Daily WHUFC News - 12th January 2015

Mixed feelings for Macca
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald was pleased with a well-earned point at Swansea but felt it
could have been three
10.01.2015

Neil McDonald admitted to feeling a mixture of frustration and satisfaction
after West Ham United earned a valuable 1-1 draw at Swansea City on
Saturday. The West Ham United assistant manager took the reins in the
absence of the unwell Sam Allardyce as Andy Carroll's sublime opener was
cancelled out by a Mark Noble own goal 16 minutes from time. 'Macca'
admitted to being disappointed that the team could not hold out after
leading at half time, but was proud of the way his team contained the threat
from their high-flying hosts. "We limited them to long-distance shots and I
think they only really had one good chance in the box when Bafetimbi Gomis
puts it over the bar. We put our bodies on the line, defended smartly and
tried to not to not give them any space in behind and when they tried to
play through us, we marshalled that quite well. "We created a few chances
ourselves and we are disappointed that we didn't get the second and kill
them off."

McDonald took on the responsibility of leading the dugout duties during the
match in the absence of Allardyce, who was laid low at home with a chest
infection. He is expected to be back commanding his technical area against
Everton on Tuesday, a job his assistant manager said he was more than happy
to help with in his absence. "Sam's got a chest infection and was watching
the game on the internet on the live stream. So he had a few tips on the
phone for us to pass on the players. He's taken time off to recover and I'm
sure he'll be fine for Tuesday. "You can follow a game live and he had a few
pointers for us and we passed on our thoughts so it all worked quite well."

Big Sam would have certainly been feeling a little better two minutes before
half time when Carroll concluded a lovely solo move by firing a fine
left-footed shot into the top corner. While it was a perfect demonstration
of the England international's underestimated ability on the floor, the
Hammers' No9 also used his strength and power to unsettle the hosts' defence
throughout. "Andy's goal was great. He used his control and then his quick
feet to stick it in the back of the net. It'll give him confidence. "We're a
bit disappointed that the goal that he scored didn't mean we came away with
the three points."

The Hammers started the game with three central defenders, with James
Tomkins drafted in alongside James Collins and Winston Reid and the
impressive Aaron Cresswell and Carl Jenkinson pushed forward into wing-back
positions. The tactic seemed to succeed, with the visitors enjoying the
better of the early exchanges, before the hosts gradually edged their way
back into the game. "I think the formation worked well. It was always going
to be that Swansea got lots of the ball and we had to deny them the space
they needed and I thought we did that very well. "We said to the players at
half time that we had to get the first and the second pass off better and if
we did that then we would find space to counter attack. We saw lots of the
ball and we did that better in the second half and that's why we got the
chances
"You always have to respect the point and that's four points we've taken off
Swansea from the two games this season."

The Hammers pushed on in the dying minutes but could not force a winner with
a combination of good goalkeeping and last-ditch defending denying Tomkins,
Jenkinson and Carroll. They will not have long to dwell on might have been,
though, with McDonald once again promising a strong starting XI for Tuesday
night's FA Cup replay with Everton at the Boleyn Ground. "We need to make
sure all the bumps and bruises clear up. We'll be focusing on the Everton
game straight away and will be looking forward to the game and looking to
win the game."

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AC reflects on Swansea draw
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll had mixed emotions after scoring in Saturday's draw at Swansea
City
10.01.2015

Andy Carroll admitted to feeling both elation and frustration after
Saturday's 1-1 Barclays Premier League draw at Swansea City. The West Ham
United No9 slammed in an outstanding opening goal at the Liberty Stadium to
put the Hammers ahead a minute before half-time, only for Swansea to snatch
an equaliser through Bafetimbi Gomis' header after the break. The
Frenchman's leveller was all the more galling as James Collins was off the
pitch at the time after suffering a head injury. Carroll himself then passed
up one of a host of opportunities missed by West Ham late on as the visitors
were forced to settle for a point after taking the lead for the second
league game in succession. "It was disappointing we didn't keep the lead,
which I thought we deserved. We kept on pressing but when Ginge went down
before the corner, that's who we needed in the box," he told West Ham TV.
"They got a free header and it's ended up in the back of the net which was
very disappointing for us. "I think we dropped off a lot in the second half.
They came out raring to go and, being away from home and 1-0 up, we didn't
want to concede We might have dropped off too much and put the pressure on
ourselves, but we did deserve to win the game. "The lads were saying after
the game that they didn't really do anything dangerous to us apart from
score the goal. It's always hard to come away to Swansea, though, so we'll
take a point and move on to the next game."

On a more positive note, Carroll had plenty to be proud of after hammering
his side into the lead with a truly magnificent goal. The forward controlled
Stewar Downing's cross on his chest before beating a defender, turning,
looking up and curling an unstoppable shot into the top right-hand corner of
Lukasz Fabianski's net. "The ball came in and I brought it down and tried to
get my shot off. I stood up a few players and hit it and it's gone in the
back of the net and it was great. I was obviously happy with it because it
was great to go in at half-time 1-0 up. "It's good. I like to get a shot off
from outside the box when I can, but it's not very often I do get to have a
shot from there, so it was nice to finally get one and put it in the back of
the net. "Their fans were giving me a bit of stick so I basically went over
and told them to 'Shut up'! They were telling to get my ponytail cut off
too, so I grabbed hold of it - it was good banter! "Their 'keeper said at
the end 'You must be my favourite 'keeper to play against!' but I'm just
happy to score goals in any game."

Despite the inconvenience of failing to hold onto a lead for the third game
in succession, Carroll says the seventh-placed Hammers have much to be
positive about ahead of Tuesday's FA Cup third-round replay with Everton at
the Boleyn Ground. "We're doing well and we just need to keep it up. The
lads are confident and happy with where we are and how we're playing. It's
just got to carry on until the end of the season now. "It'll be a good game
on Tuesday. Hopefully we'll get the win this time because up there we should
have had it. We will bring them down to our place and hopefully we'll get
into the next round."

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Westley: 'We didn't deserve to lose'
WHUFC.com
Terry Westley said his side did not deserve to lose 3-1 to Tottenham Hotspur
09.01.2015

West Ham United Academy Director Terry Westley said his side did not deserve
to lose 3-1 to Tottenham Hotspur on Friday evening. The Hammers succumbed to
their first defeat of the New Year when Tottenham took a first half lead
through Grant Ward's deflected free-kick. However, the Dev Squad rallied and
deservedly got back on level terms when Ravel Morrison equalised with a
superb bicycle kick. After the break, the game was very much in the balance
until the visitors took advantage of slack defending which allowed Harry
Winks to roll the ball home. They then secured the victory late on when Ward
scored his second of the game - another free-kick identical to his first.
Speaking after the game, Westley said: "The score was 3-1 but in terms of
how we played and how close the game was it was a lot tighter than that.

"In patches that was as good as I've seen us play, we opened them up a few
times. They had to defend very well as unit. At 1-0 down, through a
deflected free kick we got back into the game through a great bit of play
through Amos and a great finish from Ravel."
A positive for the Dev Squad was the return of Elliot Lee who played his
first 45 minutes of competitive football having picked up a hamstring injury
in early November. The 20-year-old striker put in a typically hard working
performance as he led the line by pressing the Spurs' defenders well.
Speaking about the return of Lee to the starting line-up, Westley said: "It
was good to see Lee back on the pitch, we knew at the start it would only be
45 minutes, but he played well for 45 minutes and didn't have any problems
with the injury. He had a great go and he'll ready to go again against
Everton."

The win was Tottenham's sixth of the campaign and, at least temporarily,
takes them top of the Barclays U21 Premier League. "Tottenham are a good
side, they play good football. Their academy director John McDermott has
been there 10 years plus so they have a system that they stick to. "You
need to be competitive and get after them. We needed to stay in the game and
be resilient, that is the only real criticism I have. They need to learn
that. Once they do then there ability will come through."

The Dev Squad's next game is away at Everton on Thursday 15 January, their
third game in just eleven days. Looking ahead to the game, Westley said he
would be making several changes to accommodate the busy schedule. "Everton
is our third game over a short space of time. After that we play Chelsea
quite quickly. So the team will be changed again, there were some players
rested tonight deliberately."

The Dev Squad's next home game is against Chelsea on Friday 23 January at
Rush Green Stadium, admission is FREE for Season Ticket Holders and only £3
for adults and £1 for U16s.

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Swansea 1 West Ham 1
10 January 2015
Last updated at 22:43
By Mike Henson
BBC Sport

Swansea fought back to earn a point against West Ham and protect a strong
home record at the Liberty Stadium. The hosts made the best of the early
chances but fell behind as Andy Carroll floated a precise shot into the top
corner just before the break. Substitute Marvin Emnes sparked Swansea into
life and Mark Noble could only divert Bafetimbi Gomis' header into his own
net as the tide turned. West Ham came on strong, but a late onslaught could
not regain the lead. Andy Carroll has scored four goals and assisted three
in six Premier League games against the Swansea through his career. The
visitors will reflect on two points lost in their pursuit of the top four as
they dropped deeper in defence of their narrow lead. But Swansea have only
been beaten once in the Premier League at home this season and it is
difficult to deny that the hosts deserved something from the contest. West
Ham's physicality and aerial threat had hustled Swansea to a 3-1 defeat at
Upton Park in December and the hosts seemed determined not to be bullied in
the opening stages. Ashley Williams and Federico Fernandez grappled with
their opponents under every high ball, goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski commanded
his six-yard box and West Ham, without their manager Sam Allardyce on the
touchline because of illness, seemed to lack their usual intensity. They
also carved out the better chances with Gomis and and Gylfi Sigurdsson going
close before their promising start was undone and Carroll showed there is
more to his game than just old-fashioned target man. The Hammers' record
signing had scored with two headers in the reverse fixture, but on this
occasion deftly controlled Stewart Downing's cross on his chest before
switching feet to buy a yard of space and clipping a superb shot into the
top corner from 15 yards. Carroll's gleeful celebrations in front of a
particularly vocal section of the home support had scarcely finished when
Carl Jenkinson produced a superb last-ditch sliding block to deny Wayne
Routledge at the other end and ensure the lead lasted until the break. West
Ham's advantage was barely threatened in the early part of the second half,
with James Collins almost doubling their lead with a close-range header.

The tone of the game changed though as Garry Monk brought on Emnes and Modou
Barrow for Nathan Dyer and Routledge, focusing his attack on the heart of
the Hammers defence. The Swans, for whom Manchester City target Wilfried
Bony was absent on international duty, immediately had more central threat
with Gomis scooping a presentable chance over the bar before glancing a
header towards goal and seeing Noble turn into his own net as he tried to
clear. It set up a grandstand finish and West Ham came closest to a winner
through Stewart Downing's 20-yarder and James Tomkins' header, before
running out of time.

Swansea manager Garry Monk on Bafetimbi Gomis: "I brought Bafi in the summer
and he has worked very well. He has been frustrated with his game time but
the games he has played he has shown his quality. "Now he has the perfect
run and you saw against West Ham the quality he has, and in the coming weeks
he will be an even better player."

West Ham assistant Neil McDonald: "I think we should have won as we created
some really good chances. "Andy's goal set us up and it was a very pleasing
goal because we have worked on his movement in the box. "The first touch was
great, he showed fast feet to get half a yard and he sticks it in. People
think he is just a lump but he has more to his game. He has great touch and
is a goalscorer with his head or feet."

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Swansea 1-1 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 10th January 2015
By: Staff Writer

West Ham had to settle for a point against Swansea at the Liberty Stadium
this afternoon having thrown away a third successive lead.
There will be a great deal of frustration in the West Ham camp after they
contrived to throw away a winning position for the third match in a row,
having been similarly foiled by West Bromwich Albion and Everton in 2015.
However stand-in boss Neil McDonald - deputising for a sick Sam Allardyce -
will be pleased at the manner in which his team ended the game, with Swansea
mostly on the backfoot for the last 15 minutes of the game.

Andy Carroll gave West Ham a 43rd-minute lead with an exquisite piece of
solo skill, turning on a sixpence before lifting the ball over the head of
Lukasz Fabianski. However the Irons' slender advantage was nullified just
16 minutes from full time when Mark Noble inadvertently turned Bafetimbi
Gomis' header from a corner over the line - whilst the Swansea forward's
marker, James Collins, was off the field receiving treatment. The hosts'
equaliser was the signal for a renewed push by McDonald's men, who ended the
game in complete control without managing to find the killer touch that
would have transformed one point into three.

Stewart Downing was inches away from restoring West Ham's lead on 82 minutes
when his curling effort was tipped wide by Fabianski. The 'keeper was on
hand again 60 seconds later to deny Man of the Match Carl Jenkinson's
long-range effort. James Tomkins was next to be denied when his goal-bound
header from a Downing corner was hacked off the line by the alert Neil
Taylor before both Aaron Cresswell and Andy Carroll were thwarted by
Fabianski, who enjoyed a large slice of good fortune having spilled the
full-back's free kick. Sadly it wasn't to be and whilst the point is a
reasonable return, there will be few returning from Wales to London tonight
not thinking that it really should have been all three.

West Ham Utd: Adrian, Jenkinson, Tomkins, Reid, Collins, Cresswell, Noble,
Nolan, Downing, Carroll, Valencia.
Subs: Jaaskelainen, O'Brien, Poyet, Amalfitano, Jarvis, Vaz Te, Cole.

Swansea City: Fabianski, Rangel, Williams, Fernandez, Taylor, Britton,
Carroll, Sigurdsson, Dyer, Routledge, Gomis.
Subs: Tremmel, Tiendalli, Emnes, Barrow, Oliveira, Bartley, Fulton.

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Swansea peg back West Ham to draw 1-1 at the Liberty Stadium
By Adam Bate. Last Updated: 10/01/15 9:50pm
SSN

West Ham had to settle for a 1-1 draw at Swansea despite having the better
chances at the Liberty Stadium. Andy Carroll scored a fine goal to give the
visitors the lead before the break but Swansea levelled things late on when
a header by Bafetimbi Gomis found the net via Mark Noble. The Hammers, with
Neil McDonald taking charge on the bench due to an illness to Sam Allardyce,
almost forced a winner but found Lukasz Fabianski in good form and the
points were shared. McDonald had West Ham lined up in a 3-5-2 formation and
the away side appeared content to soak up pressure in the early stages as
Swansea started the brighter. Gomis, deputising for Manchester City target
Wilfried Bony while the Ivorian is on Africa Cup of Nations duty, had the
first opportunity but couldn't get on the end of Nathan Dyer's cross.
However, the Hammers soon got a foothold in the game with Carroll holding
the ball up well in attack and Carl Jenkinson and Kevin Nolan each curling
right-footed efforts over the bar. Gomis looked a real handful for the Swans
but was dispossessed when one-on-one with James Tomkins and further chances
were spurned by Gylfi Sigurdsson. Twice the attacking midfielder was fed by
Dyer on the right but he failed to connect properly both times and the home
side were soon made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal.

Opening goal

Stewart Downing swung in a cross from the left and Carroll took the ball on
his chest before nodding it away from Ashley Williams. There was still
plenty of cover but Carroll proceeded to drop the shoulder to buy a yard of
space from Federico Fernandez and curled the ball left-footed into the far
corner of the net. Garry Monk's side attempted to respond immediately but
Jenkinson produced a brilliant piece of last-ditch defending to deny Wayne
Routledge from point-blank range. After the interval, West Ham continued to
look a threat with Jenkinson enjoying his wing-back role and finding Carroll
with a low cross to the near post that the striker fired just wide of the
post.
James Collins subsequently headed wide from Downing's corner before Enner
Valencia almost latched onto an Adrian goal-kick when Rangel misjudged his
header back to his own goalkeeper. Swansea's possession failing to find a
way beyond a compact West Ham defence to the frustration of the crowd with
one overhit cross by Routledge seeming to sum things up. Monk tried to
freshen things up by removing Dyer and Routledge for Modou Barrow and Marvin
Emnes and the latter immediately set up Gomis only for the striker to spoon
his shot over the bar. But with West Ham defending ever deeper, the
equaliser did come in the 74th minute when Gomis headed Sigurdsson's
left-wing corner against the post and the ball ricocheted in off Noble.

Emotion

Gomis didn't seem to mind and appeared overcome by emotion when celebrating
with a French flag, calling to mind the tragic events in Paris earlier in
the week. If that might have been the prelude to some late Swansea pressure,
West Ham had other ideas with Downing and Jenkinson forcing fine saves from
Fabianski in quick succession. A sweeping move from West Ham led to another
corner that Tomkins headed goalwards only for Neil Taylor to clear off the
line as Swansea looked to be buckling. Aaron Cresswell tested Fabianski with
a low free-kick that the goalkeeper spilled and Carroll looked set to bundle
home the winner only for the Pole to react quickly to deny him. There were
no further opportunities and while Swansea and West Ham extend their winless
streaks to three and four games respectively, their efforts showed why both
remain in the top half.

Soccer Saturday analysis – Matt Le Tissier

Fabianski was the busier goalkeeper of the two and Swansea probably had a
little more possession than West Ham, but I thought in the end a draw was a
pretty fair result. Fabianski made a couple of very good saves, particularly
one from Downing. I would imagine Arsenal are maybe looking at that and
thinking 'he may be better than what we've got'. I was really impressed with
Jenkinson down the right-hand side; he pushed on a lot during the game and
got himself into some good crossing positions. He was a real threat down the
right-hand side.

Player ratings

Swansea: Fabianski (7), Rangel (6), Fernandez (6), Williams (6), Taylor (7),
T.Carroll (6), Britton (6), Dyer (7), Sigurdsson (6), Routledge (5), Gomis
(7).

Subs: Emnes (6), Barrow (6), Oliveira (6).

West Ham: Adrian (6), Jenkinson (7), Tomkins (7), Reid (7), Collins (7),
Cresswell (6), Noble (6), Nolan (6), Downing (7), Valencia (7), A.Carroll
(8)

Subs: Amalfitano (6), Poyet (6).

Man of the match: Andy Carroll.

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West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald disappointed with 1-1 draw at
Swansea
Last Updated: 10/01/15 6:27pm
SSN

West Ham assistant boss Neil McDonald was disappointed to see his side draw
1-1 at Swansea after a strong performance at the Liberty Stadium. Taking
charge of the team in the absence of Sam Allardyce due to illness, McDonald
saw the Hammers take the lead through Andy Carroll only to be pegged back
when Mark Noble could only divert a Bafetimbi Gomis header into his own net.
West Ham had chances to win it late on but had to settle for a point and
McDonald felt that was the least the visitors deserved. "After looking at
all the half-chances that Swansea have had and obviously scoring from a
corner, we're very disappointed that we haven't come away with the three
points," he told Sky Sports. "We created very good chances and Andy
Carroll's goal was the pick of the bunch. We've had a couple cleared off the
line and a couple go just wide of the post so we've got at them."

Frustration

Swansea's equaliser came while West Ham centre-back James Collins was off
the field getting treatment for a head injury and that was a further cause
of frustration for McDonald. "He's got a knock on the head and the referee
has indicated that he can come back on the pitch and then said to our
medical staff that he's got to go off the pitch," he added. "So there was a
little bit of a misunderstanding happened there. The corner has come in and
obviously Ginge is one of our markers, we haven't cleared it and they've
scored. "We're disappointed when we concede set plays because we work very
hard on them."

Although Allardyce was not present at the Liberty Stadium, the West Ham boss
made his presence felt and McDonald confirmed he was the man on the other
end of the phone throughout the match. "It certainly wasn't Pizza Express or
anything like that," said McDonald. "He was just trying to give us a few
pointers and things like that from what he was seeing on TV and we tried to
relate that to the players."

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Leroy: 'We let ourselves down"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 10, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

The trouble with that Andy Carroll is he's only any good in the air isn't
he? Well the big fella nailed that nonsense once and for all today and I
hope you won't mind me saying I've always said he was good on the deck. That
was one blinding goal and the celebration which followed was brilliant. he'd
been getting a lot of stick from the Swansea fans and had a great time
putting it up to 'em.
We played some really good football at times today and had we come away with
a point this time last year we would have been doing some big time
celebrating. But we let ourselves down a bit in the second half and started
to defend what we had. It's as much to do with the players as the manager.
When you haven't won for a while there's a collective psyche kicks in but
it's the wrong way to go. We started defending deeper and deeper and you
just knew what was going to happen. It was a real shame to see it happen
because the further we went into our shell the harder it was always going to
be to come out.

The goal was really unfortunate for Mark Noble but there was nothing he
could do and to be fair we responded really well, creating a lot of chances
towards the end. The fact is though that we've now gone five without a win
and we need to get that one on the board either against Everton on Tuesday,
Hull on Saturday or both of course. After that it's Liverpool at their place
and Man United at the Boleyn. These are free hits and both teams are
beatable. They are definitely not what they once were. Every team will have
its little disappointing run but once we have sorted Everton, Hull or both
we'll be back on our way again. No problem.

Come on you Irons.

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Fans blast Irons 'safety first' policy
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 10, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

West Ham fans have been responding to this afternoon 's 1-1 draw at Swansea
on the ClaretandHugh Facebook forum and website "Leave a Comment" area.

Despite a thrilling game and a cracking Andy Carroll goal, the majority
appear to believe it was an opportunity missed.

Here's a selection of immediate post match comments:


Neil Abrey As far as today was concerned I do not understand why we would
start trying to defend a 1-0 lead with more than half the game left to play
especially when we look a decent team when we play football. However,
realistically we don't want to qualify for Europe next year. We will need to
sign Jenkinson, Song and Reid (or equivalents) just to stand still) and it
is not as if any big money will be coming in from selling anyone. I don't
think we will have the squad to compete in domestic and European
competitions.

PennsylvaniaHammer: As the season goes on, for me, it's clear that Jenks and
Creswell have been the biggest difference. Song, Sakho and Downing's
resurrection have all played a massive part but if we lost either of those
two I think we would notice it more than any other absences

Lee Pearce Draw is not bad at all. Remember that winless run includes
Swansea n Chelski away and Arsenal at home. Not easy games . . This "new
team" is only in its first season. Improvement doesnt happen over night.
COYI

Ricky Charlie Hebdo Peters why is the management team of the mindset to sit
back on a lead .. surely the best form of defence is attack ….

David Head Sorry about the same old thing, but how much more mobile did we
look when the teacher's pet Nolan came off, he should be an impact sub at
best, we have better players now. I bet Sam ships out Poyet to keep a place
for Nolan in cm.

Martin Pacetti Nothing like sitting back though and waiting for them to
level, how many times.

Alan Goulding Its Just not good

Richard Trezise My bet for Tuesday is a screw up and then lots of excuses
and blame from the manager. Not one bit of it will be directed at himself.

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Carroll belter but Irons winless run goes on
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 10, 2015 in Whispers
Swansea 1 Irons 1

West Ham were forced to settle for a draw in an often thrilling affir which
saw Andy Carroll score a goal of the season qualifier.
Sadly, Swansea equalised through Bafétimbi Gomis but on the balance of play
-disappointing though it was – a draw was probably a justified result. The
big fella had given the Irons their lead when he took two touches with his
head two touches with his head from Downing's cross, before nicking the ball
from Fernandez, turning and smashing home a top right hand corner belter. It
was his fourth goal of the sdeason – three of them coming against the Welsh
outfit. Until then chances had been few and far between although the
influential Gylfi Sigurdsson had a chance when firing straight at Adrian at
the end of a fine move. The Hammers had never allowed the hosts to settle
into their normal free flowing home ground style and Garry Monk's men could
never get really underway. However, immediately following Carroll's
blockbuster Carl Jenkinson produced a magnificent block to deny Routledge.
Aaron Cresswell on the other side, produced a flawless display, defending
superbly and getting forward at every opportunity to constantly trouble the
Swansea defence.

Sigurdsson was a constant menace popping up in space to prompt Swansea
forward but the Irons should have been two up when an unmarked Collins
guided his header from Noble's corner wide. But as the game swung from one
end to the other it was Gomis who rose above the Hammers defence from
Sigurdsson's corner before the ball crashed into the post and off Noble into
the net. That prompted a serious reaction from the Irons with both Downing
and Jenkinson bring fantastic flying saves from Fabianksi. The Taylor
cleared a Tomkins header off the line and a Cresswell freekick was spilled
by the Swansea keeper but Carroll could toe end the rebound past him.

Adrian 5 Jenkinson 7 Reid 6, Toimkins 7, Collins 7 Cresswell 9 noble 7 Nolan
6 Downing 6 Carroll 7 Valencia 5 Subs Amalfitino 6 Poyet 5

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West Ham reportedly eye Matija Nastasic as possible Reid replacement
HITC
Olly Dawes

West Ham United are reportedly interested in a deal to sign Manchester City
defender Matija Nastasic. Whilst West Ham fans have been hoping that Winston
Reid would sign a new contract to stay at Upton Park, manager Sam Allardyce
effectively ended any lingering doubts by saying that the New Zealand
international has no future with the Hammers. "There is no future for
Winston Reid at West Ham at the moment," said Allardyce earlier this week.
"His contract finishes on June 30. He hasn't said he's going to sign or that
he's not going to sign." "I'm airing on the side that he isn't going to sign
by the feel of it and look of it. Knowing how the football world works,
talking to managers about the situation it's very unlikely Winston will sign
for us given what people are saying to me," he added.

With Arsenal and Liverpool both lining up moves to sign the 26-year-old,
it's time for Hammers boss Allardyce to start identifying potential
replacements for Reid. The likes of Aleksandar Dragovic (Dynamo Kiev),
Martin Hinteregger (Red Bull Salzburg) and Nicolas N'Koulou (Marseille) have
all been touted as possible contingency plans for Allardyce, but he may look
closer to home. According to the Daily Mail, the Hammers are considering a
move to hijack Schalke's move for Manchester City outcast Matija Nastasic.
The Serbian international, 21, has been frozen out by City manager Manuel
Pellegrini, and looked set to sign for Schalke in £10m deal this week.
But with nothing signed and sealed, the Daily Mail suggest that West Ham may
well hijack that bid, with the former Fiorentina defender seen as a
potential replacement for Reid.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham & Crystal Palace will bid for Celtic's Efe Ambrose
HITC
Tim Poole

The Premier League duo are said to be plotting a £3 million offer. West Ham
United and Crystal Palace are planning a £3 million bid for Celtic defender
Efe Ambrose, according to the Sunday Mirror. The 26-year-old has been at
Celtic since 2012 but is reportedly the subject of Premier League interest,
with the defender said to be willing to move from the SPL to the English top
flight. Ambrose, however, has been much criticised for his form by
supporters this season, although Celtic boss Ronny Deila has kept faith in
him throughout the campaign. Ambrose could be of use to both West Ham and
Crystal Palace as his versatility sees him able to play both at centre-back
and at right-back. Another Celtic defender linked with a Premier League move
this January has been Virgil van Dijk but the Mirror now claim Ambrose is a
target for two top-flight sides. West Ham and Crystal Palace have both
displayed significant room for improvement defensively in recent weeks - but
whether the 26-year-old is the solution is another matter.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham reportedly set to offer new contract to goalkeeper Adrian
HITC
Olly Dawes

After a number of great displays, West Ham are reportedly set to offer a new
contract to goalkeeper Adrian. West Ham's great season has hit something of
a stumbling block, with Sam Allardyce's men going five games in all
competitions without a win. Two defeats and three draws have slightly
dampened spirits, and the ongoing saga over Winston Reid's contract
situation with the club is another concern.
The 26-year-old New Zealand international is out of contract at the end of
this season, and manager Allardyce even admitted that Reid doesn't have any
future with the club given that he seemingly has no intention of signing a
new deal to stay with the Hammers. In a bid to prevent a similar situation
happening in the future, West Ham are reportedly set to offer a new contract
to goalkeeper Adrian. The 28-year-old Spaniard joined in 2013 from Real
Betis, and was initially considered to be something of a backup to Jussi
Jaaskelainen. Yet now, Adrian is one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier
League after a superb season between the sticks for West Ham - leading the
Hammers to pursue a new contract. Adrian's current contract expires in 2016,
meaning he has just 18 months left to run on his deal - and it seems they
may have learned their lesson from the Reid situation by offering him a new
two-year extension.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com



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Daily WHUFC News - 10th January 2015

Preview: Swansea City
WHUFC.com
Everything you need to know about the Hammers' trip to the Liberty Stadium
09.01.2015

SWANSEA CITY v WEST HAM UNITED
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
THE LIBERTY STADIUM
SATURDAY 10 JANUARY 2015
KICK-OFF: 3.00PM
REFEREE: MIKE DEAN

In brief

West Ham United travel to Swansea City on Saturday 10 January looking to
complete their first double of the season, having beaten the Swans 3-1 at
the Boleyn Ground in early December.

However, Garry Monks' men are certainly no pushovers, particularly at home
where they have won six games, including victories of Arsenal, Aston Villa
and West Bromwich Albion. The Welsh outfit are currently ninth in the
Premier League table with 29 points from 20 games.

Swansea's main danger man, Wilfried Bony, is unavailable as he is on
international duty with the Ivory Coast as his imminent £30 million move to
Manchester City is being finalised.

Sam Allardyce's men have enjoyed a strong first half to their league
campaign as they look to fulfil their aim of finishing in the top half of
the Premier League. They currently sit in seventh with 32 points from 20
games.

Who are they?
Formed in 1912 as Swansea Town, The Swans adopted the name Swansea City when
the town was granted City status in 1969. Having almost gone out of business
in 1985 following consecutive relegations, the directors managed to salvage
the club. They continued to slip through the Football League to the fourth
division yet their fortunes changed in 2005 with a move away from Vetch
Field to the Liberty Stadium. The Swans have enjoyed several promotions in a
decade and are now an established Premier League team. Praised for their
possession-based style of football, their recent success was capped off by
winning the League Cup in 2012/13, subsequently qualifying for the Europa
League the following year.

Team news
West Ham United

Top goal scorer Diafra Sakho is injured with a recurrence of a back problem
sustained against West Bromwich Albion on New Year's Day.
Andy Carroll is back in the squad after missing the FA Cup tie with Everton.
Cheikou Kouyate is away on International duty as Senegal prepare for their
African Cup of Nations campaign. Aside from that, Sam Allardyce has a full
squad to pick from.

Swansea City

Garry Monk will have to do without Jefferson Montero (hamstring) as well as
Wilfried Bony and Ki Sung-Yeung (both international duty).
JonJo Shelvey is suspended after being charged with violent conduct
following an incident with Liverpool's Emre Can.

Referee
Saturday's referee is Mike Dean. The experienced referee has been involved
in top flight football for 15 years, taking charge of 350 matches in that
time. This season, Dean has been in charge of two West Ham games. The 3-1
home defeat by Southampton and the Hammers' 1-0 victory over Newcastle
United. The Assistant Referees are Stuart Burt and Edward Smart while James
Adcock is Saturday's Fourth Official.

Statistics
(2014/15 season - Barclays Premier League only)
Matches refereed: 10
Yellow cards shown: 27
Red cards shown: 3
Penalties awarded: 0

One to watch
West Ham United
Central defender James Collins put in a commanding performance against
Everton, capping it off with an excellent goal which almost gave the Hammers
an away victory. The Welsh International will be looking to continue his
form against the Swans.

Swansea City
With Wilfried Bony's departure imminent, the impetus to fill his
considerable shoes falls on Bafetimbi Gomis. The French striker has already
scored four goals this season, most recently a brace against Tranmere Rovers
in the FA Cup third round.

Tickets
Tickets for this game have sold out.
Tickets for the Hammers' next home game against Everton in the FA Cup Third
Round replay are available here.

Travel

For all your travel information on how to get to the Liberty Stadium, please
click here.

Weather

Temperature at kick off is forecast to be a sunny 6C (42.8F) with a high
chance of rain in the second half.

Last meeting
Swansea City 0-0 West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
27 October 2013
West Ham picked up a hard-earned point on the road with a turgid goalless
draw at Swansea. The Hammers' dead-ball threat troubled their hosts all
afternoon, with Angel Rangel hooking a long Razvan Rat free-kick off the
line while Guy Demel and Kevin Nolan also had good chances. Jussi
Jaaskelainen made two point-blank stops to deny Chico Flores and Wilfried
Bony at the other end, and the hosts also had a late penalty appeal for
handball against Joe Cole turned down as Swansea were left frustrated as the
game finished 0-0.

Swansea City: Vorm, Taylor, Chico Flores, Williams, Rangel, Britton, Dyer,
Routledge (Hernandez 61), de Guzman, Michu, Alvaro Vazquez (Bony 66)
Subs not used: Tremmel, Amat, Tiendalli, Canas, Pozuelo
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Reid, Tomkins, Rat, Demel, Nolan, Morrison (J
Cole 78), Noble, Diame (C Cole 64), Downing, Vaz Te (Jarvis 34)
Subs not used: Adrian, O'Brien, Taylor, Maiga

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Macca on: Swansea City
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald spoke to the media on Friday morning ahead of Saturday's trip
to Swansea
09.01.2015

Neil McDonald faced the press on Friday morning to preview Saturday's
Barclays Premier League trip to Swansea City. The assistant manager stood in
for Sam Allardyce, who was feeling under the weather with a chest infection,
and provided an update on Diafra Sakho's fitness, along with the rest of the
team news.

Neil, what is the situation with Diafra Sakho, Senegal are clearly not happy
at the moment?

NMc: "He's injured at the moment. We've been in constant contact with the
Senegalese management team on his injury. Since he came back from playing
with Senegal he's been uncomfortable but he's got through the games and then
he got injured against West Brom. There's no way he can fly, he's probably
going to miss the Africa Cup of Nations because of his injury, and we're
going to miss him too."

They are talking about a lack of respect, what do you make of that?

NMc: "I think we have respected them by giving them regular updates on his
injury and keeping in constant contact. We've asked them to come across and
assess him. He's had scans at the club, not to back it up but to prove that
he is injured. All we can do is give them as much information as we have. I
think lack of respect may have been taken out of context as Cheikhou Kouyate
has gone. We're not trying to stop anyone from representing their country,
the lad's injured."

Is there some rule about him being unable to play until the end of the
Africa Cup of Nations?

NMc: "I'm not 100 percent sure what that situation is. I believe they have
announced the squad and Diafra's not in it. We're not sure how long he is
going to be out for anyway."

Winston Reid, has there been any confirmation of him staying?

NMc: "He's here until the end of the season, we want him to stay until the
end of the season. It's a players prerogative if he wants to leave when his
contract is up. He's weighing up his options, we've been talking to him for
a long time. He's playing very, very well so it's not affecting his
performances, which is great. We'll continue to have a dialogue with him and
see what happens."

Sam Allardyce has said that if a big offer came in then you might consider
it?

NMc: "We need him here until the end of the season to try and push on and
get up the league as high as we can. He's been an important member of the
team."

One player who will be with you is Alex Song who has just retired from
international football, that is pretty good news for you?

NMc: "It's great news. He wants to concentrate on his club football. He's
represented his country with distinction, in a few World Cups as well as
other competitions. It's sad when someone retires but he's thinking about
his long term future domestically, and we look forward to having him at the
club at least until the end of the season.

West Ham have had a great first half of the season. Swansea have had a
pretty good start too haven't they?

NMc: "They have. They play some really good football. We've already beaten
them once. I think the stats said we out passed them. We're playing some
good football as well, we're looking forward to the game. They've got a
couple of players missing too I believe so it will be an interesting
contest."

One of those who will be missing is Wilfried Bony, you'll relieved you're
not coming up against him?

NMc: "Yes, he's a great player, he's scored some great goals. He'll be a big
miss for them for sure."

Entering the second half of the season, what are the aims, have they changed
at all?

NMc: "Well, they have to change don't they? We've got 32 points on the board
now, so we'll set our sights a little bit higher if we can. The aim at the
start of the season was always top ten but I'm sure we can improve on that."

This season you're not looking at the 40 points presumably?

NMc: "Everyone looks to get the 40 points as quickly as possible and then
the pressure's off I suppose. Now we're in the position we are, we want to
make the most of it."

Andy Carroll missed the FA Cup game, he cut his finger making a sandwich, is
he alright for Swansea?

NMc: "Hopefully him cutting his finger won't keep him out of Swansea's
game!"

You've got a good record against Swansea recently, what is it about your
style that matches up well against Swansea?

NMc: "I think we're much more compact this season. We've got a lot more pace
in the side so we hit teams on the break harder. We've already beaten them
so that helps psychologically which is good for us and we're all looking
forward to it."

What team news is there for tomorrow?

NMc: "Everyone is fit apart from Diafra obviously, and Cheik has gone but
apart from that we have a full squad. We've got a busy schedule ahead with
the replay so we'll probably make a few changes on Saturday and Tuesday."

How does the FA Cup feature in the plan for the season?

NMc: "It's right up there. When you have a lot of points, why not push for
the FA Cup? We almost beat Everton away and we'll certainly be going all
guns to win on Tuesday."

There's been a couple of reports Diego Poyet might be going out on loan, is
that a possibility?

NMc: "I think with the fixtures that we've got I don't think anyone will be
leaving. The games are coming thick and fast so we need everyone on board."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble targets winning return
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble was happy to be back in the team on Tuesday but now he wants
three points
09.01.2015

Mark Noble was happy to be back in action, but admitted West Ham United had
missed a golden opportunity to reach the FA Cup fourth round.
The Hammer of the Year returned to Sam Allardyce's starting XI for Tuesday's
1-1 third-round draw at Everton - a game that saw Romelu Lukaku score a
minute into added-time to cancel out James Collins' 56th-minute opener. The
midfielder, playing for just the second time since injuring his heel in the
Hammers' Barclays Premier League defeat at the same ground in November, had
mixed emotions when West Ham TV caught up with him after the game.
"Obviously you can't give Lukaku two touches in the box," he conceded with
typical honesty. "Overall I thought the lads were brilliant and played
really well, and probably didn't get what we deserved away at Everton. "It
felt really good to be out there again. I really enjoyed it, even though we
didn't get the result we wanted from the game. I saw a lot of the ball and I
thought we played really well on the night. "It's another game next Tuesday
night after we go to Swansea on Saturday. It's a home game and we're playing
well at home at the minute, so we're looking forward to it."

With Cheikhou Kouyate away at the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal, Noble
has a chance to reclaim his starting position over the next few weeks, and
the No16 is determined to take it. Next up on West Ham's fixture list is a
trip to South Wales to take on Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium on
Saturday. The Swans will be without leading goalscorer Wilfried Bony, who is
at the same tournament with Ivory Coast, while midfielder Ki Sung-yueng is
at the Asia Cup with South Korea. Noble believes West Ham can take full
advantage and pick up another Barclays Premier League victory. "I am sure we
have got a big enough squad to deal with any absences. We've got some top
players and we went to Everton and played really well against a very good
team. "We have got a good chance next Tuesday night when we play them again,
but the big game for us now is Swansea away on Saturday. "I think they've
got a couple of players away as well, so it'll be a good time to go and play
them."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Swansea v West Ham
KO 15:00
9 January 2015
By Martin Fisher

BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Liberty Stadium Date: Saturday, 10 January

TEAM NEWS

Swansea will be without top scorer Wilfried Bony and Ki Sung-Yueng, who are
both away on international duty. Jonjo Shelvey is banned and Jefferson
Montero is still out with a hamstring injury, but new signings Nelson
Oliveira and Matt Grimes are available.

West Ham striker Diafra Sakho is ruled out with the back injury which forced
him to miss the Africa Cup of Nations. Cheikhou Kouyate is away with
Senegal, but Alex Song is available after retiring from international
football.

MATCH PREVIEW

When the big clubs come knocking for your star striker, it's difficult to
keep the door locked - especially if they arrive armed with promises of
silverware, whopping wages for the player and a sackful of cash to test your
resolve. It now appears certain that Wilfried Bony will join champions
Manchester City during the January transfer window for a fee in the region
of £30m, representing a staggering profit of £18m on a player who's only
been in the Premier League for 18 months. "Wilfried Bony is away at the
Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast but Manchester City's interest might
mean that is the future for Swansea anyway. Swansea's back-up striker
Bafetimbi Gomis strikes me as the sort of player who needs a lot of chances
to put one away but I am sure manager Garry Monk will be happy to have £30m
or so to spend if Bony does leave."

His record of 34 goals in just 70 appearances speaks volumes and, while
manager Garry Monk would love him to stay, he's realistic enough to accept
the inevitable, take the cash and move on. Of course, Bony has already gone
to the Africa Cup of Nations with the Ivory Coast. In all probability he's
kicked a ball for the last time for Swansea. Monk hopes he has a ready-made
replacement within his squad in Bafetimbi Gomis, and you can expect any
interest in the former France international from the likes of Crystal Palace
to be quickly rebuffed.
It's only five weeks since Bony gave Swansea an early lead at the Boleyn
Ground but West Ham came back impressively to win 3-1, with Andy Carroll
scoring twice. Carroll usually features strongly in this fixture. Last year
he set up two goals before being sent off after a tangle with Chico Flores,
and the season before he scored the winner. Small wonder, then, that Monk
expects the Geordie to be a prominent figure again and sees finding a way of
keeping him quiet as crucial to his plans for success. Both clubs' form has
been a little mixed of late, but with each residing within the top half of
the table, there's little chance of either being sucked into a relegation
scrap.
Instead, goals in the New Year will be similar in South Wales and the East
End - to finish in the top 10 and have a genuine crack at the FA Cup.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
West Ham are unbeaten in their last four meetings with Swansea (W3, D1).
The Hammers have failed to score at the Liberty Stadium on their two
previous visits (D1, L1).

Swansea City
Swansea have lost just one of their last seven league games at home (W4,
D2).
Garry Monk's side have dropped a league-high 16 points from winning
positions, including in the reverse fixture against the Hammers in early
December.
Only Chelsea (three) have conceded fewer home goals than Swansea's seven
this season.
Swansea are the only team yet to score from a corner in this season's
Premier League.
Ashley Williams will make his 300th appearance for the club.

West Ham
West Ham have won just once in their last five league games away from home
(D2, L2).
The Hammers have kept four clean sheets this season - only Everton and
Leicester have kept fewer, with three.
Sam Allardyce's team have scored 14 headed goals this season, the most in
the top flight.
Goalkeeper Adrian has made the second-highest number of saves this season
(76) in the Premier League, just behind QPR's Robert Green (79).
Andy Carroll is one short of 50 Premier League appearances for West Ham.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A dozen clubs - and still only 23
KUMb.com
Filed: Friday, 9th January 2015
By: Staff Writer

Frank Nouble completed a move to his 12th league club earlier today when he
signed a six-month contract with Coventry City. Nouble, 23, spent three
years at West Ham between 2009 and 2012 having joined from Chelsea. However
much of that time was spent on loan, with the Lewisham-born forward making
no less than SEVEN loan moves during his time at the Boleyn. Wolves took
Nouble on a free transfer upon his release from West Ham, but he made just
one start - in the Capital One Cup - during his time at Molyneux, from where
he moved to Portman Road - for a nominal fee - in January 2013. After a
season-and-a-half with the Tractor Boys, Nouble was (literally) sent to
Coventry in September 2014 on a four-month loan. Upon the completion of
that, Nouble was released by Ipswich - allowing him to join the Sky Blues on
a permanent basis.

In the bank, Frank - Nouble's 12 clubs

2009-2009: Chelsea
2009-2012: West Ham United

February 2010: West Brom (one month loan)
March 2010: Swindon (three month loan)
September 2010: Swansea (one month loan)
January 2011: Barnsley (two month loan)
March 2011: Charlton (one month loan)
September 2011: Gillingham (three month loan)
March 2012: Barnsley (one onth loan)

2012-2013: Wolves
2013-2014: Ipswich Town

September 2014: Coventry City (half-season loan)

2015-: Coventry City

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Sam shoots back in 'Sully special' row
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 9th January 2015
By: Staff Writer

Sam Allardyce has warned David Sullivan that his policy of signing untried
players could damage the club's growth in the long-term. Last week Sullivan
claimed that he was behind the signings of Diafra Sakho and Mauro Zarate,
adding that he could have signed in-form Swansea striker Wilfried Bony - who
is being linked with a £30million transfer window move to Manchester City -
for just £8million in the summer of 2013, instead of Andy Carroll.
Responding to Sullivan's comments in his Standard column today, Allardyce
insisted that although the deal was possible, it would have not made sense
given the club's financial situation. "David Sullivan has said recently that
he could have signed him for £8m but that I wanted Andy Carroll," he said.
"My recollection was that, yes, we knew about Bony but we all agreed to go
for Carroll — with the caveat that if the deal didn't work out for any
reason, we would switch to Bony. "Whatever anyone says now, at the time a
bid for Bony, unproven in English football, would have represented a bigger
risk than Andy, an established Premier League player. The likelihood of
achieving success, had we signed Bony, was far less than with Carroll.
"Hindsight is a wonderful thing but, at the time, we were looking at these
two possibilities. In my experience over more than two decades in football
management, you always have to minimise the risk."

And whilst admitting that Diafra Sakho had proved an enormous success,
Allardyce maintained that a club could not survive on a long-term policy of
signing inexperienced players from abroad. "David likes a gamble, which is
no problem at all, and when it pays off it's great," he added. "If you keep
going down that route though, you end up with more failures than successes.
"It's particularly rewarding when one of those gambles pays off for
everyone, but it's difficult to see how you can keep doing it without
threatening the club's growth. Diafra Sakho could prove to be a one-in-a-
million signing. "I'm certainly not into picking an argument with him
[Sullivan] for what he said in a recent interview, but I think it is right
to put across my point of view. "The bottom line though is that we're all
working together to make this great football club even better and, up to
now, it has all been moving in the right direction, so we must be doing
something successfully. "As far as Bony is concerned, I wish him well
wherever he plays - but there are many we have looked at and decided against
signing who have gone elsewhere and not been a success."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce: Why we decided against signing Wilfried Bony
Evening Standard
SAM ALLARDYCE
Published: 09 January 2015 Updated: 15:20, 09 January 2015

The first big transfer of this January could be Wilfried Bony's £30million
move from Swansea to Manchester City. Bony is a player who could have come
to us a couple of seasons back. David Sullivan has said recently that he
could have signed him for £8m but that I wanted Andy Carroll. My
recollection was that, yes, we knew about Bony but we all agreed to go for
Carroll — with the caveat that if the deal didn't work out for any reason,
we would switch to Bony. Whatever anyone says now, at the time a bid for
Bony, unproven in English football, would have represented a bigger risk
than Andy, an established Premier League player. The likelihood of achieving
success, had we signed Bony, was far less than with Carroll. Hindsight is a
wonderful thing but, at the time, we were looking at these two
possibilities.

In my experience over more than two decades in football management, you
always have to minimise the risk. David likes a gamble, which is no problem
at all, and when it pays off it's great. If you keep going down that route,
though, you end up with more failures than successes.

It's particularly rewarding when one of those gambles pays off for everyone,
but it's difficult to see how you can keep doing it without threatening the
club's growth.

Admittedly, the £8m-£10m player represents a risk that you are going to have
to take more often than in the past because there are far fewer top players
around.

Diafra Sakho, at a lot less than that sum, could prove to be a one-in-a-
million signing. Likewise Enner Valencia and Cheikhou Kouyate have made
bright, encouraging starts.

We've been outstanding with our recruitment success rate this season but
that doesn't automatically mean it's going to be the same next summer.

We'd love it to be the case but realistically it's unlikely that future
signings will have quite the same impact on improving the team as last
summer's intake, although we live in hope.

As far as Bony is concerned, I wish him well wherever he plays but for one
player we could have signed, who then went somewhere else and did well,
there are many we have looked at and decided against signing, who have gone
elsewhere and not been a success.

Recruitment is a really difficult area. Often, when you are debating whether
or not to try and sign a player from abroad, you're working with very
limited knowledge, unlike someone from this country who you've seen or had
watched on a consistent basis.

Statistics are important but you should never ever rely on those alone.
Watching countless DVDs is all well and good but it can never replace seeing
the players yourself.

As I said, David loves a gamble — and I'm sure he will be up for a few more
along the way.

I'm certainly not into picking an argument with him for what he said in a
recent interview, but I think it is right to put across my point of view.

The bottom line, though, is that we're all working together to make this
great football club even better and, up to now, it has all been moving in
the right direction, so we must be doing something successfully.

Mauro wanted to play more, so I simply had to let him go

It's early days in the transfer window and everything is relatively quiet.
To be honest, that's how things should carry on here at West Ham for the
rest of the month. One departure has seen Mauro Zarate move on loan to
Queens Park Rangers, provoking some questions as to why now, when we have
Diafra Sakho and Andy Carroll out injured? The answer, quite simply, is that
Mauro wanted to go, he wanted to play more football. His chances here had
been limited and it came to the situation where he didn't want to stay here.
If he had remained, in that frame of mind, it would have been difficult to
have got the best out of him, so it was the right thing for everyone that he
went out on loan to try and play more often somewhere else. Let's see what
happens. It will be interesting to see whether he comes back a different
player. We still have four strikers. Andy is near to a return, Diafra's back
injury is still being assessed, while Enner Valencia and Carlton Cole are
fighting fit. As far as Winston Reid is concerned, there is still a chance
he will stay, although my instincts tell me he probably won't. The reality
is that if he doesn't quite get what he wants he will stay, but if another
club meets his demands, he won't. I would be very surprised, though, if he
left the club this month, for three reasons. Firstly, we're doing well in
the Premier League and just one reason why we want to finish as high as we
can is that there is £1.2million per place in the final table at stake. Then
there is the issue of finding a suitable replacement, which is almost
impossible at this time of the season. Finally, even if we did find one, the
cost of signing him would be far greater than the sum we would receive for
someone who is out of contract next summer.

We're up for the Cup ... but first we must stop that man Lukaku

We almost made it into the next round of the FA Cup on Tuesday night before
that man Romelu Lukaku scored Everton's injury-time equaliser. That's four
goals he has managed in as many games against us. Whether he's just come
back from injury or in the middle of a lean spell, he invariably scores
against us. We'll just have to try harder to break that sequence at the
Boleyn Ground in next Tuesday's replay. One thing is for sure, though.
Despite the challenge of having three games in eight days, we're going to
give this replay our best shot. What would be the point of going to Everton,
working so hard and coming so close to a victory if we just gave it up now?
What a waste of time and energy that would be. I know it comes just after a
tough game at Swansea tomorrow, but we will be putting out the strongest
team possible for the replay which, as in the first game, is bound to be be
tight. We're hoping for a big crowd and a top atmosphere. I know attendances
have been down for some games and it becomes an extra financial burden for
the fans, but I hope the FA Cup still holds some football magic for most
supporters. There are some critics who haven't agreed with the changes in
the Cup format, particularly that the semi-finals are now played at Wembley.
For me, I would love the opportunity to take West Ham to Wembley for the
semis. Wouldn't Hammers fans rather go there than all the way to somewhere
like Old Trafford?

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham insist Senegal striker Diafra Sakho's injury is genuine
Last Updated: 09/01/15 1:59pm
SSN

West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald says the back injury which has
forced striker Diafra Sakho out of the Africa Cup of Nations is genuine.
Senegal Football Federation president Augustin Senghor has accused the club
of a "lack of respect" over Sakho's withdrawal, complaining the decision was
left until "the last minute". Senghor said he would consult FIFA and the
Football Association in a bid to prevent the player from appearing for West
Ham during the tournament, which gets under way on January 17 with the final
on February 8.
West Ham assistant boss Neil McDonald says they have given all the
information about Diafra Sakho's injury to Senegal officials
"We've been in constant contact with the Senegal federation," said McDonald.
"There's no way he can fly, he's obviously injured and he's going to miss
the Africa Cup of Nations because of his injury and we're going to miss him
because he's injured. "We've been respectful, we've given them information
and kept in constant contact with them. He's injured. "We've asked them to
come across and assess him. We've had independent scans done and scans from
the club. "We're not trying to stop anyone from going to represent their
country."

Sakho missed Senegal's final qualifier for the tournament with a back
injury, with Hammers boss Sam Allardyce describing the treatment he received
for it while on international duty as "outrageous". The 25-year-old
subsequently missed three Premier League fixtures.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Swansea start life without Wilfried Bony at home to West Ham
Last Updated: 09/01/15 4:26pm
SSN

Swansea striker Bafetimbi Gomis has big boots to fill in place of Wilfried
Bony. Two teams on the crest of a Premier League wave meet at the Liberty
Stadium as Swansea City host West Ham United on Saturday. Both sides are
enjoying their best ever opening half to a Premier League season and a
similar points haul between now and May would set up top-eight finishes.
This is West Ham's best record after 20 Premier League matches, the haul of
32 points being level with their 1998-99 effort but with a better goal
difference (+7 to +1), while Swansea's haul of 29 points from 20 matches is
their highest in their four years in the Premier League. Swansea manager
Garry Monk said his team failed to compete in the 3-1 defeat at West Ham
earlier this season, when two headers from Andy Carroll and a late goal from
Diafra Sakho settled the game. Wilfried Bony had given the visitors an early
lead but he is unavailable for selection this week as he is on Africa Cup of
Nations duty with the Ivory Coast for at least the next three weeks and is
also in talks with Manchester City over a big-money transfer. Bafetimbi
Gomis is likely to start in Bony's place and he will be looking to improve a
goalscoring record of just one goal in 17 Premier League appearances.

Team news

Ki Sung-yueng, like Bony, is unavailable for Swansea due to international
commitments with South Korea in the Asian Cup while Jonjo Shelvey
(suspension) and Jefferson Montero (hamstring) remain on the sidelines. West
Ham manager Sam Allardyce gives an injury update.
West Ham striker Sakho is ruled out with the back injury which forced him to
miss the Africa Cup of Nations but Alex Song is available for selection
after retiring from international football.

Opta stats

West Ham have kept just one clean sheet in their last seven Premier League
matches.
West Ham assistant boss Neil McDonald says they have given all the
information about Diafra Sakho's injury to Senegal officials
In Swansea's last 34 Premier League games at Liberty Stadium they have only
won back-to-back games three times.
Wayne Routledge received Swansea's fifth red of the season in their last
game, the most shown to a team in the division.

Merson's prediction:

I like West Ham, they are a decent team. It will be interesting to see how
Swansea cope without Bony but Gomis doesn't look too bad a replacement.
There isn't anything between these two teams; they are about level with each
other. West Ham gave them a bit of a lesson at Upton Park in the
corresponding fixture. West Ham's one disappointing result this season came
against Arsenal, where they probably expected to at least get a draw that
day. Two evenly matched teams here and I can't split them.

PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1

West Ham are 4/7 to win or draw at the Liberty Stadium.
Betting

West Ham are without a win in three so home advantage makes Swansea the 5/4
favourites. Six wins from 10 at the Liberty isn't a bad return for the
hosts, but the Hammers are unbeaten in four against the Swans – they're 4/7
to keep that trend rolling with either a win or a draw on Saturday.

Meanwhile, betting has been suspended on Bony joining Manchester City, and,
with the Ivorian on international duty for the time being, Gomis is
Swansea's shortest priced forward at 5/4 to score anytime and 9/2 favourite
to score first.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Why success does not sit well with West Ham United fans
Jacob Steinberg
Friday 9 January 2015 14.38 GMT
The Guardian

A strange thing happened this week. Usually when I say I support West Ham
United, people smile sympathetically, pat me on the back and tell me with
forced cheeriness to keep my chin up. Then they look away, unable to meet my
gaze for a moment longer, or comprehend the ineffable sadness of my
situation.

Those with no interest in football have a slightly different approach. They
regard me with a mixture of horrified fascination and amusement, in the way
the Boggs family peered at Edward Scissorhands when he sat at the dinner
table for the first time, and always ask the same questions. Why West Ham?
Why not someone good? What position are they anyway? Fourteenth? In the
Premier League? Well done to you!

This week, however, the response changed when I admitted I support West Ham.
Instead of finding myself on the end of a heartfelt hug from a stranger, I
was agreeing with his assertion that I must be very happy indeed. "Yes," I
replied, my voice a little uncertain. "I suppose I am – happy."

Surely I am not the only West Ham fan troubled by the idea of happiness,
even though it has been a long time coming. Look through the crowd at Upton
Park and you will see facial expressions that have been set to perma-frown
after years of watching teams led by managerial titans such as Glenn Roeder
and Avram Grant. I have been in the away end when we were 2-0 down to
Rotherham United on a freezing December afternoon and a man who looked like
Peter Griffin spent the entire game venting his fury at Alan Pardew. I have
seen two relegations and a Neil Shipperley winner against us in the play-off
final.

We travelled to Cardiff in a limousine that day, the driver left the engine
on during the match and the battery was flat when we returned. At least the
Crystal Palace supporters had a good laugh at our expense.

My fondest memory of last season was not the three wins over Tottenham
Hotspur or Sam Allardyce out-tacticking José Mourinho, but a stoic though
doomed 70-yard run by James Tomkins during a dismal 0-0 draw with
Sunderland. It yielded a throw-in and Tomkins received a standing ovation; I
swear I saw someone throw claret and blue confetti in the air.

Now West Ham are playing good football and challenging for Europe I am
supposed to be happy but I am uncomfortable. Football supporters are not
meant to enjoy themselves, it is not part of their DNA. They are in their
element when they are moaning, because there is nothing to sink your teeth
into when your team play well, it is much better if they spend 90 minutes
displaying the imagination of a wet towel. Then you can whinge for hours in
the pub afterwards.

That anger is always bubbling away under the surface and it re-emerged when
West Ham drew 1-1 with West Bromwich Albion on New Year's Day. It was a
gloriously unfair reaction, but that cacophony of boos was music to my ears.
Finally, after all the ironic chants about playing Barcelona that greeted
West Ham's ascent into the top four, Upton Park sounded like Upton Park
again. It was our first chance to have a good boo since August and it was
cleansing – any doctor will tell you it is not healthy for a supporter to
keep that bottled up.

Stoke City's supporters appreciate the value of booing; nothing is off
limits. They booed Diego Costa from the whistle when they hosted Chelsea
last month, even though his offence was not obvious.

Football grounds are one of the few places where it is socially acceptable
to boo – you could try it in a restaurant, but you would probably be asked
to leave, and I promise I will cry if you boo this Funny Column. A search
for "football supporters booing" throws up 408,000 results on Google. Here
are some of the stories on the first page: Arsène Wenger booed by Arsenal
fans while boarding train; Cardiff fans entitled to boo – Slade; The Adam le
Fondre booing debate. Who knew it was possible to be that furious about Le
Fondre?

By now, you have probably been treated to Arsenal Fan TV, a YouTube show in
which Arsenal fans are interviewed by a jovial man called Robbie. The star
is undoubtedly Angry Claude, powered solely by his own rage at Arsenal's
inertia to the extent that Wenger's refusal to buy a defender may be a way
of trolling him.

The bane of Claude's life is the hopelessly optimistic Ty, who appears to
have been dragged through the Arsenal club shop by Taz. I am Team Claude. If
you tried to pull the wool over his eyes after an Arsenal defeat, he would
destroy it with his heat vision.

He would understand when I say that West Ham's attempt to make the jump to
the next level will end badly and that while the Olympic Stadium will look
resplendent on the outside, inside it will resemble the preposterous tiny
house that Homer Simpson built for Ned Flanders, which got smaller and
smaller from room to room. One tap and it will all come crumbling down.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
No return for Ravel Morrison at West Ham says Hammers assistant boss Neil
McDonald
Jan 09, 2015 11:46 By Neil McLeman
The Mirror
The wayward England under-21 international is the only Hammers player who is
available this month with McDonald concluding his career at Upton Park is
over

Ravel Morrison is finished at West Ham and is the only player available for
sale this month. The former Manchester United star, who moved to Upton Park
in January 2012, has been sent out on loan to Birmingham, QPR and Cardiff.
But Cardiff boss Russell Slade sent him back early last month and Morrison
has been training with the Under 21s back in east London. The troubled
21-year-old, who has an £18m release clause in his contract, will be a free
agent in the summer. And while the Hammers will see their squad stretched
this month with an FA Cup replay and Cheik Kouyate and Diafra Sakho
unavailable, assistant manager Neil McDonald insisted there was no way back
for Morrison.
"I think with the squad we have got, I don't think anyone will be leaving,"
he said. "I think we need everyone hands on deck with the games that are
coming thick and fast. And if we progress in the FA Cup, which we are hoping
to do, then we will need everyone here to rotate the squad. "Ravel Morrison
falls outside that. I am not sure if he is leaving but he won't come back
into the squad."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce sets sights on PSG starlet Jean-Kevin Augustin
Jan 09, 2015 12:07 By James Nursey
The 17-year-old striker's contract at the Parc des Princes expires in the
summer and he is now permitted to hold talks with other clubs
The Mirror

West Ham are trying to snap up Paris Saint-Germain starlet Jean-Kevin
Augustin on the cheap. The exciting France U18 international striker is out
of contract this summer. He has a clutch of top European clubs chasing him
including Juventus, Roma, Benfica and Porto.
Augustin joined the Ligue 1 champions from ACBB in 2009 but is yet to make
an appearance for Laurent Blanc's side despite being a substitute on four
occasions. The youngster, who turns 18 in June, is now able to speak to
foreign clubs. And the high-flying Hammers are trying to broker a cut-price
deal to bring him this month or agree terms for the summer.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam's Bony story at odds with DS
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 9, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Sam Allardyce has used his London Evening Standard column to address a
couple of issues which many people feel may be causing behind-the-scenes
friction between himself and David Sullivan. The first concerns Wilfried
Bony and why we didn't sign him. YAWN! The second sees Sam addressing the
subject of Mauro Zarate. Perhaps he believed the eve of a game against
Bony's team Swansea is the right time to break his silence on why West Ham
didn't sign the striker despite the player not being involved tomorrow
because he's at the African Nations Cup. He writes: "The first big transfer
of this January could be Wilfried Bony's £30million move from Swansea to
Manchester City. David Sullivan has said recently that he could have signed
him for £8m but that I wanted Andy Carroll. "My recollection was that, yes,
we knew about Bony but we all agreed to go for Carroll — with the caveat
that if the deal didn't work out for any reason, we would switch to Bony."
He adds that Bony was a bigger risk than Carroll because he was unproven in
the Premier League saying: "David likes a gamble, which is no problem at
all, and when it pays off it's great. If you keep going down that route,
though, you end up with more failures than successes."

Quite what is served by airing various versions of a near two year old story
is a little beyond me to be honest. David has had his say and now Sam has
responded – can that please be the end of it because all it suggests –
whether true or not – is that behind the scenes all is not well.

On the Zarate issue the manager writes the player wanted to go saying: "His
chances here had been limited and it came to the situation where he didn't
want to stay here. "If he had remained, in that frame of mind, it would have
been difficult to have got the best out of him, so it was the right thing
for everyone that he went out on loan to try and play more often somewhere
else."

The tone is more moderate than when telling the player he wasn't good enough
but there's no explanation as to why he didn't get more games – the reason
Zarate feels the way he does!. But it won't go unnoticed that this could be
a manager v chairman situation again, Zarate having been Sullivan organised
purchase! Can we please just get on with the football now.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Senegal: Don't trust Irons? Here's how Sakho feels
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 9, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

The row being kicked up by the Senegal Federation over Diafra Sakho's is
probably hurting the player an awful lot more than West Ham United ! The boy
has already used his facebook page to explain how he feels about his injury
and is still having to listen to his country's top officials claiming he may
be faking it. For their benefit alone we have no problem in publishing
Diafra's feelings on the injury in which his agony at missing the African
Nations Cup is clear. We would suggest two things to the Senegal Federation
having listened to him say for example: "My injury force me to but on hold
my dream." Grow up …then SHUT UP!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Macca: Senegal fully informed on Sakho
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 9, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Polite Neil McDonald has this morning made it clear to Senegal they have
little reason to complain about the Diafra Sakho situation.
The nation's football federation has been loudly complaining about the
Hammers keeping them in the dark about the striker's situation and
threatening to invoke FIFA rules against them. This effectively means they
will do all they can to prevent him playing for us should he recover before
their team exits the African Nations Cup.

ClaretandHugh reported yesterday that the club has invioted them to send
their doctors to London to check out the player whilst providing them with
full medical reports and scans. And in the absence of Sam Allardyce from
this morning press conference ahead of the Swansea game Macdonald confirmed
our story. He explained: I think we have respected them by giving them
regular updates on his injury and keeping in constant contact. We've asked
them to come across and assess him. "He's had scans at the club, not to back
it up but to prove that he is injured. All we can do is give them as much
information as we have."

The Senegalese had spoken of a lack of respect being shown by the Hammers
but the assistant boss said: "I think lack of respect may have been taken
out of context as Cheikhou Kouyate has gone. We're not trying to stop anyone
from representing their country, the lad's injured."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Adrian delighted with Vicente del Bosque praise... and the West Ham
goalkeeper could be in line for a Spain call-up!
By PETE JENSON FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 18:41, 9 January 2015 | UPDATED: 18:47, 9 January 2015

It was in a radio interview in November when Spain coach Vicente del Bosque,
tired of managers pushing their players under his nose saying he should
'call up this one' or 'take a look at that one', said: 'Why does no-one ever
ask me about Adrian the West Ham goalkeeper?'

A slightly surprised silence among studio presenters gave way to a consensus
that amounted to: good question, why does no one ever talk about Adrian? Two
months later and more people are talking about the West Ham goalkeeper than
ever before. Jose Mourinho, not prone to agreeing with Del Bosque, said
after Adrian's performance against his team on Boxing Day: 'He was
marvellous, just as he was marvellous last season'.

Spain stays glued to the Premier League during La Liga's winter break and
Adrian's performances only enhanced his chances of becoming No 3 behind Iker
Casillas and David de Gea when the next squad is announced in March. 'I
heard what Del Bosque said and it's honour,' he says at West Ham's training
ground. 'It's not just that he spoke about me but that he was the one who
brought my name up. No-one asked him.'

Another famous Spain No 3, Pepe Reina, is one of the major reasons why a
28-year-old from Seville is now plying his trade in east London. I know Pepe
very well and I spoke with him before I signed for West Ham,' Adrian says.
He told me: "Do it, don't hesitate. The Premier League is a great
opportunity and you'll enjoy it hugely just as I enjoyed those years at
Liverpool".'He doesn't regret taking the advice. 'It wins you over more with
every game. There is never a match when it seems one of the two teams
believe they can't win. There are times in Spain when you have a team
playing one of the big sides and because they have so much respect for them
the attitude is "let's defend and not lose by too many". Here everyone goes
for it. Everyone is brave.'

Not that switching from Spain to the Premier League was easy. As with De
Gea, there were adjustments for Adrian to make. 'The play is a lot more
physical here, there are a lot more high balls into the area and the
refereeing is different,' he says. 'In Spain the slightest push on the
keeper, especially if he goes down, the referee will blow. You have to watch
the flight of the ball and dodge the challenges. 'That's the biggest
difference but I have adapted well. I was good in the air in Spain and I'm
big enough to cope so that has helped.' There were other adjustments to
make. Spanish goalkeepers are more prone to punch than catch and tend to be
more comfortable using their feet. You can't imagine Sam Allardyce favours a
punching playmaker between the posts. 'It's true that here they don't like
you to punch,' Adrian says, 'but sometimes when the area is crowded and you
try to catch you can get a nudge from someone, the ball gets away, and if
they don't blow for a foul it's a goal. Sometimes a good punch will clear
the ball very effectively so you have to mix it up. With passing the ball
out from the back you can't be taking unnecessary risks, but if you are
decisive then there shouldn't be a problem.'

Adrian was a late starter, not taking up the gloves until he was 11 and not
breaking into the Real Betis first team until 25. 'I was an outfield player
before I was a goalkeeper,' he says. 'I played up front until I was 10 and I
loved to score goals but when my Under 11 team CD Altair lost their
goalkeeper and the coach asked: "Who wants to go in goal?" 'I said I didn't
mind while we looked for a new keeper — 18 years on I'm still in goal!' He
stayed at Betis for 16 years but had to wait for Pepe Mel's arrival to
graduate to first choice in 2012. 'An obstacle always seemed to crop up.
Three years ago I tore my cruciate and the following year I started as third
keeper but the first keeper wasn't playing well and the second keeper had
problems after saying something in an interview that the manager didn't like
so my chance came and I took it.' He's bright too, picking up the language
despite starting from zero. 'You have to launch yourself into it without
worrying about sounding like a fool. You need basic phrases immediately. You
can't be thinking how do I say 'away' or 'man-on' when you are in the middle
of the game. 'I have my own English teacher because my girlfriend speaks
excellent English. Deciphering accents can be the biggest problem and there
are plenty in the dressing room.' There are also plenty of Spanish speakers
at the club, though Big Sam is not one of them. 'I think he knows "tapas"
and "cerveza",' says Adrian. 'But the coaching staff are taking Spanish and
French classes.'

Adrian's family knew all about West Ham from Diego Tristan, a former Betis
youth player who played for the club. And Adrian adds: 'They also signed
Manuel Almunia. I was only a kid but when Spanish players come abroad —
especially a goalkeeper — you notice which club he has signed for.' His
references also go back to the club's finest keeper. 'Don't worry, I also
know who Phil Parkes is! I know he is a legendary keeper for this club and
everyone loves him.' Parkes was in goal the last time West Ham won
something, lifting the FA Cup in 1980. Adrian believes the team is moving in
the right direction after a good summer in the transfer market. 'There is a
change of style,' he says. 'The signings have brought a lot more variety and
more options, and now the manager can make decisions and think "how do we
approach this game?" We now we have plan A, B or C. 'You can really build
from midfield when you have a player like Alex Song who will always show for
the ball and move it on. That helps the team to build from the back and not
always play the long ball.' The one thing Adrian oozes is enthusiasm for the
game. He doesn't overplay it, but having seen two young team-mates lose
their lives — Miki Roque and Dylan Tombides both to cancer aged 23 and 20 —
it can only have made him more aware of the speed at which not just a career
but also life itself can pass a player by. 'I had played with Miki from the
youth team,' he says. 'We were very close friends because we had come
through the youth system together. You never imagine it can happen to a
team-mate. Everyone has to die some time, but not someone like Miki who was
so young and in the best moment of his life. 'We have to make the most of
life and make the most of times when things are going well. When these
tragic things happen you are reminded of what life is about — enjoying being
alive.'

He does that mantra justice with his goal celebrations that have endeared
him to West Ham fans. 'You can feel a bit isolated in goal so when the team
scores I love to celebrate,' he says. 'I can't go running to the other end
of the pitch so I celebrate with the supporters.' A festive dip in results
and the failure to win at Everton in midweek have pegged back expectations.
But Adrian still feels West Ham are moving forward. 'Maybe last season we
would always hit teams in the same area so in the end they put a wall there.
Now we can vary the approach to get around that. We can really compete.' As
long as Adrian's wall holds firm at the other end, they will have a chance.

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Daily WHUFC News - 9th January 2015

Adrian earns Mimms praise
WHUFC.com
Bobby Mimms believes Adrian is performing as well as any goalkeeper in the
Barclays Premier League
08.01.2015

Adrian is performing as well as any goalkeeper in the Barclays Premier
League at present, according to West Ham United coach Bobby Mimms.
Mimms has worked closely with the Spaniard since his arrival at the Hammers
in October, and has been hugely impressed by Adrian's attitude, ability
and all-round approach to his craft. The 28-year-old has responded by
producing a string of eye-catching performances. Going into Saturday's trip
to Swansea City, Adrian has made 65 saves in the Barclays Premier League
goalkeeper this season, level with the Swans' own Lukasz Fabianski and
second only to Queens Park Rangers' former West Ham stopper Robert Green
(73). While he has been kept busy, Mimms says the former Real Betis man has
been up to the task repeatedly when called upon. "Adrian is doing really
well," the goalkeeper coach confirmed. "Since I came to the Club, he has
performed pretty consistently and over the Christmas period some of his
performances were top-class. "I don't think there is anybody performing in
the Premier League as well and as consistently as Adrian at the moment, so
long may that continue. "We will keep working out there on the training
pitch and hopefully he can carry that into the games."

Of his 65 saves, Adrian has made three from shots unleashed inside his
six-yard box and 31 apiece from inside and outside his penalty area. When
you factor in his accurate distribution over short and long distances, it is
easy to see why Mimms is among a growing number of people who rate the
Seville-born goalkeeper as one of the best in English football at present.
He will get another chance to prove his credentials when West Ham travel to
Wales to face Swansea on Saturday, with kick-off at the Liberty Stadium at
3pm. You can catch live coverage of the match on whufc.com and across our
social media channels.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Howes ready for Spurs
WHUFC.com
Academy goalkeeper Sam Howes is confident the Dev Squad can build on
Leicester win
08.01.2015

West Ham United Academy goalkeeper Sam Howes was delighted to secure his
first clean sheet of the season in the Development Squad's 1-0 win over
Leicester City on Monday at Rush Green. In a tight affair, the Hammers came
out on top when substitute Djair Parfitt-Williams headed home Lewis Page's
corner in the 84th minute, and now the goalkeeper is looking for more
success when the U21s take on Tottenham Hotspur at Rush Green on Friday
night (7pm kick-off). Speaking after the game, the 18-year-old shot-stopper
said: "It was great to get my first clean sheet of the season for the U21s
on Monday. I thought we were excellent on the night. Leicester are a strong
team but we worked hard to get the result in the end. "To score in the 85th
minute was absolutely crucial. Our recent streak hasn't been going too well
for us but it was good to get the win and all the lads were buzzing."

Howes has had a notable season for the Hammers, making a substitute
appearance on the first team's pre-season tour of New Zealand, before
signing a professional contract. So far this season Howes has made five U21
appearances as well as 10 starts for the U18s. Assessing his own
performance, he continued: "I didn't have too much to do in the first half,
it was mainly distribution work. "In the second half the game opened up a
bit, and we got a bit more stretched. So I had one or two saves to make but
all the lads played their part and everyone is delighted get the three
points and a clean sheet."

The Dev Squad face a busy January with Friday night's game against rivals
Tottenham Hotspur their second of the week, out of five in total. After the
Spurs game, the Hammers will play away at Everton and Southampton while
hosting Chelsea on Friday 23 January.. However, Howes insists that everybody
is taking each game one at a time and they prepare for the Tottenham game.
"Leicester were very organised, they came with a plan to win. They're second
from bottom so they also needed the win. This win could change the course of
our season.
"Tottenham will be an even tougher game, they're doing well in the league.
It's a London derby and we're at home, this win over Leicester will give us
confidence so we have a chance. We had have a day off on Tuesday to recover
and then refocus for Tottenham."

Kick off at Rush Green is 7pm on Friday. Admission is FREE for Season Ticket
Holders, just £3 for adults and £1 for U16s.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Senegal angry at Sakho withdrawal
BBC.co.uk

Senegal officials hope to prevent injured Diafra Sakho playing for West Ham
during the three-week-long Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
Forward Sakho, 25, is out with a back injury, with a senior Senegal official
accusing the Premier League side of a "lack of respect" over his
withdrawal. The 2002 runners-up wanted to assess the player's injury
themselves. "We're going to Fifa and the English FA," Senegal Football
Federation president Augustin Senghor.

Speaking to the Senegal Press Agency, Senghor added: "Obviously, West Ham
have shown a lack of respect in waiting until the last minute before
alerting us to Sakho's unavailability for six weeks and even his inability
to travel by plane to come and join the squad."
Sakho had been due to arrive in Dakar on Tuesday for Senegal medics to
assess his recurring back problem. But the player's agent said he had been
advised against travelling. Sakho missed three Premier League games after
suffering a back injury just before Senegal's final Africa Cup of Nations
qualifier against Botswana, which forced him to pull out of that match.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce was critical of Senegal's handling of the player
at the time, describing it as "outrageous".

Sakho will be replaced by Pape Moussa Konate, 21, who plays for Sion in
Switzerland, at the tournament in Equatorial Guinea.
It starts on 17 January and runs until 8 February. West Ham, seventh in the
table, have four Premier League games and at least one FA Cup replay during
the course of the Africa Cup of Nations. The Hammers said Allardyce is
expected to address the issue in his scheduled news conference on Friday.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
OXFORD READY TO COMMIT HIS FUTURE
By Sean Whetstone 8 Jan 2015 at 22:06
West Ham Till I DIe

Reece Oxford is poised to commit his long term future to the club according
to the Daily Mail. Oxford, who turned 16 last month, is viewed as one of
best Hammers Academy talents in many years with many of the Premier League's
top clubs looking to poach him from us over the last year.

Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal have all shown interest in the
teenager in the past, leading to fears from within West Ham that we could
lose Oxford as new contract talks with him stalled last year.

As a 15 year old, Oxford was an unused substitute in the Capital One Cup
defeat against Sheffield United in September The central defender has been
likened to former Hammers academy graduate Rio Ferdinand, could have left
for a nominal fee in the summer when his contract was due to expire. He also
captained England's U-17s in the summer

Chairman David Sullivan previously said last year when Oxford was 15 "It's a
joke that they can just come in and nick your best players for just
£250,000. Our academy costs just under £4 million a year to run. Up until
this season you could nick a 15-year-old for about £50,000. I think they are
going to change it now and there is going to be some retrospective
compensation. So you'll probably get £250,000."If you lose someone for a few
hundred thousand quid its nothing when the academy costs £4 million to run."

Official confirmation that he has put pen to paper is expected in January.

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SENEGAL: WEST HAM TREATED US WITH DISRESPECT
By Iain Dale 8 Jan 2015 at 12:37
West Ham Till I Die

According to "talkSport" Senegal are accusing West Ham of showing no respect
to them and have reported West Ham to the FA and FIFA over Diafra Sakho's
injury. It has prevented him from playing in the African Nations Cup. Sam
wouldn't let Sakho get on a plane – not surprising considering Sakho has a
back injury, which, let's remember was caused by the Senegalese medical
team. They are saying he can't play for West Ham while the ACN is underway,
even if he recovers.

Perhaps they should be reminded just who pays his wages.

Idiots.

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West Ham youngster Reece Oxford set to pen new long-term deal at Upton Park
Jan 08, 2015 22:30 By John Cross, James Nursey
Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal have all reportedly been eyeing the
16-year-old, but the Hammers look set to hold on to him
The Mirror

West Ham teenager Reece Oxford is set to give the club a major boost by
committing his long term future to Upton Park. Liverpool, Manchester United
and Arsenal have all been tracking the 16-year-old defender who is viewed as
one of the country's brightest prospects.
Oxford, who has captained England's under-17s, has already made the bench
for the first team and is now set to sign a deal after positive
negotiations. The Hammers are trying to snap up PSG starlet Jean-Kevin
Augustin on the cheap. The exciting France U18 international striker is out
of contract this summer. He has a clutch of top European clubs chasing him
including Juventus, Roma, Benfica and Porto. The youngster, who turns 18 in
June, is now able to speak to foreign clubs. And the high-flying Hammers are
trying to broker a cut-price deal to bring him this month or agree terms for
the summer.

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Carroll OK for Swans clash despite new injury!
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 8, 2015 in Whispers
Claret * Hugh

Andy Carroll posted photographic evidence of a new injury to his thousands
of followers on Instagram today. Despite having state of art medical
facilities and staff at West Ham it was left to the future Mrs Carroll to
make a home made plaster for the £16m striker. Neither his little finger or
the ankle problem which saw him miss the Third Round FA Cup Tie at Everton
will keep him out of the game at Swansea this weekend! ClaretandHugh was
told: "He'll be fine – the knock he took in training which kept him out of
the Everton game was very minor."

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Irons on Jarvis-Ipswich loan link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 8, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Matt Jarvis will not be allowed out on loan this month despite rumours of
interest from promotion-seeking Championship club Ipswich.
With the Hammers short on numbers, Jarvis is seen as a key member of the
squad and a source said there was no chance of the winger being let out on
loan. Rumours had been circulating in Ipswich that his former Wolves boss
Mick McCarthy was keen but a Hammers source told ClaretandHugh: "There's
been no contact and it's difficult to see how they could afford him." With
the Tractor Boys in second place in the Championship, Jarvis would make an
ideal signing but the Irons are adamant it won't happen. A source told
ClaretandHugh: "We couldn't allow it even if Ipswich could afford to do a
deal. We need Matt – he's very much part of things at the moment."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Senegal step up Sakho hot air war
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 8, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Senegal – it seems is still on the warpath making all sorts of threatening
noises about Diafra Sakho being unavailable for the African Nations Cup.
Rarely has so much noise been heard as toys come flying out of a pram with
Senegal Football Federation president Augustin Senghor saying the Irons
waited until "the last minute" before letting him know about the situation.
That of course is very much open to question as the player was injured on
New Year's Day and the scans and specialists' report was in their hands
within three or four days. It's still only a week later and every nation has
until the 17th of the month to finalise its squad anyway- so much for last
minute. Much hot air it seems is rising over Africa. As ClaretandHugh
reported earlier, Senegal were told to send their own doctor to check him
out, which hasn't happened. Now whose fault could that be? Senghor however,
ranted to the Senegal Press Agency: "Obviously, West Ham have shown a lack
of respect in waiting until the last minute before alerting us to Sakho's
unavailability for six weeks and even his inability to travel by plane to
come and join the squad."

That demonstrates how little these guys appear to know about back injuries
which let's remember was inflicted on the player during his last excursion
with the national squad – so perhaps we are expecting a little too much from
Mr Senghor The like his manager Alain Giresse he threatens that the SFAS
will go to Fifa and the English FA to make sure our rights and the
regulations are applied pompous; declaring: "And as such Diafra will not
play for the specified for his unavailability." Perhaps if the player hadn't
been injured whilst in their care we may have a little more sympathy towards
them – err actually No!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Senegal boss rage despite Irons "check Sakho" call
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 8, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Senegal boss Alain Giresse is trying to get heavy-handed with the Irons over
Diafra Sakho's injury and absence from the African Nations Cup. The Senegal
head coach has gone public with inflammatory remarks threatening the Hammers
not to play Diafra Sakho should he recover before his country exit the
competition. However, ClaretandHugh finds the remarks surprising to put it
mildly as we understand the club has offered every opportunity for a Senegal
medical team to check him out. As yet no doctor has emerged from the Senegal
camp despite an invitation to do so which make Giresse's remarks all the
more surprising. We understand too that scans and reports from leading back
specialists in London have been sent to them but West Ham have received
absolutely no response. Sam Allardyce says the striker is set to miss
another two to five weeks with a recurrence of his back injury as was
reported on this site last week. But none of that has stopped Giresse
saying: "If they don't want Sakho to come so they can play him they are
wrong. He doesn't have the right."

There's also the implication that Senegal will use Fifa rules in a bid ro
reinforce Giresse's public position.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reece Oxford commits future to West Ham amid interest in 16-year-old
wonderkid from Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal
Reece Oxford is to sign a long-term contract with West Ham
16-year-old defender is wanted by Man United, Liverpool and Arsenal
Oxford is viewed as one of English football's outstanding young talents
He made the West Ham squad for Capital One Cup tie with Sheffield United
Oxford has captained the England Under 17 side
By SAMI MOKBEL FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 15:05, 8 January 2015 | UPDATED: 15:24, 8 January 2015

West Ham are set for a major boost with the news that wonderkid Reece Oxford
is poised to commit his long term future to the club.
Oxford, who turned 16 last month, is viewed as one of England's talents with
all of the Premier League's elite looking to poach him from Upton Park.
Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal have all shown a major interest in
the teenager in recent months, leading to genuine fears from within West Ham
that they could lose Oxford. But the young defender is close to agreeing a
new contract with the Hammers that will - for the time being - end any
uncertainty over his future. Talks over fresh terms have been ongoing for
several weeks. Discussions had originally stalled, but it is understood a
breakthrough has now been made that will see Oxford, who has captained
England Under-17s, put pen to paper. Oxford - who was 15 at the time - was
an unused substitute in the Capital One Cup defeat against Sheffield United
in September - a clear indication of how highly regarded he is by West Ham
staff. The central defender, who has been likened to former Hammers academy
graduate Rio Ferdinand, could have left for a nominal fee in the summer when
his contract was due to expire. But the Hammers are now confident that
scenario has been avoided after positive talks.

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West Ham must make this change if they want to push on
By Matt Bourne - Jan 8, 2015
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West Ham were unlucky not to see out the FA Cup clash against Everton at
Goodison Park, with the hosts eventually grabbing a late equaliser through
Romelu Lukaku.

Although it wasn't the best performance West Ham have produced this season,
there were a number of impressive individual displays both in defence and
midfield. Apart from the goal, West Ham looked very strong defensively.
Ironically, Winston Reid had one of his best games this season and James
Collins made a number of good blocks as well as taking his goal very well.

The only concern from a West Ham point of view will be Kevin Nolan's
disappointing performance. There were times when Nolan gave the ball away
under very little pressure and his touch looked tiresome. For some reason,
it looks as if Nolan is not even close to the fitness levels of his fellow
teammates around him.

In a way, it actually makes Mark Noble's job in midfield a lot more
difficult, as Nolan does not have the pace to recover if he does make a
mistake, leaving Noble with more responsibility in midfield. The presence of
Cheikou Kouyate and Alex Song alongside Kevin Nolan in recent games has
steered the attention away from the English midfielder but he looked
completely out of sorts against Everton.

Although Nolan has been an excellent servant for West Ham over the years, he
looks as if his best days are behind him. When Allardyce starts him in
central midfield, it just doesn't work. Using Nolan as an attacking
substitute in the final 10 minutes of games is probably the best way to
handle his future.

Fans may be calling for another central midfielder to be bought in January.
However, the young Diego Poyet has not been given that much of an
opportunity in terms of getting a run in the side and playing him alongside
Noble in the centre of midfield could be a better option for Allardyce. His
playing style is also quite similar to Noble's as well, he has a tendency to
keep things very simple and can pick out a pass. In central midfield,
keeping the ball well and using it wisely will give you the upper hand in
games. If Poyet gets a run in the side, he could prove to be the ideal
replacement for some noticeable absentees in the middle of the park.

The other cause for concern at West Ham at the moment is the current
situation up front. With Sakho not featuring for a while, Allardyce is left
with Carlton Cole, Andy Carroll and Enner Valencia as his three striking
options. Although Valencia performed well against Everton, he looked
incredibly isolated at times and it looks as if he needs a strike partner
like Sakho in order to really thrive up front. The probable strike force
Allardyce will opt for is Valencia and Carroll, something that hasn't worked
as of yet. However, due to the departure of Mauro Zarate (better not open
that can of worms), Allardyce has very little choice in who he can play up
front. A new striker in January to replace Zarate would make sense, as West
Ham now look a little bare in numbers up front.

Another potential problem for Allardyce in January could be the departure of
Winston Reid from West Ham. If he continues to play like he did against
Everton for the remainder of the season, there is no doubt that Big Sam will
want to keep him. However, he has not looked as assured as he usually does
at the back this campaign and this is probably due to the rumours linking
him with a move away from Upton Park. If the club receives a bid of around
£7million for a player whose contract is up very soon, it may be wise to
cash in on him rather than lose him for nothing in the summer.

That amount of money would free up wages, giving the manager the budget to
explore the market and bring in a quality replacement. Although it would be
sad to see Winston go, Allardyce needs to be thinking about potential
replacements for Reid and allowing him to leave this window could suit both
parties.

Overall, January is a very important time for West Ham as they need to
bounce back from a slightly disappointing Christmas. The next few fixtures
will reveal a lot about the character of this squad due to the absence of
some key players, but the returning Alex Song will add a much needed boost
to the side before the trip to the Liberty Stadium this weekend.

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