Joey on the mend
WHUFC.com
Joey O'Brien is working hard to come back from the shoulder injury he
suffered in January
08.03.2014
West Ham United defender Joey O'Brien is on the comeback trail after
stepping up his recovery from the dislocated shoulder he suffered against
Chelsea in January. The Republic of Ireland international sustained the
injury in the 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge on 29 January after falling
awkwardly in the second half of the stalemate. O'Brien underwent shoulder
surgery shortly after the incident and has been on a light training regime
since, but he now hopes to step-up the intensity of his training with the
blessing of the surgeon. He told West Ham TV: "It's four weeks now since I
had the operation. I'm heading back to the surgeon soon and hopefully he
will give me the all-clear to step-up my training a little bit and do a
little bit more. "I've been doing really basic stuff since the operation
like getting it out of the sling and trying to get the movement back. I've
mainly just been doing really low-level strengthening exercises. Hopefully
I'll get the all-clear and then I can step it up. "I don't really know when
I'll be back yet to be honest with you. I have to wait and see what the
surgeon says and then we'll go from there."
The performance of O'Brien and the rest of the team against the Blues
inspired a run of five matches unbeaten, with four of those wins, lifting
the Hammers out of the relegation zone and into the top ten. Even after
being substituted against Chelsea, the defender insisted on watching the
final minutes of the game from the side of the pitch and he says the
disappointment of getting injured has been cushioned by the team's fine
form. "I said after I had done my shoulder that I wanted to come back out of
the doctor's room and watch the last couple of minutes, watch us hang on.
"After that game I was asked and I said that if we go on and win the next
three games then I'd have taken this injury and do the nine weeks out or
whatever it's going to be. "It's worked out nicely, so hopefully we can get
another couple of wins on the board and we can relax."
Seven points now separate Sam Allardyce's side from the relegation zone,
compared to the two points they were adrift of safety when bad luck struck
for O'Brien, but the Irishman doesn't believe the Hammers can rest on their
laurels just yet. "We're not safe yet and we still need a few more wins. The
lads know that the quicker you get them, the better. "When you get the
points on the board you can relax and when that little bit of pressure is
off you it seems easier to play and enjoy your football. "The wins can come
easier when you're relaxed and playing a bit more care-free. Hopefully we
can get the points early and enjoy the rest of the season."
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New date needed for Arsenal
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's trip to Arsenal on 13 April has been postponed due to the
Gunners' FA Cup progress
08.03.2014
A new date will need to be found for West Ham United's Barclays Premier
League trip to Arsenal after the Gunners saw off Everton 4-1 in the FA Cup
with Budweiser on Saturday afternoon. The Hammers were due to travel to the
Emirates Stadium on Sunday 13 April, but that date now clashes with
Arsenal's FA Cup semi-final commitments. whufc.com will announce the new
date as soon as it is confirmed.
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Nick rues 'nearly night'
WHUFC.com
Nick Haycock felt his side weren't far away from earning an impressive
result against Liverpool
08.03.2014
Nick Haycock felt that small margins determined the outcome of the
Development Squad's 2-0 Barclays Under-21 Premier League defeat to Liverpool
at Rush Green on Friday night. The Hammers were the dominant force for the
most part of the first half and were unlucky not to be ahead when Elliot
Lee's acrobatic effort rebounded off the post before rolling clear of
danger. As the first period drew to a close, Liverpool went ahead when
Kristoff Peterson's shot struck Jack Dunn and the goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel
failed to deal with his effort which snuck past him into the corner. Dunn
wrapped the game up for the away side with 13 minutes left when he put the
finishing touches to a flowing Liverpool move, leaving Haycock ruing the
fine margins which cost his side. He told West Ham TV: "I enjoyed the game,
I've just said to the boys in there that it was a nearly night. "The game
itself, we were unlucky not to go 1-0 up with Elliot's chance and Sebby
follows up but it just shaves the post. When Elliot hit the post they're the
ones that can hit the post and go in or hit the post and come out for
someone else to tap in, on this occasion it went clear of danger. "The goal
before half-time was a mistake, it's a deflection, but it's a mistake. We
had to live with that and try to raise ourselves at half-time because we
felt that the minimum we deserved at half-time was to be level. "On chances
I thought we deserved to be in front, in terms of possession you expect a
Liverpool team to have a lot, but again I thought we had some good passing
moments ourselves at times. We're working on building a new team, with young
players in there, and they'll only learn from playing in games like that."
Liverpool who sat second in the table at the start of the night, fielded a
strong line-up including regular first team duo Lucas Leiva and Mamadou
Sakho amongst their starting XI. Despite the visitors' strong line-up, the
home side had them on the back foot for the majority of the first half and
Haycock admitted his disappointment at conceding just before the interval.
"I think they started the game better, we obviously had the first chance and
I thought we got to grips with how we were going to get after the ball which
I was pleased with because we've done a lot of work on that. "I thought we
grew into the game and you're thinking that you're going to go in 0-0 and
then the deflection doesn't kill you, but deflates you a little bit and you
have to raise them again. I've seen games where Liverpool will go and get
two, three, four because of that and I never felt that would happen because
of the sheer endeavour that the boys show most weeks. "At times, if the
final pass, cross or set-piece would have been a little bit better then I
thought there were goals there for us tonight. It was a nearly night against
a good Liverpool team."
Despite the loss, the Development Squad boss felt his players could only
learn from the match, particularly young midfielder Josh Cullen. "You've got
Josh Cullen who's only 17 years old still, playing against a Brazilian
international. People will say it's about winning, yes, but I've gone in
there and said 'don't be happy that you've lost the game, but put the
experience in your pocket'. "It was a great experience for him in particular
because it's in the middle of the park and the heat of the battle where he
wants to be and it was a great night for him."
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Ravel Morrison 'the best since Paul Gascoigne', says Lee Clark
BBC.co.uk
Ravel Morrison is the best footballer since Paul Gascoigne, according to
Birmingham manager Lee Clark. Morrison, on loan at QPR from West Ham, scored
both goals to secure his team's 2-0 win at Birmingham. The 21-year-old spent
last season on loan at St Andrew's under Clark, who is disappointed that
Morrison looks unlikely to make Roy Hodgson's England's World Cup squad. "He
is the best footballer since Paul Gascoigne," Clark said.
Ravel Morrison's career
Born: 2 February 1993, Wythenshawe, south Manchester
Manchester Utd: Comes through the 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 Sir Alex Ferguson says his wage demands are "unrealistic"
Goes on loan to Birmingham City in 2012-13 season, scoring three goals in 30
games
Scores five goals in 21 appearances on his return to West Ham in 2013-14
Joins QPR for the rest of the season in February after falling out of favour
at West Ham
Former Newcastle, Tottenham, Lazio, Rangers, Middlesbrough and Everton
midfielder Gascoigne, who won 57 England caps and retired in 2004, is
renowned as one of his country's best ever players. Clark added: "If Paul
Gascoigne had not done his knee he would have become the best player in the
world. "I played with Paul. I grew up with Paul. The only thing is that
Ravel doesn't know who Paul Gascoigne is! "[Morrison] has the pace of a
wide-man. He has the balance but plays in the middle of the pitch because he
can manoeuvre the ball."
Clark feels that it is only England U21 international Morrison's attitude
that is holding him back. The Birmingham manager thinks that working with
Harry Redknapp will help bring the best out of Morrison, who joined QPR on
loan for the rest of the season in February. He said: "Ravel can score
goals, as we have seen. It is what is between the ears with him and he knows
about this problem. "He now has a perfect manager because Harry Redknapp
loves those type of players. Ravel can change games and I thought he was a
class act against Birmingham. "I was hoping that he would continue doing it
for West Ham because I would love to see him on that plane to Brazil. "He
would certainly be capable of doing something for England coming off the
bench for 10 minutes in any environment."
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REDKNAPP GIVES HIS PRELIMINARY VERDICT ON LOANEE MAIGA!
By S J Chandos 8 Mar 2014 at 16:30
West Ham Till I Die
There was an interesting article in the 'get west london' local newspaper
conveying Harry Redknapp's preliminary verdict on Modibo Maiga's loan period
at Loftus Road. The QPR Manager frankly admits that Maiga has been
'underwhelming' since arriving on loan in January. And there is a
discernible aspect of genuine disappointment in Redknapp's comments, because
Maiga is a player that he has coveted since his more free scoring days in
French football with Sochaux. Yet, the reality of working with the Mali
international striker is apparently not in line with the anticipation, with
both fellow loanees, Will Keane (Manchester Utd) and Kevin Doyle (Wolves)
pushing Maiga down the first team selection pecking order.
And it all started so well, with Maiga appearing as a late substitute, on
his debut, and scoring the equaliser in a 3-3 home draw with Burnley.
However, the article makes the telling point that since making his dramatic
debut, Maiga has only played 65 minutes of first team football in two 1-0
defeats. Redknapp is quoted as admitting that he has found it hard to
include the 26 year old in his side, stating that:
'Yeah, he's got to make me want to pick him (Maiga). It's true that he's
from a Premier League club, but so is Will Keane, and Kevin Doyle was there
with Wolves two years ago'
So, it appears that Maiga's disappointing time at West Ham is being
replicated during his loan spell at QPR. It was widely anticipated that
Maiga would excel on dropping down a tier of football to the Championship.
Yet, the early indications are that it is just not happening. Why is that
the case? Is there a underlining problem relating to attitude or
application; is English football just too physically demanding for the
player; or is he not being properly utilised to maximise the positive
aspects of his strike play?
Maiga has generally blown 'cold' at West Ham, with the odd bit of 'hot' play
creating the impression that there was much more still to come from him. He
has tended to struggle in a lone striker role, but there were signs at times
that he was starting to adapt to it. Although one has tended to wonder if he
would have performed better playing as a second striker in a 4-4-2
formation? A proposition that has not been tested at West Ham. And amid a
number of non-discript performances, there were some tantalising glimpses of
ability and striking prowess to tempt us to urge the club to persevere with
the player. But, in view of the replication of this disappointing pattern at
QPR, would this summer be an opportune time to bid 'bon voyage' to Maiga and
sell him back to a French Club, and a national league, where his striking
skills are still highly rated?
We may not retrieve the original c.£5m fee, but perhaps he and Alou Diarra
could prove useful 'make weights' in striking a part-exchange deal(s) for
any summer transfer targets currently plying their trade in the French
League. That may be considered a disaapointing conclusion to both players
time at the club, but some times you just have sell because its in the
mutual interest of both the club and the players to do so. And so much the
better if, in the process, they can help us land any of our summer targets.
SJ. Chandos.
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WHAT WERE YOUR EXPECTATIONS AT THE START OF THE SEASON?
By Sean Whetstone 8 Mar 2014 at 09:21
West Ham Till I Die
Back in July last year I was asked to answer some questions by Colchester
United for their official programme when we played them in a pre-season
friendly.
I recently came across my answers again on my computer and was amused about
what my expectations were pre season. Feel free to share how you would of
answered these questions without the benefit of hindsight.
I have included the full article below as it appeared in the Colchester v
West ham United programme.
1) What are the Hammers fans' expectations for the coming season?
Well it's that tricky second season back in the top flight. In many ways we
would love to replicate our first season back and achieve a top 10 placing
but honestly, most old school hammers fans will say as long as we don't get
relegated we will be more than happy surviving the second season syndrome.
Our primary goal is to stabilise the club from any yo-yo characteristics
between divisions.
2) What do you make of the transfer dealings so far this summer?
The majority of West Ham fans are pleased with our marquee signing of Andy
Carroll for a reported £15.5M plus add-ons. The minority may grumble it's a
lot of money to spend on one player or point to his injury record or the
media reports of high wages breaking the wage structure. However, the vast
majority are delighted the owners have invested in the club and we are
finally showing ambition.In other signings Sam Allardyce is a shrewd
operator in getting a good bargain often on a free transfer. His signings of
Jussi Jaaskelainen, James Collins and Momo Diame on next to nothing were a
great successes at West Ham.Let's hope Adrian, Razvan Rat & Danny Whitehead
live all up to that previous success rate. Also if Ravel Morrison, Modibo
Maiga and Alou Diarra hang around past the summer they will be like new
signings for West Ham. Manchester United reject Ravel Morrison has scored 2
in 2 for the first friendlies of the season and wants to prove Sir Alex
Ferguson wrong.
3) If you were Sam Allardyce, what areas of the team would you still be
looking to strengthen?
We need a plan B upfront when Andy Carroll isn't playing now that Carlton
Cole has left the club. We know Sam is unlikely to play two up front so we
need an Andy Carroll under study to fill the lone striker role when he can't
play. There is a chance Modibo Maiga can fulfil this role. He scored
brilliance with his goal against Chelsea when we beat the then European
champions 3-1.We also need a pacey winger with many names being linked with
us in the media.
4) Which emerging West Ham talents should fans be looking out for this
season?
Many fans were disappointed when Rob Hall recently left the club for Bolton
after joining us just 9 years old, but there are plenty of talent in Tony
Carr's Academy of Football. I am going to pick out some names as the ones to
watch.Barring the obvious of Danny Potts who was loaned to Colchester United
and who broke through to the first team, my West Ham insider who used to
work for West Ham tells me these are the players to watch. Paul McCallum
appears to be another that is highly valued by West ham back room staff. He
turned down many clubs to join the hammers and has obviously scored against
Cork in our first friendly of the season. Sean Maguire, dubbed "the Irish
Messi" has looked good in academy games last season.Younger players who have
a bright future and could be future players for the West ham academy are:
• Sam Howes who is a 15 year old goalkeeper that has already played
for West Ham under 18s and England under 16s. Despite our great academy it
is very rare that top goalkeepers come along but in this case it is thought
he will make the grade.
• Matt Carter is another under 16s central midfield player who has
attracted interest from some top clubs such as Chelsea and Liverpool and is
regarded to possess a great engine and skill.
• Finally, Jordan Brown who recently signed from Arsenal, despite
being offered a new contract at Arsenal he chose to come here and has scored
3 goals for the England under 16s.
5) With a host of new managers in the division, how do you think the
Premier League will shape up in 2013/14?
What an exciting premier league season ahead. For me the manager changes
makes it interesting. West Ham Hero Paolo Di Canio in charge of the Black
cats for his first full season or as long as his roller coaster manager
journey lasts. The colourful Ian Holloway & play off final magician back
with Palace, the self styled special one at Chelsea, New managers at both
Manchester football teams both trying to win the title and out do the other
one and Everton without Moyes. Add a dash of Cardiff & Hull and you have a
recipe for a fantastic season both on the pitch and the managers post match
interviews.
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Birmingham 0 - QPR 2: Ravel Morrison masterclass takes all three points
Daily Express
RAVEL MORRISON showed the class that once made the likes of Sir Alex
Ferguson sing his praises with a two-goal display against the club where he
spent last season on loan. Ravel Morrison struck QPR 039 s first and second
in their comfortable 2 0 win Ravel Morrison struck QPR's first and second in
their comfortable 2-0 win. His first came after 14 minutes when he curled a
free-kick past Darren Randolph after Paul Robinson had brought down Kevin
Doyle. He made sure of the victory with a super finish after Gary O'Neil and
Jermaine Jenas had set him up for his second goal in three starts since
Harry Redknapp took him on loan from West Ham. Redknapp's assistant Kevin
Bond said: "He's one of the most talented individuals and he'd be a credit
to anybody if he can apply himself and do what he did today." Blues boss Lee
Clark said: "Ravel's the best player since Paul Gascoigne."
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Saturday, March 8
Daily WHUFC News - 8th March 2014
Dev Squad 0-2 Liverpool - FT
WHUFC.com
Minute-by-minute coverage of the Development Squad's match against Liverpool
at Rush Green
07.03.2014
DEVELOPMENT SQUAD v SOUTHAMPTON
BARCLAYS U21 PREMIER LEAGUE
RUSH GREEN STADIUM
FRIDAY 7 MARCH 2014
REFEREE: MICHAEL GEORGE
KICK-OFF: 7PM
Full-time: It's all over here at Rush Green as Mr George blows the whistle
for the last time. A fortuitous goal on the stroke of half-time set
Liverpool on their way after they were lucky not to find themselves behind.
Lee struck a post and Cullen went close in the first half but the Hammers
couldn't find a way through. In the second half, a lovely move from the
visitors provided their second of the night as Dunn finished off a flowing
move. The Hammers gave their all but couldn't break through a solid
Liverpool backline. Full-time from Rush Green, West Ham 0-2 Liverpool.
90 mins: Sadlier whips a corner in and a scramble ensues before Potts turns
the ball over the bar, possibly the last chance that will fall the Hammers'
way tonight.
89 mins: Peterson is ambitious as he drives the ball on target from miles
out. Spiegel is equal to it and hoofs the ball upfield.
87 mins: Liverpool have the ball in the net again as Peterson tucks in the
rebound from Dunn's long-range effort, but the offside flag is up.
86 mins: Cullen wins a corner after his shot is deflected wide. Lee gets his
head to the resulting set piece but Mersin is able to gather.
85 mins: Nasha again involved as he rolls the ball across for Turgott to
shoot from range. He strikes one low bit it's never on target and doesn't
trouble the keeper.
84 mins: Nasha does brilliantly as he beats two players before teeing up
Sadlier for the cross. The winger puts the ball across the front of goal but
it evades everyone and goes out of play.
82 mins: Liverpool are now looking to time waste with the ball in the
corner. Sadlier however seems eager to not let any second slip by as he
steams in to break up the play.
80 mins: The Hammers have to go for it now as we tick into the final ten
minutes at Rush Green. Brown and Lee are now up top as they look to apply
the pressure.
79 mins: Double change for the home side as Brown and Nasha sprint onto
replace Whitehead and Fanimo.
77 mins Goal: Dunn surely settles it with the visitors' second. A lovely
move which was started by Lucas saw Lussey slide a through ball for
Brannagan who squared the ball first time for Dunn who placed the ball past
Spiegel.
75 mins: Turgott wins a corner as Texeira slides in to block the winger's
cross. Sadlier whips it in but Lucas is there to meet it and nods clear.
73 mins: Peterson nearly doubles the visitors' lead as he weaves inside the
Hammers box and drags his shot just wide of Spiegel's far post.
71 mins: Sakho's down again as he blocks Turgott's cross and concedes a
corner. He is taken off this time and replaced by Paez. Meanwhile, Sadlier's
corner drifts over everyone and out for a throw-in.
69 mins: The Hammers need to find the same attacking threat which proved
effective in the first half as they've created little in the second.
67 mins: Turgott steams into a tackle with Texeira but escapes a caution,
meaning we're still yet to see a card produced by Mr George tonight.
65 mins: Nick Haycock makes his first change as he replaces Lletget with
Sadlier. The midfielder seemed to limp off indicating the necessity for
change.
64 mins: Fanimo gets in behind the defence thanks to Lletget's through ball
but blazes his shot miles wide of the target.
62 mins: Sakho takes a tumble under a challenge from Lletgte and he stays
down. There are worried looks on the away bench but as yet no substitution.
60 mins: Liverpool are controlling possession now and are quite happy to
keep the ball amongst their back four with Lucas occasionally getting
involved. They finally go forward only for Smith to send a wild cross over
the bar.
58 mins: Lee has been pretty isolated at the start of this half with the
home side yet to apply the same pressure which forced Liverpool into
mistakes in the first.
56 mins: A lovely passing move, in which the Hammers worked the ball from
left to right and back again, comes to an end with Turgott's cross which is
easy for Mersin to collect.
54 mins: Knoyle is under pressure as he deliver a cross from the right
byline. Mersin gathers easily as the ball floats in his direction.
52 mins: Page and Lee work a quick one-two to set the full-back in behind
the defence. He crosses first time from the left-hand side and finds Lee who
shoots wide as he stretches for the ball.
50 mins: Peterson bursts into the box to get his head to Smith's cross from
the left. He gets up ahead of Potts but his header is straight at Spiegel.
48 mins: The Hammers pen Liverpool into their own half early in the second
period as they look to continue the domination they enjoyed in the first
half.
46 mins: West Ham kick us off for the second period trailing to a scrappy
goal right at the end of the first half.
Half-time: A cruel blow right on the stroke of half-time is all that sees
the Hammers behind. The hosts have been superior all over the park so far
and have had numerous opportunities to take the lead. The Hammers best
chance came when Lee saw his acrobatic effort strike the post, while
Whitehead and Cullen have also come close. Really harsh on the home side
who've looked comfortable holding Liverpool at arms length. Half-time at
Rush Green, West Ham 0-1 Liverpool.
45 mins Goal: Spiegel will not want to see this one again. Nice football
from the visitors sees them string together countless passes before
Peterson's shot is defelected off Dunn and spins past Spiegel who looked to
have it covered.
43 mins: The effort and application has been first class from the Hammers in
this first half and they can count themselves unfortunate not to be ahead.
41 mins: As we approach half-time the Hammers come close to opening the
scoring once more. Cullen eventually takes the shot after great work from
Lletget. He tries to place the ball into the corner but his effort is
comfortable for Mersin.
39 mins: Peterson sees an effort go out for a corner after he found space on
the edge of the box. Chambers is up at the back post this time to head
clear.
37 mins: Great defending by Turgott who tracks Smith all the way back and
blocks the cross. The resulting corner is whipped into the area where
Lletget meets it and Lee sprints clear.
35 mins: Turgott takes but the ball is cleared at the near post by Peterson.
34 mins: Sakho lunges in on Turgott as he just about touches the ball as it
goes out for a corner. Fanimo takes, again to the back stick before Smith
puts it out for another corner.
32 mins: Lussey calls Spiegel into action with an effort from the edge of
the box but Spiegel deals with it easily enough.
30 mins: Post! Whitehead's free-kick is flicked on by Potts to Lee, who
collects on his chest before flicking the ball goalwards only to see his
effort hit the post! What a great chance!
29 mins: Fanimo curls it to the back post where Turgott can't direct his
effort on target and it goes out for a throw.
28 mins: Whitehead does brilliantly in the middle of the park. He skips away
from one before sliding a pass for Knoyle to run onto. The right-back's
cross is turned out for a corner.
26 mins: Sakho launches an aerial ball forward looking for Dunn, Chambers is
there, however, to intercept and nod the ball back to Spiegel.
24 mins: Sakho brings a smile and a chuckle from the watching Tony Adams as
he pulls out a flick to clear the ball from his penalty area. Luckily for
Sakho it falls to a teammate and they keep possession.
22 mins: Lee runs into space in front of the back four before he decides to
shoot from distance. His effort is hard and low but doesn't have the
accuracy to trouble the keepers goal.
20 mins: Awful decision from the officials as Fanimo looks to break down the
left. He's slide tackled and the ball clearly comes off Williams before the
referee signals a Liverpool throw-in.
18 mins: Smith breaks away down the left after Liverpool benefit from a
lucky deflection off Lletget. He feeds Dunn into the left-hand channel
before the striker shoots wide from an acute angle.
16 mins: Page now goes haring into a challenge after he over runs the ball.
He's late but contact is minimal and he gets away without a card.
14 mins: The Reds have a free-kick just outside the area on the left-hand
side. Texeira takes and Potts heads straight to Peterson whose shot is well
blocked by the despairing Page.
12 mins: A good spell of possession from the away side ends as Lucas tries
to put Smith in over the top but misplaces his lofted pass.
10 mins: Lucas has his first few touches as he looks to settle the visitors
into a rhythm. The Brazilian is making his first appearance since an ankle
injury which has ruled him out for most of the season.
8 mins: Whitehead tries to repeat his spectacular strike against
Southampton, as he throws a beautiful dummy before striking the ball just
wide with the outside of his foot. Very positive play so far.
6 mins: What a lively start it's been from the Hammers who look really up
for this. Remember, a win tonight would be their third in a row.
4 mins: What a save! Lletget sets Fanimo away down the left and he drives
into the box before pulling the ball back for the on-rushing Lee. The
striker hits a powerful effort on target but Mersin produces a great diving
stop to deny him. From the rebound, Lletget volleys just wide.
3 mins: The corner is whipped and Chambers makes a good block from the
rebound before the ball is cleared.
2 mins: Chambers loses possession on the halfway line and Smith sprints away
down the left. He attempts a cross but Potts deflects it out for a corner.
Kick-off: Liverpool get us going at Rush Green. Come on you Irons!
6:59pm: The teams are out and undertake the pre-match handshakes.
6:52pm: Tony Adams is in the stands tonight, right in front of me infact. He
will no doubt be hoping that some of tonight's players do enough to catch
his eye.
6:41pm: The tunes are blaring out at Rush Green as we head towards kick-off.
A healthy crowd has come to see a strong Liverpool side take on the in-form
Hammers.
6:26pm: A Liverpool team containing Lucas Leiva and Mamadou Sakho have begun
their pre-match preparations and are joined by the Hammers.
6:15pm: The keepers are out to commence their warm-ups as the crowd starts
to drift in at Rush Green.
6pm: Coverage has begun at Rush Green on a beautiful clear evening. It's a
stark contrast to three weeks ago when the rain was pouring and the wind was
swirling for the Hammers 1-0 success here against Southampton. We hope the
better conditions will see better football tonight.
It's Friday night and the feelings right…oh yes, it's Development Squad
night! The young Hammers go in pursuit of their third consecutive win in the
Barclays Under-21 Premier League tonight when they welcome Liverpool to Rush
Green. Back-to-back wins against Southampton and Reading has put the spring
back in the Under-21s step following a disappointing start to 2014. A wonder
goal from Elliot Lee and a clinical strike from Blair Turgott earned the
Hammers a 2-1 win against the Royals last time out, and propelled Nick
Haycock's side to fifth place in the division.
Tonight's visitors Liverpool arrive having suffered a 2-1 defeat to Reading
on Monday, their only defeat in four matches following a run of three
straight wins which took them to second place in the table. The Reds line-up
also includes the returning Lucas Leiva who steps up his comeback from a
knee injury at Rush Green. The visitors also have Mamadou Sakho amongst
their ranks, with the defender set to play some part in the match. West
Ham's starting line-up is unchanged from their win over Reading last time
out, with Raphael Spiegel and Kyle Knoyle returning from international duty
to start and Reeec Burke taking his place amongst the substitutes.
West Ham United: Spiegel, Knoyle, Potts, Chambers, Page, Whitehead, Cullen,
Lletget, Fanimo, Turgott, Lee
Subs: Burke, Nemrava (GK), Sadlier, Nasha, Brown
Liverpool: Mersin, Williams, Smith, Jones, Sakho, Leiva, Peterson, Lussey,
Dunn, Brannagan, Texeira
Subs: Paez, Firth, Maguire, Rossiter, Bijev
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
James Collins blogs for whufc.com on Wales, the Hammers' defensive form and
more
07.03.2014
Hi everyone,
I've been away with Wales in the early part of this week, and it was nice to
gain a positive result by defeating iceland 3-1 in our friendly at the
Cardiff City Stadium. It was an important game as we build towards
qualification for Euro 2016 and I was happy to score my second goal for my
country, heading our opener in the first half. I hope that this can be the
time Wales qualify for a major tournament. If we can keep a fully-fit squad
and a first eleven out there every game, we should have a good chance. We
played Belgium in the qualifying campaign just gone and they are a world
class team. People are tipping them to go quite far in the World Cup, so
that is going to be a tough game. But we drew 1-1 there in the last game of
World Cup qualifying and gave them a hell of a game, so we know we can
perform against them. Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey are obviously world class
players, and the boys playing for Swansea are having the experience of
playing in Europe, which will be a massive help for us. They're playing
against a different style of opposition, which will be good for the first
team. It's a very exciting time, especially for an old man like me! I have
been one of the older heads in the squad for a couple of years now, which
speaks volumes for the standard of players that we're producing. You can see
that with Gareth and Aaron Ramsey, so it's an exciting time and I want to
try and hang onto it as long as I can.
As for West Ham, our defensive form has been fantastic recently. We did have
a lot of injuries in key areas earlier in the season, Winston was out and
Big Andy was out too. We don't like to use that as an excuse, but it did
affect us a little bit. We knew that when we had everyone back fit and
competing for places our results would pick up, and to get four wins on the
bounce has picked our season up massively. It's going well, there's the odd
game when we've conceded three or four, which is going to happen with the
quality of centre forwards in the Premier League but we're defending well
and the goalkeeper behind us has been on fire in the last couple of weeks as
well. We've got 13 clean sheets at the moment and hopefully we can get many
more before the end of the season - starting with Stoke a week on Saturday.
Come on you Irons
Ginge
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Potts ready for rival clash
WHUFC.com
Steve Potts is looking forward to a London derby against Arsenal this
Saturday
07.03.2014
Steve Potts is looking forward to seeing a healthy rivalry when he takes his
Academy side to play Arsenal in the Barclays Under-18 Premier League on
Saturday. The Hammers are targeting a sixth consecutive win against the
Gunners, following a five match winning streak which has seen them score
eleven times and concede just once. Potts' team are currently the occupants
of second place in the division, level on points with leaders Fulham, and
the 46-year-old is hoping for three more points against their north London
rivals. He told West Ham TV: "It's a very good challenge for us. You know
how a game against Arsenal's going to go. They try and play their football
and they'll be looking to beat us. "There's a bit of rivalry between the two
groups I would say, and at Youth Team level and below, I think the two teams
are always looking to outdo each o ther. "Hopefully we can get on with our
game and play how we have been doing."
The U18s' excellent form has not only been restricted to their last five
games, with the team having tasted defeat only once in ten league matches,
with an incredible nine wins in that sequence. Defeat to Southampton, a
narrow 2-1 loss, is the only blip since going down to Sunderland way back in
September 2013 and Potts admits to being delighted with the consistent level
of performance shown by his players. "The boys have done well lately and put
in some good performances. They came back after Christmas, went down to
Southampton and I thought we were a bit unfortunate down there and the
result went the wrong way for us. Since then, we've done ok. "I think it's
key. There are some talented boys in the group but I think consistency is
the one thing you're looking for, without that it's going to be a struggle.
"At this age and especially at a senior level, everyone's looking to know
what they're going to get out of each player each week. I think the boys
have done that well so far and I hope that carries on."
Last time out goals from striker Jordan Brown and winger Djair
Parfitt-Williams inspired the young Hammers to a 2-0 victory against their
nearest competitors Fulham. Potts felt his side deserved the three points
against the Cottagers and has now set his sights firmly on taking the same
return from Saturday's clash.
"It's been a good test for us this year. I said to the boys at the start of
the year it will be a tough test all round. "You're going to get a mixture
of games and you're going to have to play quite a few northern teams as
well, which mixes it up quite well. We went to Fulham and gave a good
account of ourselves and came out with a good result. "I think it's going to
be a tough game (Arsenal), whatever team they put out. That's the thing with
this division, you never quite know what team they're going to put out.
They're doing well in the FA Youth Cup, so they can be strong and I'm sure
we'll see that on Saturday."
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TC honoured
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 7th March 2014
By: Staff Writer
Tony Carr has been presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award as
recognition of his services to West Ham United. The Academy Director has led
the club's youth programme since 1973 and was honoured at a special London
Football Legends bash held in the City last night. he event, a fund-raising
evening for the Willow Foundation, was held in London and compered by TV's
Alan Davies. More than 20 London legends, including former Hammers Sir
Geoff Hurst and Sir Trevor Brooking, attended the awards and took part in a
Q&A session hosted by former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson. The remaining
award winners on the night were as follows:
Outstanding Contribution to a London Club - Pat Rice (Arsenal)
London Player of the Year 2013/14: Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal)
Bert Trautman Award: Pat Jennings (Tottenham)
Retired Club Legend: Ledley King (Tottenham)
Lifetime Achievement Award: Roy Hodgson (England)
The most bizarre nomination of the evening went to Harry Redknapp, who was
one of six nominees in the 'Contribution to a London club' category for his
services to West Ham United. Other Hammers nominees to go home empty handed
were Jussi Jaaskelainen (2013/14 Player of the Year) and Mervyn Day (Bert
Trautman Award).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
GOOD INTENTIONS, BUT WILL THERE BE FOLLOW THROUGH?
By S J Chandos 7 Mar 2014 at 08:30
West Ham Till I Die
It was interesting to read a summary of the recent Claret and Hugh interview
with David Gold. In it, Gold acknowledged that the club's summer transfer
strategy will likely aim to bring more indepth quality to the squad. He also
emphasised the importance of increased competition for starting places in
promoting improved iindividual and team performance. There is nothing to
disagree with there, in fact, they are the self same points that I have made
in my blog posts in recent weeks. However, as welcome as those these good
intentions are, it is not unreasonable to ask will the club 'walk the walk,
as well as talk the talk' this time?
Personally, I do not envy the current board's task of juggling debt
reduction with the imperative of building the squad. But it is their
responsibility to do so and we are perfectly justified, as supporters, to
express our opinion on what the priorities should be. The Claret and Hugh
interview did not reveal a monetary figure for the 2014-15 transfer budget,
but Hugh opined that it was likely be in the region of £20-25m. Arguably,
there should be a concerted push to improve the squad next season and that
will probably take something in the region of £30m to make a significant
impact. Is that possible in the current financial circumstances? One would
hope that it would be possible to invest more in the squad this season and
re-adjust to books in the following season 2015-16. And of course, there is
always the forthcoming proceeds from the sale of Upton Park, which will make
a major contribution to reducing the debt to manageable proportions,
Now is the time to gamble and push on next season (assuming that we will be
safe at the end of this campaign) to try to establish ourselves in the top
eight of the PL. In doing so, the club should beware of the potential 'pit
fall' of Europa League qualification. The experience of other clubs tells us
that competition is intensive and draining upon the playing resources of PL
squads. In an ideal scenerio, it would be much preferable to achieve a
'great leap forward,' assault on the top four and qualify for the Champions
League! But needless to say, that is far easier said than done. The more
realistic proposition is that an improved West Ham squad may be able to
qualify for the less glamorous of the two European competitions. Inevitably,
the squad needs more quality not only to qualify for Europe, but also to
progress in the Europa League and remain competitive domestically.
Another point made by David Gold, that I have also made previously, is the
need to nurture ambitions above and beyond the 'baseline line' of PL
survival. This means not only pushing on in the league, but achieving
progress in the domestic cup competitions. We must start taking those cup
opportunities much more seriously, not only because it remains the most
realistic pathway to honours, but because the Hammers faithful expect it.
Cup runs, thrills and spills are an integral part of the club's traditions
and some of the best memories arise from the domestic cup competitions. It
is one of a number of club traditions that need to be resucitated as a
matter of urgency; along with keeping possession and passing the ball far
better than we have this season. I thought that the team passed the ball
well on occasions last season, especially at Upton Park. But our % of
possession in matches, this season, have been too low and in away games, we
have have often not been an effective attacking force. This needs to be
addressed.
Sam Allardyce has undoubtedly brought some positives to the club. He has
transformed us defensively, made us more organised and far harder to beat.
He has also fostered a good and positive team spirit, where the players 'dig
in' and fight for each other. Those factors need to be acknowledged, but in
doing so, the board also need to raise the bar of expectation next season.
It needs to be made clear that these achievements need to be accompanied by
improved attacking play and a genuine assault in the cup competitions. They
should provide an increased transfer budget and challenge management to
confound the critics and show that the regime can progress beyond a solid
baseline of delivering PL survival through defensive solidarity, keeping
clean sheets and nicking as many wins as possible!
SJ. Chandos.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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WHUFC.com
Minute-by-minute coverage of the Development Squad's match against Liverpool
at Rush Green
07.03.2014
DEVELOPMENT SQUAD v SOUTHAMPTON
BARCLAYS U21 PREMIER LEAGUE
RUSH GREEN STADIUM
FRIDAY 7 MARCH 2014
REFEREE: MICHAEL GEORGE
KICK-OFF: 7PM
Full-time: It's all over here at Rush Green as Mr George blows the whistle
for the last time. A fortuitous goal on the stroke of half-time set
Liverpool on their way after they were lucky not to find themselves behind.
Lee struck a post and Cullen went close in the first half but the Hammers
couldn't find a way through. In the second half, a lovely move from the
visitors provided their second of the night as Dunn finished off a flowing
move. The Hammers gave their all but couldn't break through a solid
Liverpool backline. Full-time from Rush Green, West Ham 0-2 Liverpool.
90 mins: Sadlier whips a corner in and a scramble ensues before Potts turns
the ball over the bar, possibly the last chance that will fall the Hammers'
way tonight.
89 mins: Peterson is ambitious as he drives the ball on target from miles
out. Spiegel is equal to it and hoofs the ball upfield.
87 mins: Liverpool have the ball in the net again as Peterson tucks in the
rebound from Dunn's long-range effort, but the offside flag is up.
86 mins: Cullen wins a corner after his shot is deflected wide. Lee gets his
head to the resulting set piece but Mersin is able to gather.
85 mins: Nasha again involved as he rolls the ball across for Turgott to
shoot from range. He strikes one low bit it's never on target and doesn't
trouble the keeper.
84 mins: Nasha does brilliantly as he beats two players before teeing up
Sadlier for the cross. The winger puts the ball across the front of goal but
it evades everyone and goes out of play.
82 mins: Liverpool are now looking to time waste with the ball in the
corner. Sadlier however seems eager to not let any second slip by as he
steams in to break up the play.
80 mins: The Hammers have to go for it now as we tick into the final ten
minutes at Rush Green. Brown and Lee are now up top as they look to apply
the pressure.
79 mins: Double change for the home side as Brown and Nasha sprint onto
replace Whitehead and Fanimo.
77 mins Goal: Dunn surely settles it with the visitors' second. A lovely
move which was started by Lucas saw Lussey slide a through ball for
Brannagan who squared the ball first time for Dunn who placed the ball past
Spiegel.
75 mins: Turgott wins a corner as Texeira slides in to block the winger's
cross. Sadlier whips it in but Lucas is there to meet it and nods clear.
73 mins: Peterson nearly doubles the visitors' lead as he weaves inside the
Hammers box and drags his shot just wide of Spiegel's far post.
71 mins: Sakho's down again as he blocks Turgott's cross and concedes a
corner. He is taken off this time and replaced by Paez. Meanwhile, Sadlier's
corner drifts over everyone and out for a throw-in.
69 mins: The Hammers need to find the same attacking threat which proved
effective in the first half as they've created little in the second.
67 mins: Turgott steams into a tackle with Texeira but escapes a caution,
meaning we're still yet to see a card produced by Mr George tonight.
65 mins: Nick Haycock makes his first change as he replaces Lletget with
Sadlier. The midfielder seemed to limp off indicating the necessity for
change.
64 mins: Fanimo gets in behind the defence thanks to Lletget's through ball
but blazes his shot miles wide of the target.
62 mins: Sakho takes a tumble under a challenge from Lletgte and he stays
down. There are worried looks on the away bench but as yet no substitution.
60 mins: Liverpool are controlling possession now and are quite happy to
keep the ball amongst their back four with Lucas occasionally getting
involved. They finally go forward only for Smith to send a wild cross over
the bar.
58 mins: Lee has been pretty isolated at the start of this half with the
home side yet to apply the same pressure which forced Liverpool into
mistakes in the first.
56 mins: A lovely passing move, in which the Hammers worked the ball from
left to right and back again, comes to an end with Turgott's cross which is
easy for Mersin to collect.
54 mins: Knoyle is under pressure as he deliver a cross from the right
byline. Mersin gathers easily as the ball floats in his direction.
52 mins: Page and Lee work a quick one-two to set the full-back in behind
the defence. He crosses first time from the left-hand side and finds Lee who
shoots wide as he stretches for the ball.
50 mins: Peterson bursts into the box to get his head to Smith's cross from
the left. He gets up ahead of Potts but his header is straight at Spiegel.
48 mins: The Hammers pen Liverpool into their own half early in the second
period as they look to continue the domination they enjoyed in the first
half.
46 mins: West Ham kick us off for the second period trailing to a scrappy
goal right at the end of the first half.
Half-time: A cruel blow right on the stroke of half-time is all that sees
the Hammers behind. The hosts have been superior all over the park so far
and have had numerous opportunities to take the lead. The Hammers best
chance came when Lee saw his acrobatic effort strike the post, while
Whitehead and Cullen have also come close. Really harsh on the home side
who've looked comfortable holding Liverpool at arms length. Half-time at
Rush Green, West Ham 0-1 Liverpool.
45 mins Goal: Spiegel will not want to see this one again. Nice football
from the visitors sees them string together countless passes before
Peterson's shot is defelected off Dunn and spins past Spiegel who looked to
have it covered.
43 mins: The effort and application has been first class from the Hammers in
this first half and they can count themselves unfortunate not to be ahead.
41 mins: As we approach half-time the Hammers come close to opening the
scoring once more. Cullen eventually takes the shot after great work from
Lletget. He tries to place the ball into the corner but his effort is
comfortable for Mersin.
39 mins: Peterson sees an effort go out for a corner after he found space on
the edge of the box. Chambers is up at the back post this time to head
clear.
37 mins: Great defending by Turgott who tracks Smith all the way back and
blocks the cross. The resulting corner is whipped into the area where
Lletget meets it and Lee sprints clear.
35 mins: Turgott takes but the ball is cleared at the near post by Peterson.
34 mins: Sakho lunges in on Turgott as he just about touches the ball as it
goes out for a corner. Fanimo takes, again to the back stick before Smith
puts it out for another corner.
32 mins: Lussey calls Spiegel into action with an effort from the edge of
the box but Spiegel deals with it easily enough.
30 mins: Post! Whitehead's free-kick is flicked on by Potts to Lee, who
collects on his chest before flicking the ball goalwards only to see his
effort hit the post! What a great chance!
29 mins: Fanimo curls it to the back post where Turgott can't direct his
effort on target and it goes out for a throw.
28 mins: Whitehead does brilliantly in the middle of the park. He skips away
from one before sliding a pass for Knoyle to run onto. The right-back's
cross is turned out for a corner.
26 mins: Sakho launches an aerial ball forward looking for Dunn, Chambers is
there, however, to intercept and nod the ball back to Spiegel.
24 mins: Sakho brings a smile and a chuckle from the watching Tony Adams as
he pulls out a flick to clear the ball from his penalty area. Luckily for
Sakho it falls to a teammate and they keep possession.
22 mins: Lee runs into space in front of the back four before he decides to
shoot from distance. His effort is hard and low but doesn't have the
accuracy to trouble the keepers goal.
20 mins: Awful decision from the officials as Fanimo looks to break down the
left. He's slide tackled and the ball clearly comes off Williams before the
referee signals a Liverpool throw-in.
18 mins: Smith breaks away down the left after Liverpool benefit from a
lucky deflection off Lletget. He feeds Dunn into the left-hand channel
before the striker shoots wide from an acute angle.
16 mins: Page now goes haring into a challenge after he over runs the ball.
He's late but contact is minimal and he gets away without a card.
14 mins: The Reds have a free-kick just outside the area on the left-hand
side. Texeira takes and Potts heads straight to Peterson whose shot is well
blocked by the despairing Page.
12 mins: A good spell of possession from the away side ends as Lucas tries
to put Smith in over the top but misplaces his lofted pass.
10 mins: Lucas has his first few touches as he looks to settle the visitors
into a rhythm. The Brazilian is making his first appearance since an ankle
injury which has ruled him out for most of the season.
8 mins: Whitehead tries to repeat his spectacular strike against
Southampton, as he throws a beautiful dummy before striking the ball just
wide with the outside of his foot. Very positive play so far.
6 mins: What a lively start it's been from the Hammers who look really up
for this. Remember, a win tonight would be their third in a row.
4 mins: What a save! Lletget sets Fanimo away down the left and he drives
into the box before pulling the ball back for the on-rushing Lee. The
striker hits a powerful effort on target but Mersin produces a great diving
stop to deny him. From the rebound, Lletget volleys just wide.
3 mins: The corner is whipped and Chambers makes a good block from the
rebound before the ball is cleared.
2 mins: Chambers loses possession on the halfway line and Smith sprints away
down the left. He attempts a cross but Potts deflects it out for a corner.
Kick-off: Liverpool get us going at Rush Green. Come on you Irons!
6:59pm: The teams are out and undertake the pre-match handshakes.
6:52pm: Tony Adams is in the stands tonight, right in front of me infact. He
will no doubt be hoping that some of tonight's players do enough to catch
his eye.
6:41pm: The tunes are blaring out at Rush Green as we head towards kick-off.
A healthy crowd has come to see a strong Liverpool side take on the in-form
Hammers.
6:26pm: A Liverpool team containing Lucas Leiva and Mamadou Sakho have begun
their pre-match preparations and are joined by the Hammers.
6:15pm: The keepers are out to commence their warm-ups as the crowd starts
to drift in at Rush Green.
6pm: Coverage has begun at Rush Green on a beautiful clear evening. It's a
stark contrast to three weeks ago when the rain was pouring and the wind was
swirling for the Hammers 1-0 success here against Southampton. We hope the
better conditions will see better football tonight.
It's Friday night and the feelings right…oh yes, it's Development Squad
night! The young Hammers go in pursuit of their third consecutive win in the
Barclays Under-21 Premier League tonight when they welcome Liverpool to Rush
Green. Back-to-back wins against Southampton and Reading has put the spring
back in the Under-21s step following a disappointing start to 2014. A wonder
goal from Elliot Lee and a clinical strike from Blair Turgott earned the
Hammers a 2-1 win against the Royals last time out, and propelled Nick
Haycock's side to fifth place in the division.
Tonight's visitors Liverpool arrive having suffered a 2-1 defeat to Reading
on Monday, their only defeat in four matches following a run of three
straight wins which took them to second place in the table. The Reds line-up
also includes the returning Lucas Leiva who steps up his comeback from a
knee injury at Rush Green. The visitors also have Mamadou Sakho amongst
their ranks, with the defender set to play some part in the match. West
Ham's starting line-up is unchanged from their win over Reading last time
out, with Raphael Spiegel and Kyle Knoyle returning from international duty
to start and Reeec Burke taking his place amongst the substitutes.
West Ham United: Spiegel, Knoyle, Potts, Chambers, Page, Whitehead, Cullen,
Lletget, Fanimo, Turgott, Lee
Subs: Burke, Nemrava (GK), Sadlier, Nasha, Brown
Liverpool: Mersin, Williams, Smith, Jones, Sakho, Leiva, Peterson, Lussey,
Dunn, Brannagan, Texeira
Subs: Paez, Firth, Maguire, Rossiter, Bijev
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
James Collins blogs for whufc.com on Wales, the Hammers' defensive form and
more
07.03.2014
Hi everyone,
I've been away with Wales in the early part of this week, and it was nice to
gain a positive result by defeating iceland 3-1 in our friendly at the
Cardiff City Stadium. It was an important game as we build towards
qualification for Euro 2016 and I was happy to score my second goal for my
country, heading our opener in the first half. I hope that this can be the
time Wales qualify for a major tournament. If we can keep a fully-fit squad
and a first eleven out there every game, we should have a good chance. We
played Belgium in the qualifying campaign just gone and they are a world
class team. People are tipping them to go quite far in the World Cup, so
that is going to be a tough game. But we drew 1-1 there in the last game of
World Cup qualifying and gave them a hell of a game, so we know we can
perform against them. Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey are obviously world class
players, and the boys playing for Swansea are having the experience of
playing in Europe, which will be a massive help for us. They're playing
against a different style of opposition, which will be good for the first
team. It's a very exciting time, especially for an old man like me! I have
been one of the older heads in the squad for a couple of years now, which
speaks volumes for the standard of players that we're producing. You can see
that with Gareth and Aaron Ramsey, so it's an exciting time and I want to
try and hang onto it as long as I can.
As for West Ham, our defensive form has been fantastic recently. We did have
a lot of injuries in key areas earlier in the season, Winston was out and
Big Andy was out too. We don't like to use that as an excuse, but it did
affect us a little bit. We knew that when we had everyone back fit and
competing for places our results would pick up, and to get four wins on the
bounce has picked our season up massively. It's going well, there's the odd
game when we've conceded three or four, which is going to happen with the
quality of centre forwards in the Premier League but we're defending well
and the goalkeeper behind us has been on fire in the last couple of weeks as
well. We've got 13 clean sheets at the moment and hopefully we can get many
more before the end of the season - starting with Stoke a week on Saturday.
Come on you Irons
Ginge
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Potts ready for rival clash
WHUFC.com
Steve Potts is looking forward to a London derby against Arsenal this
Saturday
07.03.2014
Steve Potts is looking forward to seeing a healthy rivalry when he takes his
Academy side to play Arsenal in the Barclays Under-18 Premier League on
Saturday. The Hammers are targeting a sixth consecutive win against the
Gunners, following a five match winning streak which has seen them score
eleven times and concede just once. Potts' team are currently the occupants
of second place in the division, level on points with leaders Fulham, and
the 46-year-old is hoping for three more points against their north London
rivals. He told West Ham TV: "It's a very good challenge for us. You know
how a game against Arsenal's going to go. They try and play their football
and they'll be looking to beat us. "There's a bit of rivalry between the two
groups I would say, and at Youth Team level and below, I think the two teams
are always looking to outdo each o ther. "Hopefully we can get on with our
game and play how we have been doing."
The U18s' excellent form has not only been restricted to their last five
games, with the team having tasted defeat only once in ten league matches,
with an incredible nine wins in that sequence. Defeat to Southampton, a
narrow 2-1 loss, is the only blip since going down to Sunderland way back in
September 2013 and Potts admits to being delighted with the consistent level
of performance shown by his players. "The boys have done well lately and put
in some good performances. They came back after Christmas, went down to
Southampton and I thought we were a bit unfortunate down there and the
result went the wrong way for us. Since then, we've done ok. "I think it's
key. There are some talented boys in the group but I think consistency is
the one thing you're looking for, without that it's going to be a struggle.
"At this age and especially at a senior level, everyone's looking to know
what they're going to get out of each player each week. I think the boys
have done that well so far and I hope that carries on."
Last time out goals from striker Jordan Brown and winger Djair
Parfitt-Williams inspired the young Hammers to a 2-0 victory against their
nearest competitors Fulham. Potts felt his side deserved the three points
against the Cottagers and has now set his sights firmly on taking the same
return from Saturday's clash.
"It's been a good test for us this year. I said to the boys at the start of
the year it will be a tough test all round. "You're going to get a mixture
of games and you're going to have to play quite a few northern teams as
well, which mixes it up quite well. We went to Fulham and gave a good
account of ourselves and came out with a good result. "I think it's going to
be a tough game (Arsenal), whatever team they put out. That's the thing with
this division, you never quite know what team they're going to put out.
They're doing well in the FA Youth Cup, so they can be strong and I'm sure
we'll see that on Saturday."
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TC honoured
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 7th March 2014
By: Staff Writer
Tony Carr has been presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award as
recognition of his services to West Ham United. The Academy Director has led
the club's youth programme since 1973 and was honoured at a special London
Football Legends bash held in the City last night. he event, a fund-raising
evening for the Willow Foundation, was held in London and compered by TV's
Alan Davies. More than 20 London legends, including former Hammers Sir
Geoff Hurst and Sir Trevor Brooking, attended the awards and took part in a
Q&A session hosted by former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson. The remaining
award winners on the night were as follows:
Outstanding Contribution to a London Club - Pat Rice (Arsenal)
London Player of the Year 2013/14: Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal)
Bert Trautman Award: Pat Jennings (Tottenham)
Retired Club Legend: Ledley King (Tottenham)
Lifetime Achievement Award: Roy Hodgson (England)
The most bizarre nomination of the evening went to Harry Redknapp, who was
one of six nominees in the 'Contribution to a London club' category for his
services to West Ham United. Other Hammers nominees to go home empty handed
were Jussi Jaaskelainen (2013/14 Player of the Year) and Mervyn Day (Bert
Trautman Award).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
GOOD INTENTIONS, BUT WILL THERE BE FOLLOW THROUGH?
By S J Chandos 7 Mar 2014 at 08:30
West Ham Till I Die
It was interesting to read a summary of the recent Claret and Hugh interview
with David Gold. In it, Gold acknowledged that the club's summer transfer
strategy will likely aim to bring more indepth quality to the squad. He also
emphasised the importance of increased competition for starting places in
promoting improved iindividual and team performance. There is nothing to
disagree with there, in fact, they are the self same points that I have made
in my blog posts in recent weeks. However, as welcome as those these good
intentions are, it is not unreasonable to ask will the club 'walk the walk,
as well as talk the talk' this time?
Personally, I do not envy the current board's task of juggling debt
reduction with the imperative of building the squad. But it is their
responsibility to do so and we are perfectly justified, as supporters, to
express our opinion on what the priorities should be. The Claret and Hugh
interview did not reveal a monetary figure for the 2014-15 transfer budget,
but Hugh opined that it was likely be in the region of £20-25m. Arguably,
there should be a concerted push to improve the squad next season and that
will probably take something in the region of £30m to make a significant
impact. Is that possible in the current financial circumstances? One would
hope that it would be possible to invest more in the squad this season and
re-adjust to books in the following season 2015-16. And of course, there is
always the forthcoming proceeds from the sale of Upton Park, which will make
a major contribution to reducing the debt to manageable proportions,
Now is the time to gamble and push on next season (assuming that we will be
safe at the end of this campaign) to try to establish ourselves in the top
eight of the PL. In doing so, the club should beware of the potential 'pit
fall' of Europa League qualification. The experience of other clubs tells us
that competition is intensive and draining upon the playing resources of PL
squads. In an ideal scenerio, it would be much preferable to achieve a
'great leap forward,' assault on the top four and qualify for the Champions
League! But needless to say, that is far easier said than done. The more
realistic proposition is that an improved West Ham squad may be able to
qualify for the less glamorous of the two European competitions. Inevitably,
the squad needs more quality not only to qualify for Europe, but also to
progress in the Europa League and remain competitive domestically.
Another point made by David Gold, that I have also made previously, is the
need to nurture ambitions above and beyond the 'baseline line' of PL
survival. This means not only pushing on in the league, but achieving
progress in the domestic cup competitions. We must start taking those cup
opportunities much more seriously, not only because it remains the most
realistic pathway to honours, but because the Hammers faithful expect it.
Cup runs, thrills and spills are an integral part of the club's traditions
and some of the best memories arise from the domestic cup competitions. It
is one of a number of club traditions that need to be resucitated as a
matter of urgency; along with keeping possession and passing the ball far
better than we have this season. I thought that the team passed the ball
well on occasions last season, especially at Upton Park. But our % of
possession in matches, this season, have been too low and in away games, we
have have often not been an effective attacking force. This needs to be
addressed.
Sam Allardyce has undoubtedly brought some positives to the club. He has
transformed us defensively, made us more organised and far harder to beat.
He has also fostered a good and positive team spirit, where the players 'dig
in' and fight for each other. Those factors need to be acknowledged, but in
doing so, the board also need to raise the bar of expectation next season.
It needs to be made clear that these achievements need to be accompanied by
improved attacking play and a genuine assault in the cup competitions. They
should provide an increased transfer budget and challenge management to
confound the critics and show that the regime can progress beyond a solid
baseline of delivering PL survival through defensive solidarity, keeping
clean sheets and nicking as many wins as possible!
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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Friday, March 7
Daily WHUFC News - 7th March 2014
Hammers meet Stadium apprentices
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins and George McCartney visited the Stadium to celebrate National
Apprenticeship Week
06.03.2014
With National Apprenticeship Week in full swing, West Ham United duo James
Tomkins and George McCartney visited the Stadium at Queen Elizabeth Olympic
Park to pay a personal thanks to the apprentices helping to convert their
future home. West Ham United, the London Legacy Development Corporation and
Newham Council continue to work closely on ensuring there is an enduring
Olympic legacy for east London and are delighted that hard-working, local
youngsters are benefitting from the arena's conversion into a UEFA Category
4 Footbal Stadium. The first two of many Imtech apprentices began work in
January 2014 and are due to see the high-profile project through to its
completion, when the Hammers take up occupancy in summer 2016. In line with
Imtech's extensive engineering expertise, 18-year-old George Skuce and
20-year-old Mohamed Mohamed will concentrate on wiring and pipework,
latterly setting their sights on field-of-play lighting and scoring systems.
For the time being, however, it is all systems go on a state-of-the-art home
dressing room, with the apprentices clearing the way for the new and
elaborate fit-out.
The Hammers' matchday facility will rival, if not exceed that of any other
Premier League club. The spacious main dressing room area is to be
configured in a horseshoe shape, with players able to use massage and
activation equipment rooms without leaving the changing room. The squad will
also have access to the Stadium's indoor running track to enhance their
pre-match activity. Hot and cold plunge recovery pools, an in-house medical
room and a designated analysis space are all to feature, plans befitting a
world-class football venue.
Olympic Stadium apprentices
Tomkins and McCartney present the apprentices with Hammers shirts
Skuce has an added incentive to ensure his work of the highest standard as,
like many east Londoners, he is a lifelong Hammers fan. The teenager, who
hails from Canning Town, studied electrical engineering at college and is in
little doubt that his decision to undertake an apprenticeship was the right
one.
"The West Ham link was everything to me, knowing that I was coming to a
company that was transforming the Stadium for my home Club," he confirmed.
"I've been brought up with West Ham, supporting them from day one, so to be
here with an electrical company as well, which is what I'd always wanted to
do, is pretty amazing.
"University just wasn't for me. It didn't appeal and as an apprentice I
wanted to be working while earning, so it made perfect sense really.
"I'll be over here for the majority of games and I'll be able to say, I put
that up and I've walked the players round the dressing room. It's definitely
something that I'll look back on with pride over the coming years."
To date, upward of 60 apprentices have played a part in the creation of
London's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 16 of whom have already been
supported into permanent employment both on and off the Park. At their peak,
95 per cent of apprentices were from the local area, such is the desire to
support those in the Stadium's immediate surroundings.
West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "We always promised that
West Ham United's move to the Stadium would create hundreds of jobs for
local people and the fact that the Stadium's stunning conversion is already
transforming young lives is something that we are very proud of. As a Club,
we're committed to making the Stadium accessible to all and youth employment
is an integral part of that.
"It is no surprise that many of those working on the Stadium conversion are
West Ham United fans as this is very much our community. I am personally
delighted that fans like George are working on the project as they will be
able to see first-hand the time, effort and meticulous detail that the Club
with our partners put into planning for the conversion to make sure West Ham
fans have an unrivalled matchday experience from the very moment we kick-off
our first game there in 2016."
Dennis Hone, Chief Executive of the London Legacy Development Corporation,
said: "So many successful careers have already been created as a result of
the apprenticeship programme at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. I am thrilled
to see these young people begin on that same road with their important work
transforming the Stadium.
"With the opening of the Park on 5 April getting ever nearer, there are
still plenty of opportunities for local young people to get involved in
apprenticeships at the Park. I hope George and Mohamed enjoy their time
working on such an iconic legacy of the Games and wish them every success
with their future careers."
Mayor of Newham, Sir Robin Wales, said: "We are delighted that George and
Mohamed are doing such a great job. Newham is committed to ensuring a
lasting legacy for the Stadium that will enable us to support residents into
jobs in such an inspirational place. Newham Council's employment service
Workplace was actively involved with the recruitment of Newham candidates
for these roles and continues to work with employers to find opportunities
for young people to earn money while training with experienced staff and
gain nationally recognised qualifications relevant to their jobs. I urge
more employers to consider how hiring an apprentice could benefit their
business."
Senior Imtech project manager Paul Leighton, who has been working on the
Stadium transformation since August 2013, reiterated Imtech's commitment to
the apprenticeship philosophy, having begun his own career in much the same
way.
"The apprenticeship scheme is really important to us," Mr Leighton
explained. "Both our Managing Director and I began our careers as
apprentices, so we put a lot of stock in our apprenticeship scheme and
across the UK Imtech take on at least 30 a year. A large proportion of our
management teams are former apprentices and it has stood us in really good
stead.
"The feedback on George and Mohamed so far is really good from the guys on
site, they're a doing a great job. We undertake a lot of projects in and
around London, so as long as they meet our standards their future careers
with us are looking good at the end of their training. Investing in
apprenticeships works out really well for everybody, we believe in the
apprenticeship programme and the benefit it brings to the individuals and
Imtech."
Nicholas Pollard, Balfour Beatty Construction Services UK Chief Executive
Officer, said: "I know that the future of our industry depends on finding
and investing in the next generation of engineers, project managers and
skilled trades. We are committed to ensuring that five percent of our
workforce is apprentices, graduates or sponsored students within five years
so that we can maintain the highest quality workforce right here in the UK."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jussi happy with second best
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 6th March 2014
By: Staff Writer
Jussi Jaaskelainen says that he is happy being on the bench - as long as it
means West Ham are performing well. The veteran Finn, who is 39 next month
lost his place in the first team to Spanish 'keeper Adrian at Christmas,
since when he has endured a frustrating spell on the sidelines as the player
who began the season as his deputy continues to keep him out of the team.
However the 6'3" stopper maintains he is happy for that scenario to continue
- should the Hammers continue their rise up the table. "We have turned the
season around but we need to keep going and try to finish as high as we
possibly can," he told whufc.com. "Things have gone against us a little bit
in certain parts of the season but we've really bounced back, so hopefully
we can finish high and can build on two successful seasons in the coming
years. "I am just trying to work as hard as I can and to support Adrian in
every possible way. It's about how we finish the season as a team, not as
individuals. If I get one more chance I will try to to grab it and keep the
shirt as long as I can. "That's why I keep working hard, because you never
know what is happening in the future in football."
Jaaskelainen has appeared 19 times for West Ham this season but only once
since New Years' Day - that coming in the 3-0 home defeat to Manchester City
in the second leg of the Capital One Cup semi final back on January 21.
Since becoming a permanent fixture between the sticks at the turn of the
year, Adrian has made eight Premier League appearances - five of which have
resulted in a clear sheet. During that period, the opposition have managed
to score more than once on a sole occasion (the 3-1 home defeat to
Newcastle).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Collison staying focused
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 6th March 2014
By: Staff Writer
Jack Collison says he intends to continue to fight for a place in Sam
Allardyce's match day squads - despite having barely featured this season.
The Welsh international's career has been dogged by a succession of injuries
although the most recent barrier to regular first team football has been his
manager, who has preferred aletrnative options on the whole this season.
However that hasn't deterred Collison from doing his best to win back a
place in Alllardyce's 18-man match day squad. "That's part and parcel of the
game," he told whufc.com. "If you look at the quality of our squad, there
are 22 outfield players and there is a lot of quality not even making the
bench, let alone the starting XI. There is a lot of competition for places.
"The boys have been magnificent so there has been no reason for the manager
to change it too much. "They have got the shirts at the moment and, if they
keep producing, they deserve to keep them. The likes of myself and others
are disappointed and are working hard in training so when that opportunity
comes, it's up to us to take it and keep hold of the shirt."
As exclusively revealed here on KUMB at the end of last month, Collison has
been the subject of one or two enquiries from potentially interested parties
in the Championship, with both Nottingham Forest and Leeds United taking a
look at the 25-year-old. However for Collison, who had made 15 appearances
(mostly from the bench) for the Hammers this season, it's business as usual
- until he gets told otherwise. * Collison was a 76th-minute replacement for
Leicester City's Andy King last night as Wales beat Iceland 3-1 in a
friendly at Cardiff. Hammers team mate James Collins scored the first of the
three Welsh goals on the night, a 12th-minute header.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jack Collison plans to fight for West Ham future
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo | Last Updated: 06/03/14
11:04am
SSN
Jack Collison is determined to fight for his future at West Ham despite
being linked with loan moves away from Upton Park. The likes of Leeds and
Nottingham Forest are thought to be keen on signing Collison before the
close of the loan window. Collison has struggled to hold down a regular
place in Sam Allardyce's side this season, making just six Premier League
starts, but the Wales international is focused on working his way back into
the manager's plans before the end of the season. "If you look at the
quality of our squad, there are 22 outfield players and there is a lot of
quality not even making the bench, let alone the starting XI," Collison told
the club's official website. "There is a lot of competition for places. "The
boys have been magnificent, so there has been no reason for the manager to
change it too much. "They have got the shirts at the moment and, if they
keep producing, they deserve to keep them. "The likes of myself and others
are disappointed and are working hard in training so when that opportunity
comes, it's up to us to take it and keep hold of the shirt."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Matt Taylor says he is enjoying his new midfield role
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo | Last Updated: 06/03/14
3:50pm
SSN
Versatile performer Matt Taylor admits he is enjoying his new role in
central midfield for West Ham. Taylor normally finds himself playing
left-back or the left side of midfield for West Ham, but in recent weeks he
has been used in an unfamiliar centre midfield role. Taylor has started the
last 10 games in midfield after earning a regular spot in Sam Allardyce's
starting XI - and the 32-year-old says the new position has given him a new
lease of life. "I am just enjoying my football to be honest," Taylor told
the Newham Recorder. "I'm enjoying my chance to play because the older you
get, the more you appreciate playing football because it won't be around
forever. "So from that point of view I am really enjoying it and if I can
contribute to the team, I will be really happy with that."
West Ham saw their good run of form come to an end at Everton last time out
and Taylor knows it is vital they get over that defeat as they look to steer
clear of trouble at the wrong end of the table. "We need to pick ourselves
up from the Everton defeat," added Taylor. "There are 10 games left before
the end of the season and we need to get as many results as we can to make
sure we cement our place in the top half."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
James Tomkins praises local youngsters for work on transforming Olympic
Stadium
By Emma Webb | Last Updated: 06/03/14 10:13pm
SSN
Defenders George McCartney and James Tomkins have backed West Ham United's
use of local youngsters in the ongoing work to convert the Olympic Stadium
into the club's new home in time for 2016. Engineering company Imtech has
employed up to 60 apprentices from the Newham area as part of the Olympic
legacy commitment to train and assist with the transformation, with 16
already securing permanent employment on and off the Park. McCartney and
Tomkins visited the site on Thursday and personally thanked the young men,
including George Skuce and Mohamed Mohamed, for their contribution to the
Hammers' new home while awarding them autographed West Ham shirts. "It's a
great project and it's great for the young apprentices working here," said
Tomkins. "A lot of them are local and fans as well, which makes it even
better. "We wanted to show our appreciation to the apprentices for building
us this lovely stadium."
The decision to move has been contested by some fans, but Skuce, 18, is a
lifelong West Ham fan from Canning Town and has seen first-hand the benefits
of the transition. "It is the Olympic Stadium, it's got to be great," he
said. "There is going to be retractable seating, the view won't be an issue,
not at all. "It's most definitely a great move for the club - it's like
opening a bigger branch! "The West Ham link was everything to me. I've been
brought up with West Ham, supporting them from day one. It's definitely
something I'll look back on with pride over the coming years."
West Ham United vice-chairman Karren Brady has played a key role in West
Ham's move out of the Boleyn Ground and into the Olympic Stadium since 2011.
The development of the Imtech apprenticeship scheme has been of particular
importance for her, in observing the pledge made to the West Ham fans and
the people of Newham. "We always promised that West Ham United's move to the
stadium would create hundreds of jobs for local people and the fact that the
stadium's stunning conversion is already transforming young lives is
something that we are very proud of. "I am personally delighted that fans
like George are working on the project."
Whilst the internal building work still has a long way to go, the south of
the park opens to the public on April 5. It has been transformed into an
area of landscaped gardens with a children's play area, for the public to
enjoy ahead of the opening of the stadium. The calendar for the Stadium is
already filling up, with five matches of the 2015 Rugby World Cup scheduled
to be played there, along with some events of the new Invictus Games,
organised by Prince Harry for wounded soldiers, to be held later this year.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
TONY CARR TO BE HONOURED TONIGHT
By Sean Whetstone 6 Mar 2014 at 08:44
West Ham Till I Die
Tony Carr MBE will be honoured tonight with a life time achievement award at
the Willow foundation London Football Legends Awards 2014 at the Grange
Tower Bridge Hotel, London.
Born in Bow, Tony started his career as an apprentice at the club in 1966
cleaning Bobby Moore and Geoff Hurst's boots. He went on to become a
professional footballer in 1969 but never rose above the West Ham reserve
team and left West ham in 1971 after the young striker suffered an injury.He
started coaching youngsters in 1973 after an invitation from John Lyall and
by 1980 he was full-time and putting his own stamp on the famous Academy of
football.
His previous success stories include Glen Johnson, John Terry, Rio
Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole and Jermain Defoe and
more recently James Tomkins, Jack Collision and Mark Noble
From Ron Greenwood to Sam Allardyce, manager after manager during his 41
years at the Boleyn Ground West Ham have enjoyed Tony's commitment to
developing the stars of tomorrow. His aim has always been is to produce
well-rounded individuals that understand all aspects of the 'West Ham way'.
Last year Tony was was honoured by the FA for his forty plus years of work
as West Ham United's Youth Academy Director as he received the Outstanding
Contribution to Youth Development award and in 2010 he was made an MBE in
the Queen's birthday honours list for his services to football and received
a star-studded testimonial from West Ham.
About Willow Foundation
Willow is the only UK charity supporting seriously ill 16 to 40 year olds by
providing unique and positive Special Days. We are totally reliant on the
generosity of individuals, companies, trusts and foundations to fund our
work. Since 1999 Willow has fulfilled more than 10,000 Special Days for
young adults living with life-threatening conditions such as cancer, motor
neurone disease, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy and Huntington's
disease.Founded by former Arsenal goalkeeper and TV presenter, Bob Wilson
Willow is a lasting memorial to their daughter, Anna, who died of cancer
aged 31. www.willowfoundation.org.uk
Other nominees up for awards tonight with a West ham connection
Harry Redknapp is up for Outstanding contribution to a London Club for his
work with West ham whom he left 13 years ago. Harry started his career at
West Ham in 1962 as an apprentice becoming a senior player between 1965 and
1972. He returned as manager in 1994 leaving in 2001. Former West Ham
Manager Alan Curbishley is up for the same award for his work with Charlton.
Mervyn Day is up for the London Goalkeeping Award for West ham while West
Ham legend Phil Parkes is up for the same award for his time at QPR. Mervyn
was at West ham between 1973-1979.
Finally Jussi Jaaskelainen is up for Player of the year 2013/2014 against
Eden Hazard and Aaron Ramsey.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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WHUFC.com
James Tomkins and George McCartney visited the Stadium to celebrate National
Apprenticeship Week
06.03.2014
With National Apprenticeship Week in full swing, West Ham United duo James
Tomkins and George McCartney visited the Stadium at Queen Elizabeth Olympic
Park to pay a personal thanks to the apprentices helping to convert their
future home. West Ham United, the London Legacy Development Corporation and
Newham Council continue to work closely on ensuring there is an enduring
Olympic legacy for east London and are delighted that hard-working, local
youngsters are benefitting from the arena's conversion into a UEFA Category
4 Footbal Stadium. The first two of many Imtech apprentices began work in
January 2014 and are due to see the high-profile project through to its
completion, when the Hammers take up occupancy in summer 2016. In line with
Imtech's extensive engineering expertise, 18-year-old George Skuce and
20-year-old Mohamed Mohamed will concentrate on wiring and pipework,
latterly setting their sights on field-of-play lighting and scoring systems.
For the time being, however, it is all systems go on a state-of-the-art home
dressing room, with the apprentices clearing the way for the new and
elaborate fit-out.
The Hammers' matchday facility will rival, if not exceed that of any other
Premier League club. The spacious main dressing room area is to be
configured in a horseshoe shape, with players able to use massage and
activation equipment rooms without leaving the changing room. The squad will
also have access to the Stadium's indoor running track to enhance their
pre-match activity. Hot and cold plunge recovery pools, an in-house medical
room and a designated analysis space are all to feature, plans befitting a
world-class football venue.
Olympic Stadium apprentices
Tomkins and McCartney present the apprentices with Hammers shirts
Skuce has an added incentive to ensure his work of the highest standard as,
like many east Londoners, he is a lifelong Hammers fan. The teenager, who
hails from Canning Town, studied electrical engineering at college and is in
little doubt that his decision to undertake an apprenticeship was the right
one.
"The West Ham link was everything to me, knowing that I was coming to a
company that was transforming the Stadium for my home Club," he confirmed.
"I've been brought up with West Ham, supporting them from day one, so to be
here with an electrical company as well, which is what I'd always wanted to
do, is pretty amazing.
"University just wasn't for me. It didn't appeal and as an apprentice I
wanted to be working while earning, so it made perfect sense really.
"I'll be over here for the majority of games and I'll be able to say, I put
that up and I've walked the players round the dressing room. It's definitely
something that I'll look back on with pride over the coming years."
To date, upward of 60 apprentices have played a part in the creation of
London's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 16 of whom have already been
supported into permanent employment both on and off the Park. At their peak,
95 per cent of apprentices were from the local area, such is the desire to
support those in the Stadium's immediate surroundings.
West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "We always promised that
West Ham United's move to the Stadium would create hundreds of jobs for
local people and the fact that the Stadium's stunning conversion is already
transforming young lives is something that we are very proud of. As a Club,
we're committed to making the Stadium accessible to all and youth employment
is an integral part of that.
"It is no surprise that many of those working on the Stadium conversion are
West Ham United fans as this is very much our community. I am personally
delighted that fans like George are working on the project as they will be
able to see first-hand the time, effort and meticulous detail that the Club
with our partners put into planning for the conversion to make sure West Ham
fans have an unrivalled matchday experience from the very moment we kick-off
our first game there in 2016."
Dennis Hone, Chief Executive of the London Legacy Development Corporation,
said: "So many successful careers have already been created as a result of
the apprenticeship programme at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. I am thrilled
to see these young people begin on that same road with their important work
transforming the Stadium.
"With the opening of the Park on 5 April getting ever nearer, there are
still plenty of opportunities for local young people to get involved in
apprenticeships at the Park. I hope George and Mohamed enjoy their time
working on such an iconic legacy of the Games and wish them every success
with their future careers."
Mayor of Newham, Sir Robin Wales, said: "We are delighted that George and
Mohamed are doing such a great job. Newham is committed to ensuring a
lasting legacy for the Stadium that will enable us to support residents into
jobs in such an inspirational place. Newham Council's employment service
Workplace was actively involved with the recruitment of Newham candidates
for these roles and continues to work with employers to find opportunities
for young people to earn money while training with experienced staff and
gain nationally recognised qualifications relevant to their jobs. I urge
more employers to consider how hiring an apprentice could benefit their
business."
Senior Imtech project manager Paul Leighton, who has been working on the
Stadium transformation since August 2013, reiterated Imtech's commitment to
the apprenticeship philosophy, having begun his own career in much the same
way.
"The apprenticeship scheme is really important to us," Mr Leighton
explained. "Both our Managing Director and I began our careers as
apprentices, so we put a lot of stock in our apprenticeship scheme and
across the UK Imtech take on at least 30 a year. A large proportion of our
management teams are former apprentices and it has stood us in really good
stead.
"The feedback on George and Mohamed so far is really good from the guys on
site, they're a doing a great job. We undertake a lot of projects in and
around London, so as long as they meet our standards their future careers
with us are looking good at the end of their training. Investing in
apprenticeships works out really well for everybody, we believe in the
apprenticeship programme and the benefit it brings to the individuals and
Imtech."
Nicholas Pollard, Balfour Beatty Construction Services UK Chief Executive
Officer, said: "I know that the future of our industry depends on finding
and investing in the next generation of engineers, project managers and
skilled trades. We are committed to ensuring that five percent of our
workforce is apprentices, graduates or sponsored students within five years
so that we can maintain the highest quality workforce right here in the UK."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jussi happy with second best
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 6th March 2014
By: Staff Writer
Jussi Jaaskelainen says that he is happy being on the bench - as long as it
means West Ham are performing well. The veteran Finn, who is 39 next month
lost his place in the first team to Spanish 'keeper Adrian at Christmas,
since when he has endured a frustrating spell on the sidelines as the player
who began the season as his deputy continues to keep him out of the team.
However the 6'3" stopper maintains he is happy for that scenario to continue
- should the Hammers continue their rise up the table. "We have turned the
season around but we need to keep going and try to finish as high as we
possibly can," he told whufc.com. "Things have gone against us a little bit
in certain parts of the season but we've really bounced back, so hopefully
we can finish high and can build on two successful seasons in the coming
years. "I am just trying to work as hard as I can and to support Adrian in
every possible way. It's about how we finish the season as a team, not as
individuals. If I get one more chance I will try to to grab it and keep the
shirt as long as I can. "That's why I keep working hard, because you never
know what is happening in the future in football."
Jaaskelainen has appeared 19 times for West Ham this season but only once
since New Years' Day - that coming in the 3-0 home defeat to Manchester City
in the second leg of the Capital One Cup semi final back on January 21.
Since becoming a permanent fixture between the sticks at the turn of the
year, Adrian has made eight Premier League appearances - five of which have
resulted in a clear sheet. During that period, the opposition have managed
to score more than once on a sole occasion (the 3-1 home defeat to
Newcastle).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Collison staying focused
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 6th March 2014
By: Staff Writer
Jack Collison says he intends to continue to fight for a place in Sam
Allardyce's match day squads - despite having barely featured this season.
The Welsh international's career has been dogged by a succession of injuries
although the most recent barrier to regular first team football has been his
manager, who has preferred aletrnative options on the whole this season.
However that hasn't deterred Collison from doing his best to win back a
place in Alllardyce's 18-man match day squad. "That's part and parcel of the
game," he told whufc.com. "If you look at the quality of our squad, there
are 22 outfield players and there is a lot of quality not even making the
bench, let alone the starting XI. There is a lot of competition for places.
"The boys have been magnificent so there has been no reason for the manager
to change it too much. "They have got the shirts at the moment and, if they
keep producing, they deserve to keep them. The likes of myself and others
are disappointed and are working hard in training so when that opportunity
comes, it's up to us to take it and keep hold of the shirt."
As exclusively revealed here on KUMB at the end of last month, Collison has
been the subject of one or two enquiries from potentially interested parties
in the Championship, with both Nottingham Forest and Leeds United taking a
look at the 25-year-old. However for Collison, who had made 15 appearances
(mostly from the bench) for the Hammers this season, it's business as usual
- until he gets told otherwise. * Collison was a 76th-minute replacement for
Leicester City's Andy King last night as Wales beat Iceland 3-1 in a
friendly at Cardiff. Hammers team mate James Collins scored the first of the
three Welsh goals on the night, a 12th-minute header.
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Jack Collison plans to fight for West Ham future
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo | Last Updated: 06/03/14
11:04am
SSN
Jack Collison is determined to fight for his future at West Ham despite
being linked with loan moves away from Upton Park. The likes of Leeds and
Nottingham Forest are thought to be keen on signing Collison before the
close of the loan window. Collison has struggled to hold down a regular
place in Sam Allardyce's side this season, making just six Premier League
starts, but the Wales international is focused on working his way back into
the manager's plans before the end of the season. "If you look at the
quality of our squad, there are 22 outfield players and there is a lot of
quality not even making the bench, let alone the starting XI," Collison told
the club's official website. "There is a lot of competition for places. "The
boys have been magnificent, so there has been no reason for the manager to
change it too much. "They have got the shirts at the moment and, if they
keep producing, they deserve to keep them. "The likes of myself and others
are disappointed and are working hard in training so when that opportunity
comes, it's up to us to take it and keep hold of the shirt."
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West Ham's Matt Taylor says he is enjoying his new midfield role
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo | Last Updated: 06/03/14
3:50pm
SSN
Versatile performer Matt Taylor admits he is enjoying his new role in
central midfield for West Ham. Taylor normally finds himself playing
left-back or the left side of midfield for West Ham, but in recent weeks he
has been used in an unfamiliar centre midfield role. Taylor has started the
last 10 games in midfield after earning a regular spot in Sam Allardyce's
starting XI - and the 32-year-old says the new position has given him a new
lease of life. "I am just enjoying my football to be honest," Taylor told
the Newham Recorder. "I'm enjoying my chance to play because the older you
get, the more you appreciate playing football because it won't be around
forever. "So from that point of view I am really enjoying it and if I can
contribute to the team, I will be really happy with that."
West Ham saw their good run of form come to an end at Everton last time out
and Taylor knows it is vital they get over that defeat as they look to steer
clear of trouble at the wrong end of the table. "We need to pick ourselves
up from the Everton defeat," added Taylor. "There are 10 games left before
the end of the season and we need to get as many results as we can to make
sure we cement our place in the top half."
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James Tomkins praises local youngsters for work on transforming Olympic
Stadium
By Emma Webb | Last Updated: 06/03/14 10:13pm
SSN
Defenders George McCartney and James Tomkins have backed West Ham United's
use of local youngsters in the ongoing work to convert the Olympic Stadium
into the club's new home in time for 2016. Engineering company Imtech has
employed up to 60 apprentices from the Newham area as part of the Olympic
legacy commitment to train and assist with the transformation, with 16
already securing permanent employment on and off the Park. McCartney and
Tomkins visited the site on Thursday and personally thanked the young men,
including George Skuce and Mohamed Mohamed, for their contribution to the
Hammers' new home while awarding them autographed West Ham shirts. "It's a
great project and it's great for the young apprentices working here," said
Tomkins. "A lot of them are local and fans as well, which makes it even
better. "We wanted to show our appreciation to the apprentices for building
us this lovely stadium."
The decision to move has been contested by some fans, but Skuce, 18, is a
lifelong West Ham fan from Canning Town and has seen first-hand the benefits
of the transition. "It is the Olympic Stadium, it's got to be great," he
said. "There is going to be retractable seating, the view won't be an issue,
not at all. "It's most definitely a great move for the club - it's like
opening a bigger branch! "The West Ham link was everything to me. I've been
brought up with West Ham, supporting them from day one. It's definitely
something I'll look back on with pride over the coming years."
West Ham United vice-chairman Karren Brady has played a key role in West
Ham's move out of the Boleyn Ground and into the Olympic Stadium since 2011.
The development of the Imtech apprenticeship scheme has been of particular
importance for her, in observing the pledge made to the West Ham fans and
the people of Newham. "We always promised that West Ham United's move to the
stadium would create hundreds of jobs for local people and the fact that the
stadium's stunning conversion is already transforming young lives is
something that we are very proud of. "I am personally delighted that fans
like George are working on the project."
Whilst the internal building work still has a long way to go, the south of
the park opens to the public on April 5. It has been transformed into an
area of landscaped gardens with a children's play area, for the public to
enjoy ahead of the opening of the stadium. The calendar for the Stadium is
already filling up, with five matches of the 2015 Rugby World Cup scheduled
to be played there, along with some events of the new Invictus Games,
organised by Prince Harry for wounded soldiers, to be held later this year.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
TONY CARR TO BE HONOURED TONIGHT
By Sean Whetstone 6 Mar 2014 at 08:44
West Ham Till I Die
Tony Carr MBE will be honoured tonight with a life time achievement award at
the Willow foundation London Football Legends Awards 2014 at the Grange
Tower Bridge Hotel, London.
Born in Bow, Tony started his career as an apprentice at the club in 1966
cleaning Bobby Moore and Geoff Hurst's boots. He went on to become a
professional footballer in 1969 but never rose above the West Ham reserve
team and left West ham in 1971 after the young striker suffered an injury.He
started coaching youngsters in 1973 after an invitation from John Lyall and
by 1980 he was full-time and putting his own stamp on the famous Academy of
football.
His previous success stories include Glen Johnson, John Terry, Rio
Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole and Jermain Defoe and
more recently James Tomkins, Jack Collision and Mark Noble
From Ron Greenwood to Sam Allardyce, manager after manager during his 41
years at the Boleyn Ground West Ham have enjoyed Tony's commitment to
developing the stars of tomorrow. His aim has always been is to produce
well-rounded individuals that understand all aspects of the 'West Ham way'.
Last year Tony was was honoured by the FA for his forty plus years of work
as West Ham United's Youth Academy Director as he received the Outstanding
Contribution to Youth Development award and in 2010 he was made an MBE in
the Queen's birthday honours list for his services to football and received
a star-studded testimonial from West Ham.
About Willow Foundation
Willow is the only UK charity supporting seriously ill 16 to 40 year olds by
providing unique and positive Special Days. We are totally reliant on the
generosity of individuals, companies, trusts and foundations to fund our
work. Since 1999 Willow has fulfilled more than 10,000 Special Days for
young adults living with life-threatening conditions such as cancer, motor
neurone disease, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy and Huntington's
disease.Founded by former Arsenal goalkeeper and TV presenter, Bob Wilson
Willow is a lasting memorial to their daughter, Anna, who died of cancer
aged 31. www.willowfoundation.org.uk
Other nominees up for awards tonight with a West ham connection
Harry Redknapp is up for Outstanding contribution to a London Club for his
work with West ham whom he left 13 years ago. Harry started his career at
West Ham in 1962 as an apprentice becoming a senior player between 1965 and
1972. He returned as manager in 1994 leaving in 2001. Former West Ham
Manager Alan Curbishley is up for the same award for his work with Charlton.
Mervyn Day is up for the London Goalkeeping Award for West ham while West
Ham legend Phil Parkes is up for the same award for his time at QPR. Mervyn
was at West ham between 1973-1979.
Finally Jussi Jaaskelainen is up for Player of the year 2013/2014 against
Eden Hazard and Aaron Ramsey.
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Thursday, March 6
Daily WHUFC News - 6th March 2014
'We have turned the season around'
WHUFC.com
Jussi Jaaskelainen says West Ham United must kick-on after their recent run
of good form and results
05.03.2014
Jussi Jaaskelainen may not be in the starting XI at present, but the
experienced goalkeeper has still played his part in West Ham United's recent
improved form. The goalkeeper has recently seen Spaniard Adrian take his
place in Sam Allardyce's team, but the 38-year-old says the Hammers'
renaissance has been a real squad effort. With players returning from injury
and suspension, the intensity of training sessions has risen, resulting in a
run of five victories in the last eight Barclays Premier League matches.
Now, Jaaskelainen has challenged his squad-mates to maintain their charge up
the table and equal or better last season's tenth-place finish. "We have
turned the season around, but we need to keep going and try to finish as
high as we possibly can," said the No22, who has kept eight clean sheets in
18 league appearances this term. "For next season, we need to learn from
what we have done wrong this season. Things have gone a little bit against
us in certain parts of the season, but we've really bounced back so
hopefully we can finish high and can build on two successful seasons in the
coming years."
Jaaskelainen has won praise from goalkeeper coach Martyn Margetson and
team-mate Guy Demel for his reaction to being left out in recent weeks. The
goalkeeper has maintained an immaculate, professional approach to training
and preparation that has undoubtedly benefitted fellow goalkeeper Adrian.
"It's part and parcel of the way I'm thinking - I have been fortunate enough
to play for many years in the Premier League and at the start of this
season, so when you lose your place there is no point in sulking. "I am just
trying to work as hard as I can and to support Adrian in every possible way.
As I said, it's about how we finish the season as a team, not as
individuals. "It's a big team and hopefully, if I get one more chance, I
will try to to grab it and keep the shirt as long as I can. That's why I
keep working hard, because you never know what is happening in the future in
football."
Looking further forward, Jaaskelainen is sure to be in the running for the
Save of the Season at the 2013/14 Player Awards, which will take place on
Tuesday 6 May at the Grosvenor House Hotel on London's Park Lane. A year
ago, the Finn unsurprisingly took that trophy home with him, while also
being voted as runner-up for the Hammer of the Year award following an
outstanding first season at the Boleyn Ground. "It was a good evening, but
for me at the end of the day it's about the success of the team and it's
great that we've turned things around this season. We are doing well and
hopefully we can carry on the way we've been playing in the last six or
seven games. "Hopefully, we can finish as high as we did last season and we
can have a very good night at the Player Awards ceremony. "It was nice
because it was my first season here and obviously I wanted to carry on from
that. Obviously things change quickly in football, but you have to just keep
on working and hopefully get back in the team and get back playing."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
International round-up
WHUFC.com
James Collins scored as Wales defeated Iceland on Wednesday - check out how
all our international players fared
05.03.2014
James Collins scored for Wales as Chris Coleman's side began their
preparations for the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign with a 3-1 friendly win
over Iceland on Wednesday night. Collins netted Wales' first goal at the
Cardiff City Stadium, flicking home a Gareth Bale free-kick, only for an
Ashley Williams own goal to level matters before half-time. The Hammers No19
was withdrawn at the break, but goals from Sam Vokes and Bale ensured the
home side would claim victory against an Iceland outfit who only missed out
on this summer's World Cup finals due to a play-off defeat to Croatia. Jack
Collison came off the bench with 14 minutes left to play, as he played his
part in Wales seeing out the victory.
Pablo Armero played 66 minutes for Colombia in their 1-1 draw with Tunisia
at Espanyol's Estadi Cornella-El Prat in Barcelona. Monaco midfielder James
Rodriguez gave the South Americans the lead, but Tunisia levelled through
Bastia's Whabi Khazri as the game ended in stalemate.
West Ham's fourth player in senior international action on Wednesday was
Mohamed Diame, who skippered Senegal to a 1-1 draw against Mali in Paris.
Senegal lost out in World Cup qualifiying at the final stage, but took the
lead against Mali thanks to Sadio Mane of Red Bull Salzburg before Bordeaux
frontman Cheick Diabate levelled 12 minites from time.
At age group level, Ravel Morrison helped England U21 to another victory in
their 2015 UEFA U21 Championship qualification campaign. Nathan Redmond
scored the only goal to see off Wales at Derby County's Pride Park and keep
the Young Lions six points clear of second placed Moldova in their group,
Morrison, who is currently on loan at Queens Park Rangers, played 71
minutes as he gained his fourth cap at that level.
In the same competition, young Hammers goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel was an
unused substitute as Switzerland defeated Liechtenstein 5-1 in Thun. The
Swiss have gained 12 points from their six games to date and currently sit
three points behind group leaders Croatia.
Fellow defender Harney started as Northern Ireland U19s lost the first match
of their friendly double-header with Switzerland 3-0 in Belfast on Tuesday.
Robin Kamber of FC Basel put the Swiss in front on 19 minutes before
club-mate Cedric Itten doubled the lead 14 minutes from full-time. The
scoring was completed in added time by Lyon forward Kilian Pagliuca. The two
countries will square-off again in Dungannon on Thursday 6 March.
Academy defenders Reece Burke and Kyle Knoyle both started as England's
U18s' lost the first game of their own friendly double-header with Croatia
at St George's Park on Monday, going down 2-1. England were on top before
the break and were a whisker away from doubling the advantage when
Liverpool's Cameron Brannagan curled a shot just past the post. Croatia
turned the game on its head in the second half to claim the spoils thanks to
goal from Dinamo Zagreb's Marko Stolnik and Hadjuk Split's Nikola Vlasic.
The pair were unused substitutes as England suffered another loss by the
same scoreline to the same opponents on Wednesday.
Finally, Academy goalkeeper Sam Howes featured once in England U17s' three
matches at the Algarve Tournament in Portugal, starting a 2-2 draw with the
host nation on 28 February. England finished the tournament as runners-up.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
International round-up
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's international players are involved in a busy week of
action for their countries
05.03.2014
A host of West Ham United players are in action for their respective nations
during a busy week of international football at all levels. At senior level
James Collins, Jack Collison, Pablo Armero and Mohamed Diame all hope to
pull on their country's colours, while Ravel Morrison, Raphael Spiegel,
Jamie Harney, Reece Burke, Kyle Knoyle and Sam Howes are in age-group
action.
Four seniors could all be in friendly action on Wednesday 5 March. Collins
and Collison are in the Wales squad to face Iceland in Cardiff, Armero's
Colombia take on Tunisia in Barcelona and Diame's Senegal take on Mali in
Paris. Collins and Collison will hope to boost Chris Coleman's Wales after
they missed out on qualification for this summer's FIFA World Cup finals,
while opponents Iceland were edged out in a Play-Off by Croatia.
Armero will hope to cement his spot in José Pékerman's squad for Brazil
2014, having featured in all but one of Colombia's South American qualifiers
for the tournament.
Diame, meanwhile, will hope to erase the disappointment of an African
Play-Off defeat by Ivory Coast when Senegal take on their West African
neighbours in Saint-Leu La Forêt.
Morrison and Spiegel could both be in competitive action in UEFA European
U21 Championship qualfiers. Unbeaten England top Group 1 ahead of the visit
of third-place Wales to Derby County's Pride Park on 5 March, while
Spiegel's Switzerland are second in Group 5 ahead of their home fixture with
winless Liechtenstein in Thun on the same evening.
Fellow defender Harney started as Northern Ireland U19s lost the first match
of their friendly double-header with Switzerland 3-0 in Belfast on Tuesday.
Robin Kamber of FC Basel put the Swiss in front on 19 minutes before
club-mate Cedric Itten doubled the lead 14 minutes from full-time. The
scoring was completed in added time by Lyon forward Kilian Pagliuca. The two
countries will square-off again in Dungannon on Thursday 6 March.
Academy defenders Burke and Knoyle both started England's U18s' lost the
first game of their own friendly double-header with Croatia at St George's
Park on Monday, going down 2-1. England were on top before the break and
were a whisker away from doubling the advantage when Liverpool's Cameron
Brannagan curled a shot just past the post. Croatia turned the game on its
head in the second half to claim the spoils thanks to goal from Dinamo
Zagreb's Marko Stolnik and Hadjuk Split's Nikola Vlasic. The pair will meet
again at the same venue on Wednesday 5 March.
Finally, Academy goalkeeper Sam Howes featured once in England U17s' three
matches at the Algarve Tournament in Portugal, starting a 2-2 draw with the
host nation on 28 February. England finished the tournament as runners-up.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Big Interview - Jack Collison
WHUFC.com
The West Ham United midfielder is looking forward to returning to Wales duty
04.03.2014
Jack Collison returns to Wales duty for the first time since August 2013 on
Wednesday evening, when Chris Coleman's side take on Iceland in Cardiff. The
West Ham United No10 has great memories of playing at the Cardiff City
Stadium, having helped the Hammers to a Play-Off semi-final victory there in
May 2012, as well as a pair of other important league wins in recent
seasons. With Wales drawn alongside Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Israel,
Cyprus and Andorra in qualifying for the 24-nation 2016 UEFA European
Championship, the 25-year-old is hoping to represent his country at their
first major finals since the 1958 FIFA World Cup.
Jack, you have a big game with Wales to look forward to in the shape of an
international friendly with Iceland in Cardiff. I expect you are looking
forward to
pulling on the red shirt again?
JC: "Yeah, it's our first game since the group was drawn for Euro 2016, so
it'll be good to get together and obviously look ahead to the games we have
got in qualifying over the next 18 months or so. It's a great place to
start, at home against Iceland."
The Wales manager Chris Coleman has been quite bullish about your
qualification chances. Do you share his optimism?
JC: "Definitely. Especially with the players we have got, the boys who were
young and up and coming are starting to come into their own a little bit
now. They will be peaking over the next year or so. "Gareth Bale has gone on
to be an absolute superstar at Real Madrid and Aaron Ramsey has been
magnificent this season for Arsenal, while the likes of Sam Vokes has scored
about 20 goals this season in the Championship. It's a fantastic group of
players and, as Chris Coleman has already said, if he can get his team
together and everyone fit, I think we can give anyone a good game on the
night. "It's a very tricky group, as every group is, but you've got to fancy
your chances of doing as well as you can. We've got a nice start [away to
Andorra] and we'll look to build off that, really."
Iceland at home may not have been an attractive fixture a few years ago, but
they got to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Play-Offs and have a few players in the
top European leagues, so it should be a competitve game.
JC: "Everyone is looking forward to it. It's a nice chance for everyone to
meet up and, for me, I haven't had a Wales game in a while so it's good.
Even though it's a friendly, there's going to be a lot riding on it.
"The group for the Euros has been drawn, so it gets a bit more real. For
Wales, it's about qualifying for Euro 2016 and everything is geared towards
that.
Everyone will be looking to put in a good performance for the manager."
And, of course, you love playing at the Cardiff City Stadium...
JC: "Yes, we always seem to do well at Cardiff. Here at West Ham we got
another magnificent win there this season and it was nice to play a part in
that game. On a personal level, hopefully I'll get on the pitch and put in a
good performance."
Talking of West Ham, our recent positive run of results and lack of injuries
has led to a settled side and less opportunities for some players. Has that
been frustrating?
JC: "That's part and parcel of the game. If you look at the quality of our
squad, there are 22 outfield players and there is a lot of quality not even
making the bench, let alone the starting XI. There is a lot of competition
for places.
"The boys have been magnificent, so there has been no reason for the manager
to change it too much. They have got the shirts at the moment and, if they
keep producing, they deserve to keep them. "The likes of myself and others
are disappointed and are working hard in training so when that opportunity
comes, it's up to us to take it and keep hold of the shirt."
Our next Barclays Premier League game is at Stoke City, where you scored the
winner last season. So, it would be the perfect place to break into the side
and do it again!
JC: "Definitely! That win last year came at a very important time in the
season for us. We were down in 14th and had lost four of our previous five
league games and struggling a little bit, so the win was massive.
"The run we've been on, we'll look to go there and do the same again and get
the three points. It would be nice to get another clean sheet and keep
progressing, because we've been on a good run of form and want to keep
looking forward rather than behind us."
Just lastly, going back to international football, the England squad was
named for the friendly with Denmark but there were no places for West Ham
players.
Were you surprised?
JC: "When I looked at the squad, I was hoping one or two of our boys would
be in it. Obviously, Andy Carroll is desperate to be playing not just for
us, but for England.
"If you look beyond Andy, James Tomkins has been magnificent for us since he
has been in the side. We'd kept four clean sheets in five games before the
weekend and he's been fantastic.
"Mark Noble is what he is and I don't know if he can do much more. Not only
has he been our best player this season, but he's been the best player on
the pitch a lot of the time. For him, it must be disappointing, and for us
we want our players knocking on Roy Hodgson's door and making the England
squad.
"If you look at Southampton with four players in, it does show it is
possible for slightly smaller clubs to get there, so hopefully our lads will
keep doing well and, sooner or later, they will get their chance."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U16s have their SPARQ measured
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U16s were put through a series of physical tests at Chadwell
Heath
05.03.2014
West Ham United U16s have been put through a series of physical tests at
Chadwell Heath. The Academy schoolboys were the latest age-group to undergo
the SPARQ tests - a standardised set of five components which will allow the
Club's coaching staff to measure each player's individual development. The
results of the five exercises - a 20-metre dash, kneeling power ball toss,
agility shuttle, a Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (beep test) and a
vertical jump - can be compared against other players from both within the
Acdemy and other Barclays Premier League clubs. Academy sports scientist
Josh Ewens (pictured) explained the value of SPARQ testing. "The Premier
League ask all the clubs in Categories 1 to 4 to do their SPARQ testing
twice a year," he said. "They are a battery of tests which you do and then
they feed back the data and averages for each age-group, so you can see
where you are as a Club. "It involves a 20-metre dash, an agility test on
the left and right side, a jump test to look at peak power, the ball toss
and the Yo-Yo intermittent test, so all of those things combine to give us a
good idea about a player's top speed, how good they are at changing
direction at speed and their endurance capacity."
The U16s were just the latest age-group to take part in the SPARQ tests,
with every year-group from U9s up to U18s taking part in some or all of the
components. We actually do a few of the tests with the Under-9s - not the
Yo-Yo - to give us an idea of where they are maturation-wise. Their size has
a big impact on the scores that they get. We do the tests right up to
Under-21 level."
The Academy will receive data from the Premier League covering all the clubs
involved in the SPARQ scheme, allowing Ewens and his colleagues to compare
and contrast West Ham's results with the average. "We don't get specific
numbers from individual clubs, but we do get the national averages from
different age-groups and different Academy categories, so we'll get the
Category 1 average and Category 2 average and so on. "Alongside that, we'll
get national records, which are always quite interesting to compare your own
results against."
So, just how beneficial are the results of SPARQ tests when it comes to
identifying a schoolboy footballer's chances of developing into a future
professional?
"The U18s and U21s wear GPS monitors in every training session and every
game, so that will tell us everything we need to know about them from a
physical point of view," explained Ewens. "With the younger players, from
U15s and downwards, it gives us something to go off in terms of where they
are on a broad level physically and how they have improved across the
season. "The tests are not particularly specific to football, so the results
have to be taken with a pinch of salt in that regard, but they do give us an
idea about where they are."
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Would you Adam n'Eve it?
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 5th March 2014
By: Staff Writer
Stoke's influential midfielder Charlie Adam has been ruled out o f West
Ham's visit to the Britannia Stadium next weekend after being handed a
three-match retrospectively. West Ham return to Premier League action
following the international break when they face the Potters at their
fiercely partisan home ground next weekend. However City will have to fare
without the former Liverpool midfielder, who was handed an instant
three-game ban today after an FA Panel decided to take retrospective action
following an incident in Stoke's clash with Arsenal last weekend. Adam was
found guilty of stamping on the ankle of Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud
during the match at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday, which Stoke won 1-0
courtesy of Jonathan Walters' second half penalty.
However the home side should have been down to ten men before Walters had
the chance to score with Adam's offence occurring well before the game's
only goal was scored. The decision to punish Adam retrospectively will leave
many Hammers fans scratching their heads after Chico Flores escaped
scot-free when feigning injury in order to get Andy Carroll sent off in the
West Ham v Swansea clash last month.
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Ravel Morrison says playing in Championship is tough
Last Updated: 05/03/14 1:24pm
SSN
On-loan QPR midfielder Ravel Morrison says the Sky Bet Championship is
actually a lot harder in some ways than the Premier League. The West Ham
man, who had a spell on loan with Birmingham last season, is back in the
second tier after making a temporary switch to QPR. Morrison, who made his
home debut for Rangers in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Leeds, said: "It's
very different to the Premier League. "I actually think it's a lot harder in
some respects. You get a lot more time on the ball in the Premier League.
"In the Championship you don't get much time on the ball and you have to
make decisions very quickly."
Having fallen out of favour at Upton Park following an impressive start to
the season, Morrison is hoping Rangers boss Harry Redknapp can help get his
career back on track. "I think it's pretty obvious that he's a really good
manager," added the 21-year-old. "From what I can tell, he is one that looks
after his players. I'm just hoping he can get the best out of me."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ravel Morrison throws tantrum as England Under-21s see off Wales in Euro
qualifying
Mar 05, 2014 22:43 By Brendan McLoughlin The Mirror
Nathan Redmond finished life as a teenager on a high - as Ravel Morrison
threw a tantrum at the iPro Stadium. Man-of-the-match Redmond, who turns 20
on Thursday, notched the winner to strengthen Gareth Southgate's team's grip
on top spot in Euro Under-21 Championship qualifying. But bad boy Morrison,
21, found himself back at the centre of controversy after 71 minutes when he
sulkily shook Southgate's hand when replaced by Will Hughes before storming
down the tunnel. Southgate said of the QPR loanee: "He lives for football
and he is disappointed probably not to get into the game as he would have
liked. "He had a tightness in his thigh, so we were never going to play him
for more than 60-65 minutes. I had a good chat with him after and he was
fine."
Having been named in the starting XI, Michael Keane was forced to pull out
before kick-off after the FA messed up his registration for the game with
Uefa.
After thrashing San Marino 9-0 in their last game, Southgate admitted this
was his team's "toughest task" to date and they "didn't flow" like in
previous matches. Wales should even have led on the hour-mark when Wes Burns
sped clean through only to drag his shot wide. They at least improved after
the break with Joe Walsh first almost diverting Saido Berahino's cross into
his own net and then Redmond seeing a devilish curler creep wide. But he
made no mistake from an almost identical position in the 56th minute when he
darted inside from the channel before driving a low shot inside the left
upright.
A string of decent chances went begging as Berahino, Tom Ince and substitute
Danny Ings all came close but in the end it proved enough.
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WHUFC.com
Jussi Jaaskelainen says West Ham United must kick-on after their recent run
of good form and results
05.03.2014
Jussi Jaaskelainen may not be in the starting XI at present, but the
experienced goalkeeper has still played his part in West Ham United's recent
improved form. The goalkeeper has recently seen Spaniard Adrian take his
place in Sam Allardyce's team, but the 38-year-old says the Hammers'
renaissance has been a real squad effort. With players returning from injury
and suspension, the intensity of training sessions has risen, resulting in a
run of five victories in the last eight Barclays Premier League matches.
Now, Jaaskelainen has challenged his squad-mates to maintain their charge up
the table and equal or better last season's tenth-place finish. "We have
turned the season around, but we need to keep going and try to finish as
high as we possibly can," said the No22, who has kept eight clean sheets in
18 league appearances this term. "For next season, we need to learn from
what we have done wrong this season. Things have gone a little bit against
us in certain parts of the season, but we've really bounced back so
hopefully we can finish high and can build on two successful seasons in the
coming years."
Jaaskelainen has won praise from goalkeeper coach Martyn Margetson and
team-mate Guy Demel for his reaction to being left out in recent weeks. The
goalkeeper has maintained an immaculate, professional approach to training
and preparation that has undoubtedly benefitted fellow goalkeeper Adrian.
"It's part and parcel of the way I'm thinking - I have been fortunate enough
to play for many years in the Premier League and at the start of this
season, so when you lose your place there is no point in sulking. "I am just
trying to work as hard as I can and to support Adrian in every possible way.
As I said, it's about how we finish the season as a team, not as
individuals. "It's a big team and hopefully, if I get one more chance, I
will try to to grab it and keep the shirt as long as I can. That's why I
keep working hard, because you never know what is happening in the future in
football."
Looking further forward, Jaaskelainen is sure to be in the running for the
Save of the Season at the 2013/14 Player Awards, which will take place on
Tuesday 6 May at the Grosvenor House Hotel on London's Park Lane. A year
ago, the Finn unsurprisingly took that trophy home with him, while also
being voted as runner-up for the Hammer of the Year award following an
outstanding first season at the Boleyn Ground. "It was a good evening, but
for me at the end of the day it's about the success of the team and it's
great that we've turned things around this season. We are doing well and
hopefully we can carry on the way we've been playing in the last six or
seven games. "Hopefully, we can finish as high as we did last season and we
can have a very good night at the Player Awards ceremony. "It was nice
because it was my first season here and obviously I wanted to carry on from
that. Obviously things change quickly in football, but you have to just keep
on working and hopefully get back in the team and get back playing."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
International round-up
WHUFC.com
James Collins scored as Wales defeated Iceland on Wednesday - check out how
all our international players fared
05.03.2014
James Collins scored for Wales as Chris Coleman's side began their
preparations for the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign with a 3-1 friendly win
over Iceland on Wednesday night. Collins netted Wales' first goal at the
Cardiff City Stadium, flicking home a Gareth Bale free-kick, only for an
Ashley Williams own goal to level matters before half-time. The Hammers No19
was withdrawn at the break, but goals from Sam Vokes and Bale ensured the
home side would claim victory against an Iceland outfit who only missed out
on this summer's World Cup finals due to a play-off defeat to Croatia. Jack
Collison came off the bench with 14 minutes left to play, as he played his
part in Wales seeing out the victory.
Pablo Armero played 66 minutes for Colombia in their 1-1 draw with Tunisia
at Espanyol's Estadi Cornella-El Prat in Barcelona. Monaco midfielder James
Rodriguez gave the South Americans the lead, but Tunisia levelled through
Bastia's Whabi Khazri as the game ended in stalemate.
West Ham's fourth player in senior international action on Wednesday was
Mohamed Diame, who skippered Senegal to a 1-1 draw against Mali in Paris.
Senegal lost out in World Cup qualifiying at the final stage, but took the
lead against Mali thanks to Sadio Mane of Red Bull Salzburg before Bordeaux
frontman Cheick Diabate levelled 12 minites from time.
At age group level, Ravel Morrison helped England U21 to another victory in
their 2015 UEFA U21 Championship qualification campaign. Nathan Redmond
scored the only goal to see off Wales at Derby County's Pride Park and keep
the Young Lions six points clear of second placed Moldova in their group,
Morrison, who is currently on loan at Queens Park Rangers, played 71
minutes as he gained his fourth cap at that level.
In the same competition, young Hammers goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel was an
unused substitute as Switzerland defeated Liechtenstein 5-1 in Thun. The
Swiss have gained 12 points from their six games to date and currently sit
three points behind group leaders Croatia.
Fellow defender Harney started as Northern Ireland U19s lost the first match
of their friendly double-header with Switzerland 3-0 in Belfast on Tuesday.
Robin Kamber of FC Basel put the Swiss in front on 19 minutes before
club-mate Cedric Itten doubled the lead 14 minutes from full-time. The
scoring was completed in added time by Lyon forward Kilian Pagliuca. The two
countries will square-off again in Dungannon on Thursday 6 March.
Academy defenders Reece Burke and Kyle Knoyle both started as England's
U18s' lost the first game of their own friendly double-header with Croatia
at St George's Park on Monday, going down 2-1. England were on top before
the break and were a whisker away from doubling the advantage when
Liverpool's Cameron Brannagan curled a shot just past the post. Croatia
turned the game on its head in the second half to claim the spoils thanks to
goal from Dinamo Zagreb's Marko Stolnik and Hadjuk Split's Nikola Vlasic.
The pair were unused substitutes as England suffered another loss by the
same scoreline to the same opponents on Wednesday.
Finally, Academy goalkeeper Sam Howes featured once in England U17s' three
matches at the Algarve Tournament in Portugal, starting a 2-2 draw with the
host nation on 28 February. England finished the tournament as runners-up.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
International round-up
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's international players are involved in a busy week of
action for their countries
05.03.2014
A host of West Ham United players are in action for their respective nations
during a busy week of international football at all levels. At senior level
James Collins, Jack Collison, Pablo Armero and Mohamed Diame all hope to
pull on their country's colours, while Ravel Morrison, Raphael Spiegel,
Jamie Harney, Reece Burke, Kyle Knoyle and Sam Howes are in age-group
action.
Four seniors could all be in friendly action on Wednesday 5 March. Collins
and Collison are in the Wales squad to face Iceland in Cardiff, Armero's
Colombia take on Tunisia in Barcelona and Diame's Senegal take on Mali in
Paris. Collins and Collison will hope to boost Chris Coleman's Wales after
they missed out on qualification for this summer's FIFA World Cup finals,
while opponents Iceland were edged out in a Play-Off by Croatia.
Armero will hope to cement his spot in José Pékerman's squad for Brazil
2014, having featured in all but one of Colombia's South American qualifiers
for the tournament.
Diame, meanwhile, will hope to erase the disappointment of an African
Play-Off defeat by Ivory Coast when Senegal take on their West African
neighbours in Saint-Leu La Forêt.
Morrison and Spiegel could both be in competitive action in UEFA European
U21 Championship qualfiers. Unbeaten England top Group 1 ahead of the visit
of third-place Wales to Derby County's Pride Park on 5 March, while
Spiegel's Switzerland are second in Group 5 ahead of their home fixture with
winless Liechtenstein in Thun on the same evening.
Fellow defender Harney started as Northern Ireland U19s lost the first match
of their friendly double-header with Switzerland 3-0 in Belfast on Tuesday.
Robin Kamber of FC Basel put the Swiss in front on 19 minutes before
club-mate Cedric Itten doubled the lead 14 minutes from full-time. The
scoring was completed in added time by Lyon forward Kilian Pagliuca. The two
countries will square-off again in Dungannon on Thursday 6 March.
Academy defenders Burke and Knoyle both started England's U18s' lost the
first game of their own friendly double-header with Croatia at St George's
Park on Monday, going down 2-1. England were on top before the break and
were a whisker away from doubling the advantage when Liverpool's Cameron
Brannagan curled a shot just past the post. Croatia turned the game on its
head in the second half to claim the spoils thanks to goal from Dinamo
Zagreb's Marko Stolnik and Hadjuk Split's Nikola Vlasic. The pair will meet
again at the same venue on Wednesday 5 March.
Finally, Academy goalkeeper Sam Howes featured once in England U17s' three
matches at the Algarve Tournament in Portugal, starting a 2-2 draw with the
host nation on 28 February. England finished the tournament as runners-up.
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The Big Interview - Jack Collison
WHUFC.com
The West Ham United midfielder is looking forward to returning to Wales duty
04.03.2014
Jack Collison returns to Wales duty for the first time since August 2013 on
Wednesday evening, when Chris Coleman's side take on Iceland in Cardiff. The
West Ham United No10 has great memories of playing at the Cardiff City
Stadium, having helped the Hammers to a Play-Off semi-final victory there in
May 2012, as well as a pair of other important league wins in recent
seasons. With Wales drawn alongside Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Israel,
Cyprus and Andorra in qualifying for the 24-nation 2016 UEFA European
Championship, the 25-year-old is hoping to represent his country at their
first major finals since the 1958 FIFA World Cup.
Jack, you have a big game with Wales to look forward to in the shape of an
international friendly with Iceland in Cardiff. I expect you are looking
forward to
pulling on the red shirt again?
JC: "Yeah, it's our first game since the group was drawn for Euro 2016, so
it'll be good to get together and obviously look ahead to the games we have
got in qualifying over the next 18 months or so. It's a great place to
start, at home against Iceland."
The Wales manager Chris Coleman has been quite bullish about your
qualification chances. Do you share his optimism?
JC: "Definitely. Especially with the players we have got, the boys who were
young and up and coming are starting to come into their own a little bit
now. They will be peaking over the next year or so. "Gareth Bale has gone on
to be an absolute superstar at Real Madrid and Aaron Ramsey has been
magnificent this season for Arsenal, while the likes of Sam Vokes has scored
about 20 goals this season in the Championship. It's a fantastic group of
players and, as Chris Coleman has already said, if he can get his team
together and everyone fit, I think we can give anyone a good game on the
night. "It's a very tricky group, as every group is, but you've got to fancy
your chances of doing as well as you can. We've got a nice start [away to
Andorra] and we'll look to build off that, really."
Iceland at home may not have been an attractive fixture a few years ago, but
they got to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Play-Offs and have a few players in the
top European leagues, so it should be a competitve game.
JC: "Everyone is looking forward to it. It's a nice chance for everyone to
meet up and, for me, I haven't had a Wales game in a while so it's good.
Even though it's a friendly, there's going to be a lot riding on it.
"The group for the Euros has been drawn, so it gets a bit more real. For
Wales, it's about qualifying for Euro 2016 and everything is geared towards
that.
Everyone will be looking to put in a good performance for the manager."
And, of course, you love playing at the Cardiff City Stadium...
JC: "Yes, we always seem to do well at Cardiff. Here at West Ham we got
another magnificent win there this season and it was nice to play a part in
that game. On a personal level, hopefully I'll get on the pitch and put in a
good performance."
Talking of West Ham, our recent positive run of results and lack of injuries
has led to a settled side and less opportunities for some players. Has that
been frustrating?
JC: "That's part and parcel of the game. If you look at the quality of our
squad, there are 22 outfield players and there is a lot of quality not even
making the bench, let alone the starting XI. There is a lot of competition
for places.
"The boys have been magnificent, so there has been no reason for the manager
to change it too much. They have got the shirts at the moment and, if they
keep producing, they deserve to keep them. "The likes of myself and others
are disappointed and are working hard in training so when that opportunity
comes, it's up to us to take it and keep hold of the shirt."
Our next Barclays Premier League game is at Stoke City, where you scored the
winner last season. So, it would be the perfect place to break into the side
and do it again!
JC: "Definitely! That win last year came at a very important time in the
season for us. We were down in 14th and had lost four of our previous five
league games and struggling a little bit, so the win was massive.
"The run we've been on, we'll look to go there and do the same again and get
the three points. It would be nice to get another clean sheet and keep
progressing, because we've been on a good run of form and want to keep
looking forward rather than behind us."
Just lastly, going back to international football, the England squad was
named for the friendly with Denmark but there were no places for West Ham
players.
Were you surprised?
JC: "When I looked at the squad, I was hoping one or two of our boys would
be in it. Obviously, Andy Carroll is desperate to be playing not just for
us, but for England.
"If you look beyond Andy, James Tomkins has been magnificent for us since he
has been in the side. We'd kept four clean sheets in five games before the
weekend and he's been fantastic.
"Mark Noble is what he is and I don't know if he can do much more. Not only
has he been our best player this season, but he's been the best player on
the pitch a lot of the time. For him, it must be disappointing, and for us
we want our players knocking on Roy Hodgson's door and making the England
squad.
"If you look at Southampton with four players in, it does show it is
possible for slightly smaller clubs to get there, so hopefully our lads will
keep doing well and, sooner or later, they will get their chance."
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U16s have their SPARQ measured
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U16s were put through a series of physical tests at Chadwell
Heath
05.03.2014
West Ham United U16s have been put through a series of physical tests at
Chadwell Heath. The Academy schoolboys were the latest age-group to undergo
the SPARQ tests - a standardised set of five components which will allow the
Club's coaching staff to measure each player's individual development. The
results of the five exercises - a 20-metre dash, kneeling power ball toss,
agility shuttle, a Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (beep test) and a
vertical jump - can be compared against other players from both within the
Acdemy and other Barclays Premier League clubs. Academy sports scientist
Josh Ewens (pictured) explained the value of SPARQ testing. "The Premier
League ask all the clubs in Categories 1 to 4 to do their SPARQ testing
twice a year," he said. "They are a battery of tests which you do and then
they feed back the data and averages for each age-group, so you can see
where you are as a Club. "It involves a 20-metre dash, an agility test on
the left and right side, a jump test to look at peak power, the ball toss
and the Yo-Yo intermittent test, so all of those things combine to give us a
good idea about a player's top speed, how good they are at changing
direction at speed and their endurance capacity."
The U16s were just the latest age-group to take part in the SPARQ tests,
with every year-group from U9s up to U18s taking part in some or all of the
components. We actually do a few of the tests with the Under-9s - not the
Yo-Yo - to give us an idea of where they are maturation-wise. Their size has
a big impact on the scores that they get. We do the tests right up to
Under-21 level."
The Academy will receive data from the Premier League covering all the clubs
involved in the SPARQ scheme, allowing Ewens and his colleagues to compare
and contrast West Ham's results with the average. "We don't get specific
numbers from individual clubs, but we do get the national averages from
different age-groups and different Academy categories, so we'll get the
Category 1 average and Category 2 average and so on. "Alongside that, we'll
get national records, which are always quite interesting to compare your own
results against."
So, just how beneficial are the results of SPARQ tests when it comes to
identifying a schoolboy footballer's chances of developing into a future
professional?
"The U18s and U21s wear GPS monitors in every training session and every
game, so that will tell us everything we need to know about them from a
physical point of view," explained Ewens. "With the younger players, from
U15s and downwards, it gives us something to go off in terms of where they
are on a broad level physically and how they have improved across the
season. "The tests are not particularly specific to football, so the results
have to be taken with a pinch of salt in that regard, but they do give us an
idea about where they are."
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Would you Adam n'Eve it?
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 5th March 2014
By: Staff Writer
Stoke's influential midfielder Charlie Adam has been ruled out o f West
Ham's visit to the Britannia Stadium next weekend after being handed a
three-match retrospectively. West Ham return to Premier League action
following the international break when they face the Potters at their
fiercely partisan home ground next weekend. However City will have to fare
without the former Liverpool midfielder, who was handed an instant
three-game ban today after an FA Panel decided to take retrospective action
following an incident in Stoke's clash with Arsenal last weekend. Adam was
found guilty of stamping on the ankle of Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud
during the match at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday, which Stoke won 1-0
courtesy of Jonathan Walters' second half penalty.
However the home side should have been down to ten men before Walters had
the chance to score with Adam's offence occurring well before the game's
only goal was scored. The decision to punish Adam retrospectively will leave
many Hammers fans scratching their heads after Chico Flores escaped
scot-free when feigning injury in order to get Andy Carroll sent off in the
West Ham v Swansea clash last month.
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Ravel Morrison says playing in Championship is tough
Last Updated: 05/03/14 1:24pm
SSN
On-loan QPR midfielder Ravel Morrison says the Sky Bet Championship is
actually a lot harder in some ways than the Premier League. The West Ham
man, who had a spell on loan with Birmingham last season, is back in the
second tier after making a temporary switch to QPR. Morrison, who made his
home debut for Rangers in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Leeds, said: "It's
very different to the Premier League. "I actually think it's a lot harder in
some respects. You get a lot more time on the ball in the Premier League.
"In the Championship you don't get much time on the ball and you have to
make decisions very quickly."
Having fallen out of favour at Upton Park following an impressive start to
the season, Morrison is hoping Rangers boss Harry Redknapp can help get his
career back on track. "I think it's pretty obvious that he's a really good
manager," added the 21-year-old. "From what I can tell, he is one that looks
after his players. I'm just hoping he can get the best out of me."
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Ravel Morrison throws tantrum as England Under-21s see off Wales in Euro
qualifying
Mar 05, 2014 22:43 By Brendan McLoughlin The Mirror
Nathan Redmond finished life as a teenager on a high - as Ravel Morrison
threw a tantrum at the iPro Stadium. Man-of-the-match Redmond, who turns 20
on Thursday, notched the winner to strengthen Gareth Southgate's team's grip
on top spot in Euro Under-21 Championship qualifying. But bad boy Morrison,
21, found himself back at the centre of controversy after 71 minutes when he
sulkily shook Southgate's hand when replaced by Will Hughes before storming
down the tunnel. Southgate said of the QPR loanee: "He lives for football
and he is disappointed probably not to get into the game as he would have
liked. "He had a tightness in his thigh, so we were never going to play him
for more than 60-65 minutes. I had a good chat with him after and he was
fine."
Having been named in the starting XI, Michael Keane was forced to pull out
before kick-off after the FA messed up his registration for the game with
Uefa.
After thrashing San Marino 9-0 in their last game, Southgate admitted this
was his team's "toughest task" to date and they "didn't flow" like in
previous matches. Wales should even have led on the hour-mark when Wes Burns
sped clean through only to drag his shot wide. They at least improved after
the break with Joe Walsh first almost diverting Saido Berahino's cross into
his own net and then Redmond seeing a devilish curler creep wide. But he
made no mistake from an almost identical position in the 56th minute when he
darted inside from the channel before driving a low shot inside the left
upright.
A string of decent chances went begging as Berahino, Tom Ince and substitute
Danny Ings all came close but in the end it proved enough.
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Wednesday, March 5
Daily WHUFC News - 5th March 2014
Demel's still looking up
WHUFC.com
West Ham United defender Guy Demel remains focused on helping the Hammers
stay in the top half
04.03.2014
Guy Demel is staying positive despite West Ham United's late defeat at
Everton on Saturday. On loan Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku struck with just
nine minutes to play to end the Hammers' five-game unbeaten run. But the
No20 felt his side could have come away with a point after once again
defending solidly, and his eyes remain on the top half of the Barclays
Premier League table. He explained: "Of course there is still work to be
done, it's the Premier League so every game is going to be tough. Even top
teams are losing points, that's why everyone wants to play in this league,
and we have to fight in every game.
"We're still looking up rather than down, we're positive. We knew that when
we were down, we could get ourselves out of the situation - we did that and
now we have to make sure we stay away from there. "It's been good to have a
settled back line, and we've been lucky in the last few games that everyone
is fit. It's easier when you play every week with the same defence, but we
have a great squad. "We have people like Winston Reid, who is a great
defender. Joey O'Brien too, but this season we haven't had a settled defence
until recently, with so many injuries."
For Demel, Saturday's game was a tough one given that he only returned to
training the day before the match following a bout of tonsilitis. He
continued: "I had a fever. On Monday the doc came because I had a high
temperature and my glands were swollen. I stayed at home for a couple of
days, came back on Thursday and joined in on Friday. "It's not easy when
you're taking antibiotics, but no excuses, I tried my best on the pitch. I
was kind of disappointed because I had to leave my teammates on the pitch."
Behind the Ivorian and his defensive colleagues, Adrian has only conceded
two goals in six games, and Demel believes he is being pushed on by Jussi
Jaaskelainen behind him. He added: "Adrian is a very good goalkeeper, but I
don't want people to forget that Jussi was outstanding last year. If Adrian
plays well, people should know it's because he has Jussi in the back, who
helped him to integrate. "But yes, he's a good goalkeeper, we're happy for
him and I'm sure that the West Ham fans will see a lot more from him. We're
kind of lucky because we have two great goalkeepers."
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ARE WE ABOUT TO LOSE THE MOST PROMISING YOUNGSTER AT THE CLUB?
By S J Chandos 4 Mar 2014 at 08:30
West Ham Till I Die
There was a disturbing report in yesterday's Sports Mail that the we could
be on the verge of losing the most promising youngster at the club.
Apparently, Elliott Lee is in the final year of his current contract and
negotiations over a new deal have allegedly stalled. If there is no progress
in those contract talks then Lee will become a free agent this summer, with
a transfer fee being set by the Professional Football Compensation Committee
(PFCC). And, of course, it is easy to draw a comparison with the situation
of highly prized former starlet, Robert Hall, who last season ran down his
Hammers contract and subsequently joined Bolton Wanderers, with the PFCC
setting a fee of just £450,00.
Elliott Lee is undoubtedly an excellent striking prospect, this being
underlined this season by his record of 8 goals in 13 matches for the U-21
Development Squad. And it is thought that a number of other clubs are
actively monitoring his situation. Lee made his first team debut as a 78th
minute substitute in the FA Cup 3rd round away replay, against Man Utd, on
16 January 2013, in a 1-0 defeat. He followed that up with his Premier
League debut, as a substitute in a 0-1 home defeat to Stoke City, on 31
August 2013. Further first team opportunities have been scarce. And on 22
October 2013, Lee went out on a one month loan to Colchester Utd, where he
played made four appearances and scored one goal.
The emergence of this worrying report begs some pertinent questions. Namely,
has Elliott Lee decided that his career prospects are better off elsewhere;
does he not rate his chances of breaking in to the first team with the
currently preferred tactics/formation; or will this ultimately prove to be
an inaccurate report? Time will tell, but we should keep a careful eye on
developments. Following on from the lack of current first team opportunities
for our youngsters, the continual loan deals and the cynical sacrifice of a
youthful team at Notts Forrest, the loss of an outstanding prospect like Lee
would only reaffirm the perception that a negative direction of journey is
underway. West Ham have a proud heritage of producing its own talent, but
that tradition appears to be presently under threat. Much as it concerns and
saddens me to say it, this increasingly seems to be the unavoidable
conclusion to be drawn.
Lets hope that both the story and this conclusion proves erroneous. It would
certainly be interesting to hear how the Academy figures in the board's
plans and strategies for the future of the club. The club have made the
right noises in the past, but one might well ask where is the follow
through, where are the concrete outputs? Is the Academy of English Football
under threat, as we continue to base our first team plans predominantly on
the acquisition of a succession of 30 somethings? And will it all be
executed in the name of expediency and the cut throat nature of Premier
League survival?
SJ. Chandos.
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WHUFC.com
West Ham United defender Guy Demel remains focused on helping the Hammers
stay in the top half
04.03.2014
Guy Demel is staying positive despite West Ham United's late defeat at
Everton on Saturday. On loan Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku struck with just
nine minutes to play to end the Hammers' five-game unbeaten run. But the
No20 felt his side could have come away with a point after once again
defending solidly, and his eyes remain on the top half of the Barclays
Premier League table. He explained: "Of course there is still work to be
done, it's the Premier League so every game is going to be tough. Even top
teams are losing points, that's why everyone wants to play in this league,
and we have to fight in every game.
"We're still looking up rather than down, we're positive. We knew that when
we were down, we could get ourselves out of the situation - we did that and
now we have to make sure we stay away from there. "It's been good to have a
settled back line, and we've been lucky in the last few games that everyone
is fit. It's easier when you play every week with the same defence, but we
have a great squad. "We have people like Winston Reid, who is a great
defender. Joey O'Brien too, but this season we haven't had a settled defence
until recently, with so many injuries."
For Demel, Saturday's game was a tough one given that he only returned to
training the day before the match following a bout of tonsilitis. He
continued: "I had a fever. On Monday the doc came because I had a high
temperature and my glands were swollen. I stayed at home for a couple of
days, came back on Thursday and joined in on Friday. "It's not easy when
you're taking antibiotics, but no excuses, I tried my best on the pitch. I
was kind of disappointed because I had to leave my teammates on the pitch."
Behind the Ivorian and his defensive colleagues, Adrian has only conceded
two goals in six games, and Demel believes he is being pushed on by Jussi
Jaaskelainen behind him. He added: "Adrian is a very good goalkeeper, but I
don't want people to forget that Jussi was outstanding last year. If Adrian
plays well, people should know it's because he has Jussi in the back, who
helped him to integrate. "But yes, he's a good goalkeeper, we're happy for
him and I'm sure that the West Ham fans will see a lot more from him. We're
kind of lucky because we have two great goalkeepers."
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ARE WE ABOUT TO LOSE THE MOST PROMISING YOUNGSTER AT THE CLUB?
By S J Chandos 4 Mar 2014 at 08:30
West Ham Till I Die
There was a disturbing report in yesterday's Sports Mail that the we could
be on the verge of losing the most promising youngster at the club.
Apparently, Elliott Lee is in the final year of his current contract and
negotiations over a new deal have allegedly stalled. If there is no progress
in those contract talks then Lee will become a free agent this summer, with
a transfer fee being set by the Professional Football Compensation Committee
(PFCC). And, of course, it is easy to draw a comparison with the situation
of highly prized former starlet, Robert Hall, who last season ran down his
Hammers contract and subsequently joined Bolton Wanderers, with the PFCC
setting a fee of just £450,00.
Elliott Lee is undoubtedly an excellent striking prospect, this being
underlined this season by his record of 8 goals in 13 matches for the U-21
Development Squad. And it is thought that a number of other clubs are
actively monitoring his situation. Lee made his first team debut as a 78th
minute substitute in the FA Cup 3rd round away replay, against Man Utd, on
16 January 2013, in a 1-0 defeat. He followed that up with his Premier
League debut, as a substitute in a 0-1 home defeat to Stoke City, on 31
August 2013. Further first team opportunities have been scarce. And on 22
October 2013, Lee went out on a one month loan to Colchester Utd, where he
played made four appearances and scored one goal.
The emergence of this worrying report begs some pertinent questions. Namely,
has Elliott Lee decided that his career prospects are better off elsewhere;
does he not rate his chances of breaking in to the first team with the
currently preferred tactics/formation; or will this ultimately prove to be
an inaccurate report? Time will tell, but we should keep a careful eye on
developments. Following on from the lack of current first team opportunities
for our youngsters, the continual loan deals and the cynical sacrifice of a
youthful team at Notts Forrest, the loss of an outstanding prospect like Lee
would only reaffirm the perception that a negative direction of journey is
underway. West Ham have a proud heritage of producing its own talent, but
that tradition appears to be presently under threat. Much as it concerns and
saddens me to say it, this increasingly seems to be the unavoidable
conclusion to be drawn.
Lets hope that both the story and this conclusion proves erroneous. It would
certainly be interesting to hear how the Academy figures in the board's
plans and strategies for the future of the club. The club have made the
right noises in the past, but one might well ask where is the follow
through, where are the concrete outputs? Is the Academy of English Football
under threat, as we continue to base our first team plans predominantly on
the acquisition of a succession of 30 somethings? And will it all be
executed in the name of expediency and the cut throat nature of Premier
League survival?
SJ. Chandos.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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