Daily WHUFC News - 17th January 2014

Newcastle United match preview
WHUFC.com
All the essential information ahead of Saturday's game against Newcastle United
16.01.2014

WEST HAM UNITED v NEWCASTLE UNITED
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
SATURDAY 18 JANUARY 2014
KICK-OFF: 3PM
REFEREE: ANDRE MARRINER
FULL AUDIO AND TEXT COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV

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Match sponsor
Blueprint Properties
West Ham United would like to welcome today's Match Sponsors Blueprint Properties.
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With their innovative team of property consultants and investment specialists, they aim to put Blueprint at the forefront of the estate agency domain in London.
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Introduction
• West Ham United play their first home game of 2014 when they welcome Newcastle United to the Boleyn Ground for a Barclays Premier League fixture on Saturday.
• The Hammers have played four consecutive away games since their last Boleyn Ground outing, losing at Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Manchester City before ending that run with a much-needed 2-0 victory over Cardiff City last Saturday.
• Carlton Cole and Mark Noble scored the goals as the Hammers chalked up their first league success in eight attempts. West Ham's trip to south Wales also saw Andy Carroll come off the bench for his first appearance of the campaign following a foot injury.
• Sam Allardyce's side moved out of the bottom three thanks to the victory and currently sit 17th in the table, with 18 points from 21 games.
• Newcastle United have enjoyed a strong first half of the campaign, although they arrive in E13 having lost their last four fixtures in all competitions.
• Edin Dzeko and Alvaro Negredo scored in a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City last Sunday, while Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion and Cardiff City have all beaten Alan Pardew's men in recent weeks.
• Despite losing their last three league outings, the Magpies still sit eighth in the table, with 33 points from their 21 games.

Team news
West Ham United
• James Tomkins serves a one-game ban this weekend after being sent-off in last weekend's victory at Cardiff for a second bookable offence. Kevin Nolan is also banned as he serves the final match of his four-game suspension.
• Ravel Morrison could return to the squad following a groin injury, while James Collins is also targeting a comeback after his recent calf problem. However, Winston Reid remains sidelined with an ankle injury.

Newcastle United
To follow...

Last Time Out
West Ham United
Saturday 11 January 2014
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 2-0 Cardiff City
West Ham United: Adrian; Demel (McCartney 17), Johnson, Tomkins, Rat; Collison (Diarra 75), Noble, Collison; Downing, C.Cole (Carroll 72), Jarvis
Subs not used: Jaaskelainen, Maiga, Diame, J.Cole
Goals: C.Cole 42, Noble 90

Newcastle United
Sunday 12 January 2014
Barclays Premier League
Newcastle United 0-2 Manchester City
Newcastle United: Krul; Santon, Williamson, S.Taylor, Yanga-Mbiwa (Haidara 82), Anita (Cisse 73), Tiote, Cabaye, Sissoko, Remy, Gouffran (Ben Arfa 82)
Subs not used: Elliot, Gosling, Marveaux, Sa.Ameobi

Previous meeting
West Ham United's Barclays Premier League status was all but secure when relegation-threatened Newcastle United arrived in east London on Saturday 4 May 2013. Newcastle came closest in the first half, when Winston Reid miraculously cleared Papiss Cisse's shot off the line, while West Ham saw two Kevin Nolan efforts saved by Tim Krul and Andy Carroll head wide.

Saturday 4 May 2013
Barclays Premier League
Newcastle United 0-0 West Ham United
Newcastle United: Krul, Debuchy, Yanga-M'Biwa, Coloccini, Santon; Marveaux (Sa.Ameobi 66), Anita, Sissoko, Ben Arfa, Sh.Ameobi, Cisse (Gouffran 72)
Subs: Elliot, Gosling, Bigrimana, Vuckic, Dummett
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen; Demel, Collins, Reid, O'Brien; Nolan, Noble, Diame (Morrison 75); Downing (Cole 63), Maiga, Jarvis
Subs: Adrian, Tomkins, Rat, Vaz Te, Diarra

Last six meetings (Premier League unless stated)
24 August 2013 - Newcastle United 0-0 West Ham United
4 May 2013 - West Ham United 0-0 Newcastle United
11 November 2012 - Newcastle United 0-1 West Ham United
5 January 2011 - Newcastle United 5-0 West Ham United
23 October 2010 - West Ham United 1-2 Newcastle United
10 January 2009 - Newcastle United 2-2 West Ham United
Overall record v Newcastle United - P 124, W 38, D 37, L 49

Ten-year records
West Ham United
2012/13 Premier League 10th
2011/12 Championship 3rd (promoted via Play-Offs)
2010/11 Premier League 20th (relegated to Championship)

2009/10 Premier League 17th

2008/09 Premier League 9th

2007/08 Premier League 10th

2006/07 Premier League 15th

2005/06 Premier League 9th

2004/05 Championship 6th (promoted to Premier League via Play-Offs)

2003/04 Division One 4th


Newcastle United
2012/13 Premier League 16th
2011/12 Premier League 5th
2010/11 Premier League 12th
2009/10 Championship 1st (promoted to Premier League)
2008/09 Premier League 18th (relegated to Championship)
2007/08 Premier League 12th
2006/07 Premier League 13th
2005/06 Premier League 7th
2004/05 Premier League 14th
2003/04 Premier League 5th

Background
·West Ham United and Newcastle United first met on 1 February 1908 at St James' Park. On that day the Magpies emerged as 2-0 winners of the FA Cup second round tie which was played in front of nearly 50,000 people.
·The Hammers had failed in their first 17 attempts to get an away win against Newcastle when finally victory did arrive on 26 May 1947. Almeric Hall, Jackie Wood and Ken Bainbridge were on target to score a 3-2 Second Division victory.
·The Club's largest victory at St James' Park came on 31 October 1998. Two goals from striker Ian Wright and one from Trevor Sinclair secured an emphatic 3-0 Premier League victory.
·The highest scoring encounter between the sides at St James' Park came back on 10 December 1960 when the teams played out a 5-5 draw. For the visitors, John Bond, Dave Dunmore, John Dick, Malcolm Musgrove and an own-goal from Alf McMichael earned them a share of the spoils.

Old boys
• West Ham United skipper Kevin Nolan scored 30 goals in 91 appearances for Newcastle United between January 2009 and May 2011, captaining the Magpies to the Championship title in 2009/10.
• Hammers striker Andy Carroll was born in Gateshead and came through the Academy ranks at Newcastle United. The 25-year-old netted 33 goals in 91 games for the Magpies before joining Liverpool in a record £35m deal in January 2011.
• Sam Allardyce took charge of Newcastle United 24 times between May 2007 and January 2008, winning eight matches, losing ten and drawing six.
• Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew spent a little more than three years in charge at West Ham between October 2003 and December 2006. Pardew led the Hammers to promotion via the play-offs in 2004/05 and the 2006 FA Cup final. In total, he took charge of 163 matches, winning 67, losing 58 and drawing 38.
• Others who have played for both clubs include Demba Ba, Craig Bellamy, Lee Bowyer, Franz Carr, John Dowsey, Kieron Dyer, Dave Gardner, Paul Goddard, Shaka Hislop, James Jackson, Vic Keeble, Matthew Kingsley, Paul Kitson, Robert Lee, Joe Loughlin, Scott Parker, Stuart Pearce, Wayne Quinn, Bryan 'Pop' Robson, George Robson, Keith Robson, Harold Smith, Nolberto Solano, Hal Tate and David Terrier.

Referee
• The man in the middle for Saturday's fixture is Andre Marriner.
• Marriner last took charge of a West Ham United game when he refereed the 0-0 draw with Sunderland in December - the second goalless stalemate he has overseen for the Hammers, following the trip to Southampton in September..
• Birmingham-born Marriner began refereeing in 1992, progressing through the Birmingham Amateur Football League and Southern League to become a Football League assistant referee in 2000.
• He was appointed to the Football League List of Referees in 2003 before joining the Select Group in 2005. Since then he has also been added to FIFA's International List in 2009.

General Information
• Tickets for Saturday's game remain on General Sale. You can secure your seat now at www.whufcboxoffice.com
• The weather forecast for Saturday is for light rain at 3pm, with temperatures at 9C (46F).
• No closures are planned on the eastern section of the District and Hammersmith & City Lines this weekend. Click here for the latest travel info on TfL routes, here for Greater Anglia train services, and here for c2c services

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Macca on: Newcastle United
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald spoke to the media ahead of Saturday's match against Newcastle United
16.01.2014

Neil McDonald took to the hot seat on Thursday morning to face questions from the assembled media ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier League match against Newcastle United. The assistant manager was quizzed on the mood at the training ground, Ravel Morrsion's future and Andy Carroll's fitness.

Morning Neil, good to see you, but could you explain why we haven't got Sam here this morning?

NMc: "He's busy trying to tie up a player so he's a little preoccupied with that. He's trying to get that done and dusted which is unfortunately taking up his time at the minute. Apologies for him not being here."

What's the mood been like this week after that win at Cardiff?

NMc: "The mood's been very, very good. We've had some good training sessions, the boys are all in a good frame of mind and they're certainly looking forward to the game against Newcastle on Saturday after a fine, gritty performance where we scored two excellent goals to finish Cardiff off and win for the first time in a while. That gives everybody confidence."

One win is only three points, yet in a sense does it feel like more than three points because of the effect it's had?

NMc: "Yes it certainly has. Not just the result but getting the injured players back as well. We've got two or three who are almost there and hopefully they'll be in the squad for Newcastle on Saturday which gives everybody an even bigger boost."

Can you name names in terms of team selection?

NMc: "Andy Carroll's coming along really, really well. We're hoping that James Collins is going to be fit as well which is excellent. James Tomkins and Kevin Nolan are suspended but everybody seems to coming along quite nicely to strengthen the side. If they're not back for Saturday then hopefully they'll be fit for the Manchester City second leg."

What's the process with Andy Carroll now?

NMc: "He has to go through a process of warming up properly to make sure he's ready to go. Then just get him on the training field. He's on the training field today, all the lads are in the gym doing a programme whilst he's outside working very, very hard on his fitness as well as the football aspect of it. It's not so much wrapping him in cotton wool, just making sure that he gets on the field and his fitness up."

Has his return given everybody a boost?

NMc: "Well I think it has, yes. It showed when he came on against Cardiff that he's a massive player for us. Whichever team you are, you have to have your best players and he's obviously one of ours. We need him back as quick as we can because he contributes so much. Holding the ball up, flicking the ball on, scoring goals, heading crosses in, inter-linking with people. His hold-up play's very good so that's what we're looking forward to seeing more often."

His first home appearance will come against his hometown club, it's a great script isn't it?

NMc: "It is, yes. He was pencilled in for the Newcastle game to be fair so it was a bit fortunate that he's come back a little bit earlier against Cardiff. Newcastle is a game that he's certainly looking forward to because he's played for them in the past."

So did you, Sam was manager there as well, does that make it all the sweeter if you were to win on Saturday?

NMc: "It certainly would because that means we would have won back-to-back games for the first time since we've been back in the Premier League so that
would be a huge bonus for us. It goes without saying that it's six points out of two games and that's certainly what we're trying to do."

What's the situation with Ravel Morrison, do the club believe he has been tapped up?

NMc: "It's best leaving it to the club for that. It's all media reports and whatever has been said, has been said. Obviously the club and the Premier League are dealing with that so I'd prefer not to dwell on that anymore."

There was one report stating that he was contemplating going on strike?

NMc: "There seems to be a story about Ravel every week. The lad comes in, trains, sometimes he's had a little bit of a groin injury but we've managed that. He trained yesterday with a huge smile on his face with the rest of the squad so that's news to me."

Do the club want to keep him?

NMc: "Why not? He needs to get in the team and he needs to be consistent. He had a little run of three or four game where he was outstanding but he's a young kin and he's still learning the game. He will go through inconsistency to a certain extent and he's had a little groin injury so that's been stop and start. We look forward to him being in the squad on Saturday. He should be fit, he's been training with the lads and he's bought a lot of joy, especially with the win over Cardiff, he'll cheer everybody up when he comes back as well."

Andy Rolls left the club this week, is that a blow to lose someone senior like that?

NMc: "Of course it is. Andy's been very, very good for the football club. He's held that role for a while, since before we were here. He's gone on to pastures new and we wish him all the best."

Will Andy Carroll start on Saturday?

NMc: "That's the manager's decision. Obviously we don't want to give too much away. He's certainly in the squad that's for sure. It's a slow process for him. To play 20 minutes and then possibly start is a calculated risk that the manager will have to weigh up."

Not a bad time to be playing Newcastle at the moment is it?

NMc: "They've had a couple of bad results, but having said all of that they're still in the top half of the league. They're still a very, very good team who've got some exciting, dangerous players. We've done our homework on them, we've got a game-plan for them, we know their strengths and weaknesses and we have to exploit those weaknesses."

How important was tying up Carlton Cole on a new deal for you?

NMc: "He's come in and got himself fit which is great. That took time with the summer that he'd had with relaxation and not being involved in football. He's come back, scored goals and that's all you can really ask from for centre forwards. You want them to score goals and be in positions to have the chances to score the goals and he's done that. He deserves his contract."

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Morrison back in action
WHUFC.com
Ravel Morrison is hoping to play a part when Newcastle United visit the Boleyn Ground on Saturday
16.01.2014

Ravel Morrison has said he is determined to help West Ham United secure a positive result against Newcastle United when they visit the Boleyn Ground on Saturday. Contrary to one report in the media this morning, Morrison has not threatened to go on strike at the Club and has been working hard in training this week to get back to full fitness following his recent groin injury. Morrison told whufc.com: "I've been working really hard over the past few weeks to get back to full fitness after missing a couple of recent games with a groin injury. I'm feeling fine now and I'm hoping to be involved in Saturday's important game with Newcastle and then the Capital One Cup semi-final with Manchester City on Tuesday. "Although it is frustrating to read some of the reports in the media, I always try to keep my focus on the next game and show people with my performances on the pitch that I want to do well for West Ham United."

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Johnson wants another clean sheet
WHUFC.com
New recruit Roger Johnson hopes to make it two clean sheets from two when the Hammers face Newcastle
16.01.2014

Roger Johnson wants to take West Ham United's clean sheet tally for the season into double figures when they host Newcastle United on Saturday. Last weekend's 2-0 victory over Cardiff City provided the Hammers with a ninth Barclays Premier League shutout of the campaign - and goalkeeper Adrian's first in league action. Newcastle will arrive in E13 having lost their last four fixtures, but Johnson recognises that they possess a formidable attacking threat and says the Londoners will have to be on their game to build on the Cardiff success. "On the back of our performance last weekend we'll go into the game with a bit of confidence," he explained. "They have some good attacking players so we can't take them lightly, and it's down to us to nullify that and hopefully keep another clean sheet - then maybe AC [Carroll] can come on for us and get the winner!"

Victory at Johnson's former club Cardiff meant the 30-year-old got off to a winning start on his return to top flight football, eighteen months since he last experienced it with Wolverhampton Wanderers. He continued: "It was massive, personally there's a bit of pressure on me to come in and perform in this league, and there are a few doubters, but it was great to start with a win, and certainly with a clean sheet to back that up as well. "Onwards and upwards now and we'll be looking to get a few more."

The No28 also had praise for the Hammers' support, after seeing the fans travel in numbers for his first two games at Manchester City and Cardiff. He added: "The fans have been great - there was a massive following at Man City, and a massive following again at Cardiff. They really got behind us, and I'm pleased we got the win for them as things haven't been going as well as we hoped so far this season.

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Ravel Morrison: Fulham target committed to West Ham
BBC.co.uk

Ravel Morrison has insisted he is fully committed to West Ham despite claims that he wants to move to Fulham. West Ham complained to the Premier League after Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen said midfielder Morrison wanted to sign for them. The 20-year-old has responded to the "frustrating" reports.
"I always try to keep my focus on the next game and show people with my performances that I want to do well for West Ham United," he said.

Morrison, who has 18 months left on his contract, worked with Meulensteen when the Dutchman was a coach at Manchester United. It had also been suggested that he had threatened to go on strike but West Ham denied those claims, insisting the player has trained this week following his recent groin injury. Morrison told West Ham's website: "I've been working really hard over the past few weeks to get back to full fitness after missing a couple of recent games with a groin injury. "I'm feeling fine now and I'm hoping to be involved in Saturday's important game with Newcastle and then the Capital One Cup semi-final with Manchester City on Tuesday."

West Ham are unhappy after Meulensteen said: "Yes, I think he does want to come [to Craven Cottage]." The Premier League has not confirmed receipt of any official complaint. After watching Fulham beat Norwich 3-0 in their FA Cup third-round replay on Tuesday, Meulensteen - who took over from sacked compatriot Martin Jol in December - confirmed his interest in signing England Under-21 international Morrison. "We have put in a bid that has been knocked back," he said. "He would add pace, power, unpredictability and a real attacking threat."

Meulensteen said it was too early to tell whether any deal can be struck before the transfer window closes at the end of January. "We got knocked back, it got rejected, and so we need to review it and move on," he said. "I've explained how I think about the situation [to the Fulham board], so we'll have to wait and see what happens." Meulensteen said in his press conference on Thursday that he would not speak further about potential targets. "I am not going to make any comments on (transfers) because it is going to get me into trouble," he added. "It is wiser at this moment in time that we are not going to comment on anything that is happening in regards to any transfer news or speculation. "Things are in hand with the club, with (chief executive) Alistair Mackintosh."

West Ham's complaint is likely to surround Premier League ruling T.8 concerning "statements made publicly by or on behalf of a club expressing interest in acquiring the registration of a contract player". If the Premier League deems Fulham to be in breach of the rules, the club could face a reprimand or fine.
It is also possible the case could be referred to the Football Association. Morrison has scored five times in 20 appearances since moving to Upton Park from Old Trafford in January 2012.

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Andy's a Gunner
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 16th January 2014
By: Staff Writer

Andy Rolls has completed his move to Arsenal, as exclusively revealed here on KUMB.com. The former Head of Sports Science and Medicine left east London earlier this week following four-and-a-half-years at the club in order to join the Gunners. Rolls' personal freindship with Arsenal physio Colin Lewin, the cousin of England's Gary Lewin is thought to have swung the deal. Neil McDonald, speaking to the press at Chadwell Heath this morning said the loss of Rolls was "a blow". "Andy's been very, very good for the football club," said Macca. "He's held that role for a while, since before we were here. He's gone on to pastures new and we wish him all the best."

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When we said we needed a striker...
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 16th January 2014
By: Staff Writer

The Ravel Morrison saga rumbled on this morning with more claims and counter-claims going back and forth.

Fresh rumours that the youngster was about to go on strike in order to push through a move to Fulham emerged this morning - rumours that were instantly dismissed by Neil McDonald, deputising for Sam Allardyce at this morning's Chadwell Heath press conference.

"I know nothing about that," Macca replied when asked about the speculation, "but there seems to be a story about Ravel every week. Sometimes he's had a little bit of a groin injury but we've managed that. He trained yesterday with a huge smile on his face with the rest of the squad so that's news to me.

"He needs to get in the team and he needs to be consistent. He had a little run of three or four game where he was outstanding but he's a young kid and he's still learning the game. He will go through inconsistency to a certain extent and he's had a little groin injury so that's been stop and start.

"We look forward to him being in the squad on Saturday. He should be fit, he's been training with the lads and he's bought a lot of joy, especially with the win over Cardiff, he'll cheer everybody up when he comes back as well."

On the claims that Fulham broke Premier League rules regarding "tapping up", McDonald added: "It's best leaving that to the club. It's all media reports and whatever has been said, has been said. Obviously the club and the Premier League are dealing with that so I'd prefer not to dwell on that anymore."

Morrison also featured on the Club's website this morning, no doubt in a bid to stave off rumours regarding his immediate future. "I've been working really hard over the past few weeks to get back to full fitness after missing a couple of recent games with a groin injury", he said.

"I'm feeling fine now and I'm hoping to be involved in Saturday's important game with Newcastle and then the Capital One Cup semi-final with Manchester City. Although it's frustrating to read some of the reports in the media, I always try to keep my focus on the next game and show people with my performances on the pitch that I want to do well for West Ham."

Oddly, just prior to McDonald's comments hitting the press Morrison posted another of his ambiguous tweets, which this time simply read: "the lies people make up its unreal".

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Ravel Morrison included in West Ham squad for match against Newcastle
Last Updated: 16/01/14 3:21pm
SSN

West Ham assistant boss Neil McDonald has confirmed that Ravel Morrison will be in the squad to play Newcastle, despite speculation about his future.
Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen revealed on Tuesday his club had made an unsuccessful bid to sign Morrison and his comments prompted a complaint from West Ham to the Premier League. Some reports had suggested that Morrison could go on strike in a bid to force a move through, but Hammers boss Sam Allardyce has still included him for Saturday's Premier League visit of the Magpies. And McDonald played down the claims, insisting that Morrison is happy at Upton Park. "It's all media reports and whatever has been said, has been said, and I think the club and the Premier League are dealing with that. I prefer not to dwell on that," he said. "There seems to be a story about Rav every week. The lad comes in, trains, sometimes he's had a little bit of a groin injury, but we've managed that. "He trained yesterday with a huge big smile on his face with the rest of the squad. That's news to me."

When asked if the club want to keep Morrison, McDonald said: "Well why not? He needs to get into the team and he needs to be consistent. "He had a great run of three or four games where he was outstanding, but he's a young kid. He's still learning the game and he goes through inconsistency to a certain extent.
"He had a great run of three or four games where he was outstanding, but he's a young kid. He's still learning the game and he goes through inconsistency to a certain extent." "He's had a little bit of a groin injury as well, so that's stop and start. We look forward to him being in the squad on Saturday. He should be fit." McDonald did not completely rule out a move for Morrison as he admitted: "I imagine everybody's got a price." Morrison also appeared to deny suggestions he wants to leave by tweeting: "The lies people make up its unreal."

There has been speculation that West Ham will make a renewed bid to sign Southampton striker Rickie Lambert this month. McDonald is hopeful the club will bring in some new players as they attempt to pull clear of the relegation zone, but refused to shed any light on a possible offer for Lambert. "I think there is lots of speculation on players that we are trying to bring to the club," he said. "They are obviously fantastic players and of course he is and he's in good form, but it's all speculation at the minute. Asked about a fruitful strike partnership between Lambert and Andy Carroll, he said: "It would be, we need as many good players as we can to try and push us further up the league. "Whoever the manager decides to bring in, I'm sure it will be a good addition to the squad."

Meanwhile, Meulensteen refused to comment on the Morrison situation at his press conference ahead of Saturday's game at Arsenal.

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West Ham United reject Ravel Morrison strike report
Last Updated: 16/01/14 6:07pm
SSN

West Ham United have rejected a report that Ravel Morrison is ready to go on strike to force a move away from the Premier League strugglers. The Hammers have reported London rivals Fulham to the Premier League following comments from Rene Meulensteen after his side's FA Cup replay win over Norwich which claimed the Craven Cottage club had had a bid rejected for the England U21. Meulensteen worked with the Englishman when first-team coach at his previous club, Manchester United, but a statement on West Ham's official website said: "Contrary to one report in the media this morning, Morrison has not threatened to go on strike at the club and has been working hard in training this week to get back to full fitness following his recent groin injury."

Hammers assistant manager Neil McDonald, sitting in for boss Sam Allardyce who was reportedly busy with transfer business, also played down suggestions Morrison wanted to leave at the pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's visit of Newcastle It is all media reports and whatever has been said... I think the club and the Premier League are dealing with that so I'd prefer not to dwell on that any more," McDonald said. "There seems to be a story about Rav every week. The lad comes in and trains, sometimes he has had a little bit of a groin injury, but we've man-managed that. He trained on Wednesday with a huge, big smile on his face with the rest of the squad so (reports he may go on strike) are news to me. "We look forward to him being in the squad on Saturday, he should be fit, he's been training with the lads and he's brought a lot of joy, especially with winning against Cardiff - he cheered everyone up when he came back as well."

Morrison, 20, was another who seemed to refute recent suggestions he wants to leave when he tweeted: "The lies people make up its unreal."

With West Ham reporting Meulensteen and Fulham to the Premier League, the Cottagers could face a reprimand or fine if they are found to be in breach of the rulings - it is also possible the case could be referred to the Football Association. And Morrison insisted he was happy in east London when he told the club website: "I've been working really hard over the past few weeks to get back to full fitness after missing a couple of recent games with a groin injury. "I'm feeling fine now and I'm hoping to be involved in Saturday's important game with Newcastle and then the Capital One Cup semi-final with Manchester City on Tuesday. "Although it is frustrating to read some of the reports in the media, I always try to keep my focus on the next game and show people with my performances on the pitch that I want to do well for West Ham United."

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West Ham's Ravel Morrison slams transfer saga ''lies'' after claims he'd strike for Fulham move
Jan 16, 2014 22:30 By Mike Walters 0 Comments
The Mirror

"I always try to keep my focus on the next game and show people with my performances on the pitch that I want to do well for West Ham United"

Ravel Morrison has blasted claims that he will try to engineer a move away from West Ham by going on strike as "lies." England Under-21 midfielder Morrison hopes to be involved in the Hammers' home date with Newcastle on Saturday - with the row over his future rumbling on in the background. The irate Irons have reported Fulham to the Premier League after manager Rene Meulensteen followed up a rejected £7.5million bid by claiming Morrison wanted to move across London to Craven Cottage.

The case could be referred to the FA, but former Manchester United bad boy Morrison was toeing the party line expertly, tweeting about the "lies" being "unreal" and telling the Hammers' official website: "I always try to keep my focus on the next game and show people with my performances on the pitch that I want to do well for West Ham United. "I've been working really hard over the past few weeks to get back to full fitness after missing a couple of recent games with a groin injury. I'm feeling fine now and I'm hoping to be involved in Saturday's important game with Newcastle and then the Capital One Cup semi-final with Manchester City on Tuesday."

As Hammers boss Sam Allardyce ducked pre-match media formalities, his assistant Neil McDonald admitted Morrison - like any player - had his price.
In an effort to puncture Fulham's interest, West Ham have now slapped a £15m tag on a player with only a handful of Premier League starts to his name, and McDonald revealed the Hammers want the 20-year-old to stay. But he also challenged Morrison to prove he is worthy of a place in Sam Allardyce's side, but also said a big offer may tempt the club to sell. When asked if the club wanted to keep the player, McDonald replied: "Well, why not? But he needs to get into the team and he needs to be consistent. I imagine every player has a price. "He had a great run of three or four games where he was outstanding but he's a young kid and he's still learning the game. He goes through inconsistency to a certain extent and he's had a little bit of a groin injury as well so that's stop and start."

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Ravel to a rival? No chance
KUMb.com
Filed: Friday, 17th January 2014
By: Paul Walker

How we handle the Ravel Morrison situation could define our season… and he most certainly should not be sold to any of our rivals in the relegation dogfight.

Such is the enigma that is Morrison, there are many - including me - who have been just waiting for something to go wrong with his time at West Ham.

Those who know a bit more about the lad from his Manchester United days have watched with bated breath for the whole thing to explode in our faces. It was going to happen just as night follows day.

Morrison, for all the stunning talent I have watched and monitored over the past few years in Manchester, is an insular, selfish, unpredictable young man. He seems to lack respect for anyone in authority and resents any form of pecking order.

He's been told since he was eight that he is a brilliant prospect, and his days in the excellent Fletcher Moss youth teams in south Manchester, his Manchester Schools days and ten years in the Manchester United academy system has probably never seen him play in a bad team.

He has also never had any doubt about his value. He knows he is brilliant and expects to play because he believes he is better than the rest. The fact that Big Sam has left him in the bench or not picked him at all in the last few months is probably the reason for the rumours that manager and player have fallen out.

Now he clearly wants out, as Fulham's rather arrogant coach Rene Meulensteen has informed us all. But because of his obvious talent and what he is capable of, we must not let him go to Fulham - or Cardiff for that matter - under any circumstances.

Why give our rivals a boost of a fine young footballer, for all his inadequacies in other ways? If a team in the top six want him, fine, they can pay the money and it will not come back to hurt us.

Fans get angry sometimes when players are working their ticket out of a club. Loyalty gets mentioned and the club are told to let the player rot in the reserves. That's always unrealistic in the modern era.

But just in this case it should be our last option. The lad is supposedly on £15,000 a week, which is £60,000 a month and £240,000 between now and the end of the season. If we go down it could cost us close on £100m from enhanced prize money and all the spin-offs from being in the Premier League.

Refusing to sell Morrison until the summer and taking the hit on his wages seems a small price to pay. But deep down I know that is a naive view and won't wash in this day and age.

When I first heard of Meulensteen's comments post-match after the Cup win over Norwich it was obvious that they broke the rules. How did he know Morrison wanted to joined Fulham?

The regulations over transfers and illegal approaches are roundly ignored by everyone these days, family members, friends, even tame journalisms, can do all the tapping. But the line seems to be drawn when a manager goes public and talks openly about another club's player.

Harry Redknapp always says something along the lines of "He's a quality player and we are always interested in quality players. But he's not our player." That just about covers it even though everyone knows what he really means.

But when you say what the Fulham coach did, maybe he's learned too much from being at Old Trafford for so long, you are crossing the line. It's destabilising and it is telling everyone else that the player wants to leave.

Big clubs like Man U get away with such things, but not when you are Fulham. And just guess what would happen to us if our manager said something like this about a potential target. They'd be down on us like a ton of bricks.

On the subject of Man U, surely the biggest tap-up of all time was when Alex Ferguson invited David Moyes to his home mid-term last season to offer him the Old Trafford job. You can bet he didn't ask Bill Kenwright at Everton first!

But I feel we should all accept that Morrison is now history. It started to unravel (sorry) I believe when the lad was overwhelmed in the 3-0 home defeat by Chelsea. It really brought him down to earth.

He came on as a second-half substitute in the next game at home to Fulham, and produced a spell-binding performance to destroy the West Londoners. But the next game he was a waste of space at Crystal Palace and could have easily been sent-off for that push in the face.

He was equally over-powered in the defeat at Manchester United when he no doubt really wanted to shine. Since then he has been generally poor, maybe in need of a rest.

His display at Nottingham Forest was little short of a disgrace. Big Sam had made sure he was cup-tied, and the lad just played for himself. He stopped tracking back and only wanted to go off on a run to score another wonder goal. When he might have been expected to stamp his quality onto a Championship side, he failed.

He was only on the bench at the Etihad for the League Cup massacre and word then was that he was unimpressed by that decision. Then the groin injury miraculously appeared again, and he wasn't even in the squad at Cardiff.

All the time the Fulham interest has been in the background, and surfaced again in the media on the morning of that match. I am sure Sam was far from impressed. Now I am sure there is not much sympathy for Sam on that score, he must surely understand the dark arts of the transfer market, but it could well be that Morrison had already become a disruptive influence.

That is why the Fulham coach maybe felt he could come out so brazenly and talk about a player he wanted to sign and who "wants to come to Fulham".

Some felt Morrison only knuckled down because he was told he had a chance of going to Brazil. That surely is dead in the water now, whatever Roy Hodgson has said recently. There has been rumours of problems at West Ham, and I have also been told of an alleged incident on England under 21 duty, involving a row over a table tennis match!

I also have an old acquaintance who is part of the England set-up who tells me that the big fear about Morrison is how he would cope being stuck in a hotel for several weeks at the World Cup with the pressure on and the eyes of the world on him. They fear he couldn't cope with the isolation and could not be trusted. Something could go badly wrong.

Sadly I feel we have seen the last of the lad in our claret and blue, I may be wrong. Part of the reason he fell out with Fergie was a laughable contract demand from his advisors. It is no surprise that all this has happened recently with us stalling on giving him a new contract and £65,000 a week.

But where does he go? Are Man U brave enough to risk a re-run of his previous behaviour, and do Man City want to risk the same with the lad back in an environment Fergie once said he just had to get away from? Spurs might be interested, Chelsea and Arsenal with their midfield quality surely not. And Liverpool and Everton are to near the Manchester region.

But I implore our club not to let the lad go to somewhere that would see him with the chance to damage our dodgy position in the top flight.

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West Ham's Maiga rejects loan move to QPR, leaving Redknapp to consider other options
By DECLAN WARRINGTON
PUBLISHED: 23:12, 16 January 2014 | UPDATED: 01:09, 17 January 2014
DailY Mail

West Ham's Modibo Maiga has rejected a loan switch to QPR. He had been given permission to leave after scoring just two goals in 19 games. West Ham's Andy Carroll is returning to fitness, Carlton Cole has signed a new 18-month contract at the club and Southampton's Rickie Lambert remains a £7million target to further limit Maiga's chances of first-team football.

QPR boss Harry Redknapp, however, still hopes to strengthen his striking options and is likely to instead pursue Auxerre's Paul Georges-Ntep and Inter Milan's Ishak Belfodil. His side are third in the Championship and possess one of the best defences in the league but have scored just 29 goals in 25 games.

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Fulham's Ravel Morrison remarks 'taken out of context'
The Independent
GIUSEPPE MURO Thursday 16 January 2014

Rene Meulensteen believes his comments about Ravel Morrison were taken out of context but the Fulham manager refused to be drawn further on the "tapping up" row with West Ham because it might "get me in trouble".

Meulensteen's decision to keep quiet came hours after Morrison suggested he does not want to leave West Ham. The club have made an official complaint to the Premier League after Meulensteen said the midfielder is keen to join Fulham. They see the remarks as an illegal approach and want action taken.

Fulham have received no formal communication from the Premier League and Meulensteen said: "I am not going to make any comment because it is going to get me into trouble."

Meulensteen, who also revealed that Fulham had received no offers for Dimitar Berbatov, added: "It shows that certain things can come out and be taken out of context and you have to deal with it."

Fulham have had a £4m bid for Morrison rejected and will now decide whether to return with a second offer. Morrison, who has 18 months left on his contract at Upton Park, earlier denied suggestions he threatened to go on strike. He tweeted: "The lies people make up it's unreal".

The 20-year-old insisted he is committed to West Ham, telling the club website: "Although it is frustrating to read some of the reports in the media, I always try to keep my focus on the next game and show people with my performances on the pitch that I want to do well for West Ham."

West Ham's assistant manager Neil McDonald has admitted that "every player has his price" and the manager Sam Allardyce may be willing to sell Morrison to free up some transfer funds.

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Daily WHUFC News - 16th January 2014

Cole signs new 18-month deal
WHUFC.com
Centre forward Carlton Cole has signed a new 18-month contract with West Ham
United
15.01.2014

West Ham United are delighted to confirm that Carlton Cole has signed a new
18-month contract with the Club. The England centre forward has been in fine
form since re-joining the Hammers on a short-term contract in October 2013,
scoring four Barclays Premier League goals in eleven appearances. In all
Cole, who also spent seven seasons at the Club between August 2006 and last
May, has scored 63 goals in 251 games in Claret and Blue. Cole's impressive
performances this term have been rewarded with a new deal and the striker is
now set to play an important role for the Hammers during the second half of
the season and beyond. A real fans' favourite, the 30-year-old ranks
joint-16th on the list West Ham's all-time leading goalscorers, tied with
1920s favourite Vivian Gibbins and ahead of the likes of Frank McAvennie,
Stan Earle and Paolo Di Canio.

A powerful presence, Cole initially joined West Ham from Chelsea in July
2006, scoring with his first touch on his debut in a 3-1 home Premier League
win over Charlton Athletic the following month. After two seasons on the
fringe of the starting XI, Cole became a central figure for the Hammers
during the 2008/09 campaign, during which he netted 12 goals in all
competitions. Cole would finish as West Ham's leading goalscorer in four
straight seasons between 2008/09 and 2011/12. Cole's form saw the one-time
England U19, U20 and U21 international earn a senior debut against Spain in
February 2009. He now has seven senior caps to his name.

The most-famous of Cole's West Ham strikes came at Wembley in May 2012, when
his first-half goal put Sam Allardyce's side on the way to a 2-1
Championship Play-Off final victory over Blackpool and promotion back to the
Premier League. Following his return to the Boleyn Ground earlier this
season, Cole has netted four times in just four starts and seven substitute
appearances, scoring in vital Barclays Premier League wins at home to Fulham
and away at Cardiff City. Prior to his initial spell with West Ham, Cole
began his career with Chelsea, making his first-team debut for Chelsea in a
3-0 home Premier League win over Everton on 6 April 2002. He scored his
first senior goal on his first Chelsea start in a 2-0 Premier League win at
Middlesbrough three weeks later.
Cole totalled 35 appearances and eight goals during five years at Stamford
Bridge, while also enjoying loan spells with Championship side Wolverhampton
Wanderers and Premier League sides Charlton and Aston Villa.

Away from the pitch, Cole has long supported community and charitable
causes, while he is also a talented DJ. The Official Website and West Ham TV
will have exclusive reaction from Carlton on Wednesday afternoon.

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The Big Interview - Andy Carroll
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll reflects on his return from injury and looks ahead to a big
weekend
15.01.2014

It has been a long, hard road back to fitness for West Ham United striker
Andy Carroll. The 25-year-old striker, who joined the Club on a permanent
basis last summer following a successful 2012/13 season spent on loan from
Liverpool, was made to wait for his second Hammers' debut by a foot problem.
Having now made his seasonal bow, coming on as a substitute for Carlton Cole
with 18 minutes of Saturday's 2-0 Barclays Premier League victory over
Cardiff City remaining, the big Geordie is keen to press on. West Ham take
on Carroll's hometown club Newcastle United at the Boleyn Ground next, with
the No9 looking to help push the Hammers futher up the table.

Andy, Saturday was your first appearance of the season due to injury. How
frustrating has it been to spend that long on the sidelines?

AC: "It has been a massive nightmare to be honest. I went off to Belgium and
then to Holland, to fix it [the injury] but now I am feeling really good and
all I want to do is play football. "I just want to forget about the past
months with the injury and just look forward to playing more football for
West Ham."

How hard has it been to watch on as the team struggled for form in the first
part of the season?

AC: "It has been a bit frustrating, and terrible for us obviously. Coming
back I can just forget about all of that and just think about football. I
can't stand being on the sidelines. It drives me crazy. "I tried my best to
try and get back to be fit. It was prolonged and I got injured again. So it
was disappointing but I am back now so I am concentrating on getting match
fit. It was really fantastic to be back out there on Saturday."

You've been at the Club for a year-and-a-half now, so you know more than
most about the team spirit here. Was the win on Saturday evidence that the
players are committed to turning the season around?

AC: "I just think that the lads have been working hard as ever. We have had
our chances and not taken them and it has not run for us. We have to just
forget about everything and look forward now. "I think everyone could see
the commitment of the lads, everyone is training hard and you could see the
reaction of what the win meant for all of us, the lads on the pitch, those
who didn't play and the staff. "It also showed in that we kept going after
Guy [Demel] went off injured and then we were down to ten men when Tonka
[James Tomkins] was sent off. But we held it together and got the second
goal and the win got us out of the bottom three which was a big boost for
us."

Next up is a home game against your old club, Newcastle United. How much are
you looking forward to that one?

AC: "Hopefully I get a few more minutes against them and we get a win this
Saturday too. Yes of course it is nostalgic for me, it is my home town but I
am just looking forward to it really, to play again. "I am just over the
moon about a game coming up as I have been out for too long, so it is
fantastic to be back."

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'I want to help the team push on'
WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole put pen-to-paper on a new deal with the Club today and has told
of his delight at doing so
15.01.2014

Carlton Cole has expressed his delight after signing a new contract which
will keep him at West Ham United until summer 2015. The contract is reward
for the striker whose performances since he re-joined the Club in October
2013 have seen him net four Barclays Premier League goals in eleven
appearances. Cole has worked hard to regain full match fitness since
returning to play for Sam Allardyce and the fans' favourite believes his
efforts have paid dividends. He told West Ham TV: "I'm really happy. I've
worked hard to get to the position I'm in right now. The manager asked me to
come back in the summer and I've worked hard to get my match fitness and
I've scored a few goals whilst doing that. "My main aim was to get back fit,
play some games and put myself about making sure that I had a future here.
That's what I've done and the Club's rewarded me. I can't thank them enough.
Now I just want to help the team push on and get further up the table."

In all, Cole has played 251 games in Claret and Blue, notching himself 63
goals and picking up seven England caps along the way. The 30-year-old says
he always knew he could contribute after returning to east London and is
thankful for the opportunity to do so. "I've always believed that I can
score goals and that's the main thing as a striker, you want to score goals
and help the team win. That's what I'm here to do and hopefully I'll get
more chances to do that."

The forward helped the Hammers pick up a morale boosting win over Cardiff
City at the weekend, a result which moved the Club out of the relegation
zone on goal difference. Cole swept home the first goal against the
Bluebirds, a goal which took his tally to four for the season and meant he
has already doubled his haul from last season. Whilst choosing to keep
personal targets to himself, the No24 has his eyes firmly set on keeping
West Ham in the Premier League after putting pen-to-paper on his new deal.
"I've never said that I've got targets but I have my own targets in my head.
Hopefully I can get to where I want to get to. First and foremost it's all
about Premier League survival, we're down there fighting it out and we just
need to stay up and then work from there next season. "Cardiff was a
must-win game for us. They're down there with us as well so we needed to
stamp our authority over the teams that are in our position.
"It was always going to be a hard game going to Cardiff but now we're in a
better position than we were when we went there. Now we've got to focus on
getting higher up the table."

The challenge for Cole and his teammates now is to achieve back-to-back wins
for the first time since the Hammers were promoted back to the top-flight in
2012, a fact which the frontman is well aware of. "The manager knows that's
a big fault of ours. We're at home in the next game and we want to get a
home win to go with our away win and make it back-to-back wins. "The manager
knows what we need to do and hopefully we'll go out there, fight and get the
result. Any result that comes our way at the minute is what we need."

Saturday's visitors to the Boleyn Ground, Newcastle United, are on a run of
four straight defeats but Cole is adamant that the team's performance must
be right, regardless of the opposition. "For me, it doesn't matter who we're
playing, every game is a cup final for us because of the position that we're
in.
"Whether it's Newcastle or Manchester United, we still need to go out there,
put up a performance and make sure we get the vital goals and clean sheets."

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Hammers recruit Rogan
WHUFC.com
Dominic Rogan has joined the Club's Sports Science and Medical Department
15.01.2014

West Ham United would like to welcome Dominic Rogan to the Club as part of a
revamped Sports Science and Sports Medicine department Rogan has joined the
following six successful years with Everton and a spell with Russian Premier
League club Anzhi Makhachkala. The University of Manchester graduate takes a
keen interest in sports science and sports medicine and admits he cannot
wait to get started in his new role. "I am delighted to join West Ham United
and I'm looking forward to meeting the staff and players," said Rogan, who
hails from Preston in Lancashire. "Everyone knows the manager's reputation
and he is obviously one of the pioneers of sports science and sports
medicine. "West Ham is a Premier League Club with a great fanbase and is an
innovative Club in terms of sports and medicine and the fitness department.
It's a privilege to be working for a Club with such kudos and prestige as
West Ham."

Rogan explained that he has gained a wealth of experience of working at the
highest level in English and European football. At Everton, where he worked
with one of the smallest squads in the Barclays Premier League, Rogan helped
David Moyes to field a consistent starting XI as the Toffees challenged for
top-six finishes year after year. Last season, he spent a period working at
Anzhi, where he treated stars including current Chelsea pair Samuel Eto'o
and Willian and a host of Russia internationals. Now, Rogan is back in the
Barclays Premier League and looking forward to a new challenge. "I started
at Goodison Park in 2007 and I spent six fantastic years at Everton, first
under Mick Rathbone as assistant physio and then for the last three years as
run-on physio under Danny Donachie on David Moyes' staff. I enjoyed a lot of
success at Everton and we had a relatively good injury record. "Last year, I
had the opportunity to go to Anzhi to head up the medical department there
as Head Physiotherapist. "Now, I am here at West Ham United and I am looking
forward to working in the Premier League again."

Rogan explained that the role of a First Team Physiotherapist is an intense
and challenging one, with the overall aim as having as many players as
possible available for selection by the manager on a matchday. "The thing
about football is that, while every day follows a rough skeletal structure,
no two days are the same and it often changes. "The overall aim for every
physio is to make the players more resilient and more robust and to try to
keep injuries to a minimum. Football is very demanding so all of our efforts
are focused on keeping players fit or getting them back fit and strong so
their chances of being injured again are as small as possible."

Rogan's arrival follows the departure of Head of Sports Medicine and Sports
Science Andy Rolls. The Club would like to thank Andy for his hard work and
wish him all the very best for his future career.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ravel Morrison: West Ham complain about Fulham to Premier League
BBC.co.uk

West Ham have complained to the Premier League after Fulham manager Rene
Meulensteen claimed Hammers midfielder Ravel Morrison wanted to sign for
them. Morrison, who has only 18 months left on his Upton Park contract,
worked with Meulensteen when the Dutchman was assistant manager at
Manchester United. West Ham are unhappy that Meulensteen said: "Yes, I think
he does want to come [to Craven Cottage]." The Premier League has not
confirmed receipt of any official complaint.

Ravel Morrison's career
Born: 2 February 1993, Wythenshawe, south Manchester
Man Utd: Comes through academy to make his debut on 26 October 2010 but only
makes three first-team appearances
West Ham: Joins Hammers in January 2012 on a three-and-a-half year deal
after then-United boss Sir Alex Ferguson calls his wage demands
"unrealistic"
Goes on loan to Birmingham City for the 2012-13 season, scoring three goals
in 30 games
Scores four goals in eight appearances on return to West Ham in 2013-14

After watching Fulham beat Norwich 3-0 in their FA Cup third-round replay on
Tuesday, Meulensteen - who took over from sacked compatriot Martin Jol in
December - confirmed his interest in signing England Under-21 international
Morrison. "We have put in a bid that has been knocked back," he said.
"He would add pace, power, unpredictability and a real attacking threat."
Meulensteen said it was too early to tell whether any deal can be struck
before the transfer window closes at the end of January. "We got knocked
back, it got rejected, and so we need to review it and move on," he added.
"I've explained how I think about the situation [to the Fulham board], so
we'll have to wait and see what happens."

West Ham's complaint is likely to surround Premier League ruling T.8
concerning "statements made publicly by or on behalf of a club expressing
interest in acquiring the registration of a contract player". If the Premier
League deems Fulham to be in breach of the rules the Cottagers could face a
reprimand or fine.
It is also possible the case could be referred to the Football Association.
Morrison, 20, has scored five times in 20 appearances since moving to Upton
Park two years ago from United.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Striker Carlton Cole signs new 18-month West Ham contract
BBC.co.uk

West Ham striker Carlton Cole has signed a new 18-month contract after
rejoining the club on a short-term deal in October. Cole, 30, was released
in May after struggling for form in his seventh season with the club. But he
started training with the Hammers again in September and signed a
three-month deal in October.
He has scored four Premier League goals in 11 appearances, with three in his
last six matches. QPR had been interested in signing the former England
international if the Hammers, who have struggled for attacking options
because of Andy Carroll's injury problems, could not agree an extension.
Cole, who scored in West Ham's 2-1 Championship play-off final win over
Blackpool in 2012, is 16th on the club's list of all-time top-scorers. He
moved to Upton Park for an undisclosed fee from Chelsea in 2006.

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Rogan in, Rolls out
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 15th January 2014
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United have confirmed the departure of the former Head of Medicine
and Sports Science, Andy Rolls. As revealed here on KUMB yesterday, Rolls
left his post after four-and-a-half years as head of the Club's medical team
earlier this week. That was confirmed by the Hammers in a statement on
whufc.com this afternoon. "The Club would like to thank Andy for his hard
work and wish him all the very best for his future career," it read. West
Ham have also announced the arrival of former Everton and Anzhi coach
Dominic Rogan, who joins United "as part of a revamped Sports Science and
Sports Medicine department". "I am delighted to join West Ham United and I'm
looking forward to meeting the staff and players," he told the Club's
website. "Everyone knows the manager's reputation and he is obviously one of
the pioneers of sports science and sports medicine. "I started at Goodison
Park in 2007 and I spent six fantastic years at Everton. Last year, I had
the opportunity to go to Anzhi to head up the medical department there as
Head Physiotherapist. Now, I am looking forward to working in the Premier
League again. "West Ham is a club with a great fan base and an innovative
Club in terms of sports and medicine and the fitness department. It's a
privilege to be working for a Club with such kudos and prestige."

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Rangers eye Maiga
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 15th January 2014
By: Staff Writer

Modibo Maiga could be set to leave West Ham United after Carlton Cole
secured a new 18-month contract with the club. Maiga, who has struggled to
make an impact at the club since moving to England via Sochaux in July 2012
is on the radar of Championship side Queens Park Rangers. Harry Redknapp,
who was also keen on signing Carlton Cole is understood to have turned his
attention to the Malian after failing to land the 30-year-old former English
international. Maiga, 26, has scored just three Premier League goals for
West Ham during his two year tenure in East London. His most recent goal
came in last month's 3-3 draw against West Brom. West Ham are close to
signing a second striker, Monaco Lacina Traore on loan for the rest of the
current campaign.

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New deal for CC
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 15th January 2014
By: Staff Writer

Carlton Cole has signed a new 18-month contract with West Ham. The
30-year-old striker earned the new deal - said to worth in the region of
£40,000 per week - having impressed with his attitude and application since
returning to the club on a short term deal last October. Since signing that
three-month deal, which followed three months during which he was out of
work, Cole has featured on 14 occasions for West Ham scoring four times -
including strikes against Arsenal and Manchester United. Initially signed by
Alan Pardew from Chelsea in 2006 for £2million, Cole didn't get off to the
best of starts at West Ham when he claimed that the move would act as a
"stepping stone" for him. However he soon became a firm crowd favourite and
news of his new contract has (mostly) been well-received by fans. West Ham
will be hoping to tie up a second new deal for a striker later this week
when Lacina Traore puts pen to paper on a short-term loan switch. The
Monaco striker is understood to have successfully completed a medical having
received a work permit for his short stay in England yesterday and is
expected to be confirmed as a Hammer imminently.

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Hammers complain as Morrison prepares to leave
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 15th January 2014
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United are understood to have made a complaint to the Premier
League regarding comments made by Fulham manager René Meulensteen.
The Hammers are reported to have contacted the governing body after the
Dutch coach told the press that United midfielder Ravel Morrison,
mysteriously absent in recent weeks despite being declared fit at Christmas,
wanted to move to Craven Cottage. "Yes, we did make a bid," Meulensteen said
following Fulham's 3-0 FA Cup replay win over Norwich. Yes, I think he does
want to come. He would add pace, power, unpredictability and a real
attacking threat. I don't know what the situation is now, because that's
left with our director Alistair Macintosh."

Morrison's short career at the Boleyn Ground has been littered with tales of
training ground bust-ups and a series of other incidents. Sam Allardyce is
believed to have finally lost patience with the talented youngster, who now
faces being bombed out of his second club withint three years. West Ham are
hoping to secure around £10million for the sale of the England Under 21, who
moved to east London two years ago this month.

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Striker Carlton Cole agrees 18-month deal at West Ham
Last Updated: 15/01/14 1:27pm
SSN

Carlton Cole has committed his future to West Ham after agreeing a new
18-month contract. The 30-year-old frontman was released by the Hammers last
summer as a previous deal came to an end. He was, however, unable to find
another club and was allowed to train with the Upton Park outfit in an
effort to stay sharp. Cole did enough to convince Sam Allardyce that he was
deserving of a second chance and penned a short-term agreement in October.
West Ham's faith has been rewarded with four goals in 12 appearances in all
competitions. A number of rival clubs were linked with the England
international as he considered his future options, but Cole has decided to
stay in east London.

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West Ham complain to Premier League over Rene Meulensteen comments about
Ravel Morrison
Last Updated: 15/01/14 12:26pm
SSN

West Ham United have made a complaint to the Premier League over comments
made by Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen about Ravel Morrison, according to
Sky sources. Speaking on Tuesday night after the FA Cup replay against
Norwich, Meulensteen admitted that Fulham had had a bid for Morrison
rejected by West Ham. Meulensteen coached Morrison through Manchester
United's youth systems during his time at Old Trafford.


Morrison to Fulham?
"Yes, we did make a bid," Meulensteen said after the 3-0 win over Norwich.
"Yes, I think he does want to come. "He would add pace, power,
unpredictability and a real attacking threat. I don't know what the
situation is now, because that's left with our director Alistair Macintosh."
United academy product Morrison has impressed at Upton Park this season
after a loan spell with Birmingham last term. Morrison had struggled to
settle in London after leaving Old Trafford in January 2012, but has hit
form in this campaign.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Boris Johnson insists 'no more public money spent on converting Olympic
Stadium'
Last Updated: 15/01/14 3:19pm
SSN

London Mayor Boris Johnson has revealed no further public money will be
spent on converting the Olympic Stadium into a football ground. Last week it
was announced the cost of turning the Stratford showpiece, which West Ham
will take over as tenants in 2016, would be £154m, with much of it coming
from the taxpayer. There had been fears further monies would be required to
convert the 80,000-seater arena but Mayor Johnson is adamant the spending
has stopped.

Mayor on Olympic Stadium
Speaking to the London Assembly he said: "With the cash we are putting in
now, we will be able to deliver a solution for the stadium that gives
Premier League football in the winter, athletics in the summer plus a whole
load of other things. "This is a knockout, iconic venue for London and
thanks to the deal we have done once this capital investment is made there
will be no further charge to the public purse, indeed I believe we may even
make a turn on it. "That again is very, very different from any other
Olympic city, most of whom have had real difficulties with their stadiums."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll excited to return to action for West Ham after injury
'nightmare'
Last Updated: 15/01/14 3:47pm
SSN

Andy Carroll admits he wants to put a "nightmare" few months behind him
after finally returning to action for West Ham. The 25-year-old striker came
off the bench to play 18 minutes and finally make his Hammers debut in
Saturday's 2-0 Premier League win at Cardiff after recovering from a
long-term foot injury having joined on a permanent basis from Liverpool in
the summer. And the England man hopes he can help the club pull clear of the
relegation zone, starting with victory over his hometown club Newcastle at
Upton Park on Saturday. "It has been a massive nightmare to be honest. I
went off to Belgium and then to Holland, to fix it [the injury] but now I am
feeling really good and all I want to do is play football," he told the club
website. "I just want to forget about the past months with the injury and
just look forward to playing more football for West Ham. I can't stand being
on the sidelines. It drives me crazy. "I tried my best to try and get back
to be fit. It was prolonged and I got injured again. So it was disappointing
but I am back now so I am concentrating on getting match fit. It was really
fantastic to be back out there on Saturday. "Hopefully I get a few more
minutes against Newcastle and we get a win this Saturday too. Yes of course
it is nostalgic for me, it is my home town but I am just looking forward to
it really, to play again. "I am just over the moon about a game coming up as
I have been out for too long, so it is fantastic to be back."

Carroll said the win at Cardiff showed the spirit of everyone at the club
despite previous heavy cup defeats to Nottingham Forest and Manchester City.
"We have had our chances and not taken them and it has not run for us. We
have to just forget about everything and look forward now," he added. "I
think everyone could see the commitment of the lads, everyone is training
hard and you could see the reaction of what the win meant for all of us, the
lads on the pitch, those who didn't play and the staff."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
GENTLE GIANT GRANTED WORK PERMIT FOR WEST HAM MOVE
By Sean Whetstone 15 Jan 2014 at 14:07
West Ham Till I Die

West Ham's appeal hearing for Lacina Traoré has been successful and he has
been granted a work permit. Reports claim that West Ham are confident of
completing the Ivory Coast striker's loan move from Monaco in the next 48
hours.

Traoré, nicknamed the 'gentle giant' is a 6ft 8in forward, who only moved to
Monaco from Anzhi Makhachkala earlier this month but was made available for
loan as his chances of being in the starting team are likely to be limited
in the short-term.

West Ham quickly agreed a deal with Monaco but, with the 23-year-old's seven
caps for his country failing to qualify for a work permit, they were forced
to lodge an appeal to gain clearance for his move under the "exceptional
talent" criteria to a FA appointed six man appeal panel. Sam Allardyce and
West Ham secretary Andy Pincher appeared in front of the panel made up of a
representative of the Football Association, Premier League, Professional
Footballers' Association together with three independent footballing experts
on Monday, with their go ahead having prompted the approval from the Home
Office for the move to be finalised.

Lacina Traoré has scored 13 goals from 29 appearances for Russian side Anzhi
Makhachkala after joining them on 29th June 2012. On 4th January 2014 Traoré
was sold signing a four a half year contract with Monaco in a transfer
believed to worth £8.6m.

It is claimed that the player has already been medically assessed in France
but is unlikely to be match fit given that he arrives after the winter break
in the Russian domestic season which has not played since October, he is
expected to complete the formalities of the transfer in the next 48 hours
but has still to agree personal terms with West ham.

There are some claims he could be paid as much as £45,000 a week during his
loan spell with West Ham.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX FOR BIG SHAM'S REPLACEMENT
By Tony McDonald 15 Jan 2014 at 08:32
West Ham Till I Die

WHENEVER there is talk of Big Sham's eventual successor (and a 2-0 win at
fellow strugglers Cardiff last Saturday shouldn't tempt anyone to believe
that he deserves to be kept on), insular members of the media and supporters
who can't see beyond Dover trot out the usual potential candidates . . ..

.. . . Malky Mackay, Paolo Di Canio, Slaven Bilic, Harry Redknapp, etc, etc.

Even a man of David Sullivan's limited football knowledge has apparently
dismissed the credentials of Mackay as a man whose Cardiff team were faring
only marginally better than West Ham before the former Hammers centre-back
inevitably got the elbow.

Malky is clearly a good, decent bloke, a man of honest integrity and the way
he handled himself throughout his torturous last weeks at Cardiff was
admirable. But his Cardiff team were barely less attractive to watch than
the dross BS serves up week in, week out. He got Watford promoted, but so
what? BS did the same at West Ham. It doesn't necessarily make Malky the man
to lead us out of the mire.

There are few of us who didn't appreciate Di Canio as a gifted player,
especially if you didn't attend away matches north of Watford, but his
antics at both Swindon and Sunderland show that he still has much to learn
about management – and particularly man-management.

In a recent interview for EX magazine, Pop Robson commented how he had
observed PDC at close quarters in his role as Sunderland's chief scout in
the brief period before he and most of the other backroom staff were
released and Paolo brought in his own Italian imports to work for him. Pop
said that while Di Canio appears to be a good coach, his handling of players
off the field leaves quite a bit to be desired.

I hope Paolo goes on to become a great manager – and maybe he will do so at
West Ham at some point in the future – but I fear that he may well join a
group of other former top players with fiery temperaments who have failed to
adapt to management in Paul Ince and Roy Keane. They demanded such high
standards of themselves as players that they find it very difficult to
suffer the inadequacies of lesser mortals under their charge. It remains to
be seen how long Blackpool will retain Ince's services beyond the day when
his talented son Tom moves on to a bigger club.

Having played for Croatia, who are no slouches at international level, 44
times and managed them for six years from 2006 until 2012, the 45-year-old
Slaven Bilic is always likely to be mentioned as a possible West Ham manager
of the future. In fact, he wasn't a million miles from being appointed when
Gianfranco Zola got the nod.

After a disappointing season In Russia managing Lokomotiv Moscow, Bilic is
now in year one of a three-year contract in Istanbul for Besiktas, who are
currently fourth in the Turkish league. He lacks long-term experience of
club management and the hands-on, day-to-day role that isn't required of
international coaches, although that doesn't mean he wouldn't succeed at
West Ham.

Opinion on whether Harry Redknapp would be the right man to replace BS is
divided. Some will never forgive him for the manner of Billy Bonds'
undignified departure, even though Bonzo later admitted to me in interview
for the book, West Ham United: The Managers, that he never enjoyed managing
and, he pointed out, the club had no hesitation in paying up the full
three-year term of his contract despite him having effectively walked away
from West Ham.

The pro-Redknapp lobby view the current and vastly experienced QPR boss in a
'devil you know' way. Under him, the football will undoubtedly be much more
entertaining and as Harry has never been slow to remind those who question
his achievements, he never took the Hammers down in his seven years at the
helm between 1994 and 2001.

All sorts of accusations have been thrown in Redknapp's direction but fans
are fickle. A couple of wins in a style not seen under BS and the prodigal
son will soon be welcomed back into the West ham family by the majority.

If QPR fail to gain promotion back to the Premier League at the end of this
season, whether their chairman would want to keep him or not, I'd be
surprised if Redknapp wanted to stay there for what would be an increasingly
difficult time. Balancing the urgent need for promotion at the second
attempt with a rapidly shrinking transfer and wages budget and impending FA
sanctions against the club, based on their expenditure-to-turnover over the
past few seasons, is a challenge Harry probably doesn't need at his time in
life.

By contrast, he would probably view a return to Upton Park as unfinished
business, a last chance to make his mark in the Premier League, and I
believe he would be tempted to accept the challenge if the terms were right.
But at almost 67, the board may regard him as past his sell-by date,
although the game is littered with managers older than him who have gone on
to achieve.

For the long-term good of the club, I'd like to see the West Ham board think
outside the box when considering their next appointment. That's why I'm very
interested to see how West Brom's new boss, Pepe Mel, will fare in his first
stint at Premier League management. No doubt many reacted to his recent
appointment by asking 'Pepe who?' but the WBA board should be congratulated
on their boldness in backing a man who has done well managing on a
shoestring for Real Betis in Spain.

I like Mel's philosophy and would urge our board to apply the same
principles and ethos expressed by Mel, who said upon his WBA appointment:
"We will try to create a team that plays attractively for the fans so that
they can relate to the team. We will look to create a style of play that
identifies us. Possession of the ball will be the most important thing for
us."

Music to the ears of most West Ham traditionalists of a certain age who were
brought up on the principles and beliefs of football purists Ron Greenwood
and John Lyall.

The board shouldn't simply appoint a manager and give him carte blanche to
do whatever he likes with the team in terms of tampering with its
established style – in the way BS was allowed to abandon West Ham's
long-held tradition for trying to play attacking, enterprising football and
adopt the overly cautious, negative and long-ball approach for which he
became renowned, and widely condemned, throughout his time at Bolton.
(Before you rush to point out that we didn't always play attacking and
enterprising football under a number of managers who preceded BS, I must
emphasise the word 'trying'. It's not always possible to play with style
but, for many of us, at least the intent should always be there.)

It is not as if BS arrived at West Ham with a proven track record of success
and a trophy cabinet laden with personal success to justify his modus
operandi. On the contrary. Aside from various promotions from the lower
divisions, he has failed to win a single major trophy in 25 years of
management.

The West Ham owners need to read up the history books and remind themselves
(or perhaps even to discover?) what our club once stood for, why it became
respected throughout Europe in the 60s and early 70s. They should lay down
their philosophy in the same way, for example, the Swansea board did when
appointing Roberto Martinez (what a shrewd move Everton made in taking him
from Wigan and how I would've loved West Ham to have recruited him), Brendan
Rodgers and Michael Laudrup. At Swansea, the managers have changed in a
relatively short period but the fundamental ethos laid down by the board has
not. They want their team to play in a certain way and all of their
successive managers know they must adhere to it. In the same way a company
chairman doesn't employ a new managing director and allow him to run things
on a whim or to significantly change company policy.

Barcelona didn't appoint Jose Mourinho when he was desperate to take the job
that eventually went instead to Pep Guardiola. Not because they didn't rate
him as a first class coach, but because they didn't trust him to represent
their club in the image they insist they must portray to the rest of the
world. They feared Mourinho would alienate sections of the media and
possibly bring the club into disrepute, so they chose one of their own
disciples for whom the Barca way was ingrained in his DNA. They trusted
Guardiola because they knew he knew and understood the Barca way.

When people debate whether BS should be sacked now or at the end of the
season, they tend to throw up their arms and ask 'who else is out there?'.
But there are other Pepe Mel's out there if the West Ham board care to cast
their eyes further afield, to places such as Spain and Holland, where
preaching possession football that is pleasing on the eye is usually a
pre-requisite of taking a management post.

Personally, I like the look of the Celta Vigo manager Luis Enrique, whom
some of you will recall captained Spain (62 caps) and Barcelona, as well as
Real Madrid, in the 90s and early noughties. He played 364 games and scored
88 goals combined as an attacking midfielder for the top two clubs in Spain,
two of the biggest in the world. Not a bad pedigree.

After retiring as a player, he managed Barcelona's B team for three seasons
before an unhappy year with Roma in Italy. Now, despite a very restricted
budget, he is doing a good job in his first season at Celta Vigo, who play
an open, attacking brand of football. Regular viewers of Sky's La Liga
coverage may have recently seen Celta create a number of great chances in a
game they ended up losing, 3-0, at Real Madrid, who were very much second
best until Ronaldo settled it with a couple of very late goals.

I'm not saying Enrique, 43, would necessarily want to leave Spain for East
London but I mention him and Pepe Mel as examples of young managers who
preach attacking, passing and entertaining football and who would fit into
the original West Ham United template – an identity sadly lost under BS.

Keep an eye on the progress of Luis Enrique. I hope the West Ham owners do,
too.

*Tony McDonald is editor of EX, the unofficial West Ham retro magazine which
launched in 2002. Issue 69, including part one of an exclusive interview
with Frank Lampard senior, is out now at www.ex-hammers.com

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers set for back room reshuffle
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 15th January 2014
By: Staff Writer

West Ham's former Head of Sports Medicine Andy Rolls could be on his way to
a Premier League rival - whilst a popular former member of the back room is
set to return. Rolls' colleague Matthew Monte-Colombo revealed yesterday
that the former Watford Head of Medicine had left West Ham after
four-and-a-half years with the club, since when KUMB has learned that Rolls
is poised to join Arsene Wenger's backroom staff at Arsenal. Meanwhile Stijn
Vandenbroucke, who spent three years at West Ham between 2009 and 2012
before moving to Russia to become Anzhi Makhachkala's first team physio is
thought to be set for a return to London. Since leaving Anzhi in August last
year, the Belgian has worked as a consultant for Dynamo Moscow. Likely to
join Vandenbroucke at West Ham as a replacement for Rolls is Dominic Rogan,
who worked alongside the Belgian at Anzhi briefly last summer - an
appointment that followed a six-year spell with Everton.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham ready new Rickie Lambert transfer bid as Southampton stars consider
their futures
Jan 15, 2014 22:30 By Darren Lewis 0 Comments
The Mirror

West Ham are to make a renewed bid to sign England striker Rickie Lambert
now that Nicola Cortese has quit Southampton. The Hammers had an approach
rejected by the Saints' then-executive chairman Cortese before the winter
transfer window opened. But with the south coast club now in turmoil after
Wednesday's events, Lambert is among a string of players now considering
their futures - and West Ham are set to swoop for the 31-year-old. The
Londoners had been watching developments before Cortese's resignation was
confirmed on Wednesday night. The cash to fund a move for Lambert could come
from the sale of England Under-21 star Ravel Morrison. Mirror Sport
understands Fulham will have to double their offer to £8million if they want
the Hammers' attacking midfielder. Cottagers chief executive Alistair
McIntosh is set to return with a bid of £5m for the 20-year-old, but angry
West Ham are refusing to be manipulated into selling Morrison for less than
their valuation.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Modibo Maiga in transfer talks with QPR after Hammers hand
Carlton Cole new deal
Jan 15, 2014 22:29 By Alan Nixon 0 Comments
The Mirror

Championship promotion chasers looking to sign the striker on loan or buy
him for a low fee plus a bonus for the Irons if he helps them go up

Queens Park Rangers boss Harry Redknapp is ready to snap up striker Modibo
Maiga from former employers West Ham - in a bargain deal. Maiga is available
after the Hammers' boss Sam Allardyce - who has awarded fellow striker
Carlton Cole a new contract to replace a short-team deal that expired this
month - decided he would not figure in the club's survival fight. The
26-year-old is now in talks with the Championship promotion chasers about a
move from east London to west London. Redknapp will take Mali international
Maiga on loan or for a low fee including a promotion bonus, as he tries to
find new firepower to take the Hoops straight back up affer last season's
relegation. Maiga is willing to step down a level as QPR are chasing an
instant return to the top flight - and he wouldn't have to leave London.
West Ham's relegation battle rivals Fulham were also interested in Maiga,
but while his indifferent form has put them off, Redknapp thinks he can
revive him in the Championship.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Premier League investigating West Ham's complaint over Fulham's Ravel
Morrison pursuit
Jan 15, 2014 19:40 By Darren Lewis, Joe Mewis

The Mirror

The Premier League issue a statement confirming that the Hammers have
complained over the approach for the England Under-21 star

The Premier League have issued a statement saying they have received a
complaint from West Ham regarding "comments made by a Fulham official".
Earlier it had emerged that the Hammers were set to make a complaint over
the Cottagers' pursuit of England Under-21 midfielder Ravel Morrison, after
Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen said that Morrison wanted to join the club. The
statement from the Premier League reads: "The Premier League has received a
complaint from West Ham United regarding certain comments made by a Fulham
official and is currently looking into the matter." The complaint follows
Rene Meulensteen's comments following his side's win over Norwich in the FA
Cup, when he said: "It got rejected. So we will review it and move on. I've
left it with [Fulham CEO] Alistair Mackintosh. "He does want to come here.
I've known him obviously for a long, long time but the thing is this - we
have to wait and see."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Fulham transfer target Ravel Morrison will cost the Cottagers £8m
as dispute deepens
Jan 15, 2014 22:30 By Darren Lewis

Fulham will have to DOUBLE their offer to £8million if they want to land
West Ham star Ravel Morrison. The west London club are set to return with a
bid of £5m for the England Under-21 player. But the angry Hammers are
refusing to be manipulated into selling the attacking midfielder for less
than their valuation.
The Irons have protested to the Premier League after Cottagers boss Rene
Meulensteen revealed that he was confident Morrison – who he worked with at
Manchester United – would want to join him at Fulham. A Premier League
statement said: "We have received a complaint from West Ham regarding
certain comments made by a Fulham official and we are currently looking into
the matter." Asked if the 20-year-old wanted to quit Upton Park for Craven
Cottage, Meulensteen – who confirmed on Tuesday that Fulham had seen a bid
rejected – said: "Yes. I have known him a long time. Yes. He does want to
come here."

The unhappy Hammers believe Meulensteen's comments indicated he had spoken
to Morrison without first obtaining their permission. Fulham insisted on
Wednesday that their manager was simply answering a journalist's query in
the press conference that followed the club's 3-0 FA Cup victory over
Norwich.
A spokeswoman said: "When asked the question regarding the player Ravel
Morrison, Rene Meulensteen answered, honestly, that a bid had been made to
West Ham United for the player and that the bid had been rejected."

Morrison has a year and a half remaining on his contract and West Ham are
keen to tie him to a new deal, but negotiations have so far been
unsuccessful.
The relegation-threatened Irons were upbeat on Wednesday night, however,
after 6ft 8in Ivory Coast striker Lacina Traore was granted a work permit to
join them on loan from Monaco. The 23-year-old was understood to have passed
a preliminary medical and the Hammers hope to receive international
clearance in time for him to play against Newcastle on Saturday. Whatever
happens, they will be able to count on the services of Carlton Cole after
the forward agreed a new 18-month deal, worth £40,000-a-week. Cole had been
out of contract after his short-term deal at the club expired on Monday. The
30-year-old has scored four goals in 11 Premier League matches so far this
term.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
QPR eye loan swoop for West Ham misfit Maiga as Redknapp steps up striker
search
By SIMON JONES
PUBLISHED: 23:37, 15 January 2014 | UPDATED: 23:38, 15 January 2014
Daily Mail

QPR are considering a loan move for West Ham striker Modibo Maiga. The
misfiring Mali marksman has managed just two goals in 19 games for the
Hammers and has been given the green light to leave Upton Park. Maiga
trained with the Championship promotion-chasers earlier this week and R's
boss Harry Redknapp is weighing up a move for the 26-year-old.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lambert considering transfer - source
January 15, 2014
By ESPN Staff

West Ham United are expected to step up their interest in Southampton
striker Rickie Lambert, with ESPN sources confirming that the England
striker would be interested in the move. Lambert has been the talisman of
Southampton's rise from the third tier of English football into a Premier
League force since Alan Pardew signed him for the Saints back in 2009,
scoring more than a century of goals for the south coast club. His fairy
tale rise to the top was completed as he earned an England call-up last
year, with his hopes of making the cut for the Roy Hodgson's final squad for
next summer's World Cup finals very much alive after a solid season in the
Premier League. News that he may be entering his final days at Southampton
will be a further blow to supporters who are already concerned that the
departure of executive chairman Nicola Cortese on Wednesday threatens the
stability of the club. Cortese's exit may well be swiftly followed by that
of manager Mauricio Pochettino, who had vowed to quit if the executive
chairman left the club. An ESPN FC source said Lambert will consider a move
to West Ham despite their current relegation concerns and uncertainty over
the future of boss Sam Allardyce, with a final lucrative move appealing to
the 31-year-old target man.

West Ham's initial approach to sign Lambert was made in mid-December, a
source said. The encouragement the London club were given by Saints
officials fueled their hope that a deal can be struck, especially now that
Cortese has left Southampton and the club in in something of a state of
flux, the source said.
Lambert's arrival would be a massive boost to West Ham, who have been
desperately short of strikers all season after they spend much of their
summer transfer kitty on Andy Carroll, who has played just 18 minutes of
first team football all season.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham dig in over Fulham's 'approach' for Ravel Morrison
The Independent
Premier League set to investigate if player was tapped up by Rene
Meulensteen
SAM WALLACE Author Biography Wednesday 15 January 2014

It was not the first time that Ravel Morrison found himself at the centre of
controversy in his young career but in the case of the Fulham tapping-up
row, the West Ham midfielder can say at least that this one is not a mess of
his own making.

When he was asked about a putative bid to sign the Englishman on Tuesday
night after Fulham's 3-0 victory over Norwich City, Rene Meulensteen did not
just stop at saying that a bid had been placed. Asked by newspaper reporters
whether he thought Morrison would like to move to Fulham, the club's manager
replied "Yes".

The kindest thing you can say about that remark is that it is the naivety of
a new manager just learning the ropes when it comes to playing a close hand
on transfer dealings.

The Premier League is expected to announce an investigation of Meulensteen,
who is potentially in contravention of regulation T8 which dictates "a
statement made publicly by or on behalf of a club [about signing another
club's player]... shall be treated as an indirect approach".

For the Fulham manager to know that Morrison wanted to leave West Ham there
would have had to have been some contact, either direct or otherwise – an
illegal approach that is forbidden under the Premier League rules T3 that
deal with the tapping-up of players.

No one would suggest that Meulensteen is about to face a saga as protracted
and serious as the most infamous tapping-up inquiry in recent times, around
Ashley Cole and Chelsea. Nor that he is the only manager to do it.

Rather, he has made the mistake of potentially incriminating himself. It did
not help that West Ham officials were aggrieved to see the offending remark
from Meulensteen on the Fulham website this morning, since taken down.

Sources at West Ham denied suggestions that Morrison has fallen out with
manager Sam Allardyce over his representatives. The former Manchester United
academy player uses the agent Nick Rubery and is 18 months from the end of
his West Ham contract. He was signed by West Ham from United two years ago
and while the club say that they would like to keep him, he is straying
close to the end of his deal.

It is understood that Fulham bid £4m for the 20-year-old, an offer that was
dismissed out of hand by West Ham. While Meulensteen said on Tuesday night
that Fulham would bid again for Morrison, the mood at West Ham was that they
would not entertain any offer from a fellow relegation candidate, let alone
one they claim has made an illegal approach.

As for Fulham, they are unperturbed by the allegations made against them and
claim that Meulensteen had simply said he believed the player wanted to come
to the club in response to a direct question.

At least Meulensteen would be under no illusions as to the kind of player he
would take on with Morrison, having played a part in his development at
United.

The quirks of Morrison's behaviour at the United training ground became the
stuff of legend at the club before Sir Alex Ferguson and academy director
Brian McClair finally ran out of patience with him.

As a United player at Carrington, Morrison was nicknamed by his peers "the
eel" for his capacity to slip away unnoticed and often not return for days.

On occasions they were able to track him down playing five-a-side football
with his friends on the Power League pitches near the Trafford Centre. The
attempts by senior players to talk him round were well-documented. In the
end, his unexplained absences at United convinced the club to give up on an
undoubted talent.

His breakthrough this season into the West Ham team, and for England
Under-21s, have convinced some that he has turned a corner in his career.
His goal against Tottenham in the 3-0 win at White Hart Lane in the league
this season, as well as other performances, including the home win against
Fulham in November, have demonstrated what a rare talent he is. So too, for
the Under-21s, although he raised concerns with his on-field clash with
Wilfried Zaha.

The general consensus is that, for all the discussion of a reformed
character, Morrison will always present a challenge to any manager who takes
him on and he is an interesting choice for a club fighting relegation. For
now, his performances and his youth are sufficient that there will always be
someone willing to give him a chance.

Despite the problems West Ham had with him initially, he has never been in
the same kind of trouble he encountered in his last year at United when he
pleaded guilty to two charges of intimidating a witness and was given a
12-month referral order.

The Premier League asked Fulham for their observations on the tapping-up
claims and will hope for a swift resolution. Where it leaves Morrison's
career at West Ham is open to question.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com



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Daily WHUFC News - 15th January 2014

Rat focused on improvement
WHUFC.com
Hammers left back Razvan Rat is aiming for back-to-back Barclays Premier
League wins
14.01.2014

West Ham United defender Razvan Rat is determined to build on Saturday's 2-0
win at Cardiff City by leading a sustained push away from the Barclays
Premier League bottom three. Goals from Carlton Cole and Mark Noble took the
Hammers out of the drop zone at Cardiff, and should Sam Allardyce's men back
that up with successive victories for the first time this season when they
take on Newcastle United, they could leap as high as 13th. That middle
portion of the table is what Romania international Rat has his eyes on,
particularly as key members of the squad are returning from injury. Watch
highlights and reaction from Saturday's win on West Ham TV "It was hard for
us at Cardiff because we had to play with ten men for the last 20 minutes,
so I'm happy that we got a very good result and that we're getting better,"
the No8 explained. "I don't think about the bottom three, I just think to
have back-to-back wins, just to play well and get a good result against
Newcastle. That's the main thing. "It's a good thing for us that Andy
Carroll is back. He will give us a boost as he is the main man up front. "He
will get fitter and better with every game he plays."

Guy Demel became the latest player to be struck by the Hammers' defensive
injury jinx when he was stretched off after suffering a concussion on
Saturday, but after then seeing a Kim Bo-Kyung effort bounce down off the
visitors' bar and to safety, Rat believes their luck may be beginning to
turn. He added: "It's like a curse! Every game we seem to get another
injury, I don't know what we can do. The players that are fit have to be
strong and try to get good results.
"We have not had much luck, so let's hope that it is starting to come back
to us after Saturday."

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Alan Blackburn - 1935-2014
WHUFC.com
Former West Ham United player Alan Blackburn has passed away at the age of
78
14.01.2014

Former West Ham United player Alan Blackburn has sadly passed away at the
age of 78. Born in the Derbyshire town of Mansfield in August 1935,
Blackburn spent part of his childhood in a Barnardo's orphanage before being
discovered by Hammers scouts while playing for his junior school in
Hertfordshire. A centre or inside forward, the teenager proved to be a
prolific scorer for the Club's youth team, netting an incredible 13 goals
during West Ham's run to the FA Youth Cup semi-finals in 1953/54. Blackburn
scored in six of the Hammers' seven ties, including five in the 6-1 win over
Briggs Sports, a hat-trick against Fulham and two more against Swindon-based
Pinehurst Youth Centre. Blackburn also netted in the semi-final second-leg
2-1 home defeat by Wolverhampton Wanderers, who went on to reach the final.
However, the forward had suffered a shoulder injury in the first leg at
Molineux - there were no substitutes in those days - which West Ham lost
6-1. The same season, Blackburn hit the net regularly for the reserves,
helping to fire the Hammers to the Combination League title.
Blackburn's fantastic goalscoring form was rewarded with a first-team debut
three months past his 20th birthday - ironically in a goalless Division Two
draw at Derby County on 27 December 1954. In March 1955, after four
first-team appearances, he was called-up to do National Service, meaning he
did not play for West Ham at senior level again until a 2-0 home win over
Stoke City on 30 March 1956.

A maiden first-team goal arrived 17 months after his debut on 14 April 1956,
when the forward was on target in a 2-1 league defeat at Leicester City.
Blackburn also hit the target in a home win over Bristol City that season
before netting his third and final West Ham goal in a 2-0 victory at
Blackburn Rovers on 27 August 1956. The forward's 17th and last West Ham
appearance came in a 3-0 home Division Two defeat by Sheffield United on 9
September 1957.
Two months later, Blackburn joined Division Three (North) club Halifax Town
for a £2,900 fee. He went on to score 35 goals in 124 league games for the
Shaymen before dropping into the non-league game with Southern League
Margate in 1961.

After moving to Wellington Town in Shropshire 1965, he hung up his boots
three years later. In retirement, Blackburn ran a window cleaning business.
Everybody at West Ham United would like to pass on their sincere condolences
to Alan's family and friends at this sad time.

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Rolls with it
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 14th January 2014
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United's Head of Sports Science, Andy Rolls, has parted company
with the Club. Rolls spent four-and-a-half years at the Boleyn Ground,
having moved from Watford in June 2009 after four years with the Hornets.
He spent three years learning his trade at Chelsea before moving to Vicarage
Road in the summer of 2005 where he was recognised by the Championship club
as having played a "vital role in Watford's promotion [to the Premier
League] in his first season". Referred to as "a leader in the industry with
many other clubs copying [his] techniques and systems," Rolls was a constant
figure in the dugout during his tenure at West Ham, where he would often be
seen sporting an earpiece. News of his departure was revealed by the Club's
strength and conditioning coach Matthew Monte-Colombo via his Twitter
account this afternoon [Tuesday], although the message has since been
removed. The Hammers are yet to confirm who, if anyone, will replace Rolls.

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Fulham have bid for West Ham's Ravel Morrison rejected
Last Updated: 14/01/14 10:38pm
SSN

Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen has confirmed the club have had a bid for
Ravel Morrison rejected by Premier League rivals West Ham. But the Cottagers
boss claims he believes the former Manchester United youngster is keen on a
move across the capital. Meulensteen coached Morrison through United's youth
systems, and is confident he has a chance of linking up with the 20-year-old
again. The Dutch coach is likely to discuss the situation with Fulham
director Alistair Macintosh in the coming days. "Yes, we did make a bid,"
Meulensteen said after Fulham's 3-0 FA Cup third round replay victory over
Norwich at Craven Cottage. "Yes, I think he does want to come. "He would add
pace, power, unpredictability and a real attacking threat. "I don't know
what the situation is now, because that's left with Alistair Macintosh."

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Luke Moore set for free move from Turkey
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @graemebailey | Last Updated: 14/01/14 11:14am
SSN

A host of clubs are showing an interest in former Swansea and Aston Villa
striker Luke Moore after it emerged he is available for nothing. Moore
signed a three-year deal with Turkish club Elazigspor last summer, but they
are now set to let him leave as they are struggling to meet their financial
obligations.
His agent, Peter Morrison of James Grant Group, confirmed to Sky Sports that
Moore could be set for a move. "The club have informed us that they are
going to struggle to meet their financial obligations which is disappointing
but also enables him to leave without any compensation," Morrison revealed.
Sky Sports understands the likes of West Ham, Fulham, Crystal Palace,
Nottingham Forest and Leeds United have all registered their interest.
Scottish champions Celtic are also monitoring the situation along with MLS
sides Los Angeles Galaxy and Chicago Fire, and clubs from the Middle East.
Morrison admits that the interest in Moore is understandable, and added:
"Given he has played over 200 league games in the top flight and is still
only 27, I'm not surprised."

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GUEST POST: 'WHAT IS A WEST HAM?'
By Iain Dale 14 Jan 2014 at 21:56
West Ham Till I Die

Guest Post by Matthew Caputa, a relatively recent US Hammers convert

What is a Hammer? What the heck is a West Ham? You see, in the United States
I have become conditioned to these types of questions. I simply reply with:
"a soccer team", where the usual response follows something like: "you mean
Manchester United?" You see over here the culture breeds young athletes to
play soccer, in fact it is our most participated youth sport. Yet for a
plethora of reasons following the Premiership has become a sort of mystique
practice. Honestly it's usually the kids who play FIFA (the video game) who
have any idea about the teams in the Premier League. But if you take your
pick of those gamers chances are they have no idea about the daily drama the
Barclays League provides. This is where my story begins.


Football was life in my household. Yes, the kind of football with pads and
helmets. The Green Bay Packers became my cult obsession from a toddlers age
and I have had my heart torn and put back together over the last 21 years of
my life. Football is everything. Each Sunday friends gather across living
rooms and yell belligerently for hours as men crush each other's skulls.
Sportscenter then re-airs the highlights of each game for the next six days
and the talking heads speculate on each team's position and quality of play.
It is not abnormal to see a six year old child already accustomed to this
lifestyle, like I was. The Super Bowl is watched by everyone, and if you
don't know who Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers is you're obviously not with the
program. I myself have traveled to different venues across the country to
watch my beloved Packers play, and getting the chance to see the Green Bay
Packers home stadium was a moment that will forever be tattooed on my heart.
The term "diehard fan" doesn't begin to describe my allegiance.

I am 21 years old. I bleed football, but until about a few years ago I had
never even considered following English soccer. Admittedly, I knew very
little about how it works. In my naïve eyes there were only a few teams
(Arsenal, Man U, Chelsea) and only those teams were worth following. But not
long ago something happened that has assuredly changed the course of my
life.

About two years ago for some unknown reason I wanted to just follow a team
in England. I thought it would make me a more knowledgeable sports fan so I
just started poking around the internet. I was directed to the movie "Green
Street Hooligans", and fell in love with the passion of the supporters at
West Ham. But, I knew Hollywood surely exaggerated the passion and
sensationalized this unfamiliar team. So I googled a website that could
begin to familiarize my interests with West Ham. That's when I found you
guys: a seemingly arbitrary group of strangers bickering back and forth
about the transactions of the club. I had no idea what a loan was, or what
relegation meant. I was ignorant to the Football Championship or what
transfer fees were. "Who the heck is Andy Carroll?!" I remember thinking.
But with due diligence I began the exhaustive process of figuring all this
out. I watched my first game on ESPN when Swansea trounced us and questioned
if following West Ham was worth the trouble. But this website saved me. Each
day I would eagerly scour the opinions of WHTID and fell in love with how
serious soccer is to you guys. The banter of opinions spoken so brutishly
reminds me of how important American football is over here across the pond.
Watching the fans arm in arm chanting brings me back to when I was 9
visiting Green Bay for the first time. It was a magical growth for me.

Before I could even realize what was happening though, each Saturday I found
myself dragging my tired body out of bed to watch a live stream on my
computer. Being that ESPN doesn't report on soccer anymore I rely on WHTID
for the talking head opinions of West Ham. I have to rely on the Daily Mail
and player interviews to get a feel for where the team is headed. You see,
that is the struggle of supporting soccer in America. There is absolutely no
consistent Premier League news sources, and the people really aren't all
that interested. I attend Rutgers University, a school of almost 40,000
students, and I have yet to even meet one person who follows the Barclays
Premier League. But that doesn't dishearten me. I rely on my sources and
watch every game. Even though it's only been two seasons I am completely
hooked. This mysterious wave of soccer obsession has engulfed my spirits. I
often dream of a day when I can get the chance to travel to Upton Park and
scream "Over Land and Sea". Because I am that lad that's overseas blowing
bubbles! Admittedly I am saddened however by the move to the Olympic Stadium
because I feel I will never be able to share the original West Ham
experience that surely all the readers on this site have experienced.

I so desperately want to join all of you some day, and I cannot wait for the
opportunity which permits me to drink a pint and watch the Hammers in
person. But until that miracle falls in my lap, I will continue waking up
early on Saturdays and rooting for Big Sam and company. I will share the
beauty of Premier League soccer to my friends and any one that I meet. It is
not wishful thinking to know that I surely am West Ham Till I die!

Matthew Caputa

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NOSTALGIA SERIES: REMEMBERING RON GREENWOOD
By Tony Hanna 14 Jan 2014 at 17:55
West Ham Till I Die

Born on the 11th November 1921 and passing away at aged 84 on the 9th
February 2006, Ron Greenwood was one of the best managers in our clubs
history. His playing career saw him play for Bradford Park Avenue, Brentford
(the team he supported as a boy), Chelsea and Fulham. Ron went on to manage
West Ham from 1961 to 1974 and then the England National side from 1977
until 1982.

In the mid sixties, Ron's team won the FA Cup in 1964 and the ECWC Final the
following year. He would famously oversee the development of Bobby Moore,
Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters from the academy, right through to the
International stage. When Ron turned Geoff Hurst from a midfielder to a
striker, he told Geoff "not to worry – he would take the blame, not Geoff,
if the tactical move did not work". It was also Ron Greenwood that
transformed Trevor Brooking from an ordinary inside forward to a World class
midfield player.

If Ron was one thing, he was a football purist. Taking the reins over, half
a century after the club was formed, he was just the fourth manager in the
clubs history. Only a few seasons into his managerial career at Upton Park,
Ron was offered a huge sum for the times, 10,000 pounds to move away, but he
was happy to stay at a club that believed in the same footballing traditions
as himself. Ron was proud to say "we produce two players a year for the
first team" (from the academy). He was also proud to oversee a side that
played attacking football and one that entertained the crowds. Whilst West
Ham were never title contenders under Ron's management, West Ham's away
games, more often than not, produced the biggest attendances of the season
for the home teams. Old Trafford was always packed to capacity, 63,000, for
the visit of West Ham and it was a similar scenario of capacity crowds
elsewhere. West Ham were the "entertainers" of the game. Unfortunately,
Ron's style was also seen as a soft touch for the ever growing
"professionalism" of other teams in the league.

Ron stood by his West Ham style and he always thought there was a magical
missing link that would take the team to the heights of English football. He
never found that "link"and his purist ideals also led to players being sent
out to play with strict instructions that they were not to "hurt" opposition
players. These ideals were forefront when he said the most disappointing
thing that happened in the 1968/9 season was Harry Redknapp getting sent off
at Leeds! There seemed to be a theme, especially from Northern teams back in
those days, that they would openly applaud West Ham's style by saying –
"they let you play". It was really a backhanded compliment. Many of those
teams walked away with two points after a sucker punch goal, but a few also
left with quite a few goals put past them. The "link" Greenwood was really
missing was consistency – and that would have only be provided by a more
hardened approach?

In 1974, under growing fan frustrations due to lack of success, Ron "moved
upstairs" and John Lyall took over as manager. In this era the England
national side had endured a torrid time and had failed to qualify for major
tournaments for some while. Ron took over the England job in 1977 and
qualified for the Euro's and the World Cup in successive periods. England's
qualification for the 1982 World Cup Finals was the first in twelve years.

Ron Greenwood will always be remembered as a great West Ham manager, playing
the game the traditional "West Ham Way".

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Ravel bid rejected! Meulensteen admits Fulham have had a bid turned down by
Hammers for starlet Morrison
By LAURIE WHITWELL
PUBLISHED: 22:14, 14 January 2014 | UPDATED: 22:45, 14 January 2014
Daily Mail

Rene Meulensteen has admitted West Ham have rejected a bid from Fulham to
buy Ravel Morrison. It is believed Fulham offered around £4million for the
20-year-old but West Ham want nearer £10million. Meulensteen worked with
Morrison at Manchester United and suggested the an improved bid would be
submitted. 'We got knocked back,' he said. 'We need to review it and move
on. I left it with (chief executive) Alistair Mackintosh. I've explained
what I think about the situation so we'll have to see what happens. 'I make
my desires clear then leave it to those people to deal with it. We will
review it because I don't know exactly the ins and outs of how it's been
rejected. '(Morrison offers) youthfulness, energy, unpredictability,
strength. Loads of things.' Meulensteen said he hoped a deal could be
concluded this window but added: 'We all know it's very difficult in January
transfer window. Why would clubs do business early? They know the longer
they wait the higher the price goes.' Morrison has 18 months left on his
current £15,000-per-week deal at Upton Park and negotiations to extend his
contract have broken down. It has been revealed a clause in his contract
stipulates his wages at Upton Park must quadruple to £60,000 per week if a
club offers £10million, Rene Meulensteen is understood to want to use his
personal connection with Morrison, from their time together at Manchester
United, to help engineer a switch to Craven Cottage. While the Cottagers are
obviously keen on bringing Ravel in from the fellow relegation strugglers,
Sam Allardyce insisted they would do everything to keep him at the club, as
well as dismissing reports of a transfer request from the youngster.
'There's no truth in that [transfer request]. But I'm not surprised there's
another rumour about Ravel Morrison.' He added: 'We haven't had any
discussions about Ravel Morrison being sold by this club.' Morrison, who has
18 months left on a contract he signed in January 2012, is West Ham's top
scorer this season with five goals.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lazio make move for West Ham strike target
By talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) | Tuesday, January 14, 2014

West Ham will have to act fast if they want to sign Juventus striker Fabio
Quagliarella after reports in Italy claimed Lazio have made a £5m move to
sign him.
Sam Allardyce is looking to strengthen his depleted forward line in January
and could bring in at least two new signings before the end of the month.
The West Ham boss is close to completing a move for Monaco striker Lacina
Traore, subject to a work permit application and would also like to bring in
another quality signing. The east London club have been strongly linked with
a move for Quagliaralla who has fallen down the pecking order at Juventus
following the arrivals of Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente. The Italian
forward is keen to get his career back on track and is hoping to finalise
his long-term future in the near future. Italian newspaper Il Messaggero
claim Lazio have tabled an offer to bring him to the Italian capital and are
confident they will win the race to sign the 30-year-old.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THE RAVEL MORRISON MYSTERY
By Sean Whetstone 14 Jan 2014 at 23:05
West Ham Till I Die

Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen has confirmed that Fulham have made an official
bid for West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison which was rejected. Morrison who
worked with the Fulham boss during his time as an assistant at Manchester
United, is keen on the reunion claims Meulensteen. . Meulensteen said: "Yes,
we did make a bid. Yes I think he does want to come."

In recent days Morrison has been linked to interest from Manchester City and
Cardiff City. The Morrison mystery continues with claims he suffering from a
groin strain while other rumours persists that the relationship is not good
between Sam Allardyce and the young star. Unsubstantiated claims suggest the
real reason could be connected with the signing a new contract. Young Jack
Sullivan on twitter over the weekend said "Ravel didn't play today cos he
was getting treatment at training ground if he isn't better he will have an
exploratory op next week"

According to the Telegraph, if £10m is bid for Morrison, West Ham would
either have to accept the offer or increase the player's weekly wage from
£15k per week to £60k. This extraordinary second clause in his contract is
in addition to the reported £18 million release clause.

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