Big Sam on: Arsenal
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce spoke to the press ahead of West Ham United's trip to the
Emirates Stadium
22.01.2013
Sam Allardyce intends to take a leaf out of Chelsea's book as he plots a
positive result against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday
evening. The Gunners conceded twice inside the opening 17 minutes at
Stamford Bridge on Sunday, a slow start which saw them fall to a second
successive Barclays Premier League defeat. Though Arsenal are, no doubt, a
different proposition at home, Big Sam reckons the Blues' tactical approach
could prove similarly effective for his West Ham side in the rearranged
fixture from Boxing Day.
Sam, could you start with team news for Arsenal?
SA: "There are one or two knocks and bruises without anything major in terms
of injuries. But obviously with the game coming around quite quickly, we'll
assess those on Wednesday and make a decision on whether it's right to risk
them or leave them out and put someone else in the squad. There are no other
injuries to the team from Saturday, which is pretty good. We're still a
little short of defensive cover, everywhere else is looking fine now, even
though we're obviously still waiting for Andy Carroll and George McCartney
to recover as quickly as possible, and James Collins to get back in the
squad."
How close is Wellington Paulista to making his debut?
SA: "He's just had five weeks off in his break to the season. So, he's going
through what we'd normally go through at the July stage, which is pre-season
work. It's about sustaining and maintaining a fitness level which is good
enough to cope with playing in the Premier League. So he's not there for a
week or two yet."
Do you wish this game had been played on Boxing Day?
SA: "I'll tell you after Wednesday night! If we get a performance and a
result on Wednesday night, then we'll be very happy that we're playing the
game this week. I think, generally, everyone wanted to play on Boxing Day.
Everybody loves to play on Boxing Day and everybody looks forward to it.
There's a tradition in this country.
You've had a few frustrating results of late, do you feel like you need a
positive performance at Arsenal?
SA: "We had more than a positive performance on Saturday. We had the best
performance we've produced this season. There was an outstanding performance
of a complete domination of one team, who have been in the Barclays Premier
League longer than us. They had little or no attacks at our goal, they did
manage to score, but on the break, which was a fault from our defenders
sadly. But because of our lack of finishing quality we didn't win 4-1 or
5-1, which we should have done. We're kicking ourselves on that one, but it
certainly was the best performance we've produced this season. The sad thing
is we didn't win."
Is this a good time to be playing Arsenal?
SA: "I don't know, I think whatever Arsenal team is out there at the
Emirates it's always going to be very tough to play against them. We've got
to try and frustrate them in terms of not letting them get into that nice
free-flowing football that they like to play. I saw how well Chelsea
disrupted them in the first half on Sunday, and how they went about the
task. "Even though they were playing at home, they went about the task of
stopping Arsenal playing, and then exposing some of the spaces that Arsenal
left when Chelsea did so well at closing them down and then pinching the
ball back off them. And obviously the quality of the finishing then was the
reason why they got into a comfortable lead. That will be the order of the
day for us, about making sure we don't make life easy for Arsenal when
they're in possession. That's them at their best, that's their strength and
if we allow them to do that, they can run you ragged. So if we can do that,
and that frustrates them and the crowd we've got a chance. We'll get a
chance to get at their defence and a chance to score against them.
"Which means we're going to have to get a whole lot better at accepting our
chances if we are to get something at the Emirates, because that has been
our weakest link at the moment. It's been one of the massive
disappointments over the last few weeks the fact we've not been able to
finish several chances that we've been creating home and away. Hopefully
that will turn on Wednesday, it will certainly have to if we're going to get
anything out of the game."
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Henderson gets international call
WHUFC.com
The Dublin-born goalkeeper is bidding to make his first appearance at full
international level
21.01.2013
Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Stephen Henderson heads a list of five West
Ham United players to receive international call-ups. The 24-year-old
stopper, who has previously earned eight U21 caps, has been named in a
provisional 25-man squad for Republic of Ireland's friendly with Poland next
month. Giovanni Trapattoni's side are set to take on Poland at the Aviva
Stadium on 6 February, before critical FIFA World Cup 2014 qualifiers in
Sweden and then at home to Austria. Henderson, whose loan spell at Ipswich
Town was curtailed due to an ankle injury, is yet to make his senior
international bow. Meanwhile, Academy graduates Dan Potts and Blair Turgott
are both included in the England U19 squad to face Denmark at Doncaster's
Keepmoat stadium on Tuesday 5 February.
Head coach Noel Blake has selected an 18-man squad for the friendly, in
preparation for May's European Under-19 Championship qualification campaign.
England's young guns will compete against Belgium, Georgia and Scotland as
they bid to book their place at this summer's finals in Lithuania. Potts,
who turns 19 in April, has made five starts for the Hammers' first team this
season, while Turgott continues to make an impression at Npower League Two
side Bradford City. Finally, development squad players Kieran Sadlier and
January recruit Sean Maguire feature in the Republic of Ireland U19 squad
for their forthcoming friendlies against Czech Republic. The Irish pair are
due to meet the Czechs twice in the space of just three days in February, as
they step up their preparation for the UEFA Championships elite qualifying
round in June.
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Arsenal v West Ham
KO 19:45
22 January 2013
BBC.co.uk
TEAM NEWS
Arsenal welcome back Lukas Podolski and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, both of
whom missed Sunday's defeat at Chelsea through illness. However, the Gunners
are short of midfield options, with Abou Diaby doubtful (thigh) and Francis
Coquelin (hamstring) ruled out.
West Ham have no fresh injury concerns, but Arsenal loanee Marouane Chamakh
is ineligible to face his parent club. James Collins is again expected to
miss out because of a hamstring problem.
MATCH PREVIEW
Arsene Wenger admits he is worried by the inconsistent form that has left
Arsenal seven points adrift of a Champions League spot. After back-to-back
defeats to Manchester City and Chelsea, the Frenchman concedes that his side
just "do not win the big games". The Gunners have indeed won only once
against a side currently above them in the table. That means it is doubly
important they develop a ruthless streak against clubs in the bottom half.
Arsenal have 34 points from 22 league matches - their lowest at this stage
under Arsene Wenger. "The position we are in now is a bit backs to the wall
because we have to respond," Wenger admits. "I'm confident we will, but the
team was very down after the Chelsea game."
West Ham became the first visiting team to win at the Emirates Stadium in
2007 but have enjoyed little luck against the Gunners since then. Mohamed
Diame gave the Hammers an early lead when the sides met in October, but
Arsenal hit back to win 3-1, extending their unbeaten run against West Ham
to 10 league and cup games. Diame is reported to have a £3.5m release clause
in his contract, and has emerged as a possible transfer target for Arsenal,
with Wenger this week praising his "great presence" and ability to "drive
the midfield". Hammers boss Sam Allardyce would be loathe to lose the
Senegalese international, and has played down the chances of him leaving.
"You are always worried about losing players but we have not had a bid from
Arsenal for Diame," Allardyce insists. "I can't see where he would fit into
their side."
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 10 league and cup games against West Ham,
winning eight of those matches.
The last five Premier League games between the sides have produced four
penalties.
Arsenal
Theo Walcott has scored or assisted five of Arsenal's last six league goals,
and has netted in 11 of his last 15 league and cup games for the Gunners.
Arsenal have yet to lose a league game in which they took the lead this
season, winning seven times and drawing twice.
The Gunners could lose three successive league games for the first time in
12 months.
West Ham United
The Hammers have claimed eight points from the last 30 available, and have
lost four of their previous five away league games (D1, L4).
Sam Allardyce's men have scored five away goals this season, fewer than any
other Premier League side. Their last goal on the road was scored by Andy
Carroll at Tottenham on 25 November.
They have only kept one clean sheet in their last 11 league games.
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These boots were made for winning
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 22nd January 2013
By: Staff Writer
On 19th May 2012 Ricardo Vaz Te scored the goal that took West Ham United
back to the Premier League - and now you can own a piece of history by
bidding for the boots worn by Vaz Te against Blackpool at Wembley on that
very day. The Portuguese forward has kindly donated his Adidas Adizero boots
- with which he scored the 87th-minute winning goal - so that they may be
auctioned on behalf of the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK. "I wore
these boots all last season, they scored more than 20 goals and are very
special to me," he said. "A friend of mine bought me the boots from a sports
shop because I did not have an endorsement deal at the start of last season,
so they really are my lucky boots! "However, I know the Bobby Moore Fund is
a very important cause and does a lot of fantastic work, so I felt it was
right that I put the boots up for auction to raise as much money as possible
for the charity. "So many people's lives are touched by cancer, so any work
that is done to try to find ways to prevent and cure it is extremely
valuable, so whatever money we can raise by selling the boots will be put to
good use in this area. At the same time, one West Ham fan will own a pair of
very special boots!"
The auction for Vaz Te's boots runs until midday on Saturday, 26th Janury.
You may place a bid by visiting the auction page on eBay. All proceeds from
the auction will go to the Bobby Moore Fund. Next month marks the 20th
anniversary of the death of West Ham and England legend Moore, who died from
bowel cancer aged just 53. The Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK will
be marking the anniversary with their own programme of events, details of
which we hope to bring you here on KUMB.com shortly.
Meanwhile, West Ham United FC will be marking the occasion with a 100-page
commemorative match day programme for the game against Tottenham on 25th
February, whilst that and the home fixture with Manchester United on 9th
March have been designated as Bobby Moore Fund awareness matches.
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West Ham set for Irish tour
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 23rd January 2013
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce is set to return to the home of his first managerial position
when he takes his West Ham squad on a summer mini-tour of Ireland. The Cork
Evening Echo has revealed that United have agreed to take part in two
pre-season friendlies in Ireland this July against Cork and Limerick, where
Allardyce cut his managerial teeth in the early 1990s. The Hammers, who will
base themselves at the luxurious, five-star Fota Island Hotel in Cork, face
Limerick on Sunday, July 7th before facing Cork City at Turners Cross on
Tuesday, 9th July. Last summer saw West Ham open their pre-season programme
with a week in Austria, during which they were beaten 3-1 by Austria Wien.
Following a string of friendlies back in England, the Irons returned to the
European mainland for a mini-tour of Germany and matches against Dynamo
Dresden (0-3) and Energie Cottbus (2-2).
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Diame wants out
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 23rd January 2013
By: Staff Writer
Mo Diame is ready to leave West Ham - just six months after joining the
club. According to a story in this morning's Daily Mail, Diame wants the
opportunity to speak with a number of potential suitors - including
tonight's Premier League opponents Arsenal - who have made their interest in
the 25-year-old known.
Despite West Ham's best efforts, the midfielder - who it is claimed, sees
his future away from Upton Park - has steadfastly refused to sign new,
improved terms which would replace the paltry £3.5million release fee clause
in his current contract. But in a twist, it is also claimed that the
Senegalese international is now threatening to report West Ham to FIFA for
refusing to allow other clubs, who are willing to meet the minimum fee
release clause, to speak with him.
West Ham, who are yet to respond, are understood to have given Diame until
tomorrow (Thursday) to make a final decision with regards to signing a new
contract - presumably so they made find an adequate replacement before the
transfer deadline on January 31st if necessary.
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Why Asian fans don't watch live football
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 23rd January 2013
By: Saqib Khan
A brief introduction: I am in my late thirties, was brought up in Ilford and
have supported Liverpool - mainly from my sofa - since the early '80s
because they were the glory team and my immigrant father (from Pakistan)
followed no particular team. I went to watch football matches the moment I
was on my own at university and past the age of being prevented to travel by
a fearful mum, scared by the hooliganism she saw on TV at the time.
I have been going to Anfield every other season or so since my early
twenties. Now I'm settled in Wanstead with my family and am going to be here
for the long haul.
When it came to raising my young son, I wanted to have an enduring, shared
interest that would give us both time and space to develop a real
relationship. It made so much sense to raise him to follow a London team and
I made the decision for us to actively support West Ham United (more than
I'd ever supported Liverpool) by becoming Academy members. By the time this
season is done, I'll have been to eight home games in 12/13.
I think when there are so many Asians and East Europeans on West Ham's
doorstep, it would be a mistake not to actively target them with
introductory offers in the hope of hooking them into the fold. I've spent in
excess of £500 this year already and still have at least two more games to
go to, taking into account business travel commitments. As time goes on,
that yearly spend will only increase with another child on the way and,
quite likely, more frequent attendance in the coming seasons.
The introductory offers that might attract new fans make financial sense and
West Ham United, to their credit, are doing more than most Premier League
clubs are (other than those in parts of the country where the local economy
is really at rock-bottom).
I've read how a few people on the KUMB.com Forum wonder and presume why
Asians don't follow West Ham at Upton Park in any great number. Here is my
tuppence:
Immigrant parents having a 'save' rather than 'spend' mentality
Many of the first generation immigrants like my father also sent money back
home to support extended families. Leisure spend was - and still is for many
- deemed a luxury. Our cultural relationship with money was about building
security and not frittering it away on intangibles. My father for example
worked near seven-day weeks and apart from going to Pakistan in an emergency
when his parents died, went through the 11-year period of 1986-1997 without
a holiday. I'm not sure that I, as a born and bred Brit, could now go more
than a year without one.
A legacy from a time when Asians often feared feeling out of place or worse
- be made to feel unwelcome
Prior to this season, I'd been to 19 football matches in total yet I still
googled 'Asians at West Ham' and found this forum thread and read all the
posts before feeling comfortable in committing to West Ham United. There was
a fear that it might be a dicier club for an Asian to follow than Arsenal or
Spurs (Chelsea was NEVER an option).
Asians tend to have more family commitments on a weekly basis
Looking around at most of my married Asian friends, we often meet with both
partner's families every week, that generally takes away one day in the
weekend and one night in the week. Taking an afternoon for football puts
time with immediate family (wife and kids) even more at a premium. Luckily,
my wife sees it as me giving her a chance for a much needed break from
looking after our son when I take him with me and he loves it too. If
however, she was to feel that we needed to be spending together what's left
of the weekend not consumed by extended families as so many of my mate's
weekends are, then would be a different story.
No historical tradition of going to the footy
Asians in general have not been taken to the football by their dad or
grandad like most of my (white English) university mates were. So those that
are going are starting their own traditions that in time, through
generations will multiply, but is in generational terms, still in its
infancy.
As for West Ham, only those who wish to go regularly are likely to get off
the glory-train
As the majority of Asians in the area came in the late '60s, '70s and early
'80s, Manchester United and Liverpool have a big stronghold within the
community. As their children have grown, they've continued following those
teams and their children are doing the same because it doesn't make a
difference where a team is in the country if you only ever watch them on TV.
Even those who might go to the odd game once a season don't mind making a
once-in-a-blue-moon trip to Anfield or Old Trafford and following them on
Sky the rest of the time.
It's those that want to go regularly and are aware of the football and its
presence in the greater community and want to really be a part of all that,
that are re-thinking their allegiances. I'm more than a little embarrassed
now of ever having supported anyone other than my local West Ham who I'm
prouder to call my club than I ever was to follow Liverpool remotely. I love
the fact that regardless of whether it's Upton Park or Stratford, that
taking my kid(s) for a midweek evening game after work will be a normal
thing without the crappy hassle of an eight-hour round trip.
A minor point, but still one worth making: no breakout Asian football star
yet
Yes, there is the odd person with an Asian connection – only Michael Chopra
and Zesh Rehman come to mind; hardly household names. A big star might have
the same attention that lead to Irishmen in the '70s supporting Arsenal with
Jennings, Brady and O'Leary in the team.
After being born and bred here, I want for me and my family to be rooted and
invested in our local community (I'm a member of my local Wanstead Society).
Ive set up not just my home but also my new business in Wanstead - employing
local people - and supporting our local team is just an extension of that.
I just hope drawing attention to some of the factors above make people
understand it's more than a simple yes/no, like/dislike thing about Asians
going or wanting to go to watch football.
I understand the sentiment with those fed up at segmenting fans into
ethnicities and feel that on match day, we are all simply West Ham fans.
However, to those tired of such discussions, please bear with the others as
I think there is a genuine desire to try and understand why such a large
local demographic might not be engaged with West Ham and what can be done to
increase participation - especially when we might have another 20,000 seats
to fill in a few years.
Journalists who want to believe it's mainly because of some inherent racial
indifference from clubs may be missing the point. The truth is there are
quicker wins to be made from Sky and other corporates than the slow,
long-term recruitment of new fans with a much longer pay-off of return on
investment - and it's a lack of real insight into the underlying factors of
non-attendance of the Asian communities.
My apologies to have gone on so long - but I wanted this to be a considered
answer from a fan with an insight (though not the only one) into the Asian
community on football.
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Shooting the messenger
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 22nd January 2013
By: Paul Walker
So Big Sam has been 'done' by the FA for misconduct, isn't that a surprise?
And once again they have shot the messenger rather than tried to tackle the
real problem.
And that, as everyone knows, is that Manchester United and Fergie get the
best of debatable decisions at Old Trafford. Be it possible offside goals,
dodgy penalties or players who should be red carded and are not - and that's
just against us last week in the FA Cup replay - everything seems to go
their way.
It has been going on for years, and it's getting worse. And I have always
maintained, having spent 15 years of my working life attending matches at
Old Trafford, that there is an orchestrated intimidation at the place, with
that cunning old Scot pulling all the strings.
Now I don't believe that Sam suggested that referee Phil Dowd was biased.
Our manager was pointing out that the intimidating atmosphere at Old
Trafford makes it hard for officials to make calm, correct decisions. And
situations like last week happened regularly.
The place is a howling cauldron at times, and that has got worse as the
stadium has got bigger and Fergie has become virtually untouchable. He
doesn't care about fines and touchline bans, he's only bothered about doing
everything possible to keep Manchester United at the forefront of English
football.
And he is succeeding.
And while all this is going on, the softies from the FA are frightened to
death about taking on the biggest club in the land. They seem to do
everything they can NOT to haul Fergie up before the disciplinary committee.
While at the same time hitting everyone else with all sorts of dubious
charges.
Sam had seen two near identical penalty decisions go Man United's way.
Firstly Rafael handled twice in the box at one end and nothing was given,
while soon after Jordan Spence - trying to pull his hand away - was
penalised when a cross hit his hand.
Then there was that shocking late tackle by Paul Scholes on Matt Taylor. It
was high, late, studs up and into the ankle. It was by far the worst of
recent tackles of late that have seen other players sent off. But not
Scholes, just a booking, and Dowd even looked like he called him "Scholsey"!
What bit of 'tackle likely to cause harm to an opponent' did Dowd not
understand?
But then Scholes is the best midfielder of his generation. Well we keep
being told that, by the OT machine. I'd take Steven Gerrard and Frank
Lampard any day.
Sam was right. One penalty decision went in favour of Manchester United, and
the other went against the visiting team. Nobody was surprised, it goes on
all the time. Sam was not doubting Dowd's honesty, he was underlining how
tough it is to officiate at OT under such circumstances, people will make
mistakes under that sort of pressure.
Sam is a big mate of Fergie's and has spent much of his managerial and
playing career in the Manchester area. He would know only too well just how
orchestrated the intimidation of visiting teams and officials really is.
And, of course, Fergie gets away with transgressions almost on a weekly
basis without being taken to task by the weak, frightened men at the FA.
Three times now in a matter of weeks, Fergie has committed offences that
would see other managers charged. And his attack on linesman Simon Beck at
Spurs on Sunday, could well have backed the FA into a corner.
The most recent offence in my book saw Fergie not only complain that the
official 'gave us nothing all day' but he dragged up an incident of a couple
of seasons ago when the same official allowed a debatable offside goal for
Didier Drogba at OT that went a long way to seeing Chelsea take the title at
Man United's expense.
Firstly, I am amazed Fergie could remember specific linesmen like that. Even
Alan Curbishley on TV on Monday said as much. But that is Fergie, he
harbours grudges. And is not a man to cross ,as I have found to my cost, but
I'll come to that later.
Fergie, at the back of his mind, remembered the official. And then by
mentioning a past incident clearly implied that the man was biased against
Man United. It was a far worse offence than Sam's.
Fergie lives a charmed life on such occasions, and that's because I believe
the FA are well aware that careers can be severely damaged by taking on
Manchester United. I recall Alfi Haaland's career being ended by that
horrendous Roy Keane tackle back in 2001, because of something out of turn
the Norwegian had once said to the Man United hard man.
And then there was the career of referee Andy D'Urso, following his own
run-in with Keane. It has taken the Essex official a very long time to come
back from that one. I always felt that if D'Urso had stood his ground back
in 2000 and not back-pedalled like he did while being chased by Keane and
his gang, he would have done referees a real service.
If D'Urso had stood still and let players run into him or manhandle him,
even knocked him to the ground, the FA would have been able to make a real
stand against intimidation of referees, and maybe we wouldn't have the
nonsense that goes on now when they are slagged off routinely after every
match.
But now the FA have a problem. They have charged Sam, surely Fergie should
also be up for something even worse.
A few weeks back Ferguson attacked Swansea captain Ashley Williams after the
ball had been kicked back at Robin Van Persie's head. Now Fergie knew before
he went off on his rant claiming that Williams should be hammered by the FA
and how he could have killed the Dutchman, that nothing further could be
done because the referee that day had seen the incident, dealt with it and
booked Williams. But that didn't stop Ferguson's character assassination.
Then there was the infamous Newcastle match and his clash with Alan Pardew.
Whatever the merits of that match and the Mike Dean decision that annoyed
Ferguson, Man United and their manager went way over the top.
I will accept that Ferguson and Dean could have an animated man-to-man chat
as they walked off at the break down the touchline. But that should have
been it.
What happened then was way over the top. Ferguson was still berating the
officials as they walked back for the second half, and continued to hound a
linesman during the match from way outside his technical area.
That official was caught trying to do his job while distracted and fending
off Fergie's rant. That alone was worthy of a charge, as Pardew pointed out.
But nothing has happened.
That vast technical area at OT is Fergie's kingdom. It is full of ground
staff, TV men, juniors, various admin staff, players not involved in the
game, substitutes, and a whole army of technical people.
Just watch it next time. Mike Phelan stands leaning against the back wall,
various kitmen and medical staff all have an opinion and Fergie is the
puppet master. It all adds to intense pressure on the fourth official and
linesman, not to mention the referee.
Now the OT fans cannot hear what is being said, but they take their lead
from the antics of their manager, and that just cranks up the atmosphere
even further. I always thought that only one person can be standing in the
technical area at any one time, it's a pity that rule wasn't enforced
properly.
Referees must dread working there. They get abused and got at by all sorts
of Man U people, particularly in that walk back to the players' tunnel. And
have you ever noticed that the substitutes are always sent out to warm-up to
the right of the dug-out and behind the linesman, who gets an ear bashing
from them. I watched it for years and nobody ever stopped them. It's
organisation and manipulation on a grand scale.
So that's three incidents involving Fergie in a matter of weeks. I suppose I
can get away with saying such things now, I don't think Fergie can get me
anymore.
He banned me twice from his press conferences in my time working in
Manchester, not for anything I did, more what my London office - handily
placed I did mention out of the firing line - did. Once we carried a column
when it was suggested Fergie would be in charge of the club when he was 65.
Wouldn't happen, would it?
The column was amusing, but the art department came up with a cartoon
drawing of what Fergie might look like at 65. Red faced, boozers nose, all
spitting venom and ranting. Pretty accurate, I would say, in hindsight...
Fergie took the hump and banned me for six months.
Then there was the time I was asked to produce three big features telling
his life story one summer, but through the words of people who had worked
with him. Alex McLeish was one, Bryan Robson another. They were all gushing
about him.
So at his first pre-season press conference I walked happily in only to be
hit by a barrage of abuse and swearing. I was banned again for three months.
It seems my paper had omitted to tell me they wanted to used the features as
a 'spoiler' because the rights to Fergie's own autobiography had been sold
to one of our rivals.
So I know how much damage Fergie and Manchester United can do to individuals
who cross them. That's why there is such a grovelling group of bum-licking
journalists who now work in Manchester and fear for their every move.
Sadly the FA seem sometimes to also try not to cross the old fella, or his
club. It means that our manager gets charged with misconduct for telling the
truth and Fergie keeps getting away with murder.
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce frustrated by defender hunt
Last Updated: January 22, 2013 5:11pm
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce admits he is struggling to bring in the
defensive reinforcements he believes his side needs this month. Injuries to
a number of players mean the Hammers boss is on the lookout for new
defenders in January but he has been frustrated as moves for Dnipro's Samuel
Inkoom and Nancy defender Massadio Haidara failed to materialise. With his
quota of domestic loans taken up by strikers Marouane Chamakh and Andy
Carroll, Allardyce is looking abroad for potential recruits. "We're not
making as good progress as I would have liked," said Allardyce. "It has been
hugely frustrating. We've been trying in the whole of the window to try and
bring in a defender, but not been able to clinch a deal yet. "That is
probably because we have been looking for a short-term deal in loans, as in
terms of not permanent deals. I think at this stage of the window everybody
wants to, if they are going to release a player, let him go on a permanent
basis, not on a short-term loan basis. "I think that will probably change as
the window gets closer to closing and hopefully we will be more successful
in our plight to get a defender in at that stage."
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce will hold talks with Alou Diarra on his future
Last Updated: January 22, 2013 11:50am
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce plans to hold talks with Alou Diarra after the
midfielder indicated his unhappiness at the club in an interview. The
31-year-old, who has struggled with injury since arriving from Marseille in
the summer, has been quoted in L'Equipe, saying: "I have wasted my time".
And Allardyce has hinted he would prefer the France international to knuckle
down and try to win a regular starting spot in the team. "He is obviously
clear, without telling me, that he is not happy with the situation, which is
understandable," Alladyce said. "You get this all the time as a manager when
you bring a player of his experience and calibre over from France. "It
hasn't quite worked out and he feels a little disgruntled in terms of
playing more, this or that. "It is a fact of life, whereas I look at the
situation and play what I consider the best team and because of Alou's
long-standing injury he has found it hard to adjust to what is needed in the
Premier League. "If he is unhappy, he just has to tell me what he wants to
do and we'll see how we go from there. We'll have that discussion and we'll
make a decision after that on the future of Alou."
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The 'End Game' of the Diame Saga Approaches!
By S J Chandos About 2 hours ago 3 comments
West Ham Till I Die
Will Mo Diame leave the club this January? If the press are to be believed
it is largely a formality, with Arsenal due to swoop with a £3.5m bid after
our Wednesday evening match at the Emirates. Others have sought to spice
things up further by claiming that Arsenal could have late compeition from
Spurs and Newcastle Utd. The latest reports have Diame threatening to report
West Ham to FIFA if the club attempt to obstruct him talking to clubs that
offer the magic £3.5m 'trigger' fee. While in some quarters, it has been
reported that West Ham have set a Thursday deadline for Diame to accept the
alleged new contract offer of £60,000 a week!
It could all be speculation, who knows? What we do know is that Diame has
been offered an improved contract, which has not yet been accepted. If Diame
does leave, after just six months, it will be both a blow and a very great
pity for West Ham. Diame has been outstandng for us this season and has
provided a drive and energy that has transformed our midfield unit. It is an
axiom that if you aim to build a squad capable of challenging for honours
then you need to keep your best players and add quality to improve the mix.
However, if Diame wants to speak to other clubs then, in reality, there is
very little that we can do to prevent it. If Arsenal want Diame, they will
think nothing of offering £3.5m for a player whose real value is undoubtedly
much higher. All we can do is identify a suitable replacement. Although that
is likely to cost significantly more than £3.5m, unless there is another
release clause around that we can exploit or a Bosman deal available.
All we supporters can do is watch developments and hope that Mo Diame is
still a West Ham player come 1 February 2013. Losing him could have an
adverse impact upon our season. Unless Sam Allardyce can find a replacement
of similar quality? No doubt the midfield targets have been identfied and
the bids lined up. So, lets wait and see what transpires, one way or the
other?
Elsewhere, Sam Allardyce has voiced frustration at the difficulties
experienced in bringing in new defenders. The Olsson deal has seemingly
stalled and loan deals for various foreign targets have apparently been
unsuccessful. So, regardless of 'getting out of the blocks' quickly, in this
transfer window, it is still likely that some of our deals could still go to
the wire on deadline day. Did we really think that all the major business
would be done early and our club would have minimal involvement in the
transfer deadline day deals.
Oh well, who wants to be disinterested observers on transfer deadline day
anyway!
Finally, Sam Allardyce has claimed in reports, that beating Wenger's Arsenal
has always given him extra satisfaction. Well, lets hope that he is an
appropriately satisified manager at tomorrow evening's post-match press
conference! Arsenal are obviously the hot favourites at the Emirates, but
can we go there and get a draw? Not likely, but then we have had some
unlikely results at Highbury and the Emirates in the past. So, here's hoping
for the best!
SJ. Chandos.
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Diarra Discontent!
By S J Chandos
West Ham till I Die
There are reports in the press today that Alou Diarra has some pretty harsh
things to say about his situation at the club. He is quoted in the French
press as stating that he was misled in joining West Ham, there is litle
communication between him and the Manager and his time at the club has been
'a waste of time.'
In the interview, he admits that he is not unhappy financially at the club,
but he argues that he made the move to play and not enter semi-retirement.
There is talk of him being misled by promises made prior to signing for the
club, but the gist of his discontent seems to be that he is not an automatic
first team selection! Firstly, no one should be an automatic selection,
slection should be based upon the triple considerations of ftness, form and
tactical considerations. Regardless, how could he play, when he was out
injured for three months? Diarra only become available for selection in
December and he has played since his return. Diarra played very well in the
two FA Cup ties against Man Utd. Is not the best way forward is to knuckle
down and win a regular starting place on merit rather than some sort of
perceived entitlement! One understands that at 31 years of age, regular
football is a priority for Diarra, but surely he should give it the rest of
the season before seeking a move: especially as he was out injured for a
sustained period!
Sam Allardyce has since reponded at his pre-Arsenal match press conference
and it appears that there will be urgent talks with Diarra to try to resolve
the issue. Presumably, if those talks are not fruitful, then Diarra could
potentially leave in the January window. There has been reported interest,
from Spanish club Espanyol, in taking Diarra on loan. Could that prove to be
Diarra's route out of the club?
SJ. Chandos.
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Alou? Goodbye
Big Sam hits back
Published: 11 hrs ago
The Sun
SAM ALLARDYCE has told unhappy Alou Diarra: If you don't like it here, then
leave! Diarra last night launched an amazing attack on West Ham, accusing
the club of "lies" and claiming his move from Marseille had been a waste of
time. The France star signed a three-year deal in the summer but is already
desperate to quit the Hammers. Allardyce insists the first time he heard
about Diarra's personal hell was when he read about it in the papers this
morning. But the Upton Park boss said: "If he is unhappy, he just has to
tell me what he wants to do and we'll see how we go from there. "At the
moment, yes, he has contributed well but he's frustrated and he obviously
wants to play more. "We'll have those discussions and we'll make a decision
after that on the future of Alou."
Big Sam added: "He is obviously clear, without telling me, that he is not
happy with the situation, which is understandable. "You get this all the
time as a manager when you bring a player of his experience and calibre over
from France. "It hasn't quite worked out and he feels a little disgruntled
in terms of playing more, this or that. "It is a fact of life, whereas I
look at the situation and play what I consider the best team and because of
Alou's long-standing injury he has found it hard to adjust to what is needed
in the Premier League."
Diarra has just played twice in the Premier League since his switch from
France. And the midfielder had last night claimed he had been duped into
moving to East London. He added: "They sent an officer who landed at
Marseilles in a private jet and promised me the moon. The speech was
attractive. "It was England, London, West Ham, a popular club with a true
identity. It was an opportunity to settle in the Premier League. I did not
ask, I trusted. "After a few weeks, I realised that there were a lot of
lies. This agent has fooled me. Some people have made money on my back.
"Admittedly, I have three year contract but I'm not unhappy financially, but
I came to play, not to take an early retirement. "I am positively at
breaking point."
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Trial run: Mohamed Diame can earn Arsenal move by helping West Ham beat them
The Mirror
22 Jan 2013 22:32
Richard Heathcote
West Ham's Mohamed Diame has got 90 minutes against Arsenal on Wednesday
night to earn himself a winter-window switch to the Gunners. Diame fears
Hammers are trying to block a dream move to the Emirates by playing
hardball, even though there's £3.5million buyout clause written into his
contract.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger confirmed his admiration for Diame in the
build-up to Wednesday's match, and the battle surrounding the Senegal
midfielder is likely to take centre stage as the two teams meet. Diame, 25,
has been offered a new contract by West Ham with better terms if he agrees
to drop the buy-out clause and they are desperately trying to stop him
leaving. But Diame is determined to go this month if a club meets the clause
- even if it turns ugly and he has to take legal advice. It leaves Diame
knowing the battle for his signature is hotting up as he prepares to face
one of the interested clubs. When asked about the player on Tuesday, Wenger
said: "He has a great presence in the games. I've seen him in games where
he's had a big impact, for example against Chelsea where he had a big impact
where he came on. "They have many players who can be dangerous, but he can
drive the midfield." Wenger refused to be drawn on the names of transfer
targets, but it is clear he rates Diame. No club has yet to match the
buy-out clause, but it is believed Arsenal have made enquiries even though
there are some concerns about whether Diame is the right. So Wednesday's
match will give him the perfect opportunity to prove himself. Wenger has
admitted that he need to strengthen his midfield and Diame fits the bill in
that regard. The Arsenal manager has claimed he would like to sign two
players in January, but fears the right ones might not be available.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are set to make a last-ditch push for Barcelona's
David Villa, who now appears to be their most likely striker target for the
winter window. Barca have insisted he is not for sale but Villa is believed
to want to leave this month in search of regular football after losing his
guaranteed first team place Wenger has a habit of leaving it late in
transfer windows and there is still a feeling Arsenal may yet be able to
persuade Barcelona to sell - especially as they have done a lot of business
with the Spanish giants, after selling them Cesc Fabregas and Alex Song.
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Big Sam: It's no shock the Gunners are struggling
By VIKKI ORVICE
The Sun
SAM ALLARDYCE says Arsenal have landed themselves in trouble by flogging off
their best players. The West Ham boss takes his team to the Emirates tonight
aiming to win away to the Gunners for the first time in his managerial
career. He faces a side who have suffered back-to-back losses in the Premier
League with defeats to Manchester City and Chelsea. Arsenal — in sixth place
— are already 22 points behind table-topping Manchester United. But
Allardyce, who has drawn three and lost five of his eight trips to Arsenal
as a manager, believes the Gunners cannot be shocked after selling
top-scorer Robin van Persie to United in the summer. Stars like Cesc
Fabregas and Samir Nasri have also gone. And Big Sam said: "It's not
surprising because I don't know where you go and buy a player of Van
Persie's quality unless you're going to pay more than £24million. "Everybody
says it's great business in terms of his age but it's not really great
business for Arsene Wenger when he can't replace the goals that he's lost.
"When you sell your best players, which is not normally expected of Arsenal,
then it is difficult to replace them. "There is no doubt the players who
have come in are very good but are they better than the ones they have sold?
"It's a big ask, even for Arsene with his huge recruitment policy, to
replace those players immediately. "They have suffered with their level of
results. "The football is still very good but when you lose that many goals
— particularly from Van Persie — and miss more chances than they did before,
they won't get as good results. "I'm sure Arsene is frustrated because he's
been the best manager Arsenal have ever had. "When you build the club and
then cannot sustain that, it becomes very frustrating for any manager. "They
are still one of the top sides but they are just going through a period of
transition with the amount of players they have lost.
"They played Chelsea on Sunday and we played 24 hours earlier on Saturday,
which gives us a slight advantage physically because they've had less time
to recover. "We also hope the disappointment of their 2-1 defeat against
Chelsea means there might be a little lack of confidence. "If that's the
case then we might have a chance of getting a result. "If Arsenal are on top
form, then Arsenal will beat us, no matter how well we play." Allardyce has
never seen eye-to-eye with Wenger from the days he managed Bolton. The West
Ham chief said: "We had some tussles. Whenever we beat Arsenal, if we
weren't labelled 'long ball' then it would be 'physical'. "It was
frustrating but it used to make me really enjoy the fact we beat an Arsenal
side which included players like Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira. "It was
about finding a chink in their armour and exposing it. "When you do that to
top teams and beat them then their manager is not going to be very happy.
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Maiga fit to face Ghana
Ghanaweb.com
West Ham striker Modibo Maiga will feature for Mali in a Group B match
against Ghana Thursday after recovering from a thigh injury. Maiga missed
the opening group game against Niger, which Mali won 1-0 last weekend
through a late Seydou Keita goal. "Maiga is fully fit and will play against
Ghana. It's a big boost for us," team manager Amadou Cisse told AFP in this
Indian Ocean city. However, the Mali official said Lens midfielder Samba Sow
has not recovered from an illness that sidelined him for the Niger game.
Mali top the group with three points, ahead of Ghana and the Democratic
Republic of Congo, who have one point each after a thrilling 2-2 draw. Group
winners and runners-up qualify for the quarter-finals.
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EXCLUSIVE: Diame threatens to report West Ham over dirty tactics to avoid
release fee being activated
By SAMI MOKBEL
PUBLISHED: 22:55, 22 January 2013 | UPDATED: 02:22, 23 January 2013
Daily Mail
Mohamed Diame is threatening to report West Ham to FIFA over fears the club
are trying to renege on his £3.5million release clause. The tough-tackling
midfielder, who is interesting a number of Premier League sides, is free to
leave Upton Park if a club matches the stipulated fee. But Diame suspects
West Ham are ignoring the agreement as they continue with their attempts to
keep him at Upton Park. However, Sportsmail understands the midfielder is
willing to take heavy action against his employers if they do not abide by
the contractual agreement. Arsenal, Newcastle and Tottenham have all shown a
strong interest in the former Wigan man. But the Hammers are trying to sign
Diame to a new contract in an bid to get rid of the release clause. So far
the powerhouse midfielder is refusing to sign a new deal, knowing he is a
target for a number of bigger clubs. West Ham want any bid formalised and in
writing before allowing Diame to speak to prospective employers. However,
the 25-year-old believes his current employers are using unfair tactics to
spoil a potential move. The alarm bells started ringing for Diame last month
when the club announced he would miss three months with a hamstring injury
picked up in the defeat to Liverpool on December 9. However, just 24 hours
later Diame revealed he hoped to be fit for early January, significantly
less than three months. Had Diame missed three months, he would not have
been such an attractive signing given he would not be available until March.
Arsenal are understood to have lodged their interest in Diame with West Ham
officials. And Gunners manager Arsene Wenger will ran the rule over the
Senegal international in Wednesday's Premier League clash at the Emirates
Stadium. Speaking about Diame, Wenger said: 'He has a great presence in the
games, I have seen him have a big impact.'
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, January 23
Tuesday, January 22
Daily WHUFC News - 22nd January 2013
Chamakh satisfied with home debut
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's on-loan striker was content with his contribution in
Saturday's draw with QPR
21.01.2013
It was a case of mixed emotions for Marouane Chamakh after making his full
West Ham United debut in the 1-1 Barclays Premier League draw with Queens
Park Rangers. The Moroccan frontman more than played his part in a dominant
attacking display, and but for the heroics of goalkeeper Julio Cesar, the
Arsenal loanee would surely have been celebrating his first Hammers goal.
Though it wasn't to be, Chamakh was still satisfied with a good afternoon's
work, confident his fortune in front of goal will turn sooner rather than
later. "I think it was a good debut, from a personal point of view," he
confirmed. "But we've basically lost two points because two goals would have
enabled us to win the game at home, against a rival for survival. There you
go, it's a shame because we had a lot of chances and we dominated the game.
"In view of how the game panned out, it's good to take a point, because we
fell behind. From then on, we really pushed forward. They had to do a lot of
defending and they defended very well. "At the end, I think with perhaps
about ten minutes left, we gave everything to win the game. So, we gave it
our all and so I think, overall, both teams had to settle for the draw."
Chamakh, who might have been awarded a first-half penalty for Clint Hill's
challenge, was twice denied by the smart reactions of QPR stopper Cesar, and
he admits the hard-luck story is a case of déjà vu. "It's becoming a
familiar feeling [in front of goal]," Chamakh explained. "He [Cesar] has
made two great saves against me, which is a shame, but it happens and
hopefully they'll go in next time."
The former Bordeaux forward will now have to wait a little longer to break
his Barclays Premier League duck this season, with the Hammers set to take
on his parent club at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday. But despite being
ineligible for the midweek clash, the 29-year-old had some choice words of
wisdom for his teammates. "I don't know if I necessarily have any secrets
[about Arsenal]," he added. "The players will have to produce something
pretty good over there. They're going to play with their hearts and their
heads and they'll have to give everything to bring us back at least a
point."
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FA Youth Cup action at the Boleyn!
WHUFC.com
West Ham United host Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Youth Cup fourth round on
Tuesday
21.01.2013
Steve Potts says his West Ham United youngsters will be ready for action
when they host Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Youth Cup fourth round on Tuesday
evening. The Hammers welcome their local rivals to the Boleyn Ground for a
mouth-watering London derby, with a home tie with Bolton Wanderers up for
grabs for the winners. Under-18s manager Potts, who guided his side to a 1-0
Barclays U18 Premier League Tier One Stage victory over Spurs in his first
and only game in charge on 12 January, says everyone involved is looking
forward to the match. "I'm looking forward to it, as the boys are,"
confirmed Potts. "It's a nice occasion for them in the FA Youth Cup. If you
speak to any ex-players or present players, they will look back on the Youth
Cup with fond memories of it. Hopefully our boys will have the same after
the game. "I don't think the league game will have any bearing whatsoever, I
really don't. I think you will see a couple of sides with totally different
make-ups in terms of team selection and, even if they were the same eleven
against the same Spurs eleven, I'd still have the same opinion."
Potts has a near fully-fit squad to pick from on Tuesday, with only England
U18 defender Leo Chambers and goalkeeper Sam Baxter missing through injury,
while midfielder Declan Hunt is on loan at Blue Square Bet Premier club
Braintree Town. While the U18s manager admitted Chambers will be a big miss,
he has backed his players to make up for his absence. "Leo is obviously a
really good player and I'm sure, from his point of view, it's really
frustrating because he would have featured in the first team this year -
that's how highly the club rate him. Unfortunately, he has got a thigh
injury that has ruled him out for the rest of the season but hopefully he'll
come back stronger next season. The rest of the lads are all fit. "It'll be
nice for me to manager at the Boleyn Ground, but it's all about the boys.
Hopefully they can put a good performance on and do themselves justice and
get a positive result."
Should his players not perform to their maximum, Potts knows from personal
experience that the FA Youth Cup can be a great leveller. In January 1985,
Potts was part of a team that also contained Kevin Keen and Paul Ince that
travelled to Swindon Town for a third-round tie, only for the Robins to
shock the Hammers to the tune of a 4-1 defeat. "I remember in my playing
days, we had a good team but we went to Swindon Town away and came unstuck
that year. It was one of those games which has always been in the back of my
mind thinking 'How did that happen?', but it did. We quite fancied our
chances that year and it just shows you that, even at youth level, you can't
take anything for granted."
The former West Ham captain and Hammer of the Year will have prepared his
players and warned them to guard against a similar result when Tottenham
visit on Tuesday evening. Kick-off at the Boleyn Ground is at 7pm, with
admission charged at £3 Adults and £1 Concessions. The car park will be
open, but with a large crowd expected, supporters travelling by car should
arrive early to avoid disappointment. The Stadium Superstore will also be
staying open late so any fans hoping to stock up on Hammers merchandise
ahead of the game can pop in!
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Cole targets more goals
WHUFC.com
Saturday scorer Joe Cole is aiming to put the ball in the net for West Ham
United on a regular basis
21.01.2013
Joe Cole is enjoying his football with West Ham United - but he would be
enjoying it even more if the Hammers had beaten Queens Park Rangers on
Saturday.
The No26 capped an impressive individual performance with the Hammers'
equaliser in a 1-1 Barclays Premier League draw with the Hoops at the Boleyn
Ground. However, with West Ham dominating proceedings from start to finish,
Cole insisted his goal should not have been the only one he and his
team-mates were able to celebrate. "It was a game we should have won. We had
a lot of possession and put a lot of crosses in the box but credit to QPR
because they defended strongly. "It's two points dropped, but we'll try to
take the positives. It's another draw and a point on the board and we'll go
to Arsenal on Wednesday in full spirits knowing that we put in a good
performance on Saturday. "I think 38 points will probably be enough this
year [to stay up]. Like I said, you can only perform well and sometimes
things don't fall for you - you have balls coming off people's backsides and
that. "It was a good performance I thought from the team, strong and
together. It was good to have Joey O'Brien back from injury as well, and Mo
Diame, of course. We looked strong."
While he was naturally frustrated not to finish on the winning side, the
England international was pleased to score his first goal in claret and blue
since netting in a 2-2 Premier League draw with Newcastle United at the
Boleyn Ground on 11 January 2003. It was nice to score. I know we're going
to put a lot of crosses in and it's up to me to try to get on the end of
things. It was good and, of course, the main thing was to get a point and
keep us moving forward and getting points on the board. "It's always nice to
score any goal. When you have days like that in football, you just have to
try and enjoy them. I'm happy and playing with a smile on my face."
"Playing in that position a bit further forward out wide, you have got to
score goals. Myself and Matt Jarvis are working on getting in the box and
scoring more goals. "I thought it was a good, strong team performance and we
bounced back from a poor performance last week [at Sunderland]." Cole has
made a fine start to his second spell in east London, conjuring two assists
for James Collins in an FA Cup with Budweiser third-round draw with
Manchester United before netting his first goal -and 14th for the club in
total - on Saturday. Despite his encouraging opening, however, the
midfielder insists he is not yet up to 100 per cent in terms of
match-fitness. "I felt a bit stronger. It's just about getting my body
hardened to playing 90 minutes again. It's nice to have an effect on games.
I have played three games now and I've had an effect on them. "It's good and
I'm enjoying it - I'm enjoying my football and that's the main thing. I'm
just settling in and all I want to do is be part of a good team and a good
bunch of lads, help my team to win and enjoy my football - that's all I
want."
One thing Cole would certainly enjoy is a victory at Arsenal in Wednesday's
rearranged Barclays Premier League fixture at the Emirates Stadium. The
31-year-old has yet to taste victory in five career appearances for the
Hammers against the Gunners. But with Arsene Wenger's men coming into the
game having lost back-to-back league games to Manchester City and Chelsea,
Cole is confident West Ham can pick up a positive result in north London.
"We'll go to Arsenal to win the game. We have done it before as West Ham.
We've just got to go there and frustrate them because they have got great
footballers - your Jack Wilsheres, your Theo Walcotts and people like that.
"We'll go there and try to stifle them a little bit and we'll always be a
threat from set pieces, so we'll go and have a go. "If we keep performing
like we did on Saturday, then I think we'll win games."
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Wenger gunning for three points
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 21st January 2013
By: Staff Writer
Arsenal's under-pressure manager Arsene Wenger insists his team must take
all three points when West Ham United visit the Emirates on Wednesday
evening.
Wenger, whose position has come under intense scrutiny in recent months
following some disappointing results is under pressure to get a result
against Sam Allardyce's side in the re-scheduled fixture that was originally
planned for Boxing Day but postponed due to strike action. Speaking earlier
today, the 63-year-old Frenchman said: "It is vital for us. We are in a
position where you are of course concerned by where we are. It's very
difficult to accept because you feel there is a lot of quality in the team
but football is about efficiency and spirit of efficiency. "You cannot test
the water and then decide what you do. We have to start with full cylinders
from the first minute. The quality is there. I always hope that it will
strengthen the belief of our team. At the moment we have a battle on that
front and hopefully we'll sort that out very quickly."
Having been beaten at Chelsea last weekend, the Gunners - with just one win
from their last five outings - have seen their chances of Champions League
qualification slip further away. And like his manager Wenger, striker Theo
Walcott also believes that nothing less than a win against United is
acceptable. There are a lot of teams that have got stronger this year, so we
need to step on the gas," he told Arsenal's website. "We don't want to be
playing catch-up. We want to get points on the board as soon as possible. We
have a tough game at home against West Ham, so we need to be ready. It is a
massive game, we have home support and we need to start clocking up points
there. We have been hot and cold at home of late, so we must be very
positive and if we show the commitment that we did in the second half [at
Chelsea] we should be fine."
Meanwhile Sam Allardyce will be attempting to stop the rot as far as West
Ham's recent poor away form is concerned - and he insisted that squad
rotation is the answer. "I'll change the team and might change the formation
and use the squad to its full potential," he said. "The reason we dominated
the game against QPR so much is that only three of the players that played
in the previous game at Manchester United started."
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Paulista ready to stick the boot in
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 21st January 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's latest recruit, Brazilian forward Wellington Paulista,
says he hopes to make his debut for the club against Arsenal on Wednesday
evening.
The Irons travel to north London on Wednesday night in order to play the
fixture, originally scheduled for Boxing Day, which was cancelled due to a
strike by members of trade union ASLEF. And the 29-year-old, who was a
surprise arrival at the Boleyn Ground earlier this month says that he hopes
the game will mark his first appearance in a West Ham shirt. "I'm working
hard to regain fitness and I hope to make my debut for West Ham in the game
against Arsenal," he said. "I'm really looking forward to playing and
scoring goals. "The pressure of playing in the Premier League will be no
problem for me. I'm used to that in Brazil, where the crowd is also
passionate about the club."
Paulista will remain with West Ham for the rest of the current campaign.
Should he impress sufficiently, United are understood to hold the option of
signing the Cruzeiro player on a permanent, three-year contract.
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Transfer latest: 21st January
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 21st January 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United are keeping an eye on the progress of Ghanaian international
Samuel Inkoom, according to reports. BBC sports correspondant Dan Roan has
linked the Irons with a move for the Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk right back, who
can also play in the centre of defence and as a wing-back. Still only 23,
Inkoom moved from Swiss club Basle to the Ukrainian Premier League club two
years ago this month in a $10million (USD) deal but has long been unsettled
in Eastern Europe due to issues both on and off the field. Speaking to
goal.com at the end of 2011, he said: "Things are not easy for me here and
some ugly things have happened. I had problems with our coach, Juande Ramos,
who would not let me leave to join the Ghana national team and threatened to
sign another winger-defender if I were to go."
Elsewhere Talksport are convinced that Spanish club Espanyol are "leading
the chase" to sign Alou Diarra. The French international, who has only just
returned to action having barely featured for United since signing for the
club last summer is on the periphery at the Boleyn Ground and could be
allowed to leave, should the right offer be made. The radio station are also
linking West Ham with a £3.5million move for 20-year-old Nancy left back
Massadio Haidara, after the club reached a stalemate with Blackburn over
their pursuit of Swedish international Martin Olsson.
Back to potential arrivals and the situation regarding Sam Allardyce target
Nicolas Anelka remains in the balance. Rumours that a deal had been struck
with the former French international, now 33, began to circulate late last
week although nothing concrete has been confirmed as of yet. This particular
saga could yet prove to be one for the transfer deadline day aficionados.
Following the recent arrival of Wellington Paulista, another South American
said to be interesting West Ham is Paraguayan international Richard Ortiz.
22-year-old Ortiz, a left-footer who currently features for Asuncion-based
Olimpia in Paraguay's Primera Division is predominantly a central midfielder
but also has some experience of playing as a wing back. Paraguay's Cardinal
Channel insist that the player, who is entering the final year of his
contract with his current club, could be on his way to east London on loan.
Finally for today, former Hammer Julien Faubert could be set for a return to
his native France having had his contract with Turkish side Elazigspor
ripped up. The 29-year-old parted company with his new club just six months
into his contract and is hoping to secure a move back to Bordeaux, with whom
he has been training recently.
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West Ham midfielder criticises Allardyce and says he needs to get out now
Posted by SPORT WITNESS on January 22, 2013 at 8:22 in Sport Witness
Football
.
French newspaper L'Equipe today have reported in their newspaper edition
(see left) that West Ham United defender Alou Diarra wants to get out of the
club as he sees it as impossible to break in the first team because of the
current manager Sam Allardyce.
The French international, who only arrived at the Premier League club in the
summer from Marseille, said that he wants a real challenge after he failed
to hold down a regular spot in the team. The player isn't concerned about
remaining in the Premier League and is quite happy to move to another
country to find first team football. Diarra stated that he is fully aware
that clubs have approached West Ham United in recent weeks with regards to
signing him.
The defensive midfielder says he is now at breaking point and needs to get
out of the club and that signing for somebody else will be a lot better than
staying with his current side.
"Yes, I want to go. I am positively at breaking point. Today, I want a real
challenge, and I will not get it at West Ham. With the current head coach of
the team, it is impossible. He won't tell me directly, but I'm not fooled.
It does not matter to me. I have to go. Some clubs have approached West Ham.
I'm not afraid to change Championships. It will always be better than here.
"In all the clubs I passed through, I still had discussions with the coach
to know what he expected of me, how the team plays, my positioning, etc..
Since my arrival, I never spoke with the manager. Everyday is 'bonjour, au
revoir'. No dialogue, no explanation."
There's no mistaking how serious Diarra is about leaving West Ham United and
he's clearly not happy with Sam Allardyce. Perhaps there are problems with
dialogue given the language barrier but, whoever the person at fault is,
Diarra sounds like he's already waiting for his taxi.
Last week Le10 in France said that he was on the verge of a loan move to
Spain.
A move to Espanyol would make the Barcelona side the eleventh club of
Diarra's career and according to Le10 (see left) the London team have
started already talks with their La Liga counterparts about the possibility
of a loan move for the player.
Whilst Diarra has seen his domestic career go from club to club and styled
himself as something of a journeyman, he's usually impressed France national
team coaches and has represented his country just under 50 times, that also
includes several appearances as captain.
Sam Allardyce clearly hasn't been a big fan since bringing him to the club
and he's only started one game in the Premier League and not got many
chances as a substitute.
Le10 say negotiations continue between the Premier League team and Espanyol
and a move is possible before the end of the winter transfer window.
This is a move that truly hasn't worked out for either player or club.
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West Ham linked with Ghana defender Samuel Inkoom
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
January 21, 2013 8:34pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands West Ham United are weighing up a move for Ghana
defender Samuel Inkoom. Upton Park boss Sam Allardyce has admitted defensive
reinforcements are his top priority in the January transfer window. And
Dnipro's Inkoom, who is not at the Africa Cup of Nations, figures highly on
the Hammers' wanted list, with his agent confirming there is plenty of
interest. Christian Emile said: "It's true. Last summer, a Premier League
club and Sporting Lisbon did put forward an offer for Inkoom. However, an
agreement was not reached." He added: "During this window, there has been a
lot of interest shown in Samuel across Europe so we are considering things
carefully."
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Marouane Chamakh - A Good Addition!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
The QPR match saw Marouane Chamakh start for the first time. My previous
impression of Marouane Chamakh was that he is a strong and mobile centre
foward, with good ability in the air and link up play. Both of thoses
attributes were displayed on Saturday, with Chamakh intelligently holding
the ball up and bringing teams mates in to play. Similarly, he looked strong
and assured in ariel challenges and should have scored with a least one
headed effort, which the QPR keeper did exceptionally well to save.
Moreover, at times, he looked a real handful for the QPR defenders and
should have won a penalty when Hill and Wright-Phillips combined to man
handle him and bring him down in the box.
In my view, Chamakh had a useful game and on another day would have scored.
In many ways, he shared the fustrations of his team, in a match when West
Ham could very have easily won 4-1 or 5-1. There was clearly misfortune
involved, but we must also remember that Chamakh has only played for Arsenal
approximately 3 times this season. So, there are fitness levels to raise and
a game to sharpen in the coming weeks. We might also do well to recall that,
not so long ago, this was a striker whose goals were key in winning a French
title and who was also a regular scorer in the Champions League. Finally, it
is clear that Chamakh's style of play is better suited to Allardyce's West
Ham than Wenger's Arsenal. And hopefully, he wil demonstrate that in the
coming matches with a return in goals!
The signing of Joe Cole has been inspired. He has looked both energetic and
skilled on the ball. Against QPR, Cole was everywhere, constantly seeking
the ball and orchastrating West Ham's play in the final third. Those who
thought Joe Cole a spend force are being proven totally wrong. As long as we
can keep hm fit and playing, Joe Cole's addition to the squad is a massive
bonus for the club. Chamakh's aquisition, could similarly come to be seen as
another good bit of business by Allardyce.
It will also be interesting to see what Wellington Paulista has to offer.
Allardyce has been much more cautious about his introduction to PL action,
although the player, himself, has stated that he hoped to see action against
Arsenal on Wednesday evening. The probablity is that he will be gradually
introduced from the bench. Most of us have seen the U-Tube clips of his
goals and he looks mobile, able to strike the ball well and finish chances
in and around the box. Apparently, he can play wide or through the middle as
a central striker, so he is adaptable and gives us potential options. He is
also an unknown quanity to PL defences and might be able to take advantage
of that fact.
Lets give Wellington Paulista a chance to see what he can do. If it does not
work out, then so be it, but there is also the possibilit that he could
surprise a few people. Remember another 28/29 year old Brazilian striker,
with a mixed record, that Zola signed. A certain Ilan, whose goals were
instrumental in us avoiding relegation that season. If Paulista makes a
similar impact, even for only half a season, no one will be complaining!
The 'Anelka to West Ham' rumours continue to circulate. However, Sam
Allardyce, in a recent interview, indicated that forwards were off the
agenda, for the remainder of the window, as he concentrated on strengthening
his defence. It appears that Rovers are digging ther heels in over the fee
for Martin Olsson, which is their right. A £4m fee should clinch the deal,
although Rovers are currently talking about a £6-7m Valuation. We need to
keep a watch on that potential deal, its one that could go right to the
wire.The club should also be in the market for a centre-half and a goal
keeper. There was talk of signing Rovers keeper, Robinson, but nothing has
materialised as yet.
It was two points lost against QPR, but the team showed us enough to suggest
that they will soon get back to winning ways! I certainly have no fears
about a relegation struggle this season. For me, it is whether we 'tread
water' in mid-table or manage to put in a run of results to guarantee a good
top ten finish. If I were a betting person, I would gamble on the latter
being th case.
SJ. Chandos.
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Big Sam: I won't Nic striker
The Sun
Published: 21st January 2013
SAM ALLARDYCE has ruled out bringing Nicolas Anelka to West Ham. French ace
Anelka is available for transfer at Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua.
But Big Sam insists the striker will not be heading to Upton Park — as the
Hammers are focused on signing up defensive reinforcements. The West Ham
boss said: "At the moment I am not in a position for Nicolas Anelka because
my main priority is defenders. "We have got Andy Carroll close to coming
back and we have got Carlton Cole, Marouane Chamakh and we have also brought
in Wellington Paulista."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's on-loan striker was content with his contribution in
Saturday's draw with QPR
21.01.2013
It was a case of mixed emotions for Marouane Chamakh after making his full
West Ham United debut in the 1-1 Barclays Premier League draw with Queens
Park Rangers. The Moroccan frontman more than played his part in a dominant
attacking display, and but for the heroics of goalkeeper Julio Cesar, the
Arsenal loanee would surely have been celebrating his first Hammers goal.
Though it wasn't to be, Chamakh was still satisfied with a good afternoon's
work, confident his fortune in front of goal will turn sooner rather than
later. "I think it was a good debut, from a personal point of view," he
confirmed. "But we've basically lost two points because two goals would have
enabled us to win the game at home, against a rival for survival. There you
go, it's a shame because we had a lot of chances and we dominated the game.
"In view of how the game panned out, it's good to take a point, because we
fell behind. From then on, we really pushed forward. They had to do a lot of
defending and they defended very well. "At the end, I think with perhaps
about ten minutes left, we gave everything to win the game. So, we gave it
our all and so I think, overall, both teams had to settle for the draw."
Chamakh, who might have been awarded a first-half penalty for Clint Hill's
challenge, was twice denied by the smart reactions of QPR stopper Cesar, and
he admits the hard-luck story is a case of déjà vu. "It's becoming a
familiar feeling [in front of goal]," Chamakh explained. "He [Cesar] has
made two great saves against me, which is a shame, but it happens and
hopefully they'll go in next time."
The former Bordeaux forward will now have to wait a little longer to break
his Barclays Premier League duck this season, with the Hammers set to take
on his parent club at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday. But despite being
ineligible for the midweek clash, the 29-year-old had some choice words of
wisdom for his teammates. "I don't know if I necessarily have any secrets
[about Arsenal]," he added. "The players will have to produce something
pretty good over there. They're going to play with their hearts and their
heads and they'll have to give everything to bring us back at least a
point."
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FA Youth Cup action at the Boleyn!
WHUFC.com
West Ham United host Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Youth Cup fourth round on
Tuesday
21.01.2013
Steve Potts says his West Ham United youngsters will be ready for action
when they host Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Youth Cup fourth round on Tuesday
evening. The Hammers welcome their local rivals to the Boleyn Ground for a
mouth-watering London derby, with a home tie with Bolton Wanderers up for
grabs for the winners. Under-18s manager Potts, who guided his side to a 1-0
Barclays U18 Premier League Tier One Stage victory over Spurs in his first
and only game in charge on 12 January, says everyone involved is looking
forward to the match. "I'm looking forward to it, as the boys are,"
confirmed Potts. "It's a nice occasion for them in the FA Youth Cup. If you
speak to any ex-players or present players, they will look back on the Youth
Cup with fond memories of it. Hopefully our boys will have the same after
the game. "I don't think the league game will have any bearing whatsoever, I
really don't. I think you will see a couple of sides with totally different
make-ups in terms of team selection and, even if they were the same eleven
against the same Spurs eleven, I'd still have the same opinion."
Potts has a near fully-fit squad to pick from on Tuesday, with only England
U18 defender Leo Chambers and goalkeeper Sam Baxter missing through injury,
while midfielder Declan Hunt is on loan at Blue Square Bet Premier club
Braintree Town. While the U18s manager admitted Chambers will be a big miss,
he has backed his players to make up for his absence. "Leo is obviously a
really good player and I'm sure, from his point of view, it's really
frustrating because he would have featured in the first team this year -
that's how highly the club rate him. Unfortunately, he has got a thigh
injury that has ruled him out for the rest of the season but hopefully he'll
come back stronger next season. The rest of the lads are all fit. "It'll be
nice for me to manager at the Boleyn Ground, but it's all about the boys.
Hopefully they can put a good performance on and do themselves justice and
get a positive result."
Should his players not perform to their maximum, Potts knows from personal
experience that the FA Youth Cup can be a great leveller. In January 1985,
Potts was part of a team that also contained Kevin Keen and Paul Ince that
travelled to Swindon Town for a third-round tie, only for the Robins to
shock the Hammers to the tune of a 4-1 defeat. "I remember in my playing
days, we had a good team but we went to Swindon Town away and came unstuck
that year. It was one of those games which has always been in the back of my
mind thinking 'How did that happen?', but it did. We quite fancied our
chances that year and it just shows you that, even at youth level, you can't
take anything for granted."
The former West Ham captain and Hammer of the Year will have prepared his
players and warned them to guard against a similar result when Tottenham
visit on Tuesday evening. Kick-off at the Boleyn Ground is at 7pm, with
admission charged at £3 Adults and £1 Concessions. The car park will be
open, but with a large crowd expected, supporters travelling by car should
arrive early to avoid disappointment. The Stadium Superstore will also be
staying open late so any fans hoping to stock up on Hammers merchandise
ahead of the game can pop in!
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Cole targets more goals
WHUFC.com
Saturday scorer Joe Cole is aiming to put the ball in the net for West Ham
United on a regular basis
21.01.2013
Joe Cole is enjoying his football with West Ham United - but he would be
enjoying it even more if the Hammers had beaten Queens Park Rangers on
Saturday.
The No26 capped an impressive individual performance with the Hammers'
equaliser in a 1-1 Barclays Premier League draw with the Hoops at the Boleyn
Ground. However, with West Ham dominating proceedings from start to finish,
Cole insisted his goal should not have been the only one he and his
team-mates were able to celebrate. "It was a game we should have won. We had
a lot of possession and put a lot of crosses in the box but credit to QPR
because they defended strongly. "It's two points dropped, but we'll try to
take the positives. It's another draw and a point on the board and we'll go
to Arsenal on Wednesday in full spirits knowing that we put in a good
performance on Saturday. "I think 38 points will probably be enough this
year [to stay up]. Like I said, you can only perform well and sometimes
things don't fall for you - you have balls coming off people's backsides and
that. "It was a good performance I thought from the team, strong and
together. It was good to have Joey O'Brien back from injury as well, and Mo
Diame, of course. We looked strong."
While he was naturally frustrated not to finish on the winning side, the
England international was pleased to score his first goal in claret and blue
since netting in a 2-2 Premier League draw with Newcastle United at the
Boleyn Ground on 11 January 2003. It was nice to score. I know we're going
to put a lot of crosses in and it's up to me to try to get on the end of
things. It was good and, of course, the main thing was to get a point and
keep us moving forward and getting points on the board. "It's always nice to
score any goal. When you have days like that in football, you just have to
try and enjoy them. I'm happy and playing with a smile on my face."
"Playing in that position a bit further forward out wide, you have got to
score goals. Myself and Matt Jarvis are working on getting in the box and
scoring more goals. "I thought it was a good, strong team performance and we
bounced back from a poor performance last week [at Sunderland]." Cole has
made a fine start to his second spell in east London, conjuring two assists
for James Collins in an FA Cup with Budweiser third-round draw with
Manchester United before netting his first goal -and 14th for the club in
total - on Saturday. Despite his encouraging opening, however, the
midfielder insists he is not yet up to 100 per cent in terms of
match-fitness. "I felt a bit stronger. It's just about getting my body
hardened to playing 90 minutes again. It's nice to have an effect on games.
I have played three games now and I've had an effect on them. "It's good and
I'm enjoying it - I'm enjoying my football and that's the main thing. I'm
just settling in and all I want to do is be part of a good team and a good
bunch of lads, help my team to win and enjoy my football - that's all I
want."
One thing Cole would certainly enjoy is a victory at Arsenal in Wednesday's
rearranged Barclays Premier League fixture at the Emirates Stadium. The
31-year-old has yet to taste victory in five career appearances for the
Hammers against the Gunners. But with Arsene Wenger's men coming into the
game having lost back-to-back league games to Manchester City and Chelsea,
Cole is confident West Ham can pick up a positive result in north London.
"We'll go to Arsenal to win the game. We have done it before as West Ham.
We've just got to go there and frustrate them because they have got great
footballers - your Jack Wilsheres, your Theo Walcotts and people like that.
"We'll go there and try to stifle them a little bit and we'll always be a
threat from set pieces, so we'll go and have a go. "If we keep performing
like we did on Saturday, then I think we'll win games."
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Wenger gunning for three points
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 21st January 2013
By: Staff Writer
Arsenal's under-pressure manager Arsene Wenger insists his team must take
all three points when West Ham United visit the Emirates on Wednesday
evening.
Wenger, whose position has come under intense scrutiny in recent months
following some disappointing results is under pressure to get a result
against Sam Allardyce's side in the re-scheduled fixture that was originally
planned for Boxing Day but postponed due to strike action. Speaking earlier
today, the 63-year-old Frenchman said: "It is vital for us. We are in a
position where you are of course concerned by where we are. It's very
difficult to accept because you feel there is a lot of quality in the team
but football is about efficiency and spirit of efficiency. "You cannot test
the water and then decide what you do. We have to start with full cylinders
from the first minute. The quality is there. I always hope that it will
strengthen the belief of our team. At the moment we have a battle on that
front and hopefully we'll sort that out very quickly."
Having been beaten at Chelsea last weekend, the Gunners - with just one win
from their last five outings - have seen their chances of Champions League
qualification slip further away. And like his manager Wenger, striker Theo
Walcott also believes that nothing less than a win against United is
acceptable. There are a lot of teams that have got stronger this year, so we
need to step on the gas," he told Arsenal's website. "We don't want to be
playing catch-up. We want to get points on the board as soon as possible. We
have a tough game at home against West Ham, so we need to be ready. It is a
massive game, we have home support and we need to start clocking up points
there. We have been hot and cold at home of late, so we must be very
positive and if we show the commitment that we did in the second half [at
Chelsea] we should be fine."
Meanwhile Sam Allardyce will be attempting to stop the rot as far as West
Ham's recent poor away form is concerned - and he insisted that squad
rotation is the answer. "I'll change the team and might change the formation
and use the squad to its full potential," he said. "The reason we dominated
the game against QPR so much is that only three of the players that played
in the previous game at Manchester United started."
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Paulista ready to stick the boot in
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 21st January 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's latest recruit, Brazilian forward Wellington Paulista,
says he hopes to make his debut for the club against Arsenal on Wednesday
evening.
The Irons travel to north London on Wednesday night in order to play the
fixture, originally scheduled for Boxing Day, which was cancelled due to a
strike by members of trade union ASLEF. And the 29-year-old, who was a
surprise arrival at the Boleyn Ground earlier this month says that he hopes
the game will mark his first appearance in a West Ham shirt. "I'm working
hard to regain fitness and I hope to make my debut for West Ham in the game
against Arsenal," he said. "I'm really looking forward to playing and
scoring goals. "The pressure of playing in the Premier League will be no
problem for me. I'm used to that in Brazil, where the crowd is also
passionate about the club."
Paulista will remain with West Ham for the rest of the current campaign.
Should he impress sufficiently, United are understood to hold the option of
signing the Cruzeiro player on a permanent, three-year contract.
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Transfer latest: 21st January
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 21st January 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United are keeping an eye on the progress of Ghanaian international
Samuel Inkoom, according to reports. BBC sports correspondant Dan Roan has
linked the Irons with a move for the Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk right back, who
can also play in the centre of defence and as a wing-back. Still only 23,
Inkoom moved from Swiss club Basle to the Ukrainian Premier League club two
years ago this month in a $10million (USD) deal but has long been unsettled
in Eastern Europe due to issues both on and off the field. Speaking to
goal.com at the end of 2011, he said: "Things are not easy for me here and
some ugly things have happened. I had problems with our coach, Juande Ramos,
who would not let me leave to join the Ghana national team and threatened to
sign another winger-defender if I were to go."
Elsewhere Talksport are convinced that Spanish club Espanyol are "leading
the chase" to sign Alou Diarra. The French international, who has only just
returned to action having barely featured for United since signing for the
club last summer is on the periphery at the Boleyn Ground and could be
allowed to leave, should the right offer be made. The radio station are also
linking West Ham with a £3.5million move for 20-year-old Nancy left back
Massadio Haidara, after the club reached a stalemate with Blackburn over
their pursuit of Swedish international Martin Olsson.
Back to potential arrivals and the situation regarding Sam Allardyce target
Nicolas Anelka remains in the balance. Rumours that a deal had been struck
with the former French international, now 33, began to circulate late last
week although nothing concrete has been confirmed as of yet. This particular
saga could yet prove to be one for the transfer deadline day aficionados.
Following the recent arrival of Wellington Paulista, another South American
said to be interesting West Ham is Paraguayan international Richard Ortiz.
22-year-old Ortiz, a left-footer who currently features for Asuncion-based
Olimpia in Paraguay's Primera Division is predominantly a central midfielder
but also has some experience of playing as a wing back. Paraguay's Cardinal
Channel insist that the player, who is entering the final year of his
contract with his current club, could be on his way to east London on loan.
Finally for today, former Hammer Julien Faubert could be set for a return to
his native France having had his contract with Turkish side Elazigspor
ripped up. The 29-year-old parted company with his new club just six months
into his contract and is hoping to secure a move back to Bordeaux, with whom
he has been training recently.
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West Ham midfielder criticises Allardyce and says he needs to get out now
Posted by SPORT WITNESS on January 22, 2013 at 8:22 in Sport Witness
Football
.
French newspaper L'Equipe today have reported in their newspaper edition
(see left) that West Ham United defender Alou Diarra wants to get out of the
club as he sees it as impossible to break in the first team because of the
current manager Sam Allardyce.
The French international, who only arrived at the Premier League club in the
summer from Marseille, said that he wants a real challenge after he failed
to hold down a regular spot in the team. The player isn't concerned about
remaining in the Premier League and is quite happy to move to another
country to find first team football. Diarra stated that he is fully aware
that clubs have approached West Ham United in recent weeks with regards to
signing him.
The defensive midfielder says he is now at breaking point and needs to get
out of the club and that signing for somebody else will be a lot better than
staying with his current side.
"Yes, I want to go. I am positively at breaking point. Today, I want a real
challenge, and I will not get it at West Ham. With the current head coach of
the team, it is impossible. He won't tell me directly, but I'm not fooled.
It does not matter to me. I have to go. Some clubs have approached West Ham.
I'm not afraid to change Championships. It will always be better than here.
"In all the clubs I passed through, I still had discussions with the coach
to know what he expected of me, how the team plays, my positioning, etc..
Since my arrival, I never spoke with the manager. Everyday is 'bonjour, au
revoir'. No dialogue, no explanation."
There's no mistaking how serious Diarra is about leaving West Ham United and
he's clearly not happy with Sam Allardyce. Perhaps there are problems with
dialogue given the language barrier but, whoever the person at fault is,
Diarra sounds like he's already waiting for his taxi.
Last week Le10 in France said that he was on the verge of a loan move to
Spain.
A move to Espanyol would make the Barcelona side the eleventh club of
Diarra's career and according to Le10 (see left) the London team have
started already talks with their La Liga counterparts about the possibility
of a loan move for the player.
Whilst Diarra has seen his domestic career go from club to club and styled
himself as something of a journeyman, he's usually impressed France national
team coaches and has represented his country just under 50 times, that also
includes several appearances as captain.
Sam Allardyce clearly hasn't been a big fan since bringing him to the club
and he's only started one game in the Premier League and not got many
chances as a substitute.
Le10 say negotiations continue between the Premier League team and Espanyol
and a move is possible before the end of the winter transfer window.
This is a move that truly hasn't worked out for either player or club.
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West Ham linked with Ghana defender Samuel Inkoom
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
January 21, 2013 8:34pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands West Ham United are weighing up a move for Ghana
defender Samuel Inkoom. Upton Park boss Sam Allardyce has admitted defensive
reinforcements are his top priority in the January transfer window. And
Dnipro's Inkoom, who is not at the Africa Cup of Nations, figures highly on
the Hammers' wanted list, with his agent confirming there is plenty of
interest. Christian Emile said: "It's true. Last summer, a Premier League
club and Sporting Lisbon did put forward an offer for Inkoom. However, an
agreement was not reached." He added: "During this window, there has been a
lot of interest shown in Samuel across Europe so we are considering things
carefully."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Marouane Chamakh - A Good Addition!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
The QPR match saw Marouane Chamakh start for the first time. My previous
impression of Marouane Chamakh was that he is a strong and mobile centre
foward, with good ability in the air and link up play. Both of thoses
attributes were displayed on Saturday, with Chamakh intelligently holding
the ball up and bringing teams mates in to play. Similarly, he looked strong
and assured in ariel challenges and should have scored with a least one
headed effort, which the QPR keeper did exceptionally well to save.
Moreover, at times, he looked a real handful for the QPR defenders and
should have won a penalty when Hill and Wright-Phillips combined to man
handle him and bring him down in the box.
In my view, Chamakh had a useful game and on another day would have scored.
In many ways, he shared the fustrations of his team, in a match when West
Ham could very have easily won 4-1 or 5-1. There was clearly misfortune
involved, but we must also remember that Chamakh has only played for Arsenal
approximately 3 times this season. So, there are fitness levels to raise and
a game to sharpen in the coming weeks. We might also do well to recall that,
not so long ago, this was a striker whose goals were key in winning a French
title and who was also a regular scorer in the Champions League. Finally, it
is clear that Chamakh's style of play is better suited to Allardyce's West
Ham than Wenger's Arsenal. And hopefully, he wil demonstrate that in the
coming matches with a return in goals!
The signing of Joe Cole has been inspired. He has looked both energetic and
skilled on the ball. Against QPR, Cole was everywhere, constantly seeking
the ball and orchastrating West Ham's play in the final third. Those who
thought Joe Cole a spend force are being proven totally wrong. As long as we
can keep hm fit and playing, Joe Cole's addition to the squad is a massive
bonus for the club. Chamakh's aquisition, could similarly come to be seen as
another good bit of business by Allardyce.
It will also be interesting to see what Wellington Paulista has to offer.
Allardyce has been much more cautious about his introduction to PL action,
although the player, himself, has stated that he hoped to see action against
Arsenal on Wednesday evening. The probablity is that he will be gradually
introduced from the bench. Most of us have seen the U-Tube clips of his
goals and he looks mobile, able to strike the ball well and finish chances
in and around the box. Apparently, he can play wide or through the middle as
a central striker, so he is adaptable and gives us potential options. He is
also an unknown quanity to PL defences and might be able to take advantage
of that fact.
Lets give Wellington Paulista a chance to see what he can do. If it does not
work out, then so be it, but there is also the possibilit that he could
surprise a few people. Remember another 28/29 year old Brazilian striker,
with a mixed record, that Zola signed. A certain Ilan, whose goals were
instrumental in us avoiding relegation that season. If Paulista makes a
similar impact, even for only half a season, no one will be complaining!
The 'Anelka to West Ham' rumours continue to circulate. However, Sam
Allardyce, in a recent interview, indicated that forwards were off the
agenda, for the remainder of the window, as he concentrated on strengthening
his defence. It appears that Rovers are digging ther heels in over the fee
for Martin Olsson, which is their right. A £4m fee should clinch the deal,
although Rovers are currently talking about a £6-7m Valuation. We need to
keep a watch on that potential deal, its one that could go right to the
wire.The club should also be in the market for a centre-half and a goal
keeper. There was talk of signing Rovers keeper, Robinson, but nothing has
materialised as yet.
It was two points lost against QPR, but the team showed us enough to suggest
that they will soon get back to winning ways! I certainly have no fears
about a relegation struggle this season. For me, it is whether we 'tread
water' in mid-table or manage to put in a run of results to guarantee a good
top ten finish. If I were a betting person, I would gamble on the latter
being th case.
SJ. Chandos.
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Big Sam: I won't Nic striker
The Sun
Published: 21st January 2013
SAM ALLARDYCE has ruled out bringing Nicolas Anelka to West Ham. French ace
Anelka is available for transfer at Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua.
But Big Sam insists the striker will not be heading to Upton Park — as the
Hammers are focused on signing up defensive reinforcements. The West Ham
boss said: "At the moment I am not in a position for Nicolas Anelka because
my main priority is defenders. "We have got Andy Carroll close to coming
back and we have got Carlton Cole, Marouane Chamakh and we have also brought
in Wellington Paulista."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, January 21
Daily WHUFC News - 21st January 2013
Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce is looking to his forwards to lead the way against Arsenal on
Wednesday night
20.01.2013
Sam Allardyce plans to make full use of his squad as he starts preparations
for West Ham United's second London derby in four days on Wednesday. The
Hammers were outstanding in terms of chances created in the 1-1 draw with
Queens Park Rangers last Saturday, but slightly less impressive when it came
to converting the chances into goals. The West Ham United manager plans to
try some new personnel and perhaps a new shape as he seeks to improve his
side's chance conversion rate when they travel to Arsenal on Wednesday
night. "I'll change the team and might change the formation and use the
squad to its full potential," Allardyce said. "The reason we dominated the
game against QPR so much is that only three of the players that played in
the previous game at Manchester United started. "I'm frustrated that we
didn't clinch a win but in terms of our efforts to try and win I can't ask
for any more. Technically and tactically we did exceptionally well because
we had the energy to do so. Unfortunately our final ability to score a
chance is the one thing that's lacking.
"Our home form has been outstanding, bearing in mind it's our first season
back in the Premier League. I think we've all been frustrated by some of the
recent results that have happened to us. "Losing to Everton and Liverpool
was a disappointment and I think that drawing against QPR was an even bigger
disappointment than losing to them. We opened QPR up time after time after
time, so to not convert those chances into goals leaves us all very
frustrated."
Marouane Chamakh and then Carlton Cole both led the line superbly against
the Hoops, but with the former ineligible for Wednesday night's game against
his parent club, Allardyce may well turn to the latter to take the game to
the hosts. The duo could also be supported by Andy Carroll soon, who is
inching ever-closer to a comeback from his hamstring injury. "We've got good
headers of the ball in Carlton and Andy. Carlton's header for our goal
against Queens Park Rangers was critical to get us back in the game. Chamakh
had a couple of good headers saved by the keeper. When Andy gets back, if we
keep providing the service I'm sure the goals will come. "The one thing
we're lacking is goals from the front line. If we had someone who was on
eight or nine goals, I think we'll finish in the top half."
Defensively, the Hammers were solid throughout against Harry Redknapp's
side, save for one counter-attack that led to Loic Remy marking his debut
with a goal. Big Sam feels his two central defenders, Winston Reid and James
Tomkins, could have done better to prevent the goal, but puts it down to
learning about the pace and quality of the Premier League. "It was our
fault that Remy scored as we made it very easy for him. The centre backs
have to remember, as young as they are and as inexperienced as they are,
that we have to defend correctly. "That is a difficult job as if you switch
off you can get punished at any time. They tried to play an offside when
they shouldn't have and all they had to do was stay with the runner and
there wouldn't have been a problem. "You can lose your concentration with
the amount of continual attacks we were trying and that's why the world's
best players who play in the world's best teams are there when they are
needed even if they are not called upon often. "It's a kick up the backside
for the both of them. It's just a case of learning from the experience and
not doing it again."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jarvis takes the positives
WHUFC.com
Matt Jarvis is feeling upbeat after West Ham United's dominant display in
Saturday's 1-1 draw with QPR
20.01.2013
Matt Jarvis is determined to take the positives from an ultimately
frustrating afternoon against Queens Park Rangers in the Barclays Premier
League. Despite falling behind to Hoops debutant Loic Remy's 14th minute
goal, West Ham United peppered the visitors' goal in search of parity, and
though reward eventually came in the form of Joe Cole's second-half
leveller, it was to end honours even. Club-record signing Jarvis admitted
there was plenty of disappointment in the dressing room at full-time, but
hopes his team-mates will take heart from another fine performance at the
Boleyn Ground. "It was one of those games where you're just hoping that the
goal would come and obviously it came near the end and we were just hoping
to get another one," he said. "We had to keep concentrating and make sure
we kept on doing the right things and put the balls in, and hopefully one
would break for us. Once we got the goal, we were hoping to push on and get
the second one. "We know we want to win our home games and get the three
points, but we put in a good performance and created numerous chances and I
just wish we could have put them away. "Our home form has been really,
really good and we wanted to keep that going. Especially against QPR, we
needed to get a positive result. We are disappointed that we didn't get the
three points but the performance was good. "I don't think anyone can
question everyone's desire to win the game. We're all disappointed that we
didn't get the three points but we've got to think positively and take a
very good performance and a point away from the game."
Jarvis also pointed to the fact that he and his colleagues will have to
produce the goods if they want to keep their names on Sam Allardyce's team
sheet.
"With the squad that we've got if you're not playing well, then you won't
get in the team and that's always a good thing for a squad, and it makes
sure everyone's really working hard and getting the right result for the
team."
Next up for the Hammers is a daunting trip to Arsenal's Emirates Stadium on
Wednesday, but the former Wolverhampton Wanderers winger insists West Ham
will head to north London in confident mood, in the hope of gaining yet
another positive result. "We've got to go there and put in a good
performance away from home, which we haven't really done recently," Jarvis
added. "We take confidence from Saturday that we were grinding away and
hopefully we can do that on Wednesday. "We've been working hard [away from
home] to get our shape and get the same momentum and formation, crosses and
shots on goal. It's just not happened for us recently. "If you let in an
early goal away from home, it's always hard to come back from. But we've got
to show character and desire as we've done on Saturday to make sure we get a
result. It's a game in hand for us and we go there with confidence from QPR
and will try and get a positive result."
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Allardyce on... QPR
KUMb.com
Filed: Sunday, 20th January 2013
By: Staff Writer
Delighted with the number of goalscoring opportunities created, Sam
Allardyce spoke rather less effusively about the quality of West Ham's
finishing against Queens Park Rangers. Here's his post-match press
conference exclusively in full...
Sam: I think you had enough chances to win three games today?
It's our Achilles heel, unfortunately. We've suffered that in recent weeks,
but more away from home. We've suffered here today because we couldn't have
created more opportunities to score than we did in the 90 minutes, but we
failed to get more than one.
However dominant we were in the statistics department or however many more
shots or crosses we had the one thing that matters at the end of the day is
the score - and the score was 1-1. At the end we have to be massively
frustrated and disappointed that we haven't turned that performance into a
well-deserved three points.
Is that it? Thank you!
Do you think you should have had a penalty in the first half?
Possibly. Looking at the replay on the laptop it looks like Howard Webb's
not in a great position to see it. I think he got a touch on Chamakh but I
don't think the referee's in a position to have a clear view of the incident
so what you can't see, you can't give as they say.
Whatever happened to day we just couldn't seem to get the ball in front of
the net as often as we should have done. Whenever we beat the goalkeeper
there seemed to be someone on the line who blocked it or whatever it was, so
it's been a very frustrating day for us. But by the same token you say to
the players, "if you continue to perform like that you're going to win more
than you draw, believe me."
How do you feel [Marouane] Chamakh did on his full debut?
Not too bad; I think he grew into the game and got better like we all did.
He got a couple of very good headers in the second half that we'd have loved
him to score from to get off the mark straight away. We've seen his power in
the air and in the end, it's his first game for a long time and he's lacking
that competitive edge. I think the last game he had was against Reading in
the Cup, quite a long time ago.
So, we brought him off and Carlton came on and did a job, because he got the
header in [that led to the goal]. When you've got strong headers of the ball
and put 46 crosses in like we did [today] you're giving them the right
service to score with one of their strengths. Hopefully that'll turn into
him scoring a few more goals for us. That's been our problem, our front men
don't score enough goals to win games of football we should win.
And Joe Cole chipping in with his first goal since coming back?
Yeah, great instinct to follow in and a great header from Carlton. They've
Cole Cole-d them!
What was he like in the dressing room afterwards?
He's pleased but he's disappointed that we haven't won it like everybody is.
In fact we're looking very dejected, almost like we've lost because they
knew that performance should have got them three points. As I said, I told
the lads "carry on like that and you'll win more games than you draw".
At the other end, all we got done by was the sucker punch. We talked before
the game about how they'll play on the break and look for one chance and
play the ball in behind you, because you're bound to leave spaces at the
back when you're dominating the opposition. Foolishly, we tried to play a
stupid offside instead of just tracking Remy and he put it away well.
Have you made a decision as to how you'll react to the misconduct charge?
Not yet. Today's game was far more important than a misconduct charge. I'll
sit down and review it with the people I need to review it with and make a
decision from there.
Has Jaaskelainen got hypothermia?
He didn't do much, yeah! No I don't think he did; it's encouraging to do
what we did today but the frustration and disappointment is that it didn't
lead to what could have been a comfortable victory.
QPR are a much different team to the one you played at Loftus Road, aren't
they? They seem a lot more resilient now?
Yeah, they are; they're not playing open, attacking football like Mark
Hughes tried to play earlier in the season. They took the game to us and
tried to open us up but they opened themselves up, we took full advantage of
that and got a well-deserved 2-1 win in the end. Now they make life
extremely difficult for you, it's hard to break them down and in the end we
did break them down but couldn't find a way to put the ball in the back of
the net more.
But yes, they have a certain way - particularly away from home that's
brought them another point. Whether Harry [Redknapp] thinks that's good
enough or not they've gone a long time without losing too many games, which
is what you want to do as a manager. Ultimately he probably knows in the end
that he's got to start winning instead of drawing but their system and the
frustration they're causing everybody has worked quite well for them.
It's frustrated us today because we know we should have won and we haven't.
It frustrated Tottenham and it certainly frustrated Chelsea, because they
won that one.
QPR were in for Joe Cole as well and they've shown they've got a lot of
spending power this week; how crucial was that to get him over the line?
Particularly when you play teams with the tactics of QPR today there's not a
lot of space to find in which to break them down because they fill the
18-yard line with four players and put four or five players in front of
that. You need clever, skilful little players to wriggle through those small
spaces and start creating for you which obviously he did.
On the other side is Matt Jarvis, a different type of player pounding the
full back and pounding the back four with cross after cross. That's where
the equaliser and chances came from. The service and providing of
opportunities was great today, unfortunately the finishing let us down.
Any news on Martin Olsson at all?
No, there's no news on Martin Olsson coming to a conclusion at the moment.
We haven't had a bid accepted by Blackburn.
You're still a few points ahead of the relegation zone. Is it important to
keep ahead of that pack?
We haven't lost or gained that much today so it's another game gone by.
We're in our worst run for picking up points at the minute, but that's not
to suggest that our performances have warranted so few points. The bottom
line, as always, is that if you don't finish your chances you pay a penalty
- and we paid the penalty today and in previous games before that.
Thank you.
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Redknapp on... West Ham United
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 20th January 2013
By: Staff Writer
QPR's Harry Redknapp mixes his metaphors and tries to convince everyone that
he wasn't bothered by the negative chanting that came his way during
Saturday's game. Here's his post match presser, exclusively in full, here on
KUMB...
Harry: A good start for Loic Remy?
Yeah, it was good to see him score in his first game. I felt at that stage
of the game that him and Taarabt were going to do a bit of damage today but
then we came under the cosh and it was difficult.
Do you think that's a point gained or two dropped?
I think that's a point gained, I couldn't say we deserved to come away with
a win - that would be nonsense, wouldn't it? We didn't get beat so that's
five games unbeaten and at least we're in there, trying hard, having a go.
We came under severe pressure from corners, they penned us in and it was
difficult.
Carlton Cole came on and they knocked balls up to him; he's always a threat,
flicking them on, holding it up and getting bodies in the box. But we have
to try to play with a little more quality. We got in front and really that's
when you should be keeping hold of the ball - and we couldn't keep the ball.
As you say you did get in front but the second half was a barrage?
Yeah, it was. You've got to play, you've got to be bold enough to keep the
ball and want the ball, you can't keep kicking the ball back to them and
inviting another attack. That's what we tended to do second half; we just
sat in there, got deeper and couldn't get out really.
What you're going to need over the next couple of months is spirit, isn't
it? And you showed lots of that today, didn't you?
Yeah; you need spirit but you need quality as well as spirit and effort will
only take you so far. You need a bit of quality, you need to be able to
play, you need people who can play and pass the ball under pressure. I like
teams who can play and we need to be bolder and play, try to pass and keep
hold of the ball better.
Does that make it even more disappointing that you didn't get Joe Cole?
Well no; I wanted Joe, I think we could have got Joe and I would have had
Joe about two weeks before West Ham got him. It just took a long time to get
sorted, to be honest with you. We were talking to Joe's people for three
weeks before West Ham came on the scene. So I could have got Joe - and I
wanted to get Joe - but it just dragged on too long and I was disappointed
not to get him.
Presumably he wanted to come back here?
Yeah, once West Ham came in he was only ever going to come to West Ham. This
is Joe's club and I don't blame him. I said to him just now, he's made the
right decision, this is his home where he started as a 12-year-old when I
signed him. He's a fantastic boy and a good player and I'm sure the fans are
delighted to have him back here.
Why did it take so long?
I don't know really, I just think sometimes with them deals you have to get
them done quickly and once other people get alerted to players being
available you can lose them. I don't know. I think Joe had some bits and
pieces to tie up with Liverpool as well so it just dragged on a bit.
The finish from Remy must have pleased you, he took it extremely well?
Yeah, he did. But he will do that. He's got great movement off the ball and
if you can get people to slide him in when he makes runs he'll get in,
because he's got pace and he'll score some goals. He'll do okay.
And that gives you alternatives now?
Well we haven't had any pace up front, that's been the problem. I think with
Zamora coming back as well, if I can get Bobby fit - he could be around next
week hopefully - he and Remy could be a really good partnership.
Are you still convinced? From the outset you've been very positive.
I've got to be, yeah. It's going to be tight, it's going to be tough but
we've gone five games unbeaten. We're improving, we've done okay. It isn't
easy when you've only got four points after 13 games, is it? We're picking
up points at the moment, we're averaging more than a point per game. We just
need to get two wins on the spin. We've had a hard run; going to Chelsea and
winning there was difficult, then playing against a Tottenham team last week
with fantastic players. They're an outstanding team and to get a draw with
them was a great result. Then to come here is not easy for any team, I don't
care who comes here, it's a tough place to come.
A draw at West Ham is a decent result, isn't it? The problem is there aren't
that many games to go...
No, there's still enough games. If you win back to back games the whole
picture will change. Whether it's now or whether it's in eight games' time,
there's a long way to go. I was talking to Ian Holloway yesterday, I think
they [Blackpool] had something like 28 points from 23 games and they went
down. It can turn; you see teams suddenly getting dragged into it now from
above. It can happen.
What's the latest with Yann M'Vila?
We're still working on it, you know. We're still working on him.
We hear Tottenham are getting involved?
Are they?
And an unnamed Russian club?
A Russian club? I don't know, you know. You need to get deals done quickly,
the longer it goes on the more people get involved. They see his name in the
paper, he's good value... you know. So...
You got a great record coming back here, does it still mean something to
you?
Yeah, the place means something to me, of course. I grew up here, I came
here at 15 so... Different people now though.
What did you think of the reaction from the [home] fans?
I don't... I haven't got a clue. I don't give a monkey's, you know what I
mean? What am I, going home tonight worrying about what anyone thinks of me
here? I couldn't give two monkeys, it's the least of my worries.
Ryan Nelsen again was pretty special for you at the back?
Yes; great competitor.
Has he played three games for you this week?
No, he didn't play in the Cup game.
But he's still putting everything on the line for you, isn't he?
He's a top man, a great pro and a good centre half. We're going to lose him
unfortunately so...
Is that in March?
Yeah; the start of March, end of February I think.
Thank you fellas.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce is looking to his forwards to lead the way against Arsenal on
Wednesday night
20.01.2013
Sam Allardyce plans to make full use of his squad as he starts preparations
for West Ham United's second London derby in four days on Wednesday. The
Hammers were outstanding in terms of chances created in the 1-1 draw with
Queens Park Rangers last Saturday, but slightly less impressive when it came
to converting the chances into goals. The West Ham United manager plans to
try some new personnel and perhaps a new shape as he seeks to improve his
side's chance conversion rate when they travel to Arsenal on Wednesday
night. "I'll change the team and might change the formation and use the
squad to its full potential," Allardyce said. "The reason we dominated the
game against QPR so much is that only three of the players that played in
the previous game at Manchester United started. "I'm frustrated that we
didn't clinch a win but in terms of our efforts to try and win I can't ask
for any more. Technically and tactically we did exceptionally well because
we had the energy to do so. Unfortunately our final ability to score a
chance is the one thing that's lacking.
"Our home form has been outstanding, bearing in mind it's our first season
back in the Premier League. I think we've all been frustrated by some of the
recent results that have happened to us. "Losing to Everton and Liverpool
was a disappointment and I think that drawing against QPR was an even bigger
disappointment than losing to them. We opened QPR up time after time after
time, so to not convert those chances into goals leaves us all very
frustrated."
Marouane Chamakh and then Carlton Cole both led the line superbly against
the Hoops, but with the former ineligible for Wednesday night's game against
his parent club, Allardyce may well turn to the latter to take the game to
the hosts. The duo could also be supported by Andy Carroll soon, who is
inching ever-closer to a comeback from his hamstring injury. "We've got good
headers of the ball in Carlton and Andy. Carlton's header for our goal
against Queens Park Rangers was critical to get us back in the game. Chamakh
had a couple of good headers saved by the keeper. When Andy gets back, if we
keep providing the service I'm sure the goals will come. "The one thing
we're lacking is goals from the front line. If we had someone who was on
eight or nine goals, I think we'll finish in the top half."
Defensively, the Hammers were solid throughout against Harry Redknapp's
side, save for one counter-attack that led to Loic Remy marking his debut
with a goal. Big Sam feels his two central defenders, Winston Reid and James
Tomkins, could have done better to prevent the goal, but puts it down to
learning about the pace and quality of the Premier League. "It was our
fault that Remy scored as we made it very easy for him. The centre backs
have to remember, as young as they are and as inexperienced as they are,
that we have to defend correctly. "That is a difficult job as if you switch
off you can get punished at any time. They tried to play an offside when
they shouldn't have and all they had to do was stay with the runner and
there wouldn't have been a problem. "You can lose your concentration with
the amount of continual attacks we were trying and that's why the world's
best players who play in the world's best teams are there when they are
needed even if they are not called upon often. "It's a kick up the backside
for the both of them. It's just a case of learning from the experience and
not doing it again."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jarvis takes the positives
WHUFC.com
Matt Jarvis is feeling upbeat after West Ham United's dominant display in
Saturday's 1-1 draw with QPR
20.01.2013
Matt Jarvis is determined to take the positives from an ultimately
frustrating afternoon against Queens Park Rangers in the Barclays Premier
League. Despite falling behind to Hoops debutant Loic Remy's 14th minute
goal, West Ham United peppered the visitors' goal in search of parity, and
though reward eventually came in the form of Joe Cole's second-half
leveller, it was to end honours even. Club-record signing Jarvis admitted
there was plenty of disappointment in the dressing room at full-time, but
hopes his team-mates will take heart from another fine performance at the
Boleyn Ground. "It was one of those games where you're just hoping that the
goal would come and obviously it came near the end and we were just hoping
to get another one," he said. "We had to keep concentrating and make sure
we kept on doing the right things and put the balls in, and hopefully one
would break for us. Once we got the goal, we were hoping to push on and get
the second one. "We know we want to win our home games and get the three
points, but we put in a good performance and created numerous chances and I
just wish we could have put them away. "Our home form has been really,
really good and we wanted to keep that going. Especially against QPR, we
needed to get a positive result. We are disappointed that we didn't get the
three points but the performance was good. "I don't think anyone can
question everyone's desire to win the game. We're all disappointed that we
didn't get the three points but we've got to think positively and take a
very good performance and a point away from the game."
Jarvis also pointed to the fact that he and his colleagues will have to
produce the goods if they want to keep their names on Sam Allardyce's team
sheet.
"With the squad that we've got if you're not playing well, then you won't
get in the team and that's always a good thing for a squad, and it makes
sure everyone's really working hard and getting the right result for the
team."
Next up for the Hammers is a daunting trip to Arsenal's Emirates Stadium on
Wednesday, but the former Wolverhampton Wanderers winger insists West Ham
will head to north London in confident mood, in the hope of gaining yet
another positive result. "We've got to go there and put in a good
performance away from home, which we haven't really done recently," Jarvis
added. "We take confidence from Saturday that we were grinding away and
hopefully we can do that on Wednesday. "We've been working hard [away from
home] to get our shape and get the same momentum and formation, crosses and
shots on goal. It's just not happened for us recently. "If you let in an
early goal away from home, it's always hard to come back from. But we've got
to show character and desire as we've done on Saturday to make sure we get a
result. It's a game in hand for us and we go there with confidence from QPR
and will try and get a positive result."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce on... QPR
KUMb.com
Filed: Sunday, 20th January 2013
By: Staff Writer
Delighted with the number of goalscoring opportunities created, Sam
Allardyce spoke rather less effusively about the quality of West Ham's
finishing against Queens Park Rangers. Here's his post-match press
conference exclusively in full...
Sam: I think you had enough chances to win three games today?
It's our Achilles heel, unfortunately. We've suffered that in recent weeks,
but more away from home. We've suffered here today because we couldn't have
created more opportunities to score than we did in the 90 minutes, but we
failed to get more than one.
However dominant we were in the statistics department or however many more
shots or crosses we had the one thing that matters at the end of the day is
the score - and the score was 1-1. At the end we have to be massively
frustrated and disappointed that we haven't turned that performance into a
well-deserved three points.
Is that it? Thank you!
Do you think you should have had a penalty in the first half?
Possibly. Looking at the replay on the laptop it looks like Howard Webb's
not in a great position to see it. I think he got a touch on Chamakh but I
don't think the referee's in a position to have a clear view of the incident
so what you can't see, you can't give as they say.
Whatever happened to day we just couldn't seem to get the ball in front of
the net as often as we should have done. Whenever we beat the goalkeeper
there seemed to be someone on the line who blocked it or whatever it was, so
it's been a very frustrating day for us. But by the same token you say to
the players, "if you continue to perform like that you're going to win more
than you draw, believe me."
How do you feel [Marouane] Chamakh did on his full debut?
Not too bad; I think he grew into the game and got better like we all did.
He got a couple of very good headers in the second half that we'd have loved
him to score from to get off the mark straight away. We've seen his power in
the air and in the end, it's his first game for a long time and he's lacking
that competitive edge. I think the last game he had was against Reading in
the Cup, quite a long time ago.
So, we brought him off and Carlton came on and did a job, because he got the
header in [that led to the goal]. When you've got strong headers of the ball
and put 46 crosses in like we did [today] you're giving them the right
service to score with one of their strengths. Hopefully that'll turn into
him scoring a few more goals for us. That's been our problem, our front men
don't score enough goals to win games of football we should win.
And Joe Cole chipping in with his first goal since coming back?
Yeah, great instinct to follow in and a great header from Carlton. They've
Cole Cole-d them!
What was he like in the dressing room afterwards?
He's pleased but he's disappointed that we haven't won it like everybody is.
In fact we're looking very dejected, almost like we've lost because they
knew that performance should have got them three points. As I said, I told
the lads "carry on like that and you'll win more games than you draw".
At the other end, all we got done by was the sucker punch. We talked before
the game about how they'll play on the break and look for one chance and
play the ball in behind you, because you're bound to leave spaces at the
back when you're dominating the opposition. Foolishly, we tried to play a
stupid offside instead of just tracking Remy and he put it away well.
Have you made a decision as to how you'll react to the misconduct charge?
Not yet. Today's game was far more important than a misconduct charge. I'll
sit down and review it with the people I need to review it with and make a
decision from there.
Has Jaaskelainen got hypothermia?
He didn't do much, yeah! No I don't think he did; it's encouraging to do
what we did today but the frustration and disappointment is that it didn't
lead to what could have been a comfortable victory.
QPR are a much different team to the one you played at Loftus Road, aren't
they? They seem a lot more resilient now?
Yeah, they are; they're not playing open, attacking football like Mark
Hughes tried to play earlier in the season. They took the game to us and
tried to open us up but they opened themselves up, we took full advantage of
that and got a well-deserved 2-1 win in the end. Now they make life
extremely difficult for you, it's hard to break them down and in the end we
did break them down but couldn't find a way to put the ball in the back of
the net more.
But yes, they have a certain way - particularly away from home that's
brought them another point. Whether Harry [Redknapp] thinks that's good
enough or not they've gone a long time without losing too many games, which
is what you want to do as a manager. Ultimately he probably knows in the end
that he's got to start winning instead of drawing but their system and the
frustration they're causing everybody has worked quite well for them.
It's frustrated us today because we know we should have won and we haven't.
It frustrated Tottenham and it certainly frustrated Chelsea, because they
won that one.
QPR were in for Joe Cole as well and they've shown they've got a lot of
spending power this week; how crucial was that to get him over the line?
Particularly when you play teams with the tactics of QPR today there's not a
lot of space to find in which to break them down because they fill the
18-yard line with four players and put four or five players in front of
that. You need clever, skilful little players to wriggle through those small
spaces and start creating for you which obviously he did.
On the other side is Matt Jarvis, a different type of player pounding the
full back and pounding the back four with cross after cross. That's where
the equaliser and chances came from. The service and providing of
opportunities was great today, unfortunately the finishing let us down.
Any news on Martin Olsson at all?
No, there's no news on Martin Olsson coming to a conclusion at the moment.
We haven't had a bid accepted by Blackburn.
You're still a few points ahead of the relegation zone. Is it important to
keep ahead of that pack?
We haven't lost or gained that much today so it's another game gone by.
We're in our worst run for picking up points at the minute, but that's not
to suggest that our performances have warranted so few points. The bottom
line, as always, is that if you don't finish your chances you pay a penalty
- and we paid the penalty today and in previous games before that.
Thank you.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Redknapp on... West Ham United
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 20th January 2013
By: Staff Writer
QPR's Harry Redknapp mixes his metaphors and tries to convince everyone that
he wasn't bothered by the negative chanting that came his way during
Saturday's game. Here's his post match presser, exclusively in full, here on
KUMB...
Harry: A good start for Loic Remy?
Yeah, it was good to see him score in his first game. I felt at that stage
of the game that him and Taarabt were going to do a bit of damage today but
then we came under the cosh and it was difficult.
Do you think that's a point gained or two dropped?
I think that's a point gained, I couldn't say we deserved to come away with
a win - that would be nonsense, wouldn't it? We didn't get beat so that's
five games unbeaten and at least we're in there, trying hard, having a go.
We came under severe pressure from corners, they penned us in and it was
difficult.
Carlton Cole came on and they knocked balls up to him; he's always a threat,
flicking them on, holding it up and getting bodies in the box. But we have
to try to play with a little more quality. We got in front and really that's
when you should be keeping hold of the ball - and we couldn't keep the ball.
As you say you did get in front but the second half was a barrage?
Yeah, it was. You've got to play, you've got to be bold enough to keep the
ball and want the ball, you can't keep kicking the ball back to them and
inviting another attack. That's what we tended to do second half; we just
sat in there, got deeper and couldn't get out really.
What you're going to need over the next couple of months is spirit, isn't
it? And you showed lots of that today, didn't you?
Yeah; you need spirit but you need quality as well as spirit and effort will
only take you so far. You need a bit of quality, you need to be able to
play, you need people who can play and pass the ball under pressure. I like
teams who can play and we need to be bolder and play, try to pass and keep
hold of the ball better.
Does that make it even more disappointing that you didn't get Joe Cole?
Well no; I wanted Joe, I think we could have got Joe and I would have had
Joe about two weeks before West Ham got him. It just took a long time to get
sorted, to be honest with you. We were talking to Joe's people for three
weeks before West Ham came on the scene. So I could have got Joe - and I
wanted to get Joe - but it just dragged on too long and I was disappointed
not to get him.
Presumably he wanted to come back here?
Yeah, once West Ham came in he was only ever going to come to West Ham. This
is Joe's club and I don't blame him. I said to him just now, he's made the
right decision, this is his home where he started as a 12-year-old when I
signed him. He's a fantastic boy and a good player and I'm sure the fans are
delighted to have him back here.
Why did it take so long?
I don't know really, I just think sometimes with them deals you have to get
them done quickly and once other people get alerted to players being
available you can lose them. I don't know. I think Joe had some bits and
pieces to tie up with Liverpool as well so it just dragged on a bit.
The finish from Remy must have pleased you, he took it extremely well?
Yeah, he did. But he will do that. He's got great movement off the ball and
if you can get people to slide him in when he makes runs he'll get in,
because he's got pace and he'll score some goals. He'll do okay.
And that gives you alternatives now?
Well we haven't had any pace up front, that's been the problem. I think with
Zamora coming back as well, if I can get Bobby fit - he could be around next
week hopefully - he and Remy could be a really good partnership.
Are you still convinced? From the outset you've been very positive.
I've got to be, yeah. It's going to be tight, it's going to be tough but
we've gone five games unbeaten. We're improving, we've done okay. It isn't
easy when you've only got four points after 13 games, is it? We're picking
up points at the moment, we're averaging more than a point per game. We just
need to get two wins on the spin. We've had a hard run; going to Chelsea and
winning there was difficult, then playing against a Tottenham team last week
with fantastic players. They're an outstanding team and to get a draw with
them was a great result. Then to come here is not easy for any team, I don't
care who comes here, it's a tough place to come.
A draw at West Ham is a decent result, isn't it? The problem is there aren't
that many games to go...
No, there's still enough games. If you win back to back games the whole
picture will change. Whether it's now or whether it's in eight games' time,
there's a long way to go. I was talking to Ian Holloway yesterday, I think
they [Blackpool] had something like 28 points from 23 games and they went
down. It can turn; you see teams suddenly getting dragged into it now from
above. It can happen.
What's the latest with Yann M'Vila?
We're still working on it, you know. We're still working on him.
We hear Tottenham are getting involved?
Are they?
And an unnamed Russian club?
A Russian club? I don't know, you know. You need to get deals done quickly,
the longer it goes on the more people get involved. They see his name in the
paper, he's good value... you know. So...
You got a great record coming back here, does it still mean something to
you?
Yeah, the place means something to me, of course. I grew up here, I came
here at 15 so... Different people now though.
What did you think of the reaction from the [home] fans?
I don't... I haven't got a clue. I don't give a monkey's, you know what I
mean? What am I, going home tonight worrying about what anyone thinks of me
here? I couldn't give two monkeys, it's the least of my worries.
Ryan Nelsen again was pretty special for you at the back?
Yes; great competitor.
Has he played three games for you this week?
No, he didn't play in the Cup game.
But he's still putting everything on the line for you, isn't he?
He's a top man, a great pro and a good centre half. We're going to lose him
unfortunately so...
Is that in March?
Yeah; the start of March, end of February I think.
Thank you fellas.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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