Man of the Mo-ment
WHUFC.com
All-action West Ham United midfielder Mo Diame is quickly becoming a fans'
favourite at the Boleyn Ground
15.11.2012
Mohamed Diame believes West Ham United's strong start to the Barclays
Premier League season has vindicated his decision to join the club. The
Senegal midfielder turned down a number of approaches to move to east
London, including the opportunity to play in the UEFA Champions League for
an unnamed club.
However, with the Hammers sixth in the Barclays Premier League ahead of
Monday's visit of Stoke City to the Boleyn Ground, Diame is feeling positive
about his choice. "People did say 'Why are you going to West Ham when you
can play in the Champions League?' but they can see why I did now," the
athletic 25-year-old told West Ham TV. "It is a very big club in England and
I am very happy to be here, now I am hoping that our good performances will
continue."
The No21 linked up with West Ham on a free transfer following his departure
from Wigan Athletic, citing his desire not to be involved in a relegation
battle as a reason to move south. With the likes of Andy Carroll, Matt
Jarvis and Alou Diarra also joining Sam Allardyce's squad, the Hammers have
so far thrived in the Barclays Premier League. "That is why I came here.
When I spoke to the club I knew they were trying to build a very good team.
We are working very hard every day on the training ground and you can see it
is paying off."
Diame hailed last Sunday's 1-0 win over Newcastle United at St James' Park
as the best result of his Hammers career to date. The midfielder, who
travelled to Niger for a 1-1 international friendly draw in midweek,
produced another outstanding all-action display on Tyneside to upset his
Senegal squad-mates Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse. "It was a fantastic result
against Newcastle, probably the best since I joined the club, and we worked
very hard for the three points. The manager gave me a lot of confidence
going into the game so I tried to give it back on the pitch and I think I
did a good job."
Diame ended by taking time to praise his midfield partners Kevin Nolan and
Mark Noble as the three continue to enjoy a blossoming relationship in the
West Ham engine room. "Kevin and Mark work very hard on the pitch. They
allow me a lot of freedom and make my job a lot easier, so it is very
enjoyable playing with them."
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Hammers ready for Baggies test
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Development Squad welcome West Bromwich Albion to Rush
Green on Friday evening
15.11.2012
The Development Squad are looking forward to Friday evening's Barclays U21
Premier League Group 1 clash with West Bromwich Albion at Rush Green.
Kick-off at Rush Green is at 7pm, with admission just £3 for Adults, £1 for
Under-16s and free for Season Ticket Holders. West Ham United are going
great guns in the Barclays U21 Premier League, having won eight of their
eleven league matches, while they drew 1-1 with the Baggies in the reverse
fixture in September.
Striker Paul McCallum (pictured) netted a vital 87th-minute winner to secure
a 2-1 victory at Arsenal last time out to all but ensure the Hammers'
qualification for the post-Christmas Elite Group Stage. The result put Ian
Hendon's side five points clear at the top of the Group 1 table and leaves
them knowing a win over the Baggies would seal their qualification. "It was
great to win against Arsenal at their home ground because they had the
majority of possession," said McCallum, who has netted five goals in ten
appearances for the leaders. "That said, we took our chances and were more
creative so I think we deserved the win. "We worked very hard and we limited
them to very few chances so credit to our two lines of four because they
were very hard to break down."
McCallum also believes bouncing back from a 3-0 defeat to Reading to beat
the Gunners was of paramount importance to the squad's belief. "Confidence
would have been low if we had not won against Arsenal because none of us
turned up against Reading and it was a very poor performance. To win against
one of the best teams in the country is great and it says a lot about the
level of our Academy and Under-21s."
McCallum also believes the close bond built up within the side over a number
of years will stand them in good stead in the future. "Some of the boys have
been at the club since they were seven, so for over a decade, and they know
each others' games like the back of their hands. It provides a massive boost
and hopefully it can continue to help us against West Brom and beyond."
Having been included in Sam Allardyce's squad for the Capital One Cup ties
with Crewe Alexandra and Wigan Athletic, McCallum also revealed that he
hopes to break into the first-team set-up on a regular basis. "Hopefully I
can break into the first-team but there are Andy Carroll and Carlton Cole in
front of me and I still have a lot to learn until I get to their level. When
I go and watch the first team and train with them, I always keep an eye on
what they do and how they do it because I know it can help me improve."
Concentrating on his Development Squad role, McCallum wants to make his mark
in the Elite Group stage against the best Under-21 sides in the country.
"Hopefully we can win our league and progress into the Elite Group Stage,
but as long as the first team are playing well, which is the important
thing, I cannot really argue about not getting a chance. All I can do I keep
scoring goals for the Development Squad and, if I continue to perform,
hopefully my chance will come."
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It's better to travel
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 15th November 2012
By: Kit Robinson
Newcastle United Football Club have an arrangement with local transport to
get all fans to the ground for £10 a season. What would be the chances of
such a system being implemented between West Ham United and Transport for
London or maybe TFL and other or all London clubs?
When you consider how much TFL make from football match travel for a Premier
League weekend, it makes your eyes water. An Off-Peak zone 1-4 Oyster Travel
Card is £7.70. Approximately 216,000 Londoners will go to watch West Ham,
Spurs, Chelsea, Arsenal, Fulham and QPR. You are looking at potentially
£1million a weekend from fans of just Premier League London clubs (excluding
a large number of home fans who live close by). The Newcastle transport
agreement makes around £500k a year in comparison.
I don't know the exact percentage of West Hams fans who are local, but being
as we only have 500 left for Stoke on Monday night when it is being
televised (although i know there is also a ticket offer for members etc),
that would suggest that the majority of fans are from east London or west
Essex. But it is certainly no longer the case that fans all live locally any
more. For instance, you only have to look at the cultural demographic for
the likes of Upton Park and East Ham to know that only a small number of
Asian fans attend matches but they are over 50 per cent of the population of
Newham.
A TFL football travel season ticket would be a great idea but would cut out
half of our fan base because many are from Essex, so it would also have to
work in conjunction with the club and the Essex train companies. But of
course, as soon as it was implemented then transport police would be all
over Upton Park or Stratford on match days which not only would cause delays
but could possibly lead to confrontation.
I know I would not react kindly to being held up before a match, and it
would also probably annoy people by holding them up after the long queue at
Upton Park when leaving. With regard to Stratford, maybe part of the deal to
become hosts at the Olympic Stadium would have to involve a dedicated West
Ham entrance/exit to facilitate fans only on match days? Certainly Stratford
is far more accessible than Upton Park for transport though, what with the
District line often having problems and then of course there is weekend
engineering works across the tube network.
I am surprised that the club have not sued TFL for such a poor service to
the ground on so many match days over the years. Personally, I travel about
32 miles from one side of London to the other and frankly, there are so many
problems, delays and closures that it puts me off going to Upton Park. It's
regularly a 4-5 hour round trip. I am sure there are others like me
elsewhere in and out of London, with a similar experience, on a regular
basis and so the club are losing potential revenue.
This is maybe not so much of a big deal if Upton Park is sold out but it
will be a big deal to the club if we move to Stratford and there are still
travel problems. In particular, Sundays when it's likely we would have more
matches televised but half of the tube network tends to be shut down.
If 500 people like me choose not to go because it's frankly too much hassle
and on TV, that's an emptier stadium and £20,000 lost on one match,
£380,000+ a season. 500 people seems a small number to a stadium we hope to
fill with 60k home and away fans but that figure could be much larger. We
also have to make sure that away fans have an easier journey or they may
also be put off coming in the future, so again there is potentially more
lost revenue and a stadium looking emptier than it should. As said, this is
less apparent at Upton Park but would be more acutely apparent at Stratford
should the move go ahead.
I used to have a season ticket, then i started going to about half of the
home matches a season, now i tend to go to more away matches and only four
or five home fixtures a season, because it is frankly easier and often
cheaper to go to other clubs. It didn't used to bother me about attending
televised matches but now I don't go because it takes out most of my day
travelling if kick off is not in the evening. I'm happy to dedicate up to
three hours maximum travelling a round trip to Upton Park. The problem is
that is rarely the case.
I know this may sound like whinging and it is nothing in comparison to the
experience of the fans who attended the recently cancelled England away
match in Poland or a home match I remember being rained off versus Newcastle
where they had travelled down for nothing and must have spent a fortune.
Sometimes as a fan you have to take unpredictable events on the chin
(although I certainly think the England fans in Warsaw should have been
heavily compensated for the Polish FA's stupidity) but this is a transport
problem, it's not down to the elements and it is regularly happening. I feel
that at least the club should be compensated if they are let down by the
transport franchises, but then of course, they will only be reclaiming any
payout to the club from us through their fares, set to rise again in the New
Year.
As I write, Premier League Clubs are today discussing salary wage caps for
players. It would be nice to think that with such forward thinking and
potential radical change, not only should clubs be able to manage their
finances and find an easier way to meet the costs of running a club, but
similar idea's such as cheaper transport costs for London fans also be
discussed. Ultimately, all of this money comes from us, whether it is
Tickets, Merchandise, TV subscriptions etc.
It is a sad fact that I would rather it were easier to get to see West Ham
but it could be that only a move to Stratford will facilitate that
happening, helped by its better transport links and also Crossrail opening
in 2017. But whether the move to the Olympic Stadium happens or not, the
club needs to be more proactive about travel problems and travel costs,
because ultimately it will cost them lost revenue.
However, from Crossrail to the Olympic Stadium, it is also a sad fact that
we know how slow anything takes to organise or for anyone to come to an
agreement, in London. Everyone wants a slice of the pie and of course, who
will be providing the pie? The fans of course. It would be nice if just for
a change, a great agreement could be met similar to that up at Newcastle,
which benefits the club, fans and TFL. Unfortunately you just know that if
it does ever happen, it will take years to be implemented, the fans will end
up being fleeced even more than they are already and it will still be a
pretty useless and unpredictable service from TFL.
In a similar way to how the club have stated that their attitude towards the
Olympic Stadium would be more seats at a cheaper cost but filling the
stadium, TFL need a serious think about revenue lost or gained. What would
be better, fans not using London Transport at all by not going to matches or
more fans using their services at a cheaper rate? I am sure that fans and
the clubs would agree to such a scheme but sadly I feel that TFL would be
the problem and like Boris' bike hire scheme, promises will be made about
keeping the cost low, only for them to be broken.
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West Ham midfielder Mohamed Diame is happy with life at Upton Park
Last Updated: November 15, 2012 10:57pm
SSN
West Ham midfielder Mohamed Diame is happy with life at Upton Park and
believes he made the right choice to join the club in the summer. Diame
arrived on a free transfer in the summer after seeing out his contract at
Wigan. The Senegal international is believed to have rejected several other
offers to move to West Ham and the all-action midfielder has impressed in
east London. The 25-year-old has been instrumental in helping West Ham climb
up to sixth spot in the table in their first season back in the Premier
League and he feels his decision to join the Hammers has been vindicated.
"People did say 'Why are you going to West Ham when you can play in the
Champions League?' but they can see why I did now," he told West Ham TV. "It
is a very big club in England and I am very happy to be here, now I am
hoping that our good performances will continue. "That is why I came here.
When I spoke to the club I knew they were trying to build a very good team.
"We are working very hard every day on the training ground and you can see
it is paying off."
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Diame's Choice of Move Vindicated!
By S J Chandos
West Ham till I Die
The West Ham official website has published an interview with Mo Diame, in
which he has stated that the Hammers strong PL showing has vindicated his
decision to move to the club. In making the move, Diame apparently rejected
the chance to join a club who had qualified for this season's Champions
League. In the interview, the power house midfelder goes on to talk about
how the squad's hard work in training is paying off on the pitch; as well as
praising the contribution of his midfield partners, Mark Noble and Kevin
Nolan.
The article is timely, hot on the heels of the recent Sports Mail story
about Diame's alleged £7m release clause in his contract. No doubt it was
designed to counter that story's inference that Diame might exit in the
January window. At present, we do not know if the £7m clause exists or not,
but hopefully this interview is a strong indication that Diame is happy at
the club and prepared to stay. We certainly do not want to see the break up
of the excellent Diame-Noble-Nolan midfield partnership if at all possible.
And certainly not in the difficult January transfer window. We shall just
have to wait until the window opens to see exactly what transpires?
Elsewhere, it has been reported that Norwich City are considering bidding
for Carlton Cole in January. Cole tends to sharply divide opinion amongst
Hammers fans. Some will urge the club to cash-in and secure a replacement;
while others will argue for the retention of Cole. My own view is that Cole
will probably stay for the remainder of this season, but beyond that, who
knows? Much depends on Cole's ability to take his first team chances and
start scoring goals. In terms of incoming deals, we are reported to be
interested in Derby County's young right-back, John Brayford, Arsenal's
Andrei Arshavin and St Patrick's promising attacking midfielder, Chris
Forrester. Is there any truth in it, who knows at this stage? But it is
interesting speculation, even if it needs to be taken with a pinch of salt.
A more verifiable report is that West Ham are likely to pursue their
interest in signing Chelsea youngster, Walter Figueira. Figueira is
currently on trial at West Ham and scored in the U-21 team's recent victory
over their Arsenal counter-parts. The player is out of contract this summer,
so West Ham will be looking to secure a deal for an appropriately nominal
fee.
Finally, it appears that West Ham's Chief Executive, Karren Brady, intends
to investigate the circumstances surrounding the £9m acquisition, and rapid
sale, of Savio Nsereko. While it has been reported that charges have been
made, arising from West Ham and Olympic Authority's complaints, concerning
alleged practices that supposedly took place during the original Olympic
Stadium tendering process. These are two stories that we may need to keep an
eye on in future.
SJ. Chandos.
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Eastern promise: West Ham chief ready to sell to a new Roman Abramovich
The Mirror
15 Nov 2012 22:31
West Ham co-owner David Gold has admitted he'd sell some of his stake in the
club if he can find an Upton Park sugar-daddy. But Gold insisted he and
partner David Sullivan will not make the mistake they did at Birmingham -
and put the future of the Hammers at risk. Gold believes the only way West
Ham can realise their ambitions of becoming a top four club is by combining
significant outside investment and their planned move to the Olympic
Stadium. That would mean handing over at least a partial share in the club
to a cash-laden investor, although Gold maintains he and Sullivan do not
want to sell lock, stock and barrel.
And while Gold accepts he could not get something for nothing from a new
income source, he pointed to the repercussions of his previous club sale to
promise there will be no repeat. Gold and Sullivan took over the Hammers in
a £105million deal in January 2010, just four months after selling their
stake in the St Andrews outfit to Hong Kong-based Carson Yeung for £80m.
"When we sold Birmingham to the Chinese owners we thought that, under those
people, within a few years, Birmingham would probably win the Premier
League," said Gold. "From what we were hearing and seeing, and what they
were spending, that was possible. "But it all turned out a bit unfortunate.
"In football, there is no certain answer - no, 'This is the plan; this will
work, that won't'. Life is not as clear-cut as that. "There's also the
danger that when you think you're passing a club to a super-wealthy person
that it can all evaporate, as happened at Birmingham and other clubs.
There's that great danger here as well. We have plenty of experience."
Gold added that the sort of money required to turn the Hammers into a
genuine force - even with the move to the Olympic Stadium, now unlikely
before 2016 - rarely exists. He said: "You have to be a billionaire to make
a major difference and there aren't many of them about. "How many Roman
Abramovichs are there? "One Roman Abramovich came along. We've seen that and
he's changed the face of Chelsea and done a remarkable job. "There isn't a
Chelsea fan who hasn't applauded what's happened to their football club
after Ken Bates. "But at the same time there are other clubs, like United
and Blackburn, where you have fans who are disenchanted with the Glazers and
Venkys. "Of course, I'd welcome a Father Christmas. But then you look and
discover that it might not be the real Father Christmas. "And you know why?
Because there isn't a real Father Christmas. He doesn't exist. "In an ideal
world, though, if you ask what I'd like to see happen, I would like a very
wealthy person to come and join us. "David and myself are wealthy by normal
standards but not by football standards.
"We would be reluctant to sell the whole football club because we feel part
of it. It's taken us a lifetime to earn enough money to return to our roots
and we won't give that up lightly. We're doing our best but it would be that
much easier if there were three of us."
Gold believes that a move from Upton Park to the Olympic Park would make a
huge difference to the club's prospects - and appeal to potential investors.
He said: "We're not going to be a top four club straightaway. "But one day,
it's possible, if there is a super-wealthy West Ham fan who wants to come
and join the club, that could change things for us. "Now we have to do the
best we can within the areas of our ability. "To grow the club, fingers
crossed to get to the Olympic Stadium which could change our whole image,
would help us attract better players. "But it all boils down to income and
we have to generate more income. "Arsenal doubled theirs by moving, City,
even before Sheikh Mansour bought the club, doubled their income by moving
to a stadium that they didn't buy, but rented. It can be done. "In the
meantime, we must keep strengthening the club and that means not selling our
best players. "There is no such thing as a 100 per cent guarantee but that
is our intention, not to sell our best players. "I want good players but I
won't want players who might bankrupt the football club. "Yossi Benayoun is
a good example. He wasn't happy, he's come back and he wants to play
football. "He took a wage cut to come to us and prove he is still a quality
player. We can't afford to take a risk that will bankrupt us."
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Savio Nsereko faces trial after faking his own kidnapping in Thailand
Metro.co.uk
Former West Ham footballer Savio Nsereko is set to face trial in Germany
after reportedly faking his own kidnapping. The 23-year-old is said to have
called his family from Thailand telling them his 'captors' were demanding a
ransom of 3,000 euros (£2,400) for his safe release. Nsereko's concerned
family then contacted the country's German embassy, who brought in the
police. Suspicious of the rather small ransom demand, the police tracked
down Nsereko and arrested him. A Thai newspaper revealed Uganda-born
Nsereko, who most recently played for German third-division side SpVgg
Unterhaching but saw his contract terminated after just three months, was
broke after spending 25,000 euros while holidaying on the Thai coast and
came up with the story in a bid to restock his bank balance. The striker
moved to Upton Park in 2009 for £9million but flopped and was sold to
Fiorentina less than six months later, having made just one Premier League
start for the Hammers.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, November 16
Thursday, November 15
Daily WHUFC News - 14th November 2012
Big Sam hails his 'happiest day'
WHUFC.com
The West Ham United manager was a welcome guest of the 2012/13 Supporter
Advisory Board
14.11.2012
Sam Allardyce has described West Ham United's npower Championship Play-Off
final victory as his 'happiest day in football'. Big Sam, who has taken
charge of nearly 800 competitive matches at Blackpool, Notts County, Bolton
Wanderers, Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers and West Ham since 1994, led
the Hammers to promotion in his first season at the Boleyn Ground. Speaking
at a Supporter Advisory Board (SAB) meeting this week, the manager was given
a warm welcome by more than 100 fans before taking part in an enjoyable
question and answer session. Big Sam discussed a wide range of issues,
including West Ham's fine start to the Barclays Premier League season, how
he intends to establish the Hammers as a top-flight club, his pioneering use
of performance analysis, how he scouts new recruits, his standout players so
far this season and the professionalism and consistency of his squad. After
reconfirming his commitment to the continued development of young players
and his intention to send some of them out on loan later this month, the
manager was also asked to reveal the happiest moment of his 20-year
management career. "I think the happiest moment of my career was Wembley,
without a doubt" said Big Sam, to widespread nods from SAB members. "I'm not
a Bolton lad - I was born in the Midlands but I started my career at the
highest level with Bolton and they were obviously close to my heart. When I
got them into the Premier League at the Millennium Stadium against Preston
[North End in 2001] that was pretty special, but it wasn't as good as
Wembley. "It was just unbelievable when we won. Just reflecting on the
occasion, it was just a cauldron of noise and it made the hair on the back
of your neck stand up on end from the very, very start until the very, very
end. That was my happiest moment."
Big Sam was subsequently congratulated on the job he has done since taking
charge at the club 18 months ago - during which time he has won 32 and lost
just eleven of the 60 league and Play-Off matches he has taken charge of.
Led by Head of Marketing Tara Warren, the SAB has returned for a second
season in 2012/13, with more than 100 both returning and new members
advising the club on key policy issues. As was seen last season, the SAB and
its various sub-committees can and do make a very real difference to
supporters' experiences. In 2011/12, for example, the SAB helped to secure
match packages to make football 'Affordable for All' and was instrumental in
the launch of the new Junior Hammers membership scheme for 0-6 year olds.
The SAB also played a leading role in the introduction of the popular 'Moore
than a Football Club' brand, improved matchday entertainment and the
introduction of new benefits for Season Ticket Holders. This season, the
sub-committees will examine a variety of subjects, including the matchday
experience, ticketing, media, retail and the club's role in the community.
For more information about the Supporter Advisory Board, click here.
The 2012/13 Supporter Advisory Board
Keith Alder-Barber
Stuart Allen
Graeme Archer
Satvir Atkar
Steven Barlow
Tony Barritt
Catherine Bayford
Rachel Beagles
Daniel Bloom
Jack Boteler
Tim Boughen
Peter Bruce
Steve Burton
Peter Caton
Will Cheeld
Neil Clack
Daniel Clement
Marcus Clement
David Clements
Andy Connacher
Tina Cowen
Lesley Craig
Colin Crowe
Michael Crowhurst
Stuart Dean
Jill Dower
Tom Dowsett
Neil Duggan
Kevin Dunckley
Gavin Dunstan
Dee England
Saul Ettridge
Michael Evans
Tricia Evans
John Farren
Rob Ford
Paul Fox
Richard Francis
Michelle Gabriel
Johnathan Gaffney
Paul Gibson
Sherrie Goldsmith
David Hall
David Halston
Tony Harries
Graham Hatt
Benjamin Hawkes
Ian Henderson
Jack Hess
Graham Howlett
Craig Hughes
Peter Hunt
Anthony Hyams
Deniz Jaffer
Steve Joyce
Nigel Kahn
Diane Keleghar
John Kemp
Warren Kober
Adrian Leahy
Victor Lindsell
John Llewellyn
Phil Llewellyn
Kevin Markham
Ryan Marsh
Steve Marsh
Neil Martin
Dan Mason
Suzanne Mason
Gerry McCarthy
Norman McGuire
Steve Medhurst
Antoni Miziolek
Darren Morgan
Colin Morris
John Norman
Michael Nuciford
Leigh O'Connor
Cecilia O'Herlihy
Wallace Onnie
John Parry
Jonathan Penfold
Eamon Quinn
Kevin Radley
Paul Reynolds
Paul Richardson
Pete Richardson
Jason Rose
James Rutherford
Steve Ryder
Nigel Salvage
Nick Scott
Barry Shelton
Stuart Slaney
Mark Steele
Terry Stokes
Ben Surdeau
John Sussex
Dave Tate
Mark Taylor
Kishan Teli
Simon Thomson
Eleanor Tilley
Mark Tilley
Stephen Todd
Stephen Trowers
Kathryn Upton
John Walker
Ian Wearne
Sean Whetstone
Anne-Marie White
Peter Whitelock
Nick Wood
Richard Wood
Ali Worth
Ian Wicks
Trevor Wisdom
Daniel Yallop
John Yewman
Jason Zammit
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Hendo hopes best is yet to come
WHUFC.com
Ian Hendon wants his Development Squad to kick on from their table-topping
start to the season
14.11.2012
Ian Hendon will not allow the Development Squad to take their foot off the
gas despite having a five-point lead at the top of the Barclays Under-21
Premier League. Paul McCallum's 87th-minute header gave Hendon's side a
massive three points against Arsenal at London Colney on Friday, but the
manager insists not is no time to rest. Hendon now hopes his side can
continue their fine form and not only qualify for the Barclays Under-21
Elite League but win the current league in the process. "We have come this
far and have a five-point lead at the top so we want to see it out and win
it, it is no time to put our feet up, we want to win ever game," Hendon
said. "The initial aim was to qualify and get into the top three, hopefully
we have now done that but if not we will face West Brom next week and try to
win that game."
Despite their spectacular form, Hendon still insists that level of
performance will always take precedence over results at this level. "It is
always about the performances and development of the players, the fact we
are winning games and the lads are working hard for each other is a bonus.
You play against teams at this level and see they have one stand-out
individual but I have got a group of players who work hard for each other
every day of the week. It is a pleasure to coach them."
Hendon also pinpointed the togetherness within the club from top to bottom
as a contributing factor to its current success at every level. "I was not
here before Sam Allardyce came in. I came in at the same time but from what
I am told he has brought a new level on enthusiasm to every aspect of the
club. "Everyone is behind what we are trying to do, it is all about the
first-team pushing to achieve the best they can but the Development Squad
and the Academy are also going well. Everyone is pulling in the right
direction."
The former Tottenham player continued by paying tribute to the work being
done by Nick Haycock and Tony Carr in the Academy of Football. "I had
youth-team players in my side against Arsenal - Frazer Shaw stepped up again
and it shows what a good job Nick and Tony are doing in the Academy. "There
are players trying to push through into the Development Squad all the time
but my aim is to push my players into the first-team. A few have already
made their debuts this season and hopefully a few more can by May."
"Rob Hall is just one who has been involved with the first-team and you saw
why on Friday but I think it gives the rest of the lads something to aim
for. "It shows that the manager is always watching and willing to give you
an opportunity so as I said I hope a few more can be involved in the
future." Next up for Hendon's side is a home tie against West Bromwich
Albion, who held the Development Squad to a 1-1 draw at the Hawthorns. "We
face West Brom at Rush Green next Friday and if it is anything like the
reverse fixture it will be a very tough game. They had an experienced side
out with a few first-team players but our young side coped well and got a
deserved point out of the game. "It does not matter what side they bring, if
it is an experienced one we will deal with it, if it is a young side we will
deal with it, so we will take it as it comes have a good weeks training and
look forward to Friday night."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jussi: the number one's number one
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 14th November 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's Jussi Jaaskelainen is top of the OPTA goalkeeping stats,
according to latest figures. The 37-year-old Finnish stopper, who joined
United this summer on a free transfer has the highest 'saves to shot' ratio
of any of the Premier League's regular number ones so far this season.
Jasskelainen's score of 82 per cent is five per cent higher than his nearest
rival Simon Mignolet of Sunderland - and seven clear of Ben Foster of West
Brom and Chelsea's Petr Cech, who score 75 per cent. The former Bolton man
also tops the OPTA points rating system - which is calculated by awarding
points for saves and clean sheets - with 109 points.
England's Number One: The OPTA Saves-To-Shots Ratio Chart
(OPTA points rating in parenthesis)
1. Jussi Jaaskelainen (West Ham United) 82% (109)
2. Simon Mignolet (Sunderland) 77% (76)
3. Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion) 75% (60)
4. Petr Cech (Chelsea) 75% (72)
5. Julio Cesar (Queens Park Rangers) 73% (55)
6. Tim Krul (Newcastle United) 73% (36)
7. Michel Vorm (Swansea City) 72% (68)
8. Asmir Begovic (Stoke City) 72% (64)
9. Vito Mannone (Arsenal) 70% (51)
10. David De Gea (Manchester United) 70% (45)
11. Alex McCarthy (Reading) 69% (47)
12. Mark Schwarzer (Fulham) 68% (74)
13. Ali Al-Habsi (Wigan Athletic) 68% (69)
14. John Ruddy (Norwich) 67% (78)
15. Tim Howard (Everton) 67% (52)
16. Joe Hart (Manchester City) 67% (46)
17. Brad Guzan (Aston Villa) 66% (52)
18. Brad Friedel (Tottenham Hotspur) 60% (40)
19. Kelvin Davis (Southampton) 53% (25)
20. Jose Reina (Liverpool) 50% (23)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reflections
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 13th November 2012
By: Tom Kilbey
Having taken a break from writing regularly, the last few weeks have given
me a chance to reflect on where our team are.
We are well into our 'tough run', the second of Allardyce's well-documented
'phases' of the season. After a fantastic start, I was very vocal in playing
down our chances of success for the season. After a draw and a victory
against Manchester City and Newcastle respectively, surely even the most
optimistic fan would have to concede we have exceeded expectations.
Needless to say, as I look at the league table, and see us sit above many of
our more illustrious opponents, I am stunned with our start. On the back of
our best start in Premier League history, we can begin to draw some
conclusions, and our team are beginning to answer some of the questions that
we as fans, and me in particular, had before the season kicked off. Here are
a few observations that I have made this season which explain our successes
so far this year.
1) Our defence is answering its critics.
The best way to silence doubters is to perform on the pitch. I'm happy to
admit I was one of those doubters, and I am on the verge of willingly
holding my hands up. Firstly, I've never seen a West Ham player show as much
progression in a short period as Winston Reid. As I suggested last season, a
year in the Championship would work miracles in giving our defenders a
chance to gain confidence, learn the English game and develop a partnership
with each other. This has certainly been the case with Reid.
Besides the fun but somewhat irrelevant cult status he has acquired after
his winner against Millwall, the facts are that Winston is now a very good
defender. His positioning and reading of the game is fantastic, he is quick
over short distances, and is comfortable on the ball. He has progressed from
a squad player who did not inspire confidence when required to fill in, to
being one of the first names on the team sheet.
Similarly, our other centre defenders have definitely stepped up to the
plate. Both Tomkins and Collins have demonstrated they are perfectly
competent at this level, and although my preference remains to be our
academy product, I am growing more comfortable watching Collins step in.
With our full backs, despite being categorically unspectacular, McCartney
and O'Brien are quietly getting better and better, and with Demel waiting in
the wings, we are equally equipped at right back.
2) Our worries about our style of play was (largely) unfounded.
Any regular visitors to Upton Park last season will agree that, at times,
our style of play was quite frankly horrible. On regular occasions, we would
persistently lump the ball up towards Carlton Cole, who invariably struggled
to win headers, and often left us lacking any sort of creativity or cutting
edge. Allardyce's refusal to change to any sort of plan B led to much
disapproval from the fans.
This has simply not been the case this season. The one mark on this record
would be the performance against Wigan which was woeful. However, our
downfalls in that game were highlighted, and no excuses were made for our
one-dimensional tactics which dismally failed. Apart from this, the story
this season has been very different. We have used a more measured approach,
playing the ball into feet, and short passing is now used to complement the
'long ball' tactics that we are perceived to play. This allows us to gain a
degree of control of games that is essential in Premier League games.
3) Mark Noble.
The stats do not lie. By far and away the most prolific tackler in the whole
league, Mark Noble is the cog that makes our team work. He breaks up the
play so well, and demonstrates a competence on the ball in midfield that we
thought we had lost when we sold Parker to Spurs. Simply, Noble's
contribution this season are a significant factor in our successes. Besides
his tackling, the influence he provides through his passing is also
admirable.
Without meaning to sound cynical, Noble's passing is never going to be
applauded to the extent it should, simply because he is placing for a team
who play 'hoofball' every week. But he is so effective at dropping deep,
picking the ball up, and playing passes which start off attacks. His display
against Manchester City also demonstrates his ability to pick a long pass.
When Noble plays well, we play well, and if he can continue his fine form,
we will continue to pick up points.
4) Our fans have got right behind the team.
This one is not a surprise. At times last season, Upton Park was not a
particularly pleasant place to watch a game of football, let alone play
there. The fans created a negative atmosphere at times, which filtered
through to the players. Regardless of one's opinion of whether booing is
right or wrong, the performances on the pitch encouraged the fans to voice
their discontent, which affected the players on the pitch. But clearly, good
performances on the pitch and good atmospheres in the stands go hand in
hand, and our positive play this year has encouraged the fans to get behind
the club, which is fantastic news.
5) Our new signings have hit the ground running.
Last, and by no means least, our new signings have been excellent. As I've
already highlighted James Collins has showed that he is a match, at least
physically, for any forward in the league. Mo Diame is proving to be one of
the best summer signings in the entire league. He is a player in the mould
of Yaya Toure, which can only be a good thing. His strength and power allows
him to be extremely direct with his forward runs, and he is a physical force
when we do not have the ball. He is improving game on game, and his
performance against Newcastle was among his best in his short time at the
club.
Andy Carroll has enjoyed a mixed start. Critics would argue that he is yet
to net his first goal, but his all round contribution is excellent. He
provides an outlet when we are under pressure, by winning free kicks and
holding the ball up. It may be frustrating for him, but in a somewhat
paradoxical sense considering he is a striker, a goal isn't of utmost
importance. If he continues to provide goals for other players in the team,
he will prove an extremely useful asset for the team.
All in all, we are at an important stage of the season. I still insist that
we should not get carried away. It would not be unconceivable to see us go
on a winless streak with the increasing difficulty of our next few fixtures.
The fact that this seems unlikely is testament to Allardyce and his players.
Considering we have just been promoted from the Championship, our squad
possesses a level of experience and class that has not been seen since the
Newcastle squad of 2010. We do not have the same fragilities that the likes
of Reading and Southampton possess, and teams that have been promoted in
previous years and ultimately failed to consolidate their position in the
top flight.
After our best start to a season for a quarter of a century, we are almost
half way to the forty point mark, and we are well equipped to pick up the
other half and secure safety. Once we have done this, and only then, we can
look at securing a comfortable mid table finish, or even dare to look into
the top half. We will be able to bring through some of our exciting
youngsters, and look ahead to another season of progression next year. It's
certainly an exciting time to be a West Ham fan, and with a difficult run of
games, we can enjoy them without too much pressure, in the knowledge that we
are already well on the way to a respectable finish this season.
Tom Kilbey may also be found on Twitter at twitter.com/tom29whu.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Does Nolan Deserve an England Call-Up?
West Ham Till I Die
In the aftermath of the 0-1 victory over Newcastle Utd, there has been a
fair amount of discussion generated concerning whether Kevin Nolan deserves
an England call-up. At 30 years of age, some might argue that it is a little
late in the day for that, but why? If a 31 year old Leon Osman can be called
up, why not a 30 year old Nolan?
Arguably, Nolan is that most precious of commodities, a goal scoring
midfielder. A bit like Frank Lampard Jnr, they are deadly supporting the
striker(s) and scoring from advanced positions. In doing so, they accumulate
a goal tally, in the course of a season, that some strikers would consider a
decent and productive return. Nolan has the positional instincts of a
striker in the final third, he always seems to know where to best position
himself to snap up the chances. And we are, once again, benefiting from that
this season, with his current return of 5 goals in 11 PL matches.
An added attraction for England is Nolan great understanding with Andy
Carroll. Would that not benefit the national side, in much the same way that
it has been a massive bonus at club-level. Or is it the case that while
Nolan may be useful in the PL, international football is too big a step up
for him? Can he reproduce it for England or would he struggle to do it at
that level? They are no doubt some of the issues in a 'Nolan for England'
debate. Personally, I see no reason why he should not get an opportunity.
Much like Mark Noble, the ultimate litmus test of a player's international
credentials is to test him at that level. I do not believe that anyone can
honestly say that Nolan and Noble have not earnt the chance via their
excellent respective PL displays this season.
So, is Nolan a viable choice at international level? Discuss.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stadium mystery: Three charged with fraud following probe into allegations
that Tottenham spied on Olympic officials
By Alex Hankin Comments
The Mirror
14 Nov 2012 16:22
The ugly tussle between West Ham and Tottenham over the future tenancy of
the Olympic Stadium will be at the centre of a court case relating to
allegations of espionage...
Three people have been charged with fraud over allegations of unlawful
obtaining of information linked to the Olympic Park, Scotland Yard has said,
according to a report by the Press Association. Detectives have been
investigating claims made by West Ham United Football Club and the Olympic
Park Legacy Company. Richard Michael Forrest, 30, Lee Stewart, 39, and
Howard Hill, 58, are all due to appear in court on November 28. The
investigation surrounds allegations that Tottenham Hotspur Football Club
spied on Olympic officials during its stadium bid. Forrest, from Crawley,
West Sussex, and Stewart, from Esher in Surrey, are both accused of
conspiracy with Hill to commit fraud by false representation. Hill, from
Stockport in Cheshire, is accused of conspiracy with the other two men to
commit the same offence. They will all appear at Westminster Magistrates'
Court later this month. Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) chairwoman
Baroness Ford claimed in November last year that Spurs had all 14 members of
her board monitored by private investigators. The north London club denied
putting officials under surveillance. There was a deal with West Ham and
Newham Council to use the stadium in Stratford, east London, after the 2012
Games, but that collapsed in October last year. Tottenham had already lost
out to West Ham in the race to become the OPLC's first choice to move into
the stadium after the Olympics. Challenges by Tottenham Hotspur and Leyton
Orient, plus an anonymous complaint to the European Commission, led to fears
that court action could drag on for years while the stadium remained empty.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
On track: West Ham remain committed to Olympic Stadium move
The Mirror
11 Oct 2012 15:55
West Ham are still committed to making the Olympic Stadium their new home
despite concerns over a possible delay in the bidding process. Applications
to take over the stadium were forced to start again after challenges from
both Tottenham and Leyton Orient to the Hammers proposed tenancy.
Nevertheless, West Ham want to become main tenants for the start of the
2014-15 season. In a statement released by West Ham said: "It is now 20
months since West Ham United were initially named as the preferred bidder to
occupy the Olympic Stadium post-Games. We are obviously disappointed, that
three bids later, a decision has yet to be reached. "We do however remain
fully committed to becoming the catalyst to galvanise the Olympic Park by
bringing people, jobs and a robust and sustainable commercial offer that
guarantees a return to the taxpayer of the money already invested."
Other bids are under consideration include one from Leyton Orient, a
football business college and a group wanting to host a Formula One race at
the Olympic Park. The £486million Olympic Stadium has already been earmarked
for 20 athletics meetings, which include the World Championships in 2017,
and will also be available for community use, with Newham Council
contributing some £40million in a loan towards the redevelopment project.
Hone said: "If we can't come to a conclusion, in the scheme of things if it
slips another month or two I would rather get the right solution. "Yes, the
stadium is tricky, but it's tricky because we want to get it right. "I would
hate to bung someone in there and see it fall apart in five years. "If it
takes a couple of extra months to get there, then so be it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Olympic Stadium's future is taking too long to resolve
David Bond | 17:53 UK time, Wednesday, 14 November 2012
Despite claims to the contrary, Boris Johnson believes the Olympic Stadium
will be ready to reopen before the end of the Rio Games in 2016.
Nevertheless - and despite the London Mayor's optimism when talking to
London Assembly members on Wednesday - it remains a very real prospect that
a stadium widely acclaimed during London's successful Games, and which took
just three years to build, will take four years to convert. Dennis Hone, the
chief executive of the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), said as
much again when he repeated his line to the London Assembly from last week
that 2015 is now the target but 2016 a possibility. Johnson added,
worryingly, that Londoners might have to be patient and recognise the
Olympic Stadium was not built to be "the kind of omni-purpose world-class
venue capable of hosting Premier League football that it should be".
So why are we in this mess?
The main reason, as Johnson suggests, is that organisers made a major
mistake by writing Premier League football out of original designs for the
legacy use of the stadium. But we've known this for years. So why is it in
danger of descending into another farce?
The process to find a long-term anchor for the stadium is stalling because
the plans to convert it for Premier League football have changed again,
increasing the cost to somewhere between £180m and £190m.
Under the original deal with West Ham, which collapsed last autumn because
of legal challenges, the Premier League team would own the freehold to the
stadium.
At that time the cost discussed was around £95m to £100m and was to be
funded from three sources - £38m from the Olympic budget of £9.3bn, £40m
from Newham Council in the form of a low interest loan, and around £20m from
the sale of Upton Park.
This would have paid to extend the roof - which currently only covers two
thirds of the seating area - add corporate hospitality facilities and
refurbish toilets.
So why has the cost almost doubled?
The main reason is the decision to add retractable seating to bring football
fans closer to the action.
Demountable seats - similar to the ones used for temporary venues like
Greenwich Park during the Games - cost less but take weeks to put up and
take down.
This potentially impacts on the commercial value of the stadium as it may
reduce the number of events that can be staged there.
So, while a retractable seating mechanism costs a lot more to factor in, the
LLDC is thought to now favour the option as it could lead to more income in
the long run.
The roof also needs an even bigger extension as it would now need to cover
the running track and the retractable seats on it.
But while the costs have gone up, the funding provision has, largely,
remained the same.
There is still £38m from the Olympic budget, a loan of £40m from Newham
(although this could be increased) and a contribution from West Ham, though,
surprisingly perhaps, this appears to have gone down to around £10m.
West Ham argue that they bring unique commercial value to the stadium
project and now believe that, as they are no longer going to own the
freehold to the stadium, it is the landlord - the mayor and LLDC - who
should bear the cost of upgrading it for football. Without them, the stadium
will become a costly millstone around taxpayers' necks, they say.
The Premier League club are understood to have submitted a package which
includes a minimum lump sum, an annual rental (around £2m) and a share of
any naming rights deal they are able to bring in. There is also haggling
going on over how the revenue from catering should be split between tenant
and landlord.
But it is the capital funding shortfall that is proving to be the big
stumbling block. So how do you plug the gap?
Johnson has already tried to raid the £377m Olympic budget underspend -
receiving a swift and negative response from the Chancellor, George Osborne.
There are London taxpayer funds available and the LLDC itself could raid
some of its own transformation budget but that could mean spending less on
other parts of the park. There is also nervousness about the legal
implications of publicly subsidising a big football club.
It is a complicated process that has not been helped by the continual
changes at the top of the LLDC. Johnson is now chairing the organisation,
having taken over from Daniel Moylan in September, while Hone, the widely
respected chief of the Olympic Delivery Authority, replaced former chief
executive Andy Altman.
West Ham remain the favourites to secure the deal as anchor tenants for a
stadium which cost £431m to build, well ahead of rival bids from Leyton
Orient Football Club, a football business school and a consortium proposing
Formula One races in the park.
Yet the LLDC could still snub West Ham, appoint an operating company and
just hire the stadium out for concerts and more occasional sporting events
like NFL matches, big rugby games, combining it with more community use.
This would allow the stadium to reopen in 2014, and avoid spending the best
part of £200m and losing valuable income while the stadium remains shut.
Without a big football team the running costs would also be lower.
Of course all this could have been avoided had the Government and the
Olympic Delivery Authority factored in Premier League football back in 2006
and 2007 when the plans were being drawn up.
It is a costly mistake which continues to overshadow all the other wonderful
achievements delivered by London's Olympic organisers.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Olympic Stadium saga becoming 'a Stratford farce', says athletics chief
Ed Warner frustrated park could be dormant site until 2015
'There is one viable option – multi-use. Just get on with it'
James Riach
The Guardian, Wednesday 14 November 2012 17.34 GMT
Ed Warner, the UK Athletics chairman, does not believe the impasse over the
Olympic Stadium will threaten Britain's successful bid to host the world
championships in five years' time. The saga regarding the future of London's
Olympic Stadium has been criticised as "a Stratford farce" by the UK
Athletics chairman, Ed Warner, with negotiations surrounding the £468m
facility set to drag on until the new year.
Dennis Hone, the chief executive of the London Legacy Development
Corporation, revealed last week that if a costing agreement is reached with
West Ham United to convert the stadium into a dual football and athletics
venue then the Premier League club would not move into their new home until
2016.
However, although Warner, who is also chairman of the 2017 athletics world
championships organising committee, does not believe that the impasse will
threaten Britain's successful bid to host that event in five years' time, he
is frustrated that the Olympic Park in east London could be a dormant site
until the European hockey championships in 2015.
"I want a decision – any talk of 2016 is concerning, not for the 2017 world
championships but for getting other events there. We want the Diamond League
meeting in there, we want our trials in there, we want to see kids'
athletics in the stadium. Just as I know West Ham want to see football in
the stadium," he said.
"I wouldn't say this is a Whitehall farce, it's fast becoming a Stratford
farce. To my mind there is one absolutely viable option which is multi-use,
just get on with it and use it. There is another very viable option – I
think our friends at West Ham have been phenomenally patient over the last
few months.
"Whichever of those two routes is taken works for UK Athletics but get it
over with. We have a programme of events which that stadium can host, which
we had planned to start in the summer of 2014. We don't really want a race
with the Rio opening ceremony to the reopening of the London Olympic
Stadium."
Boris Johnson said on Wednesday: "It would be wrong to get into a proxy
discussion on negotiations with putative future tenants. The cost of doing
the stadium up in the way the people of this country would expect is
considerable. It was not designed for football, there was a decision taken
not to do it in that way," the London mayor said. "I think it very, very
unlikely we won't get the stadium open by then [the Rio 2016 Olympics
closing ceremony]."
There remains a gap between the amount West Ham are prepared to put towards
the stadium's conversion costs, which would pay for the installation of
retractable seats and a cantilevered roof, and what the LLDC believes would
be a suitable sum.
An investigator hired by Tottenham during their failed bid in 2011 to become
the Olympic Stadium's tenants has been charged by the Metropolitan police
with fraud. Howard Hill, 58, allegedly obtained the private telephone
records of the West Ham director Karren Brady in an illegal fashion.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Three charged for fraud over Spurs Olympic Stadium row with rivals West Ham
Daily Mail
Tottenham denied putting officials - including West Ham vice-chairman Karren
Brady - under surveillance
OPLC chairwoman Baroness Ford claimed that Spurs had all 14 members of her
board monitored by private investigators
By LAURA WILLIAMSON
PUBLISHED: 16:02, 14 November 2012 | UPDATED: 20:11, 14 November 2012
Three men have been charged with fraud after claims that Tottenham hired
private investigators to snoop on West Ham as the clubs battled over the
Olympic Stadium. The trio are alleged to have accessed telephone bills and
other private records of West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady illegally.
Richard Michael Forrest, Lee Stewart and Howard Hill are due to appear in
Westminster Magistrates Court on November 28 after a 14-month investigation
by the Metropolitan Police. West Ham and the Olympic Park Legacy Company
(OPLC) took legal action in July 2011 after allegations published in The
Sunday Times suggested 'the accessing of private information by illegal
means'. Baroness Ford, chairwoman of OPLC, also claimed in November last
year that all 14 members of her board 'were placed under surveillance' by
Spurs, which the club strongly denies. But Hill, 58, from Stockport, was a
senior investigator at accountancy firm PFK when Spurs hired them to conduct
an inquiry into the stadium bidding process, although a court later heard
there were 'no documents' to clarify his role. Spurs had no comment to make
but insist PFK acted independently. Hill was accused of two counts of
conspiracy to commit fraud. Forrest, 30, who is understood to run a private
investigation firm, and Stewart, 39, from Esher in Surrey, were also accused
of conspiracy with Hill to commit fraud by false representation. West Ham
declined to comment, saying it was a police matter.
West Ham, with partners Newham Council, were initially successful in their
bid for the stadium but the deal collapsed in October 2011 after challenges
from Spurs and Leyton Orient and an anonymous complaint to the European
Commission. West Ham are still the leading contenders to move into the
stadium, with a decision expected by December 5, but there is significant
disagreement over who will pay the £200million needed to convert the
80,000-seat arena into a football stadium.
The London Legacy Development Corporation confirmed last week that the
stadium will not reopen until at least August 2015. The Olympic Park is
already cut off to the public until next July, when the northern part of the
facility will open. The southern area, including the Aquatics Centre, is not
due to open until Easter 2014. UK Athletics chairman Ed Warner and sports
minister Hugh Robertson said there was no threat to the 2017 World Athletics
Championships in London, but Mayor of London Boris Johnson insisted the
stadium's legacy is not 'solely about athletics'. He said: 'That means
delivering a stadium that preferably is multi- purpose, at the heart of the
community, and able to host concerts and big set-piece events alongside
world-class sport.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Trio to face fraud trial
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 15th November 2012
By: Staff Writer
Three men have been formally charged in connection with the theft of
personal records belonging to West Ham United vice chair Karren Brady. The
trio - named as Richard Forrest, 30, Lee Stewart, 39 and Howard Hill, 58
will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 28th November to
answer fraud charges in relation to the unlawful acquisition of Brady's
private telephone records. Hill, who has since resigned from accountants PKF
was an employee of the company at the time they were hired by Tottenham
Hotspur FC to investigate the details behind West Ham's previously
successful bid to become anchor tenants at the Olympic Stadium. West Ham
United initially contacted Police in July 2011 following claims in the
Sunday Times that employees' personal records had been surreptitiously
gained by corporate investigators. In the same week the Olympic Park Legacy
Company also registered a complaint of a similar nature after it was
suggested chief executive Andrew Altman had been targeted. A second OLPC
member - Ms Dionne Knight, who was subsequently suspended following the
revelation that she had been temporarily employed by West Ham as a
consultant - was said to have been spied upon by the investigators at her
home address. The charges follow a year-long investigation by the
Metropolitan Police. A fourth individual remains on bail whilst two others
have who were arrested in connection with the affair have been released
without charge.
* Brady has revealed that she is investigating the circumstances regarding
Savio Nsereko's 2009 move from Brescia to West Ham. "Just before this board
took over, the club paid a huge amount to Brescia for the German Under-21
who took part in a handful of matches and then departed for Fiorentina at a
fraction of the price," she said in her latest tabloid column. "The deal is
something I'm investigating."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A very British farce
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 15th November 2012
By: Staff Writer
UK Athletics chairman Ed Warner has referred to the ongoing uncertainty over
the future of the Olympic Stadium as 'a Stratford farce'. Warner, who as
Chiarman of the organising committe is responsible for organising the 2017
athletics World Championships hit out today in the wake of news that the
arena is unlikely to open before 2016 - the same year as the NEXT Olympic
Games are due to take place in Rio. "Any talk of [waiting until] 2016 is
concerning, not for the 2017 World Championships but for getting other
events there," he said. "I want a decision. "We want the Diamond League
meeting in there, we want our trials in there, we want to see kids'
athletics in the stadium - just as I know West Ham want to see football in
the stadium. "I wouldn't say this is a Whitehall farce, it's fast becoming a
Stratford farce. To my mind there is one absolutely viable option which is
multi-use, just get on with it and use it. "There is another very viable
option – and I think our friends at West Ham have been phenomenally patient
over the last few months. Whichever of those two routes is taken works for
UK Athletics - but get it over with. "We have a programme of events which
that stadium can host, which we had planned to start in the summer of 2014.
We don't really want a race with the Rio opening ceremony to the reopening
of the London Olympic Stadium."
Meanwhile Sports Minister Hugh Robertson appeared to suggest that a deal
with West Ham was close to reaching fruition - although there were some
hurdles that still needed to be negotiated. "There is a commercial
negotiation going on with West Ham and it's a question of how quickly the
Mayor and the Legacy Company can close the gap," he said. "There is a
package on the table which includes the conversion costs that were built
into the budget and a contribution from the local authority and some money
that West Ham might put into it. "Then there is the bill for all the things
they would ideally want to do to have what they would see as a modern
stadium."
Central to West Ham's plans for the new-look Olympic Stadium is retractable
seating, which will cost around £200million to install. However the Treasury
recently ruled out using some of the excess funds previously allocated to
the Olympic Games for this purpose. West Ham are said to have offered an
initial lump sum plus an annual rent of around £2million to take control of
the stadium, but believe that as tenants the brunt of redevelopment costs
should be provided by the landlord - the LLDC.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
The West Ham United manager was a welcome guest of the 2012/13 Supporter
Advisory Board
14.11.2012
Sam Allardyce has described West Ham United's npower Championship Play-Off
final victory as his 'happiest day in football'. Big Sam, who has taken
charge of nearly 800 competitive matches at Blackpool, Notts County, Bolton
Wanderers, Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers and West Ham since 1994, led
the Hammers to promotion in his first season at the Boleyn Ground. Speaking
at a Supporter Advisory Board (SAB) meeting this week, the manager was given
a warm welcome by more than 100 fans before taking part in an enjoyable
question and answer session. Big Sam discussed a wide range of issues,
including West Ham's fine start to the Barclays Premier League season, how
he intends to establish the Hammers as a top-flight club, his pioneering use
of performance analysis, how he scouts new recruits, his standout players so
far this season and the professionalism and consistency of his squad. After
reconfirming his commitment to the continued development of young players
and his intention to send some of them out on loan later this month, the
manager was also asked to reveal the happiest moment of his 20-year
management career. "I think the happiest moment of my career was Wembley,
without a doubt" said Big Sam, to widespread nods from SAB members. "I'm not
a Bolton lad - I was born in the Midlands but I started my career at the
highest level with Bolton and they were obviously close to my heart. When I
got them into the Premier League at the Millennium Stadium against Preston
[North End in 2001] that was pretty special, but it wasn't as good as
Wembley. "It was just unbelievable when we won. Just reflecting on the
occasion, it was just a cauldron of noise and it made the hair on the back
of your neck stand up on end from the very, very start until the very, very
end. That was my happiest moment."
Big Sam was subsequently congratulated on the job he has done since taking
charge at the club 18 months ago - during which time he has won 32 and lost
just eleven of the 60 league and Play-Off matches he has taken charge of.
Led by Head of Marketing Tara Warren, the SAB has returned for a second
season in 2012/13, with more than 100 both returning and new members
advising the club on key policy issues. As was seen last season, the SAB and
its various sub-committees can and do make a very real difference to
supporters' experiences. In 2011/12, for example, the SAB helped to secure
match packages to make football 'Affordable for All' and was instrumental in
the launch of the new Junior Hammers membership scheme for 0-6 year olds.
The SAB also played a leading role in the introduction of the popular 'Moore
than a Football Club' brand, improved matchday entertainment and the
introduction of new benefits for Season Ticket Holders. This season, the
sub-committees will examine a variety of subjects, including the matchday
experience, ticketing, media, retail and the club's role in the community.
For more information about the Supporter Advisory Board, click here.
The 2012/13 Supporter Advisory Board
Keith Alder-Barber
Stuart Allen
Graeme Archer
Satvir Atkar
Steven Barlow
Tony Barritt
Catherine Bayford
Rachel Beagles
Daniel Bloom
Jack Boteler
Tim Boughen
Peter Bruce
Steve Burton
Peter Caton
Will Cheeld
Neil Clack
Daniel Clement
Marcus Clement
David Clements
Andy Connacher
Tina Cowen
Lesley Craig
Colin Crowe
Michael Crowhurst
Stuart Dean
Jill Dower
Tom Dowsett
Neil Duggan
Kevin Dunckley
Gavin Dunstan
Dee England
Saul Ettridge
Michael Evans
Tricia Evans
John Farren
Rob Ford
Paul Fox
Richard Francis
Michelle Gabriel
Johnathan Gaffney
Paul Gibson
Sherrie Goldsmith
David Hall
David Halston
Tony Harries
Graham Hatt
Benjamin Hawkes
Ian Henderson
Jack Hess
Graham Howlett
Craig Hughes
Peter Hunt
Anthony Hyams
Deniz Jaffer
Steve Joyce
Nigel Kahn
Diane Keleghar
John Kemp
Warren Kober
Adrian Leahy
Victor Lindsell
John Llewellyn
Phil Llewellyn
Kevin Markham
Ryan Marsh
Steve Marsh
Neil Martin
Dan Mason
Suzanne Mason
Gerry McCarthy
Norman McGuire
Steve Medhurst
Antoni Miziolek
Darren Morgan
Colin Morris
John Norman
Michael Nuciford
Leigh O'Connor
Cecilia O'Herlihy
Wallace Onnie
John Parry
Jonathan Penfold
Eamon Quinn
Kevin Radley
Paul Reynolds
Paul Richardson
Pete Richardson
Jason Rose
James Rutherford
Steve Ryder
Nigel Salvage
Nick Scott
Barry Shelton
Stuart Slaney
Mark Steele
Terry Stokes
Ben Surdeau
John Sussex
Dave Tate
Mark Taylor
Kishan Teli
Simon Thomson
Eleanor Tilley
Mark Tilley
Stephen Todd
Stephen Trowers
Kathryn Upton
John Walker
Ian Wearne
Sean Whetstone
Anne-Marie White
Peter Whitelock
Nick Wood
Richard Wood
Ali Worth
Ian Wicks
Trevor Wisdom
Daniel Yallop
John Yewman
Jason Zammit
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Hendo hopes best is yet to come
WHUFC.com
Ian Hendon wants his Development Squad to kick on from their table-topping
start to the season
14.11.2012
Ian Hendon will not allow the Development Squad to take their foot off the
gas despite having a five-point lead at the top of the Barclays Under-21
Premier League. Paul McCallum's 87th-minute header gave Hendon's side a
massive three points against Arsenal at London Colney on Friday, but the
manager insists not is no time to rest. Hendon now hopes his side can
continue their fine form and not only qualify for the Barclays Under-21
Elite League but win the current league in the process. "We have come this
far and have a five-point lead at the top so we want to see it out and win
it, it is no time to put our feet up, we want to win ever game," Hendon
said. "The initial aim was to qualify and get into the top three, hopefully
we have now done that but if not we will face West Brom next week and try to
win that game."
Despite their spectacular form, Hendon still insists that level of
performance will always take precedence over results at this level. "It is
always about the performances and development of the players, the fact we
are winning games and the lads are working hard for each other is a bonus.
You play against teams at this level and see they have one stand-out
individual but I have got a group of players who work hard for each other
every day of the week. It is a pleasure to coach them."
Hendon also pinpointed the togetherness within the club from top to bottom
as a contributing factor to its current success at every level. "I was not
here before Sam Allardyce came in. I came in at the same time but from what
I am told he has brought a new level on enthusiasm to every aspect of the
club. "Everyone is behind what we are trying to do, it is all about the
first-team pushing to achieve the best they can but the Development Squad
and the Academy are also going well. Everyone is pulling in the right
direction."
The former Tottenham player continued by paying tribute to the work being
done by Nick Haycock and Tony Carr in the Academy of Football. "I had
youth-team players in my side against Arsenal - Frazer Shaw stepped up again
and it shows what a good job Nick and Tony are doing in the Academy. "There
are players trying to push through into the Development Squad all the time
but my aim is to push my players into the first-team. A few have already
made their debuts this season and hopefully a few more can by May."
"Rob Hall is just one who has been involved with the first-team and you saw
why on Friday but I think it gives the rest of the lads something to aim
for. "It shows that the manager is always watching and willing to give you
an opportunity so as I said I hope a few more can be involved in the
future." Next up for Hendon's side is a home tie against West Bromwich
Albion, who held the Development Squad to a 1-1 draw at the Hawthorns. "We
face West Brom at Rush Green next Friday and if it is anything like the
reverse fixture it will be a very tough game. They had an experienced side
out with a few first-team players but our young side coped well and got a
deserved point out of the game. "It does not matter what side they bring, if
it is an experienced one we will deal with it, if it is a young side we will
deal with it, so we will take it as it comes have a good weeks training and
look forward to Friday night."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jussi: the number one's number one
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 14th November 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's Jussi Jaaskelainen is top of the OPTA goalkeeping stats,
according to latest figures. The 37-year-old Finnish stopper, who joined
United this summer on a free transfer has the highest 'saves to shot' ratio
of any of the Premier League's regular number ones so far this season.
Jasskelainen's score of 82 per cent is five per cent higher than his nearest
rival Simon Mignolet of Sunderland - and seven clear of Ben Foster of West
Brom and Chelsea's Petr Cech, who score 75 per cent. The former Bolton man
also tops the OPTA points rating system - which is calculated by awarding
points for saves and clean sheets - with 109 points.
England's Number One: The OPTA Saves-To-Shots Ratio Chart
(OPTA points rating in parenthesis)
1. Jussi Jaaskelainen (West Ham United) 82% (109)
2. Simon Mignolet (Sunderland) 77% (76)
3. Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion) 75% (60)
4. Petr Cech (Chelsea) 75% (72)
5. Julio Cesar (Queens Park Rangers) 73% (55)
6. Tim Krul (Newcastle United) 73% (36)
7. Michel Vorm (Swansea City) 72% (68)
8. Asmir Begovic (Stoke City) 72% (64)
9. Vito Mannone (Arsenal) 70% (51)
10. David De Gea (Manchester United) 70% (45)
11. Alex McCarthy (Reading) 69% (47)
12. Mark Schwarzer (Fulham) 68% (74)
13. Ali Al-Habsi (Wigan Athletic) 68% (69)
14. John Ruddy (Norwich) 67% (78)
15. Tim Howard (Everton) 67% (52)
16. Joe Hart (Manchester City) 67% (46)
17. Brad Guzan (Aston Villa) 66% (52)
18. Brad Friedel (Tottenham Hotspur) 60% (40)
19. Kelvin Davis (Southampton) 53% (25)
20. Jose Reina (Liverpool) 50% (23)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reflections
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 13th November 2012
By: Tom Kilbey
Having taken a break from writing regularly, the last few weeks have given
me a chance to reflect on where our team are.
We are well into our 'tough run', the second of Allardyce's well-documented
'phases' of the season. After a fantastic start, I was very vocal in playing
down our chances of success for the season. After a draw and a victory
against Manchester City and Newcastle respectively, surely even the most
optimistic fan would have to concede we have exceeded expectations.
Needless to say, as I look at the league table, and see us sit above many of
our more illustrious opponents, I am stunned with our start. On the back of
our best start in Premier League history, we can begin to draw some
conclusions, and our team are beginning to answer some of the questions that
we as fans, and me in particular, had before the season kicked off. Here are
a few observations that I have made this season which explain our successes
so far this year.
1) Our defence is answering its critics.
The best way to silence doubters is to perform on the pitch. I'm happy to
admit I was one of those doubters, and I am on the verge of willingly
holding my hands up. Firstly, I've never seen a West Ham player show as much
progression in a short period as Winston Reid. As I suggested last season, a
year in the Championship would work miracles in giving our defenders a
chance to gain confidence, learn the English game and develop a partnership
with each other. This has certainly been the case with Reid.
Besides the fun but somewhat irrelevant cult status he has acquired after
his winner against Millwall, the facts are that Winston is now a very good
defender. His positioning and reading of the game is fantastic, he is quick
over short distances, and is comfortable on the ball. He has progressed from
a squad player who did not inspire confidence when required to fill in, to
being one of the first names on the team sheet.
Similarly, our other centre defenders have definitely stepped up to the
plate. Both Tomkins and Collins have demonstrated they are perfectly
competent at this level, and although my preference remains to be our
academy product, I am growing more comfortable watching Collins step in.
With our full backs, despite being categorically unspectacular, McCartney
and O'Brien are quietly getting better and better, and with Demel waiting in
the wings, we are equally equipped at right back.
2) Our worries about our style of play was (largely) unfounded.
Any regular visitors to Upton Park last season will agree that, at times,
our style of play was quite frankly horrible. On regular occasions, we would
persistently lump the ball up towards Carlton Cole, who invariably struggled
to win headers, and often left us lacking any sort of creativity or cutting
edge. Allardyce's refusal to change to any sort of plan B led to much
disapproval from the fans.
This has simply not been the case this season. The one mark on this record
would be the performance against Wigan which was woeful. However, our
downfalls in that game were highlighted, and no excuses were made for our
one-dimensional tactics which dismally failed. Apart from this, the story
this season has been very different. We have used a more measured approach,
playing the ball into feet, and short passing is now used to complement the
'long ball' tactics that we are perceived to play. This allows us to gain a
degree of control of games that is essential in Premier League games.
3) Mark Noble.
The stats do not lie. By far and away the most prolific tackler in the whole
league, Mark Noble is the cog that makes our team work. He breaks up the
play so well, and demonstrates a competence on the ball in midfield that we
thought we had lost when we sold Parker to Spurs. Simply, Noble's
contribution this season are a significant factor in our successes. Besides
his tackling, the influence he provides through his passing is also
admirable.
Without meaning to sound cynical, Noble's passing is never going to be
applauded to the extent it should, simply because he is placing for a team
who play 'hoofball' every week. But he is so effective at dropping deep,
picking the ball up, and playing passes which start off attacks. His display
against Manchester City also demonstrates his ability to pick a long pass.
When Noble plays well, we play well, and if he can continue his fine form,
we will continue to pick up points.
4) Our fans have got right behind the team.
This one is not a surprise. At times last season, Upton Park was not a
particularly pleasant place to watch a game of football, let alone play
there. The fans created a negative atmosphere at times, which filtered
through to the players. Regardless of one's opinion of whether booing is
right or wrong, the performances on the pitch encouraged the fans to voice
their discontent, which affected the players on the pitch. But clearly, good
performances on the pitch and good atmospheres in the stands go hand in
hand, and our positive play this year has encouraged the fans to get behind
the club, which is fantastic news.
5) Our new signings have hit the ground running.
Last, and by no means least, our new signings have been excellent. As I've
already highlighted James Collins has showed that he is a match, at least
physically, for any forward in the league. Mo Diame is proving to be one of
the best summer signings in the entire league. He is a player in the mould
of Yaya Toure, which can only be a good thing. His strength and power allows
him to be extremely direct with his forward runs, and he is a physical force
when we do not have the ball. He is improving game on game, and his
performance against Newcastle was among his best in his short time at the
club.
Andy Carroll has enjoyed a mixed start. Critics would argue that he is yet
to net his first goal, but his all round contribution is excellent. He
provides an outlet when we are under pressure, by winning free kicks and
holding the ball up. It may be frustrating for him, but in a somewhat
paradoxical sense considering he is a striker, a goal isn't of utmost
importance. If he continues to provide goals for other players in the team,
he will prove an extremely useful asset for the team.
All in all, we are at an important stage of the season. I still insist that
we should not get carried away. It would not be unconceivable to see us go
on a winless streak with the increasing difficulty of our next few fixtures.
The fact that this seems unlikely is testament to Allardyce and his players.
Considering we have just been promoted from the Championship, our squad
possesses a level of experience and class that has not been seen since the
Newcastle squad of 2010. We do not have the same fragilities that the likes
of Reading and Southampton possess, and teams that have been promoted in
previous years and ultimately failed to consolidate their position in the
top flight.
After our best start to a season for a quarter of a century, we are almost
half way to the forty point mark, and we are well equipped to pick up the
other half and secure safety. Once we have done this, and only then, we can
look at securing a comfortable mid table finish, or even dare to look into
the top half. We will be able to bring through some of our exciting
youngsters, and look ahead to another season of progression next year. It's
certainly an exciting time to be a West Ham fan, and with a difficult run of
games, we can enjoy them without too much pressure, in the knowledge that we
are already well on the way to a respectable finish this season.
Tom Kilbey may also be found on Twitter at twitter.com/tom29whu.
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Does Nolan Deserve an England Call-Up?
West Ham Till I Die
In the aftermath of the 0-1 victory over Newcastle Utd, there has been a
fair amount of discussion generated concerning whether Kevin Nolan deserves
an England call-up. At 30 years of age, some might argue that it is a little
late in the day for that, but why? If a 31 year old Leon Osman can be called
up, why not a 30 year old Nolan?
Arguably, Nolan is that most precious of commodities, a goal scoring
midfielder. A bit like Frank Lampard Jnr, they are deadly supporting the
striker(s) and scoring from advanced positions. In doing so, they accumulate
a goal tally, in the course of a season, that some strikers would consider a
decent and productive return. Nolan has the positional instincts of a
striker in the final third, he always seems to know where to best position
himself to snap up the chances. And we are, once again, benefiting from that
this season, with his current return of 5 goals in 11 PL matches.
An added attraction for England is Nolan great understanding with Andy
Carroll. Would that not benefit the national side, in much the same way that
it has been a massive bonus at club-level. Or is it the case that while
Nolan may be useful in the PL, international football is too big a step up
for him? Can he reproduce it for England or would he struggle to do it at
that level? They are no doubt some of the issues in a 'Nolan for England'
debate. Personally, I see no reason why he should not get an opportunity.
Much like Mark Noble, the ultimate litmus test of a player's international
credentials is to test him at that level. I do not believe that anyone can
honestly say that Nolan and Noble have not earnt the chance via their
excellent respective PL displays this season.
So, is Nolan a viable choice at international level? Discuss.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stadium mystery: Three charged with fraud following probe into allegations
that Tottenham spied on Olympic officials
By Alex Hankin Comments
The Mirror
14 Nov 2012 16:22
The ugly tussle between West Ham and Tottenham over the future tenancy of
the Olympic Stadium will be at the centre of a court case relating to
allegations of espionage...
Three people have been charged with fraud over allegations of unlawful
obtaining of information linked to the Olympic Park, Scotland Yard has said,
according to a report by the Press Association. Detectives have been
investigating claims made by West Ham United Football Club and the Olympic
Park Legacy Company. Richard Michael Forrest, 30, Lee Stewart, 39, and
Howard Hill, 58, are all due to appear in court on November 28. The
investigation surrounds allegations that Tottenham Hotspur Football Club
spied on Olympic officials during its stadium bid. Forrest, from Crawley,
West Sussex, and Stewart, from Esher in Surrey, are both accused of
conspiracy with Hill to commit fraud by false representation. Hill, from
Stockport in Cheshire, is accused of conspiracy with the other two men to
commit the same offence. They will all appear at Westminster Magistrates'
Court later this month. Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) chairwoman
Baroness Ford claimed in November last year that Spurs had all 14 members of
her board monitored by private investigators. The north London club denied
putting officials under surveillance. There was a deal with West Ham and
Newham Council to use the stadium in Stratford, east London, after the 2012
Games, but that collapsed in October last year. Tottenham had already lost
out to West Ham in the race to become the OPLC's first choice to move into
the stadium after the Olympics. Challenges by Tottenham Hotspur and Leyton
Orient, plus an anonymous complaint to the European Commission, led to fears
that court action could drag on for years while the stadium remained empty.
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On track: West Ham remain committed to Olympic Stadium move
The Mirror
11 Oct 2012 15:55
West Ham are still committed to making the Olympic Stadium their new home
despite concerns over a possible delay in the bidding process. Applications
to take over the stadium were forced to start again after challenges from
both Tottenham and Leyton Orient to the Hammers proposed tenancy.
Nevertheless, West Ham want to become main tenants for the start of the
2014-15 season. In a statement released by West Ham said: "It is now 20
months since West Ham United were initially named as the preferred bidder to
occupy the Olympic Stadium post-Games. We are obviously disappointed, that
three bids later, a decision has yet to be reached. "We do however remain
fully committed to becoming the catalyst to galvanise the Olympic Park by
bringing people, jobs and a robust and sustainable commercial offer that
guarantees a return to the taxpayer of the money already invested."
Other bids are under consideration include one from Leyton Orient, a
football business college and a group wanting to host a Formula One race at
the Olympic Park. The £486million Olympic Stadium has already been earmarked
for 20 athletics meetings, which include the World Championships in 2017,
and will also be available for community use, with Newham Council
contributing some £40million in a loan towards the redevelopment project.
Hone said: "If we can't come to a conclusion, in the scheme of things if it
slips another month or two I would rather get the right solution. "Yes, the
stadium is tricky, but it's tricky because we want to get it right. "I would
hate to bung someone in there and see it fall apart in five years. "If it
takes a couple of extra months to get there, then so be it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Olympic Stadium's future is taking too long to resolve
David Bond | 17:53 UK time, Wednesday, 14 November 2012
Despite claims to the contrary, Boris Johnson believes the Olympic Stadium
will be ready to reopen before the end of the Rio Games in 2016.
Nevertheless - and despite the London Mayor's optimism when talking to
London Assembly members on Wednesday - it remains a very real prospect that
a stadium widely acclaimed during London's successful Games, and which took
just three years to build, will take four years to convert. Dennis Hone, the
chief executive of the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), said as
much again when he repeated his line to the London Assembly from last week
that 2015 is now the target but 2016 a possibility. Johnson added,
worryingly, that Londoners might have to be patient and recognise the
Olympic Stadium was not built to be "the kind of omni-purpose world-class
venue capable of hosting Premier League football that it should be".
So why are we in this mess?
The main reason, as Johnson suggests, is that organisers made a major
mistake by writing Premier League football out of original designs for the
legacy use of the stadium. But we've known this for years. So why is it in
danger of descending into another farce?
The process to find a long-term anchor for the stadium is stalling because
the plans to convert it for Premier League football have changed again,
increasing the cost to somewhere between £180m and £190m.
Under the original deal with West Ham, which collapsed last autumn because
of legal challenges, the Premier League team would own the freehold to the
stadium.
At that time the cost discussed was around £95m to £100m and was to be
funded from three sources - £38m from the Olympic budget of £9.3bn, £40m
from Newham Council in the form of a low interest loan, and around £20m from
the sale of Upton Park.
This would have paid to extend the roof - which currently only covers two
thirds of the seating area - add corporate hospitality facilities and
refurbish toilets.
So why has the cost almost doubled?
The main reason is the decision to add retractable seating to bring football
fans closer to the action.
Demountable seats - similar to the ones used for temporary venues like
Greenwich Park during the Games - cost less but take weeks to put up and
take down.
This potentially impacts on the commercial value of the stadium as it may
reduce the number of events that can be staged there.
So, while a retractable seating mechanism costs a lot more to factor in, the
LLDC is thought to now favour the option as it could lead to more income in
the long run.
The roof also needs an even bigger extension as it would now need to cover
the running track and the retractable seats on it.
But while the costs have gone up, the funding provision has, largely,
remained the same.
There is still £38m from the Olympic budget, a loan of £40m from Newham
(although this could be increased) and a contribution from West Ham, though,
surprisingly perhaps, this appears to have gone down to around £10m.
West Ham argue that they bring unique commercial value to the stadium
project and now believe that, as they are no longer going to own the
freehold to the stadium, it is the landlord - the mayor and LLDC - who
should bear the cost of upgrading it for football. Without them, the stadium
will become a costly millstone around taxpayers' necks, they say.
The Premier League club are understood to have submitted a package which
includes a minimum lump sum, an annual rental (around £2m) and a share of
any naming rights deal they are able to bring in. There is also haggling
going on over how the revenue from catering should be split between tenant
and landlord.
But it is the capital funding shortfall that is proving to be the big
stumbling block. So how do you plug the gap?
Johnson has already tried to raid the £377m Olympic budget underspend -
receiving a swift and negative response from the Chancellor, George Osborne.
There are London taxpayer funds available and the LLDC itself could raid
some of its own transformation budget but that could mean spending less on
other parts of the park. There is also nervousness about the legal
implications of publicly subsidising a big football club.
It is a complicated process that has not been helped by the continual
changes at the top of the LLDC. Johnson is now chairing the organisation,
having taken over from Daniel Moylan in September, while Hone, the widely
respected chief of the Olympic Delivery Authority, replaced former chief
executive Andy Altman.
West Ham remain the favourites to secure the deal as anchor tenants for a
stadium which cost £431m to build, well ahead of rival bids from Leyton
Orient Football Club, a football business school and a consortium proposing
Formula One races in the park.
Yet the LLDC could still snub West Ham, appoint an operating company and
just hire the stadium out for concerts and more occasional sporting events
like NFL matches, big rugby games, combining it with more community use.
This would allow the stadium to reopen in 2014, and avoid spending the best
part of £200m and losing valuable income while the stadium remains shut.
Without a big football team the running costs would also be lower.
Of course all this could have been avoided had the Government and the
Olympic Delivery Authority factored in Premier League football back in 2006
and 2007 when the plans were being drawn up.
It is a costly mistake which continues to overshadow all the other wonderful
achievements delivered by London's Olympic organisers.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Olympic Stadium saga becoming 'a Stratford farce', says athletics chief
Ed Warner frustrated park could be dormant site until 2015
'There is one viable option – multi-use. Just get on with it'
James Riach
The Guardian, Wednesday 14 November 2012 17.34 GMT
Ed Warner, the UK Athletics chairman, does not believe the impasse over the
Olympic Stadium will threaten Britain's successful bid to host the world
championships in five years' time. The saga regarding the future of London's
Olympic Stadium has been criticised as "a Stratford farce" by the UK
Athletics chairman, Ed Warner, with negotiations surrounding the £468m
facility set to drag on until the new year.
Dennis Hone, the chief executive of the London Legacy Development
Corporation, revealed last week that if a costing agreement is reached with
West Ham United to convert the stadium into a dual football and athletics
venue then the Premier League club would not move into their new home until
2016.
However, although Warner, who is also chairman of the 2017 athletics world
championships organising committee, does not believe that the impasse will
threaten Britain's successful bid to host that event in five years' time, he
is frustrated that the Olympic Park in east London could be a dormant site
until the European hockey championships in 2015.
"I want a decision – any talk of 2016 is concerning, not for the 2017 world
championships but for getting other events there. We want the Diamond League
meeting in there, we want our trials in there, we want to see kids'
athletics in the stadium. Just as I know West Ham want to see football in
the stadium," he said.
"I wouldn't say this is a Whitehall farce, it's fast becoming a Stratford
farce. To my mind there is one absolutely viable option which is multi-use,
just get on with it and use it. There is another very viable option – I
think our friends at West Ham have been phenomenally patient over the last
few months.
"Whichever of those two routes is taken works for UK Athletics but get it
over with. We have a programme of events which that stadium can host, which
we had planned to start in the summer of 2014. We don't really want a race
with the Rio opening ceremony to the reopening of the London Olympic
Stadium."
Boris Johnson said on Wednesday: "It would be wrong to get into a proxy
discussion on negotiations with putative future tenants. The cost of doing
the stadium up in the way the people of this country would expect is
considerable. It was not designed for football, there was a decision taken
not to do it in that way," the London mayor said. "I think it very, very
unlikely we won't get the stadium open by then [the Rio 2016 Olympics
closing ceremony]."
There remains a gap between the amount West Ham are prepared to put towards
the stadium's conversion costs, which would pay for the installation of
retractable seats and a cantilevered roof, and what the LLDC believes would
be a suitable sum.
An investigator hired by Tottenham during their failed bid in 2011 to become
the Olympic Stadium's tenants has been charged by the Metropolitan police
with fraud. Howard Hill, 58, allegedly obtained the private telephone
records of the West Ham director Karren Brady in an illegal fashion.
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Three charged for fraud over Spurs Olympic Stadium row with rivals West Ham
Daily Mail
Tottenham denied putting officials - including West Ham vice-chairman Karren
Brady - under surveillance
OPLC chairwoman Baroness Ford claimed that Spurs had all 14 members of her
board monitored by private investigators
By LAURA WILLIAMSON
PUBLISHED: 16:02, 14 November 2012 | UPDATED: 20:11, 14 November 2012
Three men have been charged with fraud after claims that Tottenham hired
private investigators to snoop on West Ham as the clubs battled over the
Olympic Stadium. The trio are alleged to have accessed telephone bills and
other private records of West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady illegally.
Richard Michael Forrest, Lee Stewart and Howard Hill are due to appear in
Westminster Magistrates Court on November 28 after a 14-month investigation
by the Metropolitan Police. West Ham and the Olympic Park Legacy Company
(OPLC) took legal action in July 2011 after allegations published in The
Sunday Times suggested 'the accessing of private information by illegal
means'. Baroness Ford, chairwoman of OPLC, also claimed in November last
year that all 14 members of her board 'were placed under surveillance' by
Spurs, which the club strongly denies. But Hill, 58, from Stockport, was a
senior investigator at accountancy firm PFK when Spurs hired them to conduct
an inquiry into the stadium bidding process, although a court later heard
there were 'no documents' to clarify his role. Spurs had no comment to make
but insist PFK acted independently. Hill was accused of two counts of
conspiracy to commit fraud. Forrest, 30, who is understood to run a private
investigation firm, and Stewart, 39, from Esher in Surrey, were also accused
of conspiracy with Hill to commit fraud by false representation. West Ham
declined to comment, saying it was a police matter.
West Ham, with partners Newham Council, were initially successful in their
bid for the stadium but the deal collapsed in October 2011 after challenges
from Spurs and Leyton Orient and an anonymous complaint to the European
Commission. West Ham are still the leading contenders to move into the
stadium, with a decision expected by December 5, but there is significant
disagreement over who will pay the £200million needed to convert the
80,000-seat arena into a football stadium.
The London Legacy Development Corporation confirmed last week that the
stadium will not reopen until at least August 2015. The Olympic Park is
already cut off to the public until next July, when the northern part of the
facility will open. The southern area, including the Aquatics Centre, is not
due to open until Easter 2014. UK Athletics chairman Ed Warner and sports
minister Hugh Robertson said there was no threat to the 2017 World Athletics
Championships in London, but Mayor of London Boris Johnson insisted the
stadium's legacy is not 'solely about athletics'. He said: 'That means
delivering a stadium that preferably is multi- purpose, at the heart of the
community, and able to host concerts and big set-piece events alongside
world-class sport.'
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Trio to face fraud trial
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 15th November 2012
By: Staff Writer
Three men have been formally charged in connection with the theft of
personal records belonging to West Ham United vice chair Karren Brady. The
trio - named as Richard Forrest, 30, Lee Stewart, 39 and Howard Hill, 58
will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 28th November to
answer fraud charges in relation to the unlawful acquisition of Brady's
private telephone records. Hill, who has since resigned from accountants PKF
was an employee of the company at the time they were hired by Tottenham
Hotspur FC to investigate the details behind West Ham's previously
successful bid to become anchor tenants at the Olympic Stadium. West Ham
United initially contacted Police in July 2011 following claims in the
Sunday Times that employees' personal records had been surreptitiously
gained by corporate investigators. In the same week the Olympic Park Legacy
Company also registered a complaint of a similar nature after it was
suggested chief executive Andrew Altman had been targeted. A second OLPC
member - Ms Dionne Knight, who was subsequently suspended following the
revelation that she had been temporarily employed by West Ham as a
consultant - was said to have been spied upon by the investigators at her
home address. The charges follow a year-long investigation by the
Metropolitan Police. A fourth individual remains on bail whilst two others
have who were arrested in connection with the affair have been released
without charge.
* Brady has revealed that she is investigating the circumstances regarding
Savio Nsereko's 2009 move from Brescia to West Ham. "Just before this board
took over, the club paid a huge amount to Brescia for the German Under-21
who took part in a handful of matches and then departed for Fiorentina at a
fraction of the price," she said in her latest tabloid column. "The deal is
something I'm investigating."
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A very British farce
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 15th November 2012
By: Staff Writer
UK Athletics chairman Ed Warner has referred to the ongoing uncertainty over
the future of the Olympic Stadium as 'a Stratford farce'. Warner, who as
Chiarman of the organising committe is responsible for organising the 2017
athletics World Championships hit out today in the wake of news that the
arena is unlikely to open before 2016 - the same year as the NEXT Olympic
Games are due to take place in Rio. "Any talk of [waiting until] 2016 is
concerning, not for the 2017 World Championships but for getting other
events there," he said. "I want a decision. "We want the Diamond League
meeting in there, we want our trials in there, we want to see kids'
athletics in the stadium - just as I know West Ham want to see football in
the stadium. "I wouldn't say this is a Whitehall farce, it's fast becoming a
Stratford farce. To my mind there is one absolutely viable option which is
multi-use, just get on with it and use it. "There is another very viable
option – and I think our friends at West Ham have been phenomenally patient
over the last few months. Whichever of those two routes is taken works for
UK Athletics - but get it over with. "We have a programme of events which
that stadium can host, which we had planned to start in the summer of 2014.
We don't really want a race with the Rio opening ceremony to the reopening
of the London Olympic Stadium."
Meanwhile Sports Minister Hugh Robertson appeared to suggest that a deal
with West Ham was close to reaching fruition - although there were some
hurdles that still needed to be negotiated. "There is a commercial
negotiation going on with West Ham and it's a question of how quickly the
Mayor and the Legacy Company can close the gap," he said. "There is a
package on the table which includes the conversion costs that were built
into the budget and a contribution from the local authority and some money
that West Ham might put into it. "Then there is the bill for all the things
they would ideally want to do to have what they would see as a modern
stadium."
Central to West Ham's plans for the new-look Olympic Stadium is retractable
seating, which will cost around £200million to install. However the Treasury
recently ruled out using some of the excess funds previously allocated to
the Olympic Games for this purpose. West Ham are said to have offered an
initial lump sum plus an annual rent of around £2million to take control of
the stadium, but believe that as tenants the brunt of redevelopment costs
should be provided by the landlord - the LLDC.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, November 14
Daily WHUFC News - 14th November 2012
The Big Interview: Guy Demel
WHUFC.com
Guy Demel is pleased to be showing the West Ham United fans what he can do after a strong start
13.11.2012
Guy Demel is relishing the opportunity to finally make his mark on England's top division with West Ham United after a career spent mainly plying his trade at some of the biggest teams in Germany. The Ivory Coast international spent a season with Arsenal at the turn of the century without making a single appearance before moving abroad and enjoying huge success with Borussia Dortmund and then Hamburger SV. After playing a pivotal role in West Ham's promotion back to the Barclays Premier League last season, Demel has been a key player in a Hammers backline that has managed five clean sheets already this season.
Guy, you missed a few weeks recently through injury. What was the problem and how has it progressed?
GD: "I tore my hernia, so I had to have an operation two weeks ago. After a couple of days we started the rehab and everything went really well. This week was my first week back training with the team and I got the opportunity to play 20 minutes at Newcastle, so I was very happy, though I need a couple more games to get back my top form.
Was it frustrating getting injured after starting the season so well?
GD: "Yeah, but that kind of thing happens in a season. What is important is the team so it doesn't really matter who plays. It is always better to come back into a team that is winning, rather than come back in a team that is struggling.
"I am happy that the players in my position in those couple of games did really well. It is good to have competition in the team and now I am just looking to get
back on to my best form and give my best when the coach and the team need me. "There are so many games in this league so I am sure that I will get my chance."
Was it hard coming off the bench against Newcastle when they were throwing everything they had at West Ham to try and get a goal back?
GD: "Of course it is quite a difficult thing to do because the game was quite intensive. Newcastle were really pushing in the last few minutes, but I think we did really well and my team-mates really helped me as well, but it wasn't easy to be fair.
"Hatem Ben Arfa and some of the other lads are quick so it is difficult to catch them but the most important thing is that we won today, we are near the top of the league, it is a good start to the season."
Was the Newcastle win West Ham's best performance of the season so far?
GD: "I think we have had others too. Manchester City at home, QPR away. But now we have to have success at home in the next game just to make this game count.
It was West Ham's fifth Premier League clean sheet and their sixth in all competitions. The defence really does seem to be playing well at the moment?
GD: "This is our strength this season. Everyone in the team defends. Of course there is the back four and the keeper, but the whole team defends and even the players when they come off the bench have done well.
"When the first defender is the striker then everything works well."
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Hammers head off for international duty
WHUFC.com
A number of West Ham United players have travelled to represent their countries
12.11.2012
West Ham United players will travel far and wide to represent their respective international sides this week. Mohamed Diame, Guy Demel and Winston Reid will be in action for their senior national teams, while Blair Turgott and Dan Potts will turn out for England's Under-19 side. Reid will travel the furthest distance. The centre-back faces an 11,500-mile round-trip to Shanghai, where his New Zealand side take on the People's Republic of China in a friendly. The All Whites will take on China at the Hongkou Football Stadium at 7.30pm local time on Wednesday (11.30am UK time). The No2 has been in outstanding form this season, helping the Hammers to keep a Barclays Premier League-leading five clean sheets in their opening eleven league matches. Capped 12 times by his country, North Shore-born Reid starred for New Zealand at the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals, where he scored a dramatic equaliser in the All Whites' 1-1 group-stage draw with Slovakia.
Diame will also be boarding a long-haul flight as his Senegal side travel to Niger for a friendly in the capital city Niamey. Senegal did not qualify for the 2013 CAF Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa so are likely to use the game to start their planning for the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The 25-year-old midfielder has become an important member of his national team in recent years, captaining the Lions of Teranga at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, where they reached the quarter-finals.
Demel will have a much shorter trip to contend with as Ivory Coast, who have qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations, travel to Austria for a friendly international in Linz on Wednesday and will use the fixture as a warm-up for the tournament, which kicks-off on 19 January. The right-back is one of five English-based players in the Elephants squad along with Manchester City trio Kolo Toure and Abdul Razak and Wigan Athletic striker Arouna Kone.
Potts and Turgott will both hope to be involved when Noel Blake's England Under-19s host Finland at AFC Telford's New Buck's Head stadium on Tuesday evening. England will use the game as preparation for their forthcoming 2013 UEFA European Under-19 Championship Elite Round qualifiers, which will take place next year.
Turgott has been capped more than 25 times at age-group level by England and starred for his country at the UEFA European Under-17 Championship finals and FIFA Under-17 World Cup finals in 2011. Potts, in contrast, made his England debut for the Under-18s in a friendly victory over Poland in March this year, having previously represented the United States.
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Diame has release clause
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 14th November 2012
By: Staff Writer
A tabloid has claimed that West Ham's Momo Diame can talk to other clubs in January due to a release clause in his current contract. The Senegalese international joined United on a free transfer from Wigan Athletic in the summer and promptly signed a three-year contract that appeared to tie him down until 2015. But tomorrow's Daily Mail claims that Diame insisted on including a clause in his contract allowing him to speak with any club offering in excess of £7million for his services. And, according to the story, that has alerted the likes of Newcastle and Everton who are just two of the clubs said to have been inpressed by the 25-year-old's start to the 2012/13 season.
Diame, who had been interesting the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United prior to agreeing to join West Ham in June first moved to England from Spanish club Reyo to the Latics in August 2009 in a cash-plus-player swap ( €3.8 million plus defender Antonio Amaya). Upon moving to east London, he said: "I'm very happy and very excited to have joined the club and I'm looking forward to the start of the season. I know the fans here get behind the team all the time and I'm looking forward to showing everybody what I can do on the pitch."
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West Ham want to extend the trial of young Chelsea striker Walter Figueira
By James Pearson - Follow me on Twitter @SkySportsPeo. Last Updated: November 13, 2012 6:09pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands West Ham are hoping to extend the trial of Chelsea youngster Walter Figueira after he impressed for their Under-18s against Arsenal.
The 17-year-old marksman, who scored in Saturday's 2-0 U18s victory over the Gunners, initially joined the Hammers for a week. The Londoner has been with Chelsea for the past three years after joining from Hampton & Richmond Borough FC. West Ham are keen to see more of Figueira with a view to making the youngster's stay a permanent arrangement. Figueira, who is out of contract in the summer, will have another chance to impress when the Hammers' U18s take on West Brom on Saturday.
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West Ham star Winston Reid is being tracked by a host of top clubs
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @skygraemebailey. Last Updated: November 13, 2012 1:53pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands that West Ham United defender Winston Reid is attracting interest from some of Europe's top clubs. The 24-year-old has been outstanding for The Hammers this season since their return to the Premier League. West Ham are set to open talks with the defender and his representatives over a new deal in recognition of the huge strides he has taken in the past 12 months. Reid has two-and-a-half-years left on his current deal, but the terms are from when he joined the club from Midtjylland in 2010. It is believed West Ham are ready to offer him a significant pay hike. However, Sky Sports understands that the performances of the New Zealand stopper have not gone unnoticed elsewhere. Clubs from Italy, Spain and Germany have all been alerted to his progress but the interest is strongest in the Premier League, where some of West Ham's rivals are weighing up bids, even as early as January, to try and lure him away from Upton Park. West Ham will fight hard to keep Reid, and remain hopeful he will sign a new deal.
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Kevin Nolan is not surprised by West Ham's start to the Premier League season
Last Updated: November 13, 2012 9:55am
SSN
West Ham midfielder Kevin Nolan says he is not surprised by his newly-promoted side's impressive start to the Premier League season. The Hammers moved up to sixth in the table when Nolan's first-half winner clinched a 1-0 victory at his former club Newcastle on Sunday. Many tipped Sam Allardyce's men to struggle after they booked their top-flight return with a narrow Championship play-off final victory over Blackpool in May. Allardyce strengthened his promotion-winning squad by signing a number of experienced Premier League campaigners, including Jussi Jaaskelainen, James Collins and Andy Carroll, in the summer.
And they have made a healthy start by taking 18 points from their opening 11 matches. Nolan said: "If people have been surprised by us so far, then that's their fault for underestimating us. "We added some more quality to the squad that we came up with in the summer, so we knew we had a chance of finishing in the top 10. We're looking like we can do that."
Meanwhile, Nolan says he has no ill-feeling towards Newcastle chairman Mike Ashley and manager Alan Pardew following his exit from St James' Park. The 30-year-old swapped Tyneside for East London in the summer of 2011 after Ashley refused to hand him a long-term contract. Allardyce swooped in a £3m deal for his former Bolton skipper, who helped fire the Hammers back into the Premier League with 13 goals. Nolan said: "I needed to get the best for myself and Newcastle needed to get what they felt was the best for them. "I'd shake the owner's hand as willingly as I'd shake Alan Pardew's, because I got on well with them and they were good to me. "I hope there is no animosity between us. I built up a great relationship with people while I was Newcastle."
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Diame Allegedy Attracting New PL Admirers!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
There was an interesting report this evening that the likes of Everton, Newcastle Utd and Fulham are casting envious eyes in the direction of West Ham's midfield dynamo, Mo Diame. More controversially, the report alleges that Diame negotiated a clause in his contract that he can speak to another club if they bid £7m or above. If that is true, then West Ham have learnt absolutely nothing from the Demba Ba contract situation. I certainly hope that it is not true.
Diame has been massive for us this season. His power and strength in midfield have added a whole new dimension to the team. In particular, Diame's surging runs cause panic in the opposition ranks, even if he could do with improving his decision-making in the final third. No doubt it is something that Sam Allardyce, and his coaching staff, will have raised with Diame and that he will be working on. He has formed a very good midfield unit with Noble and Nolan. Indeed, it is a long time since we have had such a well balanced and effective midfield trio. If we are to progress, we need to retain our best players and strengthen the squad still further via the transfer market and our Academy graduates.
It is inevitable in a way, given West Ham's excellent return to the PL, that other clubs will start taking an interest in our players. But the club must resist the temptation to cash in and aim to build a squad capable of challenging for regular top 6 finishes. Even his sternest critics must surely concede that Sam Allardyce has turned the club around, since the shambolic relegation season of 2010-11, and has built both a very solid and promising foundation. This West Ham team is solid in defence, well organised and capable of competing in the PL. Allardyce deserves a new contract and the ongoing commitment of the club to build upon and progress the good work done to date. While admittedly, it is currently difficult to resist the top four sides, should they take an interest in one of our players, we must at least try. We should certainly not be selling our best assets to roughly comparable clubs like Everton, Newcastle Utd or Fulham. If we do that we stand nil chance of achieving the necessary progress.
Yesterday's Evening Standard ran a story comparing the current West Ham side with the 'boys of 1986,' who achieved the highest league finish in the club's history. It's a fun exercise, the type that fans like to engage in, even if arguably it is stretching it a bit to make the comparison at the moment. However, the fact is that the club could develop this team in to something special, given time, investment and a commitment to the Academy. The club must ditch it's former 'selling club tag' and turn us in to serious contenders for domestic honours and European football. Easier said than done I know, in competition with billionaire owned clubs like Man City and Chelsea, but we have to have the ambition and purpose to try to mount a genuine challenge to them.
West Ham's bubbles have nearly reached the sky so many times, only to fade and die. The fans deserve sustained success and, maybe, this time it can be delivered?
SJ. Chandos.
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The Allardyce effect: Why Big Sam deserves credit for changing the West Ham way into winning ways
The Mirror
13 Nov 2012 11:18
Ian Horrocks
Sam Allardyce has never been backwards in going forwards – on or off the football field. He thought he should have been England manager, he believes he would be a good Real Madrid boss and insists he is only a foreign name short of being offered a chance with a top-four club. Of course, such lofty claims have earned Dudley-born Allardyce a fair amount of ridicule but his record is nothing to laugh at. Now, the man so often accused of having illusions of grandeur is succeeding at a club that has regularly been burdened by an inflated opinion of themselves. Did you know West Ham won the World Cup? Or that they are the only club to have some supremely talented former players? Had you heard Upton Park is the Academy of football? None of that bothers Allardyce, who chose the new wallpaper in the Upton Park tunnel himself and replaced photographs of the old greats with pictures of West Ham's Championship play-off final victory.
Questioned about the famous 'West Ham way' soon after taking the job, Allardyce remarked the Hammers' recent way had been to lose games. He wasn't wrong. Allardyce quickly put that right, securing promotion at the first attempt and leading West Ham to a wonderful Premier League start that sees the club occupy sixth place ahead of Arsenal and Tottenham. In many ways, however, Allardyce and West Ham remain the odd couple. The fans are yet to fully embrace him and many still complain about his style of football. On the flip side, one suspects Allardyce will never be able to understand supporters who cling to the past and enjoy manipulating history through claret and blue-tinted spectacles. He doubts how many current Upton Park regulars saw Bobby Moore and Trevor Brooking play. Allardyce argues his billing as a long-ball manager is a myth. His teams play effective football and if that means moving the ball forwards quickly, then so-be-it. Sometimes it is pretty, sometimes it's not – you could say the same about 90 per cent of all Premier League clubs. And Allardyce is certainly no dinosaur. He was one of the first English-based managers to embrace sports science and psychology, and continues to search for the best and most innovative methods of keeping his players fit. Attention to detail is one of the 58-year-old's strengths.
While the loan capture of Andy Carroll grabbed the headlines and Kevin Nolan continues to show what a superb £3million signing he was, West Ham's impressive start has been built on an incredible defensive display. Of the rearguard that kept a clean sheet in the victory over Newcastle, goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen and defender Joey O'Brien were signed on free transfers. Many people thought 37-year-old Jaaskelainen was heading towards retirement, while O'Brien had been playing on loan at Sheffield Wednesday before Allardyce snapped him up. Only Manchester City and Stoke have conceded less goals than West Ham so far this season. Moneyball is an annoying phrase that has only recently been adopted by so-called bright young football managers and chief executives, but Allardyce has been employing a similar transfer philosophy for years. He sees value in what the individual can add to the collective and discards name, reputation and popular opinion when making decisions on new signings. Midfielder Mohamed Diame, who joined West Ham on a free transfer after his Wigan contract expired, has proved to be one of the early signings of the season.
Yossi Benayoun was not brought in on loan to please the Hammers fans who so fondly remember the Israeli's first spell with the club. The appeal to Allardyce was his know-how and intelligence, regardless of where he used to play. Bolton, Newcastle and Blackburn all suffered after Allardyce departed, something West Ham fans ready to chant Paolo Di Canio's name at the slightest hint of a slip may wish to consider. The West Ham way too often brings false hope. The Allardyce way brings results.
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Everton and Newcastle are dazzled by West Ham ace Diame
PUBLISHED: 22:38, 13 November 2012 | UPDATED: 22:38, 13 November 2012
Daily Mail
West Ham midfielder Mohamed Diame is attracting interest from rival clubs just four months after signing on a free transfer from Wigan. The 25-year-old is understood to have a clause in his contract that allows him to talk to other clubs if £7million is offered. The Senegal star was outstanding against Newcastle on Sunday and Everton and Fulham are among his admirers. West Ham are hoping to extend the trial of Chelsea striker Walter Figueira, 17, after he scored for their Under 18s against Arsenal at the weekend.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Guy Demel is pleased to be showing the West Ham United fans what he can do after a strong start
13.11.2012
Guy Demel is relishing the opportunity to finally make his mark on England's top division with West Ham United after a career spent mainly plying his trade at some of the biggest teams in Germany. The Ivory Coast international spent a season with Arsenal at the turn of the century without making a single appearance before moving abroad and enjoying huge success with Borussia Dortmund and then Hamburger SV. After playing a pivotal role in West Ham's promotion back to the Barclays Premier League last season, Demel has been a key player in a Hammers backline that has managed five clean sheets already this season.
Guy, you missed a few weeks recently through injury. What was the problem and how has it progressed?
GD: "I tore my hernia, so I had to have an operation two weeks ago. After a couple of days we started the rehab and everything went really well. This week was my first week back training with the team and I got the opportunity to play 20 minutes at Newcastle, so I was very happy, though I need a couple more games to get back my top form.
Was it frustrating getting injured after starting the season so well?
GD: "Yeah, but that kind of thing happens in a season. What is important is the team so it doesn't really matter who plays. It is always better to come back into a team that is winning, rather than come back in a team that is struggling.
"I am happy that the players in my position in those couple of games did really well. It is good to have competition in the team and now I am just looking to get
back on to my best form and give my best when the coach and the team need me. "There are so many games in this league so I am sure that I will get my chance."
Was it hard coming off the bench against Newcastle when they were throwing everything they had at West Ham to try and get a goal back?
GD: "Of course it is quite a difficult thing to do because the game was quite intensive. Newcastle were really pushing in the last few minutes, but I think we did really well and my team-mates really helped me as well, but it wasn't easy to be fair.
"Hatem Ben Arfa and some of the other lads are quick so it is difficult to catch them but the most important thing is that we won today, we are near the top of the league, it is a good start to the season."
Was the Newcastle win West Ham's best performance of the season so far?
GD: "I think we have had others too. Manchester City at home, QPR away. But now we have to have success at home in the next game just to make this game count.
It was West Ham's fifth Premier League clean sheet and their sixth in all competitions. The defence really does seem to be playing well at the moment?
GD: "This is our strength this season. Everyone in the team defends. Of course there is the back four and the keeper, but the whole team defends and even the players when they come off the bench have done well.
"When the first defender is the striker then everything works well."
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Hammers head off for international duty
WHUFC.com
A number of West Ham United players have travelled to represent their countries
12.11.2012
West Ham United players will travel far and wide to represent their respective international sides this week. Mohamed Diame, Guy Demel and Winston Reid will be in action for their senior national teams, while Blair Turgott and Dan Potts will turn out for England's Under-19 side. Reid will travel the furthest distance. The centre-back faces an 11,500-mile round-trip to Shanghai, where his New Zealand side take on the People's Republic of China in a friendly. The All Whites will take on China at the Hongkou Football Stadium at 7.30pm local time on Wednesday (11.30am UK time). The No2 has been in outstanding form this season, helping the Hammers to keep a Barclays Premier League-leading five clean sheets in their opening eleven league matches. Capped 12 times by his country, North Shore-born Reid starred for New Zealand at the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals, where he scored a dramatic equaliser in the All Whites' 1-1 group-stage draw with Slovakia.
Diame will also be boarding a long-haul flight as his Senegal side travel to Niger for a friendly in the capital city Niamey. Senegal did not qualify for the 2013 CAF Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa so are likely to use the game to start their planning for the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The 25-year-old midfielder has become an important member of his national team in recent years, captaining the Lions of Teranga at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, where they reached the quarter-finals.
Demel will have a much shorter trip to contend with as Ivory Coast, who have qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations, travel to Austria for a friendly international in Linz on Wednesday and will use the fixture as a warm-up for the tournament, which kicks-off on 19 January. The right-back is one of five English-based players in the Elephants squad along with Manchester City trio Kolo Toure and Abdul Razak and Wigan Athletic striker Arouna Kone.
Potts and Turgott will both hope to be involved when Noel Blake's England Under-19s host Finland at AFC Telford's New Buck's Head stadium on Tuesday evening. England will use the game as preparation for their forthcoming 2013 UEFA European Under-19 Championship Elite Round qualifiers, which will take place next year.
Turgott has been capped more than 25 times at age-group level by England and starred for his country at the UEFA European Under-17 Championship finals and FIFA Under-17 World Cup finals in 2011. Potts, in contrast, made his England debut for the Under-18s in a friendly victory over Poland in March this year, having previously represented the United States.
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Diame has release clause
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 14th November 2012
By: Staff Writer
A tabloid has claimed that West Ham's Momo Diame can talk to other clubs in January due to a release clause in his current contract. The Senegalese international joined United on a free transfer from Wigan Athletic in the summer and promptly signed a three-year contract that appeared to tie him down until 2015. But tomorrow's Daily Mail claims that Diame insisted on including a clause in his contract allowing him to speak with any club offering in excess of £7million for his services. And, according to the story, that has alerted the likes of Newcastle and Everton who are just two of the clubs said to have been inpressed by the 25-year-old's start to the 2012/13 season.
Diame, who had been interesting the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United prior to agreeing to join West Ham in June first moved to England from Spanish club Reyo to the Latics in August 2009 in a cash-plus-player swap ( €3.8 million plus defender Antonio Amaya). Upon moving to east London, he said: "I'm very happy and very excited to have joined the club and I'm looking forward to the start of the season. I know the fans here get behind the team all the time and I'm looking forward to showing everybody what I can do on the pitch."
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West Ham want to extend the trial of young Chelsea striker Walter Figueira
By James Pearson - Follow me on Twitter @SkySportsPeo. Last Updated: November 13, 2012 6:09pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands West Ham are hoping to extend the trial of Chelsea youngster Walter Figueira after he impressed for their Under-18s against Arsenal.
The 17-year-old marksman, who scored in Saturday's 2-0 U18s victory over the Gunners, initially joined the Hammers for a week. The Londoner has been with Chelsea for the past three years after joining from Hampton & Richmond Borough FC. West Ham are keen to see more of Figueira with a view to making the youngster's stay a permanent arrangement. Figueira, who is out of contract in the summer, will have another chance to impress when the Hammers' U18s take on West Brom on Saturday.
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West Ham star Winston Reid is being tracked by a host of top clubs
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @skygraemebailey. Last Updated: November 13, 2012 1:53pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands that West Ham United defender Winston Reid is attracting interest from some of Europe's top clubs. The 24-year-old has been outstanding for The Hammers this season since their return to the Premier League. West Ham are set to open talks with the defender and his representatives over a new deal in recognition of the huge strides he has taken in the past 12 months. Reid has two-and-a-half-years left on his current deal, but the terms are from when he joined the club from Midtjylland in 2010. It is believed West Ham are ready to offer him a significant pay hike. However, Sky Sports understands that the performances of the New Zealand stopper have not gone unnoticed elsewhere. Clubs from Italy, Spain and Germany have all been alerted to his progress but the interest is strongest in the Premier League, where some of West Ham's rivals are weighing up bids, even as early as January, to try and lure him away from Upton Park. West Ham will fight hard to keep Reid, and remain hopeful he will sign a new deal.
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Kevin Nolan is not surprised by West Ham's start to the Premier League season
Last Updated: November 13, 2012 9:55am
SSN
West Ham midfielder Kevin Nolan says he is not surprised by his newly-promoted side's impressive start to the Premier League season. The Hammers moved up to sixth in the table when Nolan's first-half winner clinched a 1-0 victory at his former club Newcastle on Sunday. Many tipped Sam Allardyce's men to struggle after they booked their top-flight return with a narrow Championship play-off final victory over Blackpool in May. Allardyce strengthened his promotion-winning squad by signing a number of experienced Premier League campaigners, including Jussi Jaaskelainen, James Collins and Andy Carroll, in the summer.
And they have made a healthy start by taking 18 points from their opening 11 matches. Nolan said: "If people have been surprised by us so far, then that's their fault for underestimating us. "We added some more quality to the squad that we came up with in the summer, so we knew we had a chance of finishing in the top 10. We're looking like we can do that."
Meanwhile, Nolan says he has no ill-feeling towards Newcastle chairman Mike Ashley and manager Alan Pardew following his exit from St James' Park. The 30-year-old swapped Tyneside for East London in the summer of 2011 after Ashley refused to hand him a long-term contract. Allardyce swooped in a £3m deal for his former Bolton skipper, who helped fire the Hammers back into the Premier League with 13 goals. Nolan said: "I needed to get the best for myself and Newcastle needed to get what they felt was the best for them. "I'd shake the owner's hand as willingly as I'd shake Alan Pardew's, because I got on well with them and they were good to me. "I hope there is no animosity between us. I built up a great relationship with people while I was Newcastle."
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Diame Allegedy Attracting New PL Admirers!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
There was an interesting report this evening that the likes of Everton, Newcastle Utd and Fulham are casting envious eyes in the direction of West Ham's midfield dynamo, Mo Diame. More controversially, the report alleges that Diame negotiated a clause in his contract that he can speak to another club if they bid £7m or above. If that is true, then West Ham have learnt absolutely nothing from the Demba Ba contract situation. I certainly hope that it is not true.
Diame has been massive for us this season. His power and strength in midfield have added a whole new dimension to the team. In particular, Diame's surging runs cause panic in the opposition ranks, even if he could do with improving his decision-making in the final third. No doubt it is something that Sam Allardyce, and his coaching staff, will have raised with Diame and that he will be working on. He has formed a very good midfield unit with Noble and Nolan. Indeed, it is a long time since we have had such a well balanced and effective midfield trio. If we are to progress, we need to retain our best players and strengthen the squad still further via the transfer market and our Academy graduates.
It is inevitable in a way, given West Ham's excellent return to the PL, that other clubs will start taking an interest in our players. But the club must resist the temptation to cash in and aim to build a squad capable of challenging for regular top 6 finishes. Even his sternest critics must surely concede that Sam Allardyce has turned the club around, since the shambolic relegation season of 2010-11, and has built both a very solid and promising foundation. This West Ham team is solid in defence, well organised and capable of competing in the PL. Allardyce deserves a new contract and the ongoing commitment of the club to build upon and progress the good work done to date. While admittedly, it is currently difficult to resist the top four sides, should they take an interest in one of our players, we must at least try. We should certainly not be selling our best assets to roughly comparable clubs like Everton, Newcastle Utd or Fulham. If we do that we stand nil chance of achieving the necessary progress.
Yesterday's Evening Standard ran a story comparing the current West Ham side with the 'boys of 1986,' who achieved the highest league finish in the club's history. It's a fun exercise, the type that fans like to engage in, even if arguably it is stretching it a bit to make the comparison at the moment. However, the fact is that the club could develop this team in to something special, given time, investment and a commitment to the Academy. The club must ditch it's former 'selling club tag' and turn us in to serious contenders for domestic honours and European football. Easier said than done I know, in competition with billionaire owned clubs like Man City and Chelsea, but we have to have the ambition and purpose to try to mount a genuine challenge to them.
West Ham's bubbles have nearly reached the sky so many times, only to fade and die. The fans deserve sustained success and, maybe, this time it can be delivered?
SJ. Chandos.
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The Allardyce effect: Why Big Sam deserves credit for changing the West Ham way into winning ways
The Mirror
13 Nov 2012 11:18
Ian Horrocks
Sam Allardyce has never been backwards in going forwards – on or off the football field. He thought he should have been England manager, he believes he would be a good Real Madrid boss and insists he is only a foreign name short of being offered a chance with a top-four club. Of course, such lofty claims have earned Dudley-born Allardyce a fair amount of ridicule but his record is nothing to laugh at. Now, the man so often accused of having illusions of grandeur is succeeding at a club that has regularly been burdened by an inflated opinion of themselves. Did you know West Ham won the World Cup? Or that they are the only club to have some supremely talented former players? Had you heard Upton Park is the Academy of football? None of that bothers Allardyce, who chose the new wallpaper in the Upton Park tunnel himself and replaced photographs of the old greats with pictures of West Ham's Championship play-off final victory.
Questioned about the famous 'West Ham way' soon after taking the job, Allardyce remarked the Hammers' recent way had been to lose games. He wasn't wrong. Allardyce quickly put that right, securing promotion at the first attempt and leading West Ham to a wonderful Premier League start that sees the club occupy sixth place ahead of Arsenal and Tottenham. In many ways, however, Allardyce and West Ham remain the odd couple. The fans are yet to fully embrace him and many still complain about his style of football. On the flip side, one suspects Allardyce will never be able to understand supporters who cling to the past and enjoy manipulating history through claret and blue-tinted spectacles. He doubts how many current Upton Park regulars saw Bobby Moore and Trevor Brooking play. Allardyce argues his billing as a long-ball manager is a myth. His teams play effective football and if that means moving the ball forwards quickly, then so-be-it. Sometimes it is pretty, sometimes it's not – you could say the same about 90 per cent of all Premier League clubs. And Allardyce is certainly no dinosaur. He was one of the first English-based managers to embrace sports science and psychology, and continues to search for the best and most innovative methods of keeping his players fit. Attention to detail is one of the 58-year-old's strengths.
While the loan capture of Andy Carroll grabbed the headlines and Kevin Nolan continues to show what a superb £3million signing he was, West Ham's impressive start has been built on an incredible defensive display. Of the rearguard that kept a clean sheet in the victory over Newcastle, goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen and defender Joey O'Brien were signed on free transfers. Many people thought 37-year-old Jaaskelainen was heading towards retirement, while O'Brien had been playing on loan at Sheffield Wednesday before Allardyce snapped him up. Only Manchester City and Stoke have conceded less goals than West Ham so far this season. Moneyball is an annoying phrase that has only recently been adopted by so-called bright young football managers and chief executives, but Allardyce has been employing a similar transfer philosophy for years. He sees value in what the individual can add to the collective and discards name, reputation and popular opinion when making decisions on new signings. Midfielder Mohamed Diame, who joined West Ham on a free transfer after his Wigan contract expired, has proved to be one of the early signings of the season.
Yossi Benayoun was not brought in on loan to please the Hammers fans who so fondly remember the Israeli's first spell with the club. The appeal to Allardyce was his know-how and intelligence, regardless of where he used to play. Bolton, Newcastle and Blackburn all suffered after Allardyce departed, something West Ham fans ready to chant Paolo Di Canio's name at the slightest hint of a slip may wish to consider. The West Ham way too often brings false hope. The Allardyce way brings results.
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Everton and Newcastle are dazzled by West Ham ace Diame
PUBLISHED: 22:38, 13 November 2012 | UPDATED: 22:38, 13 November 2012
Daily Mail
West Ham midfielder Mohamed Diame is attracting interest from rival clubs just four months after signing on a free transfer from Wigan. The 25-year-old is understood to have a clause in his contract that allows him to talk to other clubs if £7million is offered. The Senegal star was outstanding against Newcastle on Sunday and Everton and Fulham are among his admirers. West Ham are hoping to extend the trial of Chelsea striker Walter Figueira, 17, after he scored for their Under 18s against Arsenal at the weekend.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, November 13
Daily WHUFC News - 13th November 2012
'It's a massive three points for us'
WHUFc.com
Mark Noble has lauded West Ham United's stirring 1-0 victory at Newcastle
United
11.11.2012
Mark Noble has hailed West Ham United's team spirit after the Hammers scored
a superb 1-0 Barclays Premier League victory at Newcastle United. Noble was
at his tireless best at St James' Park, combating a home midfield that
included France internationals Yohan Cabaye and Hatem Ben Arfa and
Netherlands star Vurnon Anita. The Hammer of the Year also played his part
in Kevin Nolan's winner when his cross was cleared to Joey O'Brien, whose
shot was turned in by the captain. The No16 was naturally proud to play his
part in West Ham's first win on Tyneside since October 1998. "It's a great
result," a smiling Noble told West Ham TV. "Coming here is always hard but
the three points are massive for us. The lads have done incredible and some
of the defensive play was unbelievable. "Tonks [James Tomkins] has come in
and played at centre-half for the first time this year and he was fantastic,
as were Reidy [Winston Reid] and George [McCartney]. Joey [O'Brien] has had
to play in two different positions and he's a top footballer. "It's been a
great day for us and we're buzzing."
Noble was not surprised to see Nolan score the all-important match-winner,
despite all the pressure surrounding the skipper's return to the club where
he spent three seasons between 2008 and 2011. "He is clever. I used to watch
him on Sky Sports and I thought that he was lucky and I told him that! But
he isn't lucky, because he knows where the ball is going to drop. Joey
shanked his shot and it fell to Nobby, like it always does. "It was nice of
him to show Newcastle fans respect by not celebrating. It's obviously a
massive three points for us."
Having been part of the side that struggled to pick up points on the road on
their way to relegation in 2010/11, Noble has thoroughly enjoyed being part
of life under Sam Allardyce. The manager has guided West Ham to 17 away
league victories in 28 attempts - a truly outstanding record. "I don't think
there is a secret - it's just hard work, team shape and the will to win.
We've got a lot of players here now who know how to win games. "We've got
some top international players and some Premier League players and we know
how to shut games down and that's what we did on Sunday."
Noble's own performance was eye-catching for the sheer amount of ground he
covered during the 90 minutes - plus nine minutes of added time. A tireless
worker and fearless tackler, the midfielder worked his socks off in typical
style to subdue the home side and upset his one-time manager Pardew.
"Obviously it was a big pitch out there! I enjoyed it as I had loads of the
ball and created a lot of stuff so I'm over the moon. I was playing against
some top players in there like Cabaye so I enjoyed it."
West Ham's victory took them up to sixth in the Barclays Premier League
table after eleven matches and above the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur
and Liverpool - a position every fan would have been delighted with at the
start of the season. Now, Noble says the Hammers cannot afford to rest on
their laurels, but instead push on again to maintain their top-half placing.
"We just have to keep doing what we have been doing. We can't get carried
away because we will get punished. If we play like did on Sunday and at QPR
away and like we have been doing at home, we can have a top season." *Less
than 1,000 tickets remain for Monday's Barclays Premier League visit of
Stoke City to the Boleyn Ground.
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Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce has hailed his 'most satisfying' away win as West Ham United
manager
12.11.2012
Sam Allardyce was a proud man as West Ham United announced that they are
well and truly back in the Barclays Premier League with a stunning 1-0 away
win at Newcastle United. Kevin Nolan's first-half goal handed the Hammers a
deserved victory after a performance boasting composure, tenacity and belief
helped deliver their first win at St James' Park for 14 years. Big Sam and
his squad were back in at Chadwell Heath early on Monday for a light session
to aid their recovery after the huge exertions of Sunday's success. "I think
this was my most satisfying win," said Big Sam, who has now won 17 of his 28
away league matches as West Ham boss. "I thought the win at QPR was a good
performance but we have to look at where QPR are. They are struggling and
we've taken advantage of that. Newcastle were a fantastic force at home last
season and have started the season well with some good performances. "It was
a fantastic professional performance by all the players and a fantastic
three points. Winning a Premier League game away from home is a tough ask so
to beat Newcastle at Newcastle is obviously very pleasing. "It was a
fantastic result and a clean sheet - you couldn't ask for any more."
The Hammers were outstanding from back to front and Jussi Jaaskelainen was
another who arguably had his best game yet in a claret and blue shirt after
pulling off a number of stunning saves. The Finn has now kept five clean
sheets in eleven league matches - more than any other goalkeeper in the
division.
Momo Diame, Mark Noble and Kevin Nolan all won their individual battles
against the talented Magpies midfield on a fine afternoon for the 2,700
travelling Hammers fans. "It was good teamwork from the players using a
system of play that doesn't just nullify the opposition who were playing at
home, but also exposes the opposition's weaknesses. Our performance in and
out of possession was very good, the control of the ball was very good and
we got the goal at the right time. "We defended superbly when we needed to
and we broke out and exposed them in a counter-attacking way when we had the
chance. Every now and again the odd shots that they had on goal were saved
by our goalkeeper, who has a massive amount of experience. "He didn't panic
or put us under any pressure. He made the clean sort of saves that you'd
expect him to make. The foundation of a successful season is your goalkeeper
and your defenders keeping as many clean sheets as possible. "You can then
become a better attacking force and you entertain more and win more games
and that's what we all want."
Nolan was at the centre of most of his side's best attacking moves and once
again demonstrated his natural talent for putting the ball in the back of
the net - the fifth time he has done so this season. Once again his
excellent relationship with fellow former Newcastle star Andy Carroll proved
to be a constant thorn in the side of the opposition and only a fine save
from Tim Krul prevented the latter from opening his Hammers account. "The
only disappointing aspect was that Andy didn't stick the ball in the back of
the net for his first goal. That's not being critical of him as it was a
fantastic save by Krul but overall Kevin Nolan was man of the match and
showed the Newcastle fans what they were missing. His link-up play with
Carroll was superb. "Nobby's gaol was an instinct that you can't teach or
coach. You've either got it or you haven't and he's always had it from an
early age when he broke into the Bolton team. We knew we had to release him
and let him go and find his own way in the box and we couldn't coach that
and we just let him do it. "As the years have gone on he's continued to do
it successfully and that got even more successful at Newcastle as he and
Andy Carroll play very well together. Even though Andy is not scoring, they
work in tandem and know where each other are. For most of the game they were
together when they were needed and held the ball up."
The only downside to an otherwise memorable afternoon was the injuries that
forced Matt Jarvis, Yossi Benayoun and George McCartney to leave the field
early. Javis suffered a tight thigh, Benayoun eventually succumbed to the
knock he picked up during a fully committed tackle against Jonas Gutierrez,
while McCartney looks potentially the most worrying after injuring his
groin. All three will be assessed on their return to Chadwell Heath. In
their absences, Modibo Maiga, Gary O'Neil and Guy Demel produced fine
performances to aid the Hammers' cause. "The three injuries and three
changes we had to make never detracted from the performance, which was even
more pleasing. Obviously it's disappointing when we get the injuries but to
see three players come on and still perform was pleasing. "It's a good job
we've got Guy Demel, Gary O'Neil and Modibo Maiga back as the bench has been
lightweight recently. It shows how important substitutes are as you have to
have a strong bench in this league."
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The happiest Hammer
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 12th November 2012
By: Bud Hedges
I don't think there can be any West Ham fan who could be disappointed with
West Ham United at the moment. Sixth in the league, the second best side in
London according to the table and all this from a side who, only eight
months ago, were capitulating near the top of the Championship table,
leaving supporters questioning whether we could actually make it up this
year.
The spirit, heart, fight and gritty performance at one of the toughest away
trips you may have to make in Premier League football was made this weekend
and we held on for a brilliant win. Such a vital three points cannot be
measured. There are moments in the season, especially away from home where
the side will need to dig in and make sure that they hold on. Wins over QPR
and Newcastle were the hallmark of this challenge and both times we took all
the points away from the game.
The best part of the win this weekend was that we are apparently in our
'tough spell' of matches. I've heard one report call the ten game period
beginning with Manchester City at home the 'fixtures of doom'. If this is
our tough spell, I would like to see how we would cope with an easy spell.
I feel that calling West Ham's fixture list at the start of the season an
easy one is short-sighted and doesn't give some teams in the Premier League
any credit. We may have not faced some of the stronger teams but you have to
beat those that are in front of you and we did have done so by beating five
of the 11 teams we've played. Aston Villa, Fulham, Southampton, QPR and
Newcastle are all good teams; some are in good form, and some in less good
form, but we still had to beat them.
Having said this, what I admire the most about the West Ham side at the
moment is the tenacity and the effort that we are putting in to games. Kevin
Nolan said after the game with Newcastle: "It's only just a foundation, we
need to get to that elusive forty points and take it from there." Clearly
Allardyce isn't letting his side get ahead of them. Taking the Premier
League game by game, weekend-by-weekend is clearly the best strategy to take
and Allardyce seems to be keeping the side grounded.
West Ham has conceded just 11 goals so far, keeping five clean sheets. One
of those clean sheets came against the Champions of England, so the clean
sheets aren't just fluke. Allardyce and his coaches are evidently working
hard and the never-say-die attitude that West Ham is occupying is definitely
paying off. Jussi Jaaskelainen and Winston Reid have been the stand-out
performers in defence so far this season, not to take anything away from the
heroics of James Collins, James Tomkins, George McCartney, Guy Demel and
Joey O'Brien at the back to keep five clean sheets.
The work of the midfield three hasn't gone amiss either. Mark Noble and Mo
Diame are controlling games and are providing chances for the side. The
goals that Captain Fantastic has scored have obviously been vital and, once
again, Nolan is proving himself to be one of the best midfield goal scorers
in the history of the Premier League. I believe that Diame is proving a
vital player to have in the side; it seems that when he has a good game,
West Ham United seem to have a good game, but when he is slightly off his
game we don't play too well. He has become a lynchpin for our success
because Diame and Noble make up the main part of the engine room.
This weekend was capped off by the tremendous win at Newcastle and as I
pointed out earlier, I doubt there are many Hammers who are disappointed at
all with West Ham United. The only down side to our play at the moment is
the fact that Allardyce is ruining the clubs heritage of losing games from
winning positions. A heritage, that I'll be happy to see leave the club.
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Shanghai surprise?
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 12th November 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are once again being linked with a move for former Arsenal and
Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka. The ex-French international has been playing
for Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua but is now a free agent having terminated
his contract with the club following a disagreement over his salary.
Unsurprisingly perhaps some sections of the media have claimed that West Ham
are now keen to land a player with whom they have been linked with on at
least three occasions previously - in 2007, 2011 and then again earlier this
year. Anelka, who has spent 12 years of his career playing in the Premier
League previously worked with current West Ham manager Sam Allardyce when
the pair were at Bolton together. Allardyce pulled off a major coup to sign
the 33-year-old from Fenerbahce for around £8m. At least one source has
claimed this morning that Anelka has held preliminary discussions with
representatives of West Ham with view to a permanent contract. The player
formally known as 'Le Sulk' is thought to have been earning around
£50,000-per-week in China.
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Baffled
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 12th November 2012
By: Staff Writer
Olympique de Marseille midfielder Joey Barton admits that he is mystified by
West Ham United captain Kevin Nolan's exclusion from the latest England
squad.
Roy Hodgson's team face Sweden in a friendly in Gothenburg later this week
and despite several players named in the initial 23-man squad pulling out
over the weekend, West Ham's leading goalscorer continues to be overlooked.
Meanwhile players such as Crystal Palace's Wilfred Zaha - who is yet to play
a single game in the Premier League - plus Arsenal's Carl Jenkinson and
Tottenham's Tom Huddlestone have been included. And that has mystified
Barton, who moved to France in the summer having been let go by previous
club Queens Park Rangers. "It's good to see Leon Osman get a call up, about
time," he told his 1.8million followers on social network Twitter. "But my
brain is asking why no Kevin Nolan? Surely he warrants a call up more than
most? "On Premier League goals alone, consistently for the last eight years,
he deserves at least a call up. I'm not on about [Liverpool's Raheem]
Sterling, I'm on about Zaha. Not played in the Prem yet. Nolan scored more
Prem goals, yet don't get a look in? Baffles me. He should have had a call
up years ago."
Also overlooked yet again is Nolan's team mate and fellow midfielder Mark
Noble, another who has played a major part in leading West Ham to sixth
place in the Premier League above teams such as Arsenal, Tottenham and
Liverpool.
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West Ham's Kevin Nolan has thanked Newcastle's fans for their support
Last Updated: November 12, 2012 3:42pm
SSN
Kevin Nolan has thanked Newcastle's fans for the warm reception he received
when he returned to his old club with West Ham at the weekend. Nolan struck
six minutes before half-time in front of the Gallowgate End, where he was
once adored by the locals, to seal the Hammers' 1-0 victory at St James'
Park. As a mark of respect, he shelved his customary 'chicken dance'
celebration, but there was no hiding his delight. The 30-year-old, of
course, might still have been a Newcastle player had owner Mike Ashley
sanctioned the long-term contract for which he was looking during the summer
of last year, but he will continue to look back fondly on his time on
Tyneside. He said: "I loved everything about this club when I was here, and
I still do. "I have fond memories and many friends and my family enjoyed it
up here. My little boy is a Geordie. "I thought it was a fantastic
performance from us. I was delighted to get the goal and just delighted with
how the day went. "I would like to thank the Newcastle fans for the
fantastic support they gave me while I was here, and for the reception they
gave me on Sunday."
Commitment
Nolan added: "Obviously I could not have asked to have gone to a better club
than West Ham for the following we have got and the commitment they have
shown, so I'm delighted to be at another wonderful club. "Hopefully I can do
as well for them as I did up here." The visitors had to weather a sustained
assault in the second half as Newcastle, who had started poorly, attempted
to fight their way back into the game. However, manager Sam Allardyce's
traditional organisation and a commendable resilience saw them through.
Nolan said: "You have got to expect that because they are a team with
fantastic players. They had some fantastic players out [suspended] and we
knew we had to capitalise on that, and I think we did. "We hung on and
credit to the lads because we have got a lot of grit and determination. I'm
delighted to lead them every week."
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Kevin Nolan says West Ham are hoping to emulate the achievements of
Newcastle
Last Updated: November 12, 2012 10:26am
SSN
Kevin Nolan hopes West Ham United can emulate the achievements of Newcastle
United and push for European qualification in the near future. The Hammers
have returned to the Premier League for the 2012/13 campaign after taking in
an unwelcome one-season stay in the Championship. West Ham hope taking one
step back will allow them to take two forward, with an enforced period of
reconstruction having seen them overhaul their playing staff and repair
shaken confidence. The target now is to cement a top-flight standing before
pushing on towards a potential top-six finish. After netting the winning
goal in Sunday's meeting with his former employers Newcastle, with victory
on Tyneside taking the Hammers onto 18 points for the season, Nolan said:
"It was a fantastic performance by us. It moves us further up the table and
it keeps us in the mix. "You've got to expect to be up against it at
Newcastle. They have some fantastic players who were missing, and we knew we
had to capitalise on that. "What we're trying to do at West Ham is what we
tried to do at Newcastle. When we came up it was about getting them back to
where they belonged and then eventually into Europe. "That's what I feel
West Ham should do. With the support we've got and the backing from the
boardroom, hopefully we can emulate what Newcastle have done."
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Nolan hurting over England snub
The Sun
Published: 12th November 2012
KEVIN NOLAN admits his lack of an England cap is starting to hurt. The West
Ham midfielder, who netted the winner in yesterday's 1-0 win at Newcastle,
was overlooked by Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson for the friendly with Sweden
on Wednesday night. Withdrawals from his squad in midfield has seen boss
Hodgson draft in uncapped duo Leon Osman and Wilfried Zaha. And Nolan, 30,
is starting to think he will never represent his country despite two caps at
Under-21 level.
He said: "It does hurt I haven't got one, but it is something I have got to
live with and I'm a big boy. "I don't know what more I can do to be quite
honest. "I've scored goals consistently for a number of years."
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He's the 100-1 for us
Published: 12th November 2012
The Sun
SAM ALLARDYCE has a 'one in a 100' chance of a reunion with Nicolas Anelka.
West Ham's boss is hoping to boost his team's fine start to the season by
signing the former Chelsea and Bolton striker. Anelka, 33, has not settled
at Shanghai Shenua but his £250,000-a-week wages is a problem. An Upton Park
insider said: "Nicolas is talking to about 25 clubs. It would be great to
get him but it's a 100-1 shot."
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China crisis: West Ham worry Anelka's wage demands will be too high
The Mirror
12 Nov 2012 22:30
West Ham fear they will be priced out of an ambitious move for Nicolas
Anelka. The former Real Madrid, Arsenal and Liverpool striker is unhappy at
Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua and has opened talks with the Hammers about a
return to the Premier League. The high-flying east Londoners are keen to
pair the 33-year-old with Liverpool loanee Andy Carroll to maintain their
fine start to the season. But they worry that although the French striker is
ready to accept a cut in his stunning £250,000-a-week Shanghai wages, he
will still demand way more than they can afford. The Hammers believe they
will have a clearer idea of where they stand with Anelka within the next
week, as several other clubs are expressing an interest in the Frenchman.
They are hoping his relationship with boss Sam Allardyce, who worked with
him at Bolton, could help clinch a deal.
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Return of Le Sulk? West Ham plotting to bring back Nicolas Anelka
The Mirror
12 Nov 2012 12:01
West Ham are planning a surprise move to bring back Nicolas Anelka to the
Premier League from Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua, according to reports. It
has been less than a year since the French striker left Chelsea for a final
pay day in the Far East, although he is believed to be unhappy after failing
to settle - despite earning a reported £250,000 a week. The 33-year-old is
admired by Sam Allardyce after playing under the Hammers boss at Bolton
Wanderers. There are also reports that the former Arsenal, Manchester City,
Liverpool and Chelsea star is involved in an ongoing pay dispute with
Shenhua. Allardyce has an excellent track record in rejuvenating fallen
stars including Jay-Jay Okocha, Ivan Campo, Youri Djorkaeff and Fernando
Hierro. Anelka's Shenhua teammate Didier Drogba is expected to return to
Chelsea to train ahead of the Africa Nations Cup. Meanwhile, Frank Lampard
will sign for Chinese side Guizhou Renhe in January, according to reports
from China.
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Baffled! Joey Barton questions Zaha call up and Nolan absence from the
England squad
The Mirror
12 Nov 2012 16:34
Joey Barton has taken to Twitter to question Roy Hodgson's decision to call
up Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha to the senior England squad. A
succession of injuries have led to the Ivory Coast born forward to be
drafted into the team to face Sweden in Wednesday's international friendly.
However, Barton believes the call up is purely to prevent Zaha from being
capped by his country of birth. "Not a fan of the latest craze, giving caps
out so as players don't go and play for other countries. Doesn't sit well
with me that...," he tweeted. "I'm not on about Sterling, I'm on about Zaha.
Not played in the Prem yet. Nolan scored more Prem goals, yet don't get a
look in? Baffles me." The QPR loanee also expressed disappointment at former
Newcastle midfield partner Kevin Nolan's continued omission from the England
setup. "Good to see Leon Osman get a call up, about time. My brain is asking
why no Kevin Nolan? Surely, he warrants a call up more than most?" he added.
"On Premier League goals alone, consistently for the last 8 yrs, he deserves
at least a call up. "Osman [has been a] good player in the last few years.
But he's 32 and isn't gonna improve an average side. "If they're giving out
charity caps, all I am saying is, Nolan should have had a call up years ago.
"As for me, well that's something entirely different. Let's not go there."
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Hammers defender Reid poised to ink new contract
By SAMI MOKBEL
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 12 November 2012 | UPDATED: 22:30, 12 November 2012
Daily Mail
West Ham defender Winston Reid is set be rewarded for his impressive
displays this season with a new contract. The New Zealand international has
played a pivotal role in the Hammers' excellent return to the Premier
League. And the central-defender is in advanced negotiations with Upton
Park chiefs over a deal extension. Reid, 24, is out of contract at the end
of the season, but manager Sam Allardyce has made tying the defender down to
fresh terms a top priority.
Both parties are understood to be confident of reaching an agreement very
soon. Reid, who represented Denmark at junior level, has been an
ever-present for the Hammers this season - starting all their Premier League
games.
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West Ham to Offer Liverpool Flop Joe Cole Upton Park Escape Route
by The Newshound November 12th, 2012
caughtoffside.com
JOE COLE may be offered an escape route from his Liverpool hell – by boyhood
club West Ham. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is said to be keen on exploring a
loan deal to bring Cole to Upton Park in the January transfer window.
Struggling Cole, 30, was hauled off by critical Anfield boss Brendan Rodgers
in the second half of the midweek Europa League defeat against Anzhi
Makhachkala. Rodgers has lost faith in Cole and even publicly blasted him
for a poor performance against Swansea in the Capital One Cup. This may be a
deal that suits all concerned though it's worth pointing out that the form
shown by the 30 year old midfielder may well negate West Ham's interest in
their former charge. The former England regular has had a miserable time of
it since his move to Liverpool, which began ominously enough with a red card
in his first Premier League game for the Anfield side. The Londoner clearly
has little or no future at Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers wouldn't demand a
king's ransom for the former Chelsea man, indeed they would probably only
ask for a fee of around £3m as the benefit of seeing the player's salary
wiped off the balance sheet is probably an issue the Anfield side would love
to resolve. Cole enjoyed a season long loan spell at the Stade Metropole
side last term, making 42 appearances in all competitions and helping Rudi
Garcia's side to secure a Champions League berth.
Joe Cole has played just 32 minutes of Premier League football this season
and it doesn't look likely he will play all that more often after his
shocking display against Swansea City in the Capital One Cup defeat last
month.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFc.com
Mark Noble has lauded West Ham United's stirring 1-0 victory at Newcastle
United
11.11.2012
Mark Noble has hailed West Ham United's team spirit after the Hammers scored
a superb 1-0 Barclays Premier League victory at Newcastle United. Noble was
at his tireless best at St James' Park, combating a home midfield that
included France internationals Yohan Cabaye and Hatem Ben Arfa and
Netherlands star Vurnon Anita. The Hammer of the Year also played his part
in Kevin Nolan's winner when his cross was cleared to Joey O'Brien, whose
shot was turned in by the captain. The No16 was naturally proud to play his
part in West Ham's first win on Tyneside since October 1998. "It's a great
result," a smiling Noble told West Ham TV. "Coming here is always hard but
the three points are massive for us. The lads have done incredible and some
of the defensive play was unbelievable. "Tonks [James Tomkins] has come in
and played at centre-half for the first time this year and he was fantastic,
as were Reidy [Winston Reid] and George [McCartney]. Joey [O'Brien] has had
to play in two different positions and he's a top footballer. "It's been a
great day for us and we're buzzing."
Noble was not surprised to see Nolan score the all-important match-winner,
despite all the pressure surrounding the skipper's return to the club where
he spent three seasons between 2008 and 2011. "He is clever. I used to watch
him on Sky Sports and I thought that he was lucky and I told him that! But
he isn't lucky, because he knows where the ball is going to drop. Joey
shanked his shot and it fell to Nobby, like it always does. "It was nice of
him to show Newcastle fans respect by not celebrating. It's obviously a
massive three points for us."
Having been part of the side that struggled to pick up points on the road on
their way to relegation in 2010/11, Noble has thoroughly enjoyed being part
of life under Sam Allardyce. The manager has guided West Ham to 17 away
league victories in 28 attempts - a truly outstanding record. "I don't think
there is a secret - it's just hard work, team shape and the will to win.
We've got a lot of players here now who know how to win games. "We've got
some top international players and some Premier League players and we know
how to shut games down and that's what we did on Sunday."
Noble's own performance was eye-catching for the sheer amount of ground he
covered during the 90 minutes - plus nine minutes of added time. A tireless
worker and fearless tackler, the midfielder worked his socks off in typical
style to subdue the home side and upset his one-time manager Pardew.
"Obviously it was a big pitch out there! I enjoyed it as I had loads of the
ball and created a lot of stuff so I'm over the moon. I was playing against
some top players in there like Cabaye so I enjoyed it."
West Ham's victory took them up to sixth in the Barclays Premier League
table after eleven matches and above the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur
and Liverpool - a position every fan would have been delighted with at the
start of the season. Now, Noble says the Hammers cannot afford to rest on
their laurels, but instead push on again to maintain their top-half placing.
"We just have to keep doing what we have been doing. We can't get carried
away because we will get punished. If we play like did on Sunday and at QPR
away and like we have been doing at home, we can have a top season." *Less
than 1,000 tickets remain for Monday's Barclays Premier League visit of
Stoke City to the Boleyn Ground.
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Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce has hailed his 'most satisfying' away win as West Ham United
manager
12.11.2012
Sam Allardyce was a proud man as West Ham United announced that they are
well and truly back in the Barclays Premier League with a stunning 1-0 away
win at Newcastle United. Kevin Nolan's first-half goal handed the Hammers a
deserved victory after a performance boasting composure, tenacity and belief
helped deliver their first win at St James' Park for 14 years. Big Sam and
his squad were back in at Chadwell Heath early on Monday for a light session
to aid their recovery after the huge exertions of Sunday's success. "I think
this was my most satisfying win," said Big Sam, who has now won 17 of his 28
away league matches as West Ham boss. "I thought the win at QPR was a good
performance but we have to look at where QPR are. They are struggling and
we've taken advantage of that. Newcastle were a fantastic force at home last
season and have started the season well with some good performances. "It was
a fantastic professional performance by all the players and a fantastic
three points. Winning a Premier League game away from home is a tough ask so
to beat Newcastle at Newcastle is obviously very pleasing. "It was a
fantastic result and a clean sheet - you couldn't ask for any more."
The Hammers were outstanding from back to front and Jussi Jaaskelainen was
another who arguably had his best game yet in a claret and blue shirt after
pulling off a number of stunning saves. The Finn has now kept five clean
sheets in eleven league matches - more than any other goalkeeper in the
division.
Momo Diame, Mark Noble and Kevin Nolan all won their individual battles
against the talented Magpies midfield on a fine afternoon for the 2,700
travelling Hammers fans. "It was good teamwork from the players using a
system of play that doesn't just nullify the opposition who were playing at
home, but also exposes the opposition's weaknesses. Our performance in and
out of possession was very good, the control of the ball was very good and
we got the goal at the right time. "We defended superbly when we needed to
and we broke out and exposed them in a counter-attacking way when we had the
chance. Every now and again the odd shots that they had on goal were saved
by our goalkeeper, who has a massive amount of experience. "He didn't panic
or put us under any pressure. He made the clean sort of saves that you'd
expect him to make. The foundation of a successful season is your goalkeeper
and your defenders keeping as many clean sheets as possible. "You can then
become a better attacking force and you entertain more and win more games
and that's what we all want."
Nolan was at the centre of most of his side's best attacking moves and once
again demonstrated his natural talent for putting the ball in the back of
the net - the fifth time he has done so this season. Once again his
excellent relationship with fellow former Newcastle star Andy Carroll proved
to be a constant thorn in the side of the opposition and only a fine save
from Tim Krul prevented the latter from opening his Hammers account. "The
only disappointing aspect was that Andy didn't stick the ball in the back of
the net for his first goal. That's not being critical of him as it was a
fantastic save by Krul but overall Kevin Nolan was man of the match and
showed the Newcastle fans what they were missing. His link-up play with
Carroll was superb. "Nobby's gaol was an instinct that you can't teach or
coach. You've either got it or you haven't and he's always had it from an
early age when he broke into the Bolton team. We knew we had to release him
and let him go and find his own way in the box and we couldn't coach that
and we just let him do it. "As the years have gone on he's continued to do
it successfully and that got even more successful at Newcastle as he and
Andy Carroll play very well together. Even though Andy is not scoring, they
work in tandem and know where each other are. For most of the game they were
together when they were needed and held the ball up."
The only downside to an otherwise memorable afternoon was the injuries that
forced Matt Jarvis, Yossi Benayoun and George McCartney to leave the field
early. Javis suffered a tight thigh, Benayoun eventually succumbed to the
knock he picked up during a fully committed tackle against Jonas Gutierrez,
while McCartney looks potentially the most worrying after injuring his
groin. All three will be assessed on their return to Chadwell Heath. In
their absences, Modibo Maiga, Gary O'Neil and Guy Demel produced fine
performances to aid the Hammers' cause. "The three injuries and three
changes we had to make never detracted from the performance, which was even
more pleasing. Obviously it's disappointing when we get the injuries but to
see three players come on and still perform was pleasing. "It's a good job
we've got Guy Demel, Gary O'Neil and Modibo Maiga back as the bench has been
lightweight recently. It shows how important substitutes are as you have to
have a strong bench in this league."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The happiest Hammer
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 12th November 2012
By: Bud Hedges
I don't think there can be any West Ham fan who could be disappointed with
West Ham United at the moment. Sixth in the league, the second best side in
London according to the table and all this from a side who, only eight
months ago, were capitulating near the top of the Championship table,
leaving supporters questioning whether we could actually make it up this
year.
The spirit, heart, fight and gritty performance at one of the toughest away
trips you may have to make in Premier League football was made this weekend
and we held on for a brilliant win. Such a vital three points cannot be
measured. There are moments in the season, especially away from home where
the side will need to dig in and make sure that they hold on. Wins over QPR
and Newcastle were the hallmark of this challenge and both times we took all
the points away from the game.
The best part of the win this weekend was that we are apparently in our
'tough spell' of matches. I've heard one report call the ten game period
beginning with Manchester City at home the 'fixtures of doom'. If this is
our tough spell, I would like to see how we would cope with an easy spell.
I feel that calling West Ham's fixture list at the start of the season an
easy one is short-sighted and doesn't give some teams in the Premier League
any credit. We may have not faced some of the stronger teams but you have to
beat those that are in front of you and we did have done so by beating five
of the 11 teams we've played. Aston Villa, Fulham, Southampton, QPR and
Newcastle are all good teams; some are in good form, and some in less good
form, but we still had to beat them.
Having said this, what I admire the most about the West Ham side at the
moment is the tenacity and the effort that we are putting in to games. Kevin
Nolan said after the game with Newcastle: "It's only just a foundation, we
need to get to that elusive forty points and take it from there." Clearly
Allardyce isn't letting his side get ahead of them. Taking the Premier
League game by game, weekend-by-weekend is clearly the best strategy to take
and Allardyce seems to be keeping the side grounded.
West Ham has conceded just 11 goals so far, keeping five clean sheets. One
of those clean sheets came against the Champions of England, so the clean
sheets aren't just fluke. Allardyce and his coaches are evidently working
hard and the never-say-die attitude that West Ham is occupying is definitely
paying off. Jussi Jaaskelainen and Winston Reid have been the stand-out
performers in defence so far this season, not to take anything away from the
heroics of James Collins, James Tomkins, George McCartney, Guy Demel and
Joey O'Brien at the back to keep five clean sheets.
The work of the midfield three hasn't gone amiss either. Mark Noble and Mo
Diame are controlling games and are providing chances for the side. The
goals that Captain Fantastic has scored have obviously been vital and, once
again, Nolan is proving himself to be one of the best midfield goal scorers
in the history of the Premier League. I believe that Diame is proving a
vital player to have in the side; it seems that when he has a good game,
West Ham United seem to have a good game, but when he is slightly off his
game we don't play too well. He has become a lynchpin for our success
because Diame and Noble make up the main part of the engine room.
This weekend was capped off by the tremendous win at Newcastle and as I
pointed out earlier, I doubt there are many Hammers who are disappointed at
all with West Ham United. The only down side to our play at the moment is
the fact that Allardyce is ruining the clubs heritage of losing games from
winning positions. A heritage, that I'll be happy to see leave the club.
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Shanghai surprise?
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 12th November 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are once again being linked with a move for former Arsenal and
Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka. The ex-French international has been playing
for Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua but is now a free agent having terminated
his contract with the club following a disagreement over his salary.
Unsurprisingly perhaps some sections of the media have claimed that West Ham
are now keen to land a player with whom they have been linked with on at
least three occasions previously - in 2007, 2011 and then again earlier this
year. Anelka, who has spent 12 years of his career playing in the Premier
League previously worked with current West Ham manager Sam Allardyce when
the pair were at Bolton together. Allardyce pulled off a major coup to sign
the 33-year-old from Fenerbahce for around £8m. At least one source has
claimed this morning that Anelka has held preliminary discussions with
representatives of West Ham with view to a permanent contract. The player
formally known as 'Le Sulk' is thought to have been earning around
£50,000-per-week in China.
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Baffled
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 12th November 2012
By: Staff Writer
Olympique de Marseille midfielder Joey Barton admits that he is mystified by
West Ham United captain Kevin Nolan's exclusion from the latest England
squad.
Roy Hodgson's team face Sweden in a friendly in Gothenburg later this week
and despite several players named in the initial 23-man squad pulling out
over the weekend, West Ham's leading goalscorer continues to be overlooked.
Meanwhile players such as Crystal Palace's Wilfred Zaha - who is yet to play
a single game in the Premier League - plus Arsenal's Carl Jenkinson and
Tottenham's Tom Huddlestone have been included. And that has mystified
Barton, who moved to France in the summer having been let go by previous
club Queens Park Rangers. "It's good to see Leon Osman get a call up, about
time," he told his 1.8million followers on social network Twitter. "But my
brain is asking why no Kevin Nolan? Surely he warrants a call up more than
most? "On Premier League goals alone, consistently for the last eight years,
he deserves at least a call up. I'm not on about [Liverpool's Raheem]
Sterling, I'm on about Zaha. Not played in the Prem yet. Nolan scored more
Prem goals, yet don't get a look in? Baffles me. He should have had a call
up years ago."
Also overlooked yet again is Nolan's team mate and fellow midfielder Mark
Noble, another who has played a major part in leading West Ham to sixth
place in the Premier League above teams such as Arsenal, Tottenham and
Liverpool.
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West Ham's Kevin Nolan has thanked Newcastle's fans for their support
Last Updated: November 12, 2012 3:42pm
SSN
Kevin Nolan has thanked Newcastle's fans for the warm reception he received
when he returned to his old club with West Ham at the weekend. Nolan struck
six minutes before half-time in front of the Gallowgate End, where he was
once adored by the locals, to seal the Hammers' 1-0 victory at St James'
Park. As a mark of respect, he shelved his customary 'chicken dance'
celebration, but there was no hiding his delight. The 30-year-old, of
course, might still have been a Newcastle player had owner Mike Ashley
sanctioned the long-term contract for which he was looking during the summer
of last year, but he will continue to look back fondly on his time on
Tyneside. He said: "I loved everything about this club when I was here, and
I still do. "I have fond memories and many friends and my family enjoyed it
up here. My little boy is a Geordie. "I thought it was a fantastic
performance from us. I was delighted to get the goal and just delighted with
how the day went. "I would like to thank the Newcastle fans for the
fantastic support they gave me while I was here, and for the reception they
gave me on Sunday."
Commitment
Nolan added: "Obviously I could not have asked to have gone to a better club
than West Ham for the following we have got and the commitment they have
shown, so I'm delighted to be at another wonderful club. "Hopefully I can do
as well for them as I did up here." The visitors had to weather a sustained
assault in the second half as Newcastle, who had started poorly, attempted
to fight their way back into the game. However, manager Sam Allardyce's
traditional organisation and a commendable resilience saw them through.
Nolan said: "You have got to expect that because they are a team with
fantastic players. They had some fantastic players out [suspended] and we
knew we had to capitalise on that, and I think we did. "We hung on and
credit to the lads because we have got a lot of grit and determination. I'm
delighted to lead them every week."
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Kevin Nolan says West Ham are hoping to emulate the achievements of
Newcastle
Last Updated: November 12, 2012 10:26am
SSN
Kevin Nolan hopes West Ham United can emulate the achievements of Newcastle
United and push for European qualification in the near future. The Hammers
have returned to the Premier League for the 2012/13 campaign after taking in
an unwelcome one-season stay in the Championship. West Ham hope taking one
step back will allow them to take two forward, with an enforced period of
reconstruction having seen them overhaul their playing staff and repair
shaken confidence. The target now is to cement a top-flight standing before
pushing on towards a potential top-six finish. After netting the winning
goal in Sunday's meeting with his former employers Newcastle, with victory
on Tyneside taking the Hammers onto 18 points for the season, Nolan said:
"It was a fantastic performance by us. It moves us further up the table and
it keeps us in the mix. "You've got to expect to be up against it at
Newcastle. They have some fantastic players who were missing, and we knew we
had to capitalise on that. "What we're trying to do at West Ham is what we
tried to do at Newcastle. When we came up it was about getting them back to
where they belonged and then eventually into Europe. "That's what I feel
West Ham should do. With the support we've got and the backing from the
boardroom, hopefully we can emulate what Newcastle have done."
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Nolan hurting over England snub
The Sun
Published: 12th November 2012
KEVIN NOLAN admits his lack of an England cap is starting to hurt. The West
Ham midfielder, who netted the winner in yesterday's 1-0 win at Newcastle,
was overlooked by Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson for the friendly with Sweden
on Wednesday night. Withdrawals from his squad in midfield has seen boss
Hodgson draft in uncapped duo Leon Osman and Wilfried Zaha. And Nolan, 30,
is starting to think he will never represent his country despite two caps at
Under-21 level.
He said: "It does hurt I haven't got one, but it is something I have got to
live with and I'm a big boy. "I don't know what more I can do to be quite
honest. "I've scored goals consistently for a number of years."
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He's the 100-1 for us
Published: 12th November 2012
The Sun
SAM ALLARDYCE has a 'one in a 100' chance of a reunion with Nicolas Anelka.
West Ham's boss is hoping to boost his team's fine start to the season by
signing the former Chelsea and Bolton striker. Anelka, 33, has not settled
at Shanghai Shenua but his £250,000-a-week wages is a problem. An Upton Park
insider said: "Nicolas is talking to about 25 clubs. It would be great to
get him but it's a 100-1 shot."
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China crisis: West Ham worry Anelka's wage demands will be too high
The Mirror
12 Nov 2012 22:30
West Ham fear they will be priced out of an ambitious move for Nicolas
Anelka. The former Real Madrid, Arsenal and Liverpool striker is unhappy at
Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua and has opened talks with the Hammers about a
return to the Premier League. The high-flying east Londoners are keen to
pair the 33-year-old with Liverpool loanee Andy Carroll to maintain their
fine start to the season. But they worry that although the French striker is
ready to accept a cut in his stunning £250,000-a-week Shanghai wages, he
will still demand way more than they can afford. The Hammers believe they
will have a clearer idea of where they stand with Anelka within the next
week, as several other clubs are expressing an interest in the Frenchman.
They are hoping his relationship with boss Sam Allardyce, who worked with
him at Bolton, could help clinch a deal.
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Return of Le Sulk? West Ham plotting to bring back Nicolas Anelka
The Mirror
12 Nov 2012 12:01
West Ham are planning a surprise move to bring back Nicolas Anelka to the
Premier League from Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua, according to reports. It
has been less than a year since the French striker left Chelsea for a final
pay day in the Far East, although he is believed to be unhappy after failing
to settle - despite earning a reported £250,000 a week. The 33-year-old is
admired by Sam Allardyce after playing under the Hammers boss at Bolton
Wanderers. There are also reports that the former Arsenal, Manchester City,
Liverpool and Chelsea star is involved in an ongoing pay dispute with
Shenhua. Allardyce has an excellent track record in rejuvenating fallen
stars including Jay-Jay Okocha, Ivan Campo, Youri Djorkaeff and Fernando
Hierro. Anelka's Shenhua teammate Didier Drogba is expected to return to
Chelsea to train ahead of the Africa Nations Cup. Meanwhile, Frank Lampard
will sign for Chinese side Guizhou Renhe in January, according to reports
from China.
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Baffled! Joey Barton questions Zaha call up and Nolan absence from the
England squad
The Mirror
12 Nov 2012 16:34
Joey Barton has taken to Twitter to question Roy Hodgson's decision to call
up Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha to the senior England squad. A
succession of injuries have led to the Ivory Coast born forward to be
drafted into the team to face Sweden in Wednesday's international friendly.
However, Barton believes the call up is purely to prevent Zaha from being
capped by his country of birth. "Not a fan of the latest craze, giving caps
out so as players don't go and play for other countries. Doesn't sit well
with me that...," he tweeted. "I'm not on about Sterling, I'm on about Zaha.
Not played in the Prem yet. Nolan scored more Prem goals, yet don't get a
look in? Baffles me." The QPR loanee also expressed disappointment at former
Newcastle midfield partner Kevin Nolan's continued omission from the England
setup. "Good to see Leon Osman get a call up, about time. My brain is asking
why no Kevin Nolan? Surely, he warrants a call up more than most?" he added.
"On Premier League goals alone, consistently for the last 8 yrs, he deserves
at least a call up. "Osman [has been a] good player in the last few years.
But he's 32 and isn't gonna improve an average side. "If they're giving out
charity caps, all I am saying is, Nolan should have had a call up years ago.
"As for me, well that's something entirely different. Let's not go there."
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Hammers defender Reid poised to ink new contract
By SAMI MOKBEL
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 12 November 2012 | UPDATED: 22:30, 12 November 2012
Daily Mail
West Ham defender Winston Reid is set be rewarded for his impressive
displays this season with a new contract. The New Zealand international has
played a pivotal role in the Hammers' excellent return to the Premier
League. And the central-defender is in advanced negotiations with Upton
Park chiefs over a deal extension. Reid, 24, is out of contract at the end
of the season, but manager Sam Allardyce has made tying the defender down to
fresh terms a top priority.
Both parties are understood to be confident of reaching an agreement very
soon. Reid, who represented Denmark at junior level, has been an
ever-present for the Hammers this season - starting all their Premier League
games.
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West Ham to Offer Liverpool Flop Joe Cole Upton Park Escape Route
by The Newshound November 12th, 2012
caughtoffside.com
JOE COLE may be offered an escape route from his Liverpool hell – by boyhood
club West Ham. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is said to be keen on exploring a
loan deal to bring Cole to Upton Park in the January transfer window.
Struggling Cole, 30, was hauled off by critical Anfield boss Brendan Rodgers
in the second half of the midweek Europa League defeat against Anzhi
Makhachkala. Rodgers has lost faith in Cole and even publicly blasted him
for a poor performance against Swansea in the Capital One Cup. This may be a
deal that suits all concerned though it's worth pointing out that the form
shown by the 30 year old midfielder may well negate West Ham's interest in
their former charge. The former England regular has had a miserable time of
it since his move to Liverpool, which began ominously enough with a red card
in his first Premier League game for the Anfield side. The Londoner clearly
has little or no future at Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers wouldn't demand a
king's ransom for the former Chelsea man, indeed they would probably only
ask for a fee of around £3m as the benefit of seeing the player's salary
wiped off the balance sheet is probably an issue the Anfield side would love
to resolve. Cole enjoyed a season long loan spell at the Stade Metropole
side last term, making 42 appearances in all competitions and helping Rudi
Garcia's side to secure a Champions League berth.
Joe Cole has played just 32 minutes of Premier League football this season
and it doesn't look likely he will play all that more often after his
shocking display against Swansea City in the Capital One Cup defeat last
month.
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