
ways, if some of the reports are to be believed? So, if true, they cannot be
too unhappy at the outcome. Anyway, what it could mean is that, if selected
as the anchor tenant, the scale of the works will mean that West Ham may not
occupy the OS until the start of the 2015-16 season. It means an additional
season at Upton Park, but the down side is that it may also delay our
assault upon Champions League glory!!!!
You have to laugh at the scale of the OS debacle. If not, one is equally
likely to lament its absurdity. Whatever the emotion solicited by the
circumstances, all we can hope is that it is eventually a case of 'alls well
that ends well.' And when all the chips fall, West Ham emerge as clean
'winners' from the solution(s) put in place.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Guy dealt in by Hammers
Published: 6 hrs ago
The Sun
WEST HAM are ready to offer full-back Guy Demel a new contract. The French
defender, 31, has impressed since arriving on a one-year deal from Hamburg
and the Hammers want to talk about a new two-year contract. But midfielder
Gary O'Neil, 29, will be allowed to go in January.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Jussi Jaaskelainen gave a group of young supporters a VIP tour of the Boleyn
Ground this week
17.10.2012
Jussi Jaaskelainen welcomed a young group of visitors to the Boleyn Ground
this week and ensured they had a great time visiting the home of West Ham
United. The Hammers goalkeeper was on hand to welcome Anna Kennedy, who runs
a national charity Anna Kennedy online dedicated to promoting the inclusion
and equality of children and adults with autism and Asperger's Syndrome.
Anna and her fellow guests went pitchside and sat in the home dugout before
being given a personal guided tour of the home dressing room by
Jaaskelainen. There was also a chance to take a look in the away dressing
room, the television media room where pre and post-match interviews are
filmed and the tunnel area. Ms Kennedy said of the visit: "Thank you to West
Ham for a wonderful afternoon at the stadium. Our children and adults met
with Jussi, who was a real gentleman and made the visit very special. We are
looking forward to a continuing link with West Ham. "By inviting us into the
heart of the club, West Ham will be helping us to bring autism further into
mainstream society."
The charity aims to give people with autism and Asperger's Syndrome a better
chance to live and build a structure for themselves, so they can look to
lead independent lives. Ms Kennedy, who is the mother of two sons with
autism, founded Hillingdon Manor School in west London, which is now a
centre of excellence for children and young adults with autism. The school
and the work of the charity have received national recognition and Ms
Kennedy was made an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List earlier this
year, together with being shortlisted for Tesco Mum of the Year award.
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan donated a five-figure sum to the charity
earlier this year - a pledge he made if Hammers won promotion. That money
has helped the charity expand the work that it does. Jaaskelainen said: "It
was good to meet everyone and to hear of the work Anna is doing and everyone
involved in the charity is fantastic. I wish them well and we look forward
to them being here at West Ham again soon."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Important travel information
WHUFC.com
Information for supporters using public transport to get to Saturday's home
fixture with Southampton
17.10.2012
Supporters travelling to Saturday's Barclays Premier League fixture between
West Ham United and Southampton by public transport should take note of the
following important information. Engineering works mean c2c and Greater
Anglia rail, London Underground and Docklands Light Railway services will
all be disrupted on 20 October. Fans should make arrangements as journey
times to the Boleyn Gruond are likely to be extended.
c2c
All c2c rail services between Barking and Upminster are subject to
alteration due to route improvement works.
Network Rail will be undertaking track renewals between Barking and
Upminster on Saturday, meaning a revised service will operate on all c2c
routes.
Pre-match, two trains per hour will also run between Grays and Pitsea via
Upminster. Passengers for Chafford Hundred, Ockendon, Upminster, West
Horndon, Laindon and Basildon should use a shuttle service and change at
Grays for services to Barking and Fenchurch Street or Pitsea for services to
Southend and Shoeburyness.
Post-match, two trains per hour will run between Fenchurch Street and
Shoeburyness, running fast from Barking to Pitsea. Two trains per hour will
also run between Fenchurch Street and Shoeburyness, calling at all stations
via Rainham and Tilbury.
Additional shuttle services will run between Fenchurch Street and Barking
for much of the day.
Greater Anglia
Greater Anglia rail services will be suspended between Shenfield and Witham
due to overhead line renewal work taking place.
Mainline services from Norwich/Ipswich/Clacton/Colchester/Braintree will
terminate at Witham and will connect into a replacement bus service to
Billericay. At Billericay buses will connect into Southend Victoria services
to Liverpool Street.
A shuttle bus service will operate between Ingatestone and Shenfield for
Ingatestone passengers only.
Southend Victoria to Liverpool Street services will operate to an increased
frequency of four trains per hour, with trains strengthened to eight or 12
coaches.
The Southminster branch line will operate to an hourly service.
London Underground
The London Underground District line will be closed between Barking and
Upminster for engineering works. Rail replacement buses will operate.
Service C will call at Barking, Upney, Becontree, Dagenham Heathway and
Dagenham East. Service D will call at Dagenham East, Elm Park, Hornchurch,
Upminster Bridge and Upminster.
The London Underground Circle line will be completely closed.
Docklands Light Railway
There will be no service between Canning Town and Beckton due to engineering
works. A bus replacement service will operate from Canning Town to Beckton,
stopping at all stations except Royal Victoria.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"Nolan, Allardyce and Carroll have got a great relationship"
Lifesapitch.co.uk
Sam Allardyce has once again proved his Premier League managerial acumen by
taking newly promoted West Ham to eighth place after the first seven matches
of the season. And, as the Life's a Pitch team discuss, with Allardyce's
attacking style and a team boasting the combined threat of Andy Carroll and
Kevin Nolan, it should come as no surprise that the Hammers look set to
avoid relegation trouble this season.
"It's what you would expect," says the People's Janine Self. "When West Ham
went down they kept a lot of their players, Sam spent big last season and I
think they've added [new players] very, very wisely. Jussi Jaaskelainen has
got Premier League experience, you've got James Collins and, of course, Andy
Carroll. Build a team around Andy Carroll."
The Sunday Mirror's David Walker agrees that Carroll suits Allardyce's
tactics perfectly, and feels Nolan is already benefitting from the on-loan
Liverpool striker's presence at the Boleyn Ground. "In Kevin Nolan,
Allardyce probably has the best attacking midfielder in England for playing
off a big fella. Nolan is absolutley briliant at arriving in the penalty
area [to feed off knock downs] and scoring with one- and two-touch finishes.
So, Nolan, Allardyce and Carroll have got a great relationship there."
Next up for the Hammers is the visit of fellow promoted side Southampton.
Given that the Saints have already shipped 20 goals in seven games, three of
them own goals, the Mail on Sunday's Ian Ridley expects them to be in for a
tough afternoon with Carroll and friends on the prowl.
"[Southampton have been] very open and easy to score against," says Ian.
"People like young Nat Clyne are finding it tough to take that step up to
the Premier League. Their defence has looked vulnerable, always capable of
an own goal and, particularly when pressured by Andy Carroll, you would
think there might be another one in the offing."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Price of Football - Premier League
BBC.co.uk
Newcastle United offer the cheapest day out for adult fans in the Premier
League, with tickets starting at £15. BBC Sport's Price of Football study
shows that Newcastle, Aston Villa, Fulham and Wigan all offer a ticket,
programme, pie and cup of tea for less than £30, with Newcastle the cheapest
at £23. Liverpool's cheapest day out is the most expensive in the top flight
at £47.30, while champions Manchester City have the second-cheapest season
tickets in the league at £275.
The most expensive matchday ticket in the division is at Arsenal, with some
seats for the club's top category games costing £126. All clubs offer a host
of special offers on certain fixtures, but they were asked for the cheapest
and most expensive matchday tickets which were not part of any promotion.
Arsenal's most expensive seat has gone up from £100 last year, but they have
also reduced prices. Last year's cheapest matchday seat was £35, and this
year it has come down to £26.
Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis says clubs in the top flight must be
careful not to take their supporters for granted. He told BBC Sport: "During
the last year we spent a lot of time working with our fan groups to develop
our ticketing strategy and create a wider and broader range of prices.
"That's been a collaborative effort between us and our fans which has been
welcomed by our fans as a positive development.
Bundesliga bargain
Prices at German champions Borussia Dortmund:
Adult ticket (purchased on day): Cheapest: £12.30 Most expensive: £40.18
Season ticket (adult) - cheapest:£150.27; most expensive: £819.67 (includes
three Champions League group games)
Bratwurst: £2.01
Beer: £3.62
Programme: £1.61
*all prices converted from euros
"It's something that all of us in football need to keep an eye on and keep
responsive to because what we don't want to do is price out particularly
younger fans from the live experience of football. "That is such a
fundamental part of the bond young people form with football. It isn't just
an issue for Arsenal but across the game." Arsenal's cheapest season ticket
at the Emirates is £985 and the most expensive £1,955, although that
includes seven FA Cup or European games in addition to the standard 19
Premier League matches. Wigan have the cheapest season tickets on offer in
the top flight - they start at £255 - with the most expensive seat at the DW
Stadium costing £310 for 19 Premier League games. A programme in the Premier
League will cost fans £3 or £3.50, while the cheapest pie can be found at
Wigan, who charge £2.30. Fulham's is the most expensive at £3.90.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'In Jussi We Trust' - and Raphael Too!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
I think most fans were surprised by the decision, seemingly, out of left
field to loan Stephen Henderson to Ipswich Town. The signing of the
promising Republic of Ireland keeper was viewed in many quarters as a
potential coup. Henderson was highly rated at, his former club, Portsmouth,
and there were high expectations that he might step up as first choice
keeper, in the aftermath of Rob Green's Bosman move. That this has not
happened is partly due to the subsequent signing of Jussi, but it also to
the fact that Henderson has not exactly graped his opportunities (and indeed
some would say the ball!) with both hands when he has featured for the first
team.
However, Henderson is still a young goal keeper and it would not be
unreasonable to argue that he is still learning his trade and could very
well develop in to a top keeper over a slightly longer time frame. This
would have meant working hard with the specialist keeping coach, and the
experienced Jussi, to improve and realise his potential. Now, there is two
ways to look at the news that Henderson has gone out on loan to a
Championship side. The first is that it is purely a short-term arrangement
to give him more immediate first team exposure and sharpen his game. After
all, there is allegedly a clause in the loan deal that West Ham can recall
him at 24 hours notice if he is needed. The second, and alternative, view is
that Henderson has been unsettled at not being first choice and that he has
made this known to the Manager. Who remembers Sam Allardyce's comments after
the Wigan cup defeat, in stating that players could hardly knock on his
door, demanding to play, after performing so poorly when they eventually get
their chance. In retrospect, does it now make sense who Allardyce was
referring to? Could a permanent outward transfer now be on the cards for
Henderson in January, with a new keeper also arriving at the club?
Personally, I am unsure on the issue. Although Henderson's reported
comments, about not being 'a bench warmer,' could quite reasonably be
interpreted as substantiating the latter point of view. Even more
interesting was his reported statement that Pompey had not made him aware of
Ipswich Town's interest last season and, had he known, he might have thought
twice about moving to the Hammers. Now we all know that when players sign
for a new club they invariably make statements to try to get the fans 'on
side,' but does it sound like the comment of a player that is keen to keep
his options open with regard to recommencing his career with the Hammers?
Perhaps, perhaps not? Some times, amazingly in the current mass
media/information age, players still make comments for the local press,
without giving apparent due consideration to the way that they may be
reported elsewhere. Is this such a case?
Anyway, whatever, Henderson's loan means that we are reliant upon Jussi as
first choice and Spiegel as cover. Maybe his performances at Development
Squad level, and in training, has encouraged Allardyce to believe that the
youngster can step up, immediately, if called upon to do so? And, as stated,
there is also the option to recall Henderson at very short notice. So, lets
see what happens? Jussi has done well since arriving at the club and there
is no denying his PL experience. However, I still have certain simmering
anxiety about the goal keeping situation. Maybe it is just that I have grown
accustomed to Rob Green's presence as our last line of defence, maybe it is
because I prefer reaction keepers like Green and Hislop? Alternatively,
perhaps it is because I suspect that Jussi is past his best and that may
become more self-evident at some juncture? I have to say that I am still
processing these issues, as I try to publicly adopt, in the interim, a 'in
Jussi we trust' type position. And by extension, if circumstance dictate,
that might have to apply to Raphael too!
Finally, away from goalkeeping deliberations, it would appear that the Mayor
of London, and the powers to be, are finally militating towards accepting
the reality of the issues relating to the long term sustainability of the
OS. This will, inevitably, mean pursuing the option of 'retro-fitting' a
retractable seating system in the Stadium, as part of a £160-200m
restructuring to make it a viable multi-purpose venue. Approximately £90m is
in the pot to fund the OS redevelopment, Newham Council wish to invest £40m
for the benefit of the local economy/ community and negotiations are ongoing
with West Ham about their possible contribution as the anchor
tenant/stakeholders. No doubt the alleged £2m a year rental will be included
in any financial calculation, the % cut of PL revenues going in to the
public purse and anticipated revenue streams from other sporting and concert
events. In addition, there is £500m sitting in a post-games budget to help
redevelop the wider Olympic Park. It is not beyond the realms of possibility
that the OS redevelopment will receive a further cash injection from that
budget, if it is necessary to seal a deal.
Ironically, any planned retro-fit of the retractable seating, is likely to
result in a wholesale development of the permanent 20,000 seats in the lower
tier. While the temporary seats in the upper tiers might stay in place?
Although it is unclear how the extension of the roof and inclusion of
hospitality facilities will impact upon that? Of course, all of this is made
necessary by the extreme folly of the poor decision-making in determining
the design of the stadium. Whereas Jowell, Livingstone and Coe deserve huge
credit for winning the 2012 games, many are now questioning the poor
strategic planning, that has directly led so many 'chickens come home to
roost' with regard to the inbuilt limitations of the OS design.
At least the success of the OS during the games has clearly shown the Spurs
sponsored 'bulldoze and rebuild' proposal to be both philistine and
politically impossible to deliver (Something that some of us suspected all
along). Still at least their game playing, allied to the 2011 summer
disturbances, got the Mayor of London to invest in the the supporting
infrastrucure of their proposed Northumberland Park redevelopment. Least
ways, if some of the reports are to be believed? So, if true, they cannot be
too unhappy at the outcome. Anyway, what it could mean is that, if selected
as the anchor tenant, the scale of the works will mean that West Ham may not
occupy the OS until the start of the 2015-16 season. It means an additional
season at Upton Park, but the down side is that it may also delay our
assault upon Champions League glory!!!!
You have to laugh at the scale of the OS debacle. If not, one is equally
likely to lament its absurdity. Whatever the emotion solicited by the
circumstances, all we can hope is that it is eventually a case of 'alls well
that ends well.' And when all the chips fall, West Ham emerge as clean
'winners' from the solution(s) put in place.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Guy dealt in by Hammers
Published: 6 hrs ago
The Sun
WEST HAM are ready to offer full-back Guy Demel a new contract. The French
defender, 31, has impressed since arriving on a one-year deal from Hamburg
and the Hammers want to talk about a new two-year contract. But midfielder
Gary O'Neil, 29, will be allowed to go in January.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, October 17
Daily WHUFC News - 17th October 2012
Henderson loaned to Ipswich
WHUFC.com
Stephen Henderson has joined npower Championship side Ipswich Town on a
three-month loan deal
16.10.2012
Goalkeeper Stephen Henderson has joined npower Championship side Ipswich
Town on a three-month loan deal - with a 24-hour call-back option. The
Irishman will link up with the Tractor Boys this week and could make his
debut for Paul Jewell's side in Saturday's away fixture at Hull City, where
he could face former West Ham United team-mate Abdoulaye Faye. Ipswich have
endured a difficult start to the 2012/13 season and go into the weekend 23rd
in the table, having collected seven points from eleven matches played.
Henderson, who will challenge Scott Loach and Aaron Lee-Barrett for the No1
jersey at Portman Road. has plenty of npower Championship experience to call
upon. The 24-year-old has made 27 appearances at that level for former clubs
Bristol City and Portsmouth.
After making his loan switch from Portsmouth permanent in the summer, the
Dublin-born stopper has backed-up Jussi Jaaskelainen in the Barclays Premier
League and also made two Capital One Cup appearances for the Hammers this
term. The former Republic of Ireland U21 international has also appeared
twice for the table-topping Development Squad in the Barclays U21 Premier
League and was called-up by his country for their senior friendly
international with Oman at Craven Cottage in September.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vaz Te injury update
WHUFC.com
Ricardo Vaz Te has started his recovery after successful shoulder surgery on
Monday evening
16.10.2012
West Ham United can confirm that Ricardo Vaz Te underwent successful
shoulder surgery on Monday evening as he continues his recovery from the
dislocation he suffered during the Barclays Premier League fixture against
Arsenal on 6 October. Head of Sports Medicine Andy Rolls and his medical
team have been working with Vaz Te since the match to determine the right
course of treatment and it was decided that keyhole surgery was the best
long-term solution to ensure there were no further complications. After
being kept in hospital overnight for observation, Vaz Te will now start his
rehabilitation, which is expected to take up to 12 weeks. The Portuguese
winger's absence is likely to provide an opportunity for a number of
attacking players who have been itching to be involved in the first team.
Matt Taylor, Gary O'Neil, Modibo Maiga - who scored again for Mali at the
weekend - and loan signing Yossi Benayoun could all now come into contention
for a starting place. Youngsters from the Hammers' table-topping Development
Squad such as Rob Hall and Matthias Fanimo could also provide cover for Sam
Allardyce should they be needed. "First and foremost Andy Rolls and his
medical team have researched the best possible treatment and the quickest
recovery, which was keyhole surgery," said Big Sam.
"There would have been a slightly quicker option to get him back but we
would have been unsure on the stability of the shoulder and it could have
been more susceptible to dislocate again. "We think we've chosen the best
option to strengthen the shoulder and get him back as quickly as we can.
"We've got some good players ready to step up in place. Matt Taylor has been
there and there are others in the squad that haven't quite played as much
such as Gary O'Neil. "Whichever option we pick it's up to them to step up to
the mark. They need to provide the attacking opportunities that we need."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diame staying put
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 16th October 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's fears of losing midfield powerhouse Momo Diame to the African Cup
of Nations early next years have been dismissed after his country were
banned from the tournament following a riot. Senegal, whom Diame represents
have been thrown out of the tournament - which takes place in South Africa
between 19th January and 10th February next year - following a riot in Dakar
at the weekend. The Senegalese were hosting the Ivory Coast in a final round
qualifying tie but the match was abandoned with 16 minutes of normal time
left to play after a riot forced the referee to abandon it. The trouble
began when the Ivory Coast's Didier Drogba scored a penalty to extend their
lead in the game to 2-0 - a scoreline that virtually guaranteed the West
African nation's qualification as it put them 6-2 ahead on aggregate. Riot
police were called into action as a hail of missiles rained down upon the
pitch. The deluge forced the players to withdraw and the referee to
ultimately abandon the match after some 40 minutes as police failed to
restore order in the stadium. The Confederation of African Football later
confirmed that the result would stand - whilst later adding that Senegal
would have been eliminated from the competition anyway as a result of the
riots.
The CAF Disciplinary met in Cairo to look into the incidents that led to the
abandonment of the Senegal vs. Ivory Coast match," a statement of the CAF
website read. "Missiles, stones, bottles and firecrackers were thrown onto
the pitch. As a result CAF decided to officially confirm the result of the
match as 2-0 in favor of Ivory Coast in accordance with the provisions of
article 16 para 20 of the regulations of the competition and to consider
Senegal eliminated from the competition without prejudice to any other
sanctions that may be imposed by CAF Disciplinary Board."
Although midfielder Diame will now be staying in England, West Ham will be
without striker Modibo Maiga who is expected to be named in the Malian
squad. Mali qualified for the finals by beating Botswana 7-1 on aggregate.
The goals from the second leg in Lobatse, which Mali won 4-1 including one
from Maiga, may be seen here.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Henderson: I want first-team football
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 16th October 2012
By: Staff Writer
Stephen Henderson has declared his willingness to leave West Ham United in
order to secure regular first team football after completing a loan move to
Ipswich Town. The 24-year-old goalkeeper completed a three-month loan move
to the Championship club yesterday having failed to make a single Premier
League appearance for West Ham since joining the club from Portsmouth on a
permanent basis in the summer. And in his first interview since moving to
Portman Road, the Irish stopper revealed that he was far from happy sitting
on the bench at West Ham playing second fiddle to Jussi Jaaskelainen.
"Anyone who knows me will tell you I'm not the type of player who wants to
sit on the bench and pick up his wages," he told itfc.co.uk. "I need to play
games. "So when I got told I could go out on loan and I knew Ipswich were
keen, it was an easy decision for me. I spoke to the manager [Paul Jewell]
on Saturday and was here for training on Monday morning."
Henderson, who cost West Ham a nominal fee when moving to London from
cash-strapped Portsmouth back in May also indicated that he would be
prepared to leave east London permanently if it meant he could secure
regular first team football. "That's why I'm here," he added. "If the
opportunity is there to stay beyond January and everyone is happy with that,
I'd definitely want to do it." Henderson becomes the Tractor Boys' eighth
loan signing of the season and will compete with Scott Loach and Arran
Lee-Barrett for a place in Paul Jewell's starting eleven.
West Ham's third-choice goalkeeper - Swiss stopper Raphael Spiegel - will
deputise for Henderson in his absence.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vaz through the keyhole
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 16th October 2012
By: Staff Writer
Ricardo Vaz Te has undergone surgery to fix the dislocated shoulder he
sustained during the 3-1 defeat against Arsenal 10 days ago. The Portuguese
winger suffered the fluke injury after falling over Gunners 'keeper Vito
Mannone during the second half of the match and was told that he would be
out of action for six to 12 weeks as a result, as first revealed here on
KUMB.com. According to the club's website, surgery was deemed necessary -
even though it could keep the 25-year-old out of action until the new year.
"Head of Sports Medicine Andy Rolls and his medical team have been working
with Vaz Te since the match to determine the right course of treatment,"
read a report on whufc.com. "It was decided that keyhole surgery was the
best long-term solution to ensure there were no further complications.
"After being kept in hospital overnight for observation Vaz Te will now
start his rehabilitation, which is expected to take up to 12 weeks."
Manager Sam Allardyce added: "There would have been a slightly quicker
option to get him back but we would have been unsure on the stability of the
shoulder and it could have been more susceptible to dislocate again. "We
think we've chosen the best option to strengthen the shoulder and get him
back as quickly as we can." Vaz Te moved to West Ham in January of this year
and quickly became a vital part of the promotion-winning side. The former
Bolton forward scored 12 goals in just 18 appearances in the Championship.
This season, prior to sustaining the injury against Arsenal, he had managed
to score just once in nine outings - that coming in the 2-1 win against QPR
at Loftus Road at the beginning of October.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers Snippets
West Ham Till I Die
* There can be little doubt that the loss of Ricardo Vaz Te for three months
is a bitter blow. He had had a poor start to the season, but seemed to be
coming back into form. But as SJ Chandos points out below, this provides
several other players with an opportunity to stake their claim. Yossi
Benayoun ought to be the like for like replacement on the right but Sam
Allardyce has said that Matt Taylor or Gary O'Neil (no, really) might be
given the nod. It's also possible that Maiga could play there.
* Stephen Henderson has joined Ipswich Town on a three month loan, although
he can be recalled at 24 hours notice.
* The Olympic Stadium decision delay is yet another blow to the club's
plans, but all is not yet lost. I still can't see the Legacy organisation
going for any of the other bids, and there seems an acceptance that there
will now be some sort of retractable seating. Let's hope the delay isn't too
long. But it seems that any move to the OS won't now be until the 2015-16
season. I still believe it will be worth the wait.
* Momo Diame will not be travelling to the African Nations Cup in early
2013, as Senegal were banned from the tournament following violence at their
qualifier with Ivory Coast. Modibo Maigo, will, however, be absent as Mali
have qualified for the tournament, following a 7-1 aggregate win against
Botswana this week. Maiga scored in their 4-1 away win.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Stephen Henderson has joined npower Championship side Ipswich Town on a
three-month loan deal
16.10.2012
Goalkeeper Stephen Henderson has joined npower Championship side Ipswich
Town on a three-month loan deal - with a 24-hour call-back option. The
Irishman will link up with the Tractor Boys this week and could make his
debut for Paul Jewell's side in Saturday's away fixture at Hull City, where
he could face former West Ham United team-mate Abdoulaye Faye. Ipswich have
endured a difficult start to the 2012/13 season and go into the weekend 23rd
in the table, having collected seven points from eleven matches played.
Henderson, who will challenge Scott Loach and Aaron Lee-Barrett for the No1
jersey at Portman Road. has plenty of npower Championship experience to call
upon. The 24-year-old has made 27 appearances at that level for former clubs
Bristol City and Portsmouth.
After making his loan switch from Portsmouth permanent in the summer, the
Dublin-born stopper has backed-up Jussi Jaaskelainen in the Barclays Premier
League and also made two Capital One Cup appearances for the Hammers this
term. The former Republic of Ireland U21 international has also appeared
twice for the table-topping Development Squad in the Barclays U21 Premier
League and was called-up by his country for their senior friendly
international with Oman at Craven Cottage in September.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vaz Te injury update
WHUFC.com
Ricardo Vaz Te has started his recovery after successful shoulder surgery on
Monday evening
16.10.2012
West Ham United can confirm that Ricardo Vaz Te underwent successful
shoulder surgery on Monday evening as he continues his recovery from the
dislocation he suffered during the Barclays Premier League fixture against
Arsenal on 6 October. Head of Sports Medicine Andy Rolls and his medical
team have been working with Vaz Te since the match to determine the right
course of treatment and it was decided that keyhole surgery was the best
long-term solution to ensure there were no further complications. After
being kept in hospital overnight for observation, Vaz Te will now start his
rehabilitation, which is expected to take up to 12 weeks. The Portuguese
winger's absence is likely to provide an opportunity for a number of
attacking players who have been itching to be involved in the first team.
Matt Taylor, Gary O'Neil, Modibo Maiga - who scored again for Mali at the
weekend - and loan signing Yossi Benayoun could all now come into contention
for a starting place. Youngsters from the Hammers' table-topping Development
Squad such as Rob Hall and Matthias Fanimo could also provide cover for Sam
Allardyce should they be needed. "First and foremost Andy Rolls and his
medical team have researched the best possible treatment and the quickest
recovery, which was keyhole surgery," said Big Sam.
"There would have been a slightly quicker option to get him back but we
would have been unsure on the stability of the shoulder and it could have
been more susceptible to dislocate again. "We think we've chosen the best
option to strengthen the shoulder and get him back as quickly as we can.
"We've got some good players ready to step up in place. Matt Taylor has been
there and there are others in the squad that haven't quite played as much
such as Gary O'Neil. "Whichever option we pick it's up to them to step up to
the mark. They need to provide the attacking opportunities that we need."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diame staying put
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 16th October 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's fears of losing midfield powerhouse Momo Diame to the African Cup
of Nations early next years have been dismissed after his country were
banned from the tournament following a riot. Senegal, whom Diame represents
have been thrown out of the tournament - which takes place in South Africa
between 19th January and 10th February next year - following a riot in Dakar
at the weekend. The Senegalese were hosting the Ivory Coast in a final round
qualifying tie but the match was abandoned with 16 minutes of normal time
left to play after a riot forced the referee to abandon it. The trouble
began when the Ivory Coast's Didier Drogba scored a penalty to extend their
lead in the game to 2-0 - a scoreline that virtually guaranteed the West
African nation's qualification as it put them 6-2 ahead on aggregate. Riot
police were called into action as a hail of missiles rained down upon the
pitch. The deluge forced the players to withdraw and the referee to
ultimately abandon the match after some 40 minutes as police failed to
restore order in the stadium. The Confederation of African Football later
confirmed that the result would stand - whilst later adding that Senegal
would have been eliminated from the competition anyway as a result of the
riots.
The CAF Disciplinary met in Cairo to look into the incidents that led to the
abandonment of the Senegal vs. Ivory Coast match," a statement of the CAF
website read. "Missiles, stones, bottles and firecrackers were thrown onto
the pitch. As a result CAF decided to officially confirm the result of the
match as 2-0 in favor of Ivory Coast in accordance with the provisions of
article 16 para 20 of the regulations of the competition and to consider
Senegal eliminated from the competition without prejudice to any other
sanctions that may be imposed by CAF Disciplinary Board."
Although midfielder Diame will now be staying in England, West Ham will be
without striker Modibo Maiga who is expected to be named in the Malian
squad. Mali qualified for the finals by beating Botswana 7-1 on aggregate.
The goals from the second leg in Lobatse, which Mali won 4-1 including one
from Maiga, may be seen here.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Henderson: I want first-team football
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 16th October 2012
By: Staff Writer
Stephen Henderson has declared his willingness to leave West Ham United in
order to secure regular first team football after completing a loan move to
Ipswich Town. The 24-year-old goalkeeper completed a three-month loan move
to the Championship club yesterday having failed to make a single Premier
League appearance for West Ham since joining the club from Portsmouth on a
permanent basis in the summer. And in his first interview since moving to
Portman Road, the Irish stopper revealed that he was far from happy sitting
on the bench at West Ham playing second fiddle to Jussi Jaaskelainen.
"Anyone who knows me will tell you I'm not the type of player who wants to
sit on the bench and pick up his wages," he told itfc.co.uk. "I need to play
games. "So when I got told I could go out on loan and I knew Ipswich were
keen, it was an easy decision for me. I spoke to the manager [Paul Jewell]
on Saturday and was here for training on Monday morning."
Henderson, who cost West Ham a nominal fee when moving to London from
cash-strapped Portsmouth back in May also indicated that he would be
prepared to leave east London permanently if it meant he could secure
regular first team football. "That's why I'm here," he added. "If the
opportunity is there to stay beyond January and everyone is happy with that,
I'd definitely want to do it." Henderson becomes the Tractor Boys' eighth
loan signing of the season and will compete with Scott Loach and Arran
Lee-Barrett for a place in Paul Jewell's starting eleven.
West Ham's third-choice goalkeeper - Swiss stopper Raphael Spiegel - will
deputise for Henderson in his absence.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vaz through the keyhole
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 16th October 2012
By: Staff Writer
Ricardo Vaz Te has undergone surgery to fix the dislocated shoulder he
sustained during the 3-1 defeat against Arsenal 10 days ago. The Portuguese
winger suffered the fluke injury after falling over Gunners 'keeper Vito
Mannone during the second half of the match and was told that he would be
out of action for six to 12 weeks as a result, as first revealed here on
KUMB.com. According to the club's website, surgery was deemed necessary -
even though it could keep the 25-year-old out of action until the new year.
"Head of Sports Medicine Andy Rolls and his medical team have been working
with Vaz Te since the match to determine the right course of treatment,"
read a report on whufc.com. "It was decided that keyhole surgery was the
best long-term solution to ensure there were no further complications.
"After being kept in hospital overnight for observation Vaz Te will now
start his rehabilitation, which is expected to take up to 12 weeks."
Manager Sam Allardyce added: "There would have been a slightly quicker
option to get him back but we would have been unsure on the stability of the
shoulder and it could have been more susceptible to dislocate again. "We
think we've chosen the best option to strengthen the shoulder and get him
back as quickly as we can." Vaz Te moved to West Ham in January of this year
and quickly became a vital part of the promotion-winning side. The former
Bolton forward scored 12 goals in just 18 appearances in the Championship.
This season, prior to sustaining the injury against Arsenal, he had managed
to score just once in nine outings - that coming in the 2-1 win against QPR
at Loftus Road at the beginning of October.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers Snippets
West Ham Till I Die
* There can be little doubt that the loss of Ricardo Vaz Te for three months
is a bitter blow. He had had a poor start to the season, but seemed to be
coming back into form. But as SJ Chandos points out below, this provides
several other players with an opportunity to stake their claim. Yossi
Benayoun ought to be the like for like replacement on the right but Sam
Allardyce has said that Matt Taylor or Gary O'Neil (no, really) might be
given the nod. It's also possible that Maiga could play there.
* Stephen Henderson has joined Ipswich Town on a three month loan, although
he can be recalled at 24 hours notice.
* The Olympic Stadium decision delay is yet another blow to the club's
plans, but all is not yet lost. I still can't see the Legacy organisation
going for any of the other bids, and there seems an acceptance that there
will now be some sort of retractable seating. Let's hope the delay isn't too
long. But it seems that any move to the OS won't now be until the 2015-16
season. I still believe it will be worth the wait.
* Momo Diame will not be travelling to the African Nations Cup in early
2013, as Senegal were banned from the tournament following violence at their
qualifier with Ivory Coast. Modibo Maigo, will, however, be absent as Mali
have qualified for the tournament, following a 7-1 aggregate win against
Botswana this week. Maiga scored in their 4-1 away win.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, October 16
Daily WHUFC News - 16th October 2012
Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce is planning a busy week to make sure West Ham United return to
winning ways
15.10.2012
Sam Allardyce is hoping for some good fortune this week as his West Ham
United side look to return to action with a Barclays Premier League victory
over Southampton on Saturday. Big Sam is hoping to see his international
stars from around the globe return in one piece, with Andy Carroll, Modibo
Maiga, Mohamed Diame, Guy Demel and Winston Reid all away with their
respective nations. Despite serious crowd trouble at Senegal's match with
the Ivory Coast on Saturday, Demel and Diame are safely on their way back to
east London and will re-join their club-mates, who were put through some
tough double training sessions at Chadwell Heath last week. "The first thing
is looking at the international lads in the hope that they come back and are
not injured," said the manager. "We need to bounce back from a disappointing
result but a very gutsy performance and then get back on the victory trail
at home. "Southampton have not had the best of starts and have had some
difficult games and have been conceding a number of goals and we've got to
try and take advantage of that."
Although West Ham have enjoyed the best start of the three newly-promoted
teams, with eleven points from seven games, an experienced manager like
Allardyce knows one should not read too much into the Barclays Premier
League table at this early stage. A Hammers win at the Boleyn Ground on
Saturday, though, would open up a ten-point gap between the Hammers and
their fellow new boys. "From our point of view we'd like to beat them on the
basis that we have both been promoted and we both know how much of a
struggle it is in year one. If you can pick up points from teams of similar
standing to you then you take three points and they don't get any points.
"It's almost a six-pointer this early in the season. If we win, they'd only
have four points and we'd have 14 and that's a massive gap that they'd have
to try and close over the coming games."
The Saints, though, will take heart from last season's npower Championship
campaign, where they remained unbeaten against the Hammers by winning 1-0 at
home a year ago and drawing 1-1 at the Boleyn Ground in February. "They've
had some hard fixtures and they beat us away and then drew with us at Upton
Park so they will be thinking that it is a good chance for them to come and
get some points so we've got to try to stop that."
The last few tickets for Saturday's game are quickly being snapped up and
with seats for the visit of Barclays Premier League champions Manchester
City on 3 November already in high demand, the manager has reiterated the
important part Hammers fans have played in his side's solid start to the
season. "We've played some good football and played one of the big boys and
even though we lost the fans were right behind us until the end. It gives us
a good platform to beat the opposition. It intimidates the opposition and it
is hugely supportive for us. That can help to give us that extra drive to
get the positive result."
*whufc.com will carrying a further update on Ricardo Vaz Te's injury on
Tuesday.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stadium decision delayed again
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 15th October 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's anxious wait to find out whether they will be awarded use of the
Olympic Stadium will go on a little longer after it was revealed that a
decision expected this week would not now be made. It had been expected
that a decision as to which of the four bidding parties - West Ham United,
Formula One, Leyton Orient or a football business college - would take
control of the iconic venue would be made this week. However West Ham
United co-owner David Gold revealed tonight that that decision is to be
delayed further. "Sadly the decision on the Olympic Stadium has been
postponed," he said tonight via Twitter. "We must be patient but resolute."
The delay is thought to centre on a dispute as to who will provde the
necessary funding to convert the stadium, which hosted the summer Olympic
and Paralympic games, into a stadium suitable for football. The London
Legacy Development Corporation, with whom responsibilty for the decision
lies are reported to have decided on Monday to delay the decision until such
time as further negotiations have taken place.
The LLDC are keen for West Ham to make a sizeable contribution to the
redevelopment costs, whilst United's board are keen for the Government to
bear the brunt of it. The Corporations Chief Executive Dennis Hone is said
to have claimed that a final decision could be delayed until December. West
Ham are yet to comment on this latest blow to their plans to move to
Stratford. The latest KUMB.com poll on the Olympic Stadium has resulted in
two-thirds of voters backing the Board's plans to move from Upton Park to
Stratford. You may see the current standings here.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam: Saturday's a six-pointer
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 15th October 2012
By: Staff Writer
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce has stoked up the pressure ahead of Saturday's
Boleyn Ground clash with strugglers Southampton by calling the game "almost
a six-pointer".
West Ham, who have enjoyed a solid start to their 2012/13 campaign take on
last season's Championship runners-up Southampton, who have endured a rather
more difficult start to their season. Having taken only four points from
their opening seven matches, the pressure is on Nigel Adkins' struggling
side to produce the goods and take all three points on Saturday. However
Allardyce is keen to impress upon his squad the importance of the fixture,
despite a full week's preparation yet to come. "From our point of view we'd
like to beat them on the basis that we have both been promoted and we both
know how much of a struggle it is in year one," he told the press this
morning. "It's almost a six-pointer this early in the season. If we win,
they'd only have four points and we'd have 14 - and that's a massive gap
that they'd have to try and close over the coming games. "Southampton have
not had the best of starts and have been conceding a number of goals - and
we've got to try and take advantage of that."
Last season West Ham were forced to play the majority of the corresponding
fixture with only ten men after Southampton striker Billy Sharp feigned
injury in order to get Matt Taylor sent off. The game finished in a 1-1
draw. And although he stopped short of saying it, revenge for that
particular incident may not be too far from Allardyce's mind. "They beat us
away and then drew with us at Upton Park so they will be thinking that it is
a good chance for them to come and get some points," he added. "So we've got
to try to stop that."
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Henderson joins Town
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 15th October 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United reserve goalkeeper Stephen Henderson has joined Championship
side Ipswich Town on loan. The former Portsmouth goalkeeper moved to West
Ham on a permanent basis in the summer but has struggled to impress in his
pre-season and Cup outings thus far. Ipswich - who have also recently signed
former Hammer Nigel Reo-Coker and summer triallist Bilel Moshni - have taken
the 24-year-old Irish goalkeeper on a short-term basis. Henderson becomes
Town's eighth loan signing of the season and will compete with Scott Loach
and Arran Lee-Barrett for a place in Pau lJewell's starting eleven. West
Ham's third-choice goalkeeper - Swiss stopper Raphael Spiegel - will
deputise for Henderson in his absence.
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The LLDC is set to evaluate the four bids for the Olympic Stadium
Last Updated: October 15, 2012 2:17pm
SSN
Today is a significant day for the future of the Olympic Stadium with a
board meeting of the London Legacy Development Corporation scheduled to take
place.
The four bids to take over the £486m venue in Stratford on a 99-year lease
will be evaluated before Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, makes an
announcement. The bids are from West Ham United, Leyton Orient, Intelligent
Transport Services - who plan to stage a Formula One race at the Olympic
Park - and UCFB (College of Football Business). However there are
suggestions that Johnson may be forced to postpone an announcement due to a
fresh European Commission inquiry into illegal state aid for football.
According to The Times, the Government has received notice of the
investigation, which covers the issue of public financing for stadiums used
by professional clubs and that could complicate any deal with West Ham or
Leyton Orient. Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn admits a football club may
not even win the bid to take over the Stratford venue. He told Sky Sports
News: "That stadium has got to have £200m or thereabouts spent on it to make
it convertible into a fit for football stadium. "Do the legacy people think
it's worthwhile to spend that money? There is a very real chance they are
going to decide not to spend that money and to leave the stadium pretty well
in its existing state. The cynic in me, if I was a bookmaker, makes option
one of a non-football stadium odds-on."
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady said: "Someone has to ensure that the
jobs are created, that local people get a chance to be part of it and that
it continues to be on such a worldwide stage because it is such a phenomenal
facility. "And that's what I think we would like to bring to the stadium
should we have an opportunity to be part of that."
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West Ham goalkeeper Stephen Henderson set to join Ipswich on loan
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
October 15, 2012 12:45pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands Ipswich have agreed a deal to sign West Ham
goalkeeper Stephen Henderson on loan. Ipswich boss Paul Jewell has been
looking to bolster his goalkeeping options and has moved to bring in
Henderson. Scott Loach has been Ipswich's No.1 keeper this season, but
Jewell has brought in Henderson to inject competition for places. Henderson,
who has found himself playing back-up to Jussi Jaaskelainen at Upton Park,
has made two appearance for the Hammers this season in the Capital One Cup
games against Crewe and Wigan. The 24-year-old initially joined West Ham on
loan from Portsmouth last March before making the move permanent in May.
Henderson is the fifth new signing at Ipswich in recent weeks following the
arrivals of Nigel Reo-Coker,DJ Campbell, Richie Wellens and Bilel Mohsni.
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Sam Allardyce looking for West Ham United to bounce back against Southampton
Last Updated: October 15, 2012 2:32pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce is hoping West Ham United's international stars will be
returned to him in one piece, as he looks ahead to a crucial fixture. The
Hammers headed into the international break on the back of a 3-1 home defeat
to Arsenal and will have been stewing on that result for a fortnight by the
time they next take to the field. A visit from Southampton awaits West Ham
on Saturday, and the importance of taking points off a fellow promoted side
has not been lost on Allardyce. "The first thing is looking at the
international lads in the hope that they come back and are not injured," he
told the club's official website. "We need to bounce back from a
disappointing result but a very gutsy performance and then get back on the
victory trail at home. "Southampton have not had the best of starts and have
had some difficult games and have been conceding a number of goals and we've
got to try to take advantage of that." He added: "From our point of view,
we'd like to beat them on the basis that we have both been promoted and we
both know how much of a struggle it is in year one. "If you can pick up
points from teams of similar standing to you then you take three points and
they don't get any points. "It's almost a six-pointer this early in the
season. If we win, they'd only have four points and we'd have 14 and that's
a massive gap that they'd have to try and close over the coming games."
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Is Vaz Te's misfortune, Maiga's Opportunity?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
With the news that Vaz Te is likely to be sidelined for two months with his
shoulder dislocation, it begs the question how Sam Allardyce will rejig the
front three. Yossi Benayoun obviously sees this as his chance to get a first
team run, hence his recent public statements about his determination to take
his opportunity when it comes along. Yossi certainly is one option on the
right flank and I totally agree that he is player that still has much to
bring to the first team. We should certainly be using him more regularly
from the substitutes bench, particularly if we are chasing a game and need
more invention in the final third. Another option, and one that I suspect
Sam Allardyce might tend to favour, is to switch Jarvis to the right flank
and bring Taylor in on the left.
However, I think that my favoured option is to switch jarvis to the right,
but bring Maiga in on the left. I feel that Vaz Te's absence provides the
perfect opportunity to give Maga a run to see exactly what he brings to the
team. The thing with playing a 4-3-3 is that the forwards either side of the
centre forward need to not only bring width, but also be able to come inside
and play as a more conventional striker. Arguably, Maiga is very well
equipped to do that. Allardyce has been very sensible in acclimatizing Maiga
to the PL. He has featured in the Carling Cup games and has been given
rationed PL game time from the bench. When he has appeared, he has done well
and one gets the impression that there is much more to come from him this
season. And Southampton, at home, is a good fixture to give him his start on
the left of the attack. Indeed, Jarvis, Carroll & Maiga looks a front three
with a lot of potential and this could be just the match to test it.
Talking of 4-3-3 formations, it is interesting that West Ham are getting
linked once again with Ajax's Serbian international forward, Miralem
Sulejmani. It will be recalled that Sulejmani was originally linked with the
club back in 2010, but the deal broke down. The move was mooted once again
this summer, although it came to nothing. Yet, it appears that Sam Allardyce
is an admirer and the move could happen this January or next summer. The
added bonus is that he is in the final year of his Ajax contract and he
might be available on very reasonable fee in the January transfer window or
even a Bosman in the summer. He is certainly a player who is very effective
playing in a front three, with his mobility, ability to create and take
chances and a excellent left foot. His possible addition would certainly
strengthen the squad, add crucial extra class in the forward line and give
us fresh options up front. Obviously, nothing will happen until January at
the latest, but it might be a potential deal that is worth keeping an eye
on.
Elsewhere, David Gold announced this evening, via his twitter account, that
the OS tenancy decision has been subject to a further delay. It is likely
that this is due to West Ham and LLDC reaching a deadlock regarding the cost
of restructuring the stadium for football usage. Although there may also be
other sticking points, such as the revenue from the stadium naming rights.
The truth is that PL football is the best option for ensuring a sustainable
future for the OS. The Leyton Orient bid is probably not a serious
contender, hence Hearn revising his position in seeking a ground sharing
arrangement with West Ham. F1 may generate significant revenue and be high
profile, but how often will be be staged? Certainly not with the frequency
of a fixture list of home PL and cup matches during the course of a
season.The college proposal is interesting, but it cannot seriously match PL
football as the main anchor activity for the stadium. Moreover, none of the
other bids can compete with West Ham's ability to help deliver the sporting
and community legacy that underpinned the 2012 Olympics/Paralympics bid and
should determine the post-games usage of the Olympic Park and its
facilities.
It was also reported recently that the EU had intervened in the issue by
raising the issue of 'state aid.' More specifically, there is allegedly a EU
letter received that enquires whether Newham Council's £40m investment is
effectively state aid in assisting West Ham to switch to the OS. If this is
a factor, which is not entirely clear at the moment, then it is up to the
Council's solicitors to argue their case. Presumably this will be that the
investment is to ensure that the community and sporting legacy is delivered
for the residents of the borough, with its collateral economic and
employment gains. Surely this is legitimate under the Council's promotion of
the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of the residents of the
borough. Obviously, there is a contrary legal argument, but that is how
these legal issues are settled, via contesting the issues. No doubt Newham
Council have the protection of a QC's opinion that constitutes a legal
defence of why that they are acting properly in making the £40m investment?
Least ways, one would assume so!
Finally, I missed the Arsenal match, due to the fact that I had
ill-advisedly booked a country break long before the fixtures were
published. I actually listened to the game on the radio, something that I
have not done for many a year! No Sky, no broad band and poor mobile phone
coverage in our chosen lodgings. It makes you realise just how much we are
reliant upon 'being connected' and take it for granted. Although I must
admit, after overcoming my initial panic attack, it was quite liberating
.... in short measure! From what I heard on the radio/saw on MoTD, we played
with great spirit and some skill, but our mistakes allied to Arsenal's extra
class in forward positions made the vital difference. But having said that,
if Carroll and Nolan had taken their chances we could still have earnt a
draw. Still it was a good 'benchmark' of how far we have come and where we
need to go! Lets hope it proves to be an important staging post in our PL
learning curve this season.
Hopefully, it will be service resumed this Saturday against Southampton. We
certainly owe them one after that extremely frustrating home draw last
season. COYI!
SJ. Chandos.
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Sweep the leg! Allardyce in no mood to take it easy on struggling
Southampton
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce has ordered his West Ham side to show struggling Southampton
no mercy. Saints have just one win from their first seven Premier League
games and have lost all three away matches - scoring four goals and
conceding 12 - as they prepare to visit Upton Park on Saturday. In contrast,
West Ham, also in their first season back in the top flight, have won three
times and are in eighth place with 11 points. And Big Sam wants his Hammers
to go for the throat at the weekend. He said: "It's almost a six-pointer
this early in the season - If we win, they'd only have four points and we'd
have 14 and that's a massive gap that they'd have to try to close over the
coming games. "Southampton have not had the best of starts, with some
difficult games, and have been conceding a number of goals [Saints' 20 goals
allowed is the highest total in the division]. "We've got to try to take
advantage of that. "Our fans intimidate the opposition and it is hugely
supportive for us. That can help to give us extra drive to get the positive
result. "They beat us away and then drew with us at Upton Park [in the
Championship last season] so they will be thinking that it is a good chance
for them to come and get some points so we've got to try to stop that."
West Ham will be looking for maximum points against Southampton ahead of a
tough run of fixtures. After Saturday, they travel to Wigan, then face
champions Manchester City, Newcastle, Stoke, Spurs, Manchester United,
Chelsea and Liverpool in a seven-game stretch.
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West Ham made to wait for decision over future of the Olympic Stadium
• Sadly the decision has been postponed, tweets David Gold
• Hammers convinced they offer only viable solution
Owen Gibson
The Guardian, Monday 15 October 2012 20.13 BST
West Ham United have confirmed that a long-delayed decision over their bid
to move into the Olympic Stadium has been postponed. The board of the London
Legacy Development Corporation met on Monday but was informed that
negotiations with West Ham had yet to reach a definitive conclusion. The
Guardian revealed last week that a conclusion to the long-running saga was
likely to be delayed again amid ongoing discussions over how costs of up to
£160m to convert the stadium into a permanent venue with retractable seats
should be met. West Ham remain convinced they offer the only financially
viable solution and that their offer to rent the stadium will pay off twice
over the length of the tenancy.
Their co-owner David Gold tweeted: "Sadly the decision on the Olympic
Stadium has been postponed. We must be patient but resolute." But the LLDC
wants to ensure that West Ham make a meaningful contribution to the
conversion costs and is also adamant the stadium could pay for itself
without football if necessary. The next fortnight is believed to be crucial,
with both sides keen to reach a definitive conclusion, although the LLDC
chief executive, Dennis Hone, has said it could take a couple of months.
Leyton Orient, an ambitious but unlikely scheme to host Formula One races in
the Olympic Park and a football business college are the other bidders for
the £468m stadium, which will have 60,000 capacity in its post-Games
configuration. UK Athletics is guaranteed use of the stadium for 20 days a
year and it will also play host to pop concerts, community days and other
sporting events programmed by an events organiser who will also liaise with
the main tenants.
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Poland v England: Andy Carroll under attack from Zbigniew Boniek ahead of
World Cup qualifier in Warsaw
Andy Carroll was ridiculed upon his arrival here with England on Monday
night by Zbigniew Boniek, the legendary former Juventus striker who is
expected to become the next president of Poland's Football Association.
By Jeremy Wilson11:00PM BST 15 Oct 20121
Telegraph.co.uk
Boniek, who was named by Pele as one of the greatest 100 players of
all-time, mocked Carroll's ungainly playing style and said that his
eight-year-old grandson, Mateo, was more elegant than Liverpool's £35
million record signing. "My grandson Mateo moves better on the pitch than
Andy Carroll," said Boniek. "Mateo is very good at golf and tennis. He has
better co-ordination." England were also greeted with a warning about the
playing surface at Warsaw's spectacular national stadium, which is relaid
before every set of internationals. "There may be situations which are quite
unpredictable," said Waldemar Fornalik, the Poland coach. "The ball can
perhaps bounce unpredictably and the players can be slipping. It is just
something we have to cope with. It is the same for both teams."
The deeper narrative, though, has been one of disharmony within the Polish
FA after Poland's failure to win a match as joint host nation at Euro 2012.
In Friday's 1-0 friendly win against South Africa, there were loud insults
for their outgoing FA president Grzegorz Lato and Fornalik has recently
replaced Franciszek Smuda as the coach.
Although the playing style is now regarded as less expansive, the early
results have been reasonable and Poland have begun their World Cup
qualifying campaign with four points from two matches although Jakub
Blaszczykowski, their captain, is unavailable tonight. The rivalry with
England has captured the public's imagination and all 56,000 tickets were
sold within 24 hours of going on sale.
"This is quite an event this year in Polish football," said Fornalik. "The
Euros were a huge event on a European, if not a global, scale and this match
is similar. Poland versus England has always been of big importance." Poland
have not beaten England since 1973 but Marcin Wasilewski, who will captain
the team tonight, also spoke yesterday of a desire to make up for the
disappointments at Euro 2012. There was also a mildly more diplomatic
assessment of Carroll. "We know he is tall and well built – he does all
right in the air, with the fights," said Wasilewski. "He plays the ball with
his head well. We are all aware of England's high quality."
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BONIEK MOCKS ANDY CARROLL
Express.co.uk
Andy Carroll found himself at the centre of a bizarre attack last night
Tuesday October 16,2012
By Daily Express Reporter
ANDY CARROLL found himself at the centre of a bizarre attack last night as
Poland legend Zbigniew Boniek claimed his eight-year-old grandson was a more
natural footballer than the striker. Carroll was handed extra motivation
should he step off the substitutes' bench tonight as Boniek took a pot-shot
at his playing style. "My grandson Mateo moves better on the pitch than Andy
Carroll. He has better co-ordination," said Boniek, named by Pele as one of
the 125 greatest living footballers. The swipe at Carroll, on loan to West
Ham from Liverpool, came during an interview on Polish TV. Poland captain
Marcin Wasilewski says his players could not be more motivated tonight after
failing to qualify from their group during the European Championship in the
summer. Wasilewski said: "Can this game make up for the Euros? Such a match
is much needed."
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My grandson is more skilful than Carroll, claims Boniek
Former star Boniek says his grandson possesses better technique than the
England striker
SAM WALLACE WARSAW TUESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2012
The Independent
The famous former Poland international Zbigniew Boniek fired the first shot
ahead of tonight's World Cup qualifier against England when he said that his
eight-year-old grandson was a more technically accomplished player than
striker Andy Carroll.
Carroll, 23, is highly unlikely to start the match in Warsaw but asked about
the merits of the Liverpool striker, on loan at West Ham this season, on
Polish television, Boniek was caustic. He said: "My grandson Mateo moves
better on the pitch than Andy Carroll. He has better co-ordination. He is
very good at golf and tennis."
Boniek is currently the favourite to succeed another celebrated Poland
international, Grzegorz Lato, in elections for president of the Polish
football association later this year. Yesterday, the Polish coach Waldemar
Fornalik presented an upbeat message ahead of the game, although his team
are missing captain Jakub Blaszczykowski and striker Artur Sobiech through
injury. The midfielder Eugen Polanski was given leave to return to his
family this week on what the Polish FA said was a private matter. He will be
available to play, they said yesterday.
With Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, Poland's first choice, missing
through injury it is expected that Fornalik, who took over after Euro 2012,
will turn to Przemyslaw Tyton despite the fact the goalkeeper is no longer
the first choice at his club side, PSV Eindhoven
Fornalik said last night that his side believed they could beat England. "A
wise man told me that if you try to draw a game, you lose. If you try to
win, it is possible to win. I've always told my teams we have to go for the
three points. The way we plan this game might be different but the objective
is to win.
"When I took over the position, I was aware of the fact I would have very
little time and that this match was coming up in the calendar. I thought
perhaps this match was going to be an opportunity, this match would give us
a better picture of what we are after the changes we have implemented.
"It is a very important game but it will not determine the final result of
the qualifiers.
"This game is a big event in Polish football. The Euros were a huge event on
a European, if not a global, scale. Poland v England has always been of big
importance and this is how we see this match as well. The two teams are
fighting for the three points. We are aware of the high class of our
opponents but we also know what we are worth."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce is planning a busy week to make sure West Ham United return to
winning ways
15.10.2012
Sam Allardyce is hoping for some good fortune this week as his West Ham
United side look to return to action with a Barclays Premier League victory
over Southampton on Saturday. Big Sam is hoping to see his international
stars from around the globe return in one piece, with Andy Carroll, Modibo
Maiga, Mohamed Diame, Guy Demel and Winston Reid all away with their
respective nations. Despite serious crowd trouble at Senegal's match with
the Ivory Coast on Saturday, Demel and Diame are safely on their way back to
east London and will re-join their club-mates, who were put through some
tough double training sessions at Chadwell Heath last week. "The first thing
is looking at the international lads in the hope that they come back and are
not injured," said the manager. "We need to bounce back from a disappointing
result but a very gutsy performance and then get back on the victory trail
at home. "Southampton have not had the best of starts and have had some
difficult games and have been conceding a number of goals and we've got to
try and take advantage of that."
Although West Ham have enjoyed the best start of the three newly-promoted
teams, with eleven points from seven games, an experienced manager like
Allardyce knows one should not read too much into the Barclays Premier
League table at this early stage. A Hammers win at the Boleyn Ground on
Saturday, though, would open up a ten-point gap between the Hammers and
their fellow new boys. "From our point of view we'd like to beat them on the
basis that we have both been promoted and we both know how much of a
struggle it is in year one. If you can pick up points from teams of similar
standing to you then you take three points and they don't get any points.
"It's almost a six-pointer this early in the season. If we win, they'd only
have four points and we'd have 14 and that's a massive gap that they'd have
to try and close over the coming games."
The Saints, though, will take heart from last season's npower Championship
campaign, where they remained unbeaten against the Hammers by winning 1-0 at
home a year ago and drawing 1-1 at the Boleyn Ground in February. "They've
had some hard fixtures and they beat us away and then drew with us at Upton
Park so they will be thinking that it is a good chance for them to come and
get some points so we've got to try to stop that."
The last few tickets for Saturday's game are quickly being snapped up and
with seats for the visit of Barclays Premier League champions Manchester
City on 3 November already in high demand, the manager has reiterated the
important part Hammers fans have played in his side's solid start to the
season. "We've played some good football and played one of the big boys and
even though we lost the fans were right behind us until the end. It gives us
a good platform to beat the opposition. It intimidates the opposition and it
is hugely supportive for us. That can help to give us that extra drive to
get the positive result."
*whufc.com will carrying a further update on Ricardo Vaz Te's injury on
Tuesday.
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Stadium decision delayed again
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 15th October 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's anxious wait to find out whether they will be awarded use of the
Olympic Stadium will go on a little longer after it was revealed that a
decision expected this week would not now be made. It had been expected
that a decision as to which of the four bidding parties - West Ham United,
Formula One, Leyton Orient or a football business college - would take
control of the iconic venue would be made this week. However West Ham
United co-owner David Gold revealed tonight that that decision is to be
delayed further. "Sadly the decision on the Olympic Stadium has been
postponed," he said tonight via Twitter. "We must be patient but resolute."
The delay is thought to centre on a dispute as to who will provde the
necessary funding to convert the stadium, which hosted the summer Olympic
and Paralympic games, into a stadium suitable for football. The London
Legacy Development Corporation, with whom responsibilty for the decision
lies are reported to have decided on Monday to delay the decision until such
time as further negotiations have taken place.
The LLDC are keen for West Ham to make a sizeable contribution to the
redevelopment costs, whilst United's board are keen for the Government to
bear the brunt of it. The Corporations Chief Executive Dennis Hone is said
to have claimed that a final decision could be delayed until December. West
Ham are yet to comment on this latest blow to their plans to move to
Stratford. The latest KUMB.com poll on the Olympic Stadium has resulted in
two-thirds of voters backing the Board's plans to move from Upton Park to
Stratford. You may see the current standings here.
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Sam: Saturday's a six-pointer
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 15th October 2012
By: Staff Writer
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce has stoked up the pressure ahead of Saturday's
Boleyn Ground clash with strugglers Southampton by calling the game "almost
a six-pointer".
West Ham, who have enjoyed a solid start to their 2012/13 campaign take on
last season's Championship runners-up Southampton, who have endured a rather
more difficult start to their season. Having taken only four points from
their opening seven matches, the pressure is on Nigel Adkins' struggling
side to produce the goods and take all three points on Saturday. However
Allardyce is keen to impress upon his squad the importance of the fixture,
despite a full week's preparation yet to come. "From our point of view we'd
like to beat them on the basis that we have both been promoted and we both
know how much of a struggle it is in year one," he told the press this
morning. "It's almost a six-pointer this early in the season. If we win,
they'd only have four points and we'd have 14 - and that's a massive gap
that they'd have to try and close over the coming games. "Southampton have
not had the best of starts and have been conceding a number of goals - and
we've got to try and take advantage of that."
Last season West Ham were forced to play the majority of the corresponding
fixture with only ten men after Southampton striker Billy Sharp feigned
injury in order to get Matt Taylor sent off. The game finished in a 1-1
draw. And although he stopped short of saying it, revenge for that
particular incident may not be too far from Allardyce's mind. "They beat us
away and then drew with us at Upton Park so they will be thinking that it is
a good chance for them to come and get some points," he added. "So we've got
to try to stop that."
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Henderson joins Town
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 15th October 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United reserve goalkeeper Stephen Henderson has joined Championship
side Ipswich Town on loan. The former Portsmouth goalkeeper moved to West
Ham on a permanent basis in the summer but has struggled to impress in his
pre-season and Cup outings thus far. Ipswich - who have also recently signed
former Hammer Nigel Reo-Coker and summer triallist Bilel Moshni - have taken
the 24-year-old Irish goalkeeper on a short-term basis. Henderson becomes
Town's eighth loan signing of the season and will compete with Scott Loach
and Arran Lee-Barrett for a place in Pau lJewell's starting eleven. West
Ham's third-choice goalkeeper - Swiss stopper Raphael Spiegel - will
deputise for Henderson in his absence.
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The LLDC is set to evaluate the four bids for the Olympic Stadium
Last Updated: October 15, 2012 2:17pm
SSN
Today is a significant day for the future of the Olympic Stadium with a
board meeting of the London Legacy Development Corporation scheduled to take
place.
The four bids to take over the £486m venue in Stratford on a 99-year lease
will be evaluated before Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, makes an
announcement. The bids are from West Ham United, Leyton Orient, Intelligent
Transport Services - who plan to stage a Formula One race at the Olympic
Park - and UCFB (College of Football Business). However there are
suggestions that Johnson may be forced to postpone an announcement due to a
fresh European Commission inquiry into illegal state aid for football.
According to The Times, the Government has received notice of the
investigation, which covers the issue of public financing for stadiums used
by professional clubs and that could complicate any deal with West Ham or
Leyton Orient. Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn admits a football club may
not even win the bid to take over the Stratford venue. He told Sky Sports
News: "That stadium has got to have £200m or thereabouts spent on it to make
it convertible into a fit for football stadium. "Do the legacy people think
it's worthwhile to spend that money? There is a very real chance they are
going to decide not to spend that money and to leave the stadium pretty well
in its existing state. The cynic in me, if I was a bookmaker, makes option
one of a non-football stadium odds-on."
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady said: "Someone has to ensure that the
jobs are created, that local people get a chance to be part of it and that
it continues to be on such a worldwide stage because it is such a phenomenal
facility. "And that's what I think we would like to bring to the stadium
should we have an opportunity to be part of that."
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West Ham goalkeeper Stephen Henderson set to join Ipswich on loan
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
October 15, 2012 12:45pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands Ipswich have agreed a deal to sign West Ham
goalkeeper Stephen Henderson on loan. Ipswich boss Paul Jewell has been
looking to bolster his goalkeeping options and has moved to bring in
Henderson. Scott Loach has been Ipswich's No.1 keeper this season, but
Jewell has brought in Henderson to inject competition for places. Henderson,
who has found himself playing back-up to Jussi Jaaskelainen at Upton Park,
has made two appearance for the Hammers this season in the Capital One Cup
games against Crewe and Wigan. The 24-year-old initially joined West Ham on
loan from Portsmouth last March before making the move permanent in May.
Henderson is the fifth new signing at Ipswich in recent weeks following the
arrivals of Nigel Reo-Coker,DJ Campbell, Richie Wellens and Bilel Mohsni.
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Sam Allardyce looking for West Ham United to bounce back against Southampton
Last Updated: October 15, 2012 2:32pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce is hoping West Ham United's international stars will be
returned to him in one piece, as he looks ahead to a crucial fixture. The
Hammers headed into the international break on the back of a 3-1 home defeat
to Arsenal and will have been stewing on that result for a fortnight by the
time they next take to the field. A visit from Southampton awaits West Ham
on Saturday, and the importance of taking points off a fellow promoted side
has not been lost on Allardyce. "The first thing is looking at the
international lads in the hope that they come back and are not injured," he
told the club's official website. "We need to bounce back from a
disappointing result but a very gutsy performance and then get back on the
victory trail at home. "Southampton have not had the best of starts and have
had some difficult games and have been conceding a number of goals and we've
got to try to take advantage of that." He added: "From our point of view,
we'd like to beat them on the basis that we have both been promoted and we
both know how much of a struggle it is in year one. "If you can pick up
points from teams of similar standing to you then you take three points and
they don't get any points. "It's almost a six-pointer this early in the
season. If we win, they'd only have four points and we'd have 14 and that's
a massive gap that they'd have to try and close over the coming games."
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Is Vaz Te's misfortune, Maiga's Opportunity?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
With the news that Vaz Te is likely to be sidelined for two months with his
shoulder dislocation, it begs the question how Sam Allardyce will rejig the
front three. Yossi Benayoun obviously sees this as his chance to get a first
team run, hence his recent public statements about his determination to take
his opportunity when it comes along. Yossi certainly is one option on the
right flank and I totally agree that he is player that still has much to
bring to the first team. We should certainly be using him more regularly
from the substitutes bench, particularly if we are chasing a game and need
more invention in the final third. Another option, and one that I suspect
Sam Allardyce might tend to favour, is to switch Jarvis to the right flank
and bring Taylor in on the left.
However, I think that my favoured option is to switch jarvis to the right,
but bring Maiga in on the left. I feel that Vaz Te's absence provides the
perfect opportunity to give Maga a run to see exactly what he brings to the
team. The thing with playing a 4-3-3 is that the forwards either side of the
centre forward need to not only bring width, but also be able to come inside
and play as a more conventional striker. Arguably, Maiga is very well
equipped to do that. Allardyce has been very sensible in acclimatizing Maiga
to the PL. He has featured in the Carling Cup games and has been given
rationed PL game time from the bench. When he has appeared, he has done well
and one gets the impression that there is much more to come from him this
season. And Southampton, at home, is a good fixture to give him his start on
the left of the attack. Indeed, Jarvis, Carroll & Maiga looks a front three
with a lot of potential and this could be just the match to test it.
Talking of 4-3-3 formations, it is interesting that West Ham are getting
linked once again with Ajax's Serbian international forward, Miralem
Sulejmani. It will be recalled that Sulejmani was originally linked with the
club back in 2010, but the deal broke down. The move was mooted once again
this summer, although it came to nothing. Yet, it appears that Sam Allardyce
is an admirer and the move could happen this January or next summer. The
added bonus is that he is in the final year of his Ajax contract and he
might be available on very reasonable fee in the January transfer window or
even a Bosman in the summer. He is certainly a player who is very effective
playing in a front three, with his mobility, ability to create and take
chances and a excellent left foot. His possible addition would certainly
strengthen the squad, add crucial extra class in the forward line and give
us fresh options up front. Obviously, nothing will happen until January at
the latest, but it might be a potential deal that is worth keeping an eye
on.
Elsewhere, David Gold announced this evening, via his twitter account, that
the OS tenancy decision has been subject to a further delay. It is likely
that this is due to West Ham and LLDC reaching a deadlock regarding the cost
of restructuring the stadium for football usage. Although there may also be
other sticking points, such as the revenue from the stadium naming rights.
The truth is that PL football is the best option for ensuring a sustainable
future for the OS. The Leyton Orient bid is probably not a serious
contender, hence Hearn revising his position in seeking a ground sharing
arrangement with West Ham. F1 may generate significant revenue and be high
profile, but how often will be be staged? Certainly not with the frequency
of a fixture list of home PL and cup matches during the course of a
season.The college proposal is interesting, but it cannot seriously match PL
football as the main anchor activity for the stadium. Moreover, none of the
other bids can compete with West Ham's ability to help deliver the sporting
and community legacy that underpinned the 2012 Olympics/Paralympics bid and
should determine the post-games usage of the Olympic Park and its
facilities.
It was also reported recently that the EU had intervened in the issue by
raising the issue of 'state aid.' More specifically, there is allegedly a EU
letter received that enquires whether Newham Council's £40m investment is
effectively state aid in assisting West Ham to switch to the OS. If this is
a factor, which is not entirely clear at the moment, then it is up to the
Council's solicitors to argue their case. Presumably this will be that the
investment is to ensure that the community and sporting legacy is delivered
for the residents of the borough, with its collateral economic and
employment gains. Surely this is legitimate under the Council's promotion of
the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of the residents of the
borough. Obviously, there is a contrary legal argument, but that is how
these legal issues are settled, via contesting the issues. No doubt Newham
Council have the protection of a QC's opinion that constitutes a legal
defence of why that they are acting properly in making the £40m investment?
Least ways, one would assume so!
Finally, I missed the Arsenal match, due to the fact that I had
ill-advisedly booked a country break long before the fixtures were
published. I actually listened to the game on the radio, something that I
have not done for many a year! No Sky, no broad band and poor mobile phone
coverage in our chosen lodgings. It makes you realise just how much we are
reliant upon 'being connected' and take it for granted. Although I must
admit, after overcoming my initial panic attack, it was quite liberating
.... in short measure! From what I heard on the radio/saw on MoTD, we played
with great spirit and some skill, but our mistakes allied to Arsenal's extra
class in forward positions made the vital difference. But having said that,
if Carroll and Nolan had taken their chances we could still have earnt a
draw. Still it was a good 'benchmark' of how far we have come and where we
need to go! Lets hope it proves to be an important staging post in our PL
learning curve this season.
Hopefully, it will be service resumed this Saturday against Southampton. We
certainly owe them one after that extremely frustrating home draw last
season. COYI!
SJ. Chandos.
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Sweep the leg! Allardyce in no mood to take it easy on struggling
Southampton
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce has ordered his West Ham side to show struggling Southampton
no mercy. Saints have just one win from their first seven Premier League
games and have lost all three away matches - scoring four goals and
conceding 12 - as they prepare to visit Upton Park on Saturday. In contrast,
West Ham, also in their first season back in the top flight, have won three
times and are in eighth place with 11 points. And Big Sam wants his Hammers
to go for the throat at the weekend. He said: "It's almost a six-pointer
this early in the season - If we win, they'd only have four points and we'd
have 14 and that's a massive gap that they'd have to try to close over the
coming games. "Southampton have not had the best of starts, with some
difficult games, and have been conceding a number of goals [Saints' 20 goals
allowed is the highest total in the division]. "We've got to try to take
advantage of that. "Our fans intimidate the opposition and it is hugely
supportive for us. That can help to give us extra drive to get the positive
result. "They beat us away and then drew with us at Upton Park [in the
Championship last season] so they will be thinking that it is a good chance
for them to come and get some points so we've got to try to stop that."
West Ham will be looking for maximum points against Southampton ahead of a
tough run of fixtures. After Saturday, they travel to Wigan, then face
champions Manchester City, Newcastle, Stoke, Spurs, Manchester United,
Chelsea and Liverpool in a seven-game stretch.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham made to wait for decision over future of the Olympic Stadium
• Sadly the decision has been postponed, tweets David Gold
• Hammers convinced they offer only viable solution
Owen Gibson
The Guardian, Monday 15 October 2012 20.13 BST
West Ham United have confirmed that a long-delayed decision over their bid
to move into the Olympic Stadium has been postponed. The board of the London
Legacy Development Corporation met on Monday but was informed that
negotiations with West Ham had yet to reach a definitive conclusion. The
Guardian revealed last week that a conclusion to the long-running saga was
likely to be delayed again amid ongoing discussions over how costs of up to
£160m to convert the stadium into a permanent venue with retractable seats
should be met. West Ham remain convinced they offer the only financially
viable solution and that their offer to rent the stadium will pay off twice
over the length of the tenancy.
Their co-owner David Gold tweeted: "Sadly the decision on the Olympic
Stadium has been postponed. We must be patient but resolute." But the LLDC
wants to ensure that West Ham make a meaningful contribution to the
conversion costs and is also adamant the stadium could pay for itself
without football if necessary. The next fortnight is believed to be crucial,
with both sides keen to reach a definitive conclusion, although the LLDC
chief executive, Dennis Hone, has said it could take a couple of months.
Leyton Orient, an ambitious but unlikely scheme to host Formula One races in
the Olympic Park and a football business college are the other bidders for
the £468m stadium, which will have 60,000 capacity in its post-Games
configuration. UK Athletics is guaranteed use of the stadium for 20 days a
year and it will also play host to pop concerts, community days and other
sporting events programmed by an events organiser who will also liaise with
the main tenants.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Poland v England: Andy Carroll under attack from Zbigniew Boniek ahead of
World Cup qualifier in Warsaw
Andy Carroll was ridiculed upon his arrival here with England on Monday
night by Zbigniew Boniek, the legendary former Juventus striker who is
expected to become the next president of Poland's Football Association.
By Jeremy Wilson11:00PM BST 15 Oct 20121
Telegraph.co.uk
Boniek, who was named by Pele as one of the greatest 100 players of
all-time, mocked Carroll's ungainly playing style and said that his
eight-year-old grandson, Mateo, was more elegant than Liverpool's £35
million record signing. "My grandson Mateo moves better on the pitch than
Andy Carroll," said Boniek. "Mateo is very good at golf and tennis. He has
better co-ordination." England were also greeted with a warning about the
playing surface at Warsaw's spectacular national stadium, which is relaid
before every set of internationals. "There may be situations which are quite
unpredictable," said Waldemar Fornalik, the Poland coach. "The ball can
perhaps bounce unpredictably and the players can be slipping. It is just
something we have to cope with. It is the same for both teams."
The deeper narrative, though, has been one of disharmony within the Polish
FA after Poland's failure to win a match as joint host nation at Euro 2012.
In Friday's 1-0 friendly win against South Africa, there were loud insults
for their outgoing FA president Grzegorz Lato and Fornalik has recently
replaced Franciszek Smuda as the coach.
Although the playing style is now regarded as less expansive, the early
results have been reasonable and Poland have begun their World Cup
qualifying campaign with four points from two matches although Jakub
Blaszczykowski, their captain, is unavailable tonight. The rivalry with
England has captured the public's imagination and all 56,000 tickets were
sold within 24 hours of going on sale.
"This is quite an event this year in Polish football," said Fornalik. "The
Euros were a huge event on a European, if not a global, scale and this match
is similar. Poland versus England has always been of big importance." Poland
have not beaten England since 1973 but Marcin Wasilewski, who will captain
the team tonight, also spoke yesterday of a desire to make up for the
disappointments at Euro 2012. There was also a mildly more diplomatic
assessment of Carroll. "We know he is tall and well built – he does all
right in the air, with the fights," said Wasilewski. "He plays the ball with
his head well. We are all aware of England's high quality."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
BONIEK MOCKS ANDY CARROLL
Express.co.uk
Andy Carroll found himself at the centre of a bizarre attack last night
Tuesday October 16,2012
By Daily Express Reporter
ANDY CARROLL found himself at the centre of a bizarre attack last night as
Poland legend Zbigniew Boniek claimed his eight-year-old grandson was a more
natural footballer than the striker. Carroll was handed extra motivation
should he step off the substitutes' bench tonight as Boniek took a pot-shot
at his playing style. "My grandson Mateo moves better on the pitch than Andy
Carroll. He has better co-ordination," said Boniek, named by Pele as one of
the 125 greatest living footballers. The swipe at Carroll, on loan to West
Ham from Liverpool, came during an interview on Polish TV. Poland captain
Marcin Wasilewski says his players could not be more motivated tonight after
failing to qualify from their group during the European Championship in the
summer. Wasilewski said: "Can this game make up for the Euros? Such a match
is much needed."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
My grandson is more skilful than Carroll, claims Boniek
Former star Boniek says his grandson possesses better technique than the
England striker
SAM WALLACE WARSAW TUESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2012
The Independent
The famous former Poland international Zbigniew Boniek fired the first shot
ahead of tonight's World Cup qualifier against England when he said that his
eight-year-old grandson was a more technically accomplished player than
striker Andy Carroll.
Carroll, 23, is highly unlikely to start the match in Warsaw but asked about
the merits of the Liverpool striker, on loan at West Ham this season, on
Polish television, Boniek was caustic. He said: "My grandson Mateo moves
better on the pitch than Andy Carroll. He has better co-ordination. He is
very good at golf and tennis."
Boniek is currently the favourite to succeed another celebrated Poland
international, Grzegorz Lato, in elections for president of the Polish
football association later this year. Yesterday, the Polish coach Waldemar
Fornalik presented an upbeat message ahead of the game, although his team
are missing captain Jakub Blaszczykowski and striker Artur Sobiech through
injury. The midfielder Eugen Polanski was given leave to return to his
family this week on what the Polish FA said was a private matter. He will be
available to play, they said yesterday.
With Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, Poland's first choice, missing
through injury it is expected that Fornalik, who took over after Euro 2012,
will turn to Przemyslaw Tyton despite the fact the goalkeeper is no longer
the first choice at his club side, PSV Eindhoven
Fornalik said last night that his side believed they could beat England. "A
wise man told me that if you try to draw a game, you lose. If you try to
win, it is possible to win. I've always told my teams we have to go for the
three points. The way we plan this game might be different but the objective
is to win.
"When I took over the position, I was aware of the fact I would have very
little time and that this match was coming up in the calendar. I thought
perhaps this match was going to be an opportunity, this match would give us
a better picture of what we are after the changes we have implemented.
"It is a very important game but it will not determine the final result of
the qualifiers.
"This game is a big event in Polish football. The Euros were a huge event on
a European, if not a global, scale. Poland v England has always been of big
importance and this is how we see this match as well. The two teams are
fighting for the three points. We are aware of the high class of our
opponents but we also know what we are worth."
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