Preview - Everton
WHUFC.com
All the key information ahead of Saturday's game against Everton
21.11.2014
EVERTON v WEST HAM UNITED
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
GOODISON PARK
SATURDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2014
KICK-OFF: 3PM
REFEREE: MARK CLATTENBURG
In brief
West Ham United travel to Merseyside to play Everton as the Hammers look to
extend their unbeaten run to six games. The Toffees are currently tenth
having taken 14 points from their eleven league games. Roberto Martinez's
team have struggled for consistency as playing in the Europa League has
taken its toll. However they have won their last two league games and are
unbeaten in three games in all competitions. Sam Allardyce's men are six
places ahead, sitting in fourth position after drawing 0-0 with Aston Villa
at home. The draw saw the Hammers record their second clean sheet of the
season as well as extend their unbeaten run of five games. A further
positive for West Ham fans was Andy Carroll's return to action with his
first appearance of the season as he came on in the second half. West Ham
are looking for revenge after last season's results saw the Toffees do the
double over the Hammers with 3-2 and 1-0 wins.
Formed from St Domingo's FC, they played their first game on 1 January 1878
in Stanley Park. They changed their name to Everton Football Club in 1879,
winning their first game under the new name 6-0 against St Peter's. Five
years later, Everton won the Liverpool Cup, their first ever cup with a 1-0
win over Earlestown. Everton were one of the 12 founder members of the
Football League in 1888, winning their first league title at the third
attempt. The Toffees moved to Goodison Park in 1892, winning their first
game 4-2 over Bolton Wanderers. Since then, Everton have established
themselves as one of the more successful teams in Britain, winning the first
division nine times as well as an impressive five FA Cups. More recently,
trophies have been harder to come by - their last success came in the FA Cup
in the 1994/95 season. However ex-manager David Moyes established them as
one of the best teams in the Premier League, regularly finishing in the top
half and challenging for a European spot.
Team news
West Ham United
In form Stewart Downing (knee) and top goal scorer Diafra Sakho (back) both
picked up injuries while away on international duty. The severity of both
injuries is being monitored to determine whether they are fit to face the
Toffees. If Sakho doesn't make it Big Sam has several options to choose from
with Carlton Cole and Andy Carroll vying for a start. Carroll has made good
progress on his fitness during the international break as well as scoring
against Fulham in a behind-closed-doors friendly. Mauro Zarate is back in
training after a slight knock and could be included as a substitute
Everton
Saturday's hosts also have injuries concerns of their own. England
international Leighton Baines faces a race to be fit after picking up a
slight hamstring injury during the international break. Midfielder's James
McCarthy, Darron Gibson (knee) and Gareth Barry (ankle) are all unlikely to
feature will key player Kevin Mirallas could return after recovering from a
hamstring injury. Long term absentees are Antolin Alcaraz (shoulder), John
Stones (ankle) and Bryan Oviedo (leg)
Referee
Saturday's referee is Mark Clattenburg, who hails from Durham. This season
marks the 39-year-old's tenth season as a Premier League referee. The former
electrician took up officiating as a 25-year-old and quickly rose through
the ranks to become a FIFA appointed referee in 2006. In 2008, Clattenburg
proceeded to referee his first Champions League in August 2008 before
progressing to the FIFA Elite list acting as Howard Webb's assistant referee
in the Euro 2012 championships. Clattenburg was in charge of the Hammers'
3-1 win over Crystal Palace earlier in the season. Saturday's assistant
referees are Simon Beck and Mark Scholes, while Phil Dowd will be the Fourth
Official.
Statistics
(2014/15 season - Barclays Premier League only)
Matches refereed: 9
Yellow cards shown: 38
Red cards shown: 1
Penalties awarded: 3
One to watch
West Ham United
West Ham's shot-stopper Adrian has been in fine form this season as he
collected his second clean sheet last time out against Aston Villa.
The Spanish 'keeper has put in a string of eye-catching performances,
including a string of impressive saves to keep the likes of Sergio Aguero
and Mario Ballotelli at bay. He'll need to put in another good performance
come Saturday afternoon if the Hammers are to come away from Goodison Park
with a win.
Everton
Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku is a force to be reckoned with after
completing a £28 million move from Chelsea in the summer. The 6'3 forward
has a prolific goals to games ratio scoring 20 goals in 43 starts and is
sure to be a handful on Saturday. While Lukaku is yet to find his best form
this season, his blossoming strike partnership with Samuel Eto'o looks to be
a deadly combination.
Tickets
Tickets are now off sale for this all-ticket fixture. The last remaining
tickets for the Hammers next home game with Newcastle United are available
here.
Travel
Heading to Everton on Saturday? Then download the Premier League's Away Days
App to help plan your day!
From the M6, exit at junction 26 onto the M58 and continue until the end
(Switch Island). Follow directions for A59 (Ormskirk Road) and Aintree
Racecourse. Continue along A59 passing Aintree racecourse on the left.
Continue on A59 until reaching a roundabout and flyover. Take the second
exit onto County Road. Pass Black Horse Public House on the left.
Three-quarters of a mile along County Road, turn left at junction of Royal
Oak Public House into Spellow Lane. Goodison Park is a short distance ahead.
For up to date traffic news please visit www.merseytravel.gov.uk
Train information can be found at www.nationalrail.co.uk
Weather
Saturday is set to be an overcast day in Liverpool. Temperature at kick off
is forecast to be 11C (52F)
Last meeting
Everton 1-0 West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
1 March 2014
The Hammers lost to Everton in the same fixture last season through a goal
from substitute Romelu Lukaku, his first goal since the end of December. The
major talking point was referee Jon Moss' assessment that Gareth Barry had
not fouled Kevin Nolan just as the West Ham captain looked to be clean
through on goal in the first half. A red card at that point may have changed
the outcome, especially with West Ham having won their last four and with
four clean sheets in their last five games, manager Sam Allardyce was
visibly aggrieved at the decision.
Everton: Howard, Baines, Coleman, Distin, Stones, Barry, McCarthy, Pienaar,
Osman, Deulofeu (McGeady 73), Naismith (Barkley 85)
Subs not used: Robles, Browning, Hibbert, Mirallas
West Ham United: Adrian, Demel (Reid 80), Tomkins, McCartney, Collins,
Downing, Noble, Jarvis (Diame 66), Taylor, Cole (Carroll 29), Nolan
Subs not used: Jaaskelainen, Armero, Cole, Nocerino
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On this day - 22 November
WHUFC.com
Former Hammers striker Frank McAvennie turns 55 today
22.11.2014
Anniversary
Name: Frank McAvennie
Born: Glasgow, Scotland, 22 November 1959
Frank McAvennie is today celebrating his 55th birthday. The Scottish striker
started the first of two spells at the Boleyn Ground in style after signing
from St Mirren in the summer of 1985, helping the Boys of 86 secure the
Club's highest ever finish of third in the top flight. Originally signed as
an attacking midfielder, an injury to Paul Goddard in the opening game
pushed him up front and McAvennie formed a strong partnership with Tony
Cottee. He notched 26 league goals - a tally only bettered by Everton's Gary
Lineker in Division One that season - but following a less successful second
season, he moved back north of the border to join Celtic in October 1987.
Less than two years later he was back with the Hammers, and although he
suffered a broken leg at the start of the 1989/90 campaign, he helped the
Club win promotion back to the top flight the following year. In all he
scored 60 goals for the Hammers in 190 games, and later turned out for Aston
Villa, Cliftonville, South China, Swindon Town, Airdrieonians and Falkirk
before ending his career where it all began - at St Mirren.
Classic match
Derby County 0-2 West Ham United
Premier League
22 November 1998
The Hammers were en route to a fifth place finish in the Premier League when
they defeated Derby County 2-0 on this day 16 years ago.
Goals from Marc Keller and John Hartson ensured their good form would
continue as the Hammers left Pride Park with all three points.
They moved up to second a week later with victory over Tottenham Hotspur
and although that would prove to be the season's high point, Harry
Redknapp's men never dropped below ninth for the rest of the campaign.
Complete record - 22 November
1919 Fulham 1-2 West Ham United (Division Two)
1924 West Ham United 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur (Division One)
1930 Derby County 1-1 West Ham United (Division One)
1947 Brentford 1-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1952 Huddersfield Town 0-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1958 West Ham United 0-3 Leicester CIty (Division One)
1969 West Ham United 3-0 Derby County (Division One)
1975 West Ham United 2-1 Middlesbrough (Division One)
1980 West Ham United 2-0 Swansea City (Division Two)
1986 West Ham United 1-1 Aston Villa (Division One)
1989 West Ham United 1-0 Wimbledon (League Cup Round Four)
1995 West Ham United 0-0 Liverpool (Premier League)
1998 Derby County 0-2 West Ham United (Premier League)
2003 Watford 0-0 West Ham United (Division One)
Played 14, Won 7, Drawn 6, Lost 1, Scored 17, Conceded 9
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Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
Liverpool-born Aaron Cresswell on unbeaten runs, Everton and emulating
Leighton Baines
20.11.2014
Hello everyone,
We are playing Everton on Saturday, Of course, growing up on Merseyside you
are either a Red or a Blue or come from over the water and support Tranmere
Rovers, where I started. It would be nice to go back home and get the three
points at Goodison Park, where I last played when I was 13 or 14 for
Liverpool. I've never played there in a competitive first-team game, so I'm
looking forward to going back. I've got about 50 mates who I grew up with
who are all Everton fans and they'll be in the stands giving me stick, I
think! Hopefully I'll enjoy it and we'll bring the three points back. I was
a Red growing up and it would be nice to go to Goodison Park and win there,
obviously.
On Merseyside, there is only one sport and that is football. No-one plays
rugby and people play golf now and then, but the main sport is football, so
when Liverpool or Everton are playing it's a massive day for the whole of
Merseyside.
For me, going back to Liverpool, there will be plenty of my family and mates
in the stands at Everton and it's one I am looking forward to. I can't wait
to get out there. Things are going well for us at the minute. We are fourth
in the table after eleven games and we are five unbeaten. Really, we should
have won against Aston Villa two weeks ago but it was one of those things
that we couldn't put the ball in the back of the net. We'll be going to
Everton looking to get all three points. Of course we will respect them, but
we will be going out there to win. Everton are a great team and I can't see
them being in the bottom half of the table come the under of the season.
Roberto Martinez has done a good job there and we're aware of the threats
they have got, but we will go there full of confidence. Leighton Baines is
my opposite number at Everton and, like me, he is from Liverpool. He is a
fantastic player with a great left foot. He has been around for quite a
while now and has played for England numerous times. There are a few
left-backs around at the minute with Luke Shaw behind Baines and also Kieran
Gibbs. England have got quite a few options at the moment, so I'll take this
season as it comes. If you look at Leighton, I think you would put him in
the top four or five left-backs in the world. I couldn't name five better
than him over the last five years. He started at Wigan Athletic and it shows
that there is no reason why a player cannot start in the lower leagues and
prove their worth in the Premier League and go on to represent England. That
is something Leighton has done and he has been fantastic ever since.
Personally, coming from the Championship I had never played any higher than
that level and I knew it was going to fast, it was going to be tough and
everything was going to be at a quicker tempo. As I have said from day one,
I will take every game as it comes and see how many I can play.
On a personal note, I am enjoying it at the minute, but the main thing is
the team and picking up as many points as we can and seeing where that
leaves us at the end of the season.
Safe trip to everyone heading to Goodison Park this Saturday.
Come on you Irons!
Cressy
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Host Meyers talks up Hammers
WHUFC.com
US talk-show host Seth Meyers shared his love for West Ham United with
actress Keira Knightley
21.11.2014
New York City met east London when West Ham United-mad actress Keira
Knightley sat down with US talk-show host Seth Meyers. Knightley, who is
promoting the film The Imitation Game, discussed their shared love for the
Hammers when appeared on NBC's Late Night with Seth Meyers at the show's New
York studio earlier this week. After discussing Knightley's performance in
the film about World War Two code-breaker Alan Turing, the showbiz pair
discussed West Ham's outstanding recent form and the Club's anthem Bubbles.
"We share something which I didn't realise which is that we both support the
football team West Ham, I say football team because you are British but I of
course mean a soccer team for my audience!" Meyers began. "I love the team
and you love the team!" "That's good and I appreciate that," Knightley
responded, before posing the obvious question: "Sorry, but why do you love
the team?" It turns out that Emmy Award winner Meyers became a Hammer almost
by accident during a holiday in London. "I was in London one time and I had
always wanted to see a Premier League game, so I went to a ticket agent and
said 'Who is playing in London?' and they gave me a choice of Arsenal,
Charlton Athletic and West Ham. "I thought 'This will be the only time in my
life I ever go to east London', which I kind of wanted to do, so I went and
I fell for it. It was great."
Knightley naturally endorsed Meyers' new-found support of her favourite
football club. "That's great. Not a lot of people [in the United States]
will know West Ham and I should just say we are not the sort of team who win
very often. I'm really glad you picked West Ham."
The highlight of Meyers' visit to an as yet unspecified match was hearing
Bubbles being sung loud and proud by the Claret and Blue Army.
Knowledgeable Hammer that she is, Knightley was able to fill in the host and
his audience about the history of West Ham's famous terrace chant.
"It's great. At the beginning of the game, there is this song and all of you
sing the song and you also blow bubbles because the song is called I'm
Forever Blowing Bubbles, so you have all these bubbles blowing across the
pitch. "The problem with the song is that the song is really sad. The song
is about not winning and is, in fact, about your dreams fading and dying the
whole time, so it's not really a surprise that we lose all the time, when we
have this song!" "Bubbles are really exciting at first, but as soon as you
blow them, they're about to die," Meyers agreed, before turning the
conversation to a more positive subject - West Ham's outstanding start to
the 2014/15 season. "Let's be honest, they're having a great start to the
season," he enthused, before showing the typical gallows humour of a true
West Ham fan. "It's likely very temporary, but it's been lovely watching!"
"They're having an amazing time this season," Knightley added. "I'm almost
watching with my hands over my eyes because I fear it's not going to last,
but maybe it will last?!"
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Jenkinson up for Goodison battle
WHUFC.com
Carl Jenkinson is relishing the prospect of taking on Everton on Saturday
21.11.2014
Carl Jenkinson is relishing the test of a trip to Everton on Saturday
following a productive international break with the England U21 squad. The
on-loan Arsenal man scored in the Young Lions' 3-1 win over Portgual at
Burnley, before coming on as a substitute as Gareth Southgate's men were
edged out 3-2 by France. Now, with a date at Goodison Park on the agenda,
Jenkinson is determined to nullify the threat of Leighton Baines and Ross
Barkley down the Toffees' left and help West Ham to another positive result.
"They [Barkley and Baines] are good players but so are we and it will be a
good battle - we're looking forward to it. "We're flying at the minute and
Everton is a tough place to go to, but fingers crossed we get a good
result."
Jenkinson's goal during the international break - his second for the U21s -
helped England defeat one of their group stage opponents in next summer's
European Championship and he believes a successful tournament could lie
ahead. Weve got Portugal in the European Championship in the summer -
they're a good side so it gives us a nice psychological edge to have beaten
them. We played really well.
"It was good to get some minutes during the international break and really
nice to get on the scoresheet. "That is somnething I'm trying to add to my
game and it's always good to get a goal because full backs don't score many!
"We more than deserved to beat Portugal so it's good to go into the
tournament in the summer knowing we can beat them. "I just need minutes at
the moment and I'm not far away from full fitness now. Minutes are all I
want and I got one-and-a-half games with England so that can only stand me
in good stead."
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Parfitt-Williams ready for Foxes
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U18's Djair Parfitt-Williams is targeting another win
against Leicester City
21.11.2014
West Ham United U18s striker Djair Parfitt-Williams is looking to continue
to his good run of form against Leicester City this Saturday.
The Bermudan born forward has been in fine fettle, scoring three goals so
far this season and helping the U18s to third in the Barclays U18 Premier
League South Group in the process. The Hammers, who travel to Leicester City
on Saturday 22 November, have also had a fantastic start to the season and
sit a point above West Ham with 20 points from ten games. Speaking ahead of
the match, Parfitt-Williams is confident his team can triumph at the
weekend: "My form has been decent recently. I think I can still keep going,
I mean, you can always get better. I've scored some good goals and gave some
assists, so I'm happy. "We started realyl well. We were unbeaten for eight
or nine games at the start of the season. We then lost two games but overall
we've done very well so far. "I think we've done well defensively this
season, we haven't conceded many goals while we have some good players up
front."
Parfitt-Williams' strike partner Jordan Brown has also been in fantastic
form, scoring six goals in eight games before picking up an injury. The
prolific striker is still out but should return to training in the coming
days. Out of Parfitt-Williams' three goals this season, the 18-year-old
chose his effort against Brighton and Hove Albion as the pick of the bunch.
"I think my goal against Brighton is the stand out goal so far. I went past
a couple of players and put it in the top corner."
Looking ahead to the match with the Foxes, Parfitt-Williams is anticipating
a tough game. "Last time we played Leicester they were really aggressive.
They liked tackling a lot. It's going to be a hard game and we need to do
well to win. "As for my aims for the rest of the season I want to carry on
scoring as many goals as I can. Another goal is to start for U21s this
season and then become a regular player. Hopefully soon I'll catch the first
team. "I just want to keep on getting better, keep improving personally and
see how far I can go."
West Ham United U18s play away at Leicester City on Saturday 22 November,
kick off is at 12pm.
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Everton v West Ham
KO 15:00
21 November 2014
Last updated at 11:07
By Steve Wilson
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Goodison Park Date: Saturday, 22 November
TEAM NEWS
Everton's Leighton Baines is doubtful with a hamstring injury, while
midfielder Gareth Barry appears likely to miss out with an ankle problem.
The Toffees will also monitor the fitness of James McCarthy, Seamus Coleman,
Darron Gibson, Steven Pienaar and Kevin Mirallas.
West Ham will assess Diafra Sakho, who did not play during the international
break because of a back injury.
Stewart Downing is also a doubt after hurting his knee representing England.
Andy Carroll, who made his comeback from an ankle injury in the Hammers'
last league game, played and scored in a behind-closed-doors friendly
against Fulham last week, boosting his chances of starting on Saturday.
MATCH PREVIEW
Southampton might be getting the bulk of the votes for this season's
surprise package, but West Ham's resurgence is arguably just as big a shock.
There were times when it seemed almost inconceivable that Sam Allardyce
would end 2014 as the Hammers' boss. The year began with a 5-0 FA Cup defeat
at Nottingham Forest, closely followed by a 6-0 League Cup loss at
Manchester City. Allardyce was getting pasted by the fans even more than the
team were getting pasted by the opposition. It was January before West Ham
got to 18 points last season, a total they reached in early November this
term to equal their best start to a Premier League season. What a difference
a couple of goalscorers make. Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia's partnership
has given West Ham a threat they certainly never possessed when Andy Carroll
was injured, and arguably not often when he was fit. What a difference too
in Stewart Downing, who has been reinvented as a number 10, and returns to
Merseyside looking something like the player Liverpool thought they were
getting when they paid £20m for him. Recalled to the England team for the
first time in two and a half years for Tuesday's game in Glasgow, he was
unfortunate to go off at half-time after injuring his knee. The Hammers will
be desperately hoping both Downing and Sakho are fit enough to play on
Saturday. Everton are a little adrift of where they would expect to be in
the league, but injuries have been a plague almost from week one. Lawro's
prediction
"I went to watch Everton draw at Sunderland before the international break
and the Toffees were the only team trying to play - they will definitely
have the same approach at home, where their form has not been great this
season."
John Stones, Sylvain Distin, Steven Pienaar, Kevin Mirallas, Seamus Coleman
and Ross Barkley have all suffered lay-offs, and over the last fortnight
Gareth Barry, Leighton Baines, Darron Gibson and James McCarthy have also
suffered injury to varying degrees. Despite that, they have improved
defensively in the last month and have taken the extra Europa League
workload in their stride, quietly putting together a six-game unbeaten run
in league and cup. West Ham will have to be at their very best at Goodison
to stop that continuing.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Everton are unbeaten in their last 13 games against West Ham in all
competitions (W9, D4), winning the last four.
Victory would see the Toffees record five consecutive Premier League wins
against the same opponent for the first time.
West Ham's last victory against Everton came at Upton Park in April 2007,
when Bobby Zamora got the only goal. It was the first of four successive
wins which saw the Hammers narrowly avoid relegation.
There have been four red cards in the last five Premier League games between
these clubs, with three of those for the Hammers.
Everton
After leaking 16 goals in their first seven league games, Everton have
conceded just two in their last four top-flight matches.
The Toffees have conceded 11 goals at home - the highest tally in the
Premier League - despite back-to-back clean sheets in their two most recent
league games at Goodison Park.
Sylvain Distin is set to make his 450th Premier League appearance, while
Leon Osman could play his 400th game for Everton (in all competitions).
West Ham United
Only West Ham (eight) have scored more headed goals than Everton (six) in
the Premier League this season.
The Hammers' tally of 18 points from 11 games means they have equalled their
best start to a Premier League season.
Their goalless draw with Aston Villa two weeks ago was the first time they
had failed to score in 10 Premier League games.
They have scored in all five of their Premier League away matches this
season, and have netted more goals on the road (11) than at Upton Park
(eight).
Stewart Downing already has twice as many goals (two) and twice as many
assists (four) this season as he managed in 32 Premier League games for West
Ham in 2013-14.
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DG: Whelan comments 'unfortunate'
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 21st November 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United co-Chairman David Gold has called Wigan owner Dave Whelan's
controversial statement regarding Jewish people as "a most unfortunate
comment". Whelan, responding to criticism of his decision to hire the
disgraced Malky Mackay as replacement for Uwe Rosler - who was sacked
earlier in the week - declared that "Jewish people chase money more than
everybody else", when questioned about some of Mackay's recent unpalatable
statements.
Whelan, who was part of the cabal that fought for West Ham to be relegated
from the Premiership due to the Carlos Tevez affair was forced to retract
his statement yesterday - and another about people of Chinese origin, who he
referred to as 'Chinkys'. However that didn't prevent Gold from hitting out
at the 77-year-old. Speaking via Twitter, DG, himself of Jewish origin
remarked: "I'm pleased to hear that Dave Whelan has apologised, it was a
most unfortunate comment".
Septuagenarian Whelan is of course no stranger to controversy; after leading
the witch-hunt to have West Ham demoted from the Premiership back in 2007,
KUMB revealed how he had previously been fined £8million for illegal price
fixing by the Office of Fair Trading. In May 2013, Whelan's Wigan became the
fourth club linked to the case against West Ham to be relegated from the top
flight, following the demise of Middlesbrough, Charlton and Sheffield United
- none of whom have managed to regain membership of the Premier League
since. Sheffield United have also featured regularly in the press recently
following their decision to allow convicted rapist Ched Evans to train with
the club - a decision that has led to the likes of Jessica Ennis-Hill and
Paul Heaton retracting their support for the League One club.
Meanwhile the Hammers - currently fourth in the Premier League - continue to
flourish.
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Roberto Martinez says West Ham boss Sam Allardyce 'guarantees results'
Last Updated: 21/11/14 3:37pm
SSN
Everton manager Roberto Martinez says West Ham counterpart Sam Allardyce may
have had his critics but fans have to accept he 'guarantees results'.
Martinez is backing Allardyce to have a successful season with the Hammers
ahead of Saturday's clash at Goodison Park. The former Bolton, Newcastle and
Blackburn boss has long been associated with a more direct brand of football
which brought criticism from his own fans last season, when they finished
14th. However, that appears to have been forgotten as wins against defending
champions Manchester City and runners-up Liverpool have helped the side into
the Champions League places. "Sam is a very experienced manager who has been
in this league for a long time," said Martinez. "He has been building clubs,
coping with big expectations, but he always guarantees results.
"In football you make your own choices and decisions. There are many styles
you can play and it is up to fans to like or dislike that."
Roberto Martinez
Threaten
"What he has done with West Ham this season is find a good balance of a side
who can be difficult to play against but still really threaten in dead-ball
situations but now they have brought in flair and players who can score
goals out of nothing from open play and that is a really strong combination.
"In football you make your own choices and decisions and there are many
styles you can play and it is up to fans to like or dislike that. "Winning
is important, for certain people in the game the only thing that matters is
the result, for others who are a bit more romantic they appreciate more the
way you win or the way you want to play than just the short-term result. "I
think it can be a really successful year for West Ham."
Former academy graduate Leon Osman is set to make his 400th appearance for
the club this weekend, joining just a dozen players, including Neville
Southall, Brian Labone and Dave Watson, who have reached the landmark. "It
is so difficult to find such a loyal footballer who can also cope with the
demands of the modern game," added Martinez. "You need to swim against the
current because there are so many forces taking you away from spending 10
years at one football club. "I think Leon Osman and Tony Hibbert are two big
pillars for us in the way they have come through the academy, devoted their
careers to the club and they are true Evertonians."
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Sam Allardyce not looking to go long as Andy Carroll returns
Last Updated: 22/11/14 8:17am
SSN
Sam Allardyce is not planning any major changes to West Ham's style of play
as Andy Carroll prepares for a possible first start of the season. Carroll
looked lively when coming on as a late substitute in the goalless draw
against Aston Villa before the international break, his first appearance
since recovering from pre-season ankle surgery, when he almost scored a
winner with a late header. "I don't want them to knock it up to Andy's head,
I want them to be talented enough to knock it into Andy's feet or chest." He
could feature alongside Enner Valencia against Everton with the in-form
Diafra Sakho a doubt for Saturday's Merseyside trip with a back injury
suffered while playing for Senegal. Carroll provides a very different focal
point for the Hammers attack but Allardyce is keen to avoid lumping the ball
high for the towering forward, who he would prefer to be getting on the end
of crosses from his wide men. "We play slightly differently, in that we play
more into Andy's feet than we do into (Enner) Valencia or Sakho," Allardyce
said. "Valencia and Sakho are so pacy that we are a massive threat in behind
the opposition when the midfield players like (Mark) Noble, (Alex) Song or
(Stewart) Downing start sliding balls down the side of defenders, that has
been a really big threat for us and on the back of that we have scored
goals. "Whereas Andy is not such a big a threat in that area, he is a much
bigger threat in terms of setting up attacks to get into the final third by
playing into his feet or chest and not playing into his head. "No way do I
tell a player to just knock it up to Andy's head. I don't want them to knock
it up to Andy's head, I want them to be talented enough to knock it into
Andy's feet or chest. "We want it on Andy's head when it is getting crossed
into the box because that is where he is at his best and where he can score
a lot of goals, as Sakho has proved this season. "I think we have scored
more headed goals than anybody else, even without Andy Carroll."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Injury-hit Everton welcome West Ham to Goodison Park
Last Updated: 21/11/14 5:24pm
SSN
Everton will be looking to make it five wins in a row against West Ham when
they welcome the high-flying Hammers to Goodison Park on Saturday. The
Toffees are unbeaten in their last 13 encounters with West Ham, with their
last defeat coming in 2007. However, if the Hammers are to end their barren
run against Everton then now looks the time to do it. Sam Allardyce's side
have enjoyed their joint-best start to a Premier League season, taking 18
points from their opening 11 matches to leave them sitting pretty in fourth
place ahead of the weekend. Everton, on the other hand, are halfway down the
Premier League table after only managing to win three games so far. Just one
of those victories has been at home, but they have at least tightened up at
the back in recent weeks.
Opta facts
Only West Ham (8) have scored more headed goals than Everton (6) in the
Premier League this season.
Everton and West Ham have scored the joint-most goals from outside the
penalty area in open play this season (4).
There have been four red cards in the last five Premier League games between
West Ham and Everton with three of those for the Hammers.
After conceding 16 goals in their opening seven matches, the Toffees have
let in just two in their last four Premier League outings. But they could be
forced into several changes at the back on Saturday as key players have
returned from international duty carrying injuries.
Team news
Leighton Baines looks as though he maybe missing for the first time this
season after picking up a hamstring injury in training with England. Manager
Roberto Martinez says it is "touch and go" whether the left-back will
feature as he has "seen him recover from a grade one hamstring problem in
eight days". "We're checking Leighton on a daily basis," said Martinez.
"He's someone that heals really quickly. He had a grade one injury on
Friday, that was with England. At the moment, it's difficult to know whether
he's going to be involved on Saturday or not." James McCarthy is also
recovering from a hamstring problem sustained against Sunderland a fortnight
ago, while Darron Gibson picked up a knee injury playing for Republic of
Ireland against Scotland. Both players will be assessed along with Seamus
Coleman, Steven Pienaar and Kevin Mirallas, but Gareth Barry is set to miss
the fixture after being carried off with an ankle injury against Sunderland.
"I'm not too sure if Gareth will make the game, I'd be very, very surprised
if he did," said Martinez. Bryan Oviedo, Arouna Kone, Antolin Alcaraz and
John Stones all remain sidelined and will not feature for the Toffees.
West Ham have also been hit by injuries to key players on international
duty, with Stewart Downing picking up a knee injury in Scotland and top
scorer Diafra Sakho aggravating a back problem while on duty with Senegal.
"These two players are one of the main reasons we are joint-fourth in the
table," said Allardyce. "Now it looks like we might be missing them both."
Andy Carroll could be the man to replace Sakho as Allardyce says the striker
is ready to start his first game this season. "I wouldn't say he's 100 per
cent match fit but he is ready to start," said the West Ham boss. "He is
eager and ready to go, as is Carlton Cole, and we have Enner Valencia too,
so we have good options now."
PAUL MERSON'S PREDICTION: 1-1
"This is another big game - and one for West Ham to see where they really
are after a good start to the season. Everton need to start winning football
matches, though, because they haven't been up to the levels they were at
last season. It is a hard one to predict, given the form of both sides, but
I am going to go for a 1-1 draw as there is not much between them. That
shows just how far West Ham have come."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Allardyce blames players' pay demands for them getting injured
Nov 20, 2014 22:30 By Dave Kidd
Big Sam reckons current knocks are a result of gruelling pre-season tours
clubs take stars on to make the money for their wages
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce has lashed out at greedy players for causing a 'vicious
circle' of wage demands fuelling an increased workload, leading to lengthy
injury lists. West Ham manager Allardyce has had his early-season optimism
punctured by injuries to key players Stewart Downing and Diafra Sakho while
on international duty – leaving both doubtful for Saturday's visit to
Everton. Allardyce, who has renewed his call for a winter break in English
football, insists players are partly to blame for the problems – because
rampant wage inflation leads to gruelling pre-season tours, such as the
Hammers' trip to New Zealand last summer. "As hard as we try to prevent
injuries, it is an impossibility because of the demand on the players – and
that demand comes because the player wants ever more money to play for you,
so it's a vicious circle," he said. "If the players' demands came down then
perhaps the demands to find more and more money wouldn't be as great.
"Managing that situation is extremely difficult. If you look at the injury
list across the Premier League this season and you look at our pre-seasons,
when you travel away for money, it has a toll and we suffer more injuries
now. Eventually they are going to break down. "Not only do they travel at
international level across the world but the Premier League is forever
getting faster and more demanding physically and mentally. "The time they
have to rest is fewer and further between, and that ultimately ends up with
players never really recovering fully enough. Hence they go into a game with
a knock or a bruise and it ends up in an injury. "Then there's pre-season
tours in America and elsewhere because the money is great and it's a
constant vicious circle that is putting them under risk of injury. The money
they demand means that is the way it is."
Allardyce insists players in England need a two-week break after the
frenetic Christmas and New Year period. He said: "We still don't look after
our players as well as other countries because we don't put a couple of
weeks in January to re-charge the batteries. "Our Christmas period, for
tradition, is something we always have to keep. "But the players don't half
get some stick, when they've played their fourth game in eight days, with
people saying they don't look sharp, they don't like they are trying. When
everyone else is getting popped up and enjoying themselves and having their
presents, these lads are having to go and perform for four games in eight
days.
"If you can't get a rest then [after the festive period], that is going to
promote even more injuries. The injury list for most clubs in December and
January is horrific."
Allardyce revealed Downing had to be withdrawn at half-time in England's
victory over Scotland on Tuesday because of a knee problem – despite
suggestions he had been hauled off because a disappointing display. And
Senegalese striker Sakho, who has netted seven times in nine games for the
Hammers, could not play for his nation against Botswana because of a back
spasm he picked up while travelling. Allardyce said: "Because of
international games we might not have two players who have been on top form
[for the Everton game].
"One of the reasons we are in fourth spot is the quality of Sakho's goals
and the performances of Downing and sadly we may miss those two against
Everton. "Stewart came off with a knee problem in the England game. We hope
it's going to be okay, but we need to be very careful. If we risk a player
on Saturday and it aggravates the injury further, we may lose him for four
or five games. He had that knee injury in the Scotland game and that
restricted his movement. "Sakho is being assessed. If it's as serious as it
was to miss the Senegal game completely, we haven't got a lot of time to
cure the problem. "But we will wait until Saturday morning to see, if needs
be."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Mark Noble still dreaming of England as he nets club Premier
League appearance record
Nov 21, 2014 22:30 By Mike Walters
Our Mike Walters meets the long-serving midfielder and keen angler and
wonders, like many fans, why he hasn't won a single cap
The Mirror
Mark Noble landed a 39lb carp when he was given four days off to go fishing
during the international break. And West Ham fans think it's a load of carp
that their reliable midfielder is still waiting for an England call-up. It
remains one of science's great mysteries that a rocket can send us holiday
snaps from a comet 300million miles away, yet Noble is ignored by his
country. The Three Lions' manager Roy Hodgson is making a rod for his own
back every time Noble is left to cast his line, while average players reel
in 50 caps. West Ham are fourth in the Premier League and Stewart Downing's
contribution has earned him a deserved recall to Three Lions duty. But at
the heart of the Hammers' boss Sam Allardyce's transformation from long-ball
ugly duckling to Swan Lake ballerina has been a familiar linchpin at the
base of his diamond formation. Noble, born in Canning Town and as much a
part of the East End as pie, mash and jellied eels, will break a club record
when West Ham visit Goodison Park on Saturday. His 204th Premier League
appearance for the Hammers (and 299th in all) will take him past Steve
Potts' high-water mark, his second fine achievement in a fortnight after
hauling in a freshwater Jaws on his angling expedition in Essex. "What did I
do in the international break? I went fishing. Spent four nights camped on a
private lake near Hatfield Peverel," said Noble. "[QPR and ex-Hammers
striker] Bobby Zamora is also a member there, so he's good company, and I
can't get enough of my fishing. "A 39lb carp takes some landing, but it's
exciting when the alarm screams off and you jump out of your skin, hoping
it's a big one. As it turned out, that was my biggest catch yet – it's
probably the nearest thrill you get to scoring or winning a big game.
"If I've gone fishing when the next international break comes round, I'll
keep working hard and you never know. It may happen for me one day. "I've
been watching Jimmy Bullard in the jungle on TV – he won his first England
cap at 29, so I'm not giving up yet."
Noble, a family man with two children and a seemingly unbreakable bond with
his roots, could turn out to be a rarer species than any creepy-crawlies
around Bullard's campfire – a one-club man. "In football, you never take
anything for granted. In the first team I've played under five different
managers here and there's always the chance someone could come in who
doesn't like the way I play. "But West Ham is my club, I love playing here
and in a couple of seasons we'll be moving into one of the best stadiums in
the world – I'd love to be a part of that. "Fourth in the table speaks for
itself. We're up there for a reason and it ain't down to luck. We work hard,
we score goals and it's a happy squad at the minute."
At Upton Park, the biggest revelation has been Big Sam's commitment to verve
when, at the back end of last season, fans were voting to ditch his joyless
approach. Eight months ago, West Ham were booed off after grinding out a
pragmatic 2-1 win against Hull's 10 men. Noble remained the umbilical cord
between a public reared on artistic merit. A fisherman's tale: Mark Noble
with our Mike Walters (left)
Noble, 27, said: "People talk about the 'West Ham way', but that came about
because of the talent we've brought into the first team over the years.
"It's not just about the way we play football, it's about a connection with
the fans. "It's nice that myself and 'Tonks' (James Tomkins) are playing at
the highest level here now after coming through the system and we need to
keep the tradition going in future, 100 per cent. For me, that's the West
Ham way. "Don't get me wrong, last season a win was a win. We had to take
them, however they came about. And if we go to Everton, play rubbish but
grind out a win, we'll be happy as Larry. "But this year, we have picked up
points with a bit of style. As an experienced professional, you have to
embrace different ways of winning football matches, but you have to enjoy
the moments when you are getting patted on the back."
More often than not, Noble has been captain. He does not take the
responsibility lightly. "Sometimes my dad says to me, 'You've got to realise
what that means'," said Noble. "To captain the club you grew up with is a
massive feeling, it's very special." Bobby Moore captained West Ham when
they won the European Cup-Winners' Cup 50 years ago. At this rate, Noble
might be getting his passport stamped next season, England recognition or
not. The Irons in Europe? There are plenty of big fish on the continent.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham To Return For Sampdoria Starlet
Forzaitalianfootball.com
Obiang - SampdoriaEnglish Premier League side West Ham will make another
approach for Sampdoria's midfield star Pedro Obiang when the transfer window
re-opens in January. The 22-year-old Spanish youth international has been in
superb form for the high-flying Blucerchiati this campaign, and could
already be on the move in January. SportItalia report that Sampdoria will
allow Obiang to leave the club, provided a suitable offer arrives from
abroad that satisfies the club's valuation. West Ham made an unsuccessful
move for the midfielder this past summer, but are now confident of reaching
a deal with the club to bring Obiang to the Premier League this winter.
Obiang's central midfield partner Roberto Soriano has also been linked with
a move away, with Inter the latest side interested in the newly-capped Italy
international.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"Carroll is unfairly labelled"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 21, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Andy Carroll looks certain to lead the irons attack at Everton tomorrow and
insists: "I have enough quality on the floor as well as in the air." And
ClaretaandHugh's chief analyst Leroy Rosenior agrees declaring: "He is
unfairly labelled as a long ball target man when in fact he can bring
players into the game and link play. "People love to think ion stereotypes
but they have got it all wrong as far as Andy is concerned. He really is a
terrific centre forward and he's going to be one hungry player at Goodison.
"I expect him to play and I expect him to have a big game. Whether Mauro
Zarate or Kevin Nolan plays alongside him they could have a big day."
Carroll is clearly fed up with being stereotyped and said in a recent
interview: "The style doesn't really matter. It doesn't really affect me.
People have got that image of me, just on the end of long balls. "They have
got the image of Sam Allardyce and long balls. It just does not work like
that. The gaffer knows he can play both ways and he has shown that this
season. "I think I am capable of doing that as well. I think it is a tag
that we have both got that is not justified."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zarate's moment may have arrived (…or not)
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 21, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
With the Irons seemingly suffering an injury crisis, the line up against
Everton ill tell us something more than whether this is a squad of real
depth. For if everything we are hearing is correct and the two main strikers
have problems, then there's a clear chance to play Mauro Zarate alongside
Andy Carroll which on the face of it sounds a really exciting prospect. Sam
Allardyce claimed earlier this week that after the Palace match Zarate's
form had become a bit iffy and that the pressure was on him as much as
anyone else to perform but of course to do so he needs to get the chance.
Tomorrow may be his moment! If it's a choice, for example, of playing
Carroll and one other - assuming that nether Sakho or Valencia are
available – the choice is presumably between the Argentinian and Kevin
Nolan. At the risk of over assuming, I would suggest that most fans would
opt to see the big fella with MZ alongside him. I wonder if it will happen
should that opportunity present itself.
Way back in the summer when Zarate arrived, the plan was to play him with
the record signing – that opportunity never arrived given Carroll's injury
plus the fabulous form of Sakho and Valencia. Clearly, there's a chance that
neither may make it at Goodison but if they both miss out the Zarate option
is going to become an interesting sub plot. Should he play, we could
discover whether the Irons have two pairs of strikers who can do the
business and cover all angles. On the other hand Zarate could find himself
on the bench, not so much playing third or fourth fiddle but fifth!
Over to you Sam!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Leroy: Injuries galore but we can get result
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 21, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Tomorrow's game at Goodison is something of a mystery because it seems that
both squad have been hit by a mass of injuries thus making mugs of
forecasters. From what I've heard the Irons could have as many as five
missing from their usual team whilst word from Everton is that up to 10 are
under treatment. Both Diafra Sakho (back spasms) and Stewart Downing are
likely to be missing and I've also read that Valencia could be missing
though the club is playing its cards close to its chest. Andy Carroll looks
a certain starter and I'd love to see Zarate play although I think we may be
more likely to see Kevin Nolan. Both will have a big point to prove and with
the confidence the team have gained over the start of the season this is no
time to write the Irons off, injuries or not. Traditionally down the years
we get little from this fixture and given everything I make Everton marginal
favourites on their own manor But with Carroll back and the defence looking
solid and untouched by injury I reckon we have a chance although I think a
point would be a result.
Leroy's prediction: 1-1
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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Saturday, November 22
Friday, November 21
Daily WHUFC News - 21st November 2014
Big Sam on: Everton
WHUFC.com
The manager has held his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's game
at Everton
20.11.2014
West Ham United return to action at Everton on Saturday following the
international break - and manager Sam Allardyce will wait on the fitness of
a couple of his players who featured for their countries. Both Stewart
Downing and Diafra Sakho have arrived back at Chadwell Heath nursing
injuries following their exertions for England and Senegal respectively. The
manager spoke to the media ahead of Saturday's game at Everton and updated
them on the injury status.
Diafra Sakho couldn't play for Senegal on Wednesday because of back pain, is
he ok for the game against Everton?
SA: "We don't know yet. He only got back last night so haven't had time to
assess him yet. We'll be looking at him today and make a decision soon.
Obviously we don't have too much time before the Everton game on Saturday so
it'll be touch and go. "It's a problem every manager faces after
international duty. Stewart Downing came off at half time with a knee
problem as well so we have to monitor that one too. They're both two players
that have been in top form for us. Sakho's goals and Downing's performances
are two of the reasons why we're fourth at the moment. "We need to be very
careful with both players because we don't want to take any risks with their
long term fitness. If they play on Saturday and aggravate the injury they
could be out for two or three weeks which would mean missing five or six
games and
we can't afford that. We have a hard enough task as it is and a tough run of
games coming."
If Sakho doesn't play, you've had two weeks to work on Andy's fitness, is he
ready to start?
SA: "I wouldn't say he's 100% match fit but he is ready to start. He's
raring to go as is Carlton Cole so we've got very good options up front. We
don't have much time to work together for Saturday but that's the situation
we're in, same as Everton. We'll work on a few things today and tomorrow and
then make a decision."
Do you think Stewart Downing blew his chance against Scotland?
SA: "No I don't think so. He had an injury in the first half which
restricted his movement. I watched the game and I didn't see him do anything
wrong. I know people have criticised his performance but I thought he did
OK. He certainly hasn't blown his chances of further international call
ups."
What's the situation with Winston Reid's contract at the moment?
SA: "It's an ongoing negotiation at the moment. We want him to stay at the
club, he's a great player who has done fantastically well for us. The
Chairmen will notify whenever an outcome, either way, has been reached. Like
everything these days it's probably down to money."
Roberto Martinez has said West Ham are one of the contenders for a European
place, what do you make of that?
SA: "We've made a good start in that direction but there is a long, long way
still to go. I think it's a huge ask which is probably just ahead of us at
the moment. Had we got three points against Aston Villa, which we should
have done, then maybe but I think that was a game that if we really are
going to push for Europe then we would have won that game.
"We have a vital part of the season coming up. November and December is a
tough time and it will determine where we finish. There isn't an
international break for a long time so we don't have an opportunity to
regroup if necessary so it will be a big test for us."
Given how well you've started the season, have your targets changed?
SA: "Not really, no. We want to finish higher than tenth, that has been our
aim all along. At the moment we are capable of doing more than that, it's
just of question of maintaining it over a season. Like a said we have the
chances and opportunities to score against Villa and we didn't take them
which was very disappointing. Hopefully we'll put that right on Saturday."
What have made of Everton so far this season, a little bit inconsistent?
SA: "Roberto like a lot of us has suffered more injuries than they did last
season. So he's had to change around the team a bit, he hasn't had many
opportunities to pick his strongest eleven yet. But they've consistently
been at this level for long, long time. First under David Moyes and now with
Roberto. They've had a legacy of getting into Europe, there's a history of
that having a negative effect in following games but I think it's better to
be in Europe than not."
Are Everton the benchmark for a club like West Ham?
SA: "I think sustainable growth is massively important. When David Moyes
took over they were a relegation threatened side but they've grown over the
years and are now one of the best teams in the league. They've been in
contention for Europe and a cup for a number of years now. They've also done
well with limited funds, they haven't spent millions and millions. To be
able to buy better players year-on-year with a limited budget is very
impressive."
Were you surprised David Moyes took the Real Sociedad job?
SA: "No not really I think it's a good move for him. To get out of the
country for a while and get back into the groove of managing. As long as
it's a stable club that supports him I think it's a good challenge. He's a
very good manager and I'm sure he'll be a success out there."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll - 'It's great to be back'
WHUFC.com
Now Andy Carroll wants more after using the international break productively
19.11.2014
Andy Carroll is looking forward to playing a fuller role with the Hammers
after stepping up his comeback over the international break.
The No9 featured in a behind closed doors match against Fulham over that
period, after making his competitive return in the closing stages of the 0-0
draw with Aston Villa on 8 November. With a trip to Everton now on the
horizon, Carroll is determined to keep his forward momentum going. "It's
great to be back," he explained. "It's been a while being out and I'm just
getting my fitness back up. Getting 90 minutes against Fulham was great and
obviously getting my first appearance for a while against Villa the previous
weekend was even better.
"I thought we were really unlucky [to only get a point against Villa], it
was a great save from the keeper, but I put myself about in the last three
minutes and got a couple on target, which possibly could have gone in. "I'm
feeling really good. I've worked a lot with the medical staff and they've
got me fighting fit and I'm feeling great. Obviously to train for a few
weeks, get on as a sub and to then play 90 minutes just proves that I'm
feeling good."
Not only did Carroll play 90 minutes against Fulham, he also got on the
scoresheet and he cannot wait to experience that feeling in the Barclays
Premier League once more. He added: "It's still nice to score, even though
there were no fans there. It's nice to get the 90 minute run-out and get a
few touches of the ball that you don't really get in training and a few
kicks that the lads don't do in training either, so it's good to be back and
good to get on the pitch and get a goal. "That's what I'm hoping for - [more
minutes at Everton] - Obviously we've been flying at the minute, we've been
doing great and all you can do is fight for your place. That's what I'm
doing in training and hopefully the gaffer puts us on for a few more minutes
and let's see what happens. "It's tough to displace anyone in the team,
anyone that's been playing, not just Sakho and Valencia. We've been playing
fantastic football, we've been scoring goals and creating a lot of chances
with all the players in the squad. So it's going to be a fight for everyone
to get back in."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cheikhou confident of AFCON success
WHUFC.com
Cheikhou Kouyate is targeting Senegal's maiden Africa Cup of Nations title
20.11.2014
Cheikhou Kouyate is targeting Africa Cup of Nations glory after helping
Senegal complete their qualification campaign in style. The West Ham United
midfielder was part of the Lions of Teranga side which defeated Botswana 3-0
in Dakar on Wednesday to finish second in Group G behind Tunisia. Senegal
are one of 15 teams who will join hosts Equatorial Guinea at the continent's
premier international tournament in January, and Kouyate believes the West
African country can win it for the first time in their history. With players
such as Kouyate's Hammers team-mate Diafra Sakho, Newcastle United forward
Papiss Cisse, Southampton striker Sadio Mane and Hull City's former West Ham
midfielder Mohamed Diame, his optimism is well-placed. However, the No8 did
temper his confidence by pointing out that he is one of just a handful of
players who featured at the tournament the last time Senegal qualified in
2012. "It's a new generation that goes to the Africa Cup of Nations," he
said following Wednesday's win. "Among us, there are four players who have
experienced the tournament, but we're going there with a goal of revenge and
try to win something. "Now everyone will go home and try to prepare for the
Africa Cup of Nations. We have two months before the start of the
competition and we will go to try to win the cup."
The tournament, which will run from 17 January to 8 February 2015, was
originally due to be hosted by Morocco, but was recently moved to Equatorial
Guinea due to the Ebola crisis affecting some parts of West Africa. Senegal
face a stiff challenge if they are to win the competition, with nine
previous winners among the 16-nation field, including four-times champions
Cameroon and Ghana, 2012 winners Zambia and North African football
powerhouses Algeria and Tunisia. Burkina Faso, who finished as runners-up at
the last tournament in 2013, will also be present. Defending champions
Nigeria failed to qualify after drawing 2-2 with 1996 winners South Africa
in their final group game. The 2010 FIFA World Cup winners finished top of
their group and will line up alongside fellow qualifiers Cape Verde, Gabon,
Ivory Coast, Guinea, Mali, Congo and DR Congo. Among the other current and
former West Ham players who could feature are Alex Song (Cameroon), Modibo
Maiga (Mali) and Demba Ba (Senegal).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
John Hartson: Kicking Eyal Berkovic 'biggest regret of career'
BBC.co.uk
John Hartson has admitted kicking West Ham team-mate Eyal Berkovic in the
head in a 1998 training-ground incident is the biggest regret of his career.
The former Wales striker, 39, told BBC Radio 5 live's Inside the Dressing
Room programme that he was ashamed of the incident.
Hartson was fined by West Ham and the Football Association after the
assault, which was filmed by a television crew. "I brought a lot of
embarrassment on my family, I felt ashamed," he said. Hartson, who played
more than 500 games for eight different clubs during a 15-year career,
retired in 2007 with more than 200 goals to his name. He was diagnosed with
testicular cancer in 2009 and underwent emergency surgery after doctors
discovered tumours in his brain and lungs. He is currently in remission.
Hartson has also fought a long battle with a gambling addiction.
Speaking in depth for the first time about the incident with former Israel
international Berkovic, Hartson said he was "constantly reminded" of the
incident. "Even today it is the biggest regret of my career," he said. "I
was 20 years of age. I was very boisterous, probably a little bit angry. I'd
left Arsenal in 1997 and they went on to win the double in 1998. "Eyal
Berkovic was a good lad and to this day I don't know why I reacted the way I
did. It was nothing personal against Eyal. It could have been anyone of the
players on the training ground that day." The incident was caught on video
by a camera crew and the clip was shown on TV news programmes and made
headlines in the national newspapers. John Hartson scored 14 goals in 51
games for Wales - this one against Azerbaijan in November 2002
"The aftermath of it was horrendous," Hartson added. "I was front page of
every national newspaper across the globe, I was on the News at Ten with
Trevor McDonald, there were newspapers knocking my mum and dad's door down
in Wales. "I've recovered from that, I've gone on and I've scored goals and
I've set up the charity doing good things now, but that always went before
me. "It was a massive incident in my life. I'm over it and it happens. I was
young."
Having signed for West Ham for £3.2m in 1997, Hartson was sold to Wimbledon
in January 1999 for £7.5m and went on to score more than 100 goals during
five seasons at Celtic. He added that he has since made up with Berkovic.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce: Reid decision 'down to money'
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 20th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce believes that Winston Reid's decision not to sign a new
contract with West Ham is a financial one. Despite having been offered the
opportunity to extend his current contract, which expires next summer, Kiwi
Reid has thus far refused to put pen to paper.
And whilst few will admit it, it is a commonly-held view within the club
that the 26-year-old is on his way out - even if Allardyce has refused to
give up hope of keeping the centre half beyond his current four-year deal.
"It's an ongoing negotiation at the moment," the manager told the press this
morning. "We want him to stay at the club, he's a great player who has done
fantastically well for us. "The Chairmen will notify whenever an outcome,
either way, has been reached. Like everything these days it's probably down
to money."
With Reid steadfastly refusing to extend his contract at the club, West Ham
have the choice of cashing in during the January transfer window or waiting
until the summer and losing the player on a free transfer. The New Zealand
international continues to be linked with clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester
United and Liverpool, despite West Ham's co-owner David Gold insisting this
week that the club were not "getting rid" of the player.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sakho and Downing doubtful, says Allardyce
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 20th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's international duo of Diafra Sakho and Stewart Downing are both
doubtful for this weekend's trip to Everton after returning from
international duty with injuries. As revealed here on KUMB last night, Sakho
pulled out of Senegal's 3-0 win over Botswana after sustaining a back
strain. Meanwhile Downing, who played 45 minutes for England in the 3-1
friendly win against Scotland has also returned with a knock. That, says
Allardyce, could mean West Ham are without both for the trip to Goodison
Park this weekend. "It's a problem every manager faces after international
duty," bemoaned the Hammers boss at his pre-match press conference this
morning. "We'll be looking at him [Sakho] today and make a decision soon.
Stewart Downing came off at half time with a knee problem as well so we have
to monitor that one. They're both two players that have been in top form for
us. Sakho's goals and Downing's performances are two of the reasons why
we're fourth at the moment. "We need to be very careful with both players
because we don't want to take any risks with their long term fitness. If
they play on Saturday and aggravate the injury they could be out for two or
three weeks which would mean missing five or six games and we can't afford
that. We have a hard enough task as it is and a tough run of games coming."
However one man's misfortune is another's good news - and Allardyce revealed
that should he be needed, Andy Carroll, who made his return to the first
team against Aston Villa the weekend before last is ready to step up to the
plate. "I wouldn't say he's 100 per cent match fit but he is ready to
start," confirmed Big Sam. "He's raring to go, as is Carlton Cole, so we've
got very good options up front. We don't have much time to work together for
Saturday but that's the situation we're in, same as Everton. We'll work on a
few things today and tomorrow and then make a decision."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stewart Downing and Diafra Sakho concerning West Ham
Last Updated: 20/11/14 3:27pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is sweating over the fitness of international
pair Stewart Downing and Diafra Sakho ahead of Saturday's trip to Everton.
Downing suffered a knee problem and was withdrawn at half-time in England's
3-1 friendly victory over Scotland at Celtic Park on Tuesday night. Sakho
missed Senegal's Africa Cup of Nations victory over Botswana on Wednesday
due to injury and Allardyce said: "Obviously we don't have too much time
before the Everton game on Saturday so it'll be touch and go. It's a problem
every manager faces after international duty. "Stewart Downing came off at
half time with a knee problem as well so we have to monitor that one too.
They're two players that have been in top form for us. Sakho's goals and
Downing's performances are two of the reasons we're fourth at the moment.
"We need to be very careful with both players because we don't want to take
any risks with their long-term fitness." If in-form striker Sakho misses
out, England forward Andy Carroll could be in line for a first Premier
League start this term and Allardyce added: "I wouldn't say he's 100% match
fit but he is ready to start.
Good options
"He's raring to go as is Carlton Cole so we've got very good options up
front. We don't have much time to work together for Saturday but that's the
situation we're in, same as Everton." Recent rumours have been circling the
Boleyn Ground of possible interest from Manchester United and Arsenal in
Hammers New Zealand centre-half Winston Reid. "We have a vital part of the
season coming up. November and December is a tough time and it will
determine where we finish." The 26-year-old's contract is up at the end of
the season and Allardyce said: "It's an ongoing negotiation at the moment.
We want him to stay at the club, he's a great player who has done
fantastically well for us.
"The chairmen will notify whenever an outcome, either way, has been reached.
Like everything these days it's probably down to money."
Sam Allardyce says he could be without both Stewart Downing and Diafra Sakho
for West Ham's trip to Everton. But Allardyce is determined that rumours
over Reid will not deflect attention from the squad building on their best
start to a campaign since 1983/84. He said: "We have a vital part of the
season coming up. November and December is a tough time and it will
determine where we finish. There isn't an international break for a long
time so we don't have an opportunity to regroup if necessary so it will be a
big test for us. "Roberto Martinez like a lot of us has suffered more
injuries than they did last season. So he's had to change around the team a
bit, he hasn't had many opportunities to pick his strongest eleven yet.
"But they've consistently been at this level for long, long time. First
under David Moyes and now with Roberto. They've had a legacy of getting into
Europe, there's a history of that having a negative effect in following
games but I think it's better to be in Europe than not."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
LEGEND....WAIT FOR IT....ARY!!
By Bianca Westwood 20 Nov 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
I've never really done the whole obsessive fangirl thing. I never really
understood it. I just don't get why people (especially adults) want to wait
for hours outside training grounds for a few seconds of seeing their
favourite player zoom by behind blacked-out windows, or camp out in
Leicester Square for tiny glimpses of a movie star, or, like my mates at
school, bunk off to sit outside HMV all day in the hope that Luke or Matt
Goss from Bros (nobody really fancied the other one) might smile at them. If
I was a tween now I wouldn't be a One Directioner, or one of Gaga's Monsters
or a member of the RihannaNavy. No chance!
Of course you know I'm a lifelong, fully-fledged, paid-up Hammer. So I am a
superfan of sorts. Just not an overzealous one. I had my moments as a kid
where I acted out my fandom in the expected ways, some weird and hugely
cringe-worthy (I've already explained to you the Mark Ward bathroom suite
story), some not-so-much. I did once get the tube to Oxford Street when I
was a wee whippersnapper to see Stewart Robson at his book-signing in Top
Man. Yes, really. As you can imagine my friend Michelle and I were the only
little girls there. We patiently queued with the other assorted fans (there
weren't too many if I remember rightly), our bits of paper for him to sign
clutched in our tiny sweaty palms (we couldn't afford the book) and we even
asked him for a kiss! How brazen! What he must have thought of us I don't
know and I've never met him since. I'm blushing just thinking about it!
So apart from that, and the time I told Frank McAvennie I loved him after
running on the pitch on the final day one season (I was a kid ok?!) that's
been the extent of my extreme-fan activities. Since I started working in
broadcasting though I've been surrounded by famous faces, big names,
"legends of the game". I'm not bragging it's a fact. I suppose I am used to
seeing these people milling around Sky HQ so I don't really get star struck
anymore. I am extremely fortunate to do what I do and I love my job, but
after spending years interviewing Premier League stars and their managers,
it is now less of an event, and more, just that, my job.
Over the years I may have been a little tongue-tied or over-awed by a
certain someone or situation. Post match environments are always a
challenge. Especially when facing the losing manager. You're stuffed in some
minuscule TV room, usually window-less and fresh air-free, hot, bothered and
awaiting the imminent arrival of an unhappy and often irate man. It's a
lesson in eggshell-walking at times and it's difficult to master. I really
admire reporters who seem so effortlessly cool doing post-match. I never got
to interview Sir Alex in my career. I can imagine I would have been slightly
nervous at that prospect. One of my first ever post-match interviewees was
Roy Keane at Ipswich and in my inexperience I worked myself up into such a
flustered frenzy I completely fluffed my first question. He laughed and
looked at me with what can only be described as semi-hostile pity but he
answered and I got through it…so, after that, any interview seemed a breeze!
Filming with Ray Winstone is another highlight during my time on Soccer
Saturday. It was just before our FA cup final and we spoke about our
adoration for all things West Ham. He was just as you'd imagine,
down-to-earth, funny, brutally honest, larger-than-life and fierce in his
love for the club. But even in the presence of that Hollywood superstar I
wasn't particularly daunted. He was so easy to talk to it was just like
talking to any West Ham fan. And I loved him for that.
One of the best interviews I ever did was while presenting Take It Like A
Fan from The County Ground. Swindon were on a high and I had the pleasure of
meeting the gaffer, another one of my Hammers heroes, the inimitable Paolo
Di Canio. Actually you can't really call it an interview. It was more of an
experience, a happening, a lesson in oratory. Di Canio spoke, the room
listened; gripped, rapt, engrossed and fascinated. I'm not exaggerating.
Tales of his life, insights into his career, anecdotes of his days with
Redknapp, impersonations of Capello, his hands flailing, arms wide, masses
of expression, tons of charisma, his audience open-mouthed and spellbound. I
barely got a word in!
The last time I physically felt nervous before a shoot was last season,
interviewing the man who ruined our cup final (no not Lionel Scaloni), the
former England captain and all-round Mr-Nice-Guy Steven Gerrard. I don't
know why. Maybe because it was a big interview, Liverpool were flying, the
camera set up was impressive and the lights seemed bigger than normal. There
were a few spectators in the room so I felt a bit more under pressure. But
mostly because it's Stevie G. Maybe not a top top player for some but he is
to me. In actual fact I swore to myself if I ever met him I'd give him a
piece of my mind. We needed that trophy more than they did! He broke my
heart that day! But when he came in, he shook everyone's hand from the
cameramen to the waiting journos, smiling warmly while he introduced himself
(like we didn't know) so I completely forgot my ire and vaguely resembled
that giggling schoolgirl waiting in line all those years ago in Top Man. It
was a great interview and I felt proud to be talking to a living legend.
Which brings me to the whole point of this week's blog. Legend. The word
legend is well over-used these days. Legendary. Everyone is a legend. Anyone
can be a legend. Everything is "legend…wait for it…..ary!" (if you didn't
watch How I Met Your Mother that reference is probably lost on you sorry).
Well, last week I met a real legend. And for the first time in twenty odd
years I was a true fangirl. I had the honour of attending the Bobby Moore
Fund charity dinner and lo and behold, on the table behind me, was the one
man I'd always wanted to meet but never had, the legend, the legendary, Sir
Trevor Brooking. Cue me, acting like a child, should I go and speak to him,
can I ask for a picture, what will I say, what will he say, should I bother
him, no I better not, but I must! Cut a long and very boring inner
stream-of-consciousness short I ventured over, introduced myself, asked for
a picture and had an amazing chat with him about how happy we are this
season and our hopes for West Ham's future. And no he didn't always sit on
the fence but I'll keep that between us! They say never meet your heroes,
you'll be disappointed. I was not.
When I floated back to my table I texted the picture to the family. A flurry
of texts hit my phone at once. Mum "Oh ledge!" Bro 1 "Oh wow get me an
autograph saying come on you irons!" Bro 2 "Absolute legend", Step-dad "Tell
him I said we will never forget the '76 Cup Winners Cup semi against
Frankfurt he was majestic!" Bro 3 "Get a signed pic Bee!"
I didn't return to hassle Sir Trev with those requests. But I knew I'd been
in the company of a true, true legend. A West Ham winner! Will we ever see
the like again? Who will be the next Hammer to achieve legendary status? Who
was the last? What constitutes a legend for us now?
For me a legend is a true servant of the club, who sticks with us in good
times and bad, a player who gives their all for the shirt. It's someone who
embodies the spirit of what it means to be West Ham. Who feels our pain, and
our joy. We haven't seen many of those in a few years but, who knows, with
the faint glimmer of hope we now feel about our future, the next Hammers
legend(s) may not be too far away.
In the meantime we'll have to…wait for it…..
B x
Come On You Irons
Ps – if you fancy an evening with some West Ham legends check out
http://www.awaydayfootball.com/#!christmas-at-the-boleyn-ground/cgsd
I think there's still some tickets left. Hope to see you there!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Valencia rumour grows
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 20, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Enner Valenica is understood to be the latest injury worry to hit the
Hammers. ClaretandHugh is this afternoon hearing rumours that the Ecuadorian
striker picked up a knock from the Aston Villa clash from which he has not
fully recovered. And it is likely that along with Diafra Sakho, Stewart
Downing and Winston Reid he will face a fitness test ahead of the game
against Everton at the weekend. Manager Sam Allardyce admitted in his press
conference that Sakho and Downing were both doubts and Reid too can be added
to the list after www.physioroom.com revealed his may not make the match.
Valencia, however, comes as a surprise and we were told that his chances of
making the game rested on the fitness test and that he was rated
fifty/fifty. However, the manager has given a thumbs-up to Andy Carroll's
fitness who now looks set to start against The Toffees.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam: 'Injury worries but AC good to go'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 20, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce appears to have changed his tune concerning Andy Carroll. With
a minor injury crisis on his hands which involves four players – Diafra
Sakho, Winston Reid, Stewart Downing and one other, currently unnamed, the
question of Andy Carroll's fitness is high on the agenda. Those with
reasonable memories will remember that the boss said after the Villa match
that the record signing was into a six week pre-season and the five minutes
he played was the first of those. Since then he has appeared in a practice
game against Fulham and we might have expected that, given the manager's
previous assessment, he might get half an hour at best against The Toffees.
How a few injuries change things however, and in his press conference this
morning Allardyce made it clear that the striker is fit and raring to go. He
said: "I wouldn't say he's 100% match fit but he is ready to start. He's
raring to go as is Carlton Cole so we've got very good options up front. "We
don't have much time to work together for Saturday but that's the situation
we're in, same as Everton. We'll work on a few things today and tomorrow and
then make a decision." What a difference a fortnight makes – WHEN IT HAS TO!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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WHUFC.com
The manager has held his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's game
at Everton
20.11.2014
West Ham United return to action at Everton on Saturday following the
international break - and manager Sam Allardyce will wait on the fitness of
a couple of his players who featured for their countries. Both Stewart
Downing and Diafra Sakho have arrived back at Chadwell Heath nursing
injuries following their exertions for England and Senegal respectively. The
manager spoke to the media ahead of Saturday's game at Everton and updated
them on the injury status.
Diafra Sakho couldn't play for Senegal on Wednesday because of back pain, is
he ok for the game against Everton?
SA: "We don't know yet. He only got back last night so haven't had time to
assess him yet. We'll be looking at him today and make a decision soon.
Obviously we don't have too much time before the Everton game on Saturday so
it'll be touch and go. "It's a problem every manager faces after
international duty. Stewart Downing came off at half time with a knee
problem as well so we have to monitor that one too. They're both two players
that have been in top form for us. Sakho's goals and Downing's performances
are two of the reasons why we're fourth at the moment. "We need to be very
careful with both players because we don't want to take any risks with their
long term fitness. If they play on Saturday and aggravate the injury they
could be out for two or three weeks which would mean missing five or six
games and
we can't afford that. We have a hard enough task as it is and a tough run of
games coming."
If Sakho doesn't play, you've had two weeks to work on Andy's fitness, is he
ready to start?
SA: "I wouldn't say he's 100% match fit but he is ready to start. He's
raring to go as is Carlton Cole so we've got very good options up front. We
don't have much time to work together for Saturday but that's the situation
we're in, same as Everton. We'll work on a few things today and tomorrow and
then make a decision."
Do you think Stewart Downing blew his chance against Scotland?
SA: "No I don't think so. He had an injury in the first half which
restricted his movement. I watched the game and I didn't see him do anything
wrong. I know people have criticised his performance but I thought he did
OK. He certainly hasn't blown his chances of further international call
ups."
What's the situation with Winston Reid's contract at the moment?
SA: "It's an ongoing negotiation at the moment. We want him to stay at the
club, he's a great player who has done fantastically well for us. The
Chairmen will notify whenever an outcome, either way, has been reached. Like
everything these days it's probably down to money."
Roberto Martinez has said West Ham are one of the contenders for a European
place, what do you make of that?
SA: "We've made a good start in that direction but there is a long, long way
still to go. I think it's a huge ask which is probably just ahead of us at
the moment. Had we got three points against Aston Villa, which we should
have done, then maybe but I think that was a game that if we really are
going to push for Europe then we would have won that game.
"We have a vital part of the season coming up. November and December is a
tough time and it will determine where we finish. There isn't an
international break for a long time so we don't have an opportunity to
regroup if necessary so it will be a big test for us."
Given how well you've started the season, have your targets changed?
SA: "Not really, no. We want to finish higher than tenth, that has been our
aim all along. At the moment we are capable of doing more than that, it's
just of question of maintaining it over a season. Like a said we have the
chances and opportunities to score against Villa and we didn't take them
which was very disappointing. Hopefully we'll put that right on Saturday."
What have made of Everton so far this season, a little bit inconsistent?
SA: "Roberto like a lot of us has suffered more injuries than they did last
season. So he's had to change around the team a bit, he hasn't had many
opportunities to pick his strongest eleven yet. But they've consistently
been at this level for long, long time. First under David Moyes and now with
Roberto. They've had a legacy of getting into Europe, there's a history of
that having a negative effect in following games but I think it's better to
be in Europe than not."
Are Everton the benchmark for a club like West Ham?
SA: "I think sustainable growth is massively important. When David Moyes
took over they were a relegation threatened side but they've grown over the
years and are now one of the best teams in the league. They've been in
contention for Europe and a cup for a number of years now. They've also done
well with limited funds, they haven't spent millions and millions. To be
able to buy better players year-on-year with a limited budget is very
impressive."
Were you surprised David Moyes took the Real Sociedad job?
SA: "No not really I think it's a good move for him. To get out of the
country for a while and get back into the groove of managing. As long as
it's a stable club that supports him I think it's a good challenge. He's a
very good manager and I'm sure he'll be a success out there."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll - 'It's great to be back'
WHUFC.com
Now Andy Carroll wants more after using the international break productively
19.11.2014
Andy Carroll is looking forward to playing a fuller role with the Hammers
after stepping up his comeback over the international break.
The No9 featured in a behind closed doors match against Fulham over that
period, after making his competitive return in the closing stages of the 0-0
draw with Aston Villa on 8 November. With a trip to Everton now on the
horizon, Carroll is determined to keep his forward momentum going. "It's
great to be back," he explained. "It's been a while being out and I'm just
getting my fitness back up. Getting 90 minutes against Fulham was great and
obviously getting my first appearance for a while against Villa the previous
weekend was even better.
"I thought we were really unlucky [to only get a point against Villa], it
was a great save from the keeper, but I put myself about in the last three
minutes and got a couple on target, which possibly could have gone in. "I'm
feeling really good. I've worked a lot with the medical staff and they've
got me fighting fit and I'm feeling great. Obviously to train for a few
weeks, get on as a sub and to then play 90 minutes just proves that I'm
feeling good."
Not only did Carroll play 90 minutes against Fulham, he also got on the
scoresheet and he cannot wait to experience that feeling in the Barclays
Premier League once more. He added: "It's still nice to score, even though
there were no fans there. It's nice to get the 90 minute run-out and get a
few touches of the ball that you don't really get in training and a few
kicks that the lads don't do in training either, so it's good to be back and
good to get on the pitch and get a goal. "That's what I'm hoping for - [more
minutes at Everton] - Obviously we've been flying at the minute, we've been
doing great and all you can do is fight for your place. That's what I'm
doing in training and hopefully the gaffer puts us on for a few more minutes
and let's see what happens. "It's tough to displace anyone in the team,
anyone that's been playing, not just Sakho and Valencia. We've been playing
fantastic football, we've been scoring goals and creating a lot of chances
with all the players in the squad. So it's going to be a fight for everyone
to get back in."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cheikhou confident of AFCON success
WHUFC.com
Cheikhou Kouyate is targeting Senegal's maiden Africa Cup of Nations title
20.11.2014
Cheikhou Kouyate is targeting Africa Cup of Nations glory after helping
Senegal complete their qualification campaign in style. The West Ham United
midfielder was part of the Lions of Teranga side which defeated Botswana 3-0
in Dakar on Wednesday to finish second in Group G behind Tunisia. Senegal
are one of 15 teams who will join hosts Equatorial Guinea at the continent's
premier international tournament in January, and Kouyate believes the West
African country can win it for the first time in their history. With players
such as Kouyate's Hammers team-mate Diafra Sakho, Newcastle United forward
Papiss Cisse, Southampton striker Sadio Mane and Hull City's former West Ham
midfielder Mohamed Diame, his optimism is well-placed. However, the No8 did
temper his confidence by pointing out that he is one of just a handful of
players who featured at the tournament the last time Senegal qualified in
2012. "It's a new generation that goes to the Africa Cup of Nations," he
said following Wednesday's win. "Among us, there are four players who have
experienced the tournament, but we're going there with a goal of revenge and
try to win something. "Now everyone will go home and try to prepare for the
Africa Cup of Nations. We have two months before the start of the
competition and we will go to try to win the cup."
The tournament, which will run from 17 January to 8 February 2015, was
originally due to be hosted by Morocco, but was recently moved to Equatorial
Guinea due to the Ebola crisis affecting some parts of West Africa. Senegal
face a stiff challenge if they are to win the competition, with nine
previous winners among the 16-nation field, including four-times champions
Cameroon and Ghana, 2012 winners Zambia and North African football
powerhouses Algeria and Tunisia. Burkina Faso, who finished as runners-up at
the last tournament in 2013, will also be present. Defending champions
Nigeria failed to qualify after drawing 2-2 with 1996 winners South Africa
in their final group game. The 2010 FIFA World Cup winners finished top of
their group and will line up alongside fellow qualifiers Cape Verde, Gabon,
Ivory Coast, Guinea, Mali, Congo and DR Congo. Among the other current and
former West Ham players who could feature are Alex Song (Cameroon), Modibo
Maiga (Mali) and Demba Ba (Senegal).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
John Hartson: Kicking Eyal Berkovic 'biggest regret of career'
BBC.co.uk
John Hartson has admitted kicking West Ham team-mate Eyal Berkovic in the
head in a 1998 training-ground incident is the biggest regret of his career.
The former Wales striker, 39, told BBC Radio 5 live's Inside the Dressing
Room programme that he was ashamed of the incident.
Hartson was fined by West Ham and the Football Association after the
assault, which was filmed by a television crew. "I brought a lot of
embarrassment on my family, I felt ashamed," he said. Hartson, who played
more than 500 games for eight different clubs during a 15-year career,
retired in 2007 with more than 200 goals to his name. He was diagnosed with
testicular cancer in 2009 and underwent emergency surgery after doctors
discovered tumours in his brain and lungs. He is currently in remission.
Hartson has also fought a long battle with a gambling addiction.
Speaking in depth for the first time about the incident with former Israel
international Berkovic, Hartson said he was "constantly reminded" of the
incident. "Even today it is the biggest regret of my career," he said. "I
was 20 years of age. I was very boisterous, probably a little bit angry. I'd
left Arsenal in 1997 and they went on to win the double in 1998. "Eyal
Berkovic was a good lad and to this day I don't know why I reacted the way I
did. It was nothing personal against Eyal. It could have been anyone of the
players on the training ground that day." The incident was caught on video
by a camera crew and the clip was shown on TV news programmes and made
headlines in the national newspapers. John Hartson scored 14 goals in 51
games for Wales - this one against Azerbaijan in November 2002
"The aftermath of it was horrendous," Hartson added. "I was front page of
every national newspaper across the globe, I was on the News at Ten with
Trevor McDonald, there were newspapers knocking my mum and dad's door down
in Wales. "I've recovered from that, I've gone on and I've scored goals and
I've set up the charity doing good things now, but that always went before
me. "It was a massive incident in my life. I'm over it and it happens. I was
young."
Having signed for West Ham for £3.2m in 1997, Hartson was sold to Wimbledon
in January 1999 for £7.5m and went on to score more than 100 goals during
five seasons at Celtic. He added that he has since made up with Berkovic.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce: Reid decision 'down to money'
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 20th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce believes that Winston Reid's decision not to sign a new
contract with West Ham is a financial one. Despite having been offered the
opportunity to extend his current contract, which expires next summer, Kiwi
Reid has thus far refused to put pen to paper.
And whilst few will admit it, it is a commonly-held view within the club
that the 26-year-old is on his way out - even if Allardyce has refused to
give up hope of keeping the centre half beyond his current four-year deal.
"It's an ongoing negotiation at the moment," the manager told the press this
morning. "We want him to stay at the club, he's a great player who has done
fantastically well for us. "The Chairmen will notify whenever an outcome,
either way, has been reached. Like everything these days it's probably down
to money."
With Reid steadfastly refusing to extend his contract at the club, West Ham
have the choice of cashing in during the January transfer window or waiting
until the summer and losing the player on a free transfer. The New Zealand
international continues to be linked with clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester
United and Liverpool, despite West Ham's co-owner David Gold insisting this
week that the club were not "getting rid" of the player.
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Sakho and Downing doubtful, says Allardyce
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 20th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's international duo of Diafra Sakho and Stewart Downing are both
doubtful for this weekend's trip to Everton after returning from
international duty with injuries. As revealed here on KUMB last night, Sakho
pulled out of Senegal's 3-0 win over Botswana after sustaining a back
strain. Meanwhile Downing, who played 45 minutes for England in the 3-1
friendly win against Scotland has also returned with a knock. That, says
Allardyce, could mean West Ham are without both for the trip to Goodison
Park this weekend. "It's a problem every manager faces after international
duty," bemoaned the Hammers boss at his pre-match press conference this
morning. "We'll be looking at him [Sakho] today and make a decision soon.
Stewart Downing came off at half time with a knee problem as well so we have
to monitor that one. They're both two players that have been in top form for
us. Sakho's goals and Downing's performances are two of the reasons why
we're fourth at the moment. "We need to be very careful with both players
because we don't want to take any risks with their long term fitness. If
they play on Saturday and aggravate the injury they could be out for two or
three weeks which would mean missing five or six games and we can't afford
that. We have a hard enough task as it is and a tough run of games coming."
However one man's misfortune is another's good news - and Allardyce revealed
that should he be needed, Andy Carroll, who made his return to the first
team against Aston Villa the weekend before last is ready to step up to the
plate. "I wouldn't say he's 100 per cent match fit but he is ready to
start," confirmed Big Sam. "He's raring to go, as is Carlton Cole, so we've
got very good options up front. We don't have much time to work together for
Saturday but that's the situation we're in, same as Everton. We'll work on a
few things today and tomorrow and then make a decision."
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Stewart Downing and Diafra Sakho concerning West Ham
Last Updated: 20/11/14 3:27pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is sweating over the fitness of international
pair Stewart Downing and Diafra Sakho ahead of Saturday's trip to Everton.
Downing suffered a knee problem and was withdrawn at half-time in England's
3-1 friendly victory over Scotland at Celtic Park on Tuesday night. Sakho
missed Senegal's Africa Cup of Nations victory over Botswana on Wednesday
due to injury and Allardyce said: "Obviously we don't have too much time
before the Everton game on Saturday so it'll be touch and go. It's a problem
every manager faces after international duty. "Stewart Downing came off at
half time with a knee problem as well so we have to monitor that one too.
They're two players that have been in top form for us. Sakho's goals and
Downing's performances are two of the reasons we're fourth at the moment.
"We need to be very careful with both players because we don't want to take
any risks with their long-term fitness." If in-form striker Sakho misses
out, England forward Andy Carroll could be in line for a first Premier
League start this term and Allardyce added: "I wouldn't say he's 100% match
fit but he is ready to start.
Good options
"He's raring to go as is Carlton Cole so we've got very good options up
front. We don't have much time to work together for Saturday but that's the
situation we're in, same as Everton." Recent rumours have been circling the
Boleyn Ground of possible interest from Manchester United and Arsenal in
Hammers New Zealand centre-half Winston Reid. "We have a vital part of the
season coming up. November and December is a tough time and it will
determine where we finish." The 26-year-old's contract is up at the end of
the season and Allardyce said: "It's an ongoing negotiation at the moment.
We want him to stay at the club, he's a great player who has done
fantastically well for us.
"The chairmen will notify whenever an outcome, either way, has been reached.
Like everything these days it's probably down to money."
Sam Allardyce says he could be without both Stewart Downing and Diafra Sakho
for West Ham's trip to Everton. But Allardyce is determined that rumours
over Reid will not deflect attention from the squad building on their best
start to a campaign since 1983/84. He said: "We have a vital part of the
season coming up. November and December is a tough time and it will
determine where we finish. There isn't an international break for a long
time so we don't have an opportunity to regroup if necessary so it will be a
big test for us. "Roberto Martinez like a lot of us has suffered more
injuries than they did last season. So he's had to change around the team a
bit, he hasn't had many opportunities to pick his strongest eleven yet.
"But they've consistently been at this level for long, long time. First
under David Moyes and now with Roberto. They've had a legacy of getting into
Europe, there's a history of that having a negative effect in following
games but I think it's better to be in Europe than not."
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LEGEND....WAIT FOR IT....ARY!!
By Bianca Westwood 20 Nov 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
I've never really done the whole obsessive fangirl thing. I never really
understood it. I just don't get why people (especially adults) want to wait
for hours outside training grounds for a few seconds of seeing their
favourite player zoom by behind blacked-out windows, or camp out in
Leicester Square for tiny glimpses of a movie star, or, like my mates at
school, bunk off to sit outside HMV all day in the hope that Luke or Matt
Goss from Bros (nobody really fancied the other one) might smile at them. If
I was a tween now I wouldn't be a One Directioner, or one of Gaga's Monsters
or a member of the RihannaNavy. No chance!
Of course you know I'm a lifelong, fully-fledged, paid-up Hammer. So I am a
superfan of sorts. Just not an overzealous one. I had my moments as a kid
where I acted out my fandom in the expected ways, some weird and hugely
cringe-worthy (I've already explained to you the Mark Ward bathroom suite
story), some not-so-much. I did once get the tube to Oxford Street when I
was a wee whippersnapper to see Stewart Robson at his book-signing in Top
Man. Yes, really. As you can imagine my friend Michelle and I were the only
little girls there. We patiently queued with the other assorted fans (there
weren't too many if I remember rightly), our bits of paper for him to sign
clutched in our tiny sweaty palms (we couldn't afford the book) and we even
asked him for a kiss! How brazen! What he must have thought of us I don't
know and I've never met him since. I'm blushing just thinking about it!
So apart from that, and the time I told Frank McAvennie I loved him after
running on the pitch on the final day one season (I was a kid ok?!) that's
been the extent of my extreme-fan activities. Since I started working in
broadcasting though I've been surrounded by famous faces, big names,
"legends of the game". I'm not bragging it's a fact. I suppose I am used to
seeing these people milling around Sky HQ so I don't really get star struck
anymore. I am extremely fortunate to do what I do and I love my job, but
after spending years interviewing Premier League stars and their managers,
it is now less of an event, and more, just that, my job.
Over the years I may have been a little tongue-tied or over-awed by a
certain someone or situation. Post match environments are always a
challenge. Especially when facing the losing manager. You're stuffed in some
minuscule TV room, usually window-less and fresh air-free, hot, bothered and
awaiting the imminent arrival of an unhappy and often irate man. It's a
lesson in eggshell-walking at times and it's difficult to master. I really
admire reporters who seem so effortlessly cool doing post-match. I never got
to interview Sir Alex in my career. I can imagine I would have been slightly
nervous at that prospect. One of my first ever post-match interviewees was
Roy Keane at Ipswich and in my inexperience I worked myself up into such a
flustered frenzy I completely fluffed my first question. He laughed and
looked at me with what can only be described as semi-hostile pity but he
answered and I got through it…so, after that, any interview seemed a breeze!
Filming with Ray Winstone is another highlight during my time on Soccer
Saturday. It was just before our FA cup final and we spoke about our
adoration for all things West Ham. He was just as you'd imagine,
down-to-earth, funny, brutally honest, larger-than-life and fierce in his
love for the club. But even in the presence of that Hollywood superstar I
wasn't particularly daunted. He was so easy to talk to it was just like
talking to any West Ham fan. And I loved him for that.
One of the best interviews I ever did was while presenting Take It Like A
Fan from The County Ground. Swindon were on a high and I had the pleasure of
meeting the gaffer, another one of my Hammers heroes, the inimitable Paolo
Di Canio. Actually you can't really call it an interview. It was more of an
experience, a happening, a lesson in oratory. Di Canio spoke, the room
listened; gripped, rapt, engrossed and fascinated. I'm not exaggerating.
Tales of his life, insights into his career, anecdotes of his days with
Redknapp, impersonations of Capello, his hands flailing, arms wide, masses
of expression, tons of charisma, his audience open-mouthed and spellbound. I
barely got a word in!
The last time I physically felt nervous before a shoot was last season,
interviewing the man who ruined our cup final (no not Lionel Scaloni), the
former England captain and all-round Mr-Nice-Guy Steven Gerrard. I don't
know why. Maybe because it was a big interview, Liverpool were flying, the
camera set up was impressive and the lights seemed bigger than normal. There
were a few spectators in the room so I felt a bit more under pressure. But
mostly because it's Stevie G. Maybe not a top top player for some but he is
to me. In actual fact I swore to myself if I ever met him I'd give him a
piece of my mind. We needed that trophy more than they did! He broke my
heart that day! But when he came in, he shook everyone's hand from the
cameramen to the waiting journos, smiling warmly while he introduced himself
(like we didn't know) so I completely forgot my ire and vaguely resembled
that giggling schoolgirl waiting in line all those years ago in Top Man. It
was a great interview and I felt proud to be talking to a living legend.
Which brings me to the whole point of this week's blog. Legend. The word
legend is well over-used these days. Legendary. Everyone is a legend. Anyone
can be a legend. Everything is "legend…wait for it…..ary!" (if you didn't
watch How I Met Your Mother that reference is probably lost on you sorry).
Well, last week I met a real legend. And for the first time in twenty odd
years I was a true fangirl. I had the honour of attending the Bobby Moore
Fund charity dinner and lo and behold, on the table behind me, was the one
man I'd always wanted to meet but never had, the legend, the legendary, Sir
Trevor Brooking. Cue me, acting like a child, should I go and speak to him,
can I ask for a picture, what will I say, what will he say, should I bother
him, no I better not, but I must! Cut a long and very boring inner
stream-of-consciousness short I ventured over, introduced myself, asked for
a picture and had an amazing chat with him about how happy we are this
season and our hopes for West Ham's future. And no he didn't always sit on
the fence but I'll keep that between us! They say never meet your heroes,
you'll be disappointed. I was not.
When I floated back to my table I texted the picture to the family. A flurry
of texts hit my phone at once. Mum "Oh ledge!" Bro 1 "Oh wow get me an
autograph saying come on you irons!" Bro 2 "Absolute legend", Step-dad "Tell
him I said we will never forget the '76 Cup Winners Cup semi against
Frankfurt he was majestic!" Bro 3 "Get a signed pic Bee!"
I didn't return to hassle Sir Trev with those requests. But I knew I'd been
in the company of a true, true legend. A West Ham winner! Will we ever see
the like again? Who will be the next Hammer to achieve legendary status? Who
was the last? What constitutes a legend for us now?
For me a legend is a true servant of the club, who sticks with us in good
times and bad, a player who gives their all for the shirt. It's someone who
embodies the spirit of what it means to be West Ham. Who feels our pain, and
our joy. We haven't seen many of those in a few years but, who knows, with
the faint glimmer of hope we now feel about our future, the next Hammers
legend(s) may not be too far away.
In the meantime we'll have to…wait for it…..
B x
Come On You Irons
Ps – if you fancy an evening with some West Ham legends check out
http://www.awaydayfootball.com/#!christmas-at-the-boleyn-ground/cgsd
I think there's still some tickets left. Hope to see you there!
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Valencia rumour grows
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 20, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Enner Valenica is understood to be the latest injury worry to hit the
Hammers. ClaretandHugh is this afternoon hearing rumours that the Ecuadorian
striker picked up a knock from the Aston Villa clash from which he has not
fully recovered. And it is likely that along with Diafra Sakho, Stewart
Downing and Winston Reid he will face a fitness test ahead of the game
against Everton at the weekend. Manager Sam Allardyce admitted in his press
conference that Sakho and Downing were both doubts and Reid too can be added
to the list after www.physioroom.com revealed his may not make the match.
Valencia, however, comes as a surprise and we were told that his chances of
making the game rested on the fitness test and that he was rated
fifty/fifty. However, the manager has given a thumbs-up to Andy Carroll's
fitness who now looks set to start against The Toffees.
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Sam: 'Injury worries but AC good to go'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 20, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce appears to have changed his tune concerning Andy Carroll. With
a minor injury crisis on his hands which involves four players – Diafra
Sakho, Winston Reid, Stewart Downing and one other, currently unnamed, the
question of Andy Carroll's fitness is high on the agenda. Those with
reasonable memories will remember that the boss said after the Villa match
that the record signing was into a six week pre-season and the five minutes
he played was the first of those. Since then he has appeared in a practice
game against Fulham and we might have expected that, given the manager's
previous assessment, he might get half an hour at best against The Toffees.
How a few injuries change things however, and in his press conference this
morning Allardyce made it clear that the striker is fit and raring to go. He
said: "I wouldn't say he's 100% match fit but he is ready to start. He's
raring to go as is Carlton Cole so we've got very good options up front. "We
don't have much time to work together for Saturday but that's the situation
we're in, same as Everton. We'll work on a few things today and tomorrow and
then make a decision." What a difference a fortnight makes – WHEN IT HAS TO!
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Thursday, November 20
Daily WHUFC News - 20th November 2014
Hammers quartet entertain fans
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's disabled supporters enjoyed a good-humoured evening at the Boleyn Ground
19.11.2014
West Ham United's disabled supporters were treated to an entertaining evening at the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday, as assistant manager Neil McDonald, Club ambassador Tony Carr MBE and first-teamers Carlton Cole and Joey O'Brien took the floor at the latest fans' forum. The fans in attendance made the most of the opportunity to quiz the Hammers' coaching and playing staff on an excellent start to the season and the prospect of more of the same between now and the campaign's end. And while matters on the pitch naturally dominated proceedings, discussion also ranged from the popularity of James Collins' dressing room playlist to Academy graduate Jimmy Bullard's 'I'm a Celebrity' jungle diet!
Macca, meanwhile, spoke at length of the confidence in the camp and the positive impact of competition for places, and was only too glad to share his assessment of things with West Ham's loyal supporters. "It was really good fun," he told West Ham TV. "With the situation at the football club at the moment, it's on the up, everybody's enjoying themselves, everybody wants to hear a little bit of a story and hopefully we've entertained them. We've given them a little bit of information on how we're trying to do things, what's in the pipeline and I hope they've got something out of it, which is great."
Sentiments echoed by Hammers full-back Joey O'Brien, who had to field his fair share of testing questions too, and hoped the supporters had taken as much from the experience as he had. "That's part and parcel of why it's so good coming to these events, you don't know what you're going to be asked," he added. "You've got to be on your toes up there answering the questions! "It's really good coming to these events, the heartbeat of the football club is the fans and for us to come in and have a bit of a laugh and answer some questions, give them a bit of an insight into what we do behind the scenes, makes for a great event."
Elsewhere, Sanjay Chadha, a Season Ticket Holder in the Alpari Stand Lower, was impressed with the Hammers panel on the night, not least with the Club on the crest of a wave just now. "At the moment, because we are so exciting, because we are so positive, it vibrates throughout the fans and long may it continue," he said. "The trick now is for us to keep it up and maintain this vibrancy and this excitement. But the fans' forum in particular, is a very special time for the Club's disabled supporters "It was a chance for supporters that go week-in, week-out to get an insight into how the players and how the management structure is approaching the Premier League this season, particularly with the new attacking formation that we're playing. I think it's been a very positive evening, from the point of view of having someone like Tony Carr, right up to the players, and with the assistant manager, I think it was an all-round good representation of the team approach that we've had this year."
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FT: Dev Squad 2-1 Jong PSV
WHUFc.com
Coverage as the Dev Squad come from a goal down to beat Jong PSV 2-1
19.11.2014
DEVELOPMENT SQUAD v JONG PSV
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL CUP
BOLEYN GROUND
WEDNESDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2014
KICK-OFF: 7PM
REFEREE: ALAN YOUNG
FT: Dev Squad 2-1 Jong PSV
FT: The Hammers have done it. A superb performance to come back from a goal down to win 2-1. The best performance of the season by quite a margin. We'll have reaction for you shortly.
95: More great work from Mavila who has looked lively since coming on. He beats his man all ends up but the shot is tame.
94: Superb work from Mavila as he takes the ball the length of the pitch. He feels he should have a corner for his efforts but the ref rules it a goal kick.
93: Vloet misses a great opportunity in the final minutes. His shot from the edge of the box is skewed wide.
91: Another huge challenge from Pike. Mavila now has the ball in the corner. Last chance saloon for PSV.
90: Goalscorer Kieran Sadlier is replaced by Nathan Mavila. Sadlier deservedly gets a huge round of applause.
89: The Hammers have got the ball in the corner winding the clock down. Just a few minutes to go.
87: Alex Pike, making only his second U21 appearance, puts in a fantastic challenge to clear the danger.
85: Into the last few minutes here at the BG. The Hammers are ready for the final whistle but PSV haven't given up yet. Oxford his marshalling his side admirably. Final push needed.
83: Good opportunity for PSV as Vloet fires his free kick just wide.
81: Sam Westley is replaced by Alex Pike.
80: Huge let off for the Hammers as Nasha's stray sets up van Overbeek. The substitute really should score but Spiegel saves majestically. Nasha has his head in his hands even though the chance went begging. A lifeline for the Hammers.
78: Some tired legs beginning to show out there now.
77: Inch perfect tackle from Nasha on the edge of the box as Schaars was winding up to shoot. Nasha had to get the tackle right otherwise he would've been in serious trouble.
75: More good work from Lletget. He's held ball up fantastically well all evening. Great performance.
73: Smart save from Spiegel to deny Sanoh. The pressure is building. Can the Dev Squad hang on?
71: Substitution for the Hammers as Danny Whitehead is given a well deserved rest. He is replaced by Amos Nasha.
69: The game is getting a bit scrappy with a string of fouls. PSV are desperately pushing for an equaliser while the Hammers are trying to cling on to a valuable win.
65: Reece Oxford, tonight's captain, is on his haunches after having the wind knocked out of him by a shot. After a bit of treatment the defender is ok to continue.
62: Bywater gets the bend and accuracy right but it was just lacking enough power. Bertrams collects gratefully.
61: Free kick in a superb position for the Hammers. Whitehead was closing in on goal before being hauled down. This is a great chance.
58: Substitution for PSV as Elvio van Overbeek replaces goalscorer Andjelo Rudovic.
55: Free kick for PSV from distance. It looks as thoigh Vloet will shoot...And he does, he shapes up Ronaldo-esqe but the shot goes wide.
52: Going a goal down as woken PSV into life. Andrija Lukovic's had Spiegel beaten but his shot hits the post.
50: Bywater buys a foul off Tamata who clumsily bundles him to the floor. Clever work from the midfielder, he's been excellent all evening.
48: GOAL! 2-1! Kieran Sadlier wheels away in delight after slotting past Jesse Bertrams. An excellent ball from Lletget split the defence wide open.
46: We're back under way here at the Boleyn Ground. A fascinating 45 minutes ahead of us.
HT: Half-time here at the Boleyn Ground. A great team performance so far from the Dev Squad. They could, perhaps should, be ahead with some of the chances they've had.
45: More superb work from the Hammers this time from Sadlier. His shot from distance is swerving all over the place and Bertrams gets a finger to it and pushes it over.
44: Sanoh works it Vloet inside the box. The striker has looked hungry all night but Makasi is there is sweep up the danger.
42: Superb shot on the turn by Lletget which forces a wonderful save from Bertrams. Superb work from the American midfielder.
40: Sanoh tries his luck from long range however Spiegel see it from a long way and catches comfortably.
37: GOAL! 1-1! What a goal! Kieran Bywater smashes a shot on the edge of the into the top corner. Unstoppable. Game on!
33: Rai Vloet shoots from distance and it swerves and dips just in front of Spiegel. The big 'keeper does well to steer it out for a corner.
30: PSV are not happy at Oxford's challenge. It was hard but fair and referee rightly plays on. Seconds later Makasi rides a similar tackle from Clint Leemans.
26: A superb ball from Hermannsson sends Sanoh free down the wing. Pask does to cut the cross out. A flash of what the visitors can do.
22: Execellent play from Kieran Sadlier. He almost finishes the move he started after winning the ball off Menno Koch. Sadlier sprays the ball wide to Bywater who floats a cross to the back post. Marlow lays it to Sadlier who twists and turns in the box forcing a corner. Josh Pask's header fires agonizingly over the bar.
20: More good work from the Dev Squad as they push for an equaliser. Lletget's skillful turn wins him a corner which Ben Marlow connects to with a fierce half-volley whch goes wide of the right-hand post.
18: Moussa Sanoh gets down the right wing and drills a cross to the near post. A sliding block from Oxford cuts the ball out for a corner. The resulting corner is flicked over harmlessly.
15: Further pressure from the Hammers leads to an opportunity as Lletget closes the 'keepers clearance. He tries to connect to the rebound but the PSV defence scramble it away.
13: Patient build up play from the Hammers as they search for an equaliser. Eventually their pressure yields a free kick which Bywater lofts in. Goalkeeper Jesse Bertrams rises highest to collect calmly.
11: Moses Makasi takes a boot to face as he stoop for a header but the tenacious midfielder battles on.
8: The Hammers have responded well since going down. Danny Whitehead and Ben Marlow are looking to set up counter attacks but can't quite find the through ball.
5: PSV go close again as Vloet connects at the near post yet Spiegel produces a great reaction save from point blank range.
3: Not the start the Hammers had in mind. Andrija Lukovic holds the ball up and lays it off for Andjelo Rudovic to slot home. 0-1.
1: A stoppage in play almost immeditely as Abel Tamata is on the deck. Kieran Bywater's eagerness to press the ball got the better of him.
The teams are walking out onto the pitch. The Hammers led by captain Reece Oxford. Pre-match handshakes and coin toss complete and we are about to kick off!
Ten minutes to go until kick off. Both teams disappear down the tunnel for some final words of encouragement before we get started.
Both teams are out of the pitch warming up. The Hammers have been out for some time, both sides are doing intricate passing drills.
Jong PSV got their European campaign off to a great start by beating the Bilbao 1-0. Therefore the Dutch side will qualify for the knockout stages should they win tonight. On the overhand, the Hammers must get a result if they are to keep their European aspirations alive. The next fixture in the tournament is against Fulham on 8 December 2014 at Rush Green.
To bring you up to speed with the Premier League International Cup, this is the Hammers' second game of the tournament after narrowly losing 5-3 to Athletic Bilbao in a thrilling game at the Boleyn last month.
West Ham United: Spiegel (GK), Westley (Pike 81), Fanimo, Makasi, Pask, Oxford (c), Bywater, Marlow, Lletget, Whitehead (Nasha 71), Sadlier (Mavila 90)
Subs: Bogard, Tombides, Onariase, Gordon
Jong PSV: Bertrams (GK), Hermannsson, Kock, De Wijs, Tamata, Schaars, Sanoh, Leemans, Vloet, Lukovic (Rommens 65), Rudovic (van Overbeek 58)
Subs: Rommens, Loof, Heesakkers, van Overbeek, de la Paz
The teams are in! Starting with our visitors...
Just over an hour to go until kick off on a chilly night at the Boleyn Ground, we'll be bringing you the teams news very shortly...
Hello and welcome to live coverage of tonight's Barclays Premier Leaue International Cup match between West Ham United's Development squad and PSV Eindhoven's Jong PSV.
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Date set for Youth Cup tie
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Under-18s will travel to Southampton for their FA Youth Cup tie on 9 December
19.11.2014
West Ham United's FA Youth Cup third round tie away at Southampton will be played at St Mary's Stadium on Tuesday 9 December, kick-off 7pm. Steve Potts' side will be looking to better their experience in this competition from last year, when Accrington Stanley ended their participation at this stage. The Hammers are currently third in the Barclays U18 Premier League South table, while Southampton are seven places worse off. West Ham enjoy a fine tradition in the FA Youth Cup, having lifted the trophy on three occasions - 1963, 1981 and 1999.
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Bankrupt keeper David James: Football memorabilia sold off
BBC.co.uk
Former England goalkeeper David James' football memorabilia has been auctioned off after the star went bankrupt. James, 44, who played for Liverpool, Aston Villa, West Ham, Manchester City and Portsmouth, was declared bankrupt in May despite earning around £20m. Signed shirts, shorts and balls were amongst the items sold by auctioneer Hilco at a sale registered in Kent. An England shirt the player wore in the Three Lions' 1-0 World Cup win over Argentina in 2002 fetched £672. A Liverpool FC goalkeeper's jersey worn during the Reds' 1995/96 season sold for more than £160 while a Portsmouth No 1 top James wore in 2008 went for £480. An England home kit signed by the team and a Portsmouth goalkeeper's jersey were among the items sold Hilco's Spencer Chapman said there had been "interest from around the world with more than 1,000 registrants across the 10-day sales period". "We've not really dealt with a sale on behalf of a sporting celebrity like this before and clearly that had added some value to the lots," he said. "Sports memorabilia is a very popular market and signed shirts are the kind of items you can't really put a price on, but there were also some very quirky lots in there too. "There were more than 1,800 vinyl records, DJ decks and a customised Vauxhall Astra van, which attracted a lot of interest and sold for a very reasonable price."
The lots also included a chainsaw, an exercise bicycle, a Korg synthesiser, a giant I Love NY mug sculpture and three flat screen televisions. The star, who now plays for and manages Kerala Blasters FC in the Indian Super League, won 53 England caps during a career that also saw spells at Watford, Bristol City and Bournemouth.
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Sakho sustains back injury
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 19th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
Diafra Sakho is out of Senegal's clash with Botswana in Dakar tonight - and a concern for this weekend's trip to Everton. The 24-year-old striker confirmed tonight that he had suffered a back injury ahead of the game, although further details are currently few and far between. Sakho - who has scored seven goals already this season for West Ham - missed out on the recent trip to Stoke with injury but was back the following week for the goalless draw with Aston Villa. Hammers fans will be hoping this latest stepback is no more serious, whilst Sakho will not be fully assessed until returning to England.
Diafra Sakho ✔ @iamdiafrasakho
Dear fans, unfortunately my back pain makes me unfit for the game I'm as devastated as you are, but i'll be back!
Thanks 4 your support!
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Essex boy
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 19th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
George Moncur has completed a permanent switch to Colchester United. Moncur, who has effectively been on trial with the Essex club since the beginning of the season put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half year contract yesterday, ending his long association with West Ham.
And the combative 21-year-old midfielder admitted that whilst he was sad to be leaving West Ham, he was equally excited by the challenge his move brings. "There is some sadness about leaving West Ham because I was there for a good few years and I had some great times there," he told cu-fc.com. "My Dad spent a few years there as well so I'll miss it, but I've got a new challenge in front of me now. "I have got to thank the people at West Ham, especially Nick Haycock and Ian Hendon who spent a lot of time with me and improved my game. I'm now looking forward to life with Colchester United and progressing my career."
Goerge's father John will no doubt be delighted at his son's move; speaking exclusively to the KUMB Podcast recently, Moncur Snr felt that a permanent move away from West Ham was the best scenario. "It's been a terrible year for him [George] after what happened at Nottingham Forest," he said. "I think it was unfair. I'm not bitter, but what happened there to the kids was ridiculous. "If you like a player and have high hopes for him you blood them into good teams, like all good clubs and managers do. Basically, that was just throwing them to the lions. So he's had to put up with that and all the stick they got."
Elliot Lee ✔ @ElliotLee9
Gutted to lose my best mate at the club! All the best to my bro @georgemonkz8 on his new chapter!Tear it up son!😪🔥⚽️
5:19 PM - 18 Nov 2014
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In form, out of position
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 18th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
Stewart Downing finally got his first start for England after nearly two years in the international wilderness - only to be hauled off at half time. Downing won a place back in Roy Hodgson's squad following a string of notable performances for West Ham this season at the tip of Sam Allardyce's 442 diamond formation, playing immediately behind the strikers. However his return to the international arena - in England's 3-1 win over Scotland at Celtic Park - was to last just 45 minutes after he was replaced by Adam Lallana at the break, having played the entire half in left midfield. Quite why manager Hodgson decided to re-introduce the in-form Downing only to play him away from his most effective position only the 67-year-old will know, but his choice of personnel proved effective enough as England strolled past the Scots in the first meeting between the two neighbours for nearly 15 years. England took the lead on 32 minutes when Arsenal's Oxlade-Chamberlain scored with a deft header. Minus Downing, England doubled their lead just 90 seconds after the restart through Wayne Rooney.
The hosts gave their supporters faint hopes of a comeback when Robertson scored seven minutes from time. However England - and Rooney - had other ideas and the Manchester United hitman restored England's two-goal advantage just two minutes later.
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WEST HAM: THE SEASON SO FAR
By Sean Whetstone 19 Nov 2014 at 09:30
West Ham till I Die
I was recently asked to complete a Q&A on West Ham's season so far with Turnstyle Football HERE
How would you summarise West Ham's season so far?
Fantastic! We are in fourth place, in a Champions League qualifying spot and three points behind the reigning Premier League champions Manchester City. We have had five wins and three hard-fought draws plus a narrow defeat at Old Trafford. It is a great start to the season considering we were in 16th place, one point off the relegation zone this time last year.
What has been the secret to Allardyce's early season success?
Simple, some great transfer buys over the summer together with a new style of playing. Last year we seemed to create a team around Andy Carroll with the sole purpose of knocking it up to him. When he wasn't available we had no Plan B. Playing Chelsea last year we used a false nine tactic to grind out a draw by parking the bus. This season we have two up front with Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia and Stewart Downing is in the form of his life in a new diamond formation.
Has Sam Allardyce won over his critics?
This is a difficult question to answer. We have all come a long way since the dark days of last season. The owners refused to be swayed by fan protests and stuck with their manager but they did insist on changes and bought extremely well in the transfer window as they took a greater control over the recruitment policy. It was never personal against Sam, just his style of play with no Plan B which annoyed many West Ham fans.
This season we look forward to the excitement of forthcoming matches. While the style of play and the results continue, who could have a problem with Sam? Whether he gets a new contract at the end of the season or leads us into the Olympic Stadium remains to be seen.
How would you rate the summer arrivals?
What Hammer couldn't be anything but delighted with our signings? Sakho cost £3.5m and has scored seven goals already although the deal with Metz can reportedly rise to £7m after 140 appearances. Aaron Cresswell was a £3.75m buy from the Championship which could raise to £7m. We've signed World Cup star Enner Valencia at £12m, Cheikhou Kouyate at £7m plus Carl Jenkinson and Alex Song on loan. Diego Poyet and Mauro Zarate are also useful additions to the squad. I haven't got a bad word to say about any of the new arrivals or transfer policy this season.
Which player has surprised you the most?
The obvious answer is Sakho. We all dreaded another Modibo Maiga so our hopes were not high but chairman David Sullivan had confidence in the striker after months of scouting and pushed through a deal at the expense of signing Connor Wickham. Our only problem now is keeping hold of him as I am sure he will attract interest from the poor performing so-called top six clubs in the January and summer transfer windows.
Honourable mentions need to go to Downing who has surprised many. He is like a new signing and the £6m we paid Liverpool seems a bargain now. Finally a mention must go to Cresswell. It is so hard to make the jump from the Championship but this guy has proved many doubters wrong. Not enough Championship players get the chance to play in the Premier league.
What is a realistic finish?
I have supported West Ham long enough to know not to get carried away with our early success and form, it is a long season. Injuries will take their toll and the bigger clubs have more quality in their squads to cope with this. A top four finish is completely unachievable, a top six has a remote outside chance but top eight is achievable. My prediction is a finish somewhere between seventh and ninth.
Has Andy Carroll still got a place in the team?
I think he showed against Aston Villa in his short substitute appearance that he can be an effective super sub whilst Valencia and Sakho are fit. He can be used to change a game and offer something different. It would be interesting to see him partner Sakho or Valencia for a whole game if one of them is injured or their form dips. I would hate to see Allardyce revert to Carroll as the lone striker and bang long balls up to him. Yes he is an expensive super sub, given his reported wages, but if we can afford him I would rather have him in our club than playing against us.
Are you confident Winston Reid will stay at the club and can you find a decent replacement?
It is looking increasing likely that Winston Reid will leave when his contract expires at the end of the season. He has been offered a new contract to stay but he appears unwilling to commit his long-term future to us. The situation reminds me of Matthew Upson, who thought he was bigger than West Ham and refused to sign a new contract. He is currently an un-used squad player at Leicester City following stints at Stoke and Brighton. Time will tell with Winston but he is free to sign a pre-contract with a foreign club from January.
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Room for one Morrison?
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 19th November 2014
By: Nicky Hawkins
It was the 6th of October 2013, we were 2-0 up and cruising at the Lane. Mo Diame gave the ball to Ravel Morrison just inside his own half. As he took the ball in his stride with close control, jinked in between two Tottenham defenders, accelerated away with a turn of pace into the box, then deftly dinked the ball over the oncoming Lloris, I was open jawed. The ball trickled in and Morrison wheeled away to celebrate. It drew comparisons immediately to an 18-year-old Michael Owen at the 1998 World Cup in France and the impact that goal had on the world.
I thought that was it; this was the point in this troubled youngster's career that highlights to everyone in England the potential this kid possesses. This is the goal that will prove that he is not just another over-hyped youngster and that the comparisons to a young Paul Scholes, by his former manager Alex Ferguson, were justified.
This was the coming of age, the day when he turned his life around, put all the troubles of the past behind him and realised he has a real shot at becoming a superstar! On that day, the kid had a real shot at being a wild card pick for the 2014 World Cup Finals.
Four days later, Morrison was in an England shirt scoring again - this time for the Under 21s. A video of an audacious volley scored in England training left me (and many others) salivating!
Fast forward to the present day and since then, Morrison has been involved in a half-hearted attempt at an on-pitch fight with Wilfred Zaha and had a couple of fall-outs with the manager. There have been pictures of him doing his best to pollute his lungs and another riding around in an open-top car wearing a rival's colours published in the papers.
Additionally there was a story linking him with a move to the doomed Fulham, which appeared to have been engineered by himself, his agent and René Meulensteen - something denied yet very, very suspicious. Oh - and a handful of deleted tweets criticising staff at the club.
Then there was a loan move to Queens Park Rangers in which Harry Redknapp, who has made a career of picking up cheap troubled footballers and turning seemingly-dead careers back into blossoming ones, has admitted that the kid is beyond help. Plus there was the small matter of an arrest on suspicion of domestic violence.
I cant help but to think that Ravel's skills clouded my judgement. His talent is undeniable, he is blessed, but unfortunately his attitude stinks to high heaven. He was a shining light at the beginning of last season, but a light always shines brightest in the dark.
This season a bunch of new signings have arrived, each shining as bright as the next, strengthening our squad in every department, and team spirit seems to be at an all time high. Could Ravel's style of play fit into our new found high tempo, attacking style of play?
Of course it could! His talent would shine once again, but sadly it's no coincidence that just as the new signings were arriving, Ravel was packing his bags for another stint in the Championship.
He is a bad apple and Big Sam, despite the owners backing the youngster, perhaps with the same clouded judgement as some of us fans had, recognises this and knew that West Ham is a better place without him around.
Sadly for Ravel - and even more so for his talent - I fear he has run out of chances at West Ham. He has overstepped the mark too many times for Big Sam's liking and with his contract rapidly coming to its end, unless a Christmas miracle occurs and he comes reborn as Mother Theresa, it will not be renewed.
It is with a heavy heart - and a huge slice of humble pie - that I agree that this would be best for all parties. Maybe he will get that move to Fulham after all...
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West Ham loan target described as 'anonymous and lazy' by his own fans
HITC
Olly Dawes
Borussia Dortmund fans don't appear to be fans of reported West Ham target Tim Vayrynen. Having picked up five wins from the first 11 games of the season, West Ham sit in fourth place in the Premier League, and will be looking to secure European football this season.
In order to do that, manager Sam Allardyce will need to bring in a couple more signings in January, despite snapping up a whole host of players this summer. Aaron Cresswell and Alex Song have impressed, but the star attractions from Allardyce's summer shopping trolley are strikers Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia. The duo have hit nine Premier League goals between them, yet despite impressing, it's believed that Allardyce is still in the market for another striker. Sunderland's Connor Wickham continues to be linked with the club, especially with Andy Carroll only just back from injury and question marks over the futures of Mauro Zarate and Carlton Cole. The latest name to be touted for a move to Upton Park is Borussia Dortmund youngster Tim Vayrynen, and a possible loan deal is on the cards. The 6ft 3in centre forward is one of the rising stars of Finnish football having hit 34 goals in 81 games for FC Honka, which earned him his big move to Dortmund earlier this year.
However, he's only spent time in the Dortmund second team, and as In Bed With Maradona assess their top 100 players - which Vayrynen was included in - they have received strong criticism for Vayrynen from Dortmund fans. "He has been used sparingly but when the chance to play has arrived the Dortmund fans we spoke to have been utterly scathing in their assessment: 'useless', 'anonymous', 'lazy', 'how can he be an international?", they write. He is just 21 so has time to learn and grow, but those comments from Dortmund fans is a big concern for Hammers fans, who may well be seeing the Finland international in claret and blue soon.
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Quiet January to signal growing status
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 19, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham's growing status as a "top club" will be reflected in the January window which is likely to be the quietest ever in the two Davids' time in the game. Unless injuries intervene it's highly unlikely that the club will buy or even loan anyone which is a signal of their growing status in the Premier League. A well placed source old ClaretandHugh: The two Davids have never failed to do business in January during their time at Birmingham and Upton Park. It's almost a given. "But such was the depth of their activity in the summer window we are looking very good across the squad. The big clubs rarely buy in January" "New arrivals remain a possibility as someone may go and a replacement would be needed and there's always the possibility of injuries in one position. "However, it has to be remembered that the entire wage budget is used, so unless somebody goes we don't have a wage budget for a replacement."
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Roy made Downing look like a fish out of water
Posted by Sean Whetstone on November 19, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
I felt incredibly sorry for Hammer Stewart Downing as I watched the match against Scotland last night – the poor guy looked like a fish out of water thanks to England manager Roy Hodgson.. Downing was played out of the position which has proved so fruitful this season for West Ham leaving the question as to why Hodgsen even bothered to start the guy. To add to his problems Stewart hadn't trained all week so lets cut him a load of slack. He looked lost at times and not knowing what was expected of him or what his role was supposed to be.
To a neutral he would have appeared as as outsider as the others England regulars celebrated the first half goal. I hope this appearance wasn't a token gesture by the manager in a bid to throw him a bone on the back of his amazing Premier League form. It was no surprise when Downing was replaced at half time by Adam Lallana. Some newspaper reports have suggested that Downing blew his second chance for England and that his first touch was inconsistent and he had poor control but I think his subdued performance was more to do with the non existent role he found himself in. Downing last played for England before last night in May 2012 in an England team that included past and present Hammers of Robert Green, Scott Parker, Andy Carroll and Jermain Defoe. That game against Norway was won 1-0. Let's hope it doesn't knock his club form for Saturday against Everton away.
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Young Irons floor the Dutch
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 19, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham Development squad came from behind to beat PSV Endhoven Jong 2-1 at Upton Park and in the Barclays Premier League International Cup match. The Hammers' were brilliant in their second game of the tournament afterlosing 5-3 to Athletic Bilbao in a thrilling game at the Boleyn last month. Jong PSV got their European campaign off to a great start by beating the Bilbao 1-0 and would have qualified for the knockout stages had they won this evening. But it was the Irons who got the result which kept their European ambitions alive. The next fixture in the tournament is against Fulham on 8 December 2014 at Rush Green. The Hammers got off to the worst possible start when after just three minutes the visitors scored after Andrija Lukovic held the ball up and laid it off for Andjelo Rudovic to slot home. But we were level after 37 minutes when Kieran Bywater ([pictured) smashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner before Kieran slotted past Jesse Bertrams after an excellent ball from Lletget split the defence wide open.
IRONS: Spiegel (GK), Westley (Pike 81), Fanimo, Makasi, Pask, Oxford (c), Bywater, Marlow, Lletget, Whitehead (Nasha 71), Sadlier (Mavila 90)
Subs: Bogard, Tombides, Onariase, Gordon
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Injury woes set to put squad to test
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 19, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
This isn't the way international breaks are supposed to work! Diafra Sakho tweets that he's out of tonight's international – just three days before a crucial clash at Everton and Winston Reid is likely to be missing until November 22 according to www.physioroom.com. We understand too that there are other injuries in the squad which were picked up in the games at Stoke and against Aston Villa and from which the unnamed players may or may not recover.
No names have been given to ClaretandHugh but it is very clear from the way the news was passed to us that there are some real concerns that we could be looking at a very different side for Goodison. Stewart Downing is an almost certain starter despite the bang he took with England but beyond that we are into guesswork. James Tomkins claims he is fit and Kouyate is available to cover in central defence should he be required – always assuming there are no injury problems sustained against Botswana. Much has been made of the depth of our squad this season. It seems we are about to find out a little too early just how good it is.
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Sakho injured and may miss Everton
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 19, 2014 in Whispers
Claret &hUgh
Diafra Sakho has pulled out of tonight's international between Senegal and Botswana and could be out of the weekend clash against Everton. The news came just half an hour after ClaretandHugh broke an exclusive story on a growing Hammers injury crisis in which we suggested Sakho had a problem. And within a few minutes Sakho tweeted news of the problem. We had written: "The most worrying rumour came this morning with the grapevine claiming Diafra Sakho was in a fitness race and if true that could put Andy Carroll into the frame earlier than expected. We were told: "We hope Diafra will be ok but we certainly expect Stewart Downing to be avaialable after his recent injury worries with England." A Hammers source repeated this evening that one or two players were struggling for fitness but declared: "We won't give up on Diafra. We remain hopeful. "But it's clear that Andy Carroll may get longer than was expected if things can't be sorted for Diafra in time."
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Senegal squad get the Irons habit
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 19, 2014 in Whispers
Clret & Hugh
We all know that Diafra Sakho and Chiekhou Kouyate are Hammers to their backbones! But the brilliant duo taking things to a whole new level whilst on international duty it seems as they indoctrinate their team mates into the Irons lifestyle. Senegal take on Botswana this evening and the question is will the line-up crossing their arms at the same time. As for the African Nations Cup, there's only one team any self respecting Hammer can support these days!
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WHUFC.com
West Ham United's disabled supporters enjoyed a good-humoured evening at the Boleyn Ground
19.11.2014
West Ham United's disabled supporters were treated to an entertaining evening at the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday, as assistant manager Neil McDonald, Club ambassador Tony Carr MBE and first-teamers Carlton Cole and Joey O'Brien took the floor at the latest fans' forum. The fans in attendance made the most of the opportunity to quiz the Hammers' coaching and playing staff on an excellent start to the season and the prospect of more of the same between now and the campaign's end. And while matters on the pitch naturally dominated proceedings, discussion also ranged from the popularity of James Collins' dressing room playlist to Academy graduate Jimmy Bullard's 'I'm a Celebrity' jungle diet!
Macca, meanwhile, spoke at length of the confidence in the camp and the positive impact of competition for places, and was only too glad to share his assessment of things with West Ham's loyal supporters. "It was really good fun," he told West Ham TV. "With the situation at the football club at the moment, it's on the up, everybody's enjoying themselves, everybody wants to hear a little bit of a story and hopefully we've entertained them. We've given them a little bit of information on how we're trying to do things, what's in the pipeline and I hope they've got something out of it, which is great."
Sentiments echoed by Hammers full-back Joey O'Brien, who had to field his fair share of testing questions too, and hoped the supporters had taken as much from the experience as he had. "That's part and parcel of why it's so good coming to these events, you don't know what you're going to be asked," he added. "You've got to be on your toes up there answering the questions! "It's really good coming to these events, the heartbeat of the football club is the fans and for us to come in and have a bit of a laugh and answer some questions, give them a bit of an insight into what we do behind the scenes, makes for a great event."
Elsewhere, Sanjay Chadha, a Season Ticket Holder in the Alpari Stand Lower, was impressed with the Hammers panel on the night, not least with the Club on the crest of a wave just now. "At the moment, because we are so exciting, because we are so positive, it vibrates throughout the fans and long may it continue," he said. "The trick now is for us to keep it up and maintain this vibrancy and this excitement. But the fans' forum in particular, is a very special time for the Club's disabled supporters "It was a chance for supporters that go week-in, week-out to get an insight into how the players and how the management structure is approaching the Premier League this season, particularly with the new attacking formation that we're playing. I think it's been a very positive evening, from the point of view of having someone like Tony Carr, right up to the players, and with the assistant manager, I think it was an all-round good representation of the team approach that we've had this year."
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FT: Dev Squad 2-1 Jong PSV
WHUFc.com
Coverage as the Dev Squad come from a goal down to beat Jong PSV 2-1
19.11.2014
DEVELOPMENT SQUAD v JONG PSV
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL CUP
BOLEYN GROUND
WEDNESDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2014
KICK-OFF: 7PM
REFEREE: ALAN YOUNG
FT: Dev Squad 2-1 Jong PSV
FT: The Hammers have done it. A superb performance to come back from a goal down to win 2-1. The best performance of the season by quite a margin. We'll have reaction for you shortly.
95: More great work from Mavila who has looked lively since coming on. He beats his man all ends up but the shot is tame.
94: Superb work from Mavila as he takes the ball the length of the pitch. He feels he should have a corner for his efforts but the ref rules it a goal kick.
93: Vloet misses a great opportunity in the final minutes. His shot from the edge of the box is skewed wide.
91: Another huge challenge from Pike. Mavila now has the ball in the corner. Last chance saloon for PSV.
90: Goalscorer Kieran Sadlier is replaced by Nathan Mavila. Sadlier deservedly gets a huge round of applause.
89: The Hammers have got the ball in the corner winding the clock down. Just a few minutes to go.
87: Alex Pike, making only his second U21 appearance, puts in a fantastic challenge to clear the danger.
85: Into the last few minutes here at the BG. The Hammers are ready for the final whistle but PSV haven't given up yet. Oxford his marshalling his side admirably. Final push needed.
83: Good opportunity for PSV as Vloet fires his free kick just wide.
81: Sam Westley is replaced by Alex Pike.
80: Huge let off for the Hammers as Nasha's stray sets up van Overbeek. The substitute really should score but Spiegel saves majestically. Nasha has his head in his hands even though the chance went begging. A lifeline for the Hammers.
78: Some tired legs beginning to show out there now.
77: Inch perfect tackle from Nasha on the edge of the box as Schaars was winding up to shoot. Nasha had to get the tackle right otherwise he would've been in serious trouble.
75: More good work from Lletget. He's held ball up fantastically well all evening. Great performance.
73: Smart save from Spiegel to deny Sanoh. The pressure is building. Can the Dev Squad hang on?
71: Substitution for the Hammers as Danny Whitehead is given a well deserved rest. He is replaced by Amos Nasha.
69: The game is getting a bit scrappy with a string of fouls. PSV are desperately pushing for an equaliser while the Hammers are trying to cling on to a valuable win.
65: Reece Oxford, tonight's captain, is on his haunches after having the wind knocked out of him by a shot. After a bit of treatment the defender is ok to continue.
62: Bywater gets the bend and accuracy right but it was just lacking enough power. Bertrams collects gratefully.
61: Free kick in a superb position for the Hammers. Whitehead was closing in on goal before being hauled down. This is a great chance.
58: Substitution for PSV as Elvio van Overbeek replaces goalscorer Andjelo Rudovic.
55: Free kick for PSV from distance. It looks as thoigh Vloet will shoot...And he does, he shapes up Ronaldo-esqe but the shot goes wide.
52: Going a goal down as woken PSV into life. Andrija Lukovic's had Spiegel beaten but his shot hits the post.
50: Bywater buys a foul off Tamata who clumsily bundles him to the floor. Clever work from the midfielder, he's been excellent all evening.
48: GOAL! 2-1! Kieran Sadlier wheels away in delight after slotting past Jesse Bertrams. An excellent ball from Lletget split the defence wide open.
46: We're back under way here at the Boleyn Ground. A fascinating 45 minutes ahead of us.
HT: Half-time here at the Boleyn Ground. A great team performance so far from the Dev Squad. They could, perhaps should, be ahead with some of the chances they've had.
45: More superb work from the Hammers this time from Sadlier. His shot from distance is swerving all over the place and Bertrams gets a finger to it and pushes it over.
44: Sanoh works it Vloet inside the box. The striker has looked hungry all night but Makasi is there is sweep up the danger.
42: Superb shot on the turn by Lletget which forces a wonderful save from Bertrams. Superb work from the American midfielder.
40: Sanoh tries his luck from long range however Spiegel see it from a long way and catches comfortably.
37: GOAL! 1-1! What a goal! Kieran Bywater smashes a shot on the edge of the into the top corner. Unstoppable. Game on!
33: Rai Vloet shoots from distance and it swerves and dips just in front of Spiegel. The big 'keeper does well to steer it out for a corner.
30: PSV are not happy at Oxford's challenge. It was hard but fair and referee rightly plays on. Seconds later Makasi rides a similar tackle from Clint Leemans.
26: A superb ball from Hermannsson sends Sanoh free down the wing. Pask does to cut the cross out. A flash of what the visitors can do.
22: Execellent play from Kieran Sadlier. He almost finishes the move he started after winning the ball off Menno Koch. Sadlier sprays the ball wide to Bywater who floats a cross to the back post. Marlow lays it to Sadlier who twists and turns in the box forcing a corner. Josh Pask's header fires agonizingly over the bar.
20: More good work from the Dev Squad as they push for an equaliser. Lletget's skillful turn wins him a corner which Ben Marlow connects to with a fierce half-volley whch goes wide of the right-hand post.
18: Moussa Sanoh gets down the right wing and drills a cross to the near post. A sliding block from Oxford cuts the ball out for a corner. The resulting corner is flicked over harmlessly.
15: Further pressure from the Hammers leads to an opportunity as Lletget closes the 'keepers clearance. He tries to connect to the rebound but the PSV defence scramble it away.
13: Patient build up play from the Hammers as they search for an equaliser. Eventually their pressure yields a free kick which Bywater lofts in. Goalkeeper Jesse Bertrams rises highest to collect calmly.
11: Moses Makasi takes a boot to face as he stoop for a header but the tenacious midfielder battles on.
8: The Hammers have responded well since going down. Danny Whitehead and Ben Marlow are looking to set up counter attacks but can't quite find the through ball.
5: PSV go close again as Vloet connects at the near post yet Spiegel produces a great reaction save from point blank range.
3: Not the start the Hammers had in mind. Andrija Lukovic holds the ball up and lays it off for Andjelo Rudovic to slot home. 0-1.
1: A stoppage in play almost immeditely as Abel Tamata is on the deck. Kieran Bywater's eagerness to press the ball got the better of him.
The teams are walking out onto the pitch. The Hammers led by captain Reece Oxford. Pre-match handshakes and coin toss complete and we are about to kick off!
Ten minutes to go until kick off. Both teams disappear down the tunnel for some final words of encouragement before we get started.
Both teams are out of the pitch warming up. The Hammers have been out for some time, both sides are doing intricate passing drills.
Jong PSV got their European campaign off to a great start by beating the Bilbao 1-0. Therefore the Dutch side will qualify for the knockout stages should they win tonight. On the overhand, the Hammers must get a result if they are to keep their European aspirations alive. The next fixture in the tournament is against Fulham on 8 December 2014 at Rush Green.
To bring you up to speed with the Premier League International Cup, this is the Hammers' second game of the tournament after narrowly losing 5-3 to Athletic Bilbao in a thrilling game at the Boleyn last month.
West Ham United: Spiegel (GK), Westley (Pike 81), Fanimo, Makasi, Pask, Oxford (c), Bywater, Marlow, Lletget, Whitehead (Nasha 71), Sadlier (Mavila 90)
Subs: Bogard, Tombides, Onariase, Gordon
Jong PSV: Bertrams (GK), Hermannsson, Kock, De Wijs, Tamata, Schaars, Sanoh, Leemans, Vloet, Lukovic (Rommens 65), Rudovic (van Overbeek 58)
Subs: Rommens, Loof, Heesakkers, van Overbeek, de la Paz
The teams are in! Starting with our visitors...
Just over an hour to go until kick off on a chilly night at the Boleyn Ground, we'll be bringing you the teams news very shortly...
Hello and welcome to live coverage of tonight's Barclays Premier Leaue International Cup match between West Ham United's Development squad and PSV Eindhoven's Jong PSV.
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Date set for Youth Cup tie
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Under-18s will travel to Southampton for their FA Youth Cup tie on 9 December
19.11.2014
West Ham United's FA Youth Cup third round tie away at Southampton will be played at St Mary's Stadium on Tuesday 9 December, kick-off 7pm. Steve Potts' side will be looking to better their experience in this competition from last year, when Accrington Stanley ended their participation at this stage. The Hammers are currently third in the Barclays U18 Premier League South table, while Southampton are seven places worse off. West Ham enjoy a fine tradition in the FA Youth Cup, having lifted the trophy on three occasions - 1963, 1981 and 1999.
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Bankrupt keeper David James: Football memorabilia sold off
BBC.co.uk
Former England goalkeeper David James' football memorabilia has been auctioned off after the star went bankrupt. James, 44, who played for Liverpool, Aston Villa, West Ham, Manchester City and Portsmouth, was declared bankrupt in May despite earning around £20m. Signed shirts, shorts and balls were amongst the items sold by auctioneer Hilco at a sale registered in Kent. An England shirt the player wore in the Three Lions' 1-0 World Cup win over Argentina in 2002 fetched £672. A Liverpool FC goalkeeper's jersey worn during the Reds' 1995/96 season sold for more than £160 while a Portsmouth No 1 top James wore in 2008 went for £480. An England home kit signed by the team and a Portsmouth goalkeeper's jersey were among the items sold Hilco's Spencer Chapman said there had been "interest from around the world with more than 1,000 registrants across the 10-day sales period". "We've not really dealt with a sale on behalf of a sporting celebrity like this before and clearly that had added some value to the lots," he said. "Sports memorabilia is a very popular market and signed shirts are the kind of items you can't really put a price on, but there were also some very quirky lots in there too. "There were more than 1,800 vinyl records, DJ decks and a customised Vauxhall Astra van, which attracted a lot of interest and sold for a very reasonable price."
The lots also included a chainsaw, an exercise bicycle, a Korg synthesiser, a giant I Love NY mug sculpture and three flat screen televisions. The star, who now plays for and manages Kerala Blasters FC in the Indian Super League, won 53 England caps during a career that also saw spells at Watford, Bristol City and Bournemouth.
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Sakho sustains back injury
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 19th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
Diafra Sakho is out of Senegal's clash with Botswana in Dakar tonight - and a concern for this weekend's trip to Everton. The 24-year-old striker confirmed tonight that he had suffered a back injury ahead of the game, although further details are currently few and far between. Sakho - who has scored seven goals already this season for West Ham - missed out on the recent trip to Stoke with injury but was back the following week for the goalless draw with Aston Villa. Hammers fans will be hoping this latest stepback is no more serious, whilst Sakho will not be fully assessed until returning to England.
Diafra Sakho ✔ @iamdiafrasakho
Dear fans, unfortunately my back pain makes me unfit for the game I'm as devastated as you are, but i'll be back!
Thanks 4 your support!
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Essex boy
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 19th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
George Moncur has completed a permanent switch to Colchester United. Moncur, who has effectively been on trial with the Essex club since the beginning of the season put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half year contract yesterday, ending his long association with West Ham.
And the combative 21-year-old midfielder admitted that whilst he was sad to be leaving West Ham, he was equally excited by the challenge his move brings. "There is some sadness about leaving West Ham because I was there for a good few years and I had some great times there," he told cu-fc.com. "My Dad spent a few years there as well so I'll miss it, but I've got a new challenge in front of me now. "I have got to thank the people at West Ham, especially Nick Haycock and Ian Hendon who spent a lot of time with me and improved my game. I'm now looking forward to life with Colchester United and progressing my career."
Goerge's father John will no doubt be delighted at his son's move; speaking exclusively to the KUMB Podcast recently, Moncur Snr felt that a permanent move away from West Ham was the best scenario. "It's been a terrible year for him [George] after what happened at Nottingham Forest," he said. "I think it was unfair. I'm not bitter, but what happened there to the kids was ridiculous. "If you like a player and have high hopes for him you blood them into good teams, like all good clubs and managers do. Basically, that was just throwing them to the lions. So he's had to put up with that and all the stick they got."
Elliot Lee ✔ @ElliotLee9
Gutted to lose my best mate at the club! All the best to my bro @georgemonkz8 on his new chapter!Tear it up son!😪🔥⚽️
5:19 PM - 18 Nov 2014
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In form, out of position
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 18th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
Stewart Downing finally got his first start for England after nearly two years in the international wilderness - only to be hauled off at half time. Downing won a place back in Roy Hodgson's squad following a string of notable performances for West Ham this season at the tip of Sam Allardyce's 442 diamond formation, playing immediately behind the strikers. However his return to the international arena - in England's 3-1 win over Scotland at Celtic Park - was to last just 45 minutes after he was replaced by Adam Lallana at the break, having played the entire half in left midfield. Quite why manager Hodgson decided to re-introduce the in-form Downing only to play him away from his most effective position only the 67-year-old will know, but his choice of personnel proved effective enough as England strolled past the Scots in the first meeting between the two neighbours for nearly 15 years. England took the lead on 32 minutes when Arsenal's Oxlade-Chamberlain scored with a deft header. Minus Downing, England doubled their lead just 90 seconds after the restart through Wayne Rooney.
The hosts gave their supporters faint hopes of a comeback when Robertson scored seven minutes from time. However England - and Rooney - had other ideas and the Manchester United hitman restored England's two-goal advantage just two minutes later.
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WEST HAM: THE SEASON SO FAR
By Sean Whetstone 19 Nov 2014 at 09:30
West Ham till I Die
I was recently asked to complete a Q&A on West Ham's season so far with Turnstyle Football HERE
How would you summarise West Ham's season so far?
Fantastic! We are in fourth place, in a Champions League qualifying spot and three points behind the reigning Premier League champions Manchester City. We have had five wins and three hard-fought draws plus a narrow defeat at Old Trafford. It is a great start to the season considering we were in 16th place, one point off the relegation zone this time last year.
What has been the secret to Allardyce's early season success?
Simple, some great transfer buys over the summer together with a new style of playing. Last year we seemed to create a team around Andy Carroll with the sole purpose of knocking it up to him. When he wasn't available we had no Plan B. Playing Chelsea last year we used a false nine tactic to grind out a draw by parking the bus. This season we have two up front with Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia and Stewart Downing is in the form of his life in a new diamond formation.
Has Sam Allardyce won over his critics?
This is a difficult question to answer. We have all come a long way since the dark days of last season. The owners refused to be swayed by fan protests and stuck with their manager but they did insist on changes and bought extremely well in the transfer window as they took a greater control over the recruitment policy. It was never personal against Sam, just his style of play with no Plan B which annoyed many West Ham fans.
This season we look forward to the excitement of forthcoming matches. While the style of play and the results continue, who could have a problem with Sam? Whether he gets a new contract at the end of the season or leads us into the Olympic Stadium remains to be seen.
How would you rate the summer arrivals?
What Hammer couldn't be anything but delighted with our signings? Sakho cost £3.5m and has scored seven goals already although the deal with Metz can reportedly rise to £7m after 140 appearances. Aaron Cresswell was a £3.75m buy from the Championship which could raise to £7m. We've signed World Cup star Enner Valencia at £12m, Cheikhou Kouyate at £7m plus Carl Jenkinson and Alex Song on loan. Diego Poyet and Mauro Zarate are also useful additions to the squad. I haven't got a bad word to say about any of the new arrivals or transfer policy this season.
Which player has surprised you the most?
The obvious answer is Sakho. We all dreaded another Modibo Maiga so our hopes were not high but chairman David Sullivan had confidence in the striker after months of scouting and pushed through a deal at the expense of signing Connor Wickham. Our only problem now is keeping hold of him as I am sure he will attract interest from the poor performing so-called top six clubs in the January and summer transfer windows.
Honourable mentions need to go to Downing who has surprised many. He is like a new signing and the £6m we paid Liverpool seems a bargain now. Finally a mention must go to Cresswell. It is so hard to make the jump from the Championship but this guy has proved many doubters wrong. Not enough Championship players get the chance to play in the Premier league.
What is a realistic finish?
I have supported West Ham long enough to know not to get carried away with our early success and form, it is a long season. Injuries will take their toll and the bigger clubs have more quality in their squads to cope with this. A top four finish is completely unachievable, a top six has a remote outside chance but top eight is achievable. My prediction is a finish somewhere between seventh and ninth.
Has Andy Carroll still got a place in the team?
I think he showed against Aston Villa in his short substitute appearance that he can be an effective super sub whilst Valencia and Sakho are fit. He can be used to change a game and offer something different. It would be interesting to see him partner Sakho or Valencia for a whole game if one of them is injured or their form dips. I would hate to see Allardyce revert to Carroll as the lone striker and bang long balls up to him. Yes he is an expensive super sub, given his reported wages, but if we can afford him I would rather have him in our club than playing against us.
Are you confident Winston Reid will stay at the club and can you find a decent replacement?
It is looking increasing likely that Winston Reid will leave when his contract expires at the end of the season. He has been offered a new contract to stay but he appears unwilling to commit his long-term future to us. The situation reminds me of Matthew Upson, who thought he was bigger than West Ham and refused to sign a new contract. He is currently an un-used squad player at Leicester City following stints at Stoke and Brighton. Time will tell with Winston but he is free to sign a pre-contract with a foreign club from January.
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Room for one Morrison?
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 19th November 2014
By: Nicky Hawkins
It was the 6th of October 2013, we were 2-0 up and cruising at the Lane. Mo Diame gave the ball to Ravel Morrison just inside his own half. As he took the ball in his stride with close control, jinked in between two Tottenham defenders, accelerated away with a turn of pace into the box, then deftly dinked the ball over the oncoming Lloris, I was open jawed. The ball trickled in and Morrison wheeled away to celebrate. It drew comparisons immediately to an 18-year-old Michael Owen at the 1998 World Cup in France and the impact that goal had on the world.
I thought that was it; this was the point in this troubled youngster's career that highlights to everyone in England the potential this kid possesses. This is the goal that will prove that he is not just another over-hyped youngster and that the comparisons to a young Paul Scholes, by his former manager Alex Ferguson, were justified.
This was the coming of age, the day when he turned his life around, put all the troubles of the past behind him and realised he has a real shot at becoming a superstar! On that day, the kid had a real shot at being a wild card pick for the 2014 World Cup Finals.
Four days later, Morrison was in an England shirt scoring again - this time for the Under 21s. A video of an audacious volley scored in England training left me (and many others) salivating!
Fast forward to the present day and since then, Morrison has been involved in a half-hearted attempt at an on-pitch fight with Wilfred Zaha and had a couple of fall-outs with the manager. There have been pictures of him doing his best to pollute his lungs and another riding around in an open-top car wearing a rival's colours published in the papers.
Additionally there was a story linking him with a move to the doomed Fulham, which appeared to have been engineered by himself, his agent and René Meulensteen - something denied yet very, very suspicious. Oh - and a handful of deleted tweets criticising staff at the club.
Then there was a loan move to Queens Park Rangers in which Harry Redknapp, who has made a career of picking up cheap troubled footballers and turning seemingly-dead careers back into blossoming ones, has admitted that the kid is beyond help. Plus there was the small matter of an arrest on suspicion of domestic violence.
I cant help but to think that Ravel's skills clouded my judgement. His talent is undeniable, he is blessed, but unfortunately his attitude stinks to high heaven. He was a shining light at the beginning of last season, but a light always shines brightest in the dark.
This season a bunch of new signings have arrived, each shining as bright as the next, strengthening our squad in every department, and team spirit seems to be at an all time high. Could Ravel's style of play fit into our new found high tempo, attacking style of play?
Of course it could! His talent would shine once again, but sadly it's no coincidence that just as the new signings were arriving, Ravel was packing his bags for another stint in the Championship.
He is a bad apple and Big Sam, despite the owners backing the youngster, perhaps with the same clouded judgement as some of us fans had, recognises this and knew that West Ham is a better place without him around.
Sadly for Ravel - and even more so for his talent - I fear he has run out of chances at West Ham. He has overstepped the mark too many times for Big Sam's liking and with his contract rapidly coming to its end, unless a Christmas miracle occurs and he comes reborn as Mother Theresa, it will not be renewed.
It is with a heavy heart - and a huge slice of humble pie - that I agree that this would be best for all parties. Maybe he will get that move to Fulham after all...
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West Ham loan target described as 'anonymous and lazy' by his own fans
HITC
Olly Dawes
Borussia Dortmund fans don't appear to be fans of reported West Ham target Tim Vayrynen. Having picked up five wins from the first 11 games of the season, West Ham sit in fourth place in the Premier League, and will be looking to secure European football this season.
In order to do that, manager Sam Allardyce will need to bring in a couple more signings in January, despite snapping up a whole host of players this summer. Aaron Cresswell and Alex Song have impressed, but the star attractions from Allardyce's summer shopping trolley are strikers Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia. The duo have hit nine Premier League goals between them, yet despite impressing, it's believed that Allardyce is still in the market for another striker. Sunderland's Connor Wickham continues to be linked with the club, especially with Andy Carroll only just back from injury and question marks over the futures of Mauro Zarate and Carlton Cole. The latest name to be touted for a move to Upton Park is Borussia Dortmund youngster Tim Vayrynen, and a possible loan deal is on the cards. The 6ft 3in centre forward is one of the rising stars of Finnish football having hit 34 goals in 81 games for FC Honka, which earned him his big move to Dortmund earlier this year.
However, he's only spent time in the Dortmund second team, and as In Bed With Maradona assess their top 100 players - which Vayrynen was included in - they have received strong criticism for Vayrynen from Dortmund fans. "He has been used sparingly but when the chance to play has arrived the Dortmund fans we spoke to have been utterly scathing in their assessment: 'useless', 'anonymous', 'lazy', 'how can he be an international?", they write. He is just 21 so has time to learn and grow, but those comments from Dortmund fans is a big concern for Hammers fans, who may well be seeing the Finland international in claret and blue soon.
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Quiet January to signal growing status
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 19, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham's growing status as a "top club" will be reflected in the January window which is likely to be the quietest ever in the two Davids' time in the game. Unless injuries intervene it's highly unlikely that the club will buy or even loan anyone which is a signal of their growing status in the Premier League. A well placed source old ClaretandHugh: The two Davids have never failed to do business in January during their time at Birmingham and Upton Park. It's almost a given. "But such was the depth of their activity in the summer window we are looking very good across the squad. The big clubs rarely buy in January" "New arrivals remain a possibility as someone may go and a replacement would be needed and there's always the possibility of injuries in one position. "However, it has to be remembered that the entire wage budget is used, so unless somebody goes we don't have a wage budget for a replacement."
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Roy made Downing look like a fish out of water
Posted by Sean Whetstone on November 19, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
I felt incredibly sorry for Hammer Stewart Downing as I watched the match against Scotland last night – the poor guy looked like a fish out of water thanks to England manager Roy Hodgson.. Downing was played out of the position which has proved so fruitful this season for West Ham leaving the question as to why Hodgsen even bothered to start the guy. To add to his problems Stewart hadn't trained all week so lets cut him a load of slack. He looked lost at times and not knowing what was expected of him or what his role was supposed to be.
To a neutral he would have appeared as as outsider as the others England regulars celebrated the first half goal. I hope this appearance wasn't a token gesture by the manager in a bid to throw him a bone on the back of his amazing Premier League form. It was no surprise when Downing was replaced at half time by Adam Lallana. Some newspaper reports have suggested that Downing blew his second chance for England and that his first touch was inconsistent and he had poor control but I think his subdued performance was more to do with the non existent role he found himself in. Downing last played for England before last night in May 2012 in an England team that included past and present Hammers of Robert Green, Scott Parker, Andy Carroll and Jermain Defoe. That game against Norway was won 1-0. Let's hope it doesn't knock his club form for Saturday against Everton away.
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Young Irons floor the Dutch
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 19, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham Development squad came from behind to beat PSV Endhoven Jong 2-1 at Upton Park and in the Barclays Premier League International Cup match. The Hammers' were brilliant in their second game of the tournament afterlosing 5-3 to Athletic Bilbao in a thrilling game at the Boleyn last month. Jong PSV got their European campaign off to a great start by beating the Bilbao 1-0 and would have qualified for the knockout stages had they won this evening. But it was the Irons who got the result which kept their European ambitions alive. The next fixture in the tournament is against Fulham on 8 December 2014 at Rush Green. The Hammers got off to the worst possible start when after just three minutes the visitors scored after Andrija Lukovic held the ball up and laid it off for Andjelo Rudovic to slot home. But we were level after 37 minutes when Kieran Bywater ([pictured) smashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner before Kieran slotted past Jesse Bertrams after an excellent ball from Lletget split the defence wide open.
IRONS: Spiegel (GK), Westley (Pike 81), Fanimo, Makasi, Pask, Oxford (c), Bywater, Marlow, Lletget, Whitehead (Nasha 71), Sadlier (Mavila 90)
Subs: Bogard, Tombides, Onariase, Gordon
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Injury woes set to put squad to test
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 19, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
This isn't the way international breaks are supposed to work! Diafra Sakho tweets that he's out of tonight's international – just three days before a crucial clash at Everton and Winston Reid is likely to be missing until November 22 according to www.physioroom.com. We understand too that there are other injuries in the squad which were picked up in the games at Stoke and against Aston Villa and from which the unnamed players may or may not recover.
No names have been given to ClaretandHugh but it is very clear from the way the news was passed to us that there are some real concerns that we could be looking at a very different side for Goodison. Stewart Downing is an almost certain starter despite the bang he took with England but beyond that we are into guesswork. James Tomkins claims he is fit and Kouyate is available to cover in central defence should he be required – always assuming there are no injury problems sustained against Botswana. Much has been made of the depth of our squad this season. It seems we are about to find out a little too early just how good it is.
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Sakho injured and may miss Everton
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 19, 2014 in Whispers
Claret &hUgh
Diafra Sakho has pulled out of tonight's international between Senegal and Botswana and could be out of the weekend clash against Everton. The news came just half an hour after ClaretandHugh broke an exclusive story on a growing Hammers injury crisis in which we suggested Sakho had a problem. And within a few minutes Sakho tweeted news of the problem. We had written: "The most worrying rumour came this morning with the grapevine claiming Diafra Sakho was in a fitness race and if true that could put Andy Carroll into the frame earlier than expected. We were told: "We hope Diafra will be ok but we certainly expect Stewart Downing to be avaialable after his recent injury worries with England." A Hammers source repeated this evening that one or two players were struggling for fitness but declared: "We won't give up on Diafra. We remain hopeful. "But it's clear that Andy Carroll may get longer than was expected if things can't be sorted for Diafra in time."
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Senegal squad get the Irons habit
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 19, 2014 in Whispers
Clret & Hugh
We all know that Diafra Sakho and Chiekhou Kouyate are Hammers to their backbones! But the brilliant duo taking things to a whole new level whilst on international duty it seems as they indoctrinate their team mates into the Irons lifestyle. Senegal take on Botswana this evening and the question is will the line-up crossing their arms at the same time. As for the African Nations Cup, there's only one team any self respecting Hammer can support these days!
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