Potts honest in defeat
WHUFC.com
Dan Potts admits his side's performance wasn't up to scratch in their defeat
against Blackburn
13.04.2014
Dan Potts offered an honest assessment of his side's performance after
captaining the Development Squad in their 1-0 defeat against Blackburn
Rovers at Rush Green on Friday afternoon. The young Hammers went down to a
single goal which arrived just after the hour mark and proved too much for
the home side to claw back. The decisive strike by Potts' opposite number
Darragh Lenihan stemmed from a Rovers' free-kick, and the defender felt his
side hadn't done enough to warrant a different outcome. He told West Ham TV:
"I'm very disappointed," he explained. "We came into the game wanting to get
the three points and the win. "We felt that being at home and coming off the
defeat at Bolton, we definitely felt that we would come here and give it our
best shot to get the three points. "Saying that, I don't think we played
particularly well and I don't think we really deserved the three points. The
next best thing would have been the 0-0 and to come away with a point, but
we let ourselves down at a set-piece and that's the way the game ended."
The manner of the goal was particularly galling for Potts and the rest of
the defence with the defining moment coming from a set-piece. Potts had
marshalled the defence well up to that point, but was left to rue how the
winning goal came about. "Playing at the back you pride yourself on clean
sheets, so the disappointing thing from my point of view was that we
conceded from a set-piece. "They came here, had good shape about them and
played on the counter attack. Obviously it's frustrating for us and we've
got to have the know-how and the ability to break that down, which I believe
we have got. "Full credit to them. They came here with a game plan and their
game plan worked better than ours. They're going home with the three points
and we're going home thinking about what-ifs and what we could have done to
get the three points ourselves."
Defeat dents the Hammers' hopes of finishing in the top half of the Barclays
Under-21 Premier League table as they bid to secure a top-eleven finish for
when the league splits into two divisions next season. The U21s travel north
to play Sunderland on Thursday in their final match of the league season,
and Potts has targeted nothing less than a win against the Mackems. "The
emphasis is on Sunderland next week for sure. We'll regroup after this and
then we'll be going up to Sunderland to come back with the three points like
Blackburn have today. "After this, the emphasis definitely has to be on
trying to come away from Sunderland with something. "The lads know their
games, they know their strengths and I think you can see that when we all
play to our individual strengths, that it's a good group and a good changing
room. "Off the ball as well when everyone works hard for each other its
shows and nine times out of ten we come away with the result that we're
looking for. Hopefully it will be one of those performances."
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Noble craves top ten finish
WHUFc.com
Mark Noble wants three points at Arsenal to edge closer to the top ten
13.04.2014
Mark Noble believes the Hammers can edge closer to the top ten with victory
at Arsenal on Tuesday. The Gunners reached the FA Cup final on Saturday, but
Noble says the Hammers possess the ability and self-belief to pull off a
shock result at the Emirates Stadium. He thought the performance in defeat
to league leaders Liverpool merited more and if they put in a similar
display they will be rewarded. "Against Liverpool we put in one of the best
first halves we've played this season," he said. "We were unlucky to lose
the game with a penalty that wasn't, but it was nice to go out there knowing
we were near on safe and could enjoy it. "I thought that showed and
hopefully we can get the same attitude on Tuesday. "Our aim since the start
of the season has been to at least match last year's finish. "We didn't have
the best of starts, we know that, but since Christmas we've really dug in
and put the points on the board. That's what has made us half-safe now.
"There's five games left that we need to get points from and come tenth
again."
Noble spent some time at Arsenal at the very start of his development and he
has fond memories of going back to north London and winning in the 2006/07
campaign. He added "I was at Arsenal as a young kid before I went to West
Ham and they probably did develop me as a player a bit. I've won there once
before during the great escape we had and who says we can't do it again?"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsenal v West Ham
KO 19:45
13 April 2014
Last updated at 19:11
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Emirates Stadium Date: Tuesday, 15 April
TEAM NEWS
Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud looks set to be recalled after beginning
their FA Cup semi-final win over Wigan on the bench. Wojciech Szczesny is
also expected to return in goal, with Aaron Ramsey continuing after his
recent injury.
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce must decide whether to change the side beaten
2-1 by Liverpool last time out. Matt Jarvis, Joe Cole, Antonio Nocerino and
Roger Johnson are amongst those pushing for a recall.
MATCH PREVIEW
Buoyed by a place in this year's FA Cup final, albeit on penalties following
their unconvincing performance against Championship side and 2013 winners
Wigan, Arsenal face a crucial London derby against West Ham looking to end a
four-match winless league run. A much-needed victory would see the Gunners
regain the final Champions League qualifying place from Everton for 24 hours
at least. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said: "The win (Wigan) will
rebuild the confidence which was very jaded, I'm confident we will respond
well. It will give us a target for the end of the season and it allows us to
focus on the Premier League in a more serene way. "We had the nerve and the
mental strength that has been questioned recently, that's why I'm happy they
gave that response.
FA Cup penalty shoot-out hero Lukasz Fabianski added: "It picks up the club
and the fans, it gives us more belief that we can manage first of all to
finish in the top four, and then hopefully to win the final. West Ham have
had nine days to prepare for this fixture and Sam Allardyce's side will
almost certainly be prepared and up for the challenge of putting Wenger's
men further under the microscope. Hammers defender Roger Johnson was part of
the Birmingham City side that upset Arsenal in the 2011 League Cup final. He
has reflected on the Gunners' unpredictability this season. "I do think
they're very beatable, as we saw the other day against Everton. "Yes, we'll
be underdogs because we're playing Arsenal at Arsenal, but look at the
Liverpool game (earlier this month). They are top of the league and I
thought we matched them all over really and should have come out of the game
with a result."
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Arsenal have won six successive league matches against West Ham and are
unbeaten in the last 12 meetings in all competitions since a 1-0 home defeat
in April 2007.
West Ham's only goal in their last five visits to the Emirates Stadium was
scored by Jack Collison in a 5-1 defeat last season.
Arsenal
The Gunners have only taken two points from their last four matches. They
have not gone five league games without a win since registering five
successive draws in January and February 2009.
Arsene Wenger's side have gone 15 home games unbeaten in the league since
the opening-day defeat by Aston Villa.
They have earned more points than any other side this season after opening
the scoring: 55 from 20 games.
West Ham
The Hammers have won seven of their last 13 league fixtures, having only
triumphed in three of the previous 20.
They have dropped 17 points from winning positions. Only Southampton (18
points) have fared worse.
West Ham's tally of 13 clean sheets is bettered only by Chelsea.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM DEVELOPMENT SQUAD INJURIES
By Sean Whetstone 13 Apr 2014 at 08:25
West Ham Till I Die
Our West Ham Development Squad lost to bottom of the table Blackburn Rovers
at Friday lunchtime despite drafting Joe Cole in to their depeated squad.
Blackburn U21"s have only managed two wins all season until their victory on
Friday.
Striker Jaanai Gordon, our £3.5m investment from Peterborough is out for the
the rest of the season with a hamstring injury; he previously suffered from
a groin injury and broke his leg while at Peterborough. He has managed just
two development squad appearances since signing at the beginning of January
with no goals as yet.
Elliot Lee who has recently signed a new two and a half year contract
extension is also out the rest of the season with an ankle ligament injury.
Lee has made 14 appearances this season scoring 8 goals. Leo Chambers who
has played 13 times this season is also missing with a muscle tear.
Dylan Tombides remains unavailable due to a relapse of his testicular
cancer. Pelly Ruddock was sold to Luton in January for a nominal fee after
making 10 appearances and scoring two goals for the dev squad this season
and Abdul Razak was released after after 4 weeks after an unsuccessful loan
period. Blair Turgott, George Moncurr, Sean Maquire and Paul Mccallum remain
unavailable as they are all out on loan until the end of the season.
The U21 side have slipped down to 9th in the Barclays U21 Premier League
table Liverpool top the table followed by Fulham, Southampton and Chelsea.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Same old story in Emirates test
Posted by Peter Thorne
ESPN
Sam Allardyce's West Ham face FA Cup finalists Arsenal on Tuesday night. The
inevitability of the comment was such that I was actually sitting waiting
for it. Sure enough, the little epithet duly arrived from the TV commentator
during the first half of the extra 30 minutes of Saturday evening's FA cup
semi-final between Arsenal and Wigan: "The only person likely to be happy
with extra time is Sam Allardyce, whose West Ham United play Arsenal on
Tuesday evening".
If only things were that simple.
There's no doubt that the penalty shoot-out pressure would have taken
something out of the Arsenal squad, but it's equally likely that the boost
in overcoming Wigan Athletic and making an FA Cup final -- that they are now
confidently expected to win -- will revitalize a Gunners side that had
seemed to have run out of steam in the last few weeks. The promise of a cup
final will surely provide an incentive that will see them as difficult to
beat as ever. For although the Hammers have provided Arsenal with a good
number of shocks over the years -- last team to win at the old Highbury,
first to win at the Emirates and, of course, that win back in 1980 -- all
too often the north London side, who can call on better players in a larger
squad, have bested the Upton Park outfit quite considerably. There have been
one or two defeats over the past few years that have figured among the
season's worst results for the Hammers.
I'd imagine Allardyce would have gleefully noted how Arsenal struggled to
break down a resolute Wigan team and have hopes of emulating that, but even
with the pressure off in the relegation dogfight -- although not
mathematically safe, Swansea and Aston Villa would seem to be the teams now
looking over their shoulder -- the Hammers would view even a point as a good
result against a team still trying to make sure of Champions League
qualification.
Normally at this stage of the season supporters would be hoping to see one
or two new faces coming in from the development squad but -- true to form --
it's good to see the injury crisis that regularly strikes the senior squad
is burgeoning at youth level too. It's comforting to know that youngsters
are being shown only too well what is likely to happen if they go all the
way in their careers at Upton Park.
Striker Jaanai Gordon, bought from Peterborough earlier this campaign, is
out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury while Elliot Lee, who
has just signed a new two-and-a-half year contract extension, has also been
ruled out for the campaign with ankle ligament problems. Elsewhere, Leo
Chambers has a muscle tear, while others considered on the edge of the
squad: George Moncur, Paul McCallum, Blair Turgott and Sean Maguire are all
out on loan until the end of the season.
So, don't expect too many surprises at the Emirates; Big Sam will set the
team up to defend in depth, hit on the break and try to disrupt the Gunners
rhythm in midfield. In other words: same old, same old. Ironically, the only
question will actually be: have Arsenal's semi-final exploits taken anything
out of the team?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Taylor: I started at Luton cleaning the toilets. Now teaching the next
generation of youngsters has made me a better player
By LAURIE WHITWELL
PUBLISHED: 22:34, 13 April 2014 | UPDATED: 22:34, 13 April 2014
Daily Mail
On a bitterly cold night there are plenty of ways Matt Taylor might choose
to keep warm. But rather than putting the slippers on in front of the fire
he is out on the training pitches, coaching what he hopes are the next batch
of professional footballers to come through Luton's academy. 'What we're
working on tonight is playing out from the back in the right way,' he says,
breath visible amid the darkness as he surveys the Under 15s side. 'It's
great for me because it's opened my eyes to a different side of football.
'It would be nice to pass on some of my knowledge. When you're doing a
session and can take 15 seconds to practise what you preach – that is a big
thing.' This, Barnfield College, is the place Taylor started his career,
first under Lennie Lawrence then Joe Kinnear, and where he has turned for a
future beyond playing.
'By no means am I near finishing,' he insists. 'I still feel as fit as ever.
What I want to do is to give myself options. I want to be able to make the
progression from playing into whatever it is a smooth one.' He completed his
Level Two coaching badge in 2011 and is enrolled on the UEFA B course that
starts the day after the final match of the season. Taylor, 32, is enjoying
a renaissance at West Ham, selected by Sam Allardyce in central midfield
alongside Mark Noble for 10 of the past 11 Premier League matches which have
yielded 19 points. Their partnership has been key to the club's rise from
18th to 11th since securing the 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge that brought
Jose Mourinho's barbs about nineteenth-century football. 'You can't go to
Chelsea and outplay them at their game. That's suicide,' says Taylor. 'Eden
Hazard and Willian are unbelievable footballers, but they tend to come in
the pitch rather than stay out wide so we believed we could frustrate them
by playing narrow. The manager gave us a very good game plan. 'The reaction
in the dressing room afterwards was fantastic. It gave us the kick to pick
up four consecutive wins.'
Rather than distract from the fight against relegation, he feels the
coaching at Luton, which began last year, has improved him as a player,
offering him a wider picture and greater understanding of the game. His
commitment is underlined by the weekly sessions he puts on whatever the
weather. He also manages matches at the weekend when he can. Having a
current Premier League footballer teach a young group is unusual and
certainly seems to add extra impetus. Taylor was just a year older than the
boys he is overseeing when he signed his first forms at Luton and he can
reflect on how times have changed.
'My education through football was very different to the way that players
now are educated,' he says. 'We never used to leave the training ground till
5 o' clock every day. We would train in the morning, have some lunch, then
do all of our jobs. 'The worst job was cleaning the toilets in the away team
dressing room. At Luton the young pros changed in there then travelled. They
didn't have a huge amount of respect, as you can imagine. 'Bullied is
completely the wrong word, but you knew the hierarchy. At that age you dared
not look at the first team players. They would leave the dressing room in a
right mess. 'But as a 16-year-old that responsibility was a good thing. The
further up the pyramid you go it really makes you appreciate how anything
you can think of is done for you.
'It was different back then, but so was a lot of life – you have to move
with the times.' Taylor is one of a number of Luton graduates to play in the
top-flight. Jack Wilshere spent time there before joining Arsenal, while
Curtis Davies and Kelvin Davis are others. Taylor left Luton for Portsmouth
in 2002 with a tribunal setting a £750,000 transfer fee, leading his
then-manager Kinnear to remark that 'at least Dick Turpin had the decency to
wear a mask.' It was a move made to step up in level rather than earnings –
the contract offer was the same as at Kennilworth Road – and Taylor can take
Kinnear's words as a compliment.
Harry Redknapp had a similar air of authority at Portsmouth – but also an
ability to squeeze every last drop from ageing acquisitions. 'He is an
exceptional man manager and gets the best out of players. He did it umpteen
times at Portsmouth, signing players who others thought were past it.'
Taylor has picked up things from all he has played for, including Sam
Allardyce. 'If you ask Sam a question you get an honest answer, you can't
beat honesty in football.
'His job was under scrutiny from outside the club when we were in the
relegation zone but the chairmen stuck by him. It's a decision that's proved
invaluable.' It was at Portsmouth that Taylor made his name, scoring two
wonder goals that remain a couple of the purest strikes seen in the Premier
League. There was a thunderous hit from 45-yards at the Stadium of Light in
October 2005, then an even more audacious volley from just outside the
centre-circle at Fratton Park against Everton in December 2006. 'Kanu
flicked it up and it was just one of those instinctive things. I thought,
"Why not?" I hit it and it flew in. It could have easily ended up in Row Z
and people would have said, "What on earth is he doing?" It is a memory that
will stick with me for the rest of my life. 'The Sunderland one I went for
because there was nothing else on. I put a bit of bend on it, outside of the
foot. I can't do Ronaldo stepovers but what I have been blessed with is an
ability to strike the ball nicely.' Taylor also holds the rather surprising
record of having scored at Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge, Anfield and the
Emirates during his career – a feat few can match.
Outside of the game he is in the early stages of setting up a branch of
Arundel Wealth to help young players with financial advice. 'Large sums of
money now are being bandied around in the Premier League and there are
people out there who are not as honest as you might think,' he says. 'I had
good advice throughout my career and I would like others to have that same
opportunity.' At home he is raising three children under the age of eight
with his wife Hannah, his childhood sweetheart from Oxford. But it is the
youngsters on the pitch under his guidance tonight. 'These boys have got
more attitude than my kids at the moment,' he laughs. 'Although that's quite
good fun, they've got a little bit about them. I really enjoy it.'
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Daily WHUFC News - 13th April 2014
Hammers host Gridiron stars
WHUFC.com
West Ham United played host to Indianapolis Colts pair Andrew Luck and Coby
Fleener
12.04.2014
West Ham United were visited by two of world's biggest football stars
recently, but the vast majority of fans did not even know they were here!
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck and tight end Coby Fleener were
guests of the Hammers for the Barclays Premier League fixture with
Liverpool. American footballers Luck, who stands 6'4", and close friend and
former Stanford University team-mate Fleener, 6'6", are both enthusiastic
fans of what Americans commonly call soccer. Luck, who spent part of his
childhood living in west London, and Fleener thoroughly enjoyed their first
visit to the Boleyn Ground, asking countless questions about the team, the
history of the Club and the Hammers' upcoming move to the Olympic Stadium.
"I love soccer, or I will try to refer it as football!" smiled the
24-year-old quarterback, who was the No1 pick in the 2012 NFL draft and has
led the Colts to the Play-Offs in each of his first two seasons as a
professional. "I love playing it and love watching it and it's definitely
getting a lot of popularity in the States as well. I have been to a bunch of
MLS games and watched Robbie Keane and David Beckham play, but it's nice to
be over here and be a fan. It's fun for us to play [American football] but
it's also fun for us to watch and be fans of sports. "My Dad was working
over here for the NFL and growing up I remember going to Arsenal and Crystal
Palace games, but this is my first trip out to West Ham, so we're very
excited and happy that you had us to visit."
Aside from living in London, Luck also spent part of his upbringing in
Texas, where he father served as President and General Manager of the MLS
franchise Houston Dynamo. While Illinois native Fleener has no historical
links with soccer like his friend, the 25-year-old has quickly been educated
in the nuances of the sport by Luck. "Andrew has definitely been the driving
force behind my love of the game," said Fleener. "He has shown me the way as
to how to be a fan and this is my first time out here to watch a game, so
I'm excited!" While American football has big hits, touchdowns and timeouts,
soccer is a continuous, fast-flowing game with fewer goals - or points -
scored, so what do the two NFL giants like so much about the beautiful game?
"For me, I'm interested in seeing fans because they are so passionate about
their team, their home base and where they are from," Fleener revealed.
"That, to me, is the most exciting thing about soccer. "I catch games in the
States every once in a while. As Andrew said, the sport is growing in
popularity so with football and 'football' together, there is always
something on TV."
Neither player has a favourite team, with Luck instead choosing to follow
the American players in the Barclays Premier League, but Fleener admitted he
could well become a Hammer. "I think there's a good chance of that
happening, absolutely!" confirmed the No80. While the Barclays Premier
League season is approaching its conclusion, Luck and Fleener and their
fellow American footballers are currently resting their bodies ahead of the
start of the 2014 NFL season in early September. The Colts have reached the
Play-Offs in eleven of the previous 12 years, defeating the Chicago Bears in
Super Bowl XLI in 2006 and losing to the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl
XLIV in 2009. Both of those games were played prior to Luck and Fleener's
arrival in Indianapolis, however, and the pair are now eager to write their
own names into the Colts illustrious history books. "Hopefully we're going
to win a Super Bowl!" said Luck, who was in London to host a Skills Camp at
The Soccerdome in North Greenwich. "We hope to improve and I think we have
great pieces, with a bunch of great young players and some veteran
leadership. "We hope this can be our year, but every team is saying the same
thing in the off-season."
As a tight end, Fleener fulfils one of the few positions on the offense
where he can both defend as a blocker and attack by catching passes thrown
by his quarterback - a bit like a central midfielder in soccer. He knows he
has an important role to play if the Colts are to match Luck's ambition by
winning Super Bowl XLIX in February 2015. "It's always my goal to be the No1
tight end, but more importantly for me it's about winning for the team, for
the organisation and for the fans back home. "Just as the West Ham players
give their all for the fans around them, that's the same for what we try to
do for the Colts. There's always a chance for us to win the Super Bowl, but
there is a lot of work to be done before we know if that's going to be an
option for us."
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U18s suffer City setback
WHUFC.com
West Ham United went down 3-0 at Manchester City in the Barclays U18 Premier
League
12.04.2014
West Ham United went down to a 3-0 defeat at Manchester City in the Barclays
U18 Premier League on Saturday. The Hammers' South Division title hopes took
a major blow as the North Division leaders proved too strong at Platt Lane,
where goals from Thierry Ambrose, Brandon Barker and Kean Bryan settled
matters. Defeat leaves West Ham three points behind leaders Tottenham
Hotspur, with three home matches remaining. Despite their loss, Steve Potts'
side remain in the hunt for top spot as Spurs lost 1-0 at Manchester United
on Saturday. It could have been different if West Ham forward Marcio Martins
had not been denied early on, when home goalkeeper Billy O'Brien thrust out
a hand to divert his shot around the post. Ambrose's opener came on 12
minutes when he headed in Tosin Adarabioyo's flick-on from a corner. West
Ham came back into things after falling behind, with Kieran Bywater firing a
free-kick narrowly over the crossbar and Denziel Boadu hitting the post for
City shortly before the half-hour mark. Into the second half and Reece Burke
was penalised for a foul inside the West Ham penalty area, allowing Barker
to fire past Tim Brown from the spot after 58 minutes. The hosts' third came
on 71 minutes, when substitute Bryan ran through the defence and finished
accurately past Brown. West Ham return to action on Wednesday 16 April, when
they welcome West Bromwich Albion to Little Heath for a 12noon kick-off.
Highlights of Saturday's defeat at Manchester City will be available to
watch on West Ham TV shortly.
U18s: T.Brown, Pike, Mavila, Nasha, Burke, Onariase, Amoo, Makasi, Martins,
Bywater, Parfitt-Williams
Subs not used: Diangana, Nemrava, Bailey, Marlow, Akinola
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM IN TALKS WITH JEREMY MENEZ AND JOSIP DRMIC
By Sean Whetstone 12 Apr 2014 at 08:06
West Ham Till I Die
News has broken in the past 24 hours that West Ham United are in talks with
FC Nurnberg striker Josip Drmic.
The Daily Mail claim Sam Allardyce will fly to Germany today to take a
closer look at the 21 year old swiss striker. Drmic is also been linked with
Arsenal, Liverpool and Everton along with Borussia Dortmund who are claimed
to have made an enquiry this week according to the Daily Mail.
The Swiss international, has scored 16 goals in 28 games this season. The
player is valued at £8million by his club although he is believed to have a
£4.5 million buy out clause. Former Germany captain Lothar Matthaus claimed
the player was house hunting in London and that he was Arsenal-bound this
summer. But Drmic replied: 'At the moment I am single and there is no one
house hunting in London.'
I understand West Ham are not best pleased that their interest in him has
been leaked.
Another West Ham target which has emerged is Paris St Germain's Jeremy Menez
as revealed by WHTID author EXWHUEmployee on twitter yesterday.
His contract runs out at the end of the season and he has started just six
league games for the Ligue 1 side this season. He has refused to sign a new
contract.The winger has admitted he is uncertain of his future in France
saying: "We talked about an extension, but it was not sorted out. "I have
three months remaining on my contract at PSG, we will see what will happen
at the end of the" I understand West Ham representatives will fly out to
speak to his agent.
In other early transfer talk Talksport claimed yesterday that West Ham are
close to a deal with Leed's striker Ross McCormack. I understand that one is
far from true and not even on extended list of transfer targets. The Phil
Bardsley rumour does appear to have some legs and I am told he is on the
fabled long list but one of many targets.
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REMEMBERING BOBBY MOORE'S BIRTHDAY GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
By Sean Whetstone 12 Apr 2014 at 18:00
West Ham Till I Die
If Bobby Moore had survived his fight with cancer he would of turned 73
today. The barking born boy played over 500 times for the Hammers as well as
being capped 108 times for England. He may be gone but he is not forgotten.
Many happy returns Mooro!
Robert Frederick Chelsea Moore was born in Baking on 12th April 1941. He was
recruited to West Ham's academy in 1956, making his debut for the senior
team as a replacement for Malcolm Allison against Manchester United in
September 1958.
In 1960, at the young age of 19, he was called up to the England under-23's,
and earned his debut cap in 1962 in Peru. In 1963 he was made captain of the
squad, quickly earning the trust of his coach and manager. At first Moore
was just filling in for more senior players, but the position was made
permanent in 1964. That year Moore was first treated for testicular cancer,
but he did not let that stop him winning the FA Cup with West Ham. He was
also named Football Writer's Association Football player of the Year.
In 1966, he captained England to their only World Cup victory.
After the World Cup, Moore continued to play for West Ham and England, as
well as promoting the British pub industry and opening his own sports shop.
In the second half of the decade, he received national recognition. In 1966
Moore was the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, and in 1967 he was awarded
an OBE, and a punk band even recorded a song about him entitled 'Viva Bobby
Moore'.
Moore was again named captain of England again for the 1970 World Cup. The
tournament was not a wild success for England, but it went down for one
piece of genius from Moore when, during their match with Brazil, he
performed a spectacular tackle on the advancing Jairzinho – still considered
perhaps the finest (if not, the most iconic) tackle in history.
Moore made his final appearance for England in 1973, when they failed to
qualify for the World Cup. On his retirement, he was the most capped player
in the history of the England football team.
Why not support the Bobby Moore Fund in his memory?
bobbymoorefund.cancerresearchuk.org/
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West Ham target Guilherme Siqueira transfer to finally fix problem left-back
spot
Apr 12, 2014 23:00 By Steve Bates
The Mirror
Granada's Guilherme Siqueira is a £5.5million target for West Ham, writes
Steve Bates in the Sunday People. The 27-year-old Brazilian is on loan at
Benfica, who have an option to make the move permanent, but the Hammers'
manager Sam Allardyce is keen to solve his problematic left-back slot.
Meanwhile, Abdul Razak has left the Hammers. The former Manchester City
midfielder, 21, joined from Anzhi Makhachkala but did not play for the first
team.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Collison misses penalty in FA Cup semi-final
By matt_harris | Posted: April 12, 2014
BrentwoodGazette.co.uk
WEST Ham United's Jack Collison missed as Wigan lost to Arsenal in a penalty
shootout in the FA Cup semi-final. Collison, who is on loan to the Latics
until the end of the season, came on as a 64th minute substitute just after
Wigan had taken the lead through Jordi Gomes' penalty. But Per Metesacker
levelled for Arsenal with eight minutes to go taking to game to extra-time
and eventually penalties. Collison was the second penalty taker for Wigan,
put Lukas Fabianksi went the right way to saved the spot kick. Wigan lost
the shootout 4-2.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Richards set for summer exit
Micah Richards has told Manchester City that he will not be signing a new
deal at the club, and will look to leave this summer.
Football365
Last Updated: 12/04/14 at 12:28 Post Comment
Sky Sports understands that Richards confirmed to City chiefs in early March
that he would not be signing a deal which was offered to him last summer.
Richards, who has come through the ranks at City, has decided that the time
is right to seek a new challenge. The 25-year-old has just over 12 months
left on his current deal at the Etihad Stadium and City were keen on
extending his stay to keep him at the club. However, with first-team
football not guaranteed under Manuel Pellegrini, Richards is now looking
elsewhere and City will opt to sell this summer rather than risk losing him
for nothing in a year's time. A source told Sky Sports: "It is with a heavy
heart that Micah has told City that he will not be signing his new deal and
they have now accepted he will be leaving. Micah has grown up at City and
given his all but this is the right time to move on."
A host of clubs are now monitoring Richards, who has spent much of his time
at City at full-back, but is also viewed as a centre-half. In the Premier
League, Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle, West Ham and Tottenham are all
believed to be monitoring the situation, whilst there are clubs in France,
Spain and Italy also looking, with AC Milan known to be one of those keen on
taking him. A spokesman for Richards' agents Sidekick refused to comment on
the situation.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers After Sunderland Duo!
VitalFootball.co.uk
The tabloid speculation, relating to summer signings, has already suggested
that West Ham United might be interested in signing one Sunderland player,
it now appears we might be after two. Nestling amongst the transfer gossip
column of one leading tabloid is the inference that as well as being in the
hunt to bring the Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley to Upton Park this
summer, West Ham United are also interested in bringing his team-mate Jack
Colback to East London.
Whether there is any element of truth in the rumour we can only wait and
see.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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WHUFC.com
West Ham United played host to Indianapolis Colts pair Andrew Luck and Coby
Fleener
12.04.2014
West Ham United were visited by two of world's biggest football stars
recently, but the vast majority of fans did not even know they were here!
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck and tight end Coby Fleener were
guests of the Hammers for the Barclays Premier League fixture with
Liverpool. American footballers Luck, who stands 6'4", and close friend and
former Stanford University team-mate Fleener, 6'6", are both enthusiastic
fans of what Americans commonly call soccer. Luck, who spent part of his
childhood living in west London, and Fleener thoroughly enjoyed their first
visit to the Boleyn Ground, asking countless questions about the team, the
history of the Club and the Hammers' upcoming move to the Olympic Stadium.
"I love soccer, or I will try to refer it as football!" smiled the
24-year-old quarterback, who was the No1 pick in the 2012 NFL draft and has
led the Colts to the Play-Offs in each of his first two seasons as a
professional. "I love playing it and love watching it and it's definitely
getting a lot of popularity in the States as well. I have been to a bunch of
MLS games and watched Robbie Keane and David Beckham play, but it's nice to
be over here and be a fan. It's fun for us to play [American football] but
it's also fun for us to watch and be fans of sports. "My Dad was working
over here for the NFL and growing up I remember going to Arsenal and Crystal
Palace games, but this is my first trip out to West Ham, so we're very
excited and happy that you had us to visit."
Aside from living in London, Luck also spent part of his upbringing in
Texas, where he father served as President and General Manager of the MLS
franchise Houston Dynamo. While Illinois native Fleener has no historical
links with soccer like his friend, the 25-year-old has quickly been educated
in the nuances of the sport by Luck. "Andrew has definitely been the driving
force behind my love of the game," said Fleener. "He has shown me the way as
to how to be a fan and this is my first time out here to watch a game, so
I'm excited!" While American football has big hits, touchdowns and timeouts,
soccer is a continuous, fast-flowing game with fewer goals - or points -
scored, so what do the two NFL giants like so much about the beautiful game?
"For me, I'm interested in seeing fans because they are so passionate about
their team, their home base and where they are from," Fleener revealed.
"That, to me, is the most exciting thing about soccer. "I catch games in the
States every once in a while. As Andrew said, the sport is growing in
popularity so with football and 'football' together, there is always
something on TV."
Neither player has a favourite team, with Luck instead choosing to follow
the American players in the Barclays Premier League, but Fleener admitted he
could well become a Hammer. "I think there's a good chance of that
happening, absolutely!" confirmed the No80. While the Barclays Premier
League season is approaching its conclusion, Luck and Fleener and their
fellow American footballers are currently resting their bodies ahead of the
start of the 2014 NFL season in early September. The Colts have reached the
Play-Offs in eleven of the previous 12 years, defeating the Chicago Bears in
Super Bowl XLI in 2006 and losing to the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl
XLIV in 2009. Both of those games were played prior to Luck and Fleener's
arrival in Indianapolis, however, and the pair are now eager to write their
own names into the Colts illustrious history books. "Hopefully we're going
to win a Super Bowl!" said Luck, who was in London to host a Skills Camp at
The Soccerdome in North Greenwich. "We hope to improve and I think we have
great pieces, with a bunch of great young players and some veteran
leadership. "We hope this can be our year, but every team is saying the same
thing in the off-season."
As a tight end, Fleener fulfils one of the few positions on the offense
where he can both defend as a blocker and attack by catching passes thrown
by his quarterback - a bit like a central midfielder in soccer. He knows he
has an important role to play if the Colts are to match Luck's ambition by
winning Super Bowl XLIX in February 2015. "It's always my goal to be the No1
tight end, but more importantly for me it's about winning for the team, for
the organisation and for the fans back home. "Just as the West Ham players
give their all for the fans around them, that's the same for what we try to
do for the Colts. There's always a chance for us to win the Super Bowl, but
there is a lot of work to be done before we know if that's going to be an
option for us."
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U18s suffer City setback
WHUFC.com
West Ham United went down 3-0 at Manchester City in the Barclays U18 Premier
League
12.04.2014
West Ham United went down to a 3-0 defeat at Manchester City in the Barclays
U18 Premier League on Saturday. The Hammers' South Division title hopes took
a major blow as the North Division leaders proved too strong at Platt Lane,
where goals from Thierry Ambrose, Brandon Barker and Kean Bryan settled
matters. Defeat leaves West Ham three points behind leaders Tottenham
Hotspur, with three home matches remaining. Despite their loss, Steve Potts'
side remain in the hunt for top spot as Spurs lost 1-0 at Manchester United
on Saturday. It could have been different if West Ham forward Marcio Martins
had not been denied early on, when home goalkeeper Billy O'Brien thrust out
a hand to divert his shot around the post. Ambrose's opener came on 12
minutes when he headed in Tosin Adarabioyo's flick-on from a corner. West
Ham came back into things after falling behind, with Kieran Bywater firing a
free-kick narrowly over the crossbar and Denziel Boadu hitting the post for
City shortly before the half-hour mark. Into the second half and Reece Burke
was penalised for a foul inside the West Ham penalty area, allowing Barker
to fire past Tim Brown from the spot after 58 minutes. The hosts' third came
on 71 minutes, when substitute Bryan ran through the defence and finished
accurately past Brown. West Ham return to action on Wednesday 16 April, when
they welcome West Bromwich Albion to Little Heath for a 12noon kick-off.
Highlights of Saturday's defeat at Manchester City will be available to
watch on West Ham TV shortly.
U18s: T.Brown, Pike, Mavila, Nasha, Burke, Onariase, Amoo, Makasi, Martins,
Bywater, Parfitt-Williams
Subs not used: Diangana, Nemrava, Bailey, Marlow, Akinola
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM IN TALKS WITH JEREMY MENEZ AND JOSIP DRMIC
By Sean Whetstone 12 Apr 2014 at 08:06
West Ham Till I Die
News has broken in the past 24 hours that West Ham United are in talks with
FC Nurnberg striker Josip Drmic.
The Daily Mail claim Sam Allardyce will fly to Germany today to take a
closer look at the 21 year old swiss striker. Drmic is also been linked with
Arsenal, Liverpool and Everton along with Borussia Dortmund who are claimed
to have made an enquiry this week according to the Daily Mail.
The Swiss international, has scored 16 goals in 28 games this season. The
player is valued at £8million by his club although he is believed to have a
£4.5 million buy out clause. Former Germany captain Lothar Matthaus claimed
the player was house hunting in London and that he was Arsenal-bound this
summer. But Drmic replied: 'At the moment I am single and there is no one
house hunting in London.'
I understand West Ham are not best pleased that their interest in him has
been leaked.
Another West Ham target which has emerged is Paris St Germain's Jeremy Menez
as revealed by WHTID author EXWHUEmployee on twitter yesterday.
His contract runs out at the end of the season and he has started just six
league games for the Ligue 1 side this season. He has refused to sign a new
contract.The winger has admitted he is uncertain of his future in France
saying: "We talked about an extension, but it was not sorted out. "I have
three months remaining on my contract at PSG, we will see what will happen
at the end of the" I understand West Ham representatives will fly out to
speak to his agent.
In other early transfer talk Talksport claimed yesterday that West Ham are
close to a deal with Leed's striker Ross McCormack. I understand that one is
far from true and not even on extended list of transfer targets. The Phil
Bardsley rumour does appear to have some legs and I am told he is on the
fabled long list but one of many targets.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
REMEMBERING BOBBY MOORE'S BIRTHDAY GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
By Sean Whetstone 12 Apr 2014 at 18:00
West Ham Till I Die
If Bobby Moore had survived his fight with cancer he would of turned 73
today. The barking born boy played over 500 times for the Hammers as well as
being capped 108 times for England. He may be gone but he is not forgotten.
Many happy returns Mooro!
Robert Frederick Chelsea Moore was born in Baking on 12th April 1941. He was
recruited to West Ham's academy in 1956, making his debut for the senior
team as a replacement for Malcolm Allison against Manchester United in
September 1958.
In 1960, at the young age of 19, he was called up to the England under-23's,
and earned his debut cap in 1962 in Peru. In 1963 he was made captain of the
squad, quickly earning the trust of his coach and manager. At first Moore
was just filling in for more senior players, but the position was made
permanent in 1964. That year Moore was first treated for testicular cancer,
but he did not let that stop him winning the FA Cup with West Ham. He was
also named Football Writer's Association Football player of the Year.
In 1966, he captained England to their only World Cup victory.
After the World Cup, Moore continued to play for West Ham and England, as
well as promoting the British pub industry and opening his own sports shop.
In the second half of the decade, he received national recognition. In 1966
Moore was the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, and in 1967 he was awarded
an OBE, and a punk band even recorded a song about him entitled 'Viva Bobby
Moore'.
Moore was again named captain of England again for the 1970 World Cup. The
tournament was not a wild success for England, but it went down for one
piece of genius from Moore when, during their match with Brazil, he
performed a spectacular tackle on the advancing Jairzinho – still considered
perhaps the finest (if not, the most iconic) tackle in history.
Moore made his final appearance for England in 1973, when they failed to
qualify for the World Cup. On his retirement, he was the most capped player
in the history of the England football team.
Why not support the Bobby Moore Fund in his memory?
bobbymoorefund.cancerresearchuk.org/
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West Ham target Guilherme Siqueira transfer to finally fix problem left-back
spot
Apr 12, 2014 23:00 By Steve Bates
The Mirror
Granada's Guilherme Siqueira is a £5.5million target for West Ham, writes
Steve Bates in the Sunday People. The 27-year-old Brazilian is on loan at
Benfica, who have an option to make the move permanent, but the Hammers'
manager Sam Allardyce is keen to solve his problematic left-back slot.
Meanwhile, Abdul Razak has left the Hammers. The former Manchester City
midfielder, 21, joined from Anzhi Makhachkala but did not play for the first
team.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Collison misses penalty in FA Cup semi-final
By matt_harris | Posted: April 12, 2014
BrentwoodGazette.co.uk
WEST Ham United's Jack Collison missed as Wigan lost to Arsenal in a penalty
shootout in the FA Cup semi-final. Collison, who is on loan to the Latics
until the end of the season, came on as a 64th minute substitute just after
Wigan had taken the lead through Jordi Gomes' penalty. But Per Metesacker
levelled for Arsenal with eight minutes to go taking to game to extra-time
and eventually penalties. Collison was the second penalty taker for Wigan,
put Lukas Fabianksi went the right way to saved the spot kick. Wigan lost
the shootout 4-2.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Richards set for summer exit
Micah Richards has told Manchester City that he will not be signing a new
deal at the club, and will look to leave this summer.
Football365
Last Updated: 12/04/14 at 12:28 Post Comment
Sky Sports understands that Richards confirmed to City chiefs in early March
that he would not be signing a deal which was offered to him last summer.
Richards, who has come through the ranks at City, has decided that the time
is right to seek a new challenge. The 25-year-old has just over 12 months
left on his current deal at the Etihad Stadium and City were keen on
extending his stay to keep him at the club. However, with first-team
football not guaranteed under Manuel Pellegrini, Richards is now looking
elsewhere and City will opt to sell this summer rather than risk losing him
for nothing in a year's time. A source told Sky Sports: "It is with a heavy
heart that Micah has told City that he will not be signing his new deal and
they have now accepted he will be leaving. Micah has grown up at City and
given his all but this is the right time to move on."
A host of clubs are now monitoring Richards, who has spent much of his time
at City at full-back, but is also viewed as a centre-half. In the Premier
League, Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle, West Ham and Tottenham are all
believed to be monitoring the situation, whilst there are clubs in France,
Spain and Italy also looking, with AC Milan known to be one of those keen on
taking him. A spokesman for Richards' agents Sidekick refused to comment on
the situation.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers After Sunderland Duo!
VitalFootball.co.uk
The tabloid speculation, relating to summer signings, has already suggested
that West Ham United might be interested in signing one Sunderland player,
it now appears we might be after two. Nestling amongst the transfer gossip
column of one leading tabloid is the inference that as well as being in the
hunt to bring the Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley to Upton Park this
summer, West Ham United are also interested in bringing his team-mate Jack
Colback to East London.
Whether there is any element of truth in the rumour we can only wait and
see.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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Saturday, April 12
Daily WHUFC News - 12th April 2014
Hammers to head for Schalke 04 Cup
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will take part in a prestigious four-team tournament in Germany in August
11.04.2014
West Ham United are delighted to announce that the Club will take part in the prestigious four-team Schalke 04 Cup in Germany in August. The Hammers will join host club Schalke 04, Spanish Primera Division side Malaga CF and fellow Barclays Premier League outfit Newcastle United in the tournament, which will be held at the VELTINS-Arena over the weekend of Saturday 2/Sunday 3 August. West Ham will be roared on by thousands of supporters in Germany during the competition, which will be held in a stadium which hosted the 2004 UEFA Champions League final, five matches at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and has a capacity of 61,482, a retractable roof and retractable pitch. Two matches will be held on each day of the tournament, with a special points system in place. Three points will be awarded to the winner of a match, while if a game ends in a draw, it will go straight to a penalty shoot-out, with the winner receiving two points. Whichever club accumulates the most points in two matches will be declared the champions.
While West Ham have met Newcastle 125 times in their history, the competition will potentially see the Club meet both Schalke 04 and Malaga CF for the first time.
Ticket details for West Ham fans are yet to be confirmed and will follow on whufc.com in due course. The competition marks the third summer in succession that West Ham will have visited Germany as part of their pre-season schedule. In 2012, the Hammers toured the country, taking on FC Rot-Weiß Erfurt, Dynamo Dresden and Energie Cottbus, while 2013 saw Big Sam's side face Bundesliga trio FSV Mainz 05, Hamburger SV and Eintracht Braunschweig.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carr predicts City challenge
WHUFC.com
Tony Carr MBE believes the Under-18s will face their toughest challenge of the season on Saturday
11.04.2014
Academy Director Tony Carr MBE is expecting the Under-18s to face their toughest challenge of the season when they take on Manchester City on Saturday morning. The Citizens have been the dominant force in the Barclays U18 Premier League North section this season, currently sitting in top spot with only five defeats from their 28 league fixtures. Steve Potts' team have been flying high themselves in the South section where they are still in the hunt for a top-two spot and Carr believes Saturday's match represents a huge test. "We're hoping to reverse the last couple of results and we're looking forward to going up to play Manchester City. They're the team of the moment in terms of youth and first team because of the profile they've got now and the backing behind them. They've won the northern league so it will be a big test for us. "It will be as tough as any game that we've played this season. There's an U21 game on the Friday, which obviously takes players from the squad and makes life a little bit more difficult. "We're hoping that the young players that we pick to go up there can go and do the job and we're really looking forward to the challenge."
The Hammers have hit a rough patch recently, losing their last three league matches having previously suffered only one defeat in their previous 17 league encounters. That superb run has kept the U18s in second place as they look to secure a spot in the season ending Play-Offs, and Carr believed their dip in form is part and parcel of football. "I think they're disappointed because obviously they were playing well. They can't win every game they play, that's just the way the game is. "You can't win every game and the boys had been on a fantastic run and now that we've had a couple of setbacks we have to stay focused and put on a good performance at the weekend."
The promotion to the Development Squad of several U18 stalwarts in the shape of Josh Cullen, Kyle Knoyle, Reece Burke, Jordan Brown, Lewis Page and Jamie Harney has forced Potts to promote players from the Club's schoolboy section in order to fill the void. Carr feels that those players who have come into the side need time to adapt to the step-up, but feels they will need to learn quickly as the season draws to a close. "It's a massive learning curve with the pace of the game, the physicality and it's a big test which isn't just about your footballing ability. "You have to be able to cope with all the other things that get thrown at you. Players have to be more tactically aware and there are lots of different challenges for a young player but it's a good experience for them. "That can only be good for their development and for their learning, but in this day you have to learn quickly and you have to take opportunities when they come.
"When it comes you've got to be ready to take it. There's no sentiment in the game, you've got to be good enough, and that's the bottom line."
The 63-year-old also admitted he'll be looking for the squad to give their all when they take to the pitch against the Sky Blues. "I'm not looking for a reaction that we wouldn't want in any other game. Give your all, be committed, go and enjoy it and let's see where it takes us."
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Johnson eyes Arsenal repeat
WHUFC.com
2011 League Cup winner Roger Johnson would love to pull off another surprise win over Arsenal
11.04.2014
Matches against Arsenal will always carry special resonance for West Ham United defender Roger Johnson. The centre back, currently on loan at the Boleyn Ground from Wolverhampton Wanderers, was part of the Birmingham City side which defeated the Gunners in the 2011 Carling Cup final. It meant the Ashford-born defender tasted success at Wembley at the second attempt, following an FA Cup final defeat for Cardiff against Portsmouth in 2008. Overcoming Arsene Wenger's side ranks as a career highlight for Johnson, who would love to notch another victory over the north London side on Tuesday. "Arsenal are Arsenal, everyone knows what they're about," he said. "They've been a bit hit and miss this season with results - they've had some good wins and some sloppy losses and they are where they are in the league. "I do think they're very beatable, as we saw the other day against Everton, and I have fond memories from the League Cup final in 2011, and the other clubs I've been at seem to have done well against them. "The cup final was a brilliant day and one I'll never forget. It's something I'll cherish because they had a great team at the time, they were doing well in the league and we were sort of written off. "I thought we deserved the result on the day, to beat someone like that makes it mean more too. They had Samir Nasri, Robin van Persie and the like, they had a great side out.
"We had a great run and we went into the final with the approach that it was about what happened on the day. Every game is on the day, so there's no reason why West Ham can't go to the Emirates and get a result on Tuesday too. "Yes, we'll be underdogs because we're playing Arsenal at Arsenal, but look at the Liverpool game the other day. They are top of the league and I thought we matched them all over really and should have come out of the game with a result."
Johnson was worked his way back into the Hammers' squad in recent weeks, coming off the bench in the victories over Hull City and Sunderland. The 30-year-old is delighted to be featuring again in the top flight following a difficult spell at Wolves and would love to contribute to more success over the final five gamea of the campaign. He added: "I came here wanting to play as many games as I possibly could. It was an opportunity for me to come in and play in the elite league and when I have done I don;t think I've done myself any harm. "Just being amongst it is what I came here for, and I've loved every minute of it. If I can get a few more games in between now and the end of the season and try to stick in the manager's head for something next season that would be great."
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Dev Squad 0-1 Blackburn Rovers FT
WHUFC.com
The Development Squad slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Blackburn Rovers at Rush Green
11.04.2014
DEVELOPMENT SQUAD v BLACKBURN ROVERS
BARCLAYS U21 PREMIER LEAGUE
RUSH GREEN STADIUM
FRIDAY 11 APRIL 2014
REFEREE: CHRISTOPHER POLLARD
KICK-OFF: 2PM
iPHONE APP I TWITTER I FACEBOOK I PODCAST I YOUTUBE
Full-time: It's all over. The Hammers go down to a goal just past the hour mark from Blackburn captain Darragh Lenihan. It was a frustrating afternoon for the home side whose best chance saw Jordan Brown bring the best out of David Raya with a low shot. Defeat is a big blow to the hosts' chances of securing a top-eleven finish in this season's Barclays U21 Premier League. They now head to Sunderland for their last game of the season desperate for a win.
91: Knoyle hoists a high ball into the box, but no one is anywhere near close enough to challenge Raya as he claims the ball.
90: There will be three minutes added on for the Hammers to try and find a goal.
89: The hosts are stuck in their own half as Blackburn try to run down the clock. Preston recieves a yellow card for kicking the ball away after it rolls out of play and rightly so.
87: Tanner slides in on Fanimo to give away a free-kick. Whithead will take it from the halfway line. Harney meets it on the edge of the area but it hits the top of his head and slides out for a goal kick.
85: Whitehead tosses the ball into the box, but it's just not falling for the home side today and a defender is first to the ball to clear.
83: Bywater slams the ball into the net, but the whistle has already gone after Mavila is adjudged to have handled the ball in the build-up.
81: Into the last ten minutes we go. West Ham need to find inspiration from somewhere if they're going to get anything from the match.
79: Preston spurns a gilt-edged chance to wrap this game up. The striker is unmarked in the middle but he sends a glacing header wide of the far post. A let-off for the home side there.
77: A spot of confusion here as the referee gives Blackburn a free-kick before changing his mind after ten or so seconds. The Hammers can't take advantage though, as Burke ends up in an offside position from the ball in.
75: Laidler goes for a spectacular volley as the ball sits up nicely for him inside the Hammers' half. It's never on target, however, and Howes watches it sail over his goal.
73: Mavila does superbly to win a corner after chasing down Fanimo's through ball. Bywater takes, but Doyle is there at the near post to head clear.
71: Raya flies out of his goal like Superman to punch clear Mavila's corner. I'm sure this 'keeper has a mistake in him somewhere along the line.
69: Crash! The bar is still shaking after Preston hits a thunderous half-volley. The ball ricochets to Wall who has a half-volley himself and forces Howes into an excellent finger tip save. It's all happening here!
68: Bywater replaces Sadlier and immediately concedes a free-kick for an adjudged high foot.
67: Laidler finds himself with space inside the Hammers' half and decides to unleash a shot. He strikes it well but too well as it clears the goal by a distance.
65: Brown is felled as he tursn Doyle superbly and beats Bauress before the latter brings him down. Haycock makes his second change bringing on Burke for Lletget.
63: Mavila replaced Cole in the aftermath of the Rovers' goal. The winger will certainly provide an injection of pace into the side.
61 Goal: Lenihan heads Blackburn in front from Bauress' free-kick. The centre-back rose highest to send the ball past Howes and just inside the far post.
59: Nathan Mavila is out of his track suit and looks likely to be joining the action shortly.
57: It's only two exhibitions of great goalkeeping which keeps the score level here. There's already been more action in the secind half than there was in the first.
55: Cullen concedes a free-kick in an identical position to the one Knoyle gave away and has his name taken by the referee. This time Tanner goes for the far corner and Howes dives to his left to make a fantastic finger tip save. Top keeping!
53: Close! Raya makes a superb diving save as Brown drives a shot across the keeper. The stopper gets down low to palm it just out of the reach of Cole at the back post and away to safety.
51: Knoyle has had a torrid afternoon against Wall this afternoon and is penalised in a dangerous position as he grapples with the winger. Tanner lines up a shot and curls his effort harmlessly over Howes' crossbar.
49: Cole races into the box and delivers a teasing ball across the face of goal. Sadlier is busting a gut to reach the back post but even with a slide he is unable to reach the ball.
48: It's been a lively start to the second period by the visitors with Harney again on his toes to deny Wall.
46: The second half begins at Rush Green.
Half-time: The minute of injury time passes without incident, much the same as the whole of the first half. There's been very little action to get excited about with Joe Cole's effort after one minute the best either side has mustered so far. Let's hope for better in the second half.
46: One minute of added time to be played.
45: Cole is trying his best to spark some life into the game, but the final ball has not been up to what either manager would expect from their sides.
43: Fanimo yells in anguish as he balloons a cross over the waiting players in the box, over the goal and over the stadium wall. That sums up the game so far.
41: As we tick towards the break the game has quietened down, with both sides seemingly nulifying the others threat.
39: The Hammers are just failing to get out of second gear here as they search for a way through a stubborn Blackburn defence.
37: Rittenberg is the man chosen to replace Green on the right-hand side of the Blackburn midfield.
36: A welcome break for some of the players is provided as Green stays down and requires treatment. It doesn't look too good and he'll have to be replaced.
34: The away side nearly profit from Knoyle's loose pass as the full-back gives the ball away in the opposition's half. They break with intensity and slide Laidler through on goal but he fires a first time shot to the left of Howes' goal.
32: The crowd ring show their appreciation for Cullen after the tenacious midfielder tracks Wall a good 40 yards before executing a perfect slide tackle which wins his side possession.
30: Lletget strikes the first meaningful effort since Cole's early shot. The American picks the ball up on the edge of the box and takes a touch before sending a shot just over the bar.
28: The Blackburn keeper thinks he's a striker as he exceutes a nice Cruyff turn to get past the attentions of Brown. It's not the first time he's taken a chance at the back and they may yet prove to be an area for the Hammers to exploit.
26: Laidler is penalised for a late challenge on Knoyle as the full-back attempts to find Cole. Whithead takes the free-kick but floats it way too high and it's easy pickings for Raya.
24: Harney makes another well-timed interception to stop a Blackburn attack. The defender has so far been on top of his game to snuff out several attacks.
22: After a slow start Blackburn have begun to enjoy more possession than the Hammers and, at present, are enjoying the greater attacking threat.
20: Potts concedes a corner as the Hammers are forced to backtrack following a nice Blackburn move which resulted in Laidler's cross. The corner is met by an attacker and looks to be heading on target before it's blocked before reaching Howes.
18: Harney and Cullen both slide in to make crucial tackles this time as a number of Rovers' players line up for a shot. Cullen sticks his head in bravely to deny Laidler on one of the attempted shots.
16: Harney draws warm applause from the stands as he slides in to deny Wall. His tackle had to be perfect as the winger was inside the box. Luckily it was.
14: Cole whips in a free-kick from the right-hand side after Sadlier is felled. The ball in finds Potts who sends a downward header wide of the target.
12: Whitehead tracks Wall all the way back as he looks to stop the cross. The winger does, however, manage to squeeze a cross in but it sails harmlessly over the bar.
10: Lletget is found by Fanimo on the box but the midfielder isn't allowed to turn and he lays the ball back to Fanimo. The left-back delivers a ball into the box but by that point everyone has pushed out and the keeper is left to gather untroubled.
8: Cullen is penalised softly after getting across Wall's path as he looks to break over the halfway line.
6: Whitehead scuffs an attempted volleyed clearance and concedes a corner. A combination of Harney and Potts are on hand to clear from the corner as Wall tries to get a header on target.
4: What a start that would have been for the Hammers who haven't let their visitors out of their own half yet.
2: The Hammers almost take an immediate lead as Cole plays a one-two with Sadlier before firing a right-foot shot just wide. Close!
1 min: We're under-way at Rush Green as the Hammers go in search of an important three points.
1:57pm: The teams are summoned from their dressing rooms and follow as the referee leads the way onto the pitch. After the handshakes we'll be under-way here.
1:50pm: Joe Cole is looking in fine form as he places shot after shot into the bottom corner of the net during the warm-up. A sight for all West Ham fans to savour.
1:45pm: There's a healthy crowd of Hammers' fans at Rush Green and there's still time and space for plenty more to arrive.
1:25pm: The Hammers join their counter parts on the pitch now, with Joe Cole embracing Hendry and having a chat before he jogs off to join the rest of the team.
1:20pm: Blackburn players are out to begin their warm-up with a familiar face amongst their coaching staff. Former Rovers defender Colin Hendry is still sporting his long blonde hair even now as he puts his players through their paces.
1:05pm: This game was originally scheduled for a 7pm kick-off but with the easter holidays and the glorious sunshine we're now set-up for a great afternoon of football. There is still plenty of time for you to get down to Rush Green. Entry is free for Season Ticket Holders, £3 Adults and £1 Concessions.
The Development squad return to Rush Green for the last time this season as they take on Blackburn Rovers in their penultimate Barclays Under-21 Premier League fixture hoping that home comforts can help them secure a much-needed victory. Nick Haycock underlined the importance of three points from this match in order to help the Hammers secure a top-eleven finish which would guarantee them a place in the top tier of U21 football next season.
In order to help them achieve that, Haycock will again be able to call on the services of England midfielder Joe Cole, who played the full 90 minutes during the side's 2-0 defeat against Bolton Wanderers on Monday. The ninth place Hammers will be going all out against Rovers, who have endured a miserable season which has seen them win only two league matches all season, leaving them bottom of the table.
West Ham United: Sam Howes, Kyle Knoyle, Matthias Fanimo, Daniel Whitehead, Dan Potts, Jamie Harney, Sebastian Lletget, Josh Cullen, Jordan Brown, Joe Cole, Kieran Sadlier
Subs: Reece Burke, Gines Guzman, Nathan Mavila, Kieran Bywater, Amos Nasha
Blackburn Rovers: David Raya, Jack Doyle, Will Beesley, Hyuga Tanner, Louis Laing, Darragh Lenihan, Devarn Green, Bradley Bauress, Jordan Preston, Jordan Laidler, Luke Wall
Subs: Dean Rittenberg, Matt Urwin, Sam Lavelle, Deniz Pero, Aaron Tumwa
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West Ham to play in German tournament
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 11th April 2014
By: Staff Writer
It has been confirmed that West Ham will face German side Schalke, Spanish outfit Malaga and Newcastle United in a two-day competition this summer. The four teams are set to meet on the weekend of August 2/3 to do battle for the Schalke 04 Cup. Although full details are yet to be confirmed, the matches - two on Saturday and two on Sunday - will kick off at 3pm and 5pm local time. To determine the winners, teams will be awarded three points for a win whilst drawn matches will end in a penalty shootout, ensuring that draws are not possible. Tickets for the weekend will be priced between €10 and €49 for a day ticket - presumably for entrance to both matches. All games are to be played at Schalke's Veltins Arena, a 62,000-capacity stadium which opened in 2001.
The tournament will be the first time West Ham have met either Schalke or Malaga in a competitive fixture.
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Ross McCormack on West Ham Radar Again
By Liam Newman , Featured Columnist Apr 11, 2014
BleacherReportc.om
West Ham United are being lined up with a summer move for Leeds United star Ross McCormack. The Hammers had been heavily linked to McCormack in January but never made an official approach. However, sources at talkSPORT have suggested the Premier League club could be ready to renew its interest with a summer bid for the Leeds striker. With Leeds being condemned to another season in the Championship, along with the uncertainty around Elland Road following Massimo Cellino's recent takeover, the Scotland international would be forgiven for seeking a new challenge in a higher league. For Sam Allardyce, the addition of McCormack would provide welcomed competition to the injury-prone Andy Carroll. In Carroll's absence, West Ham's lack of goals was severe. Despite boasting 13 clean sheets this season, the Hammers have only recently secured their place in next year's Premier League and will be desperate to avoid a similar fate next year. West Ham's problems in the attacking third got so bad that Allardyce was forced into re-signing former player Carlton Cole just months after declaring the striker surplus to requirements at Upton Park. The 30-year-old's return of six Premier League goals makes him the club's second-leading scorer this season, just one behind Kevin Nolan, who is set to be the named the Hammers most prolific marksman for a second year running with seven strikes.
McCormack would be a welcomed addition to the Hammers' setup, but it would be a signing that carries an element of risk. Despite an incredible return of 28 goals for Leeds this season, the Leeds captain has never played in the Premier League and also has a relatively poor record of just two strikes in 10 senior international appearances for Scotland. Staying in the Premier League next season is imperative for the Hammers, especially as they are set for their move to the Olympic Stadium in just two years' time. Perhaps McCormack will be there to help fire the goals that will ensure they bring top-flight football to their new home.
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West Ham hold talks with PSG star
Date: 11th April 2014 at 6:27 pm
Written by: Irons Maiden | ForeverWestHam.com
The ever reliable @ExWHUemployee has revealed on Twittersphere that we've held talks with Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Jeremy Menez. The 26-year-old can play on the left or right hand side of an attacking trio and, up until this season, was a key player for the Ligue 1 side. The Frenchman's best return came in his debut season for PSG when he notched 7 goals – six more than our current wingers Stewart Downing and Matt Jarvis, combined for this season.
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To pay or not to pay...
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 11th April 2014
By: Raedwulf
And now for something rather different! Here's an interesting snippet in the BBC's Gossip Column, Thursday 10th.
"The law should be changed to force football clubs to pay the full cost of policing matchdays, according to one of the country's most senior police officials. "
The article linked is subscription only, but it begins thus: "London's deputy mayor for policing, said it was wrong that Barclays Premier League and Sky Bet Footbal League clubs were able to spend huge transfer fees on star players but baulked at the cost of paying for police officers to control crowds outside their grounds."
And a longer BBC article continues: "Official police policy is to only charge for policing within grounds and the area immediately around it. But ACC Andy Holt told BBC Radio 5 live clubs should pay the full cost of managing games as trouble spreads to other city areas and transport hubs.
The Football League said taxes are paid to cover policing costs. It said football fans should not "pay twice for policing."
My initial reaction was also "Well, it's the police's job to police!", but that was quickly followed by "Hang on a sec..." To the Football League, and by extension the Premier League, it must be answered, "Why should those with no interest in football pay even once?" Football is hugely wealthy, and the whole of the country is paying, directly or indirectly for the associated costs.
From a little research, it seems that the Met Police could recoup only £2.7m out of £7.2m spent in the 12/13 tax year. In 10/11, when there were five Premier League London clubs (no Palace or QPR), the costs for the top flight were estimated at £3.29m; those recovered only £2.3m.
In London as a whole there were, last season, six Prem, three Championship (Watford seem to be just outside the MP area), two League One and three League Two clubs. The costs, as the 10/11 Prem figures would suggest, are proportionately lower as you drop below the top division.
Ultimately, though, who should be paying?
On the face of it, that £4.5m discrepancy between costs and money recouped in 12/13 would pay for a first-choice defender, or a maybe-first choice midfielder for a club like ours. But that £4.5m is spread across 14 clubs & four divisions. (I'm also making the assumption that those 12/13 figures do only cover the top four tiers.)
The 10/11 figures, which come from a Freedom of Information request to the Met, are broken down by club. In our case the Est./Rec. costs are £592k/£436k, over 27 home matches. So the discrepancy amounts to less than £6k per match. The biggest for that season, pro-rata, is Chelsea at a little over £16k per game.
Even if a Tier four club is struggling along, surely a Premier League club can afford to pay its own way? But should it? It's far from a simple question.
Businesses pay for policing through business rates. We all know, at least anecdotally, about trouble outside pubs and nightclubs, especially at the weekend. Should they also pay special rates? What's the difference in rates, in turnover, in profit between a Premier League football club, the nightclub or a pub up the road?
What about the general store owner in Green Street who hates football? He, for sure, doesn't want to pay twice. He doesn't attend matches, he already pays his business rates, his business also suffers from more petty crime, locals might avoid Green St on match days and if there's any REAL trouble, hooliganism...
On the other hand, for 27 matches in 10/11, how many more magazines, packets of fags, bottles of pop, packets of crisps, bars of chocolate and so on does he sell? And for the local football-hating inhabitant? Even if they only indirectly benefit, more money is coming into their locality, and that, in theory at least, will benefit them.
My gut reaction is that the top two tiers, at least, ought to be able to fully pay their own way. I'm sure any astute businessman could get extra mileage out of doing so, too. I've no particular opinion on the matter, but it's an interesting question, don't you think?
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Hammers set £3million asking price
Date: 11th April 2014 at 5:33 pm
Written by: Irons Maiden | ForeverWestHam.com
Ricardo Vaz Te scoring against Manchester CityDespite only recently signing a new one-year-deal, Football Direct News are reporting that West Ham could offload Ricardo Vaz Te, this summer.
The West Ham attacker nearly joined Norwich City in a deadline day move last summer transfer window but that fell through.
Vaz Te hasn't been able to cement his first-team place for West Ham due to injuries. However, when the Portguese ace has played, many fans believe it has been out of position, with some calling for RVT to be deployed upfront during Andy Carroll's absence.
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WHUFC.com
West Ham United will take part in a prestigious four-team tournament in Germany in August
11.04.2014
West Ham United are delighted to announce that the Club will take part in the prestigious four-team Schalke 04 Cup in Germany in August. The Hammers will join host club Schalke 04, Spanish Primera Division side Malaga CF and fellow Barclays Premier League outfit Newcastle United in the tournament, which will be held at the VELTINS-Arena over the weekend of Saturday 2/Sunday 3 August. West Ham will be roared on by thousands of supporters in Germany during the competition, which will be held in a stadium which hosted the 2004 UEFA Champions League final, five matches at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and has a capacity of 61,482, a retractable roof and retractable pitch. Two matches will be held on each day of the tournament, with a special points system in place. Three points will be awarded to the winner of a match, while if a game ends in a draw, it will go straight to a penalty shoot-out, with the winner receiving two points. Whichever club accumulates the most points in two matches will be declared the champions.
While West Ham have met Newcastle 125 times in their history, the competition will potentially see the Club meet both Schalke 04 and Malaga CF for the first time.
Ticket details for West Ham fans are yet to be confirmed and will follow on whufc.com in due course. The competition marks the third summer in succession that West Ham will have visited Germany as part of their pre-season schedule. In 2012, the Hammers toured the country, taking on FC Rot-Weiß Erfurt, Dynamo Dresden and Energie Cottbus, while 2013 saw Big Sam's side face Bundesliga trio FSV Mainz 05, Hamburger SV and Eintracht Braunschweig.
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Carr predicts City challenge
WHUFC.com
Tony Carr MBE believes the Under-18s will face their toughest challenge of the season on Saturday
11.04.2014
Academy Director Tony Carr MBE is expecting the Under-18s to face their toughest challenge of the season when they take on Manchester City on Saturday morning. The Citizens have been the dominant force in the Barclays U18 Premier League North section this season, currently sitting in top spot with only five defeats from their 28 league fixtures. Steve Potts' team have been flying high themselves in the South section where they are still in the hunt for a top-two spot and Carr believes Saturday's match represents a huge test. "We're hoping to reverse the last couple of results and we're looking forward to going up to play Manchester City. They're the team of the moment in terms of youth and first team because of the profile they've got now and the backing behind them. They've won the northern league so it will be a big test for us. "It will be as tough as any game that we've played this season. There's an U21 game on the Friday, which obviously takes players from the squad and makes life a little bit more difficult. "We're hoping that the young players that we pick to go up there can go and do the job and we're really looking forward to the challenge."
The Hammers have hit a rough patch recently, losing their last three league matches having previously suffered only one defeat in their previous 17 league encounters. That superb run has kept the U18s in second place as they look to secure a spot in the season ending Play-Offs, and Carr believed their dip in form is part and parcel of football. "I think they're disappointed because obviously they were playing well. They can't win every game they play, that's just the way the game is. "You can't win every game and the boys had been on a fantastic run and now that we've had a couple of setbacks we have to stay focused and put on a good performance at the weekend."
The promotion to the Development Squad of several U18 stalwarts in the shape of Josh Cullen, Kyle Knoyle, Reece Burke, Jordan Brown, Lewis Page and Jamie Harney has forced Potts to promote players from the Club's schoolboy section in order to fill the void. Carr feels that those players who have come into the side need time to adapt to the step-up, but feels they will need to learn quickly as the season draws to a close. "It's a massive learning curve with the pace of the game, the physicality and it's a big test which isn't just about your footballing ability. "You have to be able to cope with all the other things that get thrown at you. Players have to be more tactically aware and there are lots of different challenges for a young player but it's a good experience for them. "That can only be good for their development and for their learning, but in this day you have to learn quickly and you have to take opportunities when they come.
"When it comes you've got to be ready to take it. There's no sentiment in the game, you've got to be good enough, and that's the bottom line."
The 63-year-old also admitted he'll be looking for the squad to give their all when they take to the pitch against the Sky Blues. "I'm not looking for a reaction that we wouldn't want in any other game. Give your all, be committed, go and enjoy it and let's see where it takes us."
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Johnson eyes Arsenal repeat
WHUFC.com
2011 League Cup winner Roger Johnson would love to pull off another surprise win over Arsenal
11.04.2014
Matches against Arsenal will always carry special resonance for West Ham United defender Roger Johnson. The centre back, currently on loan at the Boleyn Ground from Wolverhampton Wanderers, was part of the Birmingham City side which defeated the Gunners in the 2011 Carling Cup final. It meant the Ashford-born defender tasted success at Wembley at the second attempt, following an FA Cup final defeat for Cardiff against Portsmouth in 2008. Overcoming Arsene Wenger's side ranks as a career highlight for Johnson, who would love to notch another victory over the north London side on Tuesday. "Arsenal are Arsenal, everyone knows what they're about," he said. "They've been a bit hit and miss this season with results - they've had some good wins and some sloppy losses and they are where they are in the league. "I do think they're very beatable, as we saw the other day against Everton, and I have fond memories from the League Cup final in 2011, and the other clubs I've been at seem to have done well against them. "The cup final was a brilliant day and one I'll never forget. It's something I'll cherish because they had a great team at the time, they were doing well in the league and we were sort of written off. "I thought we deserved the result on the day, to beat someone like that makes it mean more too. They had Samir Nasri, Robin van Persie and the like, they had a great side out.
"We had a great run and we went into the final with the approach that it was about what happened on the day. Every game is on the day, so there's no reason why West Ham can't go to the Emirates and get a result on Tuesday too. "Yes, we'll be underdogs because we're playing Arsenal at Arsenal, but look at the Liverpool game the other day. They are top of the league and I thought we matched them all over really and should have come out of the game with a result."
Johnson was worked his way back into the Hammers' squad in recent weeks, coming off the bench in the victories over Hull City and Sunderland. The 30-year-old is delighted to be featuring again in the top flight following a difficult spell at Wolves and would love to contribute to more success over the final five gamea of the campaign. He added: "I came here wanting to play as many games as I possibly could. It was an opportunity for me to come in and play in the elite league and when I have done I don;t think I've done myself any harm. "Just being amongst it is what I came here for, and I've loved every minute of it. If I can get a few more games in between now and the end of the season and try to stick in the manager's head for something next season that would be great."
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Dev Squad 0-1 Blackburn Rovers FT
WHUFC.com
The Development Squad slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Blackburn Rovers at Rush Green
11.04.2014
DEVELOPMENT SQUAD v BLACKBURN ROVERS
BARCLAYS U21 PREMIER LEAGUE
RUSH GREEN STADIUM
FRIDAY 11 APRIL 2014
REFEREE: CHRISTOPHER POLLARD
KICK-OFF: 2PM
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Full-time: It's all over. The Hammers go down to a goal just past the hour mark from Blackburn captain Darragh Lenihan. It was a frustrating afternoon for the home side whose best chance saw Jordan Brown bring the best out of David Raya with a low shot. Defeat is a big blow to the hosts' chances of securing a top-eleven finish in this season's Barclays U21 Premier League. They now head to Sunderland for their last game of the season desperate for a win.
91: Knoyle hoists a high ball into the box, but no one is anywhere near close enough to challenge Raya as he claims the ball.
90: There will be three minutes added on for the Hammers to try and find a goal.
89: The hosts are stuck in their own half as Blackburn try to run down the clock. Preston recieves a yellow card for kicking the ball away after it rolls out of play and rightly so.
87: Tanner slides in on Fanimo to give away a free-kick. Whithead will take it from the halfway line. Harney meets it on the edge of the area but it hits the top of his head and slides out for a goal kick.
85: Whitehead tosses the ball into the box, but it's just not falling for the home side today and a defender is first to the ball to clear.
83: Bywater slams the ball into the net, but the whistle has already gone after Mavila is adjudged to have handled the ball in the build-up.
81: Into the last ten minutes we go. West Ham need to find inspiration from somewhere if they're going to get anything from the match.
79: Preston spurns a gilt-edged chance to wrap this game up. The striker is unmarked in the middle but he sends a glacing header wide of the far post. A let-off for the home side there.
77: A spot of confusion here as the referee gives Blackburn a free-kick before changing his mind after ten or so seconds. The Hammers can't take advantage though, as Burke ends up in an offside position from the ball in.
75: Laidler goes for a spectacular volley as the ball sits up nicely for him inside the Hammers' half. It's never on target, however, and Howes watches it sail over his goal.
73: Mavila does superbly to win a corner after chasing down Fanimo's through ball. Bywater takes, but Doyle is there at the near post to head clear.
71: Raya flies out of his goal like Superman to punch clear Mavila's corner. I'm sure this 'keeper has a mistake in him somewhere along the line.
69: Crash! The bar is still shaking after Preston hits a thunderous half-volley. The ball ricochets to Wall who has a half-volley himself and forces Howes into an excellent finger tip save. It's all happening here!
68: Bywater replaces Sadlier and immediately concedes a free-kick for an adjudged high foot.
67: Laidler finds himself with space inside the Hammers' half and decides to unleash a shot. He strikes it well but too well as it clears the goal by a distance.
65: Brown is felled as he tursn Doyle superbly and beats Bauress before the latter brings him down. Haycock makes his second change bringing on Burke for Lletget.
63: Mavila replaced Cole in the aftermath of the Rovers' goal. The winger will certainly provide an injection of pace into the side.
61 Goal: Lenihan heads Blackburn in front from Bauress' free-kick. The centre-back rose highest to send the ball past Howes and just inside the far post.
59: Nathan Mavila is out of his track suit and looks likely to be joining the action shortly.
57: It's only two exhibitions of great goalkeeping which keeps the score level here. There's already been more action in the secind half than there was in the first.
55: Cullen concedes a free-kick in an identical position to the one Knoyle gave away and has his name taken by the referee. This time Tanner goes for the far corner and Howes dives to his left to make a fantastic finger tip save. Top keeping!
53: Close! Raya makes a superb diving save as Brown drives a shot across the keeper. The stopper gets down low to palm it just out of the reach of Cole at the back post and away to safety.
51: Knoyle has had a torrid afternoon against Wall this afternoon and is penalised in a dangerous position as he grapples with the winger. Tanner lines up a shot and curls his effort harmlessly over Howes' crossbar.
49: Cole races into the box and delivers a teasing ball across the face of goal. Sadlier is busting a gut to reach the back post but even with a slide he is unable to reach the ball.
48: It's been a lively start to the second period by the visitors with Harney again on his toes to deny Wall.
46: The second half begins at Rush Green.
Half-time: The minute of injury time passes without incident, much the same as the whole of the first half. There's been very little action to get excited about with Joe Cole's effort after one minute the best either side has mustered so far. Let's hope for better in the second half.
46: One minute of added time to be played.
45: Cole is trying his best to spark some life into the game, but the final ball has not been up to what either manager would expect from their sides.
43: Fanimo yells in anguish as he balloons a cross over the waiting players in the box, over the goal and over the stadium wall. That sums up the game so far.
41: As we tick towards the break the game has quietened down, with both sides seemingly nulifying the others threat.
39: The Hammers are just failing to get out of second gear here as they search for a way through a stubborn Blackburn defence.
37: Rittenberg is the man chosen to replace Green on the right-hand side of the Blackburn midfield.
36: A welcome break for some of the players is provided as Green stays down and requires treatment. It doesn't look too good and he'll have to be replaced.
34: The away side nearly profit from Knoyle's loose pass as the full-back gives the ball away in the opposition's half. They break with intensity and slide Laidler through on goal but he fires a first time shot to the left of Howes' goal.
32: The crowd ring show their appreciation for Cullen after the tenacious midfielder tracks Wall a good 40 yards before executing a perfect slide tackle which wins his side possession.
30: Lletget strikes the first meaningful effort since Cole's early shot. The American picks the ball up on the edge of the box and takes a touch before sending a shot just over the bar.
28: The Blackburn keeper thinks he's a striker as he exceutes a nice Cruyff turn to get past the attentions of Brown. It's not the first time he's taken a chance at the back and they may yet prove to be an area for the Hammers to exploit.
26: Laidler is penalised for a late challenge on Knoyle as the full-back attempts to find Cole. Whithead takes the free-kick but floats it way too high and it's easy pickings for Raya.
24: Harney makes another well-timed interception to stop a Blackburn attack. The defender has so far been on top of his game to snuff out several attacks.
22: After a slow start Blackburn have begun to enjoy more possession than the Hammers and, at present, are enjoying the greater attacking threat.
20: Potts concedes a corner as the Hammers are forced to backtrack following a nice Blackburn move which resulted in Laidler's cross. The corner is met by an attacker and looks to be heading on target before it's blocked before reaching Howes.
18: Harney and Cullen both slide in to make crucial tackles this time as a number of Rovers' players line up for a shot. Cullen sticks his head in bravely to deny Laidler on one of the attempted shots.
16: Harney draws warm applause from the stands as he slides in to deny Wall. His tackle had to be perfect as the winger was inside the box. Luckily it was.
14: Cole whips in a free-kick from the right-hand side after Sadlier is felled. The ball in finds Potts who sends a downward header wide of the target.
12: Whitehead tracks Wall all the way back as he looks to stop the cross. The winger does, however, manage to squeeze a cross in but it sails harmlessly over the bar.
10: Lletget is found by Fanimo on the box but the midfielder isn't allowed to turn and he lays the ball back to Fanimo. The left-back delivers a ball into the box but by that point everyone has pushed out and the keeper is left to gather untroubled.
8: Cullen is penalised softly after getting across Wall's path as he looks to break over the halfway line.
6: Whitehead scuffs an attempted volleyed clearance and concedes a corner. A combination of Harney and Potts are on hand to clear from the corner as Wall tries to get a header on target.
4: What a start that would have been for the Hammers who haven't let their visitors out of their own half yet.
2: The Hammers almost take an immediate lead as Cole plays a one-two with Sadlier before firing a right-foot shot just wide. Close!
1 min: We're under-way at Rush Green as the Hammers go in search of an important three points.
1:57pm: The teams are summoned from their dressing rooms and follow as the referee leads the way onto the pitch. After the handshakes we'll be under-way here.
1:50pm: Joe Cole is looking in fine form as he places shot after shot into the bottom corner of the net during the warm-up. A sight for all West Ham fans to savour.
1:45pm: There's a healthy crowd of Hammers' fans at Rush Green and there's still time and space for plenty more to arrive.
1:25pm: The Hammers join their counter parts on the pitch now, with Joe Cole embracing Hendry and having a chat before he jogs off to join the rest of the team.
1:20pm: Blackburn players are out to begin their warm-up with a familiar face amongst their coaching staff. Former Rovers defender Colin Hendry is still sporting his long blonde hair even now as he puts his players through their paces.
1:05pm: This game was originally scheduled for a 7pm kick-off but with the easter holidays and the glorious sunshine we're now set-up for a great afternoon of football. There is still plenty of time for you to get down to Rush Green. Entry is free for Season Ticket Holders, £3 Adults and £1 Concessions.
The Development squad return to Rush Green for the last time this season as they take on Blackburn Rovers in their penultimate Barclays Under-21 Premier League fixture hoping that home comforts can help them secure a much-needed victory. Nick Haycock underlined the importance of three points from this match in order to help the Hammers secure a top-eleven finish which would guarantee them a place in the top tier of U21 football next season.
In order to help them achieve that, Haycock will again be able to call on the services of England midfielder Joe Cole, who played the full 90 minutes during the side's 2-0 defeat against Bolton Wanderers on Monday. The ninth place Hammers will be going all out against Rovers, who have endured a miserable season which has seen them win only two league matches all season, leaving them bottom of the table.
West Ham United: Sam Howes, Kyle Knoyle, Matthias Fanimo, Daniel Whitehead, Dan Potts, Jamie Harney, Sebastian Lletget, Josh Cullen, Jordan Brown, Joe Cole, Kieran Sadlier
Subs: Reece Burke, Gines Guzman, Nathan Mavila, Kieran Bywater, Amos Nasha
Blackburn Rovers: David Raya, Jack Doyle, Will Beesley, Hyuga Tanner, Louis Laing, Darragh Lenihan, Devarn Green, Bradley Bauress, Jordan Preston, Jordan Laidler, Luke Wall
Subs: Dean Rittenberg, Matt Urwin, Sam Lavelle, Deniz Pero, Aaron Tumwa
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West Ham to play in German tournament
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 11th April 2014
By: Staff Writer
It has been confirmed that West Ham will face German side Schalke, Spanish outfit Malaga and Newcastle United in a two-day competition this summer. The four teams are set to meet on the weekend of August 2/3 to do battle for the Schalke 04 Cup. Although full details are yet to be confirmed, the matches - two on Saturday and two on Sunday - will kick off at 3pm and 5pm local time. To determine the winners, teams will be awarded three points for a win whilst drawn matches will end in a penalty shootout, ensuring that draws are not possible. Tickets for the weekend will be priced between €10 and €49 for a day ticket - presumably for entrance to both matches. All games are to be played at Schalke's Veltins Arena, a 62,000-capacity stadium which opened in 2001.
The tournament will be the first time West Ham have met either Schalke or Malaga in a competitive fixture.
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Ross McCormack on West Ham Radar Again
By Liam Newman , Featured Columnist Apr 11, 2014
BleacherReportc.om
West Ham United are being lined up with a summer move for Leeds United star Ross McCormack. The Hammers had been heavily linked to McCormack in January but never made an official approach. However, sources at talkSPORT have suggested the Premier League club could be ready to renew its interest with a summer bid for the Leeds striker. With Leeds being condemned to another season in the Championship, along with the uncertainty around Elland Road following Massimo Cellino's recent takeover, the Scotland international would be forgiven for seeking a new challenge in a higher league. For Sam Allardyce, the addition of McCormack would provide welcomed competition to the injury-prone Andy Carroll. In Carroll's absence, West Ham's lack of goals was severe. Despite boasting 13 clean sheets this season, the Hammers have only recently secured their place in next year's Premier League and will be desperate to avoid a similar fate next year. West Ham's problems in the attacking third got so bad that Allardyce was forced into re-signing former player Carlton Cole just months after declaring the striker surplus to requirements at Upton Park. The 30-year-old's return of six Premier League goals makes him the club's second-leading scorer this season, just one behind Kevin Nolan, who is set to be the named the Hammers most prolific marksman for a second year running with seven strikes.
McCormack would be a welcomed addition to the Hammers' setup, but it would be a signing that carries an element of risk. Despite an incredible return of 28 goals for Leeds this season, the Leeds captain has never played in the Premier League and also has a relatively poor record of just two strikes in 10 senior international appearances for Scotland. Staying in the Premier League next season is imperative for the Hammers, especially as they are set for their move to the Olympic Stadium in just two years' time. Perhaps McCormack will be there to help fire the goals that will ensure they bring top-flight football to their new home.
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West Ham hold talks with PSG star
Date: 11th April 2014 at 6:27 pm
Written by: Irons Maiden | ForeverWestHam.com
The ever reliable @ExWHUemployee has revealed on Twittersphere that we've held talks with Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Jeremy Menez. The 26-year-old can play on the left or right hand side of an attacking trio and, up until this season, was a key player for the Ligue 1 side. The Frenchman's best return came in his debut season for PSG when he notched 7 goals – six more than our current wingers Stewart Downing and Matt Jarvis, combined for this season.
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To pay or not to pay...
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 11th April 2014
By: Raedwulf
And now for something rather different! Here's an interesting snippet in the BBC's Gossip Column, Thursday 10th.
"The law should be changed to force football clubs to pay the full cost of policing matchdays, according to one of the country's most senior police officials. "
The article linked is subscription only, but it begins thus: "London's deputy mayor for policing, said it was wrong that Barclays Premier League and Sky Bet Footbal League clubs were able to spend huge transfer fees on star players but baulked at the cost of paying for police officers to control crowds outside their grounds."
And a longer BBC article continues: "Official police policy is to only charge for policing within grounds and the area immediately around it. But ACC Andy Holt told BBC Radio 5 live clubs should pay the full cost of managing games as trouble spreads to other city areas and transport hubs.
The Football League said taxes are paid to cover policing costs. It said football fans should not "pay twice for policing."
My initial reaction was also "Well, it's the police's job to police!", but that was quickly followed by "Hang on a sec..." To the Football League, and by extension the Premier League, it must be answered, "Why should those with no interest in football pay even once?" Football is hugely wealthy, and the whole of the country is paying, directly or indirectly for the associated costs.
From a little research, it seems that the Met Police could recoup only £2.7m out of £7.2m spent in the 12/13 tax year. In 10/11, when there were five Premier League London clubs (no Palace or QPR), the costs for the top flight were estimated at £3.29m; those recovered only £2.3m.
In London as a whole there were, last season, six Prem, three Championship (Watford seem to be just outside the MP area), two League One and three League Two clubs. The costs, as the 10/11 Prem figures would suggest, are proportionately lower as you drop below the top division.
Ultimately, though, who should be paying?
On the face of it, that £4.5m discrepancy between costs and money recouped in 12/13 would pay for a first-choice defender, or a maybe-first choice midfielder for a club like ours. But that £4.5m is spread across 14 clubs & four divisions. (I'm also making the assumption that those 12/13 figures do only cover the top four tiers.)
The 10/11 figures, which come from a Freedom of Information request to the Met, are broken down by club. In our case the Est./Rec. costs are £592k/£436k, over 27 home matches. So the discrepancy amounts to less than £6k per match. The biggest for that season, pro-rata, is Chelsea at a little over £16k per game.
Even if a Tier four club is struggling along, surely a Premier League club can afford to pay its own way? But should it? It's far from a simple question.
Businesses pay for policing through business rates. We all know, at least anecdotally, about trouble outside pubs and nightclubs, especially at the weekend. Should they also pay special rates? What's the difference in rates, in turnover, in profit between a Premier League football club, the nightclub or a pub up the road?
What about the general store owner in Green Street who hates football? He, for sure, doesn't want to pay twice. He doesn't attend matches, he already pays his business rates, his business also suffers from more petty crime, locals might avoid Green St on match days and if there's any REAL trouble, hooliganism...
On the other hand, for 27 matches in 10/11, how many more magazines, packets of fags, bottles of pop, packets of crisps, bars of chocolate and so on does he sell? And for the local football-hating inhabitant? Even if they only indirectly benefit, more money is coming into their locality, and that, in theory at least, will benefit them.
My gut reaction is that the top two tiers, at least, ought to be able to fully pay their own way. I'm sure any astute businessman could get extra mileage out of doing so, too. I've no particular opinion on the matter, but it's an interesting question, don't you think?
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Hammers set £3million asking price
Date: 11th April 2014 at 5:33 pm
Written by: Irons Maiden | ForeverWestHam.com
Ricardo Vaz Te scoring against Manchester CityDespite only recently signing a new one-year-deal, Football Direct News are reporting that West Ham could offload Ricardo Vaz Te, this summer.
The West Ham attacker nearly joined Norwich City in a deadline day move last summer transfer window but that fell through.
Vaz Te hasn't been able to cement his first-team place for West Ham due to injuries. However, when the Portguese ace has played, many fans believe it has been out of position, with some calling for RVT to be deployed upfront during Andy Carroll's absence.
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Friday, April 11
Daily WHUFC News - 11th April 2014
Chadwell Chatter
Ricardo Vaz Te pens the latest blog for whufc.com on the recent Open Training day at the Boleyn Ground
11.04.2014
Hello all,
It was great to meet the fans at our Open Training day earlier this week.
For me, personally, these days are always fun and to see the kids enjoy themselves is great. For us players, to make their day by signing autographs or having our pictures taken with them is a chance for the football club to give something back as thanks for their loyal support.
It's great that the fans get the opportunity to come to the Boleyn Ground and watch us train. Last season we did it once, but this season we've done it twice now so for the fans, they are over the moon as they don't get to meet the whole squad in that way all the time.
I personally really enjoy these open training days, and to see that the fans are happy makes me happy too!
It's great that we get to interact with our loyal fans and the atmosphere was fantastic, even if I was concentrating on training! When I am training, I'm concentrating on training, but after training I listened to the music and it was lovely.
The Season Ticket Holders are the backbone of the Club. Season upon season they have seen all the ups and all the lows of the football club, but they stick by us and they are very important for that reason.
I think the open day is a chance for the club to show some appreciation for the fans' terrific support, and when we get to interact with them I take great joy. It's a great way to give something back. It shows that we really do appreciate their input.
I think that at this football club, fans will come anyway as West Ham fans are West Ham all the way through! I remember when I first came here when we were in the Championship and it was a full crowd every game. Even when we played away, sometimes we had more supporters there than the home team! That shows how key the supporters are for our success.
I believe West Ham fans are very loyal and they definitely have one of the most passionate sets of supporters that I've played in front of. They are very loud and aggressive but all good! They are not shy about their emotions; if they are angry they will show it, and if they are happy they will show it!
As a player you want a reaction from the fans and for their passion to come out, and for example, when we were winning at Sunderland with 15-20 minutes remaining of the match, their fans went home. West Ham fans might have a go at you, but they certainly back us all the way. They will stick by the team; they will cheer and support you. They will believe all the way to the end and stick with the club. I do not think anyone can say otherwise.
Thanks as ever for your support!
Come on you Irons!
Vaz
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On this day - 11 April
David Cross scored four in a resounding win against Grimsby Town on this day in 1981
11.04.2014
Classic match
Grimsby Town 1-5 West Ham United
Division Two
11 April 1981
David Cross enjoyed an afternoon to remember at Blundell Park on this day in 1981, as the Lancashire-born forward bagged himself four goals in a 5-1 win.
John Lyall's Hammers were, by this time, well on course for the Division Two title and victory here saw them extend their lead to eleven points at the top with just five games to play.
Cross, meanwhile, was in the midst of his most prolific campaign, finishing the season with 33 goals to show for his 60 appearances in all competitions. Incidentally, he would repeat the four-goal feat just five months later, in a 4-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.
Cross' impressive haul and a Geoff Pike strike helped the Hammers prolong an unbeaten run dating back to 27 December 1980, one that stood at a formidable 18 games come the season's end.
West Ham went on to win the league at a canter, finishing top by some 13 points and in doing so ending a three-year stay in the second tier.
Complete record - 11 April
2009 Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 West Ham United (Premier League)
1998 West Ham United 0-0 Derby County (Premier League)
1993 West Ham United 3-0 Leicester City (Division One)
1992 West Ham United 4-0 Norwich City (Division One)
1990 West Ham United 4-1 Bournemouth (Division Two)
1989 West Ham United 1-2 Middlesbrough (Division One)
1987 Everton 4-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1981 Grimsby Town 1-5 West Ham United (Division Two)
1977 West Ham United 1-0 Norwich City (Division One)
1964 Fulham 2-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1960 Wolverhampton Wanderers 5-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1959 Leicester City 1-1 West Ham United (Division One)
1955 Fulham 0-0 West Ham United (Division Two)
1953 West Ham United 0-1 Huddersfield Town (Division Two)
1952 West Ham United 2-1 Notts County (Division Two)
1950 Coventry City 5-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1939 Bradford Park Avenue 1-2 West Ham United (Division Two)
1936 Bradford City 3-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1931 West Ham United 3-2 Blackpool (Division One)
1925 Notts. County 4-1 West Ham United (Division One)
Played 20, Won 8, Drawn 3, Lost 9, Scored 29, Conceded 34
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'We need to win this game'
Nick Haycock says the Development Squad will be aiming to secure a top-half finish with victory over Blackburn
10.04.2014
West Ham United will seek to improve their chances of a top-half Barclays U21 Premier League finish when they host Blackburn Rovers on Friday.
The Hammers welcome Blackburn to Rush Green for a 2pm kick-off on Friday knowing that three points will all but ensure they end the regular season in the top eleven - meaning they will be in the top division when the league splits in two for the 2014/15 campaign.
Development Squad manager Nick Haycock has challenged his squad - which will again include England midfielder Joe Cole - to rise to the occasion and chalk up their tenth win in 20 matches.
"We need to win at least one of our two remaining matches to get a top-eleven finish, because it would be disappointing to miss out on that having been up there near the top of the table for the majority of the season," Haycock confirmed.
"We will again have young players being given their opportunity on Friday, which can lead to more inconsistent performances, but they have shown that they have the talent and ability to win matches at this level.
"We will go into the game with a positive approach, as we always do, and if we can play the way we did in the first half at Bolton and take our chances, we can win the game. The lads are certainly upbeat about their chances.
"They have the chance on Friday to get the three points and to establish themselves in the top half of the table - a position their performances throughout the season have warranted."
Haycock says the presence of Cole in the starting XI will again serve to inspire the young professionals and scholars involved against Blackburn.
"We will have a similar squad to Monday, which means Joe will again be involved to get him some more valuable minutes on the pitch. He will give us the experience that is needed to help the younger players to achieve the victory that we need."
Kick-off at Rush Green is at 2pm on Friday, with admission priced at £3 Adults and £1 Concessions. Parking is free of charge.
The Development Squad complete their 2013/14 season slate of Barclays U21 Premier League fixtures when they travel to Sunderland on Thursday 17 April.
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ABDUL RAZAK LEAVES WEST HAM AFTER UNSUCCESSFUL LOAN
By Sean Whetstone
11 Apr 2014 at 08:05
West Ham till I die
Ivory Coast international Abdul Razak has left West Ham United after an unsuccessful loan from Russian Premier League side Anzhi Makhachkala.
The 21-year-old midfielder began his career with Manchester City and has been capped five times by Ivory Coast but he has failed to make anny impact at Chadwell heath. In 2011 age 17 Razak was given a surprise debut for Man City first team coming on as a substitute for David Silva in the final minutes of the Premier League game against West Bromwich Albion on 5 February. His second game for the Manchester City first team was against Wigan Athletic on 10 September 2011 after he was substituted on for Yaya Touré in the 80th minute of the match.Razak has also spent time on loan at Portsmouth, Brighton and Charlton while with Manchester City and was previously part of the Crystal Palace youth setup.
I hear unsubstantiated claims that Razak was regularly late for training and lacked good discipline. Razak was Sam Allardyce’s fourth signing in the January transfer window.
Since joining West Ham at the end of January Razak has managed just one appearance in the development squad. He played in the development match against Manchester United at Old Trafford on 10th February which we lost 2-1. He managed just 58 minutes on the pitch that day before being substituted. He was also an un-used substitute for the West Ham Development squad v Southampton on 14th February but after that failed to make the development squad. It appears his 15 minutes of fame achieved in 2011 is long gone,
It is unknown what loan fee or wages we paid Anzhi Makhachkala.and/or Razak during his short stay with us.
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NOSTALGIA SERIES; ALVIN MARTIN
By Tony Hanna
10 Apr 2014 at 16:16
West Ham till I die
Born in Lancashire on the 29th July in 1958, Alvin Martin was to become one of the finest defenders in the clubs history. In his early years he was a schoolboy at Everton and he went on to trial for two weeks at QPR. Rangers were undecided at the end of the fortnight and wanted Alvin to trial for a further week but he told them he was going on holiday. In reality, Alvin was off to West Ham for a two week trial and his determination paid off when Ron Greenwood duly offered him an apprentice contract. He played in the FA Youth cup final in 1975 and then signed as a professional on the 29th July 1976. Alvin had to patient again as his first team debut was nearly two years later as a sub away to Villa in 1978. The centre half was to go on and make the position his for many years and he played his last game for West Ham some 18 years later in May 1996. During his career he won the Hammer of the Year in 1980 and again two years later in 1982.
Alvin played 593 games for West Ham and experienced many highs and lows during this time. His first season, where he only made five appearances, was the 1977/78 relegation season. His next four seasons at the club were spent in Division two. However, as we all know it was during this period that the club won the 1980 FA Cup final and the following season played in the League Cup finals and the ECWC run. He was also a stalwart in defence when the Hammers won the second division title in 1981. His form was outstanding and Ron Greenwood selected him for England in May 1981 in a match against Brazil despite Alvin playing in the second division at the time. Agonisingly, an injury ruled him out of the World Cup in Spain the following year and he would be sorely missed by England.
In the clubs most successful league season ever, 1985/86, Alvin played in 40 of the 42 matches and the Hammers went on to finish 3rd in the top flight. He even notched a hat trick in the 8-1 romp against Newcastle. This was a rare enough feat in itself, but because of a string of injuries to the goalkeepers in that game, he actually scored each goal against a different custodian. The England manager in 1986 was Bobby Robson and he included Alvin for the World Cup squad in Mexico. He played in the 3-0 win against Paraguay in the group stages but was dropped for the “Hand of God” game against Argentina which saw the side eliminated. Alvin won 17 full England caps and can consider himself hard done by not to have won many more. Tough in the tackle, good in the air, Alvin was strong tactically too and could play the ball on the floor. He had the all round game.
During his prime years, Spurs made three attempts to sign him and Arsenal also had an offer rejected. Alvin was aware of the approaches but was to say “it didn’t matter anyway as long as John Lyall was my manager. He had known me since I was sixteen and taken me under his wing. He wasn’t just a manager figure to me, he was more like a father figure”
Alvin again remained loyal to West Ham when we were relegated in 1989 and he helped the club bounce back in 1991. His 21 years of service to the club was rewarded by the awarding of two testimonials for his benefit, against Spurs in 1988 and against Chelsea in 1995. Only the player who spent much of his career next to Alvin in the centre of defence, Billy Bonds, has achieved the same recognition. Alvin, or “Stretch” as he was known, played three seasons in the newly formed Premier League and finally played his last game for West Ham in a 1-1 draw at home to Sheffield Wednesday on the 5th May 1996 aged 37. After leaving West Ham he played 17 games for Leyton Orient before going on to manage Southend for two seasons.
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IS PHIL BARDSLEY TO SIGN ON A BOSMAN DEAL?
By S J Chandos
10 Apr 2014 at 08:00
West Ham till I die
It has been reported that West ham are interested in signing Sunderland right-back Phil Bardsley this summer. Bardsley is a strong running full-back, who is strong in the tackle and has a powerful shot. He is in the final year of his current contract and will shortly to be available on a Bosman deal. It is known that Bardsley has previously rejected the offer of a contract extension at the Stadium of Light and, with a strong probability of Sunderland being relegated in May, it is unlikely that he will change his mind. So, his agent will currently be casting his net around for a suitable move.
Can Sam Allardyce tempt Bardsley with a bumper wage and signing-on fee package? We shall see. It is, however, interesting that he is the third right-back linked with a move to the club in the last week. Firstly, there was Spurs’ promising Kyle Naughton; then Man City’s Micah Richards; and now Phil Bardsley. Does this indicate that the ‘writing is on the wall’ for either Demel or O’Brien and what could it mean for the future of Leo Chambers? Assuming that these three are genuine right-back targets for the club, which is one is preferable? The jury is still out on Naughton, but I think that both Richards and Bardsley are an improvement on Demel and O’Brien. So, I would be happy acquiring either player, but I still hope that young Leo Chambers will challenge for a regular starting spot next season. Let’s strengthen the position and invite young Chambers to rise to the challenge. If he is good enough, he will push on and make the position his own.
Talking of potential Bosman deals at Sunderland. It also appears that both Craig Gardner and Seb Larsson could also be available on free transfers this summer. WBA are said to be interested in both players and will make a move when and if they achieve PL safety. One wonders if Sam Allardyce will also show an interest, considering how well they both performed in playing a direct style of football at Alex McLeish’s at Birmingham City. Craig Gardner, in particular, was very good at getting on the end of knock downs from Zigic and finishing the 2nd phase ball. Its not the style of play that I want to see predominate next season, but as we all know Allardyce seems to like playing that way. And in Gardner and Larrson he would have two midfielders who would fit well in to that type of system.
A final word on last Sunday’s Liverpool match. It seems that Liverpool are quickly re-acquiring their former position as the darlings of the nation’s football media. Certainly, that seems to be the case, if Sunday and Monday’s match reports are anything to go by! It was disappointing that West Ham did not get the credit that their good football deserved. It was without doubt our best footballing display of the season. We really pushed Liverpool all the way. Unfortunately, the lack of that crucial extra bit of invention/ruthlessness, in the final third, undermined the quality of our approach play. If we could have been more inventive/ruthless in front of goal then the result would have been different. Unfortunately, this has been consistently re-occurring feature of West Ham’s play this season, which must be addressed, as a priority, in the summer.
The most amazing thing was the lack of media recognition of the job that Reid and Tomkins did on the much exalted SAS attack of Liverpool. Apparently the deadly duo had an ‘off day’ on Sunday. Yes they did, but it was a ‘off day’ imposed on them by West Ham’s excellent defensive play. Reid was back to his best and Tomkins is showing signs of finally realising his potential. Tomkins did get ‘suckered in’ for the hand ball incident and that was unfortunate, but hopefully he will have learnt from it. Apart from that one incident he was pretty much faultless alongside Reid. The truth is that Liverpool had to pull out all the stops to secure the three points, and scraped a win with the aid of two Gerrard penalities. Of these penalty decisions, Its hard to argue against the Tomkins hand ball, but the second should never been penalised. Adrian got a hand to the ball first and the subsequent contact with the Liverpool player was minimal. The Demel equaliser probably should have been disallowed for a foul on the keeper, no arguments there. But overall, West Ham were very unfortunate not to emerge with point from the match. It would have been no more than they deserved on the day.
Post-match, some decidedly churlish comments were made by the Liverpool camp. Firstly, Brenden Rodgers failed to give his opponents the credit that they deserved, making a big issue of insisting that ‘Liverpool were clearly the better team.’ Who was he trying to convince? Us, himself or his players? Perhaps they were just about the better team over the 90 minutes, but if so, there is no denying that West Ham were not far behind. West Ham troubled them, not just physically, but also with their passing of the ball. Then we also had all that stuff from Steven Gerrard about coach parking, a over-heated dressing room and a dry pitch. I am glad that West Ham belatedly, and in no uncertain terms, put the record straight. One expects better of Liverpool, as prospective PL Champions.
As for West Ham, my hope is that with 37 points in the bag, we can relax and play well next Tuesday against Arsenal. No one is expecting us to to win, so we will have nothing to lose. It would be nice to see us build on the good performance against Liverpool and really take the game to the Gooners.They are having a bit of an ‘up and down’ season so maybe we might be fortunate enough to catch them on the right night? Especially if Carroll can use his strength and ability in the air to trouble their defence. If not, then let’s keep it competitive and look forward to the Easter fixture with Crystal Palace and, hopefully, reaching the magical 40 points mark.
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West Ham United, Hull City interested in Emanuele Giaccherini?
By Callum Mulvihill
Friday, April 11, 2014 at 02:40 UK
SportsMole
West Ham United and Hull City have both reportedly identified Emanuele Giaccherini as a transfer target ahead of the summer window.
Giaccherini was brought to Sunderland from Juventus last summer by former manager Paolo Di Canio, but he has been in and out of the team during a difficult campaign for the Black Cats.
Sunderland could be forced to sell the Italian if they are relegated from the Premier League, and both West Ham and Hull would be keen to secure his services, according to talkSPORT.
However, the two clubs could face competition from Genoa, with reports in Italy suggesting that the Serie A outfit are also keen on signing the 27-year-old.
Sunderland are currently bottom of the table with seven games left in their campaign.
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Arsenal and Hammers in transfer tussle
by Richard Flynn
10th April 2014 9:04pm BST
Football direct news
West Ham United are plotting an ambitious move for Levante goalkeeper Keylor Navas after a recommendation from their ex-striker Paulo Wanchope, [football] direct news understands.
The highly-rated shot-stopper, who is also on Arsenal’s radar, will face represent Costa Rica at this summer’s World Cup, where he will come up against England in the group stages.
Wanchope is a coach with Navas’s national side and a source close to West Ham told FDN the 37-year-old visited Upton Park, where he delivered a glowing report on the Levante star.
The Hammers realise they will have a fight on their hands if Arsenal firm up their interest, as the Gunners will be able to offer European football next term.
However, if they force their way to the front of the queue West Ham hope to tempt the La Liga outfit with a bid of around £7million, in view of the fact that Navas has little more than 12 months remaining on his contract in Spain.
Veteran Jussi Jaaskelainen started the season as the Hammers’ first-choice goalkeeper but has lost his place in the side to Adrian.
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Hammers players poke fun at Spurs for Bobby Moore Fund
James Jones
April 11, 2014
westhamworld
Today is Football Shirt Friday, which is a special day when fans are asked to show their passion for their club or country in aid of the Bobby Moore Fund.
Just wear your favourite football shirt to work or school today and donate at least £2 to help beat Bowel Cancer for good. Details on how you can donate are below.
And the West Ham players are helping to raise awareness in a unique way by signing a shirt with the lettering ‘SPURS 0-3 WHU, COYI’ on the back ready for it to be auctioned, with all the money raised to go to the Bobby Moore Fund.
DJ Leon (@djleon1983) got the shirt printed shortly after our 3-0 victory at White Hart Lane in October and has now got it signed by the players. The auction date is still to be decided.
Here’s some brilliant photos of the players holding up the shirt…http://westhamworld.co.uk/hammers-players-poke-fun-at-spurs-for-bobby-moore-fund/?
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