Big Sam outlines future plans
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce is in positive mood as he looks to the
future
22.05.2014
Sam Allardyce has outlined his plan to lead West Ham United onwards and
upwards. The manager is in positive mood following his post-season review
meeting with the Board, where a number of plans were put into place with the
aim of playing a more expansive, entertaining brand of football in the
future. At the same time, the target of a top-ten finish has also been set
as the Hammers prepare for their move to the 54,000-seater Olympic Stadium
in 2016. Big Sam and the Board will appoint a new attacking coach and
director of recruitment, while funds will be released for the signing of
players to improve the squad ahead of the Club's third season back in the
Barclays Premier League. "First of all, I want to say I am happy and proud
to continue for another season as West Ham manager," said Big Sam, who led
the Hammers to promotion in his first season in charge, followed by two
mid-table finishes in the top flight. "I have had good, fruitful meetings
with my employers and we are all in agreement that we want to move this
great Club forward in a united way. "To that end we - the Board, the staff,
the players - are unified in wanting to create an exciting team for next
season, one that is going to be better than last season. "We want to try and
achieve at least what we did in the first year back in the Barclays Premier
League, which was a top-ten finish."
With a challenging season that saw West Ham overcome injuries, suspensions
and agonising defeats to finish in 13th place now over, the manager is now
fully focused on bringing new talent to the Club. "We're already doing
everything we can to improve and increase the playing squad and we're hoping
to make signings as quickly as we can," he confirmed. Reflecting on his
post-season review meeting with the Board, Big Sam said there had been
agreement on the majority of matters relating to how to develop the squad
and improve both the playing style and results. "I sat down with the owners
and Karren Brady to discuss many things and the outcome of that meeting is
that we are all moving forward in a very positive manner," he continued.
"Things have been resolved satisfactorily on both sides - and we now look
forward to a productive summer and hopefully a very successful season."
Of the specific goals to emerge from the meeting, the manager welcomed the
additions of an attacking coach and director of recruitment to his staff.
"I'm enthusiastic about that idea. We all agreed that whoever comes in has
to be qualified and of the right type to supplement our already highly
qualified backroom staff, in whom I have complete confidence. "The
appointment is absolutely down to me and the challenge is to find the right
person to help us score more goals next season, because that is what we need
to do. "Regarding the plan to appoint a director of recruitment, I would say
there is always the need to expand that section of an ambitious football
club. "We need to compete in that area globally and being in charge of
recruitment is a very specialised position these days."
Finally, the manager shares the Board and supporters' view that the team
should play entertaining, attacking football whenever possible next season.
"There is no-one more disappointed than me when we don't play well," he
admitted. "Style of play is crucial, but it is also important that players
realise their capabilities and play to them on a consistent basis. "What we
are striving for is the players playing well, as they did in the final home
game of the season against Tottenham - a club who had spent many more
millions of pounds than us - but not for one game, but consistently. "We
will all be striving hard to achieve that consistency when we resume
training and if we can regularly find that standard, then I am sure the
supporters will be as happy as I will. "There were too many performances
last season that didn't measure up to the expectations we all have. There
were times when there were valid reasons why we fell short and other
occasions, particularly towards the end of the season, when the performance
was decent but we didn't win the game."
"Entertainment value, contrary to what some people say and think, is high on
my list and always has been because this is an entertainment business. "It
is also a results business, though, and we need to win matches. If we can
win games the right way next season then that has to be our ultimate aim and
number one priority, particularly at home. "We were magnificent at the
Boleyn Ground in our first season back in the top flight - only losing to
four teams. It was more difficult last season, but we have to try and get
back to that previous level. "I am not going to make any predictions at this
early stage - certainly not before looking to see what everyone else does
during the transfer window - but by the time we begin the new campaign we
should have a clearer picture of how far we feel we can go. We are all
aiming for a top-ten finish. "The past is the past, you can't change
anything - the crucial thing is to learn from it."
*Sam Allardyce was speaking in his column for the Evening Standard.
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Walker's World
WHUFC.com
Jimmy Walker fondly recalls an eventful five years with West Ham United - on
and off the pitch!
22.05.2014
He may have played just 20 times for West Ham United, but Jimmy Walker will
forever be loved by the Claret and Blue Army. The vertically-challenged
goalkeeper arrived from Walsall in summer 2004, saving a penalty from
Chelsea's Frank Lampard in just his third appearance before suffering a
serious knee injury in the Championship Play-Off final victory over Preston
North End the following May. While the injury, plus the arrivals of Shaka
Hislop, Roy Carroll and Robert Green, restricted his opportunities under
Alan Pardew and Alan Curbishley, Walker never allowed his lack of first-team
action to get him down. Instead, the Nottinghamshire-born goalkeeper
established himself as the life and soul of the Hammers dressing room, while
his entertaining Programme column 'Walker's World' lifted the lid on the
behind-the-scenes shenanigans at Chadwell Heath and the Boleyn Ground. Now
40 and working as goalkeeper coach at League One club Peterborough United,
Walker recently returned to east London to take part in a charity match for
Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital.
"I had a fantastic time here!" he confirmed. "Unfortunately, the injuries
didn't help matters but the fans remember the big games I played in. They
were great to me from the first game I played, right the way through to when
I was trying to get back from my knee injury and play games in the Premier
League. "Right the way through my time here, there was always something
going on - two Play-Off finals, then I did my knee, came back from that and
played in the Prem, then the FA Cup final and then we had the 'Great Escape'
at Manchester United with Tevez and all that - so what a fantastic time to
be at the Club. "I was just happy to be around the place and it was a
fantastic experience for me. I just wish I had been able to play a few more
games and really push for that No1 spot, but with the injury it was
difficult. I was here as long as I could be and enjoyed every minute I had
here."
While Walsall, where he spent 14 years in two spells as player and coach and
made more than 500 appearances, will always be Walker's club, his bond with
the Hammers is also strong. The goalkeeper's five years in east London
enabled him to learn all about why West Ham is one of the biggest clubs in
the country. "It's a special place. When I was leaving Walsall I had a
couple of options, but we had played here a couple of months before and it
just felt like a proper football club with the history and traditions and
the 30,000 fans behind the team every week. It just felt like the right move
for me. "I played a couple of games, then had a decent game in a win at
Chelsea when I saved a penalty in my first away game, which cemented my
relationship with the fans. It all went from there, really. "The players
they have had through the door here are unbelievable. The fans have been
treated and they respond to that, then the players respond to the fans."
Those fans will never forget Walker's World, which saw supporters queuing to
ensure they did not miss out on their chance to read the next instalment in
each Official Programme. With subject matters covering everything from
dressing room banter to players' clothing, there was never a dull moment
when Walker was about! "I loved that, I must admit!" he laughed. "I had
permission to go and cane the lads to everyone, whereas I previously had to
do it in the changing room with just the lads in there. It was a chance to
go and share it with 30 or 40,000 fans as well, which was brilliant. "It got
to the stage, if I remember right, when I'd walk in a room and the lads
would be going 'Sssssshhh, he's here!' so I was struggling for material in
the end and had to go fishing a little bit but I did all right on it, to be
fair."
The star turn in Walker's World was often Ghana full-back John Pantsil, who
would arrive for training in traditional and colourful African dress and
entertain his team-mates with his infectious personality. While Pantsil took
the banter in good spirits, other players were upset by Walker's public
ribbings. "I remember Johnny Pantsil's African garb, but it wasn't the worst
gear around in the changing room," Walker confirmed. "It was only Kieron
Dyer who really got the hump. He went on telly and I said he was wearing a
Bugsy Malone suit, which it was, and he was not happy with that at all! The
lads took it in good spirits and, in the end Kieron did as well because he
didn't have a lot of choice."
These days, the Programme column would likely be replaced by a Walker's
World Twitter page - something he himself would have relished back in his
playing days. "It would have been fantastic, but I think I might have got in
a bit of trouble on Twitter! I'd have to be a little bit more low-key now."
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Howes' delight at award
WHUFC.com
Sam Howes was delighted to receive the 2013/14 Young Hammer of the Year
award
22.05.2014
Sam Howes has revealed his delight at receiving the Young Hammer of the Year
award to cap a superb 2013/14 season. The young goalkeeper added another
trophy to his collection on Wednesday night as he and his England
squad-mates overcame Holland on penalties to win the UEFA European U17
Championship.
Howes was an unused substitute as the 1-1 draw was followed by a 4-1
shoot-out victory. The international honour follows his Club award, for
which he was selected by Academy Director Tony Carr MBE. That award was
fitting recognition of his eye-catching performances for West Ham United's
U18s and Development Squad. Howes' ultimately successful participation with
England at the UEFA European U17 Championship meant he was unable to attend
the Club's Player Awards, but that didn't stop him expressing his delight to
West Ham TV before he jetted off to Malta on international duty. "I'm very
pleased that my hard work this season has paid off," said Howes, who will
begin a full-time scholarship this summer. "I've played Under-18s football
and a bit of reserve team football, so I've got a lot to thank the staff
here for as they've been great with me since I came here. My family as well,
have given me their support, I couldn't have done it without them. "This
award is going to give me a lot more incentive to push on for next season. I
want to make myself a better goalkeeper, improve the areas I need to work on
and keep working on the parts I'm already good at."
The 16-year-old's rise through the ranks has been remarkable over the course
of the campaign, with the stopper becoming a regular feature for Nick
Haycock's Development Squad. His fine performances at Club level led to
international recognition in January and he impressed sufficiently in the
two caps he collected to earn a place in the squad for the European U17
Championship finals. Howes played against the Dutch in the group stage and
although he couldn't prevent his country from falling to a 2-0 defeat,
representing his national team is still regarded as the greatest honour of
his career so far. "I've played in the reserves and in a few behind closed
doors friendlies with some first-team players. I've trained with the first
team as well and made my debut at Under-17 level for England, so that was
probably my main highlight from this season."
Still a schoolboy, Howes has developed under the tutelage of the Club's
senior goalkeepers when training with the first team at Chadwell Heath. The
agile 'keeper has enjoyed every minute learning under the guidance of Jussi
Jaaskelainen and Adrian and is aiming to get even better next season. "The
main plan for myself is to push on and play as many reserve games as I can
next season and keep knocking on the door. "All the Under-18, Under-21 and
first-team staff have all been great. When I go up to Chadwell Heath to
train with them they've been brilliant and made me feel part of the squad.
The goalkeeping staff as well, with me being a goalkeeper, have been great
for the six years that I've been here. "Jussi has given me the most advice
because he's one of the most experienced 'keepers in the Premier League, so
it's good to get advice off him. It's also good to watch 'keepers like
Adrian and Raphael Spiegel to take tips from them which I can add to my game
and make myself a better goalkeeper."
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Sam Allardyce: We are united and moving forward positively at West Ham
Evening Standard
Published: 22 May 2014 Updated: 10:07, 22 May 2014
I wasn't anticipating writing another column beyond the end of what was a
tough season for everyone at West Ham but in view of all the speculation, I
thought it would be a good idea to put a few things straight.
First of all, I want to say I am happy and proud to continue for another
season as West Ham manager. I have had good, fruitful meetings with my
employers and we are all in agreement that we want to move this great club
forward in a united way. To that end we — the board, staff and players — are
unified in wanting to create an exciting team for next season, one which is
going to be better than last term. We want to try and achieve at least what
we did in the first year back in the Barclays Premier League, which was a
top-10 finish.
We're already doing everything we can to improve and increase the playing
squad and we're hoping to make signings as quickly as we can, although that
can never be guaranteed these days. Obviously my meeting with the Board was
private, but what I can say is there was clarification on a number of
subjects.
I sat down with the owners and Karren Brady to discuss many things and the
outcome of that meeting is that we are all moving forward in a very positive
manner, contrary to some of the speculation which has gone on in various
parts of the media.
Things have been resolved satisfactorily on both sides and we now look
forward to a productive summer and hopefully a very successful season. One
of the items on the agenda, which has since been made public, is the
imminent appointment of a coach with specific responsibilities in forward
play. I have absolutely no problem with that. In fact, the idea was received
with enthusiasm by me. We all agreed that whoever comes in has to be
qualified and of the right type to supplement our already highly qualified
backroom staff, in whom I have complete confidence.
I would also emphasise that the appointment is absolutely down to me and the
challenge is to find the right person to help us score more goals next
season because that is what we need to do. Regarding the plan to appoint a
director of recruitment, I would say there is always the need to expand that
section of an ambitious club. We need to compete in that area globally and
being in charge of recruitment is a very specialised position nowadays.
There is no one more disappointed than me when we don't play well. Yes,
style of play is crucial but the most important thing is that the players
realise their capabilities and play to them on a consistent basis.
What we are striving for is the players playing well, as they did in the
final home game of the season against Tottenham — a club who had spent many
more millions than us — not for one game but consistently.
We will all be striving hard to achieve that consistency when we resume
training and if we can regularly find that standard, then I am sure the
supporters will be as happy as I will.
There were too many performances last season that didn't measure up to the
expectations of all of us. There were times when there were valid reasons
why we fell short and other occasions, particularly towards the end of the
campaign, when the performance was decent but we didn't win the game.
Entertainment value, contrary to what some people say and think, is high on
my list — always has been — because this is an entertainment business.
It is also a results business, though, and we need to win matches. If we can
win the right way next season, that has to be our ultimate aim, particularly
at home.
We were magnificent at the Boleyn Ground in our first season back in the top
flight — only losing to four teams.
It was more difficult last season but we have to try and get back to that
previous level.
I am not going to make any predictions at this early stage — certainly not
before looking to see what everyone else does during the transfer window —
but by the time we begin the new campaign we should have a clearer picture
of how far we feel we can go. We are all aiming for a top-ten finish.
The past is the past, you can't change anything — the crucial thing is to
learn from it.
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Sam Allardyce: West Ham boss keen on entertaining style
BBC.co.uk
Sam Allardyce has backed a directive for West Ham United to play
entertaining football next season, after he was assured of his role as
manager by the club's owners. The Hammers issued a statement on Tuesday that
confirmed Allardyce's position, but also stated there would be a change in
playing style. "Entertainment, contrary to what some people say and think,
is high on my list," Allardyce said in a statement. "This is an
entertainment business." He added: "It is also a results business, though,
and we need to win matches. If we can win games the right way next season
then that has to be our ultimate aim and number one priority, particularly
at home." The 59-year-old took West Ham back into the Premier League in his
first season in charge via the Championship play-offs, and has since secured
their top-flight status in each of the last two seasons. However, there were
supporter protests at games towards the end of the last campaign centred
around a poor run of form, with one win in six, as the season drew to a
finale. Following talks with the owners, a new attacking coach will be
appointed to the backroom staff, and there are also plans to bring a
director of football to the club as the move from Upton Park to the Olympic
Stadium in 2016 edges closer. "I'm enthusiastic about that idea," Allardyce
added. "We all agreed that whoever comes in has to be qualified and of the
right type to supplement our already highly-qualified backroom staff, in
whom I have complete confidence."
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Allardyce calls for a United front
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 22nd May 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce says he is looking forward to the 2014/15 season - just days
after being told that his job was safe.
Despite a concerted campaign by some supporters to have the 59-year-old
removed from his position recently, Allardyce emerged from this week's board
meeting with his job intact - albeit with a brand new brief for the
forthcoming campaign.
Having ended a difficult 2013/14 season with the club's top-flight status
intact, no longer will Premier League survival alone be sufficient for an
increasingly-demanding board who have one eye on the impending move to the
54,000-capacity Olympic Stadium.
Now Allardyce has been instructed that anything less than a top ten finish,
achieved with the style of football for which West Ham became famous when
four strikers were still in fashion could result in his reign at the Boleyn
coming to the sort of unglamorous end that ultimately awaits the vast
majority of Premier and Football League managers these days.
To help achieve this target will be a new attacking coach and director of
recruitment, which may indeed prove helpful in the long run but right now
amount to nothing less than a clear indication of the board's lack of faith
in Allardyce's attacking intent and his relationship with agent Mark Curtis,
who now represents a number of players at West Ham including club captain
Kevin Nolan.
Regardless of having essentially been told 'it's our way or the highway' by
his bosses, Allardyce retained a positive tone when addressing the club's
supporters via its website today. "I have had fruitful meetings with my
employers and we are all in agreement that we want to move this great Club
forward in a united way," he said.
"To that end we - the Board, the staff and the players - are unified in
wanting to create an exciting team for next season, one that is going to be
better than last season. We want to try and achieve at least what we did in
the first year back in the Premier League, which was a top-ten finish.
"I sat down with the owners and Karren Brady to discuss many things and the
outcome of that meeting is that we are all moving forward in a very positive
manner. Things have been resolved satisfactorily on both sides - and we now
look forward to a productive summer and, hopefully, a very successful
season."
With view to working with his prospective new attacking coach, Allardyce
added: "I'm enthusiastic about that idea. We all agreed that whoever comes
in has to be qualified and of the right type to supplement our already
highly qualified backroom staff, in whom I have complete confidence."
Meanwhile he was equally fervent in his view of a new recruitment ace. "I
would say there is always the need to expand that section of an ambitious
football club," he said. ""We need to compete in that area globally and
being in charge of recruitment is a very specialised position these days."
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Jordan bids Hammers farewell
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 22nd May 2014
By: Staff Writer
Jordan Spence has been released by West Ham United - nine years after first
joining the club as a teenager. Right-back Spence, now 23, has spent almost
a decade at his boyhood club despite failing to break through into the first
team. And now, having made just 10 appearances the full back has been
released by West Ham. Taking to Twitter this afternoon to express his regret
at the parting of the waves, Spence wrote: "No conceivable way to summarise
what West Ham United FC has equipped me for, taught me and meant to me over
the past nine years. "It's an honour to have represented the club for this
period and I'd like to thank all that have supported me throughout. I wish
the club the very best and hope they give the fans what they deserve for the
coming seasons.
"As an east London boy, playing for this club has been a privilege. I look
forward to what opportunities and challenges await me in my future. Thank
You! #whufc"
Spence, who has represented England at all youth levels from Under 16 to
Under 21 made his debut for West Ham in the final game of the 2009/10 season
as an 88th-minute substitute against Manchester City. The following season
he made two starts under Avram Grant - the first of which came in the 3-2
defeat at Wigan that condemned West Ham to the drop and the second a week
later in the final home game of the season against Sunderland. Spence
enjoyed a run of seven games under Sam Allardyce last season, including four
further starts. However his appearance at Old Trafford in the 1-0 FA Cup
third round defeat in January 2013 was to prove to be his last for West Ham.
Everyone at Knees up Mother Brown would like to wish Jordan the very best of
luck for the future.
* Meanwhile another long-term Hammer who left the Club at the end of last
season, Joe Cole, is said to be interesting Thai club BEC Tero Sasana. The
Fire Dragons, who are based in Bangkok are hoping to tie up a deal for the
32-year-old despite General Manager Robert Procureur admitting this week
that "we're well aware Joe Cole will be incredibly expensive."
Cole has also been interesting a number of Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs
too since announcing his departure from West Ham following the completion of
the 18-month contract he signed in January 2013.
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SHOULD WE SIGN JOLEON LESCOTT OR PURSUE OTHER OPTIONS?
By S J Chandos 22 May 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
So, the West Ham board have made their decision and it is that Sam Allardyce
stays in post. Yesterday, the stories started circulating about the various
'flair' players that the club are targetting. It commenced with the news
that the club were apparently in advanced negotiations to sign skillful
Argentine forward, Mauro Zarate, from Velez Sarfield. This was followed by
further reports that West Ham were exploring potential deals for, amongst
others, Bafetimbi Gomis from Lyons, AC Milan forward Niang and Norwich
City's attacking left-back, Martin Olsson. Are these type of deals a clear
declaration of attacking intent for the new season? Hopefully so, but lets
wait until that alleged 'interest' transmutes in to concrete new signings.
Elsewhere, there was another report that attracted less attention. Namely
that Joleon Lescott is allegedly prepared to take a 50% cut in his £90,000 a
week wages, at Man City, to stay in the Premier League. Now that may be
interesting news to West Ham (if true?), who have a long standing interest
in signing the former England centre-back. Securing a Bosman deal for
Lescott, at wages of £45,000 per week, is admittedly well worth thinking
about. But is it a priority acquisition, with Collins, Tomkins and
(hopefully) Reid covering centre-back? Perhaps, all things being equal, we
might be better served by targetting a defensive midfield player, who can
also be deployed at centre-back? Someone like Bordeaux's Ludovic Sane for
instance. A player who can play in both positions with equal proficiency.
Who knows, we might even be able to off-load Diarra and Maiga in a
part-exchange deal!
In a previous blog post, the question was raised whether a £20m budget was
sufficient to overhaul the squad? Firstly, do we know that figure is the
definitive budget available? If the budget does prove to be in the region of
£20m, we should remember that most deals are not settled up front, but
rather are paid via instalment agreements, often over an extended period. In
addition, there may be extra resources arising from outgoing deals, which
not only generates extra transfer funds, but also creates some slack in the
salaries budget. While some fringe players will go on free transfers or for
nominal fees, I am sure that others like Vaz Te and Maiga could command
reasonable fees. In addition, it may be that the decision is made to cash in
on a first team regular, to both 'shuffle the pack' and generate significant
extra income. Or they could, indeed, make the available resources stretch
further by going down the aforementioned player part-exchange route. Those
deals are more complicated, but can produce good, cost-effective results, if
carried off!
It was clear to me months ago that the squad needed an overhaul this summer.
The poor results in December-January cruelly exposed the squad's lack of
strength in depth and vulnerability to injuries and suspensions. Those
factors aside, when at full strength, we have a reasonable PL first XI and
substitutes bench. One that, in the final analysis, can keep us in the PL,
but which is not equipped to facilitate an assault on the top eight. To move
forward, it was obvious that we needed to add more quality and, thus,
increase competition for places. And that imperative has been further
compounded by the 'style of play' issue also coming to a head this close
season. Taken together, both factors, necessitate change.
The board declaration on the performance indicators/proscribed changes for
the new season is perfectly clear. Much is often made of the current manager
having 'hit his targets' since he joined the club, which is a fair enough
point. Now lets see whether these new targets/PIs are also successfully
achieved? I certainly hope so, because ideally no one wants to effect
managerial change in mid-season. Its a moot point, I know, but it did occur
to me that the changes imposed by the board could mean that we have,
intentionally or unintentionally, moved towards a more continental-type
model. One where various key functions (transfers, scouting and recruitment)
are hived off, to one extent or other, and this allows the Manager to focus
more squarely on first team affairs (a la a Head Coach).
In an interview, Mr Allardyce's former Bolton Assistant, Phil Brown, has
recently stated that winning over the Hammers fans is the greatest challenge
that the former Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle Utd and Blackburn Rovers boss
has faced; but one that he is most definitely up for! Lets hope so, he sent
out Hammers teams against Spurs, Fulham and Liverpool that played some good
quality football. But can he do it fairly consistently, over the course of a
season? The board need to secure the quality additions necessary to help
find a definitive/uncontested answer to that question.
SJ. Chandos
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West Ham's Sam Allardyce in humiliating U-turn: ''I must entertain fans next
season''
May 22, 2014 22:30 By Neil McLeman
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce has performed a humiliating U-turn by claiming football is "an
entertainment business" after keeping his West Ham job. Big Sam had
previously dismissed the West Ham way as "not winning" and a "delusion" -
and insisted football is a "results-driven formula". And after his team were
booed off after a home win over Hull in March, he said: "When we look at the
table tomorrow when we get up, the performance hardly really matters". The
Upton Park board considered sacking Allardyce but offered a stay of
execution this week as long as the Hammers play better football - and finish
in the top 10. He also has to employ a new attacking coach while the board
will look to appoint a director of football to supervise transfers.
Allardyce now says he wants to help create "an exciting team for next
season". And he added: "Entertainment value, contrary to what some people
say and think, is high on my list and always has been because this is an
entertainment business. "It is also a results business, though, and we need
to win matches. If we can win games the right way next season then that has
to be our ultimate aim and No 1 priority, particularly at home."
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Spence thanks West Ham following release
By talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) | Thursday, May 22, 2014
Jordan Spence has thanked West Ham for giving him his big break after the
club released him. The versatile academy graduate can play at centre-back or
right-back but he has found it impossible to force his way into Sam
Allardyce's side and is now a free agent. "No conceivable way to summarise
what West Ham United FC has equipped me for, taught me and meant to me over
the past 9 years," he tweeted. "It's an honour to have represented the club
for this period and I'd like to thank all that have supported me throughout.
"I wish the club the very best and hope they give the fans what they deserve
for the coming seasons. "As an east London boy, playing for this club has
been a privilege. Look forward to what opportunities and challenges await me
in my future.."
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Friday, May 23
Thursday, May 22
Daily WHUFC News - 22nd May 2014
Frank backs call for quality
WHUFc.com
Frank McAvennie has backed plans to bring more attacking flair into the West
Ham United side
21.05.2014
West Ham United legend Frank McAvennie has backed the Club's ambition to
sign more exciting attacking players ahead of the 2014/15 Barclays Premier
League season. The Hammers and Scotland centre forward netted 60 goals
during his six seasons at the Boleyn Ground, benefitting greatly from the
creative talents of the likes of Alan Devonshire, Mark Ward and Alan
Dickens. Twenty-five years on and McAvennie agrees with the sentiments of
the Board and manager Sam Allardyce, who have stated that they want West Ham
to play with more verve and flair next term. "I think you know what you're
getting with Big Sam," confirmed the 54-year-old. "I would like personally
to see a bit more quality in the team - a few players who can get the ball
down. "I went to see Bolton when Sam was there and he had players like
Jay-Jay Okocha and all that and those boys could get the ball down play.
They also had other boys who could hit it direct and sometimes you have got
to do that and I like to see them mix and match a bit more. "I'd like to see
Sam bring in a bit of quality."
After three seasons as West Ham manager - and two back in the Barclays
Premier League - McAvennie believes Big Sam now has the opportunity to take
the Club forward and start challenging for a European place. Should that
happen, the Boys of '86 hero expects the Boleyn Ground to be rocking with
excitement.
"If you put on a team on the park that excites the fans, then they will be
behind you," McAvennie confirmed. "The fans like seeing a bit of flair, but
they won't see it go back to the old days because football is different.
"They would like to see some quality in the West Ham team just to mix it up,
because Andy Carroll is a great player, not only heading the ball but with
his feet because he can play. He won't be scared to get it into feet, which
is what I'd like to see West Ham do."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Argy bargy
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 21st May 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are close to sealing the capture of former Birmingham City forward
Mauro Zarate, according to reports from Argentina. Now 27, Zarate played 18
times for Birmingham City whilst on loan in 2008 when the club was still
owned by West Ham's current owners David Sullivan and David Gold. And
according to the player's bother and agent, the forward - who has also
represented Lazio and Inter in Serie A - is close to sealing a move to West
Ham. Rolando Zarate, who himself briefly represented Barcelona and Real
Madrid during his playing career told Argentinian radio show Velez Y Su
Mundo: "We have almost everything sorted out with West Ham. "Mauro Zarate
and his family's love for Velez is huge, but the club will receive good
financial compensation." Zarate's stock has fallen in recent years after his
loan spell at Milan failed to bear fruit with a proposed permanent move
cancelled. In July 2013 he returned to Vélez Sársfield, the Argentinian club
with whom he started his professional career back in 2004. Whilst at Lazio
he was involved in an unsavoury incident in which he was criticised for
making a fascist salute - before a spokesman later insisted Zarate had no
idea who Adolf Hitler or Benito Mussolini were. The last Argentinian to play
for West Ham was Carlos Tevez, who ended up costing the club some £50million
as a result of contractual irregularities.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mauro Zarate closes on return to England
By Paulo Freitas & Graeme Bailey | Last Updated: 21/05/14 9:25am
SSN
Argentine striker Mauro Zarate is closing on a return to England with West
Ham United, according to his brother and agent. Rolando Zarate has revealed
that the striker played his final game for Velez Sarsfield on Tuesday when
he scored twice in their win at San Lorenzo to help them end the campaign in
sixth.
The 27-year-old re-joined Velez - the club where he began his career - last
July from Italian side Lazio, and he has performed well with 18 goals in 28
starts to finish as top scorer in the Argentine top flight. Now former
Birmingham forward Zarate looks set to return to England with long-term
admirers West Ham hoping to clinch a deal. Zarate impressed at St Andrew's
during a loan spell at the end of the 2007/08 season, but he could not help
them stay in the Premier League. His brother Rolando now says a move to
Upton Park is close and told Velez y su mundo: "We have almost everything
sorted out with West Ham, they asked him not to play against San Lorenzo but
he wanted to play." Zarate's brother - himself a former Argentina
international - admitted he was sad to be leaving Velez again. "Mauro Zarate
and his family's love for Velez is huge, but the club receive a good
financial compensation." Sky Sports understands that Zarate is due to arrive
in England this week and, although there is rival interest both in the
Premier League and around Europe, West Ham are in pole position.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
CUTTING THROUGH THE CR*P – A CYNICAL INTERPRETATION OF WHAT OUR OWNERS ARE
PROBABLY THINKING . . .
By Tony McDonald 21 May 2014 at 15:53
West Ham Till I Die
At the risk of adding to a "cesspit of negativity", as Iain Dale refers to
those of us who don't much want to "suck it up and just get on with it" and
depressed though I am, I couldn't let the latest debacle in the club's
recent history pass without comment and some tongue-in-cheek analysis.
For me, the board's decision to start next season with Big Sham still in
charge is one we will all live to regret and is another opportunity to
revamp the club missed. This stay of execution is merely delaying the
inevitable and the problem will be so much harder to address when, as I
suspect, he is finally shown the door before the end of 2014.
In short, what Tuesday's official statement from the club basically
translates to is: 'While we were in the Championship and then trying to get
past the first season back in the Premier League, we couldn't give a
monkey's how the manager did it or what the fans thought about it. Now we've
realised that at this rate, we'll be taking only around 4,000 season ticket
holders to the Olympic Stadium. But we'll wait until he's actually into the
final year of his contract, so we can get rid of him on the cheap'.
For those of you out there who like pictures and few words, perhaps you
might want to leave this page now and react disparagingly without bothering
to read on. For those who want to hang around a while longer, let's attempt
to cut through the crap, delve a bit deeper into the co-owners' statement
and try and read between blurry lines with – yes, OK – a degree of justified
cynicism . . .
(Words which appear below in the lighter font are reproduced from the
statement. Those in bold are my personal interpretation, mere speculation
and have no basis in fact):
West Ham United can confirm that manager Sam Allardyce will lead the Club
into the 2014/15 Barclays Premier League season after constructive talks
with the Club's Board. The Board and Allardyce have held lengthy and
detailed discussions on the Club's direction, values and philosophy and a
positive way forward for next season has been agreed.
Our lawyers have looked very closely at the small print of Sam's fat, juicy
contract – after all, let's not forget, we did make him the 13th highest
paid manager in world football this year – and, much as it pains us to admit
this, we can't quite find a way to sack him and his staff without having to
cough up £5m, which we are naturally very loathe to do. So we're afraid
you'll have to be put up with this rubbish for a bit longer. You see, we
have foolishly allowed our manager and his agent friend to become so
influential over the players we sign and release that we cannot extricate
ourselves from this mess as easily as you may think without causing a
massive upheaval. But don't worry, we've come up with a cunning plan that
will hopefully force him to walk away at relatively little cost to the club.
Oh, and we're praying that there will again be three teams even worse than
us next season.
After listening to feedback from supporters, the Board have insisted on
improvements to the set-up of the playing and backroom staff to ensure the
team provides more entertainment next season.
We know full well that almost 78 per cent of 12,000-plus supporters recently
voted for us to get rid of Sam. Of course we are aware of these facts. But
we're going to totally ignore them and hope that you'll soon forget the
absolute garbage you have been overcharged for this past season (and beyond,
if any of you can remember back that far and put aside for a minute that we
beat Spurs three times last season) and renew your season tickets all the
same. Come on, you suckers are claret and blue through and through, right?
'West Ham Till I Die' and 'Moore Than A Football Club' and all that? Anyway,
we are not totally ignoring the opinions and wishes of you, our loyal
supporters. We always carefully consider all views expressed through the SAB
and you may be surprised to know, we agreed wholeheartedly with their
independent findings, which – surprise, surprise – very much coincide with
our own. Fear not. Although we know absolutely nothing about the actual
playing side of a football club, please believe us when we say we are
totally on Sam's case from now on. We're definitely turning the screws and
calling the shots here. You'll absolutely love what we've got lined up for
your joyous entertainment next season, so be sure to get those season ticket
renewals in quickly and remember that we are all in this together. In the
meantime, we'll continue to encourage our good friends in the media to link
us with a preposterously ludicrous string of world class names who would
never be seen dead at Upton Park. There's nothing quite like a few 'West Ham
are chasing (insert name of any World Cup 2014 player)' tabloid reports to
boost ST sales and loosen the pockets of those gullible fans.
The manager has agreed to recruit a new attacking coach to complement the
existing coaching set-up as well as an overhaul of the Club's scouting and
recruitment operation that will see the Board have a greater involvement in
the players who are signed, as the Board will once again be investing
considerable funds into the Club this summer.
As we readily admit, we have never coached nor managed a football club at
any level, let alone in the Premier League, but you will appreciate that we
are very successful business people in our own right and have the club very
much at heart. We seriously believe that we are expertly qualified to give
our manager, who has 25 years of experience at his job, the best possible
advice when it comes to identifying problems on the field and appointing
important assistant coaching staff. In this respect, we are delighted to say
that our trusted adviser Barry Silkman tells us that we shall shortly expect
to be interviewing Kevin Davies, John Fashanu and Mick Harford for the new
role, with Iain Dowie and John Radford also shortlisted, while Savio and
Maiga insist they still have something to bring to the party on the
attacking front, too. As regards player recruitment and scouting policy, the
manager has kindly agreed to at least consider some players who are not
currently under the Mark Curtis banner. The way we see it, we're in a
win-win situation: by undermining Sam in such an obvious way, we're banking
on him throwing in the towel and walking away. And if our leopard really
does change his spots and starts to produce the kind of scintillating
football we all hope for next season . . . OK, we admit, even we don't
really believe this can or will happen.
The Club have made clear that they want to see progression on the pitch and
at least a top-ten finish as a result. West Ham United Joint-Chairmen David
Sullivan and David Gold said: 'We have a very clear vision of how we want
West Ham United to operate under our joint ownership. Although not everybody
understands the West Ham Way, we do and we respect it as we have been
supporters all our lives. We believe this is about a philosophy that is not
just about the style of play, but the whole ethos that surrounds the Club'.
To be honest, as you already know, we don't really have much of a clue what
the 'West Ham Way' is either – and the man we appointed certainly doesn't.
Sure, we know all about the visionary manager John Greenwood, the White
Horse Whisky Final and didn't we win some old tin trophy about 50 years ago?
(Note: We really must remember to invite those old dinosaurs to a game some
day and show them just how well we like to look after our
never-to-be-forgotten heroes.). With the benefit of hindsight, it probably
would have been a good idea to have made our 'clear vision' and the 'ethos'
of the club crystal clear to the manager before we actually gave him the
job. But, to be honest, we assumed – rightly, as it's turned out – that you
would all keep coming along and paying your hard-earned money anyway,
regardless of how poor the entertainment value has been. You certainly seem
to have fallen for it so far, although one or two of you have been getting a
bit pesky lately, hence this appeasing statement. (By the way, please note
the new signage above the turnstiles at the Boleyn Ground next season. The
entrances for home fans will be clearly marked 'Cattle', 'Sheep' and 'Mugs'.
We continue to welcome you all.) Rest assured, we have now read up on the
club's history and traditions and we have passed this enlightened
information on to our man Sam, too. We're talking ethos, philosophy and
style here. We get it. Allardyce is being ordered to completely change a
playing style that he has stuck to rigidly for his entire managerial career.
Not only that, but we expect him to do it in the space of six weeks when the
squad returns for pre-season, add backroom staff that he doesn't want, and
most probably some players that he hasn't even signed. In other words, we've
set him a near-impossible task.
Sam was asked to give us a detailed presentation on his vision for next
season and during this he assured us that he can deliver that ethos to West
Ham United and we have agreed to support him with the resources that he
needs. We have mapped out a way forward with him that will ensure our
much-deserving fans have more to cheer about next season.
Actually, we all fell asleep during the presentation and the screen we
watched it on wasn't really as tall as it could have been, because the ball
kept disappearing from view. But hey, Sam has promised us he will be working
very closely with the players to ensure even more clean sheets. A ball will
be introduced to coaching sessions on Wednesdays, too, so that should really
help the players to get a feel for things ahead of the weekend's action.
They have also pledged to spend at least 10 minutes per week practicing
set-pieces from now on, although Mark Noble has questioned the whole concept
of the little known term 'practice'. The most positive thing to come out of
our last meeting with Sam was his Wenger-esque vision for achieving an
ambitious target of 35 per cent possession in at least a quarter of our
games next season, which we hope you'll agree is a considerable improvement.
We should also stress, though, that while improvements do need to be made,
Sam deserves credit for the job he has done thus far after securing
promotion in his first year and two respectable Premier League finishes in
the two years thereafter.
We really had to slot this in somewhere, just to keep Sam's legal people
happy, you understand? Didn't want them possibly counter-attacking (probably
not the appropriate phrase where Sam's concerned) with a constructive
dismissal claim, did we? After all, you can only go so far in undermining a
manager.
We have also seen the likes of Mark Noble, James Tomkins and Winston Reid
all make huge progress under his management, which in turn contributed to
our impressive record of 14 clean sheets last season.
OK, so anyone who knows even the slightest thing about the game knows that
Mark is really no more than a journeyman midfielder who passes the ball
sideways and backwards five yards, creates very few chances and scores even
fewer goals (other than penalties). But who else can we crow about? You all
love him because he's 'one of our own' and will always be quick to overlook
his obvious deficiencies. And the way young James performed in extra-time in
Brentwood High Street last season . . . well, if Roy Hodgson won't take him
to Brazil, then it's his and the nation's loss. If we could cash in by
selling both our young English stars and Winston to one of the top six
clubs, we would – but no top Premier League clubs want them anyway.
The truly historic opportunity of a move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016
forms a major part of our five-year strategy to take this Club forward and,
while we have a duty to make sure we stay in the Premier League, we also
want to make sure the performances on the pitch will befit a team playing in
such a world-renowned stadium.
One way or the other, we confidently expect Sam to be gone six or eight
games into next season. Realistically, there's no way he'll put up with his
revised terms of reference or be capable of abandoning his ultra-cautious,
negative, route one approach in favour of the new swashbuckling style we are
demanding from him. Who knows, he may even beat Glenn Roeder's record of
being sacked three games into the new season if our new attacking coach
doesn't produce a few 5-4 cliffhangers for us all to enthral over. Who will
we get in as Sam's replacement? We clearly haven't thought that far ahead
but, obviously, he will be a limited, cheap option, someone no other Premier
League club wanted, and we'll entrust him with the basic brief of keeping us
in the Premier League at all costs. Besides, it won't matter much who we get
in as his replacement or how the team plays – we'll have banked all the
season ticket money by then, whether you turn up or not.
We are absolutely committed to taking West Ham United to new heights and we
want to see the Club continue on an upward trajectory next season.
As Sam constantly reassured us in his detailed presentation, not every ball
aimed at Andy Carroll next season will be 'on an upward trajectory'.
The 2014/15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam
has the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success.
'Passion, experience and determination', we said. Did we say he had vision,
tactical nous and flexibility, makes astute use of substitutions or is
clever transfer market operator who never pays over the top for a player,
too? No, we most certainly did not mention those elusive qualities. See,
we're learning.
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce said: "I look forward to taking the
Club forward and improving the squad for next season to try and achieve the
plans we have set out in our very productive meeting last week."
Sam's legal advisers insisted on us inserting this final paragraph into our
new bullish statement of intent. He was so delighted that we brought the
club's attacking, entertaining ethos to his attention after three years here
at the helm that, as he says, it's like a new awakening for him. Let's face
it, if we do try and exert more influence over player recruitment and poke
our noses in by telling him how to manage and set up his team tactically, he
is bound to throw his toys out of the pram and walk away eventually. If he
and the new attacking coach fail miserably after all our shrewd advice, he
can always blame us and walk away with his proud record as the supreme
advocate of 19th century 'football' in tact. See you soon and don't forget
to renew those season tickets . . .
FINAL THOUGHTS
Some weeks ago, while still counting the days to Big Sham's departure, some
posters on here threw back at me the wearisome and predictable "well, who
else can we get? Who's out there?' line, as if decent football coaches don't
exist beyond Dover. One of the names I put forward as possessing the kind of
calibre and pedigree our board should be looking at was Celta Vigo's Luis
Enrique . . . the same man Barcelona appointed as their new coach just two
days ago. Of course, we couldn't possibly have competed with Barca for
Enrique but you get my drift? I bet the denizens of Camp Nou are looking
forward to the start of the new season a whole lot more than most West Ham
fans are.
Now that all the speculation surrounding BS has subsided, at least
temporarily until our tactical genius returns to the dug-out in August and
we are doomed to another period of torture, let's remember Iain Dale's words
and decide where we stand on the issue of Allardyce. To all of you who renew
season tickets or pay at the gate expecting to see a spectacle, don't come
on here or Twitter whinging and disappointed that nothing has changed.
*Tony McDonald is editor of the long-established retro EX magazine. To find
out more visit www.ex-hammers.com
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HERE WE GO AGAIN; SILLY SEASON AND MAURO ZARATE
By Tony Hanna 21 May 2014 at 13:38
West Ham Till I Die
According to reports from Argentina, the Hammers are close to signing Mauro
Zarate. The forward played 18 times on loan for Birmingham City when David
Gold and David Sullivan were at the club. The Argentinian started his career
at Velez Sarsfield and after spells at Al-Sadd, Birmingham, Lazio and Inter
Milan, he is back at Velez Sarsfield again. The players agent is his
brother, Rolando Zarate, an ex Barcelona and Real Madrid player in his
playing days, and it is he who told an Argentinian radio show "We have
almost everything sorted with West Ham."
Over the next few months we are going to be linked with all and sundry.
Whether the Zarate deal is real or just another agent trying to advertise
his player is just for our speculation. This season's transfer window has
the World Cup to contend with and that will change the whole scenery and the
timing of deals. Despite now being a World game, the WC tournament with 32
Nations from around the globe offers the major domestic leagues a fantastic
opportunity to taste test an array of new and old talent. This is a shop
window of gigantic proportions. However, like any new signings, some will
bear fruit and for every one that succeeds there will be many more flops. In
particular, playing a slow tempo game in the heat of Brazil is a lot
different from playing away at Stoke on a cold and wet December evening.
The flip side is that whilst the tournament is in progress, most players are
not going to want the distraction of signing any new deals, and quite
rightly so. Whilst many will enjoy the opportunity of the "for sale" tag
being pinned on them, it will be somewhat of a waiting game until any
targeted players tournament is over. I see this transfer window as being a
very stop start affair with more stops than starts to be honest. A couple of
seasons ago a mate of man who supports Spurs, yes I know, am I really that
short of friends, but he made a list of all the players that they had been
"linked" with over the course of a transfer window. At the close the list
numbered 174 and not one of them signed for Spurs. Agents agendas, players
agendas, clubs and owners agendas will all be at the forefront and sorting
out what is real or isn't will be impossible.
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Downing on the attack
WHUFC.com
Winger Stewart Downing is looking forward to playing in a more attacking
West Ham United side next season
21.05.2014
Stewart Downing has welcomed the news that West Ham United will play a more
attacking game next season. The England winger, who delivered more accurate
crosses than any other Barclays Premier League player last term, has reacted
positively to a Club Statement outlining plans for a more offensive
approach. With a new attacking coach set to be appointed and the Board
making a commitment to strengthening Sam Allardyce's squad, the Hammers are
making provision for their third season back in the top flight. Downing, for
one, believes the Club can improve both their playing style and results in
2014/15.
"I thoroughly enjoyed my first season with West Ham, where I played
regularly and was made to feel like a valuable member of the team," said the
No23, who arrived from Liverpool in August 2013. "The Gaffer and the players
made me feel welcome and settled from my first day and I felt I played some
good football. Next season, I want to show the West Ham fans my very best.
"Personally, I am very happy that the manager is staying, because he's a big
part of the reason why I came to the Club. He also handled the difficult
challenges presented to him last season really well."
Downing put in 84 accurate crosses in 2013/14 - 18 more than Manchester
City's Samir Nasri, who ranked second - and recorded two assists alongside
his solitary goal against Tottenham Hotspur in the final home game of the
season. With more attacking players set to join the Club, the 29-year-old
hopes to improve all of those statistics next term, helping the team to
consistently play on the front foot and put their opponents under pressure.
"The stats showed that I put in loads of crosses last season and I hope,
with Andy Carroll fit and firing from the start, I can set up plenty of
goals for him and our other strikers next season," he stated. "I was also
delighted to score my first goal in our home win over Tottenham in May -
hopefully it will be the first of many! The way we played that day should be
the platform for us to build on next season, pressing high and forcing the
other team into making mistakes that we can capitalise on.
"As a winger, I am encouraged to hear that we will try to play with a more
attacking style, as that plays to my strengths. However, we must ensure that
this is not at the expense of the hard work and resilience we showed when it
really mattered last season. We need to get the balance right and, when we
do, I am sure we will cause problems for everyone we face. "I am sure Sam
and the owners will be looking at strengthening the squad this summer and
improving what is already a decent team. I am sure we can kick on next
season and, to be honest, I can't wait to get started again!"
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Sam Allardyce should not change West Ham, says Gianfranco Zola
Last Updated: 21/05/14 10:03pm
SSN
Gianfranco Zola says Sam Allardyce should not be under pressure to change
his playing style - and is interested in the vacant Norwich job. Gianfranco
Zola believes West Ham boss Sam Allardyce should not be under pressure to
change his style, and has admitted his interest in the vacant post at
Norwich. Allardyce has been given backing by the West Ham board despite fan
unrest at Upton Park, citing poor performances and defensive football as
reasons to oust the 59-year-old. The board has, however, echoed the worries
of the supporters by demanding more attacking football at the club, as well
as a top-10 finish and a say in transfers. Former Hammers boss Zola
disagrees with the treatment of Allardyce, telling Sky Sports: "Every
manager has his own style, whether you like it or not. "You don't have to
put pressure on the manager to change the style. "It's something that tends
to come from the manager. I wouldn't ask somebody to do something that it
might be a problem for them to do. "It's a very strange request."
Zola, who was sacked by West Ham in May 2010, has been out of work since
resigning as Watford boss last December. Recent speculation has seen the
Italian linked with the vacant post at recently-relegated Norwich, who are
in the hunt for a manager after caretaker boss Neil Adams took over from
Chris Hughton for the last few games of their doomed season. Asked whether
he would like to return to management at Carrow Road, Zola said: "It's a
possibility. It's a very good club. "I like the way it's structured, so
we'll see how it goes. "I'm looking for a team, so hopefully it will come.
"It's been a few months out, and now I'm ready to start again."
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ENTERTAINMENT WILL BE HARD TO ACHIEVE WITH ONLY £20 MILLION
By Sean Whetstone 21 May 2014 at 21:27
West Ham Till I Die
This afternoon I was asked by Daily Mail Sports to give my thoughts about
Sam Allardyce creating entertainment next season on a budget of £20m.
Sam Allardyce has been ordered to entertain the Hammers faithful next
season, and has reportedly been given a £20million budget, together with a
new attacking coach, to achieve this feat. I have great respect for
Allardyce, simply because of what he has done for West Ham; getting us
promoted at the first time of asking and avoiding relegation in our first
two seasons back in the Premier League. But demanding entertaining football
from him might just be a step too far.
Sam is an excellent survivalist who buys experienced survivalist players
based on statistics. The problem is the board and the fans now want more
than this.
We want to be entertained and push for a top eight league position. Some
people outside of West Ham will say we want our cake and to eat it too, but
the chairmen have invested huge personal sums in the signings of Matt
Jarvis, Modibo Maiga, Stewart Downing and Andy Carroll to push the club on
with very little return.
As the impending move to the Olympic Stadium gets closer, we have to be more
ambitious and Premier League survival is no longer a suitable goal.
The suggestion that someone like Paolo Di Canio will join as an attacking
coach to revolutionise us is frankly comical. I couldn't imagine two people
more ill-fitted to work together.
Sam often complains he is stereotyped in the media and his '19th century'
playing style – as Jose Mourinho calls it – is completely misunderstood. I
agree football has moved on from the so called 'West Ham way' of the
sixties, but we want to enjoy watching our football and that rarely happened
for me last season.
When we look at the proposed £20million budget it appears woefully
inadequate to overhaul an entire first team squad, with our only player
under the age of 25 being Ravel Morrison, who was sent out on loan to QPR
last season.
David Sullivan has a reputation for loan deals and a keen eye for bargain.
He rarely pays inflated prices or competes for players other clubs want.
The massive challenge for the West Ham board, who want a tighter reign on
transfer policy, is how they attract quality, flair players to West Ham who
both want to play for the manager and yet still do so on a restricted
budget.
The objectives set out in Tuesday's statement seem difficult to achieve and
appear to be doomed for failure.
A better and more honest statement might have been: 'Sam is staying… just
get over it! Thank you for your support.'
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West Ham target Jack Colback transfer as his Sunderland contract runs out
May 21, 2014 23:16 By James Nursey
The Mirror
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is close to clinching his first summer signing
by snapping up Jack Colback. The Sunderland midfielder,24, is
out-of-contract and has failed to agree terms with the Black Cats. And the
Hammers are now in pole position to beat Swansea to his signature. Colback
made 42 appearances for the Sunderland last season, scoring three goals. He
has been at the Stadium of Light all of his career, but had two spells on
loan with Championship side Ipswich Town early in his career. It will be
another boost to Allardyce after the Upton Park board opted to keep him this
week.
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Obinna's West Ham return imminent
Hereisthecity.com
West Ham United look set to bring back Nigerian marksman Victor Obinna, who
is currently on loan at Serie A side Chievo. Victor Obinna spent the 2010-11
season with West Ham and latest reports suggest the East London side will
turn to the unsettled marksman again. The 27-year-old's big professional
break came at Serie A minnows Chievo where he played between 2005 and 2008
and scored 19 goals in 82 games, although his primary role was in providing
assists. Known for his acrobatic goal celebrations and his relentless
energy, Obinna caught the attention of Inter who signed him but never really
needed another striker. Inter loaned Obinna out to Malaga and then to West
Ham where he acquitted himself well, especially at the start of the season.
Obinna managed the unusual feat of providing four assists in a 4-0 League
Cup win over Manchester City and scored a hat-trick in a 3-2 FA Cup fourth
round win over Nottingham Forest. But the Hammers didn't exercise the option
to sign Obinna permanently in the summer of 2011 and he ended up signing for
Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow. The talented forward has spent the second
half of the season at Chievo on loan and was greeted very warmly by fans at
the Stadio Bentegodi. But a longer term solution needs to be found and that
could be where West Ham step in. According to Talksport.com, West Ham are
preparing to launch a bid to sign Obinna, who is seen as surplus to
requirements in Moscow and a deal could happen very shortly. It is likely
that Obinna would welcome to chance to return to London and he seems to be
looking for a way to leave Lokomotiv this summer. West Ham often struggled
with a lack of striking options last season and Obinna could be an
affordable solution who is a known quantity.
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Argentina striker agrees to West Ham move
Brad Pinard
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
9:45 AM
London24.com
West Ham are on the verge of signing Argentine striker Mauro Zarate,
according to his agent. The 27-year-old has a good reputation in Europe,
although his record shows he isn't the lethal striker Hammers fans may have
been after. Zarate enjoyed a loan spell with Birmingham City back in 2008
and is now set to return to England having played for the likes of Lazio and
Inter since then. West Ham announced yesterday than Sam Allardyce will be
staying on at Upton Park as manager – although co-owners David Gold and
David Sullivan will now have a bigger say in transfers. The club have wasted
no time and Zarate's agent brother Rolando has admitted that a deal is
all-but done with compensation and contracts agreed. "We have almost
everything sorted out with West Ham, they asked him not to play against San
Lorenzo but he wanted to play." "Mauro Zarate and his family's love for
Velez is huge, but the club receive a good financial compensation." Zarate
is not in the Argentina squad for the World Cup this summer – although he
did notch 19 times last season for hometown club Velez.
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West Ham fans voice disappointment at board's decision to retain Sam
Allardyce
Tom Allnutt
Published: 21 May 2014
Updated: 09:21, 21 May 2014
Standard.co.uk
Sam Allardyce's brand of football will never be 'the West Ham Way' and fans
are "disappointed" he will be manager at the start of next season, says the
editor of a prominent Hammers fanzine. The club announced on Tuesday
Allardyce will remain as manager but that he must accept a handful of
"improvements", including a commitment to a more positive style of play. A
statement released by the club said: "After listening to feedback from
supporters, the board have insisted on improvements to the set-up of the
playing and backroom staff to ensure the team provides more entertainment
next season." Allardyce has agreed to hire a new attacking coach and has
been told by joint chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan to aim for "at
least a top-10 finish" - but sceptical supporters remain unconvinced. "Gold
and Sullivan are talking about 'the West Ham Way' but the more you look at
it the more it seems the Allardyce way is never going to be 'the West Ham
Way'," said David Blackmore, editor of The Blowing Bubbles Fanzine. "There
is certainly a lot of disappointment and a feeling the fans haven't been
listened to. "A lot of fans are absorbing it and making notes on what has
been promised so that when it doesn't materialise at the start of the season
they can call the board out on it." He added: "At the moment we don't have
the types of players to be entertaining so I don't see much changing.
"Having a squad that is going to be fit is going to make a difference but I
doubt it will be long past October or November before fans start voicing
their concerns again." West Ham's prospects last season were damaged by a
number of injuries to key players, including club-record signing Andy
Carroll. Allardyce will have "considerable funds" available to strengthen
his squad this summer but the board will have more influence over which
players are brought in. Sullivan and Gold said: "We have a very clear vision
of how we want West Ham United to operate under our joint ownership.
"Although not everybody understands the West Ham Way, we do and we respect
it as we have been supporters all our lives. We believe this is about a
philosophy that is not just about the style of play, but the whole ethos
that surrounds the club."
Allardyce guided the club to promotion from the Championship at the first
attempt in 2012 and secured a 10th-place finish in the team's first year
back in the Premier League. The Hammers failed to progress last season,
however, and spent the majority of the campaign fighting off the threat of
relegation. Three wins over rivals Tottenham and a 13th-place finish in the
table did little to appease disillusioned supporters, who complained about
the team's defensive style of play. In March, the home fans at Upton Park
booed at the final whistle even after the Hammers had beaten Hull 2-1, to
which Allardyce responded by cupping his ears in disbelief. Maintaining
status in the Premier League remains the club's priority, especially given
the significant financial implications of moving to the Olympic Stadium in
2016.
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WHUFc.com
Frank McAvennie has backed plans to bring more attacking flair into the West
Ham United side
21.05.2014
West Ham United legend Frank McAvennie has backed the Club's ambition to
sign more exciting attacking players ahead of the 2014/15 Barclays Premier
League season. The Hammers and Scotland centre forward netted 60 goals
during his six seasons at the Boleyn Ground, benefitting greatly from the
creative talents of the likes of Alan Devonshire, Mark Ward and Alan
Dickens. Twenty-five years on and McAvennie agrees with the sentiments of
the Board and manager Sam Allardyce, who have stated that they want West Ham
to play with more verve and flair next term. "I think you know what you're
getting with Big Sam," confirmed the 54-year-old. "I would like personally
to see a bit more quality in the team - a few players who can get the ball
down. "I went to see Bolton when Sam was there and he had players like
Jay-Jay Okocha and all that and those boys could get the ball down play.
They also had other boys who could hit it direct and sometimes you have got
to do that and I like to see them mix and match a bit more. "I'd like to see
Sam bring in a bit of quality."
After three seasons as West Ham manager - and two back in the Barclays
Premier League - McAvennie believes Big Sam now has the opportunity to take
the Club forward and start challenging for a European place. Should that
happen, the Boys of '86 hero expects the Boleyn Ground to be rocking with
excitement.
"If you put on a team on the park that excites the fans, then they will be
behind you," McAvennie confirmed. "The fans like seeing a bit of flair, but
they won't see it go back to the old days because football is different.
"They would like to see some quality in the West Ham team just to mix it up,
because Andy Carroll is a great player, not only heading the ball but with
his feet because he can play. He won't be scared to get it into feet, which
is what I'd like to see West Ham do."
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Argy bargy
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 21st May 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are close to sealing the capture of former Birmingham City forward
Mauro Zarate, according to reports from Argentina. Now 27, Zarate played 18
times for Birmingham City whilst on loan in 2008 when the club was still
owned by West Ham's current owners David Sullivan and David Gold. And
according to the player's bother and agent, the forward - who has also
represented Lazio and Inter in Serie A - is close to sealing a move to West
Ham. Rolando Zarate, who himself briefly represented Barcelona and Real
Madrid during his playing career told Argentinian radio show Velez Y Su
Mundo: "We have almost everything sorted out with West Ham. "Mauro Zarate
and his family's love for Velez is huge, but the club will receive good
financial compensation." Zarate's stock has fallen in recent years after his
loan spell at Milan failed to bear fruit with a proposed permanent move
cancelled. In July 2013 he returned to Vélez Sársfield, the Argentinian club
with whom he started his professional career back in 2004. Whilst at Lazio
he was involved in an unsavoury incident in which he was criticised for
making a fascist salute - before a spokesman later insisted Zarate had no
idea who Adolf Hitler or Benito Mussolini were. The last Argentinian to play
for West Ham was Carlos Tevez, who ended up costing the club some £50million
as a result of contractual irregularities.
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Mauro Zarate closes on return to England
By Paulo Freitas & Graeme Bailey | Last Updated: 21/05/14 9:25am
SSN
Argentine striker Mauro Zarate is closing on a return to England with West
Ham United, according to his brother and agent. Rolando Zarate has revealed
that the striker played his final game for Velez Sarsfield on Tuesday when
he scored twice in their win at San Lorenzo to help them end the campaign in
sixth.
The 27-year-old re-joined Velez - the club where he began his career - last
July from Italian side Lazio, and he has performed well with 18 goals in 28
starts to finish as top scorer in the Argentine top flight. Now former
Birmingham forward Zarate looks set to return to England with long-term
admirers West Ham hoping to clinch a deal. Zarate impressed at St Andrew's
during a loan spell at the end of the 2007/08 season, but he could not help
them stay in the Premier League. His brother Rolando now says a move to
Upton Park is close and told Velez y su mundo: "We have almost everything
sorted out with West Ham, they asked him not to play against San Lorenzo but
he wanted to play." Zarate's brother - himself a former Argentina
international - admitted he was sad to be leaving Velez again. "Mauro Zarate
and his family's love for Velez is huge, but the club receive a good
financial compensation." Sky Sports understands that Zarate is due to arrive
in England this week and, although there is rival interest both in the
Premier League and around Europe, West Ham are in pole position.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
CUTTING THROUGH THE CR*P – A CYNICAL INTERPRETATION OF WHAT OUR OWNERS ARE
PROBABLY THINKING . . .
By Tony McDonald 21 May 2014 at 15:53
West Ham Till I Die
At the risk of adding to a "cesspit of negativity", as Iain Dale refers to
those of us who don't much want to "suck it up and just get on with it" and
depressed though I am, I couldn't let the latest debacle in the club's
recent history pass without comment and some tongue-in-cheek analysis.
For me, the board's decision to start next season with Big Sham still in
charge is one we will all live to regret and is another opportunity to
revamp the club missed. This stay of execution is merely delaying the
inevitable and the problem will be so much harder to address when, as I
suspect, he is finally shown the door before the end of 2014.
In short, what Tuesday's official statement from the club basically
translates to is: 'While we were in the Championship and then trying to get
past the first season back in the Premier League, we couldn't give a
monkey's how the manager did it or what the fans thought about it. Now we've
realised that at this rate, we'll be taking only around 4,000 season ticket
holders to the Olympic Stadium. But we'll wait until he's actually into the
final year of his contract, so we can get rid of him on the cheap'.
For those of you out there who like pictures and few words, perhaps you
might want to leave this page now and react disparagingly without bothering
to read on. For those who want to hang around a while longer, let's attempt
to cut through the crap, delve a bit deeper into the co-owners' statement
and try and read between blurry lines with – yes, OK – a degree of justified
cynicism . . .
(Words which appear below in the lighter font are reproduced from the
statement. Those in bold are my personal interpretation, mere speculation
and have no basis in fact):
West Ham United can confirm that manager Sam Allardyce will lead the Club
into the 2014/15 Barclays Premier League season after constructive talks
with the Club's Board. The Board and Allardyce have held lengthy and
detailed discussions on the Club's direction, values and philosophy and a
positive way forward for next season has been agreed.
Our lawyers have looked very closely at the small print of Sam's fat, juicy
contract – after all, let's not forget, we did make him the 13th highest
paid manager in world football this year – and, much as it pains us to admit
this, we can't quite find a way to sack him and his staff without having to
cough up £5m, which we are naturally very loathe to do. So we're afraid
you'll have to be put up with this rubbish for a bit longer. You see, we
have foolishly allowed our manager and his agent friend to become so
influential over the players we sign and release that we cannot extricate
ourselves from this mess as easily as you may think without causing a
massive upheaval. But don't worry, we've come up with a cunning plan that
will hopefully force him to walk away at relatively little cost to the club.
Oh, and we're praying that there will again be three teams even worse than
us next season.
After listening to feedback from supporters, the Board have insisted on
improvements to the set-up of the playing and backroom staff to ensure the
team provides more entertainment next season.
We know full well that almost 78 per cent of 12,000-plus supporters recently
voted for us to get rid of Sam. Of course we are aware of these facts. But
we're going to totally ignore them and hope that you'll soon forget the
absolute garbage you have been overcharged for this past season (and beyond,
if any of you can remember back that far and put aside for a minute that we
beat Spurs three times last season) and renew your season tickets all the
same. Come on, you suckers are claret and blue through and through, right?
'West Ham Till I Die' and 'Moore Than A Football Club' and all that? Anyway,
we are not totally ignoring the opinions and wishes of you, our loyal
supporters. We always carefully consider all views expressed through the SAB
and you may be surprised to know, we agreed wholeheartedly with their
independent findings, which – surprise, surprise – very much coincide with
our own. Fear not. Although we know absolutely nothing about the actual
playing side of a football club, please believe us when we say we are
totally on Sam's case from now on. We're definitely turning the screws and
calling the shots here. You'll absolutely love what we've got lined up for
your joyous entertainment next season, so be sure to get those season ticket
renewals in quickly and remember that we are all in this together. In the
meantime, we'll continue to encourage our good friends in the media to link
us with a preposterously ludicrous string of world class names who would
never be seen dead at Upton Park. There's nothing quite like a few 'West Ham
are chasing (insert name of any World Cup 2014 player)' tabloid reports to
boost ST sales and loosen the pockets of those gullible fans.
The manager has agreed to recruit a new attacking coach to complement the
existing coaching set-up as well as an overhaul of the Club's scouting and
recruitment operation that will see the Board have a greater involvement in
the players who are signed, as the Board will once again be investing
considerable funds into the Club this summer.
As we readily admit, we have never coached nor managed a football club at
any level, let alone in the Premier League, but you will appreciate that we
are very successful business people in our own right and have the club very
much at heart. We seriously believe that we are expertly qualified to give
our manager, who has 25 years of experience at his job, the best possible
advice when it comes to identifying problems on the field and appointing
important assistant coaching staff. In this respect, we are delighted to say
that our trusted adviser Barry Silkman tells us that we shall shortly expect
to be interviewing Kevin Davies, John Fashanu and Mick Harford for the new
role, with Iain Dowie and John Radford also shortlisted, while Savio and
Maiga insist they still have something to bring to the party on the
attacking front, too. As regards player recruitment and scouting policy, the
manager has kindly agreed to at least consider some players who are not
currently under the Mark Curtis banner. The way we see it, we're in a
win-win situation: by undermining Sam in such an obvious way, we're banking
on him throwing in the towel and walking away. And if our leopard really
does change his spots and starts to produce the kind of scintillating
football we all hope for next season . . . OK, we admit, even we don't
really believe this can or will happen.
The Club have made clear that they want to see progression on the pitch and
at least a top-ten finish as a result. West Ham United Joint-Chairmen David
Sullivan and David Gold said: 'We have a very clear vision of how we want
West Ham United to operate under our joint ownership. Although not everybody
understands the West Ham Way, we do and we respect it as we have been
supporters all our lives. We believe this is about a philosophy that is not
just about the style of play, but the whole ethos that surrounds the Club'.
To be honest, as you already know, we don't really have much of a clue what
the 'West Ham Way' is either – and the man we appointed certainly doesn't.
Sure, we know all about the visionary manager John Greenwood, the White
Horse Whisky Final and didn't we win some old tin trophy about 50 years ago?
(Note: We really must remember to invite those old dinosaurs to a game some
day and show them just how well we like to look after our
never-to-be-forgotten heroes.). With the benefit of hindsight, it probably
would have been a good idea to have made our 'clear vision' and the 'ethos'
of the club crystal clear to the manager before we actually gave him the
job. But, to be honest, we assumed – rightly, as it's turned out – that you
would all keep coming along and paying your hard-earned money anyway,
regardless of how poor the entertainment value has been. You certainly seem
to have fallen for it so far, although one or two of you have been getting a
bit pesky lately, hence this appeasing statement. (By the way, please note
the new signage above the turnstiles at the Boleyn Ground next season. The
entrances for home fans will be clearly marked 'Cattle', 'Sheep' and 'Mugs'.
We continue to welcome you all.) Rest assured, we have now read up on the
club's history and traditions and we have passed this enlightened
information on to our man Sam, too. We're talking ethos, philosophy and
style here. We get it. Allardyce is being ordered to completely change a
playing style that he has stuck to rigidly for his entire managerial career.
Not only that, but we expect him to do it in the space of six weeks when the
squad returns for pre-season, add backroom staff that he doesn't want, and
most probably some players that he hasn't even signed. In other words, we've
set him a near-impossible task.
Sam was asked to give us a detailed presentation on his vision for next
season and during this he assured us that he can deliver that ethos to West
Ham United and we have agreed to support him with the resources that he
needs. We have mapped out a way forward with him that will ensure our
much-deserving fans have more to cheer about next season.
Actually, we all fell asleep during the presentation and the screen we
watched it on wasn't really as tall as it could have been, because the ball
kept disappearing from view. But hey, Sam has promised us he will be working
very closely with the players to ensure even more clean sheets. A ball will
be introduced to coaching sessions on Wednesdays, too, so that should really
help the players to get a feel for things ahead of the weekend's action.
They have also pledged to spend at least 10 minutes per week practicing
set-pieces from now on, although Mark Noble has questioned the whole concept
of the little known term 'practice'. The most positive thing to come out of
our last meeting with Sam was his Wenger-esque vision for achieving an
ambitious target of 35 per cent possession in at least a quarter of our
games next season, which we hope you'll agree is a considerable improvement.
We should also stress, though, that while improvements do need to be made,
Sam deserves credit for the job he has done thus far after securing
promotion in his first year and two respectable Premier League finishes in
the two years thereafter.
We really had to slot this in somewhere, just to keep Sam's legal people
happy, you understand? Didn't want them possibly counter-attacking (probably
not the appropriate phrase where Sam's concerned) with a constructive
dismissal claim, did we? After all, you can only go so far in undermining a
manager.
We have also seen the likes of Mark Noble, James Tomkins and Winston Reid
all make huge progress under his management, which in turn contributed to
our impressive record of 14 clean sheets last season.
OK, so anyone who knows even the slightest thing about the game knows that
Mark is really no more than a journeyman midfielder who passes the ball
sideways and backwards five yards, creates very few chances and scores even
fewer goals (other than penalties). But who else can we crow about? You all
love him because he's 'one of our own' and will always be quick to overlook
his obvious deficiencies. And the way young James performed in extra-time in
Brentwood High Street last season . . . well, if Roy Hodgson won't take him
to Brazil, then it's his and the nation's loss. If we could cash in by
selling both our young English stars and Winston to one of the top six
clubs, we would – but no top Premier League clubs want them anyway.
The truly historic opportunity of a move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016
forms a major part of our five-year strategy to take this Club forward and,
while we have a duty to make sure we stay in the Premier League, we also
want to make sure the performances on the pitch will befit a team playing in
such a world-renowned stadium.
One way or the other, we confidently expect Sam to be gone six or eight
games into next season. Realistically, there's no way he'll put up with his
revised terms of reference or be capable of abandoning his ultra-cautious,
negative, route one approach in favour of the new swashbuckling style we are
demanding from him. Who knows, he may even beat Glenn Roeder's record of
being sacked three games into the new season if our new attacking coach
doesn't produce a few 5-4 cliffhangers for us all to enthral over. Who will
we get in as Sam's replacement? We clearly haven't thought that far ahead
but, obviously, he will be a limited, cheap option, someone no other Premier
League club wanted, and we'll entrust him with the basic brief of keeping us
in the Premier League at all costs. Besides, it won't matter much who we get
in as his replacement or how the team plays – we'll have banked all the
season ticket money by then, whether you turn up or not.
We are absolutely committed to taking West Ham United to new heights and we
want to see the Club continue on an upward trajectory next season.
As Sam constantly reassured us in his detailed presentation, not every ball
aimed at Andy Carroll next season will be 'on an upward trajectory'.
The 2014/15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam
has the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success.
'Passion, experience and determination', we said. Did we say he had vision,
tactical nous and flexibility, makes astute use of substitutions or is
clever transfer market operator who never pays over the top for a player,
too? No, we most certainly did not mention those elusive qualities. See,
we're learning.
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce said: "I look forward to taking the
Club forward and improving the squad for next season to try and achieve the
plans we have set out in our very productive meeting last week."
Sam's legal advisers insisted on us inserting this final paragraph into our
new bullish statement of intent. He was so delighted that we brought the
club's attacking, entertaining ethos to his attention after three years here
at the helm that, as he says, it's like a new awakening for him. Let's face
it, if we do try and exert more influence over player recruitment and poke
our noses in by telling him how to manage and set up his team tactically, he
is bound to throw his toys out of the pram and walk away eventually. If he
and the new attacking coach fail miserably after all our shrewd advice, he
can always blame us and walk away with his proud record as the supreme
advocate of 19th century 'football' in tact. See you soon and don't forget
to renew those season tickets . . .
FINAL THOUGHTS
Some weeks ago, while still counting the days to Big Sham's departure, some
posters on here threw back at me the wearisome and predictable "well, who
else can we get? Who's out there?' line, as if decent football coaches don't
exist beyond Dover. One of the names I put forward as possessing the kind of
calibre and pedigree our board should be looking at was Celta Vigo's Luis
Enrique . . . the same man Barcelona appointed as their new coach just two
days ago. Of course, we couldn't possibly have competed with Barca for
Enrique but you get my drift? I bet the denizens of Camp Nou are looking
forward to the start of the new season a whole lot more than most West Ham
fans are.
Now that all the speculation surrounding BS has subsided, at least
temporarily until our tactical genius returns to the dug-out in August and
we are doomed to another period of torture, let's remember Iain Dale's words
and decide where we stand on the issue of Allardyce. To all of you who renew
season tickets or pay at the gate expecting to see a spectacle, don't come
on here or Twitter whinging and disappointed that nothing has changed.
*Tony McDonald is editor of the long-established retro EX magazine. To find
out more visit www.ex-hammers.com
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HERE WE GO AGAIN; SILLY SEASON AND MAURO ZARATE
By Tony Hanna 21 May 2014 at 13:38
West Ham Till I Die
According to reports from Argentina, the Hammers are close to signing Mauro
Zarate. The forward played 18 times on loan for Birmingham City when David
Gold and David Sullivan were at the club. The Argentinian started his career
at Velez Sarsfield and after spells at Al-Sadd, Birmingham, Lazio and Inter
Milan, he is back at Velez Sarsfield again. The players agent is his
brother, Rolando Zarate, an ex Barcelona and Real Madrid player in his
playing days, and it is he who told an Argentinian radio show "We have
almost everything sorted with West Ham."
Over the next few months we are going to be linked with all and sundry.
Whether the Zarate deal is real or just another agent trying to advertise
his player is just for our speculation. This season's transfer window has
the World Cup to contend with and that will change the whole scenery and the
timing of deals. Despite now being a World game, the WC tournament with 32
Nations from around the globe offers the major domestic leagues a fantastic
opportunity to taste test an array of new and old talent. This is a shop
window of gigantic proportions. However, like any new signings, some will
bear fruit and for every one that succeeds there will be many more flops. In
particular, playing a slow tempo game in the heat of Brazil is a lot
different from playing away at Stoke on a cold and wet December evening.
The flip side is that whilst the tournament is in progress, most players are
not going to want the distraction of signing any new deals, and quite
rightly so. Whilst many will enjoy the opportunity of the "for sale" tag
being pinned on them, it will be somewhat of a waiting game until any
targeted players tournament is over. I see this transfer window as being a
very stop start affair with more stops than starts to be honest. A couple of
seasons ago a mate of man who supports Spurs, yes I know, am I really that
short of friends, but he made a list of all the players that they had been
"linked" with over the course of a transfer window. At the close the list
numbered 174 and not one of them signed for Spurs. Agents agendas, players
agendas, clubs and owners agendas will all be at the forefront and sorting
out what is real or isn't will be impossible.
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Downing on the attack
WHUFC.com
Winger Stewart Downing is looking forward to playing in a more attacking
West Ham United side next season
21.05.2014
Stewart Downing has welcomed the news that West Ham United will play a more
attacking game next season. The England winger, who delivered more accurate
crosses than any other Barclays Premier League player last term, has reacted
positively to a Club Statement outlining plans for a more offensive
approach. With a new attacking coach set to be appointed and the Board
making a commitment to strengthening Sam Allardyce's squad, the Hammers are
making provision for their third season back in the top flight. Downing, for
one, believes the Club can improve both their playing style and results in
2014/15.
"I thoroughly enjoyed my first season with West Ham, where I played
regularly and was made to feel like a valuable member of the team," said the
No23, who arrived from Liverpool in August 2013. "The Gaffer and the players
made me feel welcome and settled from my first day and I felt I played some
good football. Next season, I want to show the West Ham fans my very best.
"Personally, I am very happy that the manager is staying, because he's a big
part of the reason why I came to the Club. He also handled the difficult
challenges presented to him last season really well."
Downing put in 84 accurate crosses in 2013/14 - 18 more than Manchester
City's Samir Nasri, who ranked second - and recorded two assists alongside
his solitary goal against Tottenham Hotspur in the final home game of the
season. With more attacking players set to join the Club, the 29-year-old
hopes to improve all of those statistics next term, helping the team to
consistently play on the front foot and put their opponents under pressure.
"The stats showed that I put in loads of crosses last season and I hope,
with Andy Carroll fit and firing from the start, I can set up plenty of
goals for him and our other strikers next season," he stated. "I was also
delighted to score my first goal in our home win over Tottenham in May -
hopefully it will be the first of many! The way we played that day should be
the platform for us to build on next season, pressing high and forcing the
other team into making mistakes that we can capitalise on.
"As a winger, I am encouraged to hear that we will try to play with a more
attacking style, as that plays to my strengths. However, we must ensure that
this is not at the expense of the hard work and resilience we showed when it
really mattered last season. We need to get the balance right and, when we
do, I am sure we will cause problems for everyone we face. "I am sure Sam
and the owners will be looking at strengthening the squad this summer and
improving what is already a decent team. I am sure we can kick on next
season and, to be honest, I can't wait to get started again!"
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Sam Allardyce should not change West Ham, says Gianfranco Zola
Last Updated: 21/05/14 10:03pm
SSN
Gianfranco Zola says Sam Allardyce should not be under pressure to change
his playing style - and is interested in the vacant Norwich job. Gianfranco
Zola believes West Ham boss Sam Allardyce should not be under pressure to
change his style, and has admitted his interest in the vacant post at
Norwich. Allardyce has been given backing by the West Ham board despite fan
unrest at Upton Park, citing poor performances and defensive football as
reasons to oust the 59-year-old. The board has, however, echoed the worries
of the supporters by demanding more attacking football at the club, as well
as a top-10 finish and a say in transfers. Former Hammers boss Zola
disagrees with the treatment of Allardyce, telling Sky Sports: "Every
manager has his own style, whether you like it or not. "You don't have to
put pressure on the manager to change the style. "It's something that tends
to come from the manager. I wouldn't ask somebody to do something that it
might be a problem for them to do. "It's a very strange request."
Zola, who was sacked by West Ham in May 2010, has been out of work since
resigning as Watford boss last December. Recent speculation has seen the
Italian linked with the vacant post at recently-relegated Norwich, who are
in the hunt for a manager after caretaker boss Neil Adams took over from
Chris Hughton for the last few games of their doomed season. Asked whether
he would like to return to management at Carrow Road, Zola said: "It's a
possibility. It's a very good club. "I like the way it's structured, so
we'll see how it goes. "I'm looking for a team, so hopefully it will come.
"It's been a few months out, and now I'm ready to start again."
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ENTERTAINMENT WILL BE HARD TO ACHIEVE WITH ONLY £20 MILLION
By Sean Whetstone 21 May 2014 at 21:27
West Ham Till I Die
This afternoon I was asked by Daily Mail Sports to give my thoughts about
Sam Allardyce creating entertainment next season on a budget of £20m.
Sam Allardyce has been ordered to entertain the Hammers faithful next
season, and has reportedly been given a £20million budget, together with a
new attacking coach, to achieve this feat. I have great respect for
Allardyce, simply because of what he has done for West Ham; getting us
promoted at the first time of asking and avoiding relegation in our first
two seasons back in the Premier League. But demanding entertaining football
from him might just be a step too far.
Sam is an excellent survivalist who buys experienced survivalist players
based on statistics. The problem is the board and the fans now want more
than this.
We want to be entertained and push for a top eight league position. Some
people outside of West Ham will say we want our cake and to eat it too, but
the chairmen have invested huge personal sums in the signings of Matt
Jarvis, Modibo Maiga, Stewart Downing and Andy Carroll to push the club on
with very little return.
As the impending move to the Olympic Stadium gets closer, we have to be more
ambitious and Premier League survival is no longer a suitable goal.
The suggestion that someone like Paolo Di Canio will join as an attacking
coach to revolutionise us is frankly comical. I couldn't imagine two people
more ill-fitted to work together.
Sam often complains he is stereotyped in the media and his '19th century'
playing style – as Jose Mourinho calls it – is completely misunderstood. I
agree football has moved on from the so called 'West Ham way' of the
sixties, but we want to enjoy watching our football and that rarely happened
for me last season.
When we look at the proposed £20million budget it appears woefully
inadequate to overhaul an entire first team squad, with our only player
under the age of 25 being Ravel Morrison, who was sent out on loan to QPR
last season.
David Sullivan has a reputation for loan deals and a keen eye for bargain.
He rarely pays inflated prices or competes for players other clubs want.
The massive challenge for the West Ham board, who want a tighter reign on
transfer policy, is how they attract quality, flair players to West Ham who
both want to play for the manager and yet still do so on a restricted
budget.
The objectives set out in Tuesday's statement seem difficult to achieve and
appear to be doomed for failure.
A better and more honest statement might have been: 'Sam is staying… just
get over it! Thank you for your support.'
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West Ham target Jack Colback transfer as his Sunderland contract runs out
May 21, 2014 23:16 By James Nursey
The Mirror
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is close to clinching his first summer signing
by snapping up Jack Colback. The Sunderland midfielder,24, is
out-of-contract and has failed to agree terms with the Black Cats. And the
Hammers are now in pole position to beat Swansea to his signature. Colback
made 42 appearances for the Sunderland last season, scoring three goals. He
has been at the Stadium of Light all of his career, but had two spells on
loan with Championship side Ipswich Town early in his career. It will be
another boost to Allardyce after the Upton Park board opted to keep him this
week.
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Obinna's West Ham return imminent
Hereisthecity.com
West Ham United look set to bring back Nigerian marksman Victor Obinna, who
is currently on loan at Serie A side Chievo. Victor Obinna spent the 2010-11
season with West Ham and latest reports suggest the East London side will
turn to the unsettled marksman again. The 27-year-old's big professional
break came at Serie A minnows Chievo where he played between 2005 and 2008
and scored 19 goals in 82 games, although his primary role was in providing
assists. Known for his acrobatic goal celebrations and his relentless
energy, Obinna caught the attention of Inter who signed him but never really
needed another striker. Inter loaned Obinna out to Malaga and then to West
Ham where he acquitted himself well, especially at the start of the season.
Obinna managed the unusual feat of providing four assists in a 4-0 League
Cup win over Manchester City and scored a hat-trick in a 3-2 FA Cup fourth
round win over Nottingham Forest. But the Hammers didn't exercise the option
to sign Obinna permanently in the summer of 2011 and he ended up signing for
Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow. The talented forward has spent the second
half of the season at Chievo on loan and was greeted very warmly by fans at
the Stadio Bentegodi. But a longer term solution needs to be found and that
could be where West Ham step in. According to Talksport.com, West Ham are
preparing to launch a bid to sign Obinna, who is seen as surplus to
requirements in Moscow and a deal could happen very shortly. It is likely
that Obinna would welcome to chance to return to London and he seems to be
looking for a way to leave Lokomotiv this summer. West Ham often struggled
with a lack of striking options last season and Obinna could be an
affordable solution who is a known quantity.
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Argentina striker agrees to West Ham move
Brad Pinard
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
9:45 AM
London24.com
West Ham are on the verge of signing Argentine striker Mauro Zarate,
according to his agent. The 27-year-old has a good reputation in Europe,
although his record shows he isn't the lethal striker Hammers fans may have
been after. Zarate enjoyed a loan spell with Birmingham City back in 2008
and is now set to return to England having played for the likes of Lazio and
Inter since then. West Ham announced yesterday than Sam Allardyce will be
staying on at Upton Park as manager – although co-owners David Gold and
David Sullivan will now have a bigger say in transfers. The club have wasted
no time and Zarate's agent brother Rolando has admitted that a deal is
all-but done with compensation and contracts agreed. "We have almost
everything sorted out with West Ham, they asked him not to play against San
Lorenzo but he wanted to play." "Mauro Zarate and his family's love for
Velez is huge, but the club receive a good financial compensation." Zarate
is not in the Argentina squad for the World Cup this summer – although he
did notch 19 times last season for hometown club Velez.
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West Ham fans voice disappointment at board's decision to retain Sam
Allardyce
Tom Allnutt
Published: 21 May 2014
Updated: 09:21, 21 May 2014
Standard.co.uk
Sam Allardyce's brand of football will never be 'the West Ham Way' and fans
are "disappointed" he will be manager at the start of next season, says the
editor of a prominent Hammers fanzine. The club announced on Tuesday
Allardyce will remain as manager but that he must accept a handful of
"improvements", including a commitment to a more positive style of play. A
statement released by the club said: "After listening to feedback from
supporters, the board have insisted on improvements to the set-up of the
playing and backroom staff to ensure the team provides more entertainment
next season." Allardyce has agreed to hire a new attacking coach and has
been told by joint chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan to aim for "at
least a top-10 finish" - but sceptical supporters remain unconvinced. "Gold
and Sullivan are talking about 'the West Ham Way' but the more you look at
it the more it seems the Allardyce way is never going to be 'the West Ham
Way'," said David Blackmore, editor of The Blowing Bubbles Fanzine. "There
is certainly a lot of disappointment and a feeling the fans haven't been
listened to. "A lot of fans are absorbing it and making notes on what has
been promised so that when it doesn't materialise at the start of the season
they can call the board out on it." He added: "At the moment we don't have
the types of players to be entertaining so I don't see much changing.
"Having a squad that is going to be fit is going to make a difference but I
doubt it will be long past October or November before fans start voicing
their concerns again." West Ham's prospects last season were damaged by a
number of injuries to key players, including club-record signing Andy
Carroll. Allardyce will have "considerable funds" available to strengthen
his squad this summer but the board will have more influence over which
players are brought in. Sullivan and Gold said: "We have a very clear vision
of how we want West Ham United to operate under our joint ownership.
"Although not everybody understands the West Ham Way, we do and we respect
it as we have been supporters all our lives. We believe this is about a
philosophy that is not just about the style of play, but the whole ethos
that surrounds the club."
Allardyce guided the club to promotion from the Championship at the first
attempt in 2012 and secured a 10th-place finish in the team's first year
back in the Premier League. The Hammers failed to progress last season,
however, and spent the majority of the campaign fighting off the threat of
relegation. Three wins over rivals Tottenham and a 13th-place finish in the
table did little to appease disillusioned supporters, who complained about
the team's defensive style of play. In March, the home fans at Upton Park
booed at the final whistle even after the Hammers had beaten Hull 2-1, to
which Allardyce responded by cupping his ears in disbelief. Maintaining
status in the Premier League remains the club's priority, especially given
the significant financial implications of moving to the Olympic Stadium in
2016.
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Wednesday, May 21
Daily WHUFC News - 21st May 2014
Page proud of Academy's season
WHUFC.com
Young defender Lewis Page has made a real impact this term - and hopes for more next year
19.05.2014
Lewis Page rounded off a fine season in the Hammers Academy by being nominated for the Academy Player of the Year award. Although he was beaten to the prize by Josh Cullen, defender Page was still proud of a campaign in which he appeared in close to 20 U18s matches, as well as turning out for the Development Squad on five occasions. With both teams enjoying success this season too, Page will look back on 2013/14 with some satisfaction before building for next season. "It was a very good season," he explained. "We've made a big step in the right direction with the U18s and U21s. "The U18s made it to the Play-Offs and the U21s have had younger players pushing up and doing well at that level. "There's a slight difference in the physicality and the speed of the game between the two levels. There are more tactics involved but I've felt comfortable, helped by my teammates and coaches. "Hopefully I can kick on with the U21s next year and cement my place there again. "Obviously first team is the ultimate aim and hopefully I can take any chances that come my way. "It was a privilege to be at the Player Awards. Just to be nominated as one of the Academy Players of the Year was a great achievement. It was great to share the experience with my teammates too."
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Lycamobile Cup finals flourish
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Kicks U14s and Redbridge U12s reigned supreme in the Lycamobile Cup finals
20.05.2014
The inaugural Lycamobile Cup ended in shootout drama at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday, as West Ham United Kicks saw off St Bonaventure's School 5-4 from the spot to claim the U14s title. A joint initiative of West Ham United Community Sports Trust and Club sponsor Lycamobile, the Lycamobile Cup sought to raise participation through both an U12s and U14s tournament, culminating in the weekend's spectacular finals day. In front of a bumper crowd of friends and family at West Ham United, Redbridge U12s were the day's other victors, as they won by the odd goal in five against their Cumberland School counterparts.
West Ham's Kicks side, meanwhile, squeezed past St Paul's 1-0 in the last four, before playing out a goalless draw in the final and then prevailing on penalties.
All in all, the tournament has seen some 4,500 youngsters play their part, to the delight of Lycamobile Group Chairman, Subaskaran Allirajah. "At Lycamobile we are always looking at ways to make a difference in our local community and the Lycamobile Cup is fantastic testament to that. "We're proud of our work with West Ham United Community Sports Trust in giving back to the local area and we hope the Lycamobile Cup will inspire young people to get more involved in sport." West Ham's Head of Community, Joe Lyons, paid tribute to all involved and was in no doubt that the joint-venture had gone down a storm with participants. He confirmed: "We're delighted with the success of the first Lycamobile Cup and Saturday's finals were a fitting end to that. "The Cup certainly captured the imagination of local youngsters wanting to play at the Boleyn Ground, along with that of their friends and family, too. "It's been fantastic to work alongside Lycamobile on this project and we appreciate their support, as well as that of the Club, in what is a great partnership for the community."
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Sam Allardyce: West Ham United announce manager is staying
BBC.co.uk
Sam Allardyce is to carry on as manager at West Ham United, the Premier League club has announced. The statement on the future of the 59-year-old, in charge since June 2011, ends speculation about Allardyce's role at Upton Park. Allardyce led the Hammers to 13th in the Premier League table, but has faced criticism from some supporters. "The club have made clear that they want to see progression on the pitch," says a club statement. West Ham's announcement follows an end-of-season meeting between Allardyce and the club's board. They considered the former Bolton, Newcastle and Blackburn manager's plans for next season before making the announcement. The statement said that Allardyce has agreed to recruit a new attacking coach "to ensure the team provides more entertainment next season".
It added that the club expects a top 10 finish in the table. The statement continued: "After listening to feedback from supporters, the board have insisted on improvements to the set-up of the playing and backroom staff to ensure the team provides more entertainment next season. "The manager has agreed to recruit a new attacking coach to complement the existing coaching set-up as well as an overhaul of the club's scouting and recruitment operation. "That will see the board have a greater involvement in the players who are signed, as the board will once again be investing considerable funds into the club this summer.
"The club have made clear that they want to see progression on the pitch and at least a top 10 finish as a result."
Allardyce took charge at Upton Park three years ago after the Hammers had been relegated from the Premier League under Avram Grant. He led West Ham to promotion via the Championship play-offs in his first season before securing 10th place in 2012-13. But after a four-match winning run in February, the Hammers finished the 2013-14 campaign with eight defeats in 11 games. Some fans vented their displeasure at Allardyce during the 1-0 defeat by West Brom on 26 April. "We are absolutely committed to taking West Ham United to new heights and we want to see the club continue on an upward trajectory next season," said West Ham joint-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold. "The 2014-15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam has the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success."
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Di Canio in the frame for coaching role
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 20th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
Paolo Di Canio is emerging as one of the fans' favourites to take the new coaching role at West Ham. In a meeting earlier today Sam Allardyce was told he would be retained as the club's manager - partly on condition that he hires a coach dedicated to improving the team's attacking threat. And former Hammer Di Canio, who has previously enjoyed managerial spells at Swindon and Sunderland has immediately been installed as one of the favourites to land the role by supporters keen to see the Italian involved with the club once again. Speaking earlier today, Di Canio revealed that he was ready to return to football eight months after being fired by Sunderland just five games into the 2013/14 Premier League season. And in timely fashion, the 45-year-old revealed that he was a big fan of West Ham's current manager. "He's a manager who's got great experience, and had a long time in Premier League," the Italian told Sky Sports.
"The fans like his style sometimes and sometimes they don't. I don't know why they're so frustrated. You should ask them to be honest. I can only tell you that Sam Allardyce is a good, experienced manager." And with view to returning to the game, Di Canio added: "I'm available, I'm ready. I've had time to think about what's happened in the past and I have a more positive opinion about my philosophy."
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Sam stays - official
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 20th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have released a statement with view to Sam Allardyce's position as manager of the club.
Following lengthy discussions in two board meeting both last week and earlier today, Allardyce has been informed that he is being retained in order to see out the final year of his current contract, which expires next summer.
However some much-needed changes were also being implemented as a result of discussions between the two parties - including the recruitment of a new attacking coach.
David Gold, speaking via whufc.com said: " "We have a very clear vision of how we want West Ham United to operate under our joint ownership. Although not everybody understands the West Ham way, we do and we respect it as we have been supporters all our lives. We believe this is about a philosophy that is not just about the style of play, but the whole ethos that surrounds the Club.
"Sam was asked to give us a detailed presentation on his vision for next season and during this he assured us that he can deliver that ethos to West Ham United and we have agreed to support him with the resources that he needs. We have mapped out a way forward with him that will ensure our much-deserving fans have more to cheer about next season.
"We should also stress, though, that while improvements do need to be made, Sam deserves credit for the job he has done thus far after securing promotion in his first year and two respectable Premier League finishes in the two years thereafter. We have also seen the likes of Mark Noble, James Tomkins and Winston Reid all make huge progress under his management, which in turn contributed to our impressive record of 14 clean sheets last season.
"The truly historic opportunity of a move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016 forms a major part of our five-year strategy to take this Club forward and, while we have a duty to make sure we stay in the Premier League, we also want to make sure the performances on the pitch will befit a team playing in such a world-renowned stadium.
"We are absolutely committed to taking West Ham United to new heights and we want to see the Club continue on an upward trajectory next season. The 2014/15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam has the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success."
Reaction to the news of Allardyce's arrival has been met with disappointment by his detractors and relief from those who believed that given his three-year record, he should be allowed to continue his work at the club.
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Sam Allardyce remains boss at West Ham, who want a top-10 finish
Last Updated: 20/05/14 5:38pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce will still be manager of West Ham next season but the club's board has demanded more attacking football and a top-10 finish in the league.
Despite finishing a respectable 13th in the Premier League table, some reports had suggested the 59-year-old was facing the axe after three years in charge.
He was summoned to a meeting at West Ham co-owner David Sullivan's house in Essex last week where he put forward his case to keep hold of the reins next season. Allardyce clearly impressed the board with his vision and a statement on the club's website revealed the manager had agreed to recruit a new attacking coach, along with an overhaul of the scouting and recruitment operation, although he faces demands for "more entertainment" and a top-10 place in the top flight. "The 2014/15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam has the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success"
On the back of "constructive" and "lengthy and detailed" talks between Allardyce and the board, the club statement on Tuesday afternoon read: "The club's direction, values and philosophy and a positive way forward for next season has been agreed. "After listening to feedback from supporters, the board have insisted on improvements to the set-up of the playing and backroom staff to ensure the team provides more entertainment next season. "The board will once again be investing considerable funds into the club this summer. The club have made clear that they want to see progression on the pitch and at least a top-10 finish as a result."
Allardyce took charge of the Hammers in 2011 and immediately steered them back to the top flight, but some fans have never warmed to his playing style and jeered after their home win over 10-man Hull City in March. After Tuesday's announcement, the former Bolton manager said: "I look forward to taking the club forward and improving the squad for next season to try and achieve the plans we have set out in our very productive meeting last week."
West Ham joint-chairmen David Sullivan and Gold added: "We have a very clear vision of how we want West Ham United to operate under our joint ownership. Although not everybody understands the West Ham Way, we do and we respect it as we have been supporters all our lives. "We believe this is about a philosophy that is not just about the style of play, but the whole ethos that surrounds the club. We have mapped out a way forward with (Sam) that will ensure our much-deserving fans have more to cheer about next season. "We should also stress, though, that while improvements do need to be made, Sam deserves credit for the job he has done thus far after securing promotion in his first year and two respectable Premier League finishes in the two years thereafter. "The truly historic opportunity of a move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016 forms a major part of our five-year strategy to take this club forward and, while we have a duty to make sure we stay in the Premier League, we also want to make sure the performances on the pitch will befit a team playing in such a world-renowned stadium. "We are absolutely committed to taking West Ham United to new heights and we want to see the club continue on an upward trajectory next season. The 2014/15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam has the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success."
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WHAT'S DONE IS DONE - LET'S LOOK TO THE FUTURE & RESTORE SOME EXCITEMENT
By Iain Dale 20 May 2014 at 20:45
West Ham Till I Die
Just as politicians live and die by the choices and decisions they make, so do football club owners. Today's decision to retain the services of Sam Allardyce as our manager is one which may well define our club for some years to come. Unless disaster strikes it is now unthinkable to change manager before the Olympic Stadium move. Assuming we stay up next season, that will guarantee Sam another year in the job, and I imagine one beyond that.
So why did the Board reach this decision, and reach it rather more quickly than we were led to believe they would? No idea to be honest. although it could have had something to do with the fact that all sorts of people were being linked with the manager's job. I suspect (and it is only a suspicion) that this was understandably issued a back me or sack me ultimatum. I certainly would have done in the circumstances. Did they make the decision because they couldn't face paying the £4 million in compensation to Sam and his backroom staff, when in a year's time it will cost nothing? Maybe, but if that really was the reason it's a rather short-sighted one.
i really hope the reason was the one quoted – that Sam has promised to introduce more flair to the team next season and to place more emphasis on the scouting network and youth setup. It's clear that the Board will cast more than a beady over transfer policy and that has to be a good thing. Too many of the permanent and loan signings haven't worked out. No one will ever have a perfect record on signings, but even so, it's difficult to think of any signings in the last twelve months which could be classed as an unqualified success. That needs to change very quickly.
Look, I have deliberately written this without looking at the 600 comments on the last thread. I didn't want to be influenced by what I suspect is a lot of negativity and anger. As soon as I press publish on this blogpost I will scroll through the comments. When I heard the news that Sam was staying my initial reaction was somewhat phlegmatic. I didn't kick the cat. Mainly because I don't have one. I didn't scream. I reacted with a mental shrug of the shoulders. But I feel I ought to be angry. I feel I ought to care more than I do. It goes back to my blogpost where I put into words my frustration at the way West Ham now play. I recounted the fact that if I am watching a game on TV I no longer pump my arms when West Ham score, or make the dogs run round the house because I am screaming with joy. I don't scream, I smile. Weakly. I headlined that blogpost "This, Mr Allardyce is what you have done to me".
Now I live in hope that I can get excited by going to Upton Park again. I really do. But along with thousands of others, I have a decision to make. Am I going to renew my season ticket, one I have held for more than twenty years. My two friends who I go to matches with have already decided not to renew. I don't like to think of myself as a fickle fan. Whatever happens, I am West Ham Till I Die, and if I don't renew it will seem as if I am betraying the club who in many ways have given me so much. But I've now got a house in Norfolk where I go at weekends. A lot more matches are on TV. This season I've been to fewer matches than before, not just because of the style of football, although that put me off the latter matches, but also because my life has changed.
I actually have two season tickets, because you know what, half the fun is enjoying the match with someone else who can join you on that emotional rollercoaster. You hug each other when we score. You berate the referee when he makes a dodgy decision. You share in each other's misery when we lose. You rejoice in every header Andy Carroll wins. You sigh every time we lose the ball. It's a collective experience. It's a tribal experience and it's one I want to know again. I don't want to sit there not caring anymore. And if Sam Allardyce can bring back that feeling I feel he has stolen from me I will be the first to admit it.
And he can do that by making his peace with Ravel Morrison and signing him on a long term contract. He should call Ravel into his office when he gets back from his holiday and say: "Ravel, what's past is past. I want you to stay and I am going to form my team around you." He can't do more than that.
I've said my piece. I am not going to allow this site to be a cesspit of negativity because frankly if it did, I wouldn't want to read it or visit it myself, so why would anyone else.
So let's just remember who we are, what we are and why we support the team we do.
It's time to circle the wagons, suck it up, accept the decision that has been made, and just get on with it. Fine, express your viewpoint, but let's get over it and try to look forward to next season, some exciting new signings and hopefully a more "West Ham" style of play.
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OFFICIAL: SAM ALLARDYCE REMAINS AS MANAGER
By Sean Whetstone 20 May 2014 at 14:32
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham United has confirmed that manager Sam Allardyce will lead the club into the 2014/15 Barclays Premier League season after constructive talks with the Club's Board.
The club have insisted on improvements to the set-up of the playing and backroom staff to ensure the team provides more entertainment next season.
Sam has agreed to recruit a new attacking coach to complement the existing coaching set-up as well as an overhaul of the Club's scouting and recruitment operation that will see the directors have a greater involvement in the players. The club have made clear that they want to see progression on the pitch.
Full Statement:
"West Ham United can confirm that manager Sam Allardyce will lead the Club into the 2014/15 Barclays Premier League season after constructive talks with the Club's Board. The Board and Allardyce have held lengthy and detailed discussions on the Club's direction, values and philosophy and a positive way forward for next season has been agreed. After listening to feedback from supporters, the Board have insisted on improvements to the set-up of the playing and backroom staff to ensure the team provides more entertainment next season. The manager has agreed to recruit a new attacking coach to complement the existing coaching set-up as well as an overhaul of the Club's scouting and recruitment operation that will see the Board have a greater involvement in the players who are signed, as the Board will once again be investing considerable funds into the Club this summer. The Club have made clear that they want to see progression on the pitch and at least a top-ten finish as a result. West Ham United Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold said: We have a very clear vision of how we want West Ham United to operate under our joint ownership. Although not everybody understands the West Ham Way, we do and we respect it as we have been supporters all our lives. We believe this is about a philosophy that is not just about the style of play, but the whole ethos that surrounds the Club. Sam was asked to give us a detailed presentation on his vision for next season and during this he assured us that he can deliver that ethos to West Ham United and we have agreed to support him with the resources that he needs. We have mapped out a way forward with him that will ensure our much-deserving fans have more to cheer about next season. We should also stress, though, that while improvements do need to be made, Sam deserves credit for the job he has done thus far after securing promotion in his first year and two respectable Premier League finishes in the two years thereafter. We have also seen the likes of Mark Noble, James Tomkins and Winston Reid all make huge progress under his management, which in turn contributed to our impressive record of 14 clean sheets last season. "The truly historic opportunity of a move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016 forms a major part of our five-year strategy to take this Club forward and, while we have a duty to make sure we stay in the Premier League, we also want to make sure the performances on the pitch will befit a team playing in such a world-renowned stadium. "We are absolutely committed to taking West Ham United to new heights and we want to see the Club continue on an upward trajectory next season. The 2014/15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam has the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success." West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce said: "I look forward to taking the Club forward and improving the squad for next season to try and achieve the plans we have set out in our very productive meeting last week."
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IS A VICTOR OBINNA RETURN CREDIBLE & SHOULD WE RAID CITEH?
By S J Chandos 20 May 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
Is it credible that West Ham are interested in signing former loanee, Victor Obinna? Fans will remember Obinna's loan period in 2010-11, when his displays and eight goals were one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disastrous campaign. The highlight probably being his excellent all round display in the 4-0 league cup demolition of Man Utd. At the conclusion of that campaign, we were relegated and he subsequently signed a four year contract with Lokomotiv Moscow in a lucrative Bosman deal. However, the Nigerian International spent last season on loan to Italian side, Chievo Verona and now apparently has aspirations to return to the PL. And his name has been linked with a move back to Upton Park. Is this a legitimate interest or is it just an agent 'flying a kite' to drum up interest? I think it is more likely to be the latter.
Of course, it is presently difficult to talk with any certainty about the club's summer transfer activity. Until the management situation is resolved, one way or the other, we are effectively stuck in limbo. Lets just hope that PL rivals have not 'got a jump on us' as result of this self-imposed transfer hiatus. Especially in respect of the better Bosman deals that will be up for grabs this summer. There is no doubt that some decent quality players will be available in the upcoming transfer window. For instance, Man City are planning to make Micah Richards, Jack Rodwell and Scott Sinclair available on loan or permanent deals; whilst Joleon Lescott will also be subject to a Bosman deal. That constitutes City stripping out four of the small English contingent in their current first team squad. Regardless, should we look to the surplus players at City to help strengthen our own squad for the next campaign?
Claret & Hugh reported yesterday evening that their source had indicated that the club were awaiting a response to a job offer made to a potential new manager and a definitive answer was expected within 48 hours. If the mystery person says yes, it is the green light for managerial change; but if its no, then the club will continue with the current set up, albeit with a new approach imposed by the board. All we fans can do is wait, wonder and see what transpires? However, If we have made an offer to an unnamed manager, I personally hope that we have gone for the radical option and sought the services of Ronald Koeman.
And finally, the club yesterday made the latest of their 'Don't miss out on your seat!' website appeals to season ticket holders. Could it be that renewals are not going well, as a significant number of STHs await the outcome of Friday's board meeting before committing their hard earned cash?
S.J Chandos.
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Sullivan: 'Fans protests the most important thing'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 20, 2014 in Whispers
David-Sullivan-001
By Hugh Southon
ClaretandHugh.com
West Ham's co chairman David Sullivan has exclusively revealed to ClaretandHugh that fan protests provoked the inquest into Sam Allardyce's position at Upton Park. Having survived the lengthy quizzing into his future, Sullivan has made it clear that it was the fans reaction which was closest to his heart when considering Allardyce's continuing role as team boss. Speaking to me immediately after the announcement that the 59 year old manager was staying Sullivan – in a question and answer session – made his position clear. I asked: "It's widely believed it was fan protests that were at the bottom of the board's thinking when considering Sam's position – was that the case?" The co-chairman responded: "In fact it was the most important thing. That's why we looked for assurances from the manager and the addition of a striking coach." I then asked: "How are season tickets selling – how worried are you about a fan lashback both generally and at the box office from this decision?" He responded: "They are roughly level with last year, and we have a large list of people waiting for the best seats if any long standing season ticket holders do not renew. "I think supporters realise they need to renew or they'll go to the bottom of the list to get tickets at the Olympic stadium. "That said and done, we do not want to lose a single season ticket holder and we hope they think long and hard if they are thinking of not renewing."
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Five things Sam Allardyce must do to win West Ham fans back
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
8:08 PM
London24
West Ham on Tuesday announced Sam Allardyce would stay on as their manager, but he has been told by the board to produce more entertaining football and aim for a top-10 finish at least.
Here, London24 takes a look at five areas he could focus on to achieve those aims.
SUPPORT FOR CARROLL
The towering striker missed a chunk of the season through injury and, even after returning to fitness, could not improve the Hammer's fortunes as they suffered eight defeats in their last 11 games. As well as hoping Carroll stays fit, Allardyce urgently needs to find a strike partner to help ease the goal burden on the frontman, who only managed two in the Premier League last term. Being left out of the England World Cup squad could be a bonus as it should ensure he returns for pre-season training fresh.
GET WINGERS FIRING
The Hammers have two out-and-out wide men in Matt Jarvis and Stuart Downing, both former England internationals. They should be the ideal duo to provide the service from the flanks for Carroll to thrive on, but went off the boil over the course of the campaign. Allardyce needs to work out how to help both return to form next season and open up his side's most obvious source of goals.
BRING THE BEST OUT OF MORRISON
Ravel Morrison is the sort of attacking, creative midfielder the Hammers desperately need, but fell out of favour and was sent out of loan to QPR. His future at Upton Park is far from certain but, if Allardyce decides to give him another go and can bring the best out of him, it could prove his best piece of business all summer. Failing that, though, Allardyce needs to bring in a playmaker who could make the side tick.
FIND THE RIGHT ATTACKING COACH
Allardyce has agreed to recruit a new attacking coach to help the team adopt a more positive style of play. One candidate could be Les Ferdinand, who played briefly for the club and has been doing a similar job at Tottenham. His future at White Hart Lane is unclear, with the club looking for a new manager following the departure of Tim Sherwood.
GET THE FANS ON SIDE
Allardyce is renowned, fairly or not, as a long-ball merchant for whom results trump style every time. That philosophy did not sit at all well with the West Ham fans and he has been instructed to produce a more entertaining brand of football. A concerted effort to do that, even if it does not bring instant results, would likely be appreciated by the Upton Park faithful.
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West Ham & Newcastle target Almeida set to leave Besiktas
2014-05-20 09:58:04
Turhish-football.com
Hugo Almeida is set to leave Beşiktaş after failing to agree a contract extension with the club. "The deal they put forward was laughable," Almeida said. "They should think about the bigger picture, it's a shame it had to end like this I never wanted to leave these fans." "I made great friends here and would have liked to stay however, I couldn't accept the offer." Almeida is free to speak to other clubs, with his contract set to expire this summer. The Portuguese international has been closely linked with a number of Premier League clubs and has hinted that he would be open to a move to England. "I would be very interested in moving to the Premier League if the right offer came up," Almeida said. "I have always wanted to play in England. It is the best league in the world and the fans are completely crazy about football. "I watch a lot of Premier League football and it is the kind of football I like, with lots of crosses and fighting for everything. "I would really like to play in England." Almeida joined Beşiktaş from Werder Bremen in 2011 on a €2 million transfer fee. The 29-year-old striker has 13 goals and three assists in 31 appearances this season.
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West Ham fans react with fury after Allardyce stays
London24
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
5:45 PM
West Ham fans are "disappointed" the club have decided to stick with Sam Allardyce and feel their views have been ignored by the club's owners, says the editor of a prominent Hammers fanzine. The club announced on Tuesday that Allardyce will remain as manager for the start of next season but that he must accept a handful of "improvements", including a commitment to a more positive style of play. A statement released by the club said: "After listening to feedback from supporters, the board have insisted on improvements to the set-up of the playing and backroom staff to ensure the team provides more entertainment next season."
Allardyce has agreed to hire a new attacking coach and has been told by joint chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan to aim for "at least a top-ten finish" - but sceptical supporters remain unconvinced. "There is certainly a lot of disappointment and a feeling the fans haven't been listened to," said David Blackmore, editor of The Blowing Bubbles Fanzine. "Gold and Sullivan are talking about 'the West Ham Way' but the more you look at it the more it seems the Allardyce way is never going to be 'the West Ham Way'. "A lot of fans are absorbing it and making notes on what has been promised so that when it doesn't materialise at the start of the season they can call the board out on it."
He added: "At the moment we don't have the types of players to be entertaining so I don't see much changing. "Having a squad that is going to be fit is going to make a difference but I doubt it will be long past October or November before fans start voicing their concerns again."
West Ham's prospects last season were damaged by a number of injuries to key players, including club-record signing Andy Carroll. Allardyce will have "considerable funds" available to strengthen his squad this summer but the board will have more influence over which players are brought in. Sullivan and Gold said: "We have a very clear vision of how we want West Ham United to operate under our joint ownership. "Although not everybody understands the West Ham Way, we do and we respect it as we have been supporters all our lives. We believe this is about a philosophy that is not just about the style of play, but the whole ethos that surrounds the club. "Sam was asked to give us a detailed presentation on his vision for next season and during this he assured us that he can deliver that ethos to West Ham United and we have agreed to support him with the resources that he needs. "We have mapped out a way forward with him that will ensure our much-deserving fans have more to cheer about next season."
Allardyce guided the club to promotion from the Championship at the first attempt in 2012 and secured a 10th-place finish in the team's first year back in the Premier League. The Hammers failed to progress last season, however, and spent the majority of the campaign fighting off the threat of relegation. Three wins over rivals Tottenham and a 13th-place finish in the table did little to appease disillusioned supporters, who complained about the team's defensive style of play. In March, the home fans at Upton Park booed at the final whistle even after the Hammers had beaten Hull 2-1, to which Allardyce responded by cupping his ears in disbelief. Maintaining status in the Premier League remains the club's priority, especially given the significant financial implications of moving to the Olympic Stadium in 2016.
The statement concluded: "We are absolutely committed to taking West Ham United to new heights and we want to see the club continue on an upward trajectory next season. "The 2014/15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam has the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success." Allardyce added: "I look forward to taking the club forward and improving the squad for next season to try and achieve the plans we have set out in our very productive meeting last week."
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Five reasons Sam Allardyce kept his job as West Ham manager
Tuesday 20 May 2014 5:40 pm
Metro.co.uk
West Ham have announced that Sam Allardyce is to stay on as manager for a fourth season but why have the board decided to keep him on? Here are five possible reasons:
1) Allardyce has kept West Ham in the Premier League for two seasons running after getting them promoted from the Championship at the first time of asking.
2) Big Sam has never been relegated as a manager and appears to be a specialist at Premier League survival which is vital for the club ahead of the move to the Olympic Stadium.
3) He has one year left on his current contract and has hit every target set by the board.
4) A few additions to the squad could equal a more expansive playing style, especially at home, which may appease the terraces somewhat.
5) The board don't want to have to pay up his contract.
Quite how this show of loyalty will effect season ticket sales and the atmosphere within the Boleyn Ground next season remains to be seen but what is certain is that Allardyce will need new players to adopt the kind of football the fans desire whilst maintaining his usual unremitting surge to safety.
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Exclusive - Ashton: Morrison can save Allardyce from West Ham chop
By Nick Rostron-Pike (@nickrostronpike) | Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Talksport
Dean Ashton believes West Ham were right to keep Sam Allardyce at Upton Park – but has warned the Irons chief to resolve his problems with Ravel Morrison if he wants to keep his job. The Hammers boss, whose position at the Boleyn Ground had been under threat, has been given a stay of execution by co-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan. Morrison has spent the tail end of the season on loan at Championship side QPR, after falling out of favour with Allardyce earlier in the campaign. The former Blackburn man has come under fire numerous times this season from the Upton Park faithful, who have become tired with his negative style of play. And former striker Ashton claims the 59-year-old must make Morrison his key man next season. "There have certainly been signs in the way Morrison has played to show he's a top player," he told Drivetime. "I can understand why he's fallen out of favour with the manager.
"Sam wants players to track back and do the defence side of football. Ravel has struggled with that and wasn't allowed the freedom he needs. "If the club want a different type of football then he's exactly the sort of player West Ham need to accommodate. "He's the type of player that can produce something out of nothing."
And Ashton believes the club were right retain Allardyce's services. "Sam has had some problems, in terms of injuries, and he hasn't had all of his best players fit throughout the season," he added. "When he has, he's got results, but not the style of football fans are looking for. "It's not easy in the Premier League though and he's still getting results, he knows how to do that. "This last decade has been a bit up and down for West Ham. Now they need a bit of stability. "[It's the right decision to keep] Sam and give him another year. They need to keep the club stable in the Premier League."
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The Big Interview - James Collins
WHUFC.com
West Ham United centre-back James Collins reflects on the 2013/14 Barclays Premier League campaign
20.05.2014
James Collins will be looking to the positives as he heads into the summer break. West Ham United turned around a bleak winter position to finish well clear of the Barclays Premier League's drop zone by the season's end and Collins says that uplift in form should not be forgotten. 2013/14 also included a hat-trick of victories over Tottenham Hotspur, which Collins knows pleased the Boleyn Ground crowd.
James, it's a season that had its ups and downs, but three wins against Spurs...
JC: "Beating Tottenham three times is a positive we can take from the season, but we'd have liked to have finished higher in the league, of course.
"Last year, our first back in the Premier League, we finished tenth and had a great season - we weren't far off that in the end this season."
Fourteen clean sheets must be a record you're really proud of...
JC: "The gaffer always sets out to keep a clean sheet and if we keep one, we know we only have to score one goal to win the game.
"Fourteen is nice, we'd like more but we'll take that."
How do your assess your own form this season?
JC: "I'll never say I've been outstanding and I'll never say I've been rubbish, but it's been alright.
"I'd have liked to have played a few more games - I had a fiew niggles throughout the season but that's going to happen at my age."
How impressed have you been with your fellow centre halves?
JC: "The other centre backs have been great - in any team you need confident, strong centre halves and in Winston and Tonks we've certainly got that.
"To see them doing well is great, and that's the same for both goalkeepers."
You've got two outstanding goalkeepers fighting for that No1 jersey?
JC: "Jussi got eight of the clean sheets, then Adrian's come in and carried it on.
"When he came in he didn't speak a lot of English, but he gets involved with the lads and has the banter. That's great and I think he's going to go on and be a top-drawer keeper.
There's a trip to New Zealand to look forward to. How's that going to be?
JC: "New Zealand will be great. It's a long old trip, but we'll deal with it and it's a part of the world I've never seen so I'm looking forward to it.
"Reidy's New Zealand captain, so hopefully he can show us around too!"
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Aston Villa and West Ham to fight for QPR winger
BY JOSH NUGENT ⋅ MAY 21, 2014 ⋅ POST A COMMENT
Footballleagueworld.co.uk
Aston Villa are set to fight with West Ham to secure the signature of QPR winger Shaun Wright-Phillips according to Football Direct News. Former England international Wright-Phillips is available on a free transfer with only a week to run on his contract at QPR. The former Manchester City and Chelsea wideman only made 13 appearances for QPR last season and his exit will be confirmed after their Championship playoff final against Derby on Saturday. Aston Villa are very keen on bringing the winger to Villa Park to provide some experience for their young squad. After a struggling season that saw the Birmingham-based side flirt with relegation to the second tier of English football, Villa boss Paul Lambert is keen for his younger players to learn from some more experienced names.
Despite Aston Villa owner recently putting the club up for sale causing uncertainty over the long-term future of the playing and backroom staff, Lambert has been allowed to press on with his summer transfer business. West Ham are also admirers of Wright-Phillips. They want to bring the 32 year-old to Upton Park and are confident of being able to match his wage demands-something which is a potential stumbling block for Aston Villa.
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HAMMERS EYE OLD BOY
WEST HAM KEEN TO RE-SIGN STRIKE STAR
Written by Alex Hams | Comments(0)
West Ham are considering a move to bring former attacker Victor Obinna back to Upton Park this summer, according to reports from talkSPORT. The Nigerian ace spent the 2010/11 season with the Hammers, smashing in eight goals before returning to Inter Milan. Since heading away to Italy, Obinna has moved to Lokomotiv Moscow but his spell in Russia looks set to come to an end soon. The 27-year-old has found it difficult to settle at his current club, and is rumoured to be ready to follow up a loan move to Chievo from the latter half of last season with a permanent switch to one of Europe's more established leagues. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is desperate to bolster his forward line in the coming months, and is tempted by partnering the pacey Obinna with Andy Carroll.
The African star was a fans' favourite during his brief spell in east London, and a move to bring him back could ease tensions between 'Big Sam' and sections of the Irons' support. The versatile attacker is set to represent Nigeria at the World Cup this summer.
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WHUFC.com
Young defender Lewis Page has made a real impact this term - and hopes for more next year
19.05.2014
Lewis Page rounded off a fine season in the Hammers Academy by being nominated for the Academy Player of the Year award. Although he was beaten to the prize by Josh Cullen, defender Page was still proud of a campaign in which he appeared in close to 20 U18s matches, as well as turning out for the Development Squad on five occasions. With both teams enjoying success this season too, Page will look back on 2013/14 with some satisfaction before building for next season. "It was a very good season," he explained. "We've made a big step in the right direction with the U18s and U21s. "The U18s made it to the Play-Offs and the U21s have had younger players pushing up and doing well at that level. "There's a slight difference in the physicality and the speed of the game between the two levels. There are more tactics involved but I've felt comfortable, helped by my teammates and coaches. "Hopefully I can kick on with the U21s next year and cement my place there again. "Obviously first team is the ultimate aim and hopefully I can take any chances that come my way. "It was a privilege to be at the Player Awards. Just to be nominated as one of the Academy Players of the Year was a great achievement. It was great to share the experience with my teammates too."
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Lycamobile Cup finals flourish
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Kicks U14s and Redbridge U12s reigned supreme in the Lycamobile Cup finals
20.05.2014
The inaugural Lycamobile Cup ended in shootout drama at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday, as West Ham United Kicks saw off St Bonaventure's School 5-4 from the spot to claim the U14s title. A joint initiative of West Ham United Community Sports Trust and Club sponsor Lycamobile, the Lycamobile Cup sought to raise participation through both an U12s and U14s tournament, culminating in the weekend's spectacular finals day. In front of a bumper crowd of friends and family at West Ham United, Redbridge U12s were the day's other victors, as they won by the odd goal in five against their Cumberland School counterparts.
West Ham's Kicks side, meanwhile, squeezed past St Paul's 1-0 in the last four, before playing out a goalless draw in the final and then prevailing on penalties.
All in all, the tournament has seen some 4,500 youngsters play their part, to the delight of Lycamobile Group Chairman, Subaskaran Allirajah. "At Lycamobile we are always looking at ways to make a difference in our local community and the Lycamobile Cup is fantastic testament to that. "We're proud of our work with West Ham United Community Sports Trust in giving back to the local area and we hope the Lycamobile Cup will inspire young people to get more involved in sport." West Ham's Head of Community, Joe Lyons, paid tribute to all involved and was in no doubt that the joint-venture had gone down a storm with participants. He confirmed: "We're delighted with the success of the first Lycamobile Cup and Saturday's finals were a fitting end to that. "The Cup certainly captured the imagination of local youngsters wanting to play at the Boleyn Ground, along with that of their friends and family, too. "It's been fantastic to work alongside Lycamobile on this project and we appreciate their support, as well as that of the Club, in what is a great partnership for the community."
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Sam Allardyce: West Ham United announce manager is staying
BBC.co.uk
Sam Allardyce is to carry on as manager at West Ham United, the Premier League club has announced. The statement on the future of the 59-year-old, in charge since June 2011, ends speculation about Allardyce's role at Upton Park. Allardyce led the Hammers to 13th in the Premier League table, but has faced criticism from some supporters. "The club have made clear that they want to see progression on the pitch," says a club statement. West Ham's announcement follows an end-of-season meeting between Allardyce and the club's board. They considered the former Bolton, Newcastle and Blackburn manager's plans for next season before making the announcement. The statement said that Allardyce has agreed to recruit a new attacking coach "to ensure the team provides more entertainment next season".
It added that the club expects a top 10 finish in the table. The statement continued: "After listening to feedback from supporters, the board have insisted on improvements to the set-up of the playing and backroom staff to ensure the team provides more entertainment next season. "The manager has agreed to recruit a new attacking coach to complement the existing coaching set-up as well as an overhaul of the club's scouting and recruitment operation. "That will see the board have a greater involvement in the players who are signed, as the board will once again be investing considerable funds into the club this summer.
"The club have made clear that they want to see progression on the pitch and at least a top 10 finish as a result."
Allardyce took charge at Upton Park three years ago after the Hammers had been relegated from the Premier League under Avram Grant. He led West Ham to promotion via the Championship play-offs in his first season before securing 10th place in 2012-13. But after a four-match winning run in February, the Hammers finished the 2013-14 campaign with eight defeats in 11 games. Some fans vented their displeasure at Allardyce during the 1-0 defeat by West Brom on 26 April. "We are absolutely committed to taking West Ham United to new heights and we want to see the club continue on an upward trajectory next season," said West Ham joint-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold. "The 2014-15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam has the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success."
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Di Canio in the frame for coaching role
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 20th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
Paolo Di Canio is emerging as one of the fans' favourites to take the new coaching role at West Ham. In a meeting earlier today Sam Allardyce was told he would be retained as the club's manager - partly on condition that he hires a coach dedicated to improving the team's attacking threat. And former Hammer Di Canio, who has previously enjoyed managerial spells at Swindon and Sunderland has immediately been installed as one of the favourites to land the role by supporters keen to see the Italian involved with the club once again. Speaking earlier today, Di Canio revealed that he was ready to return to football eight months after being fired by Sunderland just five games into the 2013/14 Premier League season. And in timely fashion, the 45-year-old revealed that he was a big fan of West Ham's current manager. "He's a manager who's got great experience, and had a long time in Premier League," the Italian told Sky Sports.
"The fans like his style sometimes and sometimes they don't. I don't know why they're so frustrated. You should ask them to be honest. I can only tell you that Sam Allardyce is a good, experienced manager." And with view to returning to the game, Di Canio added: "I'm available, I'm ready. I've had time to think about what's happened in the past and I have a more positive opinion about my philosophy."
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Sam stays - official
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 20th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have released a statement with view to Sam Allardyce's position as manager of the club.
Following lengthy discussions in two board meeting both last week and earlier today, Allardyce has been informed that he is being retained in order to see out the final year of his current contract, which expires next summer.
However some much-needed changes were also being implemented as a result of discussions between the two parties - including the recruitment of a new attacking coach.
David Gold, speaking via whufc.com said: " "We have a very clear vision of how we want West Ham United to operate under our joint ownership. Although not everybody understands the West Ham way, we do and we respect it as we have been supporters all our lives. We believe this is about a philosophy that is not just about the style of play, but the whole ethos that surrounds the Club.
"Sam was asked to give us a detailed presentation on his vision for next season and during this he assured us that he can deliver that ethos to West Ham United and we have agreed to support him with the resources that he needs. We have mapped out a way forward with him that will ensure our much-deserving fans have more to cheer about next season.
"We should also stress, though, that while improvements do need to be made, Sam deserves credit for the job he has done thus far after securing promotion in his first year and two respectable Premier League finishes in the two years thereafter. We have also seen the likes of Mark Noble, James Tomkins and Winston Reid all make huge progress under his management, which in turn contributed to our impressive record of 14 clean sheets last season.
"The truly historic opportunity of a move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016 forms a major part of our five-year strategy to take this Club forward and, while we have a duty to make sure we stay in the Premier League, we also want to make sure the performances on the pitch will befit a team playing in such a world-renowned stadium.
"We are absolutely committed to taking West Ham United to new heights and we want to see the Club continue on an upward trajectory next season. The 2014/15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam has the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success."
Reaction to the news of Allardyce's arrival has been met with disappointment by his detractors and relief from those who believed that given his three-year record, he should be allowed to continue his work at the club.
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Sam Allardyce remains boss at West Ham, who want a top-10 finish
Last Updated: 20/05/14 5:38pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce will still be manager of West Ham next season but the club's board has demanded more attacking football and a top-10 finish in the league.
Despite finishing a respectable 13th in the Premier League table, some reports had suggested the 59-year-old was facing the axe after three years in charge.
He was summoned to a meeting at West Ham co-owner David Sullivan's house in Essex last week where he put forward his case to keep hold of the reins next season. Allardyce clearly impressed the board with his vision and a statement on the club's website revealed the manager had agreed to recruit a new attacking coach, along with an overhaul of the scouting and recruitment operation, although he faces demands for "more entertainment" and a top-10 place in the top flight. "The 2014/15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam has the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success"
On the back of "constructive" and "lengthy and detailed" talks between Allardyce and the board, the club statement on Tuesday afternoon read: "The club's direction, values and philosophy and a positive way forward for next season has been agreed. "After listening to feedback from supporters, the board have insisted on improvements to the set-up of the playing and backroom staff to ensure the team provides more entertainment next season. "The board will once again be investing considerable funds into the club this summer. The club have made clear that they want to see progression on the pitch and at least a top-10 finish as a result."
Allardyce took charge of the Hammers in 2011 and immediately steered them back to the top flight, but some fans have never warmed to his playing style and jeered after their home win over 10-man Hull City in March. After Tuesday's announcement, the former Bolton manager said: "I look forward to taking the club forward and improving the squad for next season to try and achieve the plans we have set out in our very productive meeting last week."
West Ham joint-chairmen David Sullivan and Gold added: "We have a very clear vision of how we want West Ham United to operate under our joint ownership. Although not everybody understands the West Ham Way, we do and we respect it as we have been supporters all our lives. "We believe this is about a philosophy that is not just about the style of play, but the whole ethos that surrounds the club. We have mapped out a way forward with (Sam) that will ensure our much-deserving fans have more to cheer about next season. "We should also stress, though, that while improvements do need to be made, Sam deserves credit for the job he has done thus far after securing promotion in his first year and two respectable Premier League finishes in the two years thereafter. "The truly historic opportunity of a move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016 forms a major part of our five-year strategy to take this club forward and, while we have a duty to make sure we stay in the Premier League, we also want to make sure the performances on the pitch will befit a team playing in such a world-renowned stadium. "We are absolutely committed to taking West Ham United to new heights and we want to see the club continue on an upward trajectory next season. The 2014/15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam has the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success."
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WHAT'S DONE IS DONE - LET'S LOOK TO THE FUTURE & RESTORE SOME EXCITEMENT
By Iain Dale 20 May 2014 at 20:45
West Ham Till I Die
Just as politicians live and die by the choices and decisions they make, so do football club owners. Today's decision to retain the services of Sam Allardyce as our manager is one which may well define our club for some years to come. Unless disaster strikes it is now unthinkable to change manager before the Olympic Stadium move. Assuming we stay up next season, that will guarantee Sam another year in the job, and I imagine one beyond that.
So why did the Board reach this decision, and reach it rather more quickly than we were led to believe they would? No idea to be honest. although it could have had something to do with the fact that all sorts of people were being linked with the manager's job. I suspect (and it is only a suspicion) that this was understandably issued a back me or sack me ultimatum. I certainly would have done in the circumstances. Did they make the decision because they couldn't face paying the £4 million in compensation to Sam and his backroom staff, when in a year's time it will cost nothing? Maybe, but if that really was the reason it's a rather short-sighted one.
i really hope the reason was the one quoted – that Sam has promised to introduce more flair to the team next season and to place more emphasis on the scouting network and youth setup. It's clear that the Board will cast more than a beady over transfer policy and that has to be a good thing. Too many of the permanent and loan signings haven't worked out. No one will ever have a perfect record on signings, but even so, it's difficult to think of any signings in the last twelve months which could be classed as an unqualified success. That needs to change very quickly.
Look, I have deliberately written this without looking at the 600 comments on the last thread. I didn't want to be influenced by what I suspect is a lot of negativity and anger. As soon as I press publish on this blogpost I will scroll through the comments. When I heard the news that Sam was staying my initial reaction was somewhat phlegmatic. I didn't kick the cat. Mainly because I don't have one. I didn't scream. I reacted with a mental shrug of the shoulders. But I feel I ought to be angry. I feel I ought to care more than I do. It goes back to my blogpost where I put into words my frustration at the way West Ham now play. I recounted the fact that if I am watching a game on TV I no longer pump my arms when West Ham score, or make the dogs run round the house because I am screaming with joy. I don't scream, I smile. Weakly. I headlined that blogpost "This, Mr Allardyce is what you have done to me".
Now I live in hope that I can get excited by going to Upton Park again. I really do. But along with thousands of others, I have a decision to make. Am I going to renew my season ticket, one I have held for more than twenty years. My two friends who I go to matches with have already decided not to renew. I don't like to think of myself as a fickle fan. Whatever happens, I am West Ham Till I Die, and if I don't renew it will seem as if I am betraying the club who in many ways have given me so much. But I've now got a house in Norfolk where I go at weekends. A lot more matches are on TV. This season I've been to fewer matches than before, not just because of the style of football, although that put me off the latter matches, but also because my life has changed.
I actually have two season tickets, because you know what, half the fun is enjoying the match with someone else who can join you on that emotional rollercoaster. You hug each other when we score. You berate the referee when he makes a dodgy decision. You share in each other's misery when we lose. You rejoice in every header Andy Carroll wins. You sigh every time we lose the ball. It's a collective experience. It's a tribal experience and it's one I want to know again. I don't want to sit there not caring anymore. And if Sam Allardyce can bring back that feeling I feel he has stolen from me I will be the first to admit it.
And he can do that by making his peace with Ravel Morrison and signing him on a long term contract. He should call Ravel into his office when he gets back from his holiday and say: "Ravel, what's past is past. I want you to stay and I am going to form my team around you." He can't do more than that.
I've said my piece. I am not going to allow this site to be a cesspit of negativity because frankly if it did, I wouldn't want to read it or visit it myself, so why would anyone else.
So let's just remember who we are, what we are and why we support the team we do.
It's time to circle the wagons, suck it up, accept the decision that has been made, and just get on with it. Fine, express your viewpoint, but let's get over it and try to look forward to next season, some exciting new signings and hopefully a more "West Ham" style of play.
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OFFICIAL: SAM ALLARDYCE REMAINS AS MANAGER
By Sean Whetstone 20 May 2014 at 14:32
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham United has confirmed that manager Sam Allardyce will lead the club into the 2014/15 Barclays Premier League season after constructive talks with the Club's Board.
The club have insisted on improvements to the set-up of the playing and backroom staff to ensure the team provides more entertainment next season.
Sam has agreed to recruit a new attacking coach to complement the existing coaching set-up as well as an overhaul of the Club's scouting and recruitment operation that will see the directors have a greater involvement in the players. The club have made clear that they want to see progression on the pitch.
Full Statement:
"West Ham United can confirm that manager Sam Allardyce will lead the Club into the 2014/15 Barclays Premier League season after constructive talks with the Club's Board. The Board and Allardyce have held lengthy and detailed discussions on the Club's direction, values and philosophy and a positive way forward for next season has been agreed. After listening to feedback from supporters, the Board have insisted on improvements to the set-up of the playing and backroom staff to ensure the team provides more entertainment next season. The manager has agreed to recruit a new attacking coach to complement the existing coaching set-up as well as an overhaul of the Club's scouting and recruitment operation that will see the Board have a greater involvement in the players who are signed, as the Board will once again be investing considerable funds into the Club this summer. The Club have made clear that they want to see progression on the pitch and at least a top-ten finish as a result. West Ham United Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold said: We have a very clear vision of how we want West Ham United to operate under our joint ownership. Although not everybody understands the West Ham Way, we do and we respect it as we have been supporters all our lives. We believe this is about a philosophy that is not just about the style of play, but the whole ethos that surrounds the Club. Sam was asked to give us a detailed presentation on his vision for next season and during this he assured us that he can deliver that ethos to West Ham United and we have agreed to support him with the resources that he needs. We have mapped out a way forward with him that will ensure our much-deserving fans have more to cheer about next season. We should also stress, though, that while improvements do need to be made, Sam deserves credit for the job he has done thus far after securing promotion in his first year and two respectable Premier League finishes in the two years thereafter. We have also seen the likes of Mark Noble, James Tomkins and Winston Reid all make huge progress under his management, which in turn contributed to our impressive record of 14 clean sheets last season. "The truly historic opportunity of a move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016 forms a major part of our five-year strategy to take this Club forward and, while we have a duty to make sure we stay in the Premier League, we also want to make sure the performances on the pitch will befit a team playing in such a world-renowned stadium. "We are absolutely committed to taking West Ham United to new heights and we want to see the Club continue on an upward trajectory next season. The 2014/15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam has the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success." West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce said: "I look forward to taking the Club forward and improving the squad for next season to try and achieve the plans we have set out in our very productive meeting last week."
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IS A VICTOR OBINNA RETURN CREDIBLE & SHOULD WE RAID CITEH?
By S J Chandos 20 May 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
Is it credible that West Ham are interested in signing former loanee, Victor Obinna? Fans will remember Obinna's loan period in 2010-11, when his displays and eight goals were one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disastrous campaign. The highlight probably being his excellent all round display in the 4-0 league cup demolition of Man Utd. At the conclusion of that campaign, we were relegated and he subsequently signed a four year contract with Lokomotiv Moscow in a lucrative Bosman deal. However, the Nigerian International spent last season on loan to Italian side, Chievo Verona and now apparently has aspirations to return to the PL. And his name has been linked with a move back to Upton Park. Is this a legitimate interest or is it just an agent 'flying a kite' to drum up interest? I think it is more likely to be the latter.
Of course, it is presently difficult to talk with any certainty about the club's summer transfer activity. Until the management situation is resolved, one way or the other, we are effectively stuck in limbo. Lets just hope that PL rivals have not 'got a jump on us' as result of this self-imposed transfer hiatus. Especially in respect of the better Bosman deals that will be up for grabs this summer. There is no doubt that some decent quality players will be available in the upcoming transfer window. For instance, Man City are planning to make Micah Richards, Jack Rodwell and Scott Sinclair available on loan or permanent deals; whilst Joleon Lescott will also be subject to a Bosman deal. That constitutes City stripping out four of the small English contingent in their current first team squad. Regardless, should we look to the surplus players at City to help strengthen our own squad for the next campaign?
Claret & Hugh reported yesterday evening that their source had indicated that the club were awaiting a response to a job offer made to a potential new manager and a definitive answer was expected within 48 hours. If the mystery person says yes, it is the green light for managerial change; but if its no, then the club will continue with the current set up, albeit with a new approach imposed by the board. All we fans can do is wait, wonder and see what transpires? However, If we have made an offer to an unnamed manager, I personally hope that we have gone for the radical option and sought the services of Ronald Koeman.
And finally, the club yesterday made the latest of their 'Don't miss out on your seat!' website appeals to season ticket holders. Could it be that renewals are not going well, as a significant number of STHs await the outcome of Friday's board meeting before committing their hard earned cash?
S.J Chandos.
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Sullivan: 'Fans protests the most important thing'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 20, 2014 in Whispers
David-Sullivan-001
By Hugh Southon
ClaretandHugh.com
West Ham's co chairman David Sullivan has exclusively revealed to ClaretandHugh that fan protests provoked the inquest into Sam Allardyce's position at Upton Park. Having survived the lengthy quizzing into his future, Sullivan has made it clear that it was the fans reaction which was closest to his heart when considering Allardyce's continuing role as team boss. Speaking to me immediately after the announcement that the 59 year old manager was staying Sullivan – in a question and answer session – made his position clear. I asked: "It's widely believed it was fan protests that were at the bottom of the board's thinking when considering Sam's position – was that the case?" The co-chairman responded: "In fact it was the most important thing. That's why we looked for assurances from the manager and the addition of a striking coach." I then asked: "How are season tickets selling – how worried are you about a fan lashback both generally and at the box office from this decision?" He responded: "They are roughly level with last year, and we have a large list of people waiting for the best seats if any long standing season ticket holders do not renew. "I think supporters realise they need to renew or they'll go to the bottom of the list to get tickets at the Olympic stadium. "That said and done, we do not want to lose a single season ticket holder and we hope they think long and hard if they are thinking of not renewing."
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Five things Sam Allardyce must do to win West Ham fans back
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
8:08 PM
London24
West Ham on Tuesday announced Sam Allardyce would stay on as their manager, but he has been told by the board to produce more entertaining football and aim for a top-10 finish at least.
Here, London24 takes a look at five areas he could focus on to achieve those aims.
SUPPORT FOR CARROLL
The towering striker missed a chunk of the season through injury and, even after returning to fitness, could not improve the Hammer's fortunes as they suffered eight defeats in their last 11 games. As well as hoping Carroll stays fit, Allardyce urgently needs to find a strike partner to help ease the goal burden on the frontman, who only managed two in the Premier League last term. Being left out of the England World Cup squad could be a bonus as it should ensure he returns for pre-season training fresh.
GET WINGERS FIRING
The Hammers have two out-and-out wide men in Matt Jarvis and Stuart Downing, both former England internationals. They should be the ideal duo to provide the service from the flanks for Carroll to thrive on, but went off the boil over the course of the campaign. Allardyce needs to work out how to help both return to form next season and open up his side's most obvious source of goals.
BRING THE BEST OUT OF MORRISON
Ravel Morrison is the sort of attacking, creative midfielder the Hammers desperately need, but fell out of favour and was sent out of loan to QPR. His future at Upton Park is far from certain but, if Allardyce decides to give him another go and can bring the best out of him, it could prove his best piece of business all summer. Failing that, though, Allardyce needs to bring in a playmaker who could make the side tick.
FIND THE RIGHT ATTACKING COACH
Allardyce has agreed to recruit a new attacking coach to help the team adopt a more positive style of play. One candidate could be Les Ferdinand, who played briefly for the club and has been doing a similar job at Tottenham. His future at White Hart Lane is unclear, with the club looking for a new manager following the departure of Tim Sherwood.
GET THE FANS ON SIDE
Allardyce is renowned, fairly or not, as a long-ball merchant for whom results trump style every time. That philosophy did not sit at all well with the West Ham fans and he has been instructed to produce a more entertaining brand of football. A concerted effort to do that, even if it does not bring instant results, would likely be appreciated by the Upton Park faithful.
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West Ham & Newcastle target Almeida set to leave Besiktas
2014-05-20 09:58:04
Turhish-football.com
Hugo Almeida is set to leave Beşiktaş after failing to agree a contract extension with the club. "The deal they put forward was laughable," Almeida said. "They should think about the bigger picture, it's a shame it had to end like this I never wanted to leave these fans." "I made great friends here and would have liked to stay however, I couldn't accept the offer." Almeida is free to speak to other clubs, with his contract set to expire this summer. The Portuguese international has been closely linked with a number of Premier League clubs and has hinted that he would be open to a move to England. "I would be very interested in moving to the Premier League if the right offer came up," Almeida said. "I have always wanted to play in England. It is the best league in the world and the fans are completely crazy about football. "I watch a lot of Premier League football and it is the kind of football I like, with lots of crosses and fighting for everything. "I would really like to play in England." Almeida joined Beşiktaş from Werder Bremen in 2011 on a €2 million transfer fee. The 29-year-old striker has 13 goals and three assists in 31 appearances this season.
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West Ham fans react with fury after Allardyce stays
London24
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
5:45 PM
West Ham fans are "disappointed" the club have decided to stick with Sam Allardyce and feel their views have been ignored by the club's owners, says the editor of a prominent Hammers fanzine. The club announced on Tuesday that Allardyce will remain as manager for the start of next season but that he must accept a handful of "improvements", including a commitment to a more positive style of play. A statement released by the club said: "After listening to feedback from supporters, the board have insisted on improvements to the set-up of the playing and backroom staff to ensure the team provides more entertainment next season."
Allardyce has agreed to hire a new attacking coach and has been told by joint chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan to aim for "at least a top-ten finish" - but sceptical supporters remain unconvinced. "There is certainly a lot of disappointment and a feeling the fans haven't been listened to," said David Blackmore, editor of The Blowing Bubbles Fanzine. "Gold and Sullivan are talking about 'the West Ham Way' but the more you look at it the more it seems the Allardyce way is never going to be 'the West Ham Way'. "A lot of fans are absorbing it and making notes on what has been promised so that when it doesn't materialise at the start of the season they can call the board out on it."
He added: "At the moment we don't have the types of players to be entertaining so I don't see much changing. "Having a squad that is going to be fit is going to make a difference but I doubt it will be long past October or November before fans start voicing their concerns again."
West Ham's prospects last season were damaged by a number of injuries to key players, including club-record signing Andy Carroll. Allardyce will have "considerable funds" available to strengthen his squad this summer but the board will have more influence over which players are brought in. Sullivan and Gold said: "We have a very clear vision of how we want West Ham United to operate under our joint ownership. "Although not everybody understands the West Ham Way, we do and we respect it as we have been supporters all our lives. We believe this is about a philosophy that is not just about the style of play, but the whole ethos that surrounds the club. "Sam was asked to give us a detailed presentation on his vision for next season and during this he assured us that he can deliver that ethos to West Ham United and we have agreed to support him with the resources that he needs. "We have mapped out a way forward with him that will ensure our much-deserving fans have more to cheer about next season."
Allardyce guided the club to promotion from the Championship at the first attempt in 2012 and secured a 10th-place finish in the team's first year back in the Premier League. The Hammers failed to progress last season, however, and spent the majority of the campaign fighting off the threat of relegation. Three wins over rivals Tottenham and a 13th-place finish in the table did little to appease disillusioned supporters, who complained about the team's defensive style of play. In March, the home fans at Upton Park booed at the final whistle even after the Hammers had beaten Hull 2-1, to which Allardyce responded by cupping his ears in disbelief. Maintaining status in the Premier League remains the club's priority, especially given the significant financial implications of moving to the Olympic Stadium in 2016.
The statement concluded: "We are absolutely committed to taking West Ham United to new heights and we want to see the club continue on an upward trajectory next season. "The 2014/15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam has the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success." Allardyce added: "I look forward to taking the club forward and improving the squad for next season to try and achieve the plans we have set out in our very productive meeting last week."
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Five reasons Sam Allardyce kept his job as West Ham manager
Tuesday 20 May 2014 5:40 pm
Metro.co.uk
West Ham have announced that Sam Allardyce is to stay on as manager for a fourth season but why have the board decided to keep him on? Here are five possible reasons:
1) Allardyce has kept West Ham in the Premier League for two seasons running after getting them promoted from the Championship at the first time of asking.
2) Big Sam has never been relegated as a manager and appears to be a specialist at Premier League survival which is vital for the club ahead of the move to the Olympic Stadium.
3) He has one year left on his current contract and has hit every target set by the board.
4) A few additions to the squad could equal a more expansive playing style, especially at home, which may appease the terraces somewhat.
5) The board don't want to have to pay up his contract.
Quite how this show of loyalty will effect season ticket sales and the atmosphere within the Boleyn Ground next season remains to be seen but what is certain is that Allardyce will need new players to adopt the kind of football the fans desire whilst maintaining his usual unremitting surge to safety.
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Exclusive - Ashton: Morrison can save Allardyce from West Ham chop
By Nick Rostron-Pike (@nickrostronpike) | Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Talksport
Dean Ashton believes West Ham were right to keep Sam Allardyce at Upton Park – but has warned the Irons chief to resolve his problems with Ravel Morrison if he wants to keep his job. The Hammers boss, whose position at the Boleyn Ground had been under threat, has been given a stay of execution by co-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan. Morrison has spent the tail end of the season on loan at Championship side QPR, after falling out of favour with Allardyce earlier in the campaign. The former Blackburn man has come under fire numerous times this season from the Upton Park faithful, who have become tired with his negative style of play. And former striker Ashton claims the 59-year-old must make Morrison his key man next season. "There have certainly been signs in the way Morrison has played to show he's a top player," he told Drivetime. "I can understand why he's fallen out of favour with the manager.
"Sam wants players to track back and do the defence side of football. Ravel has struggled with that and wasn't allowed the freedom he needs. "If the club want a different type of football then he's exactly the sort of player West Ham need to accommodate. "He's the type of player that can produce something out of nothing."
And Ashton believes the club were right retain Allardyce's services. "Sam has had some problems, in terms of injuries, and he hasn't had all of his best players fit throughout the season," he added. "When he has, he's got results, but not the style of football fans are looking for. "It's not easy in the Premier League though and he's still getting results, he knows how to do that. "This last decade has been a bit up and down for West Ham. Now they need a bit of stability. "[It's the right decision to keep] Sam and give him another year. They need to keep the club stable in the Premier League."
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The Big Interview - James Collins
WHUFC.com
West Ham United centre-back James Collins reflects on the 2013/14 Barclays Premier League campaign
20.05.2014
James Collins will be looking to the positives as he heads into the summer break. West Ham United turned around a bleak winter position to finish well clear of the Barclays Premier League's drop zone by the season's end and Collins says that uplift in form should not be forgotten. 2013/14 also included a hat-trick of victories over Tottenham Hotspur, which Collins knows pleased the Boleyn Ground crowd.
James, it's a season that had its ups and downs, but three wins against Spurs...
JC: "Beating Tottenham three times is a positive we can take from the season, but we'd have liked to have finished higher in the league, of course.
"Last year, our first back in the Premier League, we finished tenth and had a great season - we weren't far off that in the end this season."
Fourteen clean sheets must be a record you're really proud of...
JC: "The gaffer always sets out to keep a clean sheet and if we keep one, we know we only have to score one goal to win the game.
"Fourteen is nice, we'd like more but we'll take that."
How do your assess your own form this season?
JC: "I'll never say I've been outstanding and I'll never say I've been rubbish, but it's been alright.
"I'd have liked to have played a few more games - I had a fiew niggles throughout the season but that's going to happen at my age."
How impressed have you been with your fellow centre halves?
JC: "The other centre backs have been great - in any team you need confident, strong centre halves and in Winston and Tonks we've certainly got that.
"To see them doing well is great, and that's the same for both goalkeepers."
You've got two outstanding goalkeepers fighting for that No1 jersey?
JC: "Jussi got eight of the clean sheets, then Adrian's come in and carried it on.
"When he came in he didn't speak a lot of English, but he gets involved with the lads and has the banter. That's great and I think he's going to go on and be a top-drawer keeper.
There's a trip to New Zealand to look forward to. How's that going to be?
JC: "New Zealand will be great. It's a long old trip, but we'll deal with it and it's a part of the world I've never seen so I'm looking forward to it.
"Reidy's New Zealand captain, so hopefully he can show us around too!"
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Aston Villa and West Ham to fight for QPR winger
BY JOSH NUGENT ⋅ MAY 21, 2014 ⋅ POST A COMMENT
Footballleagueworld.co.uk
Aston Villa are set to fight with West Ham to secure the signature of QPR winger Shaun Wright-Phillips according to Football Direct News. Former England international Wright-Phillips is available on a free transfer with only a week to run on his contract at QPR. The former Manchester City and Chelsea wideman only made 13 appearances for QPR last season and his exit will be confirmed after their Championship playoff final against Derby on Saturday. Aston Villa are very keen on bringing the winger to Villa Park to provide some experience for their young squad. After a struggling season that saw the Birmingham-based side flirt with relegation to the second tier of English football, Villa boss Paul Lambert is keen for his younger players to learn from some more experienced names.
Despite Aston Villa owner recently putting the club up for sale causing uncertainty over the long-term future of the playing and backroom staff, Lambert has been allowed to press on with his summer transfer business. West Ham are also admirers of Wright-Phillips. They want to bring the 32 year-old to Upton Park and are confident of being able to match his wage demands-something which is a potential stumbling block for Aston Villa.
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HAMMERS EYE OLD BOY
WEST HAM KEEN TO RE-SIGN STRIKE STAR
Written by Alex Hams | Comments(0)
West Ham are considering a move to bring former attacker Victor Obinna back to Upton Park this summer, according to reports from talkSPORT. The Nigerian ace spent the 2010/11 season with the Hammers, smashing in eight goals before returning to Inter Milan. Since heading away to Italy, Obinna has moved to Lokomotiv Moscow but his spell in Russia looks set to come to an end soon. The 27-year-old has found it difficult to settle at his current club, and is rumoured to be ready to follow up a loan move to Chievo from the latter half of last season with a permanent switch to one of Europe's more established leagues. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is desperate to bolster his forward line in the coming months, and is tempted by partnering the pacey Obinna with Andy Carroll.
The African star was a fans' favourite during his brief spell in east London, and a move to bring him back could ease tensions between 'Big Sam' and sections of the Irons' support. The versatile attacker is set to represent Nigeria at the World Cup this summer.
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