Big Sam rues 'bizarre' second half
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce was left frustrated after seeing his side lose to Everton and
Carlton Cole controversially sent-off
22.12.2012
Sam Allardyce cut a frustrated figure after watching his West Ham United
side lose 2-1 to Everton in their final home Barclays Premier League fixture
of 2012.
The Hammers looked set to end the year at the Boleyn Ground on a high when
Carlton Cole's superb finish sent them in a goal to the good at half-time.
However, Victor Anichebe's equaliser was quickly followed by the
controversial sending-off of Cole and a fortuitous winning goal scored by
Steven Pienaar.
There was still time for Kevin Nolan to miss a late opportunity to equalise
and for Everton's Darron Gibson to see red for catching Mark Noble, leading
Big Sam to label the second half 'bizarre' and lament what might have been.
The manager also confirmed that he intends to appeal against Cole's
dismissal.
"We could say it is our fault that we lost the game because of the one Kevin
missed at the end, unfortunately, because that would have been a massive
bonus for us. We fought and battled to the end, with ten men, so to get a
golden chance like that and have it fall to our leading goalscorer, I
thought 'Go on Kev make it a pleasant day for us in the end' but
unfortunately the shot just went wide of the post instead of going into the
net. "It would have been too late for Everton to have come back [and score a
winner] even with eleven men against ten. Then we had the referee sending
one of their players off after he had sent Carlton Cole off, so it ended up
being a bizarre second half after what was a fantastic first half. We scored
a goal and defended as well as we did, but in the end it has all gone
pear-shaped. "We could look at ourselves and say it's all our fault, and
that's fair enough, but unfortunately the majority of it isn't because at
one-one the referee sent Carlton Cole off. We were all aghast and the whole
stadium was shocked by the fact that it was a red card. "We're all shocked
because of the incident after 32 minutes when Anichebe has done almost
exactly the same thing Carlton has done on James Collins and nothing has
happened. When you see that sort of thing happening in the same game by the
referee, it's very disappointing indeed. "We have to take it on the chin and
move on because there is nothing we can do about the result. The most
disappointing thing is that if our appeal doesn't work then we will miss
Carlton for the Reading match and he's playing very, very well at the minute
and he scored a fantastic goal."
Concentrating on the football, Big Sam praised his players for their
work-rate and effort against a very good Everton side. With just 16 fit
senior players - two of whom have recently returned to training after long
periods out injured in Jack Collison and Alou Diarra - available, the
manager said it was always going to be a challenge to halt the Toffees.
"Kevin could have got us a point with that chance at the end and that would
have ended it as being a good day for us under the circumstances. Even
Modibo Maiga could have scored just after he came on when Carlton Cole
passed him the ball but unfortunately the deflection went wide of the post -
and even then the referee gave a goal kick and not a corner. "It was a
strange second half and if you look at how their second goal was stumbled
and bumbled in rather than created by the opposition was again
disappointing. I can't blame the lads because they are giving their all.
"Gary O'Neil had to play even though he was not 100 per cent. He came off in
training on Friday but then we lost Guy Demel with the vomiting virus on
Saturday so he had to go out on the field. He couldn't hold out so we had to
change him and we didn't have any other option but to go 4-4-2 and, in the
end, that wasn't the main cause of why we lost. "People should not forget
that, even though they were on the bench, they [Collison and Diarra] are not
fit to play football. They are not there because they are fit enough to play
in our first team - they are there because of the desperate measures we have
to resort to. Jack has not kicked a ball apart from 45 minutes in a
Development Squad game last week and Alou DIarra has not played a
competitive game since injuring his thigh three months ago.
"These players are not able or ready to start in our first team, so we have
to get them fit as quick as we can, as well as all the others because if we
continue with the injury list we have, we will pay a heavy price. We paid a
heavy price on Saturday because, had we had a full squad, we might not have
got 2-0 up or maybe taken advantage of having a full squad. "I give the lad
full credit for their efforts but we need variation and options. Without
those it becomes difficult, but it was a brilliant effort by the players."
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West Ham 1 Everton 2
22 December 2012
Last updated at 17:24
By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer, BBC Sport at Upton Park
Everton came from behind to beat West Ham United and move back into fourth
place as both sides ended with 10 men at Upton Park. Carlton Cole gave West
Ham an early lead but was then shown a hotly-contested red card for a high
challenge on Leighton Baines after the interval. Victor Anichebe had already
headed Everton level after 64 minutes and they cashed in on West Ham's
numerical disadvantage when Steven Pienaar scrambled in what proved to be
the winner shortly after Cole was sent off. Everton came from behind to win
for the fourth time in the Premier League this season. Only Manchester
United, who have done it seven times, have achieved this more. Everton had
opportunities to increase their lead but Kevin Nolan squandered a late
opportunity to equalise for West Ham as they attempted to overcome the
handicap of Cole's dismissal to earn a point. Darron Gibson was also sent
off in stoppage time by referee Anthony Taylor after a collision with Mark
Noble that had to be met with similar punishment to Cole - leaving both
managers unhappy at the final whistle. West Ham manager Sam Allardyce will
feel his side suffered an injustice, but Everton counterpart David Moyes
will view this as a vital three points as they continue to battle at the top
end of the table. Everton were missing Marouane Fellaini, who started a
three-game suspension after headbutting Stoke's Ryan Shawcross, but still
started brightly.
Sylvain Distin should have done better than head down and over the top from
Baines's free-kick - then Everton saw a goal ruled out in contentious
circumstances. The diminutive figure of Leon Osman rose to head in a corner
from Baines but, much to Everton's obvious fury, the celebrations were
halted by a linesman's flag. It looked like Anichebe had been penalised for
impeding goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen but Anichebe would counter but saying
he was simply standing his ground. Everton's frustration deepened as Cole
gave West Ham the lead soon after, escaping John Heitinga far too easily and
shooting low past Tim Howard. The Merseysiders emerged with far more intent
after the break and Nikica Jelavic should have equalised when the ball broke
to him eight yards out after a penalty area scramble but the Croat could
only shoot straight at Jaaskelainen. Everton's pressure was mounting,
however, and they restored parity when Anichebe got a glancing touch on to
Pienaar's cross to leave Jaaskelainen helpless.
If Everton thought they had been harshly treated by Osman's disallowed goal,
West Ham were left nursing an equal sense of injustice when Cole was sent
off in the 66th minute. The striker's foot was raised in a challenge with
Baines and he caught the England defender, but there was still surprise when
referee Taylor produced the red card. And to make matters worse for West
Ham, Everton were soon in front as Pienaar scrambled in a finish at the near
post after Osman had made inroads into the penalty area. Jelavic's assured
finishing took had deserted him in a poor personal performance and he could
only find the sidenetting when presented with a chance to wrap up Everton's
victory. Nolan was West Ham's main danger in the closing stages and twice
had opportunities to equalise, once with a shot that was deflected inches
wide then when he uncharacteristically off target when clean through.
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West Ham and Everton to appeal against Cole and Gibson red cards
By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer, BBC Sport
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce and Everton counterpart David Moyes will both
appeal against red cards given to Carlton Cole and Darron Gibson. Cole and
Gibson were shown straight red cards for respective high challenges on
Leighton Baines and Mark Noble in Everton's 2-1 victory at Upton Park. Moyes
said: "I didn't think either were red cards and we'll appeal. I'll have a
word with Sam about appealing as well." And Allardyce added: "It had a
massive effect but we will appeal immediately."
Cole and Gibson are both facing three-match suspensions - leaving both
managers angry and ready to contest the decisions by referee Anthony Taylor.
After Cole had given West Ham an early lead, Everton came from behind to win
with second-half goals from Victor Anichebe and Steven Pienaar and move into
fourth place in the Premier League. Taylor sent Cole off three minutes after
Anichebe's second-half equaliser and Gibson's dismissal came in injury time
when he tackled Noble. Allardyce felt Cole's red card cost his team the
match and demanded greater consistency from officials. He said: "If you
compare Carlton's tackle on Leighton Baines to the one Victor Anichebe did
on James Collins in the 32nd minute, it was slightly different but exactly
the same type of challenge and yet one went without a booking or a talking
to and the other was a straight red. "I didn't think Gibson's was a red card
either. In Carlton's case you are looking at a player who has put his foot
up and you say 'has he meant to do it? Has he done it on purpose?' "His eyes
are completely focused on the ball when Leighton has come in from the blind
side. "It was how quick the referee got the red card out. He couldn't wait.
He didn't deliberate over it."
Moyes believes both players have a good case for their bans to be overturned
and said: "I don't think you can put the word 'frivolous' next to this. It's
worth the appeal and it's not a stupid appeal. "I thought it was a case of
two players honestly going for the ball." Everton's victory moved them up
into fourth place and Moyes believes his team can sustain their challenge
for a Champions League spot. He added: "We've started well but we're bobbing
in and out. We've got some big teams around us and if we can finish in a
European spot it would be great. "If we don't we'll keep going but the
players have been excellent. "We just about deserved the win. It's a really
tough place to come and Sam's got his team playing well but some of our play
was great."
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West Ham Utd 1-2 Everton
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 22nd December 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham slipped to a second successive home Premier League defeat - before
placing the blame for it squarely at the feet of calamity referee Anthony
Taylor.
The inexperienced match official incurred the wrath of the Boleyn Ground
crowd when he inexplicably dismissed Carlton Cole midway through the second
half of the game, which was evenly poised at 1-1 at the time, for raising a
foot that accidentally caught stooping Everton defender Leighton Baines. The
visitors took advantage of the extra man by grabbing a second goal shortly
after Cole's departure - a goal that won them all three points - but they
too finished the match with only ten men after Taylor compounded his earlier
gaff by making an equally poor decision when dismissing Everton's Darron
Gibson for an almost identical offence. That decision gave rise to what must
have been the first ever example of an opponent's dismissal being booed by
the home fans - with Gibson himself given a sympathetic round of applause by
United supporters who made no secret of their anger by universally chanting
"you're not fit to referee" at Taylor.
The 34-year-old Manchester-born referee - who also oversaw West Ham's 3-0
win against Fulham earlier in the season, a match that passed with no
controversy - had a diabolical game, making a series of poor calls. But it
was the two sending offs that he will be most remembered for - neither of
which warranted a booking, let alone a red card.
Taylor had already upset Everton boss David Moyes early on in the first half
when he ruled out what appeared to be a perfectly good goal by the
outstanding Leon Osman on the advice of his linesman, who spotted an
infringement that few others - if any - saw.
And Moyes had even more reason to be annoyed when he saw his team fall a
goal behind just two minutes later when Carlton Cole created an opening for
himself inside the box before firing home from some 15 yards out.
Everton, who had looked the stronger side in the opening exchanges of the
second half grabbed an equaliser on 64 minutes when Victor Anichebe rose to
head home Steven Pienaar's probing delivery. It was the first time West Ham
had conceded a header all season.
From that moment on the game descended into farce once Cole had been given
his marching orders two minutes after Everton had levelled the scores.
Climbing to reach a ball in Everton's penalty box, Cole's raised foot -
which was above waist height but hardly dangerous - came into contact with
Baines, who was stopping to reach the ball. With no hesitation, referee
Taylor reached for his pocket and, to the shock of everyone else inside the
ground, pulled out a red card.
Shellshocked by that decision, West Ham panicked - and paid for it by
conceding what proved to be the winning goal. Osman, who had tormented West
Ham all afternoon weaved his way into the box before the ball eventually
sprang to Pienaar, who poked it over the line.
Despite an unimpressive second half showing the Hammers still had the chance
to redeem themselves when Kevin Nolan found himself with just goalkeeper Tim
Howard to beat - but under pressure, the captain could only find the side
netting.
But there was still time for referee Taylor to make more headlines when he
dismissed Everton's Gibson for a similar challenge to that which saw Cole
sent off. It was the mark of a weak official that he felt he had to even
scores - and yet another appalling decision as Gibson's challenge was
perhaps a foul at worst.
No doubt both managers will appeal against the red cards that ruined the
match as a spectacle - and if both fail to be rescinded there is something
seriously wrong at the FA. However that will be little consolation for Sam
Allardyce who has now seen his side throw away a winning position in
successive matches at home.
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Moyes on... West Ham United
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 22nd December 2012
By: Staff Writer No.2
Everton boss David Moyes is as bemused as the rest of us as a woefully
sub-standard refereeing performance is the main topic of conversation in the
post-match press conference, which, as ever, we bring you in full....
David is that confusing for you this afternoon? Because you've probably got
your views on the referee, you came away with three points. It's hard to
know where to start!...
I don't know what order you want to put it in but if you talk about the play
I thought we played well. Really well. I found it difficult to say anything
at half time I thought we played that well in the first half. The only thing
we didn't have was maybe that cutting edge at the end of it. Creating more
opportunities or shots on target.I would put it that way. I thought our play
was terrific, the players were magic and I thought it was the same in the
second half. Were we gonna win the game? I wasn't sure it wasn't going to be
one of those days when it doesn't work.
Er, I think that's the football isn't it! (laughter).
Did you have an interesting chat with the referee on the way down to the
tunnel there?
Yeah. I thought none of them were sending-offs. I think that after the first
one he's probably thought that if there's another foot raised high he was
gonna have to do the same. I said that I thought that wasn't the way he
should referee. That if you get one it doesn't mean that you do the other
one.
I've got to say that I was really annoyed by the goal in the first half. I
think we scored a pretty good goal. Osman scores a great header and I think
it's stopped. Kevin Nolan blocks a goalkeeper better than anybody does so
for us to get given a foul [against us] by a linesman who is 60 yards away
that was tough to take in the first half.
We had a situation in the last match with Fellaini and Shawcross, all the
grappling in the box. It's almost as if we need new guidance as to what is a
red card and what's not now?
I think "grappling" and the challenges today are not connected. I thought
the two challenges today were players relatively honestly going for the
ball. Yeah may be a bit dangerously high with the boot up. But I think of
anybody who plays football, I don't think many would see them as red cards
here in England.
How about Anichebe, he's been given for a block on Jaaskaleinen?
The other two were wrong but I can't see how a linesman can give a decision
along there when the referee is 15 yards away and the linesman's, what 50
yards from it? I thought that was harsh on us.
David that's the 9th time this season you've come from behind to win or
draw. What does that say about the character of the players?
I think the players have bags of character. If you're gonnae play at West
Ham at ANY tine I've known - certainly one of Big Sam's teams - you're going
to have to show it. I think for most of the game we did do. I was actually
stunned when we went a goal behind. It came a bit out of the blue.
Was the second goal Pienaar's?
I think so. I've asked Ossie [Leon Osman] and he says that when he cut it
back it rattles off Pienaar and Pienaar get's it in. I've not asked Pienaar
yet.
I've got to say this whether you ask it or not. I thought that ever if there
was an England player today it was Osman. I thought he was top notch today.
Every time he got it he turned on the ball, he dribbled past people. Osman
was exceptional and if he plays like that he'll have more than one cap I'm
telling you. Pienaar? - yes the two of them were excellent but Ossie was on
a level today with most things that he's done. He should have had a goal and
he made the second with his little bit down the side of the box. I thought
he deserved an extra mention for how good he's been.
I think that we know the answer David but why did you think that neither
[sending off] were red cards?
I just thought it was two players going honestly for the ball. Leighton
Baines' reaction. Never flinched just got up and moved on. I think it's a
free kick. Darron Gibson gave a free-kick away - I don't know if it's Noble
that he catches. I think everyone would agree. The ball bounced up a bit
high. I just think that they both weren't red cards.
Will you appeal?
I will appeal it. I'll have a word with Sam as well. I don't think you can
put the word "frivolous" next to that appeal. I think you'd say there's a
genuine reason why you could appeal that. You don't want to go and appeal
and find you've got an extra game on it but i don't think you can put the
word frivolous next to that appeal. I don't know what you think but I don't
think so.
Overall? You're back in the top 4 now...
We're bobbing in and out at the moment. The most important thing is to get
the points on the board. We've been playing like that most of the season and
maybe just not seen our good play turned into goals. We got two in the end
today thankfully. It was tough but we got there in the end.
Heitinga was having a hard time. were you tempted to maybe put Jagielka in
there?
I was yeah. Johnny had quite a tough day. But Seamus Coleman had a hamstring
in training. I thoughy I night have needed Jagielka's pace against Jarvis.
In the main that proved to be right. I thought I'd take that chance and move
Jagielka - who I think has been outstanding at centre half this season.
Thanks - happy Christmas!
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Everton come from behind to beat West Ham 2-1
Last Updated: December 22, 2012 9:01pm
SSN
Second-half goals from Victor Anichebe and Steven Pienaar saw Everton beat
West Ham 2-1 at the Boleyn Ground to go fourth in the Premier League. But
referee Anthony Taylor was the pantomime villain in this match before
Christmas as two needless red cards spoilt the game. Taylor all but handed
the Toffees three points after controversially deciding Carlton Cole had
left his foot in on Leighton Baines midway through the second half. The
official evened up the red-card count in stoppage-time, finding Darron
Gibson guilty of a similar offence on Mark Noble.
Best of the match
Man of the match: Steven Pienaar. The South African scored the winner and
provided the goal assist for the equaliser.
Goal of the match: Carlton Cole. The West Ham striker cut inside Johnny
Heitinga before cracking in a low drive from the edge of the box.
Moment of the match: Cole's controversial sending-off - it swung the
momentum to Everton and they capitalised.
Talking point: Referee Anthony Taylor. He brandished two needless red cards
which spoilt his game at Upton Park.
Earlier, Sylvain Distin missed a sitter to put the Toffees ahead from a
free-kick from Baines, but the unmarked defender nodded it into the ground
and over the crossbar. Baines produced another special three minutes later
for Leon Osman's disallowed goal, his corner headed home by one of the
smallest players on the pitch but ruled out seemingly for Anichebe's block
on Jussi Jaaskelainen. The Everton players were furious and their ire only
increased when Cole fired West Ham in front soon afterwards, the striker
cutting inside the recalled Johnny Heitinga far too easily before cracking
in a low drive from the edge of the box on 14 minutes.
At the other end, Everton continued to probe, prompting West Ham boss Sam
Allardyce to replace Gary O'Neil with Modibo Maiga just before the hour
mark, a move that almost paid off immediately when the Malian scuffed
Cole's cross wide. And that was when it all went horribly wrong for the
hosts. Maiga got himself booked for pushing Pienaar over in the 64th minute
and, from the resultant free-kick, the ball was worked left to the South
African, whose cross was glanced home brilliantly by Anichebe. Three minutes
later, Taylor made the call that swung the game. Cole hung his leg out in a
bid to control a dropping ball and definitely made contact with Baines but
it looked anything but a reckless lunge. To Cole's horror, Taylor thought
otherwise, brandishing a straight red card.
The momentum was all with Everton and they completed their comeback six
minutes later, Osman's cross inadvertently played against Pienaar by Kevin
Nolan before trickling into the net. There were chances at either end before
Gibson then saw red in stoppage time for an almost identical challenge to
Cole's on Noble, although this one was slightly less debatable.
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West Ham defender Winston Reid in talks over a new deal
Last Updated: December 22, 2012 11:40am
SSN
Winston Reid has insisted that he has never considered leaving West Ham
United as talks begin over a contract extension for the defender. Reid has
turned in a number of impressive performances to help the Hammers establish
themselves in mid-table in their first season back in the Premier League. A
number of clubs are understood to be tracking the New Zealand international,
leading to speculation that he could move on from Upton Park. However, the
24-year-old has made it clear that he has no plans to go anywhere and is
hoping to sign a new deal with West Ham. "We are talking," he said in the
Daily Star. "There's an option in there for both parties to take another two
years at the end of the season. "I've always wanted to stay here. I enjoy
being here."
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Furious Sam Allardyce lays into referee Anthony Taylor for sending off
Carlton Cole in West Ham's loss to Everton
Last Updated: December 22, 2012 8:50pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce accused referee Anthony Taylor of being trigger-happy after
West Ham's Carlton Cole was sent off in the 2-1 home defeat by Everton. The
visitors also saw Darron Gibson get his marching orders late on in
Saturday's Premier League clash at Upton Park, with both decisions looking
soft. Cole, who scored the opening goal, was sent off for a foul on Leighton
Baines, with Allardyce moaning: "It is how quickly the referee got the red
card out. He couldn't wait, he didn't deliberate over the decision or
anything. "There is nothing much we can do about the result but we can
appeal the decision and hopefully we can get Carlton down to a yellow card
and get him off."
Allardyce revealed he had a chat with Taylor afterwards, saying: "I spoke to
the ref but that is between me and him. "We will go through the channels of
'reporting' that the system has in place and I will take that up and pursue
it quite vigorously. "If he is not getting the right feedback or coaching
and is told it was OK and 'carry on', then we have got a big problem. "When
you are looking for consistency from referees, you look for consistency in
the same game he is reffing and we didn't get that today and that had a
massive effect on the result. "We have to, unfortunately, take that on the
chin and the punishment is twofold for us."
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Christmas cards
West Ham 1 Everton 2
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: 22nd December 2012
SAM ALLARDYCE and David Moyes have joined forces against controversial ref
Anthony Taylor. Both bosses will appeal the sendings-off which overshadowed
Everton's first away win since September. Hammers striker Carlton Cole and
Toffees midfielder Darron Gibson received straight red cards for dangerous
play. And furious West Ham chief Allardyce rapped: "It's difficult to take.
"We suffer at the hands of these decisions. It's how quick he got his cards
out, he couldn't wait. "I'd like to know what the referees' coaches or
whoever think about what happened today and what is the right way forward
for Taylor. "I'll pursue that quite vigorously to see what answers they give
me. "He has a difficult job but if he's not getting the right feedback and
is just told 'well done, carry on', then we've got a real problem."
Everton boss Moyes was also angry at Gibson's injury-time red card. The Scot
met with Allardyce in his office after the game to formulate a plan of
action with the FA. Moyes said: "The ref probably thought because he had
given one red card for a tackle like that he had to give another one.
"Neither of them were sendings-off." The FA will be expected to deal with
the appeals tomorrow. Everton play Wigan on Boxing Day and hope to have
Gibson available. West Ham do not play until Saturday at Reading.
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West Ham 1 Everton 2
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: 22nd December 2012
SAM ALLARDYCE can moan about the ref all he likes. But the long and the
short of it is that West Ham's big 'uns giants were duffed up by two little
'uns. Steven Pienaar and Leon Osman are 5ft 7in and 5ft 8in respectively.
Yet they scared the life out of physically the Premier League's biggest
squad. Everton are back in the top four thanks to their pint-sized pair —
and the fact that West Ham had their heads in the clouds and failed to see
off the danger under their feet. David Moyes was left cooing over his tiny
terrors. He said: "Leon Osman — if ever there was an England player, that
was him out there today. He was top notch. He turned on the ball and
dribbled past people. He and Steven were excellent but Osman was on a
different level. "Our football was magic today. Even in the first half. So
much so that at half-time I couldn't really think of much to change. "All we
were lacking were shots on target and goals scored. My players showed great
character to come back the way they did because you need it to do so against
one of Big Sam's teams."
The inconsistencies of a referee play a big part in the outcome of matches.
But the Hammers had been warned Everton's mighty midgets were in ruthless
mood. Just 12 minutes into the game, Osman was able to out-jump West Ham's
strapping defence and head home from full-back Leighton Baines' corner.
Yet the goal was disallowed in the first moment of controversy as Victor
Anichebe was spotted grabbing Hammers keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen on the line.
It was a let-off for Allardyce and an early warning which his players did
little to heed. And all thoughts of the trouble to come was dispelled when
Carlton Cole put West Ham ahead just two minutes later. Even Big Sam
admitted it was a big plus and a break he did not quite expect. But it was a
class finish and a shame that West Ham's wholehearted centre forward would
later leave the action early through a straight red card. Mark Noble
dribbled through the centre circle and picked out Matt Taylor with a short
pass.
Taylor turned and fed Cole and the big man rounded Johnny Heitinga and shot
low into the net from the edge of the box. But it only served to inspire
Everton's diminutive double act. Pienaar had a 20-yarder well saved on the
stroke of half-time with Osman's technical skills a constant threat.
Everton's set-pieces were dangerous and after the break they returned
resurgent as West Ham wobbled. Anichebe equalised 20 minutes into the second
half. Pienaar floated in a delicate cross from the left and the big man
flicked it on with his head from six yards with Jaaskelainen stranded.
Cole's harsh sending off in the 67th minute was the big talking point and it
was unfair. But it also gave Allardyce an easy get-out by blaming ref
Anthony Taylor for everything that went on afterwards. Cole's foot was
coming down when it made contact with left-back Baines' arm. Both managers
described the incident as two players "honestly" going for the ball. And
they had a point. But seven minutes later Everton hit the winner and the red
card was nothing to do with it. Osman was allowed to dance to the byline in
West Ham's area, dragging three opposition players with him. Cleverly, he
spotted Pienaar advancing and cut the ball back for his team-mate to tap it
in from six yards. That was poor defending and Cole would not have been
involved had he been on the pitch — he would have been waiting for the
breakaway so it was irrelevant. West Ham also had chances to get an
equaliser — but fluffed them.
Sub Modibo Maiga dithered over a golden opportunity and Kevin Nolan poorly
placed a shot with the goal gaping in the closing seconds. Darron Gibson's
injury-time sending off for a high foot on Hammers Mark Noble made sure
everyone could have a pop at Mr Taylor as he left. Merry Christmas.
West Ham: Jaaskelainen, Tomkins, Collins, Reid, O'Brien (Spence 81), Noble,
O'Neil (Maiga 58), Taylor, Nolan, Jarvis (Collison 88), Cole Subs Not Used:
Spiegel, Diarra, Moncur, Lletget.
Sent Off: Cole (66).
Booked: Maiga.
Goals: Cole 14.
Everton: Howard, Heitinga, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Osman, Gibson, Neville
(Naismith 85), Pienaar (Oviedo 88), Jelavic, Anichebe (Duffy 90) Subs Not
Used: Mucha, Hitzlsperger, Barkley, Vellios.
Sent Off: Gibson (90).
Goals: Anichebe 64, Pienaar 73.
Att: 35,005
Ref: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Momo's great escape: Harry Redknapp plans to use escape clause to seal Diame
signing
The Mirror
23 Dec 2012 00:57
QPR boss Harry Redknapp is ready to move for West Ham's Momo Diame and
exploit a £3.5m 'escape clause' in his deal, The People can exclusively
reveal.
Redknapp is a big admirer of the Senegalese midfielder who has been a huge
hit for Sam Allardyce's side since joining from Wigan on a free last summer.
Diame can move from the Hammers if a club meets the trigger figure in his
deal – and West Ham's money men have yet to sort out a new contract with
him.
Diame was snapped up by West Ham in the summer when his Latics contract
expired and his agents insisted on a £3.5m buy-out clause in his deal.
Redknapp is keen to step in and take Diame, but is waiting for news about
his fitness after he suffered a hamstring injury. The tough-tackling player
was initially ruled out until March after tearing his hamstring in the home
defeat to Liverpool earlier this month. However, his camp now say the
injury could be healed within three weeks. Redknapp is unlikely to commit
until the picture becomes clearer but Diame is on his wish list – and owner
Tony Fernandes is set to back him with cash. Diame is happy at West Ham but
the contract situation could leave him leave for a knockdown fee.
If Diame leaves, Allardyce will step up his interest in midfielder Liam
Trotter from the Hammers' bitter rivals Millwall. Hammers' boss Sam
Allardyce has been impressed with the £2m-rated powerhouse who has been
instrumental as the Lions challenge for a play-off place in the
Championship. Allardyce would face stiff competition for Trotter who has
also been tracked by Everton and Southampton. Saints boss Nigel Adkins knows
Trotter well after signing him on loan from Ipswich for previous club
Scunthorpe.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardicey: West Ham could let Big Sam go despite lofty league position
The Mirror
22 Dec 2012 22:30
Laurence Griffiths
Doubts have emerged over the future of West Ham boss Sam Allardyce. Despite
leading the club to promotion to the Premier League and enjoying an
impressive first half of the season, Allardyce will enter the New Year
uncertain of his long-term position. Allardyce has just six months remaining
on his West Ham contract and is yet to start formal talks about a new deal.
West Ham co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan have told Allardyce that no
decisions are likely to be made until the club have secured their Premier
League status for next season. But a Hammers source told Sunday Mirror
Sport: "There are certainly no guarantees that Sam will be offered a new
contract at the moment. "It is already clear that the club are going to
assess their options and there is a real fear Sam's contract situation
could be allowed to drag on." Even though he has done a wonderful job at
Upton Park, Allardyce has not been fully embraced by the club's fans. If his
contract is not renewed, Gold and Sullivan would most likely look for a more
popular replacement. Former players Paolo Di Canio, who is manager at
Swindon, and Charlton boss Chris Powell would both be in the frame.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reffing hell! West Ham bemoan controversial dismissal as Everton seal
comeback win at Upton Park
The Mirror
22 Dec 2012 17:37
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
West Ham United
1-2
Everton
A match of high controversy at Upton Park ended with two red cards, further
proof of Everton's potential to push for a Champions League place and a
reality check for West Ham. Hammers manager Sam Allardyce could point to the
somewhat baffling dismissal of Carlton Cole in the 66th minute as a major
turning point in the game. But in truth, Everton looked a transformed outfit
in the second half, had equalised and looked the more likely to go on and
win. True, the red card shown by referee Anthony Taylor to the West Ham
goalscorer helped their cause, but the momentum of Everton's game looked
more threatening leading up to the dismissal and they made the numerical
advantage count after Cole left the pitch. And although they trailed at
half-time, Everton were aggrieved that they were not at least on level
terms. Referee Taylor and his officials made their initial impact of any
importance in the 12th minute. A corner from Leighton Baines found the head
of the influential Leon Osman and Jussi Jaaskelainen was comprehensively
beaten. But up went a flag and Taylor ruled out the effort for a foul on
the Finnish goalkeeper. Everton were non-plussed. "How the linesman can give
that from his position and the referee not see anything wrong fifteen yards
away, I don't know," said Everton manager David Moyes. Within two minutes,
Everton paid for that decision. Matt Taylor found Cole at the edge of the
area and he shrugged off John Heitinga – not for the first time, by the way
– and drove the ball past Tim Howard into the net. A Darron Gibson free-kick
was tipped over by Jaaskelainen five minutes from the break and Moyes
admitted: "Some of our football was magic today, but at times we lacked the
cutting edge." Not in the second half they didn't. Inspired by Osman and the
foraging runs of Baines, Everton took a vice-like grip on the game. If
Nikicia Jelavic had been in any kind of form in front of goal, Everton would
have been level before they did score through Victor Anichebe in the 64th
minute. Steven Pienaar was the architect with a cross that was delicately
glided home by the Nigerian. Allardyce had already responded to Everton's
superiority by replacing Gary O'Neil with Modibo Maiga to provide another
outlet. But the partnership survived only seven minutes as Cole went in
high, but not maliciously on Baines. Referee Taylor showed a straight red
and Allardyce was furious. "Anichebe made a similar challenge on James
Collins in the 32nd minute and yet nothing for him, not even a talking to
never mind a yellow card," he said. "What you want is consistency from a
referee and we didn't get that." The winning goal was a scrappy one, after
what was an intricate build-up. Osman – who else – squared the ball, and
though Pienaar got an involuntary touch, the ball went in off a combination
of Kevin Nolan and keeper Jaaskelainen. But the South African will claim
it. Jelavic could have made the game safe but found the side-netting and it
was ref Taylor who provided West Ham with an equaliser – although not the
one they wanted. In added time, Gibson went in high on Mark Noble and out
came the red card. "I don't think either was a red card," said Moyes, but he
at least had the consolation of three points to soften the blow. No such
luck for Allardyce.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tug of war: Inter Milan battle West Ham for Arsenal striker Chamakh
The Mirror
22 Dec 2012 12:42
Inter Milan will challenge West Ham for the signature of unwanted Arsenal
striker Marouane Chamakh, according to the Metro. The Morocco international
is surplus to requirements at the Emirates and has been told he can leave in
the January transfer window. The 28-year-old started his Arsenal career
brightly before fading and is now considered a figure of fun by many Gunners
fans. Chamakh has held talks with West Ham over a potential loan move to
Upton Park - in a deal that would see Arsenal pay a cut of the striker's
£65,000-a-week wages , according to the Daily Mail. However, Serie A side
Inter have now entered the chase after being recommended the player by his
agent. Chamakh is understood to prefer a return to France with his former
club Bordeaux interested - although they are refusing to pay Arsenal's
£3million valuation of a player who left them for free and would struggle to
play his wages. The striker has made just two appearances for Arsenal this
season, both in the Capital One Cup, and he has two goals to his name.
Meanwhile, West Ham boss Sam Allardyce also wants ex-Chelsea star Salomon
Kalou on loan, although he faces competition from QPR for the Ivory Coast
forward.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, December 23
Saturday, December 22
Daily WHUFC News - 22nd December 2012
Everton match preview
WHUFC.com
All the stats, news and background information ahead of Saturday's match
against Everton at the Boleyn Ground
21.12.2012
WEST HAM UNITED v EVERTON
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
SATURDAY 22 DECEMBER 2012
KICK-OFF: 3PM
REFEREE: ANTHONY TAYLOR
FULL AUDIO AND TEXT COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV
Introduction
• Alou Diarra has returned to full training after recovering from a thigh
injury suffered in training.
• Momo Diame will be missing after picking up a hamstring injury in the 3-2
loss to Liverpool.
• George McCartney will also be absent after picking up a knee injury in
training.
• Andy Carroll (knee) and Ricardo Vaz Te (shoulder) are both making good
progress but are still some weeks from making a return.
Everton
• Captain Phil Neville will not feature after being ruled out for two months
following an operation on his knee. Full-back Tony Hibbert is also out after
undergoing calf surgery.
• Marouane Fellaini is unavailable after being banned by the FA for three
matches after headbutting Stoke City's Ryan Shawcross last weekend.
• Ross Barkley, who played in the Development Squad's 5-1 win over Everton
earlier this season, has been recalled from his loan at Sheffield Wednesday
and is likely to be on the bench.
• Former Hammers midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger was on the bench for
Everton's 1-1 draw against Stoke City last weekend and could potentially
feature.
Background
• West Ham United and Everton have met 104 times in league matches. Everton
have won 51 times, West Ham have won 32 and there have been 21 draws.
Overall, the two clubs have met 124 times, with Everton winning 61, West Ham
36 and there being 27 draws.
• The Toffees are unbeaten in nine matches against their hosts, including
the last eight Premier League meetings. Everton have won 16 of the 32
Premier League meetings between the two, while West Ham United have won just
six. However, the most-recent three league games have ended in draws.
• The first-ever meeting between West Ham United and Everton was an FA Cup
second-round tie played on 2 February 1907. Harry Stapley scored for the
Hammers, who were then a Southern League side, but the Division One Toffees
ran out 2-1 winners through goals from Jimmy Settle and Jack Sharp. Everton
would go on to reach the final, losing 2-1 to The Wednesday at Crystal
Palace.
• West Ham United and Everton have met twice at the FA Cup semi-final stage,
with each club winning through once on their way to lifting the trophy at
Wembley. The Toffees scored a 2-1 victory at Molineux on 18 March 1933, when
Vic Watson's goal was cancelled out by Ted Critchley and James Dunn, before
beating Manchester City 3-0 at Wembley. The Division Two Hammers gained
their revenge on 16 April 1980, when Frank Lampard and Alan Devonshire
scored in a 2-1 replay victory at Elland Road. West Ham went on to beat
Arsenal 1-0 in the final.
• West Ham United have never scored more than four goals in a game against
Everton - achieving that feat on six occasions. The Hammers' biggest home
victor over the Toffees was a 4-0 Division One success on 11 February 1961,
when Harry Obeney scored twice and John Dick and Malcolm Musgrove once each.
• Vivian Gibbins scored a hat-trick in a 4-0 Division One win at Goodison
Park on 10 April 1929, while Jimmy Ruffell repeated the feat in a 4-2 home
Division One victory on 5 December 1931 - they remain the only two trebles
netted by West Ham United players against Everton.
• Everton's biggest victory at the Boleyn Ground came on 26 February 2000,
when the Toffees scored a 4-0 Premier League win. Nick Barmby scored a
hat-trick and American Joe-Max Moore added a fourth.
• Winston Reid scored past Everton goalkeeper Jan Mucha at the 2010 FIFA
World Cup when his last-minute header secured New Zealand a 1-1 group-stage
draw with Slovakia at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.
• Mohamed Diame lined up alongside Everton winger Magaye Gueye at the London
2012 Olympic Games, where the pair helped Senegal to reach the
quarter-finals
Last time out
Sunday 16 December 2012
Barclays Premier League
West Bromwich Albion 0-0 West Ham United
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Reid, O'Brien, Collins, Demel (Tomkins 81),
Nolan, Jarvis (Maiga 76), Taylor, Noble, O'Neil, Cole.
Subs not used: Spiegel, Spence, Moncur Lletget
Saturday 15 December 2012
Barclays Premier League
Stoke City 1-1 Everton
Everton: Howard, Baines, Jagielka, Distin, Coleman, Gibson, Osman, Pienaar,
Fellaini, Jelavic, Naismith (Barkley 70).
Subs not used: Mucha, Heitinga, Duffy, Oviedo, Hitzlsperger, Vellios.
Goals: Shawcross og 36.
Previous meeting
Everton and West Ham United drew 2-2 at Goodison Park in the Premier League
on 22 January 2011. Marouane Fellaini scored in added time to rescue a point
for Everton after an 84th-minute strike from Frederic Piquionne looked to
have sealed victory for West Ham United. Jonathan Spector opened the scoring
after 26 minutes before Diniyar Bilyaletdinov smashed home with 13 minutes
remaining. Piquionne put the Hammers ahead soon after heading in from Wayne
Bridge's cross but the forward was dismissed moments after for his
over-exuberant celebration. It was not to be though as Fellaini collected
Jack Rodwell's flick before turning and firing past Rob Green from 10-yards
to end the game 2-2.
Everton: Howard, Heitinga, Baines, Coleman, Distin, Neville (Rodwell 86),
Fellaini , Osman, Arteta, Anichebe (Bilyaletdinov 69), Beckford (Saha 45)
West Ham United: Green, Tomkins, Spector, Faubert, Bridge, Parker, Boa
Morte, Noble, Hines (Sears 81, Reid 90), Piquionne
Last six meetings (Premier League unless stated)
22 January 2011 - Everton 2-2 West Ham United
28 December 2010 - West Ham United 1-1 Everton
4 April 2010 - Everton 2-2 West Ham United
8 November 2009 - West Ham United 1-2 Everton
16 May 2009 - Everton 3-1 West Ham United
8 November 2008 - West Ham United 1-3 Everton
Overall record v Everton (all competitions) W 36 D 27 L 61
Ten-year records
West Ham United
2011/12 Championship 3rd (86 points - promoted via Play-Offs)
2010/11 Premier League 20th (33 points - relegated to Championship)
2009/10 Premier League 17th (35 points)
2008/09 Premier League 9th (51 points)
2007/08 Premier League 10th (49 points)
2006/07 Premier League 15th (41 points)
2005/06 Premier League 9th (55 points)
2004/05 Championship 6th (73 points - promoted via play-offs)
2003/04 Championship 4th (74 points)
2002/03 Premier League 18th (42 points - relegated to Championship)
Everton
2011/12 Premier League 7th (56 points)
2010/11 Premier League 7th (54 points)
2009/10 Premier League 8th (61 points)
2008/09 Premier League 5th (63 points)
2007/08 Premier League 5th (65 points)
2006/07 Premier League 6th (58 points)
2005/06 Premier League 11th (50 points)
2004/05 Premier League 4th (61 points)
2003/04 Premier League 17th (39 points)
2002/03 Premier League 7th (59 points)
Referee
• Saturday's referee will be Anthony Taylor.
• Taylor is in his third season on the Select Group of referees appointed to
control Barclays Premier League fixtures.
• The Greater Manchester-born official started refereeing in the Northern
Premier League in 2002 before being appointed to the Football League list at
the start of the 2006/07 season, refereeing his match between Wrexham and
Peterborough United in League Two on 12 August 2006.
• Taylor's first Premier League appointment was the 3 February 2010
encounter between today's visitors Fulham and former West Ham United manager
Avram Grant's Portsmouth, with the Cottagers winning 1-0.
• Taylor has taken charge of one West Ham United game this season, the 3-0
win over Fulham in September, and was the fourth official in the 0-0 draw
against Norwich City at Carrow Road.
• The 33-year-old took charge of the Hammers' final Barclays Premier League
fixture before they were relegated to the npower Championship in May 2011
when Sunderland secured a 3-0 win at the Boleyn Ground.
• When asked in an interview what his favourite match that he has refereed
was, he named British Gas Business Southern League Midland Division side
Chasetown's victory over Port Vale in the FA Cup second round in December
2007.
• Taylor will be assisted by Gary Beswick and Simon Long, Andy D'Urso is the
fourth official.
Old boys
• Everton midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger spent the 2010/11 season at the
Boleyn Ground joining the club in June 2010. Injury hampered his spell at
the club and he did not make his debut until February 2011 when he played in
the FA Cup fifth round against Burnley. He made his league debut in a 3-1
win over Liverpool and he scored his first goal in a 3-0 win over Stoke City
on 5 March 2011.
• Among the players who have represented both clubs are Niclas
Alexandersson, Ray Atteveld, Slaven Bilic, Ian Bishop, Joe Blythe, David
Burrows, Tony Cottee, Charlie Crossley, George Eccles, William Kelly, George
Kitchen, Alex McCartney, Lucas Neill, John Russell, David Unsworth, Mark
Ward, William Wildman, Danny Williamson and Richard Wright.
General information
• Tickets are now SOLD OUT.
• Saturday's weather forecast at the Boleyn Ground is for light rain with
maximum temperatures reaching 10C (50F).
• West Ham United host Everton in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday as
they look to get back to winning ways following last weekend's 0-0 draw away
at West Bromwich Albion.
• Just four points separate the two sides in the Barclays Premier League
table, with the Toffees in sixth on 27 points and the Hammers in eleventh on
23 points. A win for the Toffees could see them end the day in third place
if other results go in their favour, while West Ham United could rise as
high as eighth if Norwich City, Stoke City and Swansea City all fail to win.
• Both sides have had mixed fortunes during December, Everton started with a
1-1 draw against champions Manchester City before beating Tottenham Hotspur
2-1 at home and drawing 1-1 at Stoke City. The Hammers started well too
beating Chelsea 3-1 before narrowly losing out 3-2 to Liverpool and drawing
0-0 at West Bromwich Albion.
• West Ham United's match with Everton is one of eight games in the Barclays
Premier League this Saturday, the rest are as follows (kick-off 3pm unless
stated): Liverpool v Fulham (5.30pm), Manchester City v Reading, Newcastle
United v QPR, Southampton v Sunderland, Tottenham Hotspur v Stoke City, West
Bromwich Albion v Norwich City, Wigan Athletic v Arsenal (12.45pm).
Team news
West Ham United
• Jack Collison made his return to action in the Development Squad's 3-1
defeat against Norwich City on Monday and is likely to be in the squad.
Collison has been nursing a knee problem and has not featured for the first
team since last season's npower Championship Play-Off final.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ginge relishing Toffees test
WHUFC.com
James Collins is looking forward to a big battle with Everton in Saturday's
Barclays Premier League fixture
21.12.2012
James Collins wants to help West Ham United get in the festive mood by
achieving a positive result against Everton on Saturday. The Wales
international defender admitted that the Toffees will be no pushovers.
However, Collins believes the Hammers will take the solid defensive display
they put on at West Bromwich Albion last weekend into this weekend's
Barclays Premier League fixture. Everton have lost just two of their 17
league matches and are on a five-match unbeaten run, but have drawn four of
those games. Meanwhile, West Ham have lost just two of their nine home
league matches and just three of 22 home league fixtures in 2012. "Everton
are well organised and have had a good season so far," said the No19. "Over
the years they have been a team that has started off slowly and then got
better as the season has gone on, but this year they have started off well,
made some good signings in the summer and had their players ticking from
the kick-off. One positive for West Ham and Collins in particular is the
absence of the suspended Belgium international Marouane Fellaini, who starts
a three-match ban on Saturday. However, the centre-back said the Hammers
will not be able to relax, even if Everton's biggest threat will not be on
the pitch. "Fellaini is a handful so it is good he is not playing, but I am
sure they will have someone who is just as much of a handful as he is to
take his place against us. So, we will have to be on our toes. "We are
expecting a tough game, but if we can defend like we know we can and
certainly how we did last Sunday and get something at the other end, then
hopefully we can get three points. That is the aim."
Collins is in fine form and enjoying being part of a West Ham defence that
has kept six clean sheets in the league and conceded just 20 goals in 17
matches. The big Welshman is also relishing playing alongside both Winston
Reid and James Tomkins. "I have played with some of the best centre halves
over the years. In my first season here I partnered Danny Gabbidon whom I
had also played with at Cardiff. Then I went to Aston Villa and played
alongside Richard Dunne. Since returning here, I have played mostly with
Winston and there is also Tonks [James Tomkins] and I have to put them in
the same bracket.
"I think Winston has been great. I watched a lot of the games in the
Championship last season and Reidy and Tonks were superb together.
Fortunately for me, I have come in and been able to get into the team. I
don't think Winston has had a bad game, really. He's solid and really
consistent and it is quite easy to play alongside him. "He is a strong and
commanding character and has presence on the pitch makes my job easier.
Partnerships can take time but he has international experience as well,
which helps. He is still young even though the way he plays makes him seem
older. I knew a lot of the boys when I returned from before, but not
Winston. Since I have arrived, he has been great with me on and off the
pitch, so all credit to him. If he can carry on the way he is playing, he
will have a terrific season and that can only be good for West Ham."
Although the Boxing Day fixture away to Arsenal has been postponed, there is
still a busy match schedule coming up. Following the visit of Everton is a
trip to Reading on 29 December and the New Year's Day home match with
Norwich City. One player who could play his part in those games is Jack
Collison, who has recently returned to action following a long-term knee
problem. Collins said his compatriot's presence would boost the Hammers over
the festive period. "Hopefully we will have the injured lads back sooner
than later. It has been frustrating for Jack. A lot of people won't know the
extent of the work he has been doing around the place to get back playing,
so it is massive news to see him back and he is such a terrific lad on and
off the field. It is vital for us if we can keep him fit."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v Everton
KO 15:00
21 December 2012
Last updated at 10:57
By Steve Wilson
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 22 December
LINEUP, BOOKINGS (0) & SUBSTITUTIONS (0)
TEAM NEWS
Jack Collison is in the West Ham squad for the first time this season after
a serious knee injury. Fellow midfielder Yossi Benayoun has a knee problem
and is unlikely to be fit enough to play.
Everton will be without top scorer Marouane Fellaini, who begins a
three-match suspension. Phil Neville has recovered quicker than expected
from a knee injury but this weekend is likely to be too soon for his return.
MATCH PREVIEW
West Ham may have found wins tough to find recently, but they can be
reasonably satisfied with how they have dealt with a really tricky run of
fixtures: nine points from eight games against Manchester City, Newcastle,
Stoke, Spurs, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and West Brom is not too
bad at all - even if they have slipped from a heady sixth to a more
realistic 11th. Sam Allardyce deserves credit for getting the best out of an
achingly average squad, one touched by only a few sprinkles of real
stardust. He has also been helped by the distinctly patchy quality of most
of the teams around the middle reaches of the Premier League. There isn't a
club in the top half of the Championship that should be intimidated by
promotion and the prospect of rubbing shoulders with most of the top flight.
Everton, however, are a cut above; tenacious, quick, intelligent and
skilful, it's been some considerable time since they had such a good team at
Goodison Park. Unfortunately for David Moyes, Everton will not be at full
strength at West Ham. Marouane Fellaini's suspension is bad news, with Kevin
Mirallas and probably Phil Neville already sidelined. Fellaini has been
brilliant this season, and the prospect of him and Mohamed Diame coming face
to face would have had them strengthening the foundations of Upton Park to
cope with the shockwaves of the impact. Everton's loss is West Ham's gain.
Everton have lost only two of their last 26 Premier League games, drawing 13
of those matches. I would not be surprised if this is another to add to that
list.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
The last three meetings between these teams have ended in a draw.
Everton are unbeaten in their last nine games in all competitions against
West Ham. They are unbeaten on their last four league visits to Upton Park,
winning on three of those occasions.
The Toffees' 4-0 win at West Ham in February 2000 remains their biggest
Premier League away win.
West Ham
West Ham have won just one of their last four home league games (W1, D2, L1)
- but they did beat Chelsea and hold Manchester City to a draw at Upton
Park.
Only four teams have conceded fewer than the 20 goals let in by The Hammers
in the league this season. They have kept six clean sheets.
So far in 2012-13, West Ham have won just one of their nine games against
clubs in the top half of the table (W1, D4, L4).
The Hammers are the only top-flight team not to have conceded a headed goal
in this league campaign.
Everton
Everton have lost just twice in the league this season - only Manchester
City have suffered fewer defeats.
David Moyes's side have drawn nine of their last 13 Premier League away
games and five of the last six (D5, L1).
The Toffees have conceded the first goal nine times in this season's top
flight, but on only one of those occasions have they gone on to lose the
match.
They have conceded in their last 12 league matches - their longest run
without a clean sheet in three years since a 12-match streak from October to
December 2009. They have not gone 13 without a clean sheet since a Premier
League club record 14-match streak from April to October 2008.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United v Everton
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 21st December 2012
By: Preview Percy
Next up we have Everton who visit the Boleyn for a 3pm kick-off on Saturday.
Unless of course certain predictions in the Mayan calendar turn out to be
true. In which case kick-off might be delayed a bit. TfL have declared a
Christmas truce on engineering works on the tube so apart from a few bits of
the DLR here and there your journey by tube should be plain sailing.
The less arrogant half of Merseyside arrive in unusual circumstances. Over
the past few years it has been the tradition for them to start the season
slowly before picking up points and moving up the table. This season,
however, they have reversed their usual policy and have started well.
Following Arsenal's win on Monday night, they currently lie in sixth spot
with 27 points from 17 games. That's four points and five places above us as
things stand.
Recent form has been a bit mixed, admittedly. They've won just the one of
their last six – a highly amusing 2-1 victory over Tottenham in a match in
which they were 1-0 down as the clock turned 90. They've only lost the one
in that period, a 2-1 reverse at Reading in mid-November. The rest, you will
have worked out, ended up in draws. All of these ended up 1-1, the opponents
being Norwich and Arsenal at home and Man City and Stoke away.
The Stoke away fixture provided much to talk about, with the Belgian
Marouane Fellaini garnering most of the headlines over his contretemps with
Ryan Shawcross. I do have a tiniest thread of sympathy for Fellaini, given
that his opponents last weekend constantly and openly flout both the laws
and the spirit of the game. There can be few outside the Potteries who
haven't wanted to exact some sort of retribution on the likes of Shawcross
and Huth so one can understand the loss of discipline if not actually going
so far as to condone it.
It was quite refreshing also to hear David Moyes' comments on the subject.
Most managers asked about such an incident would either fudge the question
("I'm not going to comment on that – we'll deal with that internally") or,
if you're Arsene Wenger, just lie (I didn't see the incident that you have
video of me looking straight at"). So Moyes' comments that such actions are
unacceptable and that he had told the player so are a welcome change from
the usual rubbish.
I feel less impressed by the "apology" attributed to Fellaini himself mind –
that had all the hallmarks of "it's a fair cop guv" being released in the
hope that any retrospective action taken by the authorities might somehow be
mitigated by such a plea. As it happens, the three match ban that will keep
him out of this match is the minimum that he might have expected.
Looking at those who will be playing, Tim Howard will be their custodian of
the onion bag. Howard originally arrived from Man Utd on loan – and,
although the rules back then allowed players to play against their parent
cubs, Man Utd enforced a so-called "gentlemen's agreement" to ensure their
employee didn't play against them. His replacement had a poor game, which
Man Utd won.
Once the Premier League's kangaroo court had fined us for transgressing the
rules on third party influence it was pointed out that the Howard
arrangement was an actual (rather than theoretical) breach of the same
rules. Rather than hit Man Utd with the same punishment the authorities came
up with a "gentlemen's agreements don't count" fudge, which meant that they
didn't have to consider awarding the title to runners-up Chelsea. They
quickly followed this up with an amendment to the rules to prevent them
being caught in the embarrassing position of having to punish Man Utd again.
Howard famously suffers from Tourette's syndrome. Popular mythology would
have us believe that Tourette's sufferers pepper every conversation with
expletives though the truth is that happens in only the more extreme of
cases. Arse. Howard scored with a wind-assisted clearance against Bolton
last season though he refused to celebrate out of sympathy for Bogdan, his
opposite number. Not over the goal, more over the brightly red-haired
'keeper being forced to wear a pink shirt.
Left back Leighton Baines is one who is having a fine season. He's unlucky
to not have more caps for his country, often being behind Ashley Cole in the
pecking order, Cole's selection often being made out of habit than for any
logical reason involving form. The usual skipper is Phil Neville but he's
got an injured fetlock or something that he picked up in the defeat to
Reading so those of you working on some sort of taunt involving the fact
that he's not as good as his not-particularly-talented brother can put your
biros away.
This week we are able to combine the usual Crimewatch award with the
"ex-Hammer" slot. Herr Thomas Hitzlsperger looked to be a promising signing
at the start of our last relegation season. He even came with a readymade
nickname of "Der Hammer". However, his understandable desire to throw
himself into West Ham United culture meant that he became the 4,763rd player
to pick up a serious injury before he'd kicked a ball for us in anger.
By the time he finally got fit he was too late to influence things. For our
final game of the relegation season, Kevin Keen's pitch as caretaker manager
for the full job included making Hitzlsperger captain for the Sunderland
match, a position that it was implied would be made permanent should Keen
get the job. The job went to Mr Allardyce and Der Hammer didn't stick around
long enough to be introduced.
Hitzlsperger's Crimewatch Award is awarded for the chutzpah shown in
mitigation whilst being sentenced for speeding at 107mph on the A14. In a
desperate attempt to avoid a ban, the player claimed that, since he was
unemployed, he would need to be able to continue to drive in order to find a
new club. It seems not to have occurred to anyone that a professional
footballer earning many thousands a week might just have enough change down
the back of the sofa for a cab.
Or, failing that, that the agent of a professional footballer earning a
percentage of many thousands a week might just have their own car in which
to give their meal ticket a lift. Hitzlsperger therefore ended up with a
£750 fine and six points on his licence. I would be intrigued to find out if
anyone else out there is unemployed and escaped a ban in similar
circumstances.
Elsewhere in midfield, in one of Roy Hodgson's stranger moves, midfielder
Leon Osman gained his first cap in the recent England friendly in Sweden. A
steady performer, one can't nevertheless help but wonder about the thought
process that went into awarding a cap to a 31-year-old who is unlikely to
add too many to that total. Still his selection did mean that Mark Noble did
avoid injury from a non-competitive match, though I'd wager he'd have
preferred to have got his first cap.
With his nine siblings, Osman has had a successful recording career over the
years, though he wasn't the one who wrote the seminal ecology-based
anti-pollution anthem "Crazy Horses". He did, however, come up with that
wailing synth sound, following an accident involving an experiment with an
elastic band, a nine volt battery and the neighbour's cat. Strangely, this
is an experiment I intend to replicate once I've caught up with the Avram
Grant Rest Home For The Bewildered spotty work experience Herbert that was
responsible for this week's research.
Top scorer at present is the absent Fellaini who has eight – all in the
league. Second on that list is Croatian striker Nikica Jelavic whos six
goals thus far have also all come in the league. Jelavic arrived in January
from Rangers who tried to spark up a bidding war between ourselves and the
Toffeemen.
Our interest in the player cooled when it appeared that Rangers were after
£8m for the player whilst the player himself didn't appear too keen to
moderate his salary demands, something that would have been required if he'd
come to the Boleyn. In the end Everton shelled out a reported £5m, which was
closer to what we wanted to pay, though presumably they were more able to
meet the player's wage demands. Jelavic is what you might call an
"uncomplicated" player which means Ginge could be in for a bit of fun.
The other main striker is sweaty Stephen Naismith. Naismith is also an
alumnus of Rangers where he played alongside Jelavic for a while. He's
currently involved in a legal battle with those involved in "New Rangers" (a
bit like "New Coke" in that it leaves a nasty taste in the mouth). When "Old
Rangers" went down the pan the player contracts were transferred to "New
Rangers". However the legal niceties of such a move are subject to question.
The player maintains that the descent into insolvency of "Old Rangers" meant
that the original contract became void, leaving him to be a free agent. "New
Rangers" beg to differ.
Gers fans are bitter about the whole affair pointing out that Naismith had
spent much of the two years immediately preceding his departure recovering
from a serious knee injury so he's probably more popular at Parkhead than he
is in the Ibrox area at the moment. Naismith is also deployed in midfield
from time to time and both he and another possible alternative for a
striking role, Victor Anichebe, have three for the season thus far.
Anichebe has been used sparingly this season having made just the six
appearances of which four were from the bench and he wasn't about for the
Stoke match last week. Though born in Nigeria, for whom he plays at
international level, he's been in Liverpool since the age of one and is a
product of the Everton youth system. He probably won't be looking forward to
a reunion with Kevin Nolan.
A frankly disgraceful tackle from our skipper whilst playing for Newcastle
in 2009 put Anichebe out of the game for a whole year with a severely
damaged cartilage in his right knee. Anichebe's contract at the time
included a whole bunch of stuff that was appearance-based and Newcastle
ended up settling out of court with the player for what was a reported
six-figure sum for potential loss of earnings. Although Nolan did apologise
at the time I think it's fair to say that it wasn't the skipper's finest
hour.
Having written all that, I'm now told by the Avram Grant Rest Home for the
Bewildered spotty work experience Herbert that Anichebe has a knackered
hamstring so at least he'll be spared the embarrassing handshake moment. His
absence means that it would be pointless of me to point out that he is the
Everton player to have made the most substitute appearances in the club's
history. So I won't.
Us? A good point last week under the circumstances I thought. Winston Reid
once more was outstanding – a performance that was all the more poignant
given the nightmare that was his previous visit to the Hawthorns a few years
ago.
Injury news is the same as ever though the appearance of Jack Collison in a
Development Squad match during the week suggests that there is a pinprick of
light beginning to develop at the end of that particular tunnel. Yossi was
last seen hanging around West London, there being no room at our own physio
complex though some sources reckon that he may be close to a return to the
squad.
We're looking at a few weeks for Diarra, Carroll and Vaz Te, though Diarra
is apparently "in full training" according to Mr Gold on that there twitter
thing the other day.That means that the team just about picks itself really
– and being at home we should be able to muster a full complement of seven
subs, even if one of them has to be a spotty work experience Herbert. In the
meantime I reckon Mr Allardyce is far from gutted that the Boxing Day trip
to Arsenal is off, giving the players a few more days of recovery.
This will be a tough one. Our record in recent years against Everton at the
Boleyn has not been the greatest – though it has to be said that there have
been a couple of cases of daylight robbery in that time, where they've
somehow picked up all three points when even a single point would have
flattered them.
They've drawn a lot lately, and, in some of those games, they ought to have
put the game to bed well before the opposition picked up an equaliser. We
have that bare bones thing going on and, whilst the likely eleven starters
are decent enough, the bench is going to look thinner than the
suspiciously-shaped turkey that they'll be serving us here at the rest home.
Last week proved (again) that there are guts in our squad and we'll need
those qualities to see us through the holiday period to when we can look
forward to possibly seeing the return of one or two players. My instinct
therefore is to place the proceeds of the Avram Grant Rest Home For The
Bewildered collection to buy the spotty work experience Herbert a tube of
acne cream (£2.50) on a wager with Mr Winstone for the match to end up as a
1-1 draw.
Enjoy the game and merry Christmas!
When last we met at the Boleyn: Drew 1-1 (December 2010). An own goal from
Hibbert that Upton Girlie still claims belongs to the brass-botherer Kovac
was cancelled out by Coleman. Declared open season on Tomkins as a
succession of visiting players left the defender flattened on the ground.
Our match report notes an inability to beat the first man at corners. We've
had two years to sort that issue out….
Referee: Anthony Taylor. Last seen handling the 3-0 win over Fulham in
August. A relative newcomer to the Select Group he hasn't yet succumbed to
the Dean Syndrome of believing that we've all come to watch him.
Danger Man: Nickica Jelavic. There's a long tradition of players that we
were interested in but never signed turning up to bite us on the backside.
Here's another potential member of that club.
Daft Fact Of The Week: The mother of one of KUMB.com's moderators used to
work as a waitress in a posh restaurant in Hampshire which was often used by
former Everton hero Alan Ball when he was manager at Pompey. The mod's Mum –
who has never really kept up to date with football – was clearing away the
coffee cups and asked the diminutive late World Cup winner "do I know you
from somewhere?" Ball smiled patiently and informed the waitress that he was
a former professional footballer. "That's it!" exclaimed the waitress
"You're Bobby Charlton!"
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Christmas Carrolls or tight Spenders?
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 21st December 2012
By: Jason Eves
With Big Sam openly admitting we need a few fresh faces in the wake of the
upcoming transfer window, January could make or break of our season.
With our form suffering blips through the loss of up to seven players, we
are unenviably third in the Premier League physio room table trailing behind
the other stuttering campaigns of constant relegation battlers Wigan and
once resurgent powerhouses Newcastle.
With the owners remaining tight-lipped over our transfer funds for this
January window, possibly tactically to keep the cards close to their chest,
it's hard to tell whether we will splash the cash as we did over the summer
or whether we will wheel and deal.
Of course the constant press speculation will carry on long into the new
year. It's great drumming up speculation for the adoring fans of our club,
but there will always be pessimism (and maybe realism too) that we aren't
always going to sign our top targets.
I believe the biggest signing we can pull off this January is handing
Mohamed Diamé a bumper deal for his efforts this season. Recent speculation
suggested he has a release clause in his contract - something that led
several clubs to take notice - so the sooner he signs, the less concern for
Big Sam. It's said that talks are under way.
With Andy Carroll (again) struggling with injury, we need an established
striker to keep the in-form Carlton Cole on his heels. I've been sceptical
of Cole's ability in past years, but we now have some decent competition for
the coveted striker's role and he has stepped up to the mark with some
inspiring performances.
Cole's contract is up this summer, and with no news of contract talks on the
horizon should we cash in on Carlton while he's on form - or risk losing him
for free?
I believe Big Sam may also be tiring of Andy Carroll being constantly
wrapped in cotton wool, although he's an influential player when he plays.
For the wage he is picking up, I hope he can put in some more worthy
performances but with Liverpool inserting a recall clause which can be
activated in January, we could be seeing a premature end of Carroll's West
Ham career.
Time will tell if he is worthy of his £17million clause; a full season's
assessment of his ability and, more importantly, fitness under the tutelage
of Big Sam will allow the board to make a better judgement on parting with
such a large sum for him.
The return of Yossi Benayoun, another loan signing over the summer has so
far failed to live up to expectation. Being frozen out of the starting
line-ups during his time at Liverpool and Chelsea has clearly affected his
confidence and ability. Again, for the pay packet he is picking up, surely
I'm not alone in saying we should be expecting more from a player of his
ability.
Jack Collison's slow but steady return from injury should hasten the
departure of Benayoun, and also sway Sam from investing further in our most
congested part of the field. Having Jack put in some heart-on-sleeve
performances during our Championship run-in could have dealt some long term
repercussions to his health. With admissions that he may never fully
recover, again only time will tell on Jack's health, but it would be a shame
to lose a player with such promise.
With our youth setup recently awarded Category One status, we may not need
to invest so heavily for new players in the over-priced January market, with
a number of youth players making the subs bench for recent games. This is
either because our squad has been left so threadbare through injuries, or
because Allardyce reckons they are ready to be blooded into the first team.
We have an aspiring upcoming defender in Jordan Spence, who has skippered
England's youth set-up at various competitions. At the age of 22, with
various loan stints under his belt, if we suffer any injury setbacks to our
established defenders I believe Jordan should be given the chance to show
his worth and stake a claim for a place in the first team.
And with various youth players farmed out to continue their football
education elsewhere, I would like to hope we will continue our philosophy of
bringing our Academy players into our first team; hot prospects such as
upcoming goalkeeper Stephen Henderson, U21 International Danny Potts,
England U19 striker Robert Hall and Ravel Morrison being loaned to Ipswich,
Colchester and Birmingham respectively.
The January transfer window could make for a quick fix for West Ham in the
second half of our campaign and I believe Big Sam will work his magic on
whatever budget he has been handed by the board. He has an uncanny ability
of resurrecting players' careers (look at his record with Bolton as proof),
with the Bosman market surely to provide some interesting players that would
have previously been unavailable.
With a few cover players brought in, we can steady the ship and enjoy a
great second half to the season. I believe the future is looking bright, and
we have every reason to be feeling positive going into the new year.
In West Ham I trust.
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Everton travel to West Ham looking to continue top-four push
Last Updated: December 21, 2012 11:19am
SSN
Everton will look to continue their push for a top-four spot when they
travel to West Ham on Saturday. The Toffees have lost just twice this
season but nine draws have hampered their progress and David Moyes knows his
team's away form must improve if they are to challenge at the top. Everton
are on a run of six without a win away from Goodison Park and will be eager
to put that right with three points at Upton Park. But West Ham have saved
their best performances for their own supporters, winning four games and
losing just twice. One of those defeats came last time out against Everton's
city neighbours Liverpool as a second-half turnaround scuppered the Hammers'
hopes. Sam Allardyce will be anxious to avoid a repeat of that showing and a
victory will lift his side back into the top half of the Premier League and
within a point of the visitors.
West Ham
Last 6
0-0
2-3
3-1
1-0
3-1
1-1
West Ham welcome midfielder Jack Collison back into their squad for their
clash with Everton. Collison has not featured for the Hammers since last
season's play-off final but is back in action after recovering from a
serious knee injury. The return of the Wales international provides a
much-needed boost for Sam Allardyce as the Hammers boss is having to deal
with a lengthy injury list. Mohamed Diame (hamstring), Ricardo Vaz Te
(shoulder) and Alou Diarra (thigh) are all missing, while Andy Carroll and
Yossi Benayoun remain out with knee problems.
Everton
Last 6
1-1
2-1
1-1
1-1
1-1
2-1
Marouane Fellaini is unavailable for Everton as he serves the first of a
three-game suspension. The Belgium international was handed a ban by the
Football Association for his headbutt on Stoke's Ryan Shawcross last
weekend. Phil Neville is also out with a knee injury so there could be an
opportunity for Germany international Thomas Hitzlsperger against his former
club. And there remain doubts over Tony Hibbert and Kevin Mirallas who are
struggling with calf and hamstring injuries respectively.
Opta Facts
West Ham have won none of the last eight Premier League games against
Everton (W0 D4 L4), drawing the last three in a row.
Everton have scored in each of their last 14 Premier League games; the
longest-such run seen in the competition this season.
However, Everton have also conceded in their last 12 Premier League games -
no side are currently on such a long run.
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Colchester extend Potts loan
Last Updated: December 21, 2012 6:14pm
SSN
Colchester have extended the loan of defender Dan Potts from Premier League
outfit West Ham for a further month. Potts joined the U's from the Hammers
towards the end of November and will now remain with the League One club
until January 27 2013. Potts has made three appearances for Joe Dunne's side
and the extension means he will be available for another eight matches. The
first of those fixtures is the away game at Walsall on Saturday and he has
been included in the travelling party.
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Neil McDonald reveals Nikica Jelavic rejected West Ham before Everton move
Last Updated: December 21, 2012 2:45pm
SSN
West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald is hoping Everton striker Nikica
Jelavic will not show the Hammers what they missed out on. The Croatia
international rejected the advances of the Hammers in favour of a switch to
Goodison Park when he left Rangers at the end of January. And the Toffees
have had a great return for the reported £5million fee they paid for the
27-year-old, who has since netted 17 goals for the Merseysiders. McDonald
said: "There was a definite interest there and we did speak to him.
Obviously he went to Everton and scored goals and proved he can play in the
Premier League. "When we saw him at Rangers we thought he could score goals
in the Premier League and he's proved that. That's Everton's gain."
McDonald admits it was hard to take on a missing out on a player like
Jelavic, but his rejection at least allowed the Hammers to bring in Andy
Carroll on loan from Liverpool. He said: "You are always disappointed when
you don't get players who come into the Premier League and do well but we
got Andy Carroll so there is a little bit of a pay-off there. "We are
pleased with Andy's contribution so far, even though he has got injured. If
you don't get one (target) you try and get another."
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Marseille insist they have no plans to sell Newcastle target Loic Remy
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
December 21, 2012 4:40pm
SSN
Marseille president Vincent Labrune has cooled talk linking Loic Remy with a
possible move to the Premier League. Newcastle are reported to be leading
the chase to sign the French international when the transfer window reopens
next month with Queens Park Rangers and West Ham also credited with an
interest.
The Magpies are thought to be drawing up a list of striking targets in case
Demba Ba leaves and Remy is thought to figure highly on it. Remy has
struggled to hold down a regular place in the Marseille side this season,
but Labrune insists he is not actively trying to sell the 25-year-old. "I'm
not looking for a way out for Loic," Labrune told Le Parisien. "I like him,
and I know his potential." Labrune claims Marseille are under no pressure to
sell Remy and that they are actually looking to bring in new faces rather
than lose anyone in January. "Our finances are healthy," added Labrune. "I
don't have to sell this winter, we're rather in a position to buy one or two
players to help continue the best start to a season the club has made in
nearly 20 years."
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Coll ready to roll for Hammers
By MATT PARKER
Published: 21st December 2012
The SUn
WEST HAM boss Sam Allardyce will rush Jack Collison back into the first team
today in a bid to ease their injury crisis. The midfield ace, 24, has been
out crocked since the Championship play-off final against Blackpool in May
with a long-term knee problem that will need to be carefully managed for the
rest of his career. But he completed his latest comeback by playing 45
minutes for the development squad against Norwich this week and is in line
for an early recall against Everton. With Ricardo Vaz Te, George McCartney,
Alou Diarra, Yossi Benayoun, Andy Carroll and Mohamed Diame all out until
the New Year, Big Sam could only name six subs for the 0-0 draw at West Brom
last Sunday. And only two of those had Premier League experience. And with
that in mind, assistant manager Neil McDonald confirmed Collison is likely
to be on the bench for the clash at Upton Park despite wanting to ease him
back gently. He said: "Jack needs more games and time on the training pitch
but no doubt he'll come in to the squad as we need him. "We had one less sub
on Sunday so if he gets through training it wouldn't surprise me if he's on
the bench. "We have other players that could possibly come on but if we need
him we know he can come on for a short space of time and even if he's not
100 per cent match fit he'll put pressure on everyone else. "He's important
to us as he's a good player. He scores goals as well as creating them. "He
is a positive lad and wants to play. Yes, he's had problems before but in my
time here I've never heard one person say he should call it day. "He's
proved, with hard work and dedication, you can come back." The Hammers face
an Everton side who have gained many admirers under David Moyes. McDonald
added: "I think they are a model for any club."
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Karren Brady's football diary – so glad about 'Nuddy'
By KARREN BRADY
Last Updated: 22nd December 2012
The Sun
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15
JUST when it seemed the wicked art of headbutting had been whistled out of
the game, along comes Marouane Fellaini to show us it is alive and, well,
butting.
Everton manager David Moyes plays it exactly right. Many would have
delivered the Nelson 'I see no ships' card but Moyes comes clean and
immediately condemns the Belgian, whose later apology shouldn't save him
from Christmas in chains.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16
THE two priceless assets of any team are knowing how to win and knowing how
not to lose. West Ham have to employ defiance at The Hawthorns and, in a
way, I'm as proud of the goalless draw as I was in the defeat of Chelsea.
It's the result of training and coaching of a very high order. I take off my
Santa hat to our boys. You have only to check how many Chelsea and Spurs
have let in to see that preventing goals is not easy.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 17
TO my husband Paul's great relief, he takes a 6am call to hear that former
Blues winger Peter Ndlovu is off the danger list after a car crash in
Zimbabwe.
Paul room-shared with 'Nuddy' for four years and was in awe of his pulling
power. But sometimes his libido was bigger than his brain. Once a so-called
princess sitting on a fortune turned out to be a con-woman. The fortune she
was sitting on was Nuddy.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18
THERE is a lot of envy in the room at our Premier League funding meeting —
aimed mainly at Manchester City and Chelsea. They are the moneybags and
trying for a balanced agreement on players' wages and club sustainability is
like searching for one-size-fits-all on a knickers stall. Absolutely
impossible.
So we trundle along, ruing the power this gives to unscrupulous agents and
the difficulties in attempting to fit in with UEFA threats that might cost
one of us European competition. I fear Fulham's Mohamed Al-Fayed is correct
— ultimately, each of us is alone and must seek our own salvation. If the
League's chief executive Richard Scudamore can find one rule that suits
everyone, he deserves to find himself on the New Year's honours list!
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19
MARIO BALOTELLI withdraws his appeal against a £340,000 fine for his poor
disciplinary record last season. I hope his case was better than that of a
player who once took me to a tribunal on the basis he didn't think he should
have to pay the fine because he hadn't read the terms of his contract.
Needless to say he lost. The Manchester City striker seems to have decided
he didn't want to damage his relationship with the club, although it comes
as a surprise to some that he still had one. With three red cards last
season and the continuing reputation of a five-year-old boy with a short
attention span, Balotelli has now lost an awful lot of cash he could have
used on fireworks and a train set.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20
TWO Premier League CEOs and I go for lunch to reminisce about the era when
agents did not have control of the game. Two of us remember the 1990s — a
time when you did not need permission from the agent to have a meeting with
your own player. We all hope that one day soon the players will work out
that some agents are only worried about providing for their own families to
be bothered about the players. After lunch they ask me to help with their
Christmas shopping. One is buying for his wife and the other his girlfriend.
Girlfriends get twice as much spent on them as wives! The bad news later is
that our televised Boxing Day game against Arsenal is postponed because of a
tube strike.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21
YOU can bet Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, next door to Paul Lambert on the
Anfield touchline last Saturday, was coveting his neighbour's striker. And I
dare say he may be feeling a little that way about Dimitar Berbatov when
Fulham visit this weekend. It seems that every day we hear of Rodgers' hunt
through the highways and byways of football to find a lively front-man —
Daniel Sturridge and Theo Walcott to name but two. It's also a total
coincidence that the managers appointed to change the style of Liverpool and
Villa, two of England's most famous clubs, at minimum cost have left a total
of £60million worth of strikers in the refrigerator.
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Hello stranger! Forgotten man Jack Collison is back to solve West Ham's
injury crisis
The Mirror
21 Dec 2012 22:29
Ian Walton
Forgotten man Jack Collison is back from his career threatening injury and
ready to solve West Ham's injury crisis - but only once he has introduced
himself to his team-mates again. The Wales international, still just 24, has
a long-standing knee problem, similar to the one which forced Ledley King
into early retirement. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce revealed his career would
never be the same again and like King and Paul McGrath before him, he is
unable to train properly in the build-up to a big game. But West Ham have
worked out how to manage him properly and, after 45 minutes for the reserves
on Monday, Collison is set for his first involvement of the season with a
place on the bench for Saturday's visit of Everton to Upton Park. Hammers
assistant Neil McDonald said: "We had one less substitute on Sunday against
West Brom so it wouldn't surprise me if he makes the bench. "We have other
players that could possibly come on but if we need him we know he can come
on for a short space of time. He needs more game time and more time on the
raining pitch but no doubt he will come in to the squad because with the
injuries we need him."
Collison's presence on the training pitch at Chadwell Heath has been so rare
that his West Ham team-mates have pretended not to recognise him. But
McDonald reckons the midfielder's timely comeback will provide the entire
squad a healthy dose of festive cheer. "When you have a long-term injury you
spend a lot of time in the gym and with the physio," said McDonald. "But it
has given the rest of the squad a boost to have him back. "The lads have
been jibbing him, saying 'is this is a new player? Nice to meet you!' "He is
a very positive lad and he wants to play football. Yes, he's had problems
before but in my time here I've never heard one person say he should call it
a day. "We don't train him every day. We have to manage his knee to make
sure he is available for games. He's proved that with a little bit of hard
work and dedication you can come back, and hopefully he'll be the same
player he was before."
The news will come as an early Christmas present for Big Sam, whose squad
has been crippled by injuries this month. Fellow central midfielders Mohamed
Diame and Alou Diarra are both ruled out while on-loan striker Andy Carroll
is not expected to return until February. Allardyce described Collison as
his 'forgotten man' earlier this season, but McDonald is backing the
Welshman to remind everyone of his quality once he returns. The midfielder
was instrumental in West Ham's promotion from the Championship last season,
scoring both goals against Cardiff in their 2-0 play-off semi-final first
leg victory. He then played 90 minutes in their 2-1 win over Blackpool in
the Wembley final - his last appearance for the Hammers. Big Sam's No.2
added: "He's in a good place himself, he's full of confidence with his knee.
We look forward to having him back in the fold, even if he isn't match fit.
"He is important to us because he's a good player. He contributed to getting
us promoted last year. He scores goals as well as creating them and that's
what we need, especially in this league. "For someone of his experience,
even though he's a young lad, with all the games he's played at every level,
international level as well, it's good to have him back. Even if he's not
100% match fit he'll put pressure on everyone else. And if we do need him
for a short space of time he'll be able to come on no problem."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
All the stats, news and background information ahead of Saturday's match
against Everton at the Boleyn Ground
21.12.2012
WEST HAM UNITED v EVERTON
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
SATURDAY 22 DECEMBER 2012
KICK-OFF: 3PM
REFEREE: ANTHONY TAYLOR
FULL AUDIO AND TEXT COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV
Introduction
• Alou Diarra has returned to full training after recovering from a thigh
injury suffered in training.
• Momo Diame will be missing after picking up a hamstring injury in the 3-2
loss to Liverpool.
• George McCartney will also be absent after picking up a knee injury in
training.
• Andy Carroll (knee) and Ricardo Vaz Te (shoulder) are both making good
progress but are still some weeks from making a return.
Everton
• Captain Phil Neville will not feature after being ruled out for two months
following an operation on his knee. Full-back Tony Hibbert is also out after
undergoing calf surgery.
• Marouane Fellaini is unavailable after being banned by the FA for three
matches after headbutting Stoke City's Ryan Shawcross last weekend.
• Ross Barkley, who played in the Development Squad's 5-1 win over Everton
earlier this season, has been recalled from his loan at Sheffield Wednesday
and is likely to be on the bench.
• Former Hammers midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger was on the bench for
Everton's 1-1 draw against Stoke City last weekend and could potentially
feature.
Background
• West Ham United and Everton have met 104 times in league matches. Everton
have won 51 times, West Ham have won 32 and there have been 21 draws.
Overall, the two clubs have met 124 times, with Everton winning 61, West Ham
36 and there being 27 draws.
• The Toffees are unbeaten in nine matches against their hosts, including
the last eight Premier League meetings. Everton have won 16 of the 32
Premier League meetings between the two, while West Ham United have won just
six. However, the most-recent three league games have ended in draws.
• The first-ever meeting between West Ham United and Everton was an FA Cup
second-round tie played on 2 February 1907. Harry Stapley scored for the
Hammers, who were then a Southern League side, but the Division One Toffees
ran out 2-1 winners through goals from Jimmy Settle and Jack Sharp. Everton
would go on to reach the final, losing 2-1 to The Wednesday at Crystal
Palace.
• West Ham United and Everton have met twice at the FA Cup semi-final stage,
with each club winning through once on their way to lifting the trophy at
Wembley. The Toffees scored a 2-1 victory at Molineux on 18 March 1933, when
Vic Watson's goal was cancelled out by Ted Critchley and James Dunn, before
beating Manchester City 3-0 at Wembley. The Division Two Hammers gained
their revenge on 16 April 1980, when Frank Lampard and Alan Devonshire
scored in a 2-1 replay victory at Elland Road. West Ham went on to beat
Arsenal 1-0 in the final.
• West Ham United have never scored more than four goals in a game against
Everton - achieving that feat on six occasions. The Hammers' biggest home
victor over the Toffees was a 4-0 Division One success on 11 February 1961,
when Harry Obeney scored twice and John Dick and Malcolm Musgrove once each.
• Vivian Gibbins scored a hat-trick in a 4-0 Division One win at Goodison
Park on 10 April 1929, while Jimmy Ruffell repeated the feat in a 4-2 home
Division One victory on 5 December 1931 - they remain the only two trebles
netted by West Ham United players against Everton.
• Everton's biggest victory at the Boleyn Ground came on 26 February 2000,
when the Toffees scored a 4-0 Premier League win. Nick Barmby scored a
hat-trick and American Joe-Max Moore added a fourth.
• Winston Reid scored past Everton goalkeeper Jan Mucha at the 2010 FIFA
World Cup when his last-minute header secured New Zealand a 1-1 group-stage
draw with Slovakia at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.
• Mohamed Diame lined up alongside Everton winger Magaye Gueye at the London
2012 Olympic Games, where the pair helped Senegal to reach the
quarter-finals
Last time out
Sunday 16 December 2012
Barclays Premier League
West Bromwich Albion 0-0 West Ham United
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Reid, O'Brien, Collins, Demel (Tomkins 81),
Nolan, Jarvis (Maiga 76), Taylor, Noble, O'Neil, Cole.
Subs not used: Spiegel, Spence, Moncur Lletget
Saturday 15 December 2012
Barclays Premier League
Stoke City 1-1 Everton
Everton: Howard, Baines, Jagielka, Distin, Coleman, Gibson, Osman, Pienaar,
Fellaini, Jelavic, Naismith (Barkley 70).
Subs not used: Mucha, Heitinga, Duffy, Oviedo, Hitzlsperger, Vellios.
Goals: Shawcross og 36.
Previous meeting
Everton and West Ham United drew 2-2 at Goodison Park in the Premier League
on 22 January 2011. Marouane Fellaini scored in added time to rescue a point
for Everton after an 84th-minute strike from Frederic Piquionne looked to
have sealed victory for West Ham United. Jonathan Spector opened the scoring
after 26 minutes before Diniyar Bilyaletdinov smashed home with 13 minutes
remaining. Piquionne put the Hammers ahead soon after heading in from Wayne
Bridge's cross but the forward was dismissed moments after for his
over-exuberant celebration. It was not to be though as Fellaini collected
Jack Rodwell's flick before turning and firing past Rob Green from 10-yards
to end the game 2-2.
Everton: Howard, Heitinga, Baines, Coleman, Distin, Neville (Rodwell 86),
Fellaini , Osman, Arteta, Anichebe (Bilyaletdinov 69), Beckford (Saha 45)
West Ham United: Green, Tomkins, Spector, Faubert, Bridge, Parker, Boa
Morte, Noble, Hines (Sears 81, Reid 90), Piquionne
Last six meetings (Premier League unless stated)
22 January 2011 - Everton 2-2 West Ham United
28 December 2010 - West Ham United 1-1 Everton
4 April 2010 - Everton 2-2 West Ham United
8 November 2009 - West Ham United 1-2 Everton
16 May 2009 - Everton 3-1 West Ham United
8 November 2008 - West Ham United 1-3 Everton
Overall record v Everton (all competitions) W 36 D 27 L 61
Ten-year records
West Ham United
2011/12 Championship 3rd (86 points - promoted via Play-Offs)
2010/11 Premier League 20th (33 points - relegated to Championship)
2009/10 Premier League 17th (35 points)
2008/09 Premier League 9th (51 points)
2007/08 Premier League 10th (49 points)
2006/07 Premier League 15th (41 points)
2005/06 Premier League 9th (55 points)
2004/05 Championship 6th (73 points - promoted via play-offs)
2003/04 Championship 4th (74 points)
2002/03 Premier League 18th (42 points - relegated to Championship)
Everton
2011/12 Premier League 7th (56 points)
2010/11 Premier League 7th (54 points)
2009/10 Premier League 8th (61 points)
2008/09 Premier League 5th (63 points)
2007/08 Premier League 5th (65 points)
2006/07 Premier League 6th (58 points)
2005/06 Premier League 11th (50 points)
2004/05 Premier League 4th (61 points)
2003/04 Premier League 17th (39 points)
2002/03 Premier League 7th (59 points)
Referee
• Saturday's referee will be Anthony Taylor.
• Taylor is in his third season on the Select Group of referees appointed to
control Barclays Premier League fixtures.
• The Greater Manchester-born official started refereeing in the Northern
Premier League in 2002 before being appointed to the Football League list at
the start of the 2006/07 season, refereeing his match between Wrexham and
Peterborough United in League Two on 12 August 2006.
• Taylor's first Premier League appointment was the 3 February 2010
encounter between today's visitors Fulham and former West Ham United manager
Avram Grant's Portsmouth, with the Cottagers winning 1-0.
• Taylor has taken charge of one West Ham United game this season, the 3-0
win over Fulham in September, and was the fourth official in the 0-0 draw
against Norwich City at Carrow Road.
• The 33-year-old took charge of the Hammers' final Barclays Premier League
fixture before they were relegated to the npower Championship in May 2011
when Sunderland secured a 3-0 win at the Boleyn Ground.
• When asked in an interview what his favourite match that he has refereed
was, he named British Gas Business Southern League Midland Division side
Chasetown's victory over Port Vale in the FA Cup second round in December
2007.
• Taylor will be assisted by Gary Beswick and Simon Long, Andy D'Urso is the
fourth official.
Old boys
• Everton midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger spent the 2010/11 season at the
Boleyn Ground joining the club in June 2010. Injury hampered his spell at
the club and he did not make his debut until February 2011 when he played in
the FA Cup fifth round against Burnley. He made his league debut in a 3-1
win over Liverpool and he scored his first goal in a 3-0 win over Stoke City
on 5 March 2011.
• Among the players who have represented both clubs are Niclas
Alexandersson, Ray Atteveld, Slaven Bilic, Ian Bishop, Joe Blythe, David
Burrows, Tony Cottee, Charlie Crossley, George Eccles, William Kelly, George
Kitchen, Alex McCartney, Lucas Neill, John Russell, David Unsworth, Mark
Ward, William Wildman, Danny Williamson and Richard Wright.
General information
• Tickets are now SOLD OUT.
• Saturday's weather forecast at the Boleyn Ground is for light rain with
maximum temperatures reaching 10C (50F).
• West Ham United host Everton in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday as
they look to get back to winning ways following last weekend's 0-0 draw away
at West Bromwich Albion.
• Just four points separate the two sides in the Barclays Premier League
table, with the Toffees in sixth on 27 points and the Hammers in eleventh on
23 points. A win for the Toffees could see them end the day in third place
if other results go in their favour, while West Ham United could rise as
high as eighth if Norwich City, Stoke City and Swansea City all fail to win.
• Both sides have had mixed fortunes during December, Everton started with a
1-1 draw against champions Manchester City before beating Tottenham Hotspur
2-1 at home and drawing 1-1 at Stoke City. The Hammers started well too
beating Chelsea 3-1 before narrowly losing out 3-2 to Liverpool and drawing
0-0 at West Bromwich Albion.
• West Ham United's match with Everton is one of eight games in the Barclays
Premier League this Saturday, the rest are as follows (kick-off 3pm unless
stated): Liverpool v Fulham (5.30pm), Manchester City v Reading, Newcastle
United v QPR, Southampton v Sunderland, Tottenham Hotspur v Stoke City, West
Bromwich Albion v Norwich City, Wigan Athletic v Arsenal (12.45pm).
Team news
West Ham United
• Jack Collison made his return to action in the Development Squad's 3-1
defeat against Norwich City on Monday and is likely to be in the squad.
Collison has been nursing a knee problem and has not featured for the first
team since last season's npower Championship Play-Off final.
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Ginge relishing Toffees test
WHUFC.com
James Collins is looking forward to a big battle with Everton in Saturday's
Barclays Premier League fixture
21.12.2012
James Collins wants to help West Ham United get in the festive mood by
achieving a positive result against Everton on Saturday. The Wales
international defender admitted that the Toffees will be no pushovers.
However, Collins believes the Hammers will take the solid defensive display
they put on at West Bromwich Albion last weekend into this weekend's
Barclays Premier League fixture. Everton have lost just two of their 17
league matches and are on a five-match unbeaten run, but have drawn four of
those games. Meanwhile, West Ham have lost just two of their nine home
league matches and just three of 22 home league fixtures in 2012. "Everton
are well organised and have had a good season so far," said the No19. "Over
the years they have been a team that has started off slowly and then got
better as the season has gone on, but this year they have started off well,
made some good signings in the summer and had their players ticking from
the kick-off. One positive for West Ham and Collins in particular is the
absence of the suspended Belgium international Marouane Fellaini, who starts
a three-match ban on Saturday. However, the centre-back said the Hammers
will not be able to relax, even if Everton's biggest threat will not be on
the pitch. "Fellaini is a handful so it is good he is not playing, but I am
sure they will have someone who is just as much of a handful as he is to
take his place against us. So, we will have to be on our toes. "We are
expecting a tough game, but if we can defend like we know we can and
certainly how we did last Sunday and get something at the other end, then
hopefully we can get three points. That is the aim."
Collins is in fine form and enjoying being part of a West Ham defence that
has kept six clean sheets in the league and conceded just 20 goals in 17
matches. The big Welshman is also relishing playing alongside both Winston
Reid and James Tomkins. "I have played with some of the best centre halves
over the years. In my first season here I partnered Danny Gabbidon whom I
had also played with at Cardiff. Then I went to Aston Villa and played
alongside Richard Dunne. Since returning here, I have played mostly with
Winston and there is also Tonks [James Tomkins] and I have to put them in
the same bracket.
"I think Winston has been great. I watched a lot of the games in the
Championship last season and Reidy and Tonks were superb together.
Fortunately for me, I have come in and been able to get into the team. I
don't think Winston has had a bad game, really. He's solid and really
consistent and it is quite easy to play alongside him. "He is a strong and
commanding character and has presence on the pitch makes my job easier.
Partnerships can take time but he has international experience as well,
which helps. He is still young even though the way he plays makes him seem
older. I knew a lot of the boys when I returned from before, but not
Winston. Since I have arrived, he has been great with me on and off the
pitch, so all credit to him. If he can carry on the way he is playing, he
will have a terrific season and that can only be good for West Ham."
Although the Boxing Day fixture away to Arsenal has been postponed, there is
still a busy match schedule coming up. Following the visit of Everton is a
trip to Reading on 29 December and the New Year's Day home match with
Norwich City. One player who could play his part in those games is Jack
Collison, who has recently returned to action following a long-term knee
problem. Collins said his compatriot's presence would boost the Hammers over
the festive period. "Hopefully we will have the injured lads back sooner
than later. It has been frustrating for Jack. A lot of people won't know the
extent of the work he has been doing around the place to get back playing,
so it is massive news to see him back and he is such a terrific lad on and
off the field. It is vital for us if we can keep him fit."
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West Ham v Everton
KO 15:00
21 December 2012
Last updated at 10:57
By Steve Wilson
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 22 December
LINEUP, BOOKINGS (0) & SUBSTITUTIONS (0)
TEAM NEWS
Jack Collison is in the West Ham squad for the first time this season after
a serious knee injury. Fellow midfielder Yossi Benayoun has a knee problem
and is unlikely to be fit enough to play.
Everton will be without top scorer Marouane Fellaini, who begins a
three-match suspension. Phil Neville has recovered quicker than expected
from a knee injury but this weekend is likely to be too soon for his return.
MATCH PREVIEW
West Ham may have found wins tough to find recently, but they can be
reasonably satisfied with how they have dealt with a really tricky run of
fixtures: nine points from eight games against Manchester City, Newcastle,
Stoke, Spurs, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and West Brom is not too
bad at all - even if they have slipped from a heady sixth to a more
realistic 11th. Sam Allardyce deserves credit for getting the best out of an
achingly average squad, one touched by only a few sprinkles of real
stardust. He has also been helped by the distinctly patchy quality of most
of the teams around the middle reaches of the Premier League. There isn't a
club in the top half of the Championship that should be intimidated by
promotion and the prospect of rubbing shoulders with most of the top flight.
Everton, however, are a cut above; tenacious, quick, intelligent and
skilful, it's been some considerable time since they had such a good team at
Goodison Park. Unfortunately for David Moyes, Everton will not be at full
strength at West Ham. Marouane Fellaini's suspension is bad news, with Kevin
Mirallas and probably Phil Neville already sidelined. Fellaini has been
brilliant this season, and the prospect of him and Mohamed Diame coming face
to face would have had them strengthening the foundations of Upton Park to
cope with the shockwaves of the impact. Everton's loss is West Ham's gain.
Everton have lost only two of their last 26 Premier League games, drawing 13
of those matches. I would not be surprised if this is another to add to that
list.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
The last three meetings between these teams have ended in a draw.
Everton are unbeaten in their last nine games in all competitions against
West Ham. They are unbeaten on their last four league visits to Upton Park,
winning on three of those occasions.
The Toffees' 4-0 win at West Ham in February 2000 remains their biggest
Premier League away win.
West Ham
West Ham have won just one of their last four home league games (W1, D2, L1)
- but they did beat Chelsea and hold Manchester City to a draw at Upton
Park.
Only four teams have conceded fewer than the 20 goals let in by The Hammers
in the league this season. They have kept six clean sheets.
So far in 2012-13, West Ham have won just one of their nine games against
clubs in the top half of the table (W1, D4, L4).
The Hammers are the only top-flight team not to have conceded a headed goal
in this league campaign.
Everton
Everton have lost just twice in the league this season - only Manchester
City have suffered fewer defeats.
David Moyes's side have drawn nine of their last 13 Premier League away
games and five of the last six (D5, L1).
The Toffees have conceded the first goal nine times in this season's top
flight, but on only one of those occasions have they gone on to lose the
match.
They have conceded in their last 12 league matches - their longest run
without a clean sheet in three years since a 12-match streak from October to
December 2009. They have not gone 13 without a clean sheet since a Premier
League club record 14-match streak from April to October 2008.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United v Everton
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 21st December 2012
By: Preview Percy
Next up we have Everton who visit the Boleyn for a 3pm kick-off on Saturday.
Unless of course certain predictions in the Mayan calendar turn out to be
true. In which case kick-off might be delayed a bit. TfL have declared a
Christmas truce on engineering works on the tube so apart from a few bits of
the DLR here and there your journey by tube should be plain sailing.
The less arrogant half of Merseyside arrive in unusual circumstances. Over
the past few years it has been the tradition for them to start the season
slowly before picking up points and moving up the table. This season,
however, they have reversed their usual policy and have started well.
Following Arsenal's win on Monday night, they currently lie in sixth spot
with 27 points from 17 games. That's four points and five places above us as
things stand.
Recent form has been a bit mixed, admittedly. They've won just the one of
their last six – a highly amusing 2-1 victory over Tottenham in a match in
which they were 1-0 down as the clock turned 90. They've only lost the one
in that period, a 2-1 reverse at Reading in mid-November. The rest, you will
have worked out, ended up in draws. All of these ended up 1-1, the opponents
being Norwich and Arsenal at home and Man City and Stoke away.
The Stoke away fixture provided much to talk about, with the Belgian
Marouane Fellaini garnering most of the headlines over his contretemps with
Ryan Shawcross. I do have a tiniest thread of sympathy for Fellaini, given
that his opponents last weekend constantly and openly flout both the laws
and the spirit of the game. There can be few outside the Potteries who
haven't wanted to exact some sort of retribution on the likes of Shawcross
and Huth so one can understand the loss of discipline if not actually going
so far as to condone it.
It was quite refreshing also to hear David Moyes' comments on the subject.
Most managers asked about such an incident would either fudge the question
("I'm not going to comment on that – we'll deal with that internally") or,
if you're Arsene Wenger, just lie (I didn't see the incident that you have
video of me looking straight at"). So Moyes' comments that such actions are
unacceptable and that he had told the player so are a welcome change from
the usual rubbish.
I feel less impressed by the "apology" attributed to Fellaini himself mind –
that had all the hallmarks of "it's a fair cop guv" being released in the
hope that any retrospective action taken by the authorities might somehow be
mitigated by such a plea. As it happens, the three match ban that will keep
him out of this match is the minimum that he might have expected.
Looking at those who will be playing, Tim Howard will be their custodian of
the onion bag. Howard originally arrived from Man Utd on loan – and,
although the rules back then allowed players to play against their parent
cubs, Man Utd enforced a so-called "gentlemen's agreement" to ensure their
employee didn't play against them. His replacement had a poor game, which
Man Utd won.
Once the Premier League's kangaroo court had fined us for transgressing the
rules on third party influence it was pointed out that the Howard
arrangement was an actual (rather than theoretical) breach of the same
rules. Rather than hit Man Utd with the same punishment the authorities came
up with a "gentlemen's agreements don't count" fudge, which meant that they
didn't have to consider awarding the title to runners-up Chelsea. They
quickly followed this up with an amendment to the rules to prevent them
being caught in the embarrassing position of having to punish Man Utd again.
Howard famously suffers from Tourette's syndrome. Popular mythology would
have us believe that Tourette's sufferers pepper every conversation with
expletives though the truth is that happens in only the more extreme of
cases. Arse. Howard scored with a wind-assisted clearance against Bolton
last season though he refused to celebrate out of sympathy for Bogdan, his
opposite number. Not over the goal, more over the brightly red-haired
'keeper being forced to wear a pink shirt.
Left back Leighton Baines is one who is having a fine season. He's unlucky
to not have more caps for his country, often being behind Ashley Cole in the
pecking order, Cole's selection often being made out of habit than for any
logical reason involving form. The usual skipper is Phil Neville but he's
got an injured fetlock or something that he picked up in the defeat to
Reading so those of you working on some sort of taunt involving the fact
that he's not as good as his not-particularly-talented brother can put your
biros away.
This week we are able to combine the usual Crimewatch award with the
"ex-Hammer" slot. Herr Thomas Hitzlsperger looked to be a promising signing
at the start of our last relegation season. He even came with a readymade
nickname of "Der Hammer". However, his understandable desire to throw
himself into West Ham United culture meant that he became the 4,763rd player
to pick up a serious injury before he'd kicked a ball for us in anger.
By the time he finally got fit he was too late to influence things. For our
final game of the relegation season, Kevin Keen's pitch as caretaker manager
for the full job included making Hitzlsperger captain for the Sunderland
match, a position that it was implied would be made permanent should Keen
get the job. The job went to Mr Allardyce and Der Hammer didn't stick around
long enough to be introduced.
Hitzlsperger's Crimewatch Award is awarded for the chutzpah shown in
mitigation whilst being sentenced for speeding at 107mph on the A14. In a
desperate attempt to avoid a ban, the player claimed that, since he was
unemployed, he would need to be able to continue to drive in order to find a
new club. It seems not to have occurred to anyone that a professional
footballer earning many thousands a week might just have enough change down
the back of the sofa for a cab.
Or, failing that, that the agent of a professional footballer earning a
percentage of many thousands a week might just have their own car in which
to give their meal ticket a lift. Hitzlsperger therefore ended up with a
£750 fine and six points on his licence. I would be intrigued to find out if
anyone else out there is unemployed and escaped a ban in similar
circumstances.
Elsewhere in midfield, in one of Roy Hodgson's stranger moves, midfielder
Leon Osman gained his first cap in the recent England friendly in Sweden. A
steady performer, one can't nevertheless help but wonder about the thought
process that went into awarding a cap to a 31-year-old who is unlikely to
add too many to that total. Still his selection did mean that Mark Noble did
avoid injury from a non-competitive match, though I'd wager he'd have
preferred to have got his first cap.
With his nine siblings, Osman has had a successful recording career over the
years, though he wasn't the one who wrote the seminal ecology-based
anti-pollution anthem "Crazy Horses". He did, however, come up with that
wailing synth sound, following an accident involving an experiment with an
elastic band, a nine volt battery and the neighbour's cat. Strangely, this
is an experiment I intend to replicate once I've caught up with the Avram
Grant Rest Home For The Bewildered spotty work experience Herbert that was
responsible for this week's research.
Top scorer at present is the absent Fellaini who has eight – all in the
league. Second on that list is Croatian striker Nikica Jelavic whos six
goals thus far have also all come in the league. Jelavic arrived in January
from Rangers who tried to spark up a bidding war between ourselves and the
Toffeemen.
Our interest in the player cooled when it appeared that Rangers were after
£8m for the player whilst the player himself didn't appear too keen to
moderate his salary demands, something that would have been required if he'd
come to the Boleyn. In the end Everton shelled out a reported £5m, which was
closer to what we wanted to pay, though presumably they were more able to
meet the player's wage demands. Jelavic is what you might call an
"uncomplicated" player which means Ginge could be in for a bit of fun.
The other main striker is sweaty Stephen Naismith. Naismith is also an
alumnus of Rangers where he played alongside Jelavic for a while. He's
currently involved in a legal battle with those involved in "New Rangers" (a
bit like "New Coke" in that it leaves a nasty taste in the mouth). When "Old
Rangers" went down the pan the player contracts were transferred to "New
Rangers". However the legal niceties of such a move are subject to question.
The player maintains that the descent into insolvency of "Old Rangers" meant
that the original contract became void, leaving him to be a free agent. "New
Rangers" beg to differ.
Gers fans are bitter about the whole affair pointing out that Naismith had
spent much of the two years immediately preceding his departure recovering
from a serious knee injury so he's probably more popular at Parkhead than he
is in the Ibrox area at the moment. Naismith is also deployed in midfield
from time to time and both he and another possible alternative for a
striking role, Victor Anichebe, have three for the season thus far.
Anichebe has been used sparingly this season having made just the six
appearances of which four were from the bench and he wasn't about for the
Stoke match last week. Though born in Nigeria, for whom he plays at
international level, he's been in Liverpool since the age of one and is a
product of the Everton youth system. He probably won't be looking forward to
a reunion with Kevin Nolan.
A frankly disgraceful tackle from our skipper whilst playing for Newcastle
in 2009 put Anichebe out of the game for a whole year with a severely
damaged cartilage in his right knee. Anichebe's contract at the time
included a whole bunch of stuff that was appearance-based and Newcastle
ended up settling out of court with the player for what was a reported
six-figure sum for potential loss of earnings. Although Nolan did apologise
at the time I think it's fair to say that it wasn't the skipper's finest
hour.
Having written all that, I'm now told by the Avram Grant Rest Home for the
Bewildered spotty work experience Herbert that Anichebe has a knackered
hamstring so at least he'll be spared the embarrassing handshake moment. His
absence means that it would be pointless of me to point out that he is the
Everton player to have made the most substitute appearances in the club's
history. So I won't.
Us? A good point last week under the circumstances I thought. Winston Reid
once more was outstanding – a performance that was all the more poignant
given the nightmare that was his previous visit to the Hawthorns a few years
ago.
Injury news is the same as ever though the appearance of Jack Collison in a
Development Squad match during the week suggests that there is a pinprick of
light beginning to develop at the end of that particular tunnel. Yossi was
last seen hanging around West London, there being no room at our own physio
complex though some sources reckon that he may be close to a return to the
squad.
We're looking at a few weeks for Diarra, Carroll and Vaz Te, though Diarra
is apparently "in full training" according to Mr Gold on that there twitter
thing the other day.That means that the team just about picks itself really
– and being at home we should be able to muster a full complement of seven
subs, even if one of them has to be a spotty work experience Herbert. In the
meantime I reckon Mr Allardyce is far from gutted that the Boxing Day trip
to Arsenal is off, giving the players a few more days of recovery.
This will be a tough one. Our record in recent years against Everton at the
Boleyn has not been the greatest – though it has to be said that there have
been a couple of cases of daylight robbery in that time, where they've
somehow picked up all three points when even a single point would have
flattered them.
They've drawn a lot lately, and, in some of those games, they ought to have
put the game to bed well before the opposition picked up an equaliser. We
have that bare bones thing going on and, whilst the likely eleven starters
are decent enough, the bench is going to look thinner than the
suspiciously-shaped turkey that they'll be serving us here at the rest home.
Last week proved (again) that there are guts in our squad and we'll need
those qualities to see us through the holiday period to when we can look
forward to possibly seeing the return of one or two players. My instinct
therefore is to place the proceeds of the Avram Grant Rest Home For The
Bewildered collection to buy the spotty work experience Herbert a tube of
acne cream (£2.50) on a wager with Mr Winstone for the match to end up as a
1-1 draw.
Enjoy the game and merry Christmas!
When last we met at the Boleyn: Drew 1-1 (December 2010). An own goal from
Hibbert that Upton Girlie still claims belongs to the brass-botherer Kovac
was cancelled out by Coleman. Declared open season on Tomkins as a
succession of visiting players left the defender flattened on the ground.
Our match report notes an inability to beat the first man at corners. We've
had two years to sort that issue out….
Referee: Anthony Taylor. Last seen handling the 3-0 win over Fulham in
August. A relative newcomer to the Select Group he hasn't yet succumbed to
the Dean Syndrome of believing that we've all come to watch him.
Danger Man: Nickica Jelavic. There's a long tradition of players that we
were interested in but never signed turning up to bite us on the backside.
Here's another potential member of that club.
Daft Fact Of The Week: The mother of one of KUMB.com's moderators used to
work as a waitress in a posh restaurant in Hampshire which was often used by
former Everton hero Alan Ball when he was manager at Pompey. The mod's Mum –
who has never really kept up to date with football – was clearing away the
coffee cups and asked the diminutive late World Cup winner "do I know you
from somewhere?" Ball smiled patiently and informed the waitress that he was
a former professional footballer. "That's it!" exclaimed the waitress
"You're Bobby Charlton!"
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Christmas Carrolls or tight Spenders?
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 21st December 2012
By: Jason Eves
With Big Sam openly admitting we need a few fresh faces in the wake of the
upcoming transfer window, January could make or break of our season.
With our form suffering blips through the loss of up to seven players, we
are unenviably third in the Premier League physio room table trailing behind
the other stuttering campaigns of constant relegation battlers Wigan and
once resurgent powerhouses Newcastle.
With the owners remaining tight-lipped over our transfer funds for this
January window, possibly tactically to keep the cards close to their chest,
it's hard to tell whether we will splash the cash as we did over the summer
or whether we will wheel and deal.
Of course the constant press speculation will carry on long into the new
year. It's great drumming up speculation for the adoring fans of our club,
but there will always be pessimism (and maybe realism too) that we aren't
always going to sign our top targets.
I believe the biggest signing we can pull off this January is handing
Mohamed Diamé a bumper deal for his efforts this season. Recent speculation
suggested he has a release clause in his contract - something that led
several clubs to take notice - so the sooner he signs, the less concern for
Big Sam. It's said that talks are under way.
With Andy Carroll (again) struggling with injury, we need an established
striker to keep the in-form Carlton Cole on his heels. I've been sceptical
of Cole's ability in past years, but we now have some decent competition for
the coveted striker's role and he has stepped up to the mark with some
inspiring performances.
Cole's contract is up this summer, and with no news of contract talks on the
horizon should we cash in on Carlton while he's on form - or risk losing him
for free?
I believe Big Sam may also be tiring of Andy Carroll being constantly
wrapped in cotton wool, although he's an influential player when he plays.
For the wage he is picking up, I hope he can put in some more worthy
performances but with Liverpool inserting a recall clause which can be
activated in January, we could be seeing a premature end of Carroll's West
Ham career.
Time will tell if he is worthy of his £17million clause; a full season's
assessment of his ability and, more importantly, fitness under the tutelage
of Big Sam will allow the board to make a better judgement on parting with
such a large sum for him.
The return of Yossi Benayoun, another loan signing over the summer has so
far failed to live up to expectation. Being frozen out of the starting
line-ups during his time at Liverpool and Chelsea has clearly affected his
confidence and ability. Again, for the pay packet he is picking up, surely
I'm not alone in saying we should be expecting more from a player of his
ability.
Jack Collison's slow but steady return from injury should hasten the
departure of Benayoun, and also sway Sam from investing further in our most
congested part of the field. Having Jack put in some heart-on-sleeve
performances during our Championship run-in could have dealt some long term
repercussions to his health. With admissions that he may never fully
recover, again only time will tell on Jack's health, but it would be a shame
to lose a player with such promise.
With our youth setup recently awarded Category One status, we may not need
to invest so heavily for new players in the over-priced January market, with
a number of youth players making the subs bench for recent games. This is
either because our squad has been left so threadbare through injuries, or
because Allardyce reckons they are ready to be blooded into the first team.
We have an aspiring upcoming defender in Jordan Spence, who has skippered
England's youth set-up at various competitions. At the age of 22, with
various loan stints under his belt, if we suffer any injury setbacks to our
established defenders I believe Jordan should be given the chance to show
his worth and stake a claim for a place in the first team.
And with various youth players farmed out to continue their football
education elsewhere, I would like to hope we will continue our philosophy of
bringing our Academy players into our first team; hot prospects such as
upcoming goalkeeper Stephen Henderson, U21 International Danny Potts,
England U19 striker Robert Hall and Ravel Morrison being loaned to Ipswich,
Colchester and Birmingham respectively.
The January transfer window could make for a quick fix for West Ham in the
second half of our campaign and I believe Big Sam will work his magic on
whatever budget he has been handed by the board. He has an uncanny ability
of resurrecting players' careers (look at his record with Bolton as proof),
with the Bosman market surely to provide some interesting players that would
have previously been unavailable.
With a few cover players brought in, we can steady the ship and enjoy a
great second half to the season. I believe the future is looking bright, and
we have every reason to be feeling positive going into the new year.
In West Ham I trust.
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Everton travel to West Ham looking to continue top-four push
Last Updated: December 21, 2012 11:19am
SSN
Everton will look to continue their push for a top-four spot when they
travel to West Ham on Saturday. The Toffees have lost just twice this
season but nine draws have hampered their progress and David Moyes knows his
team's away form must improve if they are to challenge at the top. Everton
are on a run of six without a win away from Goodison Park and will be eager
to put that right with three points at Upton Park. But West Ham have saved
their best performances for their own supporters, winning four games and
losing just twice. One of those defeats came last time out against Everton's
city neighbours Liverpool as a second-half turnaround scuppered the Hammers'
hopes. Sam Allardyce will be anxious to avoid a repeat of that showing and a
victory will lift his side back into the top half of the Premier League and
within a point of the visitors.
West Ham
Last 6
0-0
2-3
3-1
1-0
3-1
1-1
West Ham welcome midfielder Jack Collison back into their squad for their
clash with Everton. Collison has not featured for the Hammers since last
season's play-off final but is back in action after recovering from a
serious knee injury. The return of the Wales international provides a
much-needed boost for Sam Allardyce as the Hammers boss is having to deal
with a lengthy injury list. Mohamed Diame (hamstring), Ricardo Vaz Te
(shoulder) and Alou Diarra (thigh) are all missing, while Andy Carroll and
Yossi Benayoun remain out with knee problems.
Everton
Last 6
1-1
2-1
1-1
1-1
1-1
2-1
Marouane Fellaini is unavailable for Everton as he serves the first of a
three-game suspension. The Belgium international was handed a ban by the
Football Association for his headbutt on Stoke's Ryan Shawcross last
weekend. Phil Neville is also out with a knee injury so there could be an
opportunity for Germany international Thomas Hitzlsperger against his former
club. And there remain doubts over Tony Hibbert and Kevin Mirallas who are
struggling with calf and hamstring injuries respectively.
Opta Facts
West Ham have won none of the last eight Premier League games against
Everton (W0 D4 L4), drawing the last three in a row.
Everton have scored in each of their last 14 Premier League games; the
longest-such run seen in the competition this season.
However, Everton have also conceded in their last 12 Premier League games -
no side are currently on such a long run.
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Colchester extend Potts loan
Last Updated: December 21, 2012 6:14pm
SSN
Colchester have extended the loan of defender Dan Potts from Premier League
outfit West Ham for a further month. Potts joined the U's from the Hammers
towards the end of November and will now remain with the League One club
until January 27 2013. Potts has made three appearances for Joe Dunne's side
and the extension means he will be available for another eight matches. The
first of those fixtures is the away game at Walsall on Saturday and he has
been included in the travelling party.
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Neil McDonald reveals Nikica Jelavic rejected West Ham before Everton move
Last Updated: December 21, 2012 2:45pm
SSN
West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald is hoping Everton striker Nikica
Jelavic will not show the Hammers what they missed out on. The Croatia
international rejected the advances of the Hammers in favour of a switch to
Goodison Park when he left Rangers at the end of January. And the Toffees
have had a great return for the reported £5million fee they paid for the
27-year-old, who has since netted 17 goals for the Merseysiders. McDonald
said: "There was a definite interest there and we did speak to him.
Obviously he went to Everton and scored goals and proved he can play in the
Premier League. "When we saw him at Rangers we thought he could score goals
in the Premier League and he's proved that. That's Everton's gain."
McDonald admits it was hard to take on a missing out on a player like
Jelavic, but his rejection at least allowed the Hammers to bring in Andy
Carroll on loan from Liverpool. He said: "You are always disappointed when
you don't get players who come into the Premier League and do well but we
got Andy Carroll so there is a little bit of a pay-off there. "We are
pleased with Andy's contribution so far, even though he has got injured. If
you don't get one (target) you try and get another."
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Marseille insist they have no plans to sell Newcastle target Loic Remy
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
December 21, 2012 4:40pm
SSN
Marseille president Vincent Labrune has cooled talk linking Loic Remy with a
possible move to the Premier League. Newcastle are reported to be leading
the chase to sign the French international when the transfer window reopens
next month with Queens Park Rangers and West Ham also credited with an
interest.
The Magpies are thought to be drawing up a list of striking targets in case
Demba Ba leaves and Remy is thought to figure highly on it. Remy has
struggled to hold down a regular place in the Marseille side this season,
but Labrune insists he is not actively trying to sell the 25-year-old. "I'm
not looking for a way out for Loic," Labrune told Le Parisien. "I like him,
and I know his potential." Labrune claims Marseille are under no pressure to
sell Remy and that they are actually looking to bring in new faces rather
than lose anyone in January. "Our finances are healthy," added Labrune. "I
don't have to sell this winter, we're rather in a position to buy one or two
players to help continue the best start to a season the club has made in
nearly 20 years."
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Coll ready to roll for Hammers
By MATT PARKER
Published: 21st December 2012
The SUn
WEST HAM boss Sam Allardyce will rush Jack Collison back into the first team
today in a bid to ease their injury crisis. The midfield ace, 24, has been
out crocked since the Championship play-off final against Blackpool in May
with a long-term knee problem that will need to be carefully managed for the
rest of his career. But he completed his latest comeback by playing 45
minutes for the development squad against Norwich this week and is in line
for an early recall against Everton. With Ricardo Vaz Te, George McCartney,
Alou Diarra, Yossi Benayoun, Andy Carroll and Mohamed Diame all out until
the New Year, Big Sam could only name six subs for the 0-0 draw at West Brom
last Sunday. And only two of those had Premier League experience. And with
that in mind, assistant manager Neil McDonald confirmed Collison is likely
to be on the bench for the clash at Upton Park despite wanting to ease him
back gently. He said: "Jack needs more games and time on the training pitch
but no doubt he'll come in to the squad as we need him. "We had one less sub
on Sunday so if he gets through training it wouldn't surprise me if he's on
the bench. "We have other players that could possibly come on but if we need
him we know he can come on for a short space of time and even if he's not
100 per cent match fit he'll put pressure on everyone else. "He's important
to us as he's a good player. He scores goals as well as creating them. "He
is a positive lad and wants to play. Yes, he's had problems before but in my
time here I've never heard one person say he should call it day. "He's
proved, with hard work and dedication, you can come back." The Hammers face
an Everton side who have gained many admirers under David Moyes. McDonald
added: "I think they are a model for any club."
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Karren Brady's football diary – so glad about 'Nuddy'
By KARREN BRADY
Last Updated: 22nd December 2012
The Sun
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15
JUST when it seemed the wicked art of headbutting had been whistled out of
the game, along comes Marouane Fellaini to show us it is alive and, well,
butting.
Everton manager David Moyes plays it exactly right. Many would have
delivered the Nelson 'I see no ships' card but Moyes comes clean and
immediately condemns the Belgian, whose later apology shouldn't save him
from Christmas in chains.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16
THE two priceless assets of any team are knowing how to win and knowing how
not to lose. West Ham have to employ defiance at The Hawthorns and, in a
way, I'm as proud of the goalless draw as I was in the defeat of Chelsea.
It's the result of training and coaching of a very high order. I take off my
Santa hat to our boys. You have only to check how many Chelsea and Spurs
have let in to see that preventing goals is not easy.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 17
TO my husband Paul's great relief, he takes a 6am call to hear that former
Blues winger Peter Ndlovu is off the danger list after a car crash in
Zimbabwe.
Paul room-shared with 'Nuddy' for four years and was in awe of his pulling
power. But sometimes his libido was bigger than his brain. Once a so-called
princess sitting on a fortune turned out to be a con-woman. The fortune she
was sitting on was Nuddy.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18
THERE is a lot of envy in the room at our Premier League funding meeting —
aimed mainly at Manchester City and Chelsea. They are the moneybags and
trying for a balanced agreement on players' wages and club sustainability is
like searching for one-size-fits-all on a knickers stall. Absolutely
impossible.
So we trundle along, ruing the power this gives to unscrupulous agents and
the difficulties in attempting to fit in with UEFA threats that might cost
one of us European competition. I fear Fulham's Mohamed Al-Fayed is correct
— ultimately, each of us is alone and must seek our own salvation. If the
League's chief executive Richard Scudamore can find one rule that suits
everyone, he deserves to find himself on the New Year's honours list!
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19
MARIO BALOTELLI withdraws his appeal against a £340,000 fine for his poor
disciplinary record last season. I hope his case was better than that of a
player who once took me to a tribunal on the basis he didn't think he should
have to pay the fine because he hadn't read the terms of his contract.
Needless to say he lost. The Manchester City striker seems to have decided
he didn't want to damage his relationship with the club, although it comes
as a surprise to some that he still had one. With three red cards last
season and the continuing reputation of a five-year-old boy with a short
attention span, Balotelli has now lost an awful lot of cash he could have
used on fireworks and a train set.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20
TWO Premier League CEOs and I go for lunch to reminisce about the era when
agents did not have control of the game. Two of us remember the 1990s — a
time when you did not need permission from the agent to have a meeting with
your own player. We all hope that one day soon the players will work out
that some agents are only worried about providing for their own families to
be bothered about the players. After lunch they ask me to help with their
Christmas shopping. One is buying for his wife and the other his girlfriend.
Girlfriends get twice as much spent on them as wives! The bad news later is
that our televised Boxing Day game against Arsenal is postponed because of a
tube strike.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21
YOU can bet Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, next door to Paul Lambert on the
Anfield touchline last Saturday, was coveting his neighbour's striker. And I
dare say he may be feeling a little that way about Dimitar Berbatov when
Fulham visit this weekend. It seems that every day we hear of Rodgers' hunt
through the highways and byways of football to find a lively front-man —
Daniel Sturridge and Theo Walcott to name but two. It's also a total
coincidence that the managers appointed to change the style of Liverpool and
Villa, two of England's most famous clubs, at minimum cost have left a total
of £60million worth of strikers in the refrigerator.
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Hello stranger! Forgotten man Jack Collison is back to solve West Ham's
injury crisis
The Mirror
21 Dec 2012 22:29
Ian Walton
Forgotten man Jack Collison is back from his career threatening injury and
ready to solve West Ham's injury crisis - but only once he has introduced
himself to his team-mates again. The Wales international, still just 24, has
a long-standing knee problem, similar to the one which forced Ledley King
into early retirement. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce revealed his career would
never be the same again and like King and Paul McGrath before him, he is
unable to train properly in the build-up to a big game. But West Ham have
worked out how to manage him properly and, after 45 minutes for the reserves
on Monday, Collison is set for his first involvement of the season with a
place on the bench for Saturday's visit of Everton to Upton Park. Hammers
assistant Neil McDonald said: "We had one less substitute on Sunday against
West Brom so it wouldn't surprise me if he makes the bench. "We have other
players that could possibly come on but if we need him we know he can come
on for a short space of time. He needs more game time and more time on the
raining pitch but no doubt he will come in to the squad because with the
injuries we need him."
Collison's presence on the training pitch at Chadwell Heath has been so rare
that his West Ham team-mates have pretended not to recognise him. But
McDonald reckons the midfielder's timely comeback will provide the entire
squad a healthy dose of festive cheer. "When you have a long-term injury you
spend a lot of time in the gym and with the physio," said McDonald. "But it
has given the rest of the squad a boost to have him back. "The lads have
been jibbing him, saying 'is this is a new player? Nice to meet you!' "He is
a very positive lad and he wants to play football. Yes, he's had problems
before but in my time here I've never heard one person say he should call it
a day. "We don't train him every day. We have to manage his knee to make
sure he is available for games. He's proved that with a little bit of hard
work and dedication you can come back, and hopefully he'll be the same
player he was before."
The news will come as an early Christmas present for Big Sam, whose squad
has been crippled by injuries this month. Fellow central midfielders Mohamed
Diame and Alou Diarra are both ruled out while on-loan striker Andy Carroll
is not expected to return until February. Allardyce described Collison as
his 'forgotten man' earlier this season, but McDonald is backing the
Welshman to remind everyone of his quality once he returns. The midfielder
was instrumental in West Ham's promotion from the Championship last season,
scoring both goals against Cardiff in their 2-0 play-off semi-final first
leg victory. He then played 90 minutes in their 2-1 win over Blackpool in
the Wembley final - his last appearance for the Hammers. Big Sam's No.2
added: "He's in a good place himself, he's full of confidence with his knee.
We look forward to having him back in the fold, even if he isn't match fit.
"He is important to us because he's a good player. He contributed to getting
us promoted last year. He scores goals as well as creating them and that's
what we need, especially in this league. "For someone of his experience,
even though he's a young lad, with all the games he's played at every level,
international level as well, it's good to have him back. Even if he's not
100% match fit he'll put pressure on everyone else. And if we do need him
for a short space of time he'll be able to come on no problem."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, December 21
Daily WHUFC News - 21st December 2012
Macca on: Everton
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald looks ahead to Saturday's game against his former side Everton
20.12.2012
Neil McDonald is looking ahead to facing his former club Everton on
Saturday. The West Ham United assistant manager played 90 games for The
Toffees during a three-year spell and knows they will provide a stern test
for Sam Allardyce's side during Saturday's meeting at the Boleyn Ground.
Jack Collison could be set for a place in the squad after coming through a
Development Squad game on Monday afternoon.
Macca, could you start by giving us an update on team news ahead of
Saturday's game?
NM: The team news is the same as it was for the game against West Bromwich
Albion. Jack Collison got through a reserve team game and will probably come
into the squad but he is still short of match practice. He has been training
with us this week and he has suffered no ill effects after making his
comeback on Monday.
Do you expect Jack to be involved over Christmas considering it is a very
busy period and you have a lot of injury problems?
NM: I think we have to take it slow with Jack because he has been out for a
long time. We have to manage his knee carefully but we got him through 45
minutes on Monday, which is great. We will see how he progresses but if we
need him he will be available because we know he can play at least 45
minutes.
Another player who is a big miss for you is on-loan forward Andy Carroll,
how is he progressing with his recovery?
NM: He is progressing well as are all the players with injuries so now it is
time for the healing process to take its course. Further down the line we
will have a better idea of what date he will be back.
Over the past few weeks your form has been largely inconsistent but
considering the standard of opposition you have faced you must be pleased
with the points you have recorded?
NM: We set a total going into the last eight games and we have reached it.
We had some very big games but the confidence is there. It is always going
to be difficult for a newly-promoted side to win games but we have the
points on the board. Last week we played a team who have been outstanding at
home but we went there and thoroughly deserved a point.
We are roughly at the halfway stage of the season so how would you assess it
so far because there were a few doubters at the start of the campaign?
NM: I think that is only natural for a promoted team. We are happy with
where we are right now and we need to carry it on and keep picking points
up. The more we do that the more confidence we will have and that will allow
us to pick up even more points. We are very much looking forward to the
second half of the season.
Were you confident at the beginning of the season that you could prove those
doubters wrong?
NM: It was always going to be difficult because I think a lot of people
expected us to be promoted automatically last season. We didn't and we went
up through the Play-Offs which was a fantastic achievement considering the
manager had only been at the club for one-year. The expectation for this
year was to pick up as many points as we can and we have done that,
hopefully we can continue to play well and as I say we are pleased with
where we are at the moment.
What would you consider a realistic goal going into the second part of the
season?
NM: Looking at where we are now you would expect us to push on and finish
near the middle of the table but if we replicate our form from the first
half of the season then a top ten position could be a possibility.
Everton are usually slow starters in the Barclays Premier League but they
have had a good start so far, how would you assess their start to the
season?
NM: I think they have been brilliant. They are obviously very organised
under David Moyes and they have got some fantastic players who give
everything for one another. The game on Saturday will be tough but we have
been very good at home and only lost twice to Arsenal and Liverpool. We look
forward to playing anybody at home but they have started well and are in the
top half for a reason so like I said it will be a tough game.
You will not be facing Marouane Fellaini who is a big part of how they play
so that must be a massive boost for you?
NM: He has been their talisman this season and not only is he a very good
midfielder he is also a big threat from set-pieces. They have lost a big
part of their game so we need to take advantage of that as much as we can.
Both clubs are trying to sort out their future stadium plans but on the
pitch are Everton a model for a club like West Ham United?
NM: I think that they are a model for any club. Over the past ten-years
since David has been there they have been in the top half the majority of
the time. They have showed that with a little bit of finance and a good
recruitment policy it is possible to get into the top six and push on
towards the top four. I would think David is very pleased with where they
are right now and they have a good platform going into the second half of
the season.
Do you expect to be active in the January transfer window?
NM: We have got a few injuries at the moment but they will be coming back
soon. It always helps to receive some backing in the transfer window and if
we can add a couple of extra players it will boost the squad and add more
competition for places.
What would you do to improve sportsmanship within football in 2013?
NM: I think if the players could take more responsibility when it comes to
diving that would make a big improvement. It is a big issue at the moment
and if the players can take it upon themselves to kick the ball out when a
player is injured that would also help. They are the two things that I would
put forward.
Do you think that not playing on Boxing Day will be an advantage for you as
it will give you more time to get players back to full fitness?
NM: I think you can look at it both ways, yes it gives us an extra couple of
days to get players back but it does mean we will have an even busier
January. We would probably have preferred to play the game and we are
slightly disappointed that it has been called off but we will be ready when
the game comes in January.
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The 43k Boleyn Ground
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 20th December 2012
By: Staff Writer
11 years ago West Ham United were granted permission to redevelop the Boleyn
Ground to a stadium capable of hosting circa 43,000 people. However the
fully-revamped arena - as seen in the image below, which was recently
recovered from the KUMB.com archives - was never completed due to a lack of
available funds. Terry Brown, Chairman of West Ham United at the time the
plans were presented to and passed by Newham Council was forced to shelve
plans to redevelop the East Stand, the only part of the current stadium over
20 years old, following relegation from the Premiership in May 2003. And
that led to the large gap between the Chicken Run and the pitch which
remains to this day. Back in 2001, when the West Stand became the third
stand at the BG to be rebuilt within a decade, the pitch was moved closer to
the new stand in order to accomodate the new East Stand which would have
completed the rebuilding process. The proposed new stand, which would have
extended over and above Priory Road would have increased the Boleyn Ground's
capacity by some 7,000 - taking it to just under 43,000, or 11,000 less than
the Olympic Stadium will eventually hold. But that is unlikely to ever
happen now with the current board having ditched the plans in favour of
moving to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford some four years from now.
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Igoe goes
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 20th December 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United will say goodbye to long-term Financial Director Nick Igoe
at the end of the month. Igoe, who has been at the club for 15 years
officially parts company with West Ham at the end of December having
recently handed in his notice. He will be replaced by Andy Mollett, the
former CEO of Chrysalis Plc who has been working at the club since October.
Prior to joining West Ham under Terry Brown's regime in August 1997 - which,
coincidentally, is when KUMB.com first went online - Igoe had worked as
Finance Director for Wood Conversion Limited and the Tele-Cine Cell Group
plc. Never one to embrace publicity, Igoe - who leaves on amicable terms and
is expected to visit the Boleyn Ground frequently in the future - was in
charge of the books during the most turbulent financial period in West Ham
United's history. He had been at the club for six years when then-temporary
manager Trevor Brooking warned that the club would be unable to pay player's
wages unless a string of sales followed United's relegation from the
Premiership at the end of the 2002/03 season.
Much to the bemusement of many supporters Igoe - speaking in an interview
with Five Live - described relegation as "an immense opportunity", adding
that West Ham's potential earnings in the nation's second flight "will be
the envy of many clubs in the Nationwide". He was also left to face the
fury of hundreds of fans at the now infamous AGMs of 2002-03 which were
packed with supporters who had taken advantage of campaign group WHISTLE's
'single share' scheme.
Later, Igoe was also in control of the purse strings during the period of
Icelandic ownership, which left the club with almost £100million-worth of
debt - a potentially catastrophic situation that threatened West Ham
United's very existence. That was until current co-Chairman David Gold and
David Sullivan stepped in to purchase 50 per cent of the club; Igoe has
worked alongside the duo and vice-Chair Karren Brady for the last three
years.
Igoe's replacement is 51-year-old Andy Mollett, who graduated with a First
in History from Leicester University in 1982. He began his management career
with auditors KPMG that same year and spent five years there before going on
to brief stints at CIC video International, Newman Levinson and Studio
Editions.
In 1993 Mollett joined Virgin Radio where he became the founding Finance
Director, before later becoming CFO of Ginger Media Group when it acquired
the station.
Eight years later he was hired as CFO at Virgin Radio Asia, a new venture
funded by Virgin's UK arm. Just ten months into the post he was on the move
again, this time joining International Sportsworld Communicators. In
September 2003 Mollett became CFO of EMI Music Publishing's UK division, a
role he reamined in until summer 2007 when he became anon-executive director
of broadcasters Channel 4 - where he proudly boasts of not missing a Board
meeting for six years.
That role was interspersed with his employment by independent music
publishing company Chrysalis Plc, for whom he wroked from 2007 until July
2011 - his most recent post before being hired as replacement for the
outgoing Igoe
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Sam Allardyce wants to stay as West Ham boss beyond their move to the
Olympic Stadium in 2015
Last Updated: December 20, 2012 11:07am
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has spoken of his desire to stay at the club for
the long-term. Allardyce's newly-promoted Hammers currently sit 11th in the
Premier League table, above a number of established top-flight sides
including Liverpool, Aston Villa and Fulham. Earlier in December, West Ham
were confirmed as the 'preferred bidders' to take over the Olympic Stadium
site in 2015 and Allardyce is eyeing the stadium move as a potential
milestone in his management at the club with a view to establishing himself
as "one of the longest-serving managers around".
Allardyce told the Daily Express: "For every manager, the sack is just
around the corner but the Olympic Stadium is a nice light at the end of the
tunnel.
"It would be a massive achievement for anyone to stay at a club that long
these days. But after a number of experiences, you get confidence in your
own abilities. If you don't have that, you won't survive."
In his last two jobs, at Blackburn and Newcastle, Allardyce was sacked
following protests and abuse from fans, but Allardyce stated his belief that
he has gradually won over any Upton Park sceptics. He said: "Even when we've
lost, the crowd have appreciated what we've tried to do. The Chelsea
turnaround (in a 3-1 victory at Upton Park) was a huge booster for
everybody." Allardyce is in the final season of a two-year contract with the
Hammers, although a decision on his future is thought to be unlikely to be
made until West Ham's Premier League safety is secured. West Ham currently
sit eight points off the drop zone after 17 league games.
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David Gold confident Mohamed Diame and Andy Carroll will remain at West Ham
Last Updated: December 20, 2012 9:29pm
SSN
West Ham United co-owner David Gold is confident Mohamed Diame and Andy
Carroll will see out the season at Upton Park. Gold revealed during a
question and answer session on Twitter that he expects the pair to remain
part of Sam Allardyce's plans throughout the 2012/13 campaign. Diame has
been strongly linked with a January switch elsewhere, having shone for the
Hammers since linking up with them as a free agent over the summer. Carroll,
meanwhile, is on a season-long loan from Liverpool, but it has been
suggested that agreement could be cut short due to the striker's inability
to steer clear of injury. A switch elsewhere in the New Year has also been
touted for the England international, which would bring an end to his stay
in the East End. Gold, though, has rubbished claims that a loan could be
cancelled due to injury and when asked if Carroll will end the season with
the Hammers, he said: "Yes, I believe so." The Hammers supremo was later
pressed on whether there was any truth in reports that Arsenal have
expressed an interest in Diame. He said: "I'm not aware of any offers."
He then went on to say 'I believe so' when asked if Diame would still be a
West Ham player next summer.
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West Ham's Neil McDonald would have preferred to play Arsenal next week
Last Updated: December 20, 2012 3:27pm
SSN
West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald is disappointed about the
postponement of their Boxing Day derby clash with Arsenal. A strike by
London Underground staff means the game has had to be rescheduled, easing
the Hammers' festive congestion a little but adding to another busy spell at
the end of the transfer window. West Ham are dealing with a lengthy injury
list at the moment, naming only six subs against West Brom last weekend, but
McDonald still thinks they would have been better off playing Arsenal next
week. "I think you can look at it both ways; yes it gives us an extra couple
of days to get players back, but it does mean we will have an even busier
January," he said. "We would probably have preferred to play the game and we
are slightly disappointed that it has been called off, but we will be ready
when the game comes in January. "After the good performance against West
Brom away, keeping a clean sheet, and giving Arsenal a really good game
earlier in the season, we were looking forward to going to the Emirates. "I
know they have picked up over the past couple of games but putting them
under pressure would have been interesting to see."
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Sam Did his Home Work, as Allegedly the Race Hots Up for Remy!
By S J Chandos
West Ham till I Die
There is an interesting article today in the Daily Express, in which Sam
Allardyce talks about his position at West Ham and the home work that he
undertook before taking the Manager's job at Upton Park. In it, he talks
about the body blows of being subject to two brutally unfair sackings, at
Newcastle Utd and Blackburn, and his understanding of the culture and
tradition of West Ham as a football club.
Contrary to what some may think, Allardyce states that he had spoken to
hardened West Ham supporters before taking the job and was fully appraised
of the aspirations and beliefs associated with the club. He knew about the
fans appreciation of players that give 100% commitment to the shirt and our
famous tradition of cultured football. And he suggests that the trick is to
deliver this, whilst addressing the bread and butter issues, such as will to
win and defensive solidarity. He seems to indicate that latter issues have
been addressed and, that as we re-establish ourselves in the PL, attracting
top class signings along the way, the former will also come increasingly to
the fore. Allardyce notes that the fans instinctively understand that we are
currently making a transition from the 'creme dela creme' of the
Championship to to re-establishing ourselves amongst the elite. And the fans
have got behind him and everyone at the club in that key transitory
endeavour. The article talks of the 3-1 home defeat of Chelsea as being a
watershed moment in Allardyce's acceptance at West Ham and the development
of a new relationship with the fans, something, for instance, that never
happened during his time at Newcastle Utd.
Allardyce is right when he talks about addressing the issues that are in the
DNA of all successful sides, such as ability to defend as a team,
organisation/discipline and team spirit. And this interview would seem to
underline something that I have long hoped, that Allardyce can effect a
synthesis between these 'DNA' footballing issues and the, rightly treasured,
traditional culture and traditions of the club. Allardyce has a great
platform and project at West Ham. He has the unique opportunity to take a
great, but under-achieving club, and take it forward to a whole new level.
In doing so, he can transform for the better not only West Ham's more
negative image as a 'soft touch,' but his own false reputation as a coach
and Manager that can only play so-called one dimensional, 'long ball'
football. One of the great prevailing myths of the contemporary English
game.
Elsewhere, there are reports today that West Ham are battling with Newcastle
utd for the signature of the Loic Remy. West Ham are allegedly offering cash
plus Maiga in part-exchange and Newcastle Utd are supposedly offering cash
plus Obertan. Could this be a instance where the pulling power of London,
and a prospective move to the OS, might prove a positive factor; or will the
established French player contingent in the north-east be decisive?
Alternatively, if it is a 'two horse' race, will it all come down to the
basic issues of who offers the superior terms, allied to the respective
league positions of the two clubs this season? Signing Remy could be another
key watershed moment in itself and signal a significant shift in the way
that top quality players view the prospect of joining the club?
Other current transfer stories have linked West Ham with moves for Butland
at Birmingham City and Kalou at Lille. Butland has publicly stated that he
is ready to step up to the PL, which could be interpreted as a clear 'come
and get me message,' to interested PL clubs, in advance of the January
window. While Kalou has failed to settle at Lille, following his summer
Bosman move from Chelsea, and the French club are allegedly prepared to sell
at around a fee of £3.5m, which is quite reasonable for a player of his
pedigree and ability. Who knows if Kalou's personal terms might be a
sticking point? They are usually always enhanced at a club after a player
makes a Bosman move!
Making one or two top notch signings in January could re-vitalise and
refocus the squad &, accordingly, refresh our push to finish in the top
eight of the PL. Which, in itself, will raise the issue of whether Europa
Cup qualification is possible in this first season back in the top flight?
This could usher in a new, fresh paradigam, in which the club's sights are
formally raised from PL survival to the top 8 and European qualification.
Why not, if it is there for the taking, then we must be ambitious, bold and
not let it pass us by!
Because we have been there before recently, remember Zola's first season and
the missed opportunity to secure European qualification? Many argued that it
was too early and would prove counter-productive, the fact is that the
opportunity came, went and never presented itself again. In fact, it is
often 'counter-productive' to wait for opportunities to fit in with your
pre-conceived, deterministic plans. Often, events do not happen to an
'ideal' plan, some times you just need to grab an opportunity with both
hands and adjust your plans accordingly to achieve long-term success!
The prior history of West Ham Utd FC is often characterised by lost golden
opportunities, a fatal lack of ambition and frustrating under-achievement.
That must change once and for all in order to fully realise the true
potential of the club as one of the great names of English football. Surely,
that is an inspiring ambition and vision around which the board, manager,
players and fans can rally, to at long last, truly put the UNITED back in to
West Ham UNITED FC!
SJ. Chandos.
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Sounders good to me
Published: 19th December 2012
The Sun
WEST HAM are eyeing a move for Seattle Sounders midfielder Osvaldo Alonso.
The 27-year-old has impressed on trial this week and is seen as a
replacement for Mohamed Diame, who is out for two months with a hamstring
injury. Tough-tackling Alonso is valued at £1million.
Saints, West Ham go on the Rob
Published: 20th December 2012
FORMER England goalkeeper Paul Robinson is being sold by Blackburn. Premier
sides Southampton and West Ham could try to get him.
Big Sam fancies some Punch
Published: 19th December 2012
WEST HAM are lining up a £2million January bid for Saints' Jason Puncheon,
26. The winger's deal expires this season and fresh terms are yet to be
offered.
Newcastle are also keeping tabs.
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Hammer blow: West Ham line up swap for striker who'd rather join rivals
The Mirror
19 Dec 2012 22:30
Mike Hewitt
West Ham want to swap Modibo Maiga for Marseille's Loic Remy. But the
£8million-rated France striker Remy is keen on a move to Newcastle, Spurs or
Liverpool. Maiga only joined Hammers from another French side, Sochaux, this
summer and has managed four goals so far despite only starting twice in the
Premier League. Highly-rated Remy has also been linked with QPR, whose
manager Harry Redknapp was linked with him while Tottenham boss, and
Arsenal.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald looks ahead to Saturday's game against his former side Everton
20.12.2012
Neil McDonald is looking ahead to facing his former club Everton on
Saturday. The West Ham United assistant manager played 90 games for The
Toffees during a three-year spell and knows they will provide a stern test
for Sam Allardyce's side during Saturday's meeting at the Boleyn Ground.
Jack Collison could be set for a place in the squad after coming through a
Development Squad game on Monday afternoon.
Macca, could you start by giving us an update on team news ahead of
Saturday's game?
NM: The team news is the same as it was for the game against West Bromwich
Albion. Jack Collison got through a reserve team game and will probably come
into the squad but he is still short of match practice. He has been training
with us this week and he has suffered no ill effects after making his
comeback on Monday.
Do you expect Jack to be involved over Christmas considering it is a very
busy period and you have a lot of injury problems?
NM: I think we have to take it slow with Jack because he has been out for a
long time. We have to manage his knee carefully but we got him through 45
minutes on Monday, which is great. We will see how he progresses but if we
need him he will be available because we know he can play at least 45
minutes.
Another player who is a big miss for you is on-loan forward Andy Carroll,
how is he progressing with his recovery?
NM: He is progressing well as are all the players with injuries so now it is
time for the healing process to take its course. Further down the line we
will have a better idea of what date he will be back.
Over the past few weeks your form has been largely inconsistent but
considering the standard of opposition you have faced you must be pleased
with the points you have recorded?
NM: We set a total going into the last eight games and we have reached it.
We had some very big games but the confidence is there. It is always going
to be difficult for a newly-promoted side to win games but we have the
points on the board. Last week we played a team who have been outstanding at
home but we went there and thoroughly deserved a point.
We are roughly at the halfway stage of the season so how would you assess it
so far because there were a few doubters at the start of the campaign?
NM: I think that is only natural for a promoted team. We are happy with
where we are right now and we need to carry it on and keep picking points
up. The more we do that the more confidence we will have and that will allow
us to pick up even more points. We are very much looking forward to the
second half of the season.
Were you confident at the beginning of the season that you could prove those
doubters wrong?
NM: It was always going to be difficult because I think a lot of people
expected us to be promoted automatically last season. We didn't and we went
up through the Play-Offs which was a fantastic achievement considering the
manager had only been at the club for one-year. The expectation for this
year was to pick up as many points as we can and we have done that,
hopefully we can continue to play well and as I say we are pleased with
where we are at the moment.
What would you consider a realistic goal going into the second part of the
season?
NM: Looking at where we are now you would expect us to push on and finish
near the middle of the table but if we replicate our form from the first
half of the season then a top ten position could be a possibility.
Everton are usually slow starters in the Barclays Premier League but they
have had a good start so far, how would you assess their start to the
season?
NM: I think they have been brilliant. They are obviously very organised
under David Moyes and they have got some fantastic players who give
everything for one another. The game on Saturday will be tough but we have
been very good at home and only lost twice to Arsenal and Liverpool. We look
forward to playing anybody at home but they have started well and are in the
top half for a reason so like I said it will be a tough game.
You will not be facing Marouane Fellaini who is a big part of how they play
so that must be a massive boost for you?
NM: He has been their talisman this season and not only is he a very good
midfielder he is also a big threat from set-pieces. They have lost a big
part of their game so we need to take advantage of that as much as we can.
Both clubs are trying to sort out their future stadium plans but on the
pitch are Everton a model for a club like West Ham United?
NM: I think that they are a model for any club. Over the past ten-years
since David has been there they have been in the top half the majority of
the time. They have showed that with a little bit of finance and a good
recruitment policy it is possible to get into the top six and push on
towards the top four. I would think David is very pleased with where they
are right now and they have a good platform going into the second half of
the season.
Do you expect to be active in the January transfer window?
NM: We have got a few injuries at the moment but they will be coming back
soon. It always helps to receive some backing in the transfer window and if
we can add a couple of extra players it will boost the squad and add more
competition for places.
What would you do to improve sportsmanship within football in 2013?
NM: I think if the players could take more responsibility when it comes to
diving that would make a big improvement. It is a big issue at the moment
and if the players can take it upon themselves to kick the ball out when a
player is injured that would also help. They are the two things that I would
put forward.
Do you think that not playing on Boxing Day will be an advantage for you as
it will give you more time to get players back to full fitness?
NM: I think you can look at it both ways, yes it gives us an extra couple of
days to get players back but it does mean we will have an even busier
January. We would probably have preferred to play the game and we are
slightly disappointed that it has been called off but we will be ready when
the game comes in January.
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The 43k Boleyn Ground
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 20th December 2012
By: Staff Writer
11 years ago West Ham United were granted permission to redevelop the Boleyn
Ground to a stadium capable of hosting circa 43,000 people. However the
fully-revamped arena - as seen in the image below, which was recently
recovered from the KUMB.com archives - was never completed due to a lack of
available funds. Terry Brown, Chairman of West Ham United at the time the
plans were presented to and passed by Newham Council was forced to shelve
plans to redevelop the East Stand, the only part of the current stadium over
20 years old, following relegation from the Premiership in May 2003. And
that led to the large gap between the Chicken Run and the pitch which
remains to this day. Back in 2001, when the West Stand became the third
stand at the BG to be rebuilt within a decade, the pitch was moved closer to
the new stand in order to accomodate the new East Stand which would have
completed the rebuilding process. The proposed new stand, which would have
extended over and above Priory Road would have increased the Boleyn Ground's
capacity by some 7,000 - taking it to just under 43,000, or 11,000 less than
the Olympic Stadium will eventually hold. But that is unlikely to ever
happen now with the current board having ditched the plans in favour of
moving to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford some four years from now.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Igoe goes
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 20th December 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United will say goodbye to long-term Financial Director Nick Igoe
at the end of the month. Igoe, who has been at the club for 15 years
officially parts company with West Ham at the end of December having
recently handed in his notice. He will be replaced by Andy Mollett, the
former CEO of Chrysalis Plc who has been working at the club since October.
Prior to joining West Ham under Terry Brown's regime in August 1997 - which,
coincidentally, is when KUMB.com first went online - Igoe had worked as
Finance Director for Wood Conversion Limited and the Tele-Cine Cell Group
plc. Never one to embrace publicity, Igoe - who leaves on amicable terms and
is expected to visit the Boleyn Ground frequently in the future - was in
charge of the books during the most turbulent financial period in West Ham
United's history. He had been at the club for six years when then-temporary
manager Trevor Brooking warned that the club would be unable to pay player's
wages unless a string of sales followed United's relegation from the
Premiership at the end of the 2002/03 season.
Much to the bemusement of many supporters Igoe - speaking in an interview
with Five Live - described relegation as "an immense opportunity", adding
that West Ham's potential earnings in the nation's second flight "will be
the envy of many clubs in the Nationwide". He was also left to face the
fury of hundreds of fans at the now infamous AGMs of 2002-03 which were
packed with supporters who had taken advantage of campaign group WHISTLE's
'single share' scheme.
Later, Igoe was also in control of the purse strings during the period of
Icelandic ownership, which left the club with almost £100million-worth of
debt - a potentially catastrophic situation that threatened West Ham
United's very existence. That was until current co-Chairman David Gold and
David Sullivan stepped in to purchase 50 per cent of the club; Igoe has
worked alongside the duo and vice-Chair Karren Brady for the last three
years.
Igoe's replacement is 51-year-old Andy Mollett, who graduated with a First
in History from Leicester University in 1982. He began his management career
with auditors KPMG that same year and spent five years there before going on
to brief stints at CIC video International, Newman Levinson and Studio
Editions.
In 1993 Mollett joined Virgin Radio where he became the founding Finance
Director, before later becoming CFO of Ginger Media Group when it acquired
the station.
Eight years later he was hired as CFO at Virgin Radio Asia, a new venture
funded by Virgin's UK arm. Just ten months into the post he was on the move
again, this time joining International Sportsworld Communicators. In
September 2003 Mollett became CFO of EMI Music Publishing's UK division, a
role he reamined in until summer 2007 when he became anon-executive director
of broadcasters Channel 4 - where he proudly boasts of not missing a Board
meeting for six years.
That role was interspersed with his employment by independent music
publishing company Chrysalis Plc, for whom he wroked from 2007 until July
2011 - his most recent post before being hired as replacement for the
outgoing Igoe
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Sam Allardyce wants to stay as West Ham boss beyond their move to the
Olympic Stadium in 2015
Last Updated: December 20, 2012 11:07am
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has spoken of his desire to stay at the club for
the long-term. Allardyce's newly-promoted Hammers currently sit 11th in the
Premier League table, above a number of established top-flight sides
including Liverpool, Aston Villa and Fulham. Earlier in December, West Ham
were confirmed as the 'preferred bidders' to take over the Olympic Stadium
site in 2015 and Allardyce is eyeing the stadium move as a potential
milestone in his management at the club with a view to establishing himself
as "one of the longest-serving managers around".
Allardyce told the Daily Express: "For every manager, the sack is just
around the corner but the Olympic Stadium is a nice light at the end of the
tunnel.
"It would be a massive achievement for anyone to stay at a club that long
these days. But after a number of experiences, you get confidence in your
own abilities. If you don't have that, you won't survive."
In his last two jobs, at Blackburn and Newcastle, Allardyce was sacked
following protests and abuse from fans, but Allardyce stated his belief that
he has gradually won over any Upton Park sceptics. He said: "Even when we've
lost, the crowd have appreciated what we've tried to do. The Chelsea
turnaround (in a 3-1 victory at Upton Park) was a huge booster for
everybody." Allardyce is in the final season of a two-year contract with the
Hammers, although a decision on his future is thought to be unlikely to be
made until West Ham's Premier League safety is secured. West Ham currently
sit eight points off the drop zone after 17 league games.
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David Gold confident Mohamed Diame and Andy Carroll will remain at West Ham
Last Updated: December 20, 2012 9:29pm
SSN
West Ham United co-owner David Gold is confident Mohamed Diame and Andy
Carroll will see out the season at Upton Park. Gold revealed during a
question and answer session on Twitter that he expects the pair to remain
part of Sam Allardyce's plans throughout the 2012/13 campaign. Diame has
been strongly linked with a January switch elsewhere, having shone for the
Hammers since linking up with them as a free agent over the summer. Carroll,
meanwhile, is on a season-long loan from Liverpool, but it has been
suggested that agreement could be cut short due to the striker's inability
to steer clear of injury. A switch elsewhere in the New Year has also been
touted for the England international, which would bring an end to his stay
in the East End. Gold, though, has rubbished claims that a loan could be
cancelled due to injury and when asked if Carroll will end the season with
the Hammers, he said: "Yes, I believe so." The Hammers supremo was later
pressed on whether there was any truth in reports that Arsenal have
expressed an interest in Diame. He said: "I'm not aware of any offers."
He then went on to say 'I believe so' when asked if Diame would still be a
West Ham player next summer.
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West Ham's Neil McDonald would have preferred to play Arsenal next week
Last Updated: December 20, 2012 3:27pm
SSN
West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald is disappointed about the
postponement of their Boxing Day derby clash with Arsenal. A strike by
London Underground staff means the game has had to be rescheduled, easing
the Hammers' festive congestion a little but adding to another busy spell at
the end of the transfer window. West Ham are dealing with a lengthy injury
list at the moment, naming only six subs against West Brom last weekend, but
McDonald still thinks they would have been better off playing Arsenal next
week. "I think you can look at it both ways; yes it gives us an extra couple
of days to get players back, but it does mean we will have an even busier
January," he said. "We would probably have preferred to play the game and we
are slightly disappointed that it has been called off, but we will be ready
when the game comes in January. "After the good performance against West
Brom away, keeping a clean sheet, and giving Arsenal a really good game
earlier in the season, we were looking forward to going to the Emirates. "I
know they have picked up over the past couple of games but putting them
under pressure would have been interesting to see."
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Sam Did his Home Work, as Allegedly the Race Hots Up for Remy!
By S J Chandos
West Ham till I Die
There is an interesting article today in the Daily Express, in which Sam
Allardyce talks about his position at West Ham and the home work that he
undertook before taking the Manager's job at Upton Park. In it, he talks
about the body blows of being subject to two brutally unfair sackings, at
Newcastle Utd and Blackburn, and his understanding of the culture and
tradition of West Ham as a football club.
Contrary to what some may think, Allardyce states that he had spoken to
hardened West Ham supporters before taking the job and was fully appraised
of the aspirations and beliefs associated with the club. He knew about the
fans appreciation of players that give 100% commitment to the shirt and our
famous tradition of cultured football. And he suggests that the trick is to
deliver this, whilst addressing the bread and butter issues, such as will to
win and defensive solidarity. He seems to indicate that latter issues have
been addressed and, that as we re-establish ourselves in the PL, attracting
top class signings along the way, the former will also come increasingly to
the fore. Allardyce notes that the fans instinctively understand that we are
currently making a transition from the 'creme dela creme' of the
Championship to to re-establishing ourselves amongst the elite. And the fans
have got behind him and everyone at the club in that key transitory
endeavour. The article talks of the 3-1 home defeat of Chelsea as being a
watershed moment in Allardyce's acceptance at West Ham and the development
of a new relationship with the fans, something, for instance, that never
happened during his time at Newcastle Utd.
Allardyce is right when he talks about addressing the issues that are in the
DNA of all successful sides, such as ability to defend as a team,
organisation/discipline and team spirit. And this interview would seem to
underline something that I have long hoped, that Allardyce can effect a
synthesis between these 'DNA' footballing issues and the, rightly treasured,
traditional culture and traditions of the club. Allardyce has a great
platform and project at West Ham. He has the unique opportunity to take a
great, but under-achieving club, and take it forward to a whole new level.
In doing so, he can transform for the better not only West Ham's more
negative image as a 'soft touch,' but his own false reputation as a coach
and Manager that can only play so-called one dimensional, 'long ball'
football. One of the great prevailing myths of the contemporary English
game.
Elsewhere, there are reports today that West Ham are battling with Newcastle
utd for the signature of the Loic Remy. West Ham are allegedly offering cash
plus Maiga in part-exchange and Newcastle Utd are supposedly offering cash
plus Obertan. Could this be a instance where the pulling power of London,
and a prospective move to the OS, might prove a positive factor; or will the
established French player contingent in the north-east be decisive?
Alternatively, if it is a 'two horse' race, will it all come down to the
basic issues of who offers the superior terms, allied to the respective
league positions of the two clubs this season? Signing Remy could be another
key watershed moment in itself and signal a significant shift in the way
that top quality players view the prospect of joining the club?
Other current transfer stories have linked West Ham with moves for Butland
at Birmingham City and Kalou at Lille. Butland has publicly stated that he
is ready to step up to the PL, which could be interpreted as a clear 'come
and get me message,' to interested PL clubs, in advance of the January
window. While Kalou has failed to settle at Lille, following his summer
Bosman move from Chelsea, and the French club are allegedly prepared to sell
at around a fee of £3.5m, which is quite reasonable for a player of his
pedigree and ability. Who knows if Kalou's personal terms might be a
sticking point? They are usually always enhanced at a club after a player
makes a Bosman move!
Making one or two top notch signings in January could re-vitalise and
refocus the squad &, accordingly, refresh our push to finish in the top
eight of the PL. Which, in itself, will raise the issue of whether Europa
Cup qualification is possible in this first season back in the top flight?
This could usher in a new, fresh paradigam, in which the club's sights are
formally raised from PL survival to the top 8 and European qualification.
Why not, if it is there for the taking, then we must be ambitious, bold and
not let it pass us by!
Because we have been there before recently, remember Zola's first season and
the missed opportunity to secure European qualification? Many argued that it
was too early and would prove counter-productive, the fact is that the
opportunity came, went and never presented itself again. In fact, it is
often 'counter-productive' to wait for opportunities to fit in with your
pre-conceived, deterministic plans. Often, events do not happen to an
'ideal' plan, some times you just need to grab an opportunity with both
hands and adjust your plans accordingly to achieve long-term success!
The prior history of West Ham Utd FC is often characterised by lost golden
opportunities, a fatal lack of ambition and frustrating under-achievement.
That must change once and for all in order to fully realise the true
potential of the club as one of the great names of English football. Surely,
that is an inspiring ambition and vision around which the board, manager,
players and fans can rally, to at long last, truly put the UNITED back in to
West Ham UNITED FC!
SJ. Chandos.
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Sounders good to me
Published: 19th December 2012
The Sun
WEST HAM are eyeing a move for Seattle Sounders midfielder Osvaldo Alonso.
The 27-year-old has impressed on trial this week and is seen as a
replacement for Mohamed Diame, who is out for two months with a hamstring
injury. Tough-tackling Alonso is valued at £1million.
Saints, West Ham go on the Rob
Published: 20th December 2012
FORMER England goalkeeper Paul Robinson is being sold by Blackburn. Premier
sides Southampton and West Ham could try to get him.
Big Sam fancies some Punch
Published: 19th December 2012
WEST HAM are lining up a £2million January bid for Saints' Jason Puncheon,
26. The winger's deal expires this season and fresh terms are yet to be
offered.
Newcastle are also keeping tabs.
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Hammer blow: West Ham line up swap for striker who'd rather join rivals
The Mirror
19 Dec 2012 22:30
Mike Hewitt
West Ham want to swap Modibo Maiga for Marseille's Loic Remy. But the
£8million-rated France striker Remy is keen on a move to Newcastle, Spurs or
Liverpool. Maiga only joined Hammers from another French side, Sochaux, this
summer and has managed four goals so far despite only starting twice in the
Premier League. Highly-rated Remy has also been linked with QPR, whose
manager Harry Redknapp was linked with him while Tottenham boss, and
Arsenal.
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