Daily WHUFC News - 14th January 2015

West Ham prevail in Toffees thriller
WHUFC.com
The Hammers are through to the FA Cup fourth round after a pulsating
shootout triumph over Everton
13.01.2015

FA Cup third round replay
West Ham United 2-2 Everton (AET, 9-8 pens)

Adrian struck the decisive spot-kick as West Ham United booked their place
in the fourth round of the FA Cup after an enthralling replay at the Boleyn
Ground ended in a dramatic 9-8 penalty success over ten-man Everton.

After the contest had ended two apiece in 120 minutes, goalkeeper Joel
Robles smashed the 19th spot-kick against the woodwork, paving the way for
Adrian to fire home the winner in front of the Bobby Moore Stand.


Enner Valencia's 51st minute opener, coupled with Aiden McGeady's red card
had earlier set Sam Allardyce's men well on their way to a fourth round tie
at Bristol City. But Kevin Mirallas' splendid free-kick sent the tie into
extra time, before yet another Romelu Lukaku goal threatened to dump the
Hammers out of the competition.

Substitute Carlton Cole came to the rescue, stabbing home James Tomkins'
towering header after 113 minutes to see the Hammers then prevail from 12
yards.

The game's first golden chance had earlier fallen to Valencia, though it was
largely of the Ecuadorian's own making. Valencia robbed John Stones and then
strode purposefully into the box, jinking past Phil Jagielka en route, only
to be denied by an excellent Robles stop. Though Carroll nodded the rebound
against the upright, the linesman's flag did for West Ham.

At the other end, McGeady let fly from the edge of the box and would have at
least worked Adrian, but for the headed intervention of James Collins.
With 34 minutes gone, Valencia again stole possession and this time freed
Matt Jarvis down the right. Biding his time, the West Ham wide-man rolled a
ball across the box and invitingly into the path of Alex Song, whose firm
effort slammed into the body of Valencia and out of harm's way.

If the first half was a largely even affair, the first quarter-of-an-hour
after the break belonged to West Ham.

First came the goal after 51 minutes. Andy Carroll played in his partner
Valencia on the right-hand side of the box and the Ecuadorian's finish was
supreme. Holding off the challenge of Stones, he clinically slotted past
Robles and into the left corner.

It got better still as the already cautioned McGeady foolishly went to
ground. Having crudely stopped Jarvis in his tracks before the break,
McGeady received his marching orders for a second bookable offence, upending
Mark Noble on the slide.

As you might expect, West Ham went full throttle thereafter. Alex Song
played a delicious ball across the face, but it somehow evaded both Collins
and Jarvis at the far post. Then Aaron Cresswell had a go, but his low drive
from 20-odd yards flashed just past the upright too.

Cresswell was involved again moments later, but in the more familiar role of
provider from the wing. His centre was met by the towering Carroll at the
far post, whose header drifted narrowly over the top.

With little more than ten left to play, it took a phenomenal James Tomkins
block to deny Mirallas the equaliser. Once Lukaku had charged down Collins'
clearance, the imposing No10 squared for his fellow Belgian, who looked
certain to score, but for a sensational last-ditch lunge.

But Mirallas would not be denied. Collins' foul on Lukaku earned the Toffees
a free-kick on the left-hand side of the box and despite the angle, Mirallas
whipped a stunning free-kick beyond Adrian's dive and into the top corner.


Stirred into action, West Ham threw everything at the ten-man visitors, with
Robles equal to the challenge. He firstly got down low to his near post to
smuggle a cute Noble free-kick away, before taking to the air to tip Nolan's
acrobatic effort behind.

Into 30 extra minutes and the Hammers showed first, with Robles having to
field Noble's drive with legs. The rebound careered into the onrushing
Carroll, who was adjudged to have used an arm and with that, the chance was
gone.

But Lukaku, as he so often does in this fixture, then took centre stage. He
somehow failed to make contact from point-blank range after Steven Naismith
and Seamus Coleman had combined down the right, but made no mistake second
time round. Mirallas skipped between Nolan and Carl Jenkinson to deliver
from the by-line, leaving Lukaku the simplest job in the world to bundle
home.

Back came West Ham in the 113th minute. Downing's left-wing corner was met
firmly by Tomkins at the far post, whose downward header fell perfectly for
the waiting Cole to level the scores.

As the clock ticked down, Carroll nodded wide of Robles' left-hand upright
and Lukaku slalomed his way into the box, before rifling an effort narrowly
past the far post. Still the drama continued. As Valencia bore down on goal,
he opted to square for Cole and despite the forward's best efforts, the
resulting six-yard box scramble saw the Toffees clear their lines.

So to spot-kicks and Everton were first to flinch as Adrian dove to his
right to spectacularly deny Steven Naismith. That super stop presented
Downing with the chance to win, but Robles guessed right, dived left and
saved rather comfortably.

The eight penalties that followed were all converted, leaving it down to the
two Spanish stoppers. Robles blinked and Adrian did nothing of the sort as
West Ham now prepare for a trip to Bristol City's Ashton Gate on Sunday 25
January.

West Ham United: Adrian, Cresswell, Tomkins, Jarvis (Amalfitano 69),
Carroll, Downing, Noble (c), Jenkinson, Collins (111), Song (Nolan 61),
Valencia
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Vaz Te, O'Brien, Burke
Goal: Valencia 51, Cole 113
Booked: Nolan
Everton: Robles, Baines, Jagielka (c), Stones, Coleman, Barry, Besic (Oviedo
67), Barkley (Mirallas 67), Naismith, McGeady, Lukaku
Subs: Griffiths, Kone, Garbutt, Alcaraz, McAleny
Goals: Mirallas 82, Lukaku 97
Booked: McGeady, Mirallas, Barry, Robles

Sent off: McGeady

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Academy duo sign up
WHUFC.com
West Ham United youngsters Reece Oxford and Joe Powell have signed long-term
deals
13.01.2015

West Ham United are delighted to announce that two of the Club's brightest
young talents have agreed new long-term deals with the Club.
Defender Reece Oxford and attacking player Joe Powell have both committed
their futures to the Hammers, after making great strides with the Academy
over their time in east London. The 16-year-olds have both agreed their
first professional contracts with the Hammers and put pen-to-paper during
half-time of Tuesday's FA Cup tie against Everton. Academy Manager and Head
of Coaching and Player Development Terry Westley is delighted to have
secured their signatures. He said: "Now we have Reece and Joe long-term we
can put a plan in place for the next four seasons. "First and foremost I'm
delighted that they've both committed to the Club, but from a developer's
point of view it gives me time to work with them and try to put all those
ingredients in place to become first team players. "This makes a statement
to other clubs out there that we're not going to let our best players leave
and go elsewhere to ply their trade. There's been a lot of interest in both
Reece and Joe and that's why we needed to put things to them and make it a
long-term project. "We look at it like the Olympics, in four-year cycles.
You finish London, then you look at Rio and you want to become a Gold
medalist in those four years. The Gold medal for us is them playing for West
Ham United in the Olympic Stadium in four years' time."

Sentiments echoed by 16-year-old Oxford, who is soon to visit the Hammers'
new home alongside Powell. The highly-rated centre-half also revealed that
West Ham's loyal following had much to do with his decision. "Hopefully I
can get my first-team debut there [at the new Stadium]," he said. "It's
great to get the deal done and I'll try to kick on now and get into the
first team. The fans committed to me, they really wanted me to sign. They
love their players here."

As for the attack-minded Powell, Tuesday evening proved to be a very special
one for him and his West Ham supporting family. He added: "I've always
wanted to play for West Ham since I was young. I love it. I'm very proud to
sign, with all the years of hard work that I've put in, so I'm glad to get
the contract. "It's overwhelming signing in front of so many people. All my
family are behind me, they all support West Ham, from generations. So
they're obviously going to be really proud of me and that's going to give me
more ambition as well."

Oxford, 16, has already sat on the first team bench after being called into
the squad for the Capital One Cup clash with Sheffield United in August. A
regular for the U21 side despite his tender years, the defender has also
worn the captain's armband for his country, winning nine caps for England at
U17 level and three for the U16s. He joined the Academy as an Under-13
player, progressing rapidly to now agree his first professional contract.
Powell, also 16, is an attacking player who has risen through the age groups
with the Academy to make his breakthrough with the Under-18 squad this term.
Hailing from a family of Hammers fans, the Canning Town native has been at
the Club since Under-9 level. His older brother Jack also came through the
Hammers' Academy and is now in the first team squad at Millwall.

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Adrian the penalty king!
WHUFC.com
The goalkeeper saved and scored from the spot to send West Ham United
through to the FA Cup fourth round
13.01.2015

Adrian could hardly contain his delight after firing West Ham United to a
dramatic penalty shootout win over Everton. The Hammers triumphed 9-8 from
the spot after a pulsating 2-2 draw at the Boleyn Ground, with the
goalkeeper saving one before slamming home the vital penalty to send his
side through. Earlier, Enner Valencia had fired the home side ahead before
Aiden McGeady was sent-off. Everton's ten men then turned the third-round
replay on its head as Kevin Mirallas scored and Romelu Lukaku put West Ham
ahead in the first half of extra time. Substitute Carlton Cole then
equalised with seven minutes to go with his first touch before Adrian took
centre-stage. "I feel really happy, not just for me but for all my
teammates, for the fans and for the Club because it is a good moment for us
and we keep going in the FA Cup!" Adrian beamed after saving from Gary
Naismith before beating opposite number Joel Robles from 12 yards.
"In that moment I felt so quiet and relaxed and I didn't have nerves. I
thought 'I'll take off my gloves, this game is over' and I struck the ball.
I never took a penalty before - only in training for a joke, but not
serious. Never in life had I struck a penalty in an important game. "I think
this is my best moment for West Ham. I feel really, really happy for keeping
us in the FA Cup. My teammates kept working in the game. It was a crazy game
for us, because they scored two goals with ten men and it was really hard
for us. We kept going and going and after that they shot their penalties so
well."

To add to the amazing drama, Adrian discarded his gloves hurriedly before
stepping up to belt the ball into the bottom corner, but why was he in such
a rush? "I took my gloves off so quickly because I was worried that the
referee might blow his whistle and give me a yellow card for time-wasting!"

After scoring, the Spanish stopper rushed over to celebrate in front of his
adoring fans with a superb knee-slide. "I have celebrated my saves before
normally, but never scoring a goal! It was my first goal in my career and
it's an amazing day for me, my teammates, the Club and the fans. "Since I
came to West Ham United, the fans have had a special relationship with me
and I feel so happy. It's the first time I've scored an important goal so I
celebrated with them and my teammates, of course."

After a run of five games without a win, Adrian believes the FA Cup victory
will give a massive confidence boost to the team going into Sunday's home
Barclays Premier League meeting with Hull City. "It's a big win because we
now have so much confidence. The team played well and worked so well. The
game was long but we needed to keep going and finally we got a nice win."

So, can we expect some late night tweets from @AdriSanMiguel to complete a
fantastic night? "I don't know about that. What time is it? It's eleven
o'clock so everybody is sleeping, so maybe tomorrow!"

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Cup drama leaves Sam breathless
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce admitted an FA Cup penalty shootout win was not ideal
considering his recent ill health!
14.01.2015

Sam Allardyce admitted Tuesday's breathless FA Cup third-round replay win
over Everton was not the best remedy for the chest infection he has been
suffering with in recent days. The West Ham United manager was forced to
miss Saturday's trip to Swansea City with the ailment but was back in the
dugout for an amazing game that saw the Hammers triumph 9-8 on penalties
after a pulsating 2-2 draw at the Boleyn Ground. Enner Valencia had fired
the home side ahead on 52 minutes before Aiden McGeady was sent-off.
Everton's ten men then turned the third-round replay on its head as Kevin
Mirallas scored and Romelu Lukaku put West Ham ahead in the first half of
extra time. Substitute Carlton Cole then equalised with seven minutes to go
with his first touch before Adrian took centre-stage by saving one penalty
and scoring the all-important winner past opposite number Joel Robles. Amid
all the goals, both sides created numerous chances, leaving the manager
feeling as drained as ever by the time his goalkeeper had settled a dramatic
tie. "It wasn't the best remedy for my chest!" he smiled. "From my point of
view, I had to try to stay calm. I was a bit drained after suffering
something like that, so then to go through an emotional rollercoaster you
get a little bit more drained. "I still won't sleep that well tonight
because I'll be mulling the game over, but I'll be in tomorrow and see the
lads get them recovered as best we can for a big game with Hull on Sunday."

Big Sam hailed the entertainment value of both ties, hailing the performance
of goalkeeper Adrian, who saved Gary Naismith's penalty before keeping his
cool to fire West Ham through to a fourth-round tie at Bristol City on
Sunday 25 January. "I think this game will be remembered for quite a while.
They were two of the best FA Cup ties I have seen in a long time. I thought
the game at Everton were very competitive and it was two teams trying to win
it at the first time of asking, and this time around we were both trying to
win it in 90 minutes but went to extra-time. "They tried to win it and then
we came back and I was wondering if we would ever get over the bogey of
Everton when Stewart Downing missed his penalty to win 5-4. I thought 'No,
not again!' as Lukaku had scored again, this time in extra-time after we'd
kept him quiet in normal time. "Then we missed our penalty and there are
some times when you can't beat teams, but thankfully the hero of the game
was our goalkeeper because he saved one penalty that got us on the way to
winning it, then scored the one that won it!"

Adrian was not the only hero - Cole also grabbed a vital equaliser with
seven minutes of extra-time remaining with his very first touch.
"We went a bit like Everton did in the first game when we went up there. We
were going into the last few minutes and we put four front men on. We had
three at the back and three in midfield to supply the service and it nearly
won us the game before it went to penalties. We've won it on penalties and
it doesn't matter how we won it, especially in the FA Cup."

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West Ham 2 Everton 2
West Ham United win 9-8 on penalties
13 January 2015
Last updated at 23:16
By Michael Emons
BBC Sport

West Ham goalkeeper Adrian scored the winning penalty as his side beat
Everton in a thrilling FA Cup tie. Enner Valencia put the hosts ahead when
he collected Andy Carroll's pass and shot past Toffees keeper Joel Robles.
Everton had Aiden McGeady sent off for two bookable offences, but equalised
with Kevin Mirallas's fine free-kick. Romelu Lukaku put the visitors in
front after Mirallas's run, before Carlton Cole's close-range finish took
the game to penalties, where West Ham won 9-8.

The third-round replay had gone to a shootout after it had finished 2-2 at
the end of extra time in an amazing match. But the drama had not finished as
Everton's Steven Naismith had his penalty saved and Stewart Downing had a
chance to win it for the hosts, but Robles blocked his tame effort. However,
Robles then hit the crossbar with his powerful attempt before Adrian threw
off his goalkeeping gloves and calmly converted the 20th penalty to set up a
fourth-round tie at League One side Bristol City.

It looked like being a routine win for the Hammers when they were leading
1-0 and Everton were reduced to 10 men with McGeady needlessly sent off
after only 56 minutes. The midfielder had been booked in the first half for
a foul on Matt Jarvis before a rash sliding challenge on Mark Noble saw a
second caution. However, Roberto Martinez's side fought back and grabbed a
deserved equaliser through substitute Mirallas's powerful free-kick, which
curled around the wall and past Adrian. Robles made excellent saves to deny
Noble and substitute Kevin Nolan to take the game into extra time and Lukaku
put Everton ahead with a close-range finish after more excellent work from
Mirallas. It was a poignant moment for Lukaku as he raised both arms and
pointed to the sky, as a tribute to his friend Junior Malanda, the Belgium
Under-21 international and Wolfsburg midfielder who died in a car crash in
Germany on Sunday aged 20. There was then controversy as Everton thought
they should have had a penalty when Mirallas was fouled, but the referee
gave a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area, despite the offence
appearing to take place in it. But there was still time for another twist as
substitute Cole, who had only been on the pitch for two minutes, prodded in
James Tomkins's header to take it to penalties. Adrian proved to be the hero
as he saved one spot-kick and scored the decisive one.

West Ham's victory was their first win in the competition since February
2011 and they will now play League One side Bristol City on Sunday, 25
January in a match that will be broadcast live on the BBC.

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce, speaking to BT Sport: "It was an
unbelievable match, wasn't it? You can't say the FA Cup has died after that,
not with that entertainment value. "I thought today had absolutely
everything a cup tie should have - a little bit of controversy, some great
play, chances missed, some great goalkeeping and some very good goals."

West Ham's match-winner Adrian: "It was the most unbelievable game and for
the fans I feel really happy. "I was relaxed and quiet when I struck the
penalty and we got the victory and keep going in the FA Cup."

Everton manager Roberto Martinez: "I thought we were the better side. We
created really, really good opportunities, and probably we should have taken
one or two before the one we scored. "But in terms of the performance and
the character and the phases of good football we showed, I couldn't be
prouder. "Sometimes in football you feel you are going to get what you
deserve but clearly today we were unfortunate in the penalty shootout where
it is a bit of a lottery."

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Adrian: West Ham keeper knew he would score FA Cup penalty
BBC.co.uk

Confident West Ham goalkeeper Adrian was so certain he would score his
decisive penalty against Everton that he decided he could do without his
gloves for the rest of the game. With the FA Cup third-round replay tied at
8-8 on spot-kicks, the Spanish keeper stepped up ahead of outfield player
James Tomkins, removed his gloves and sent the Hammers through. "I felt
quiet and relaxed and I didn't have nerves. I thought 'I'll take off my
gloves, this game is over' and I struck the ball," he said. After taking
the lead through Enner Valencia and having a man advantage when Aiden
McGeady was sent off, West Ham were pegged back by Everton when Kevin
Mirallas struck a late free-kick.
Romelu Lukaku seemed to have sent the Toffees through with an extra-time
strike, but Carlton Cole scored two minutes after coming off the bench to
take the game to penalties at Upton Park. "I never took a penalty before -
only in training for a joke, but not serious," said Adrian. "Never in my
life had I struck one in an important game. "I took my gloves off so quickly
as I worried that the referee might blow his whistle and give me a yellow
card for time-wasting! "I have celebrated my saves before normally, but
never scoring a goal! It was my first goal in my career and it's an amazing
day."

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Big Sam's f-word blast leaves audience giggling
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 14th January 2015
By: Staff Writer

Sam Allardyce had the entire Boleyn Ground press room in fits of laughter
tonight after dropping the f-bomb at a journalist who made the ill-judged
decision to question the future of Ravel Morrison. In the final question of
his post-match press conference, West Ham's ebullient boss was asked if it
would be possible to provide an update on the situation regarding the
21-year-old. "Sam, just a question on Ravel Morrison," began the journalist,
before Allardyce intervened.

"No, absolutely not!" he laughed, much to the amusement of the media pack
who had gathered inside the Boleyn Ground press room to record his
post-match musings. "Are you having a f**king laugh, man!?" he added, as he
walked towards the exit with the room echoing with laughter. "After all
that? Now go home and write your story!" We'll have more from a relieved Big
Sam's post-match presser for you tomorrow.

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Winston Reid - I've made no decision on my future
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 13th January 2015
By: Staff Writer

Winston Reid has dismissed reports that he had reached a pre-contract
agreement with another club. Sam Allardyce hinted last week that Reid - who
is out of contract at West Ham at the end of the current season - may have
already done a deal with another club. However that was firmly refuted today
by the Kiwi defender, who says he is yet to decide his immediate future.
"Lots has been said about my future at West Ham over the past couple of
months," he told Fanbookz. "The most important thing to say is that I
haven't decided on anything I'm going to do in the future yet and that's the
end of it. "As a player I'll always give 100 per cent for the club and I've
always tried to do my best, and even though nothing has been agreed with the
club yet I'll still continue to play that way. "Issues going on in the
background are just a part of life and I'll try to not let that affect my
game. You can't do anything but get on with your day-to-day life and just do
the business on the pitch. "It's a busy period and the media will write all
sorts of stuff but the bottom line is I haven't decided anything yet and I'm
focused on getting West Ham as high up the league as possible."

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Adrian the hero for West Ham in penalty shootout win over Everton
By Oliver Yew. Last Updated: 14/01/15 12:38am
SSN

Goalkeeper Adrian was West Ham's hero after scoring the winning penalty in a
9-8 shootout win against 10-man Everton to book his side's place in the FA
Cup fourth round. Penalties were needed in the third-round replay at the
Boleyn Ground following a dramatic 2-2 draw after extra time. Enner Valencia
gave the Hammers the lead early in the second-half and things got worse for
the visitors when Aiden McGeady was sent off for two bookable offences.
Roberto Martinez threw on Kevin Mirallas and he was the difference, firing a
magical free-kick past Adrian with just eight minutes remaining to send the
game into extra time. Romelu Lukaku gave his side first blood after the
restart, firing home Mirallas' cross, but Martinez's side could not hold on
for a famous victory.

Allardyce brought on Carlton Cole as his side went in search of an equaliser
and the move worked as the substitute stabbed home James Tomkins' knock down
with his first touch to take the game to penalties. And Adrian was the hero
for the home side, saving Steven Naismith's spot kick before scoring the
winning penalty himself after Joel Robles missed for Everton. West Ham's
reward after a pulsating 120 minutes of football is a trip to Ashton Gate to
face in-form League One side Bristol City.Both managers were true to their
word in selecting strong sides with Allardyce re-calling Matt Jarvis and
Alex Song to the side that drew with Swansea, while Martinez stuck with the
same team that held champions Manchester City on Saturday. But part of
Everton's problems this season have been individual errors and despite their
bright opening 10 minutes they could have been behind after John Stones was
caught in possession by Valencia, but the forward's shot was well saved by
Joel. The rebound fell into the path of Andy Carroll but the striker's
header crashed against the post, however it would not have counted with the
England striker judged to be in an offside position.

Everton were now starting to dominate proceedings and looked the more likely
to open the scoring as McGeady saw his shot blocked, but Allardyce's men
remained a threat on the counter-attack through Valencia and Stewart
Downing. Just after the half hour mark, the Ecuador international released
Downing down the right, whose cross picked out the late arriving Song, but
his shot hit Valencia when it looked to be heading into the back of the net.
The second half started in much the same vein as the first with both sides
attacking with intent but it was West Ham who made the breakthrough after a
quick attack was rounded off by Valencia's first Upton Park goal. Things
were about to get worse for Everton as McGeady, who was booked for a
first-half challenge on Matt Jarvis, recklessly brought down Mark Noble and
referee Neil Swarbrick had no choice but to show the Republic of Ireland
international a second yellow card. Martinez responded by replacing Ross
Barkley and Muhamed Besic with Mirallas and Bryan Oviedo and the move paid
off with the fresh legs giving Everton a new lease of life.

Lukaku closed down James Collins' clearance and with time to pick out a
cross he found Mirallas six yards out, but the Belgium international's shot
was miraculously blocked by Tomkins. However, he wasn't to be denied for
long and he produced a moment of magic from a free kick to beat Adrian from
25-yards out to level the scores with just eight minutes remaining. The home
side thought they should have had a penalty when Valencia's cross hit Stones
on the arm and they had a claim, however Swarbrick adjudged the offence to
have been just outside the penalty area. West Ham had chances to win the
game in the dying minutes of normal time but the visitors had Joel Robles to
thank for brilliant saves from Kevin Nolan and Collins as the game went to
extra time. Everton thought they had completed the turnaround when Lukaku,
who missed a glorious chance minutes earlier, stabbed home Mirallas' cross.
The visitors then had claims for a penalty turned down when Mirallas was
brought down on the edge of the penalty area. Allardyce threw on Cole for
Collins with 10 minutes as he took one last throw of the dice and it proved
a masterstroke as the 31-year-old was in the right place at the right time
to prod home Tomkins' knock-down with his first touch of the game. The two
sides could not be separated and the drama continued in the penalty shootout
as Mirallas and Noble scored each sides' first penalties.

Both sides then traded successful attempts until Downing, who stepped up
with the chance to win the game, had his kick saved by Robles to send the
shootout into sudden death. However, after another batch of successful
penalties from both sides Everton goalkeeper Robles went from hero to zero
as he saw his spot kick hit the underside of the bar and bounce out. Up
stepped Adrian to convert his penalty and send jubilant West Ham through to
the next round where they will face Bristol City.

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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce insists his side deserved their penalty shootout
victory over Everton
Last Updated: 14/01/15 12:58am
SSN

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce believes his side got what they deserved after
beating Everton 9-8 on penalties in the FA Cup third round.
On a dramatic night at the Boleyn Ground, Enner Valencia gave his side the
lead before Kevin Mirallas equalised with just eight minutes of normal time
remaining. Romelu Lukaku thought he'd won it in extra time for the 10-men of
Everton before Carlton Cole equalised for the hosts, who went on to win the
shootout thanks to goalkeeper Adrian's winning penalty. It was
unbelievable," Allardyce said. "The highs and lows in one particular game.
It has been a long time since I experienced such highs and lows in one
match. Such excitement. It was end to end from the first whistle - nothing
like a Premier League game. "Both teams went out and played and tried to win
it. In the end we got what we deserved, there is no doubt about that.
"Unfortunately we missed too many chances, their goalkeeper made some
fantastic saves. We had 23, 24 attempts. We missed and fluffed a few and had
to rely on penalties in the end to win it."

West Ham had not beaten Everton in 15 attempts before tonight and Allardyce
thought he was going to be on the wrong end of another result against the
Merseyside club when Stewart Downing's spot kick was saved during the
shootout. But Adrian was the hero of the hour for West Ham, saving Steven
Naismith's penalty and stepping up to score the winning goal after Joel
Robles had missed for Everton. And Allardyce was full of praise for the
Spanish keeper after helping book West Ham's place in the fourth round
against Bristol City. "Everton have been a bit of a bogey team for us and
when Stewart Downing missed it I thought, 'here we go again'," he added.
"But Adrian saved one brilliantly and took the last one, he was calm. He was
determined and it was a victory we deserved over the two legs."

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com



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Daily WHUFC News - 13th January 2015

Preview - Everton
WHUFC.com
Everything you need to know about West Ham's FA Cup replay with Everton
12.01.2015

WEST HAM UNITED v EVERTON
FA CUP THIRD ROUND REPLAY
BOLEYN GROUND
TUESDAY 13 JANUARY 2015
KICK-OFF: 7.45PM
REFEREE: NEIL SWARBRICK

In brief

West Ham United host Everton in their FA Cup Third Round Replay at the
Boleyn Ground with both sides looking to progress to the Fourth Round where
the winners will face either Bristol City or Doncaster Rovers.
The Hammers were minutes away from victory as James Collins' second half
header was cancelled out by Romelu Lukaku's stoppage time equaliser in the
first running of this tie.
The Hammers lost narrowly to Roberto Martinez's men 2-1 in November when
goals from Lukaku and Leon Osman were enough to clinch the three points
despite a Mauro Zarate goal.
Everton have been hampered by injuries to key players this term and
currently sit 12th in the Premier League with 22 points from 21 games. In
contrast, the Hammers are lying in seventh place having taken 33 points.
West Ham United and Everton have been drawn to face one another eight times
previously in the FA Cup, with each club progressing on four occasions.

Fourth Round draw
The winners of this tie will travel to Doncaster Rovers or Bristol City in
the fourth round, with that match to be played on Sunday 25 January.

Who are they?
Formed from St Domingo's FC, they played their first game on 1 January 1878
in Stanley Park. They changed their name to Everton Football Club in 1879,
winning their first game under the new name 6-0 against St Peter's. Five
years later, Everton won the Liverpool Cup, their first ever cup, with a 1-0
win over Earlestown.
Everton were one of the 12 founder members of the Football League in 1888,
winning their first league title at the third attempt. The Toffees moved to
Goodison Park in 1892, winning their first game there 4-2 over Bolton
Wanderers.
Since then, Everton have established themselves as one of the more
successful teams in England, winning the first division nine times as well
as an impressive five FA Cups.
More recently, trophies have been harder to come by - their last success
came in the FA Cup in the 1994/95 season. However ex-manager David Moyes
established them as one of the best teams in the Premier League, regularly
finishing in the top half and challenging for a European spot.

Team news
West Ham United
Diafra Sakho is still unavailable due to a back injury sustained against
West Bromwich Albion on New Year's Day. Alex Song, who missed Saturday's
trip to Swansea City due to illness, has recovered and is back in the squad.

Senegalese International Cheikhou Kouyate has joined up with the national
team as they prepare for their African Cup of Nations campaign.
Everton Everton have several injury concerns to worry about.

Steven Pienaar (knee), Leon Osman (goot), Sylvain Distin gGroin) and Darron
Gibson (knee) are all out as are first team regulars Tim Howard (calf) and
James McCarthy (hamstring).
Referee
Tuesday's referee is Neil Swarbrick. The Lancashire based referee officiated
in West Ham's narrow 2-1 defeat to Arsenal in late December.
Swarbrick's last appearance in the FA Cup was Bournemouth's 5-1 rout of
Rotherham United on Saturday 3 January.
Tuesday's Assistant Referees are Michael Mullarkey and Andrew Halliday, the
Fourth Official is Lee Probert.
Statistics
(2014/15 season - Barclays Premier League only)
Matches refereed: 12
Yellow cards shown: 50
Red cards shown: 1
Penalties awarded: 2

One to watch
West Ham United
Following his superb goal against Swansea City at the weekend, Andy Carroll
will be full of confidence for Tuesday night. The England international has
scored four league goals since returning from injury and will be looking to
open his Cup account having missed the original tie.

Everton
Powerful striker Romelu Lukaku has proved to be a thorn in the Hammers side
this season, scoring twice already. The threat the Belgian international
poses is now well established, however dealing with his pace and strength is
another matter. Yet that is exactly what the defence will have to do if they
are to progress to the next round.

Tickets
Tickets are still available for Tuesday's match, and can be purchased at the
turnstile on the night.

Travel
Please be aware a 24 hour bus strike has been announced starting at 4am on
Tuesday. For information on how this may affect your travel plans, click
here.
No engineering work is planned on the District or Hammersmith & City lines.
Up-to-the-minute

Weather
The temperature at kick off is forecast to be a chilly 5C (41F) with a
chance of rain in the first half.

Last meeting
West Ham United 2-3 Everton
Barclays Premier League
Saturday 21 September 2013
The Hammers took a first-half lead through a deflected Ravel Morrison shot
before Leighton Baines equalised in the 62nd minute.
West Ham looked to have sealed the three points when Mark Noble scored from
the penalty spot. However, the midfielder was given a second booking just
five minutes later which the Toffees exploited. Baines scored his second of
the afternoon with a rasping free-kick before Romelu Lukaku put the Blues in
front on 85 miniutes.
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Reid, Rat, O'Brien, Collins, Nolan (Taylor
80) Jarvis (Vaz Te 72), Morrison, Noble, Diame, Maiga (Petric 63)
Subs not used: Adrian, McCartney, Tomkins, Collison
Everton: Howard, Baines, Jagielka, Distin, Coleman, Mirallas, Barry,
Barkley, Osman (Oviedo 52), Jelavic (McCarthy 45), Naismith (Lukaku 45)
Subs not used: Robles, Heitinga, Stones, Deulofeu

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Big Sam on: Everton
WHUFC.com
The manager faced the press ahead of Tuesday's FA Cup replay against Everton
12.01.2015

Sam Allardyce was back at Chadwell Heath on Monday morning, after the
manager missed the trip to Swansea City at the weekend due to a chest
infection. Returning to health he is ready to take the team for Tuesday's FA
Cup replay against Everton and he faced the press ahead of the game to
answer questions on Andy Carroll, team news and more.

Morning Sam, how are you feeling, any better?

SA: "Not 100% but getting there. The antibiotics seem to have worked."

Bit of medicine from Andy Carroll on the weekend?

SA: "Yes, I had it live on a stream. It was a fantastic piece of skill and a
brilliant finish from the time he first touched it to the shot. I was
speaking to Teddy who said he had seven touches in the box before he scored,
you don't usually get that many touches. He manipulated the ball brilliantly
and it was a fantastic, fabulous finish."

It wasn't something we generally expect from him, has he been hiding
something from us?

SA: "No, he's smashed a few spectacular goals in before for us. I think he
scored a better one last season, a right-foot volley over his shoulder as he
swivelled. That was a superb piece of technique. His goal at the weekend put
us in a fantastic position and all the lads were disappointed we didn't hold
on to the lead."

There might be calls for him to get back into the England squad if he
continues this form, is that fair enough?

SA: "I think there are a lot of contenders for the England forwards position
which as an Englishman is very pleasing. It gives Roy Hodgson a lot of
options which is good. He's a very hard player to play against and if he
continues to keep fit and score goals I don't see why not. He's been on the
fringes of the squad before and then got injured so hopefully he stays fit
and we'll have to wait and see."

You could have done without a replay, but a Cup run would help to keep the
momentum going?

SA: "We were very close when we played at Everton. Everton getting a draw
against the champions Manchester City shows how good we were. Tomorrow won't
be cut and dry, we know it will be a hard game. When the opportunities come,
we need to take them because there's it'll be played to a finish. We have to
make sure we come out of it without having wasted our energy."

Any movement on Winston Reid since we last saw you?

SA: "No movement on Winston Reid at all, no.

There is a choice for you, if a big offer comes in?

SA: "There's no choice for me, he stays. That's it. It would have to be a
big offer, and obviously then the Chairmen decide. For me, he stays. The way
the club has improved over the last few years as well as having a very big
future with the new Stadium, it could be bigger than it's ever been over the
next four, five years."

Does the Hull game on Sunday have any effect on your team selection for
tomorrow?

SA: "No it doesn't. I think we have sufficient recovery time in between
games. Neither team will want extra time but the way we've recovered after
games so far has been good, as we saw against Swansea after recovering
against Everton. I thought we gave a good account of ourselves. The only
thing you worry about is injuries, thankfully we don't have many. We have a
few knocks and bruises but hopefully they'll have cleared up by Tuesday
morning."

How much of a concern is it that you're not maintaining the lead and seeing
out games?

SA: "It's a concern, we are not as free scoring as we were. The results have
dipped a bit but the performances haven't. One thing that has to happen is
we get to more resilient defensively. We've been talking about that all
season. We're becoming a much more creative side but our defensive
weaknesses have been exploited too much. "In order to win football games you
need to make sure you're strong enough in both departments. We've only had
four clean sheets so far and that's not good enough to keep you in the top
six. If you look at Southampton, they're up there because they've had 11
clean sheets in 21 games. That's why they're in the top four and we're not."

Are you a fan of Roberto Martinez's style and philosophy of football?

SA: "I think every manager has their own philosophy. I'm a little bit more
flexible than Roberto. I think he's a total believer in the one style, but
my experience has taught me you need to be flexible. You need to play to the
strengths of the players you have, whatever that may be. You may have a
philosophy but you need to change it to the players you have, not the other
way round.
"While Everton are having a sticky patch I'm not sure it's down to Roberto's
philosophy it's about players performing to the best of their abilities. I
think because Everton have had the extra games with the Europa League, those
demands have taken their toll. They've found it difficult to cope,
especially with the injuries they've had. Injuries are the biggest obstacle
you face unfortunately, it can cost you your job. My old mate Steve Bruce is
in that predicament at the moment."

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Loan watch
WHUFC.com
Find out how West Ham United's loanees fared in England and France this
weekend
12.01.2015

Young Hammers forward Sean Maguire was without a game this weekend after
Accrington Stanley's Sky Bet League Two clash with Bury was postponed on
Friday evening.

Over the Channel, Modibo Maiga was not involved as FC Metz secured a 0-0
draw at Nantes in the French Ligue Un.

Back home, TIm Brown and Taylor Tombides played as Canvey Island were
defeated 2-1 at home by Maidstone United in the Ryman Premier League.

Alex Brown and Matt Bodkin's goals for the visitors meant Jack Simmons' late
reply counted for little.

Finally, Jaanai Gordon's (pictured) Chelmsford City suffered a 3-1 defeat at
Weston-super-Mare in Vanarama South.

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New Stadium seat selection FAQs
WHUFC.com
All the key questions answered on West Ham United's new Stadium seat
selection plans
11.01.2015

Following the announcement of West Ham United's new Stadium seat selection
plans, the Club answer all the key questions for supporters. The detailed
FAQs below cover these five topics:

• New Stadium seat selection plans
• Selecting seats at the new Stadium
• Buying Season Tickets
• Sitting with friends and family
• Attending the Reservation Centre

How will Season Ticket Holders be allocated seats at the new Stadium?
The Club have worked carefully to ensure that the seat allocation process
works in the interests of all our loyal Season Ticket Holders.
The priorities are:
• That every existing Season Ticket Holder is offered a comparable seat in
the new Stadium to the one they have for the final season at the Boleyn
Ground.
• That they are able to group their seats together with friends and family.

Additionally, Season Ticket Holders will have the opportunity to bring with
them up to two other individuals as new Season Ticket Holders.
In planning a process to meet those priorities, the Club have had three
guiding principles:
Fairness - the process must be fair, so the rights of Season Ticket Holders
in each band are equally protected.
Transparency - the process must be clear to all supporters, so that all can
understand what is happening, when and why.
Efficiency - the process must be efficient, so that the 40,000 supporters
expected through the Reservation Centre doors have enough time to enjoy
their appointments and make a fair decision in good time before August 2016.
On the basis of those priorities and principles, the process will work as
follows:
• Every Season Ticket Holder will be offered a comparable seat at the new
Stadium, based on the price band and location of their seat for the final
season at the Boleyn Ground.

• Season Ticket Holders will receive their Reservation Centre appointments
and select their seats in order of price band, from band 1 to band 4, so it
is clear at each stage what seats are available in higher price bands,
should supporters wish to upgrade.
• Every Season Ticket Holder will therefore be offered first refusal on the
best available seats in their equivalent price band, before those seats are
made available to supporters in any other bands.
• Subject to availability, all Season Ticket Holders will be given the
opportunity to upgrade their ticket in the new Stadium to a seat in a higher
price band.

• Supporters who wish to move down a price band will be able to do so;
however, only after all supporters in that price band have had the
opportunity to select their seat.
Reservation Centre appointment timings
Selecting seats in the new Stadium
How do I select my seat for the new Stadium?
Each Season Ticket Holder will be offered a personal appointment at the New
Stadium Reservation Centre in Westfield Stratford City, where they will
select their seat with the help of a Club adviser. Using state-of-the-art
Virtual Venue technology, supporters will be shown the views from the seats
available to them and the advisers will be able to answer all their
questions, from sightlines and transport to Stadium access and facilities.
How will the order of appointments within each price band be decided?
The order of appointments for Season Ticket Holders within each band will be
based on the quality of the current sightline for each seat at the Boleyn
Ground, working from the halfway line in the Alpari and East stands and
directly behind the goal in the Bobby Moore and Sir Trevor Brooking stands,
and then out towards the corner flags. Appointments will work from the back
to front of each stand in the lower tiers - with the exception of the area
surrounding the tunnel - and from front to back of each stand in the upper
tiers.
What is meant by a 'comparable seat'?
A comparable seat is one in an equivalent price band and similar location to
the seat occupied for the final season at the Boleyn Ground. However, given
the obvious differences in the shape, seating layout and capacity of the two
grounds, no two seats will be exactly comparable and the quality of each
seat and sightline is subjective.
Where will each price band be located within the Stadium?
Supporters will be able to see the location of all seats in the price bands
available to them at their Reservation Centre appointment.
Can I choose a seat in a lower price band?
Any Season Ticket Holder wanting to choose a seat in a lower price band than
their equivalent at the Boleyn Ground may do so, but they will have to wait
until all current Season Ticket Holders from that band have had the
opportunity to select their new seat. This is to protect the rights of
Season Ticket Holders in lower price bands and ensure that they are in no
way disadvantaged by the process or by their fellow supporters.
As a disabled supporter, how will the seat selection process work for me?
All disabled supporters, both wheelchair users and ambulant, will be entered
into the same system as all other Season Ticket Holders and the scheduling
of their Reservation Centre appointment will be based on their location at
the Boleyn Ground for the final season.
The new Stadium boasts excellent disabled access, facilities and seating
options, all of which can be discussed with the Club adviser at the
Reservation Centre, along with guidance on the best location within the
Stadium in relation to access and transport links.
Will the Virtual Venue software allow me to experience view from the
wheelchair platforms?
Yes, the technology will offer sightlines from all the wheelchair platforms
at the new Stadium.
I'm a visually impaired/ambulant disabled supporter, can I sit anywhere in
the Stadium?
Visually impaired and ambulant disabled supporters are free to select any
available seat in a comparable location at the new Stadium. However,
Reservation Centre advisers will be able to offer guidance on the areas that
are best suited to the supporter's individual access needs.

Will I need to move seats for any game at the new Stadium?
Season Ticket seats will not be offered in any sections of the new Stadium
which will potentially be affected by the allocation of visiting supporters,
even for domestic cup games.
Can I visit the Stadium before I select my seat?
The Stadium itself will be an active construction site while it undergoes
the transformation into football mode and the Club's new home. It is not,
therefore, possible to facilitate any Stadium visits before the Club takes
up residence.
The CGI visualisations and the Virtual Venue system used for seat selection
will give supporters a real sense of their new matchday surroundings.
Buying Season Tickets
How much will Season Tickets cost in the new Stadium?
Season Ticket prices for the new Stadium will be announced in April 2015 but
the Club can confirm they will be comparable with prices for the final
season at the Boleyn Ground.
When will I need to pay for my Season Ticket?
At the end of their appointment at the Reservation Centre, once they have
chosen their seats, Season Ticket Holders will be asked to pay a
non-refundable deposit of 25 per cent of their total ticket price. The
remaining 75 per cent will be due by June 2016, in line with the normal
window for Season Ticket renewals.
Why do I need to pay a deposit at the Reservation Centre?
At all times, the Club need to know precisely which seats have been
allocated, to ensure that supporters who are still to select their seats
have access to the best seats still available. Without some form of
financial commitment from Season Ticket Holders, this would prove
exceptionally difficult. The Club is therefore asking supporters for a 25
per cent deposit to secure their chosen seat, which is payable at the
Reservation Centre with the remainder not due until June 2016.
Will I still be able to pay for my Season Ticket on finance?
Supporters can purchase 2016/17 Season Tickets on finance under the same
terms and conditions as currently available at the Boleyn Ground. Once a
Season Ticket Holder has selected their seat in the new Stadium, it will be
reserved for them, pending credit approval. Upon confirmation of the finance
agreement, their seat will be secured.
What are the options for supporters without a Season Ticket for the final
season at the Boleyn Ground?
Anyone not holding a Season Ticket for the final season at the Boleyn Ground
will need to register on the new Stadium waiting list if they wish to buy a
Season Ticket for the 2016/17 season. The new Stadium waiting list opens in
the spring of 2015.
Sitting with friends and family
1) Existing groups
I already sit with a group at the Boleyn Ground and we want to sit together
in the new Stadium. Can we sit together in the new Stadium?
Yes. Season Ticket Holders who currently sit together at the Boleyn Ground
will also be able to move as a group. When supporters receive details of
their appointment, they will be able to create and register their group
online and attend the Reservation Centre together.
2) New groups
i) I want to 'group' with Season Ticket Holders who sit in my price band,
but do not currently sit with me. Can we sit together in the new Stadium?
Season Ticket Holders in the same price band are welcome to group together.
When supporters receive details of their appointment, they will be able to
create and register their group online and attend the Reservation Centre
together.
The Club will look to allocate the seats that most closely fit the group's
requirements, though the area selected may not be directly comparable for
members of the group with the best seat location.
ii) I want to 'group' with Season Ticket Holders who sit in different price
bands. Can we sit together in the new Stadium?
Season Ticket Holders currently in different price bands are also welcome to
group at the new Stadium, but will be required to group with the individual
in the highest band. This is to protect the rights of Season Ticket Holders
in lower price bands and ensure that they are in no way disadvantaged by the
process or by their fellow supporters.
The Club will look to allocate the seats that most closely fit the group's
requirements, though the area selected may not be directly comparable for
members of the group with the best seat location.
iii) Will I still be able to sit with friends who are also wheelchair users,
as I do now?
Yes, provided the group agree on location and there is space available.

How will introducing new Season Ticket Holders work?
Subject to availability, every Season Ticket Holder renewing for the 2016/17
season will have the opportunity to bring up to two new Season Ticket
Holders with them to the new Stadium. Any new Season Ticket Holder will be
able to choose their seat along with the existing Season Ticket Holder at
their Reservation Centre appointment.
Attending the Reservation Centre
When will I be informed of my appointment at the Reservation Centre?
Season Ticket Holders will be contacted between April 2015 and February 2016
with details of their Reservation Centre appointments. The Club aim to give
supporters a minimum of two weeks' notice of their appointment.
What if I cannot make my appointment?
With over 40,000 supporters expected to visit the Reservation Centre, the
Club ask that all supporters stick to their allotted appointment time. If
for any reason supporters cannot make the time slot offered, they should
contact the Reservation Centre using the contact details provided and the
appointment will be rescheduled. However, rescheduling an appointment to a
later date will inevitably reduce the supporter's choice of seats because
other supporters will be making their selections in the interim.
Should any Season Ticket Holder be unable to make their appointment in
person, they are welcome to nominate someone to attend the Reservation
Centre on their behalf.
What are the Reservation Centre's opening hours?
To accommodate the vast number of appointments, the Reservation Centre is
open seven days a week (including matchdays): Monday to Friday from 10:00 to
21:00, Saturday 09:00 to 21:00 and Sunday 12:00 to 18:00.
Is the Reservation Centre wheelchair accessible?
Yes.
Can I conduct the appointment over the phone or online?
While supporters can select their seats over the phone if necessary, they
are strongly advised to attend their appointment in person to take advantage
of the Virtual Venue technology, which will help them to select the seats,
sightlines and surroundings that are right for them. The Club will not have
the flexibility to relocate Season Ticket Holders once the 2016/17 season
has begun, so it is important that supporters are happy with their seats
before they choose them. Supporters cannot select their seats online.

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'The wins will come again'
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins is confident West Ham United will be celebrating victories
again soon
11.01.2015

James Tomkins says West Ham United are determined not to waste their fine
start to the 2014/15 season. The Hammers reached Christmas fourth in the
Barclays Premier League after enjoying their best opening in 15 years, only
for a run of four winless games to see them drop to seventh. On Saturday,
West Ham took the lead for the second league game in succession at Swansea
City through Andy Carroll's stunner, only to allow their advantage to slip
in the second half when Mark Noble helped Bafetimbi Gomis' header into his
own net."For me, I think we should be disappointed because we were 1-0 up
and they didn't really look like scoring, especially from open play,"
Tomkins told West Ham TV. "It was a set piece which killed us. We work hard
on set plays in training every week and we obviously conceded from one. It
was a bit unfortunate with the way it went between Nobes and the post, but
we'll move on. "It was a bit disappointing but we'll move on for sure. You
can see from our performances that we haven't deserved to have drawn them -
we normally deserve to win the games we have drawn. "The fans have stayed
behind us and their support was great again on Saturday. We're playing well
and the wins will come again, I'm sure."

Tomkins was an impressed spectator when Carroll beat three defenders before
smashing high into the net to put the Hammers on top at the Liberty Stadium
- even if he was a little surprised by the nature of the goal. "You normally
associate Andy's goals with his head because he is a big lad in the box, but
he had to move his feet around and he put it in the top bin. He tells me he
does it in training every week, but I'm not sure about that, speaking to the
lads!"

The No5 was less impressed when James Collins was forced to leave the pitch
after a clash of heads with his defensive partner as Tomkins cleared behind,
despite not receiving any treatment from the West Ham physio. With the
Welshman off the pitch, Gomis met the resulting corner with a firm downward
header that found the net via the post and Noble. "We had to get someone
else to mark with Ginge going off the pitch and they hurried to put the
corner in because they knew our marking was not as good as it could have
been. "It probably did have an effect on the marking itself, but it was a
good header from their lad to be fair. We'll look at it and try to improve.
"We need to look at why we are losing our leads. We are normally quite
strong defensively and have been coming back from goals down ourselves to
win games. We are letting leads slip and it's costing us vital points, which
is disappointing, but Swansea are a good side."

Tomkins and Collins were part of an unfamiliar 3-5-2 formation that stifled
Swansea in their attacking third and worked ever so well from open play.
While the home side did pass the ball well, the Hammers held firm and
protected Adrian superbly in the main, and could even have nicked it late on
when Carroll, Carl Jenkinson and Tomkins himself all went close. "They tried
to slide balls in behind us, but they couldn't really work it out and we
frustrated them for a lot of the time. They started the second half well,
but you still couldn't really see them scoring and it was a bit against the
run of play when they did score. "It could have gone either way at the end.
We had chances and they had chances and, in the end, I suppose a draw was a
fair result."

Looking ahead, Tomkins is sure West Ham can get back to winning ways with
two home games this week - Everton in the FA Cup third-round replay on
Tuesday and struggling Hull City in the Barclays Premier League on Sunday.
"It's a good opportunity for us. We don't want to look too far ahead, but if
we get through we have got a game which is another winnable one. This is a
massive chance for us to have an FA Cup run, but we need to beat Everton
first and they're a strong side. "On the night at Upton Park, I'm sure we
can win that game."

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West Ham v Everton
KO 19:45
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce (right) and Everton manager Roberto Martinez
12 January 2015
Last updated at 18:00

FA CUP THIRD ROUND REPLAY
Venue: The Boleyn Ground Date: Tuesday, 13 January Kick-off: 19:45 GMT

TEAM NEWS

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is expected to name his strongest possible side
for their FA Cup third-round replay. Only Diafra Sakho (back) and Cheikhou
Kouyate (international duty) are expected to be unavailable.
Everton manager Roberto Martinez will again be without several players for
their trip to the Boleyn Ground. Tim Howard (calf), Sylvain Distin (groin),
Tony Hibbert, Leon Osman (foot), Darron Gibson and Steven Pienaar (both
knee) remain sidelined.

Everton manager Martinez, meanwhile, confirmed he had made some enquiries
about goalkeepers this month: "It is something we have done for a while now,
but nothing has been conclusive or done in a way that we can announce any
names. "I'm not interested in bringing in a short-term goalkeeper - we'll
look at the options, but if we bring in anyone, it has to be someone who can
stay with us for the long term.
"We are going to explore that avenue and if we find the right personality,
we'll act on it."

West Ham United v Everton
West Ham are three-time winners - most recently in 1980
Everton are five-times winners - most recently in 1995
West Ham have not won in their last five games
Everton have not won in their last six games

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Sam Allardyce: I'm a more flexible boss than Roberto Martinez
BBC.co.uk

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce believes he is more "flexible" in his tactics
than Everton counterpart Roberto Martinez. The Hammers are enjoying a fine
season compared to the struggling Toffees, with the sides set to meet in a
third round FA Cup replay on Tuesday. "I'm a little bit more flexible than
Roberto - he is a total believer in one style," said Allardyce. But
Allardyce says Everton's problems this season are down to playing in the
Europa League and more injuries. Everton finished fifth last season in
Martinez's first season in charge to qualify for European football, but are
currently three points above the Premier League relegation zone. West Ham
are in seventh spot and 11 points better off than the Goodison Park side.
"You become flexible as time goes on," added Allardyce. "Flexibility teaches
you that you have a philosophy in the way you want to play, but if that way
of playing doesn't suit the players you cannot keep that philosophy." The FA
Cup replay will take place at Upton Park after a 1-1 draw away at Everton
and the winner will visit Bristol City or Doncaster Rovers in the next
round. Martinez has played down reports linking him with Cardiff keeper
David Marshall and, despite speculation over the futures of Samuel Eto'o and
Seamus Coleman, he is not envisaging any major departures. "We are not
entertaining that speculation of big sales," said the Spaniard. "We are not
going to sell our big assets in the window, so I think all those stories and
admiration from the outside are just a waste of time."

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Allardyce still hopeful on Reid
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 12th January 2015
By: Staff Writer

Sam Allardyce believes that he can still persuade Winston Reid to sign a
contract extension before the end of the season. Up to now the Kiwi centre
half had steadfastly refused to sign a new deal, having spent the last four
years at West Ham since moving from FC Midtjylland. However Allardyce, who
was briefing the press ahead of tomorrow night's FA Cup 3rd Round replay
against Everton, maintains that he can still persuade the 26-year-old to
remain at the Boleyn. "I think that what we have done this season - and
hopefully we'll finish off the season strongly - might persuade him to sign
for us," he said. "We are on the up at the moment and we have got a very big
future ahead of us, moving into the new stadium. So the club could be bigger
than it's ever been in the next four to five years." Allardyce added that
there was no chance of Reid moving during the current transfer window -
unless the club received a huge offer. "There's no choice for me, he stays -
that's it," he said. "If somebody makes a big offer then obviously the
chairman decides, but for me he's staying. The chairman decides whether the
money is big enough, but for me he stays and I think that the way the club
has improved, I think he will stay."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce concerned by lack of wins
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 12th January 2015
By: Staff Writer

Sam Allardyce admitted today that he was concerned by his team's recent
inability to convert leads into wins. West Ham have taken the lead in their
last three fixtures - against West Brom, Everton and Swansea - yet failed to
win a single one. And that, says Allardyce, is simply not good enough. "It's
a concern that we'e not as free scoring as we were," he said. "The results
have dipped a bit but the performances haven't. "One thing that has to
happen is we get to more resilient defensively. We've been talking about
that all season. We're becoming a much more creative side but our defensive
weaknesses have been exploited too much. In order to win football games you
need to make sure you're strong enough in both departments. We've only had
four clean sheets so far and that's not good enough to keep you in the top
six. "If you look at Southampton, they're up there because they've had 11
clean sheets in 21 games. That's why they're in the top four and we're not."

Allardyce, who has almost fully recovered from the illness that prevented
him from travelling to Wales at the weekend is set to field his strongest
possible team against Everton tomorrow evening. And he believes tomorrow
night's visit of the Blues will prove just as tough as the first meeting
between the two sides. "Everton getting a draw against the champions
Manchester City shows how good we were.," he added. "Tomorrow won't be cut
and dry, we know it will be a hard game. "When the opportunities come, we
need to take them because there's it'll be played to a finish. We have to
make sure we come out of it without having wasted our energy."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United announce Olympic Stadium migration policy
KUMb.com
Filed: Sunday, 11th January 2015
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United have today revealed important details of the process and
timetable for selecting seats in the club's new Stadium on Queen Elizabeth
Olympic Park for the 2016/17 season.

The key points of the process are as follows:

• Each 2015/16 Season Ticket Holder to be given individual appointment at
Reservation Centre in Stratford.

• Process to take place between April 2015 and February 2016, starting with
price Band 1 through to price Band 4.

• Non-refundable deposit of 25 per cent of 2016/17 Season Ticket cost due
upon selecting new seat at the Olympic Stadium.

• Remaining balance of 2016/17 Season Ticket cost to be paid by June 2016.

• Season Ticket prices at the Olympic Stadium will be "comparable to those
for the final season at the Boleyn Ground".

• Olympic Stadium seat allocation dependent upon 2015/16 Season Ticket Band.

• Anyone wishing to downgrade a Band will be able to select their seat only
when all existing Season Ticket holders in the new chosen band have selected
theirs.

• A waiting list for seats opens later this year; tickets go on General Sale
only when all existing Season Ticket holders have been invited to choose
their new seat.


The club's first priority is to offer every Season Ticket Holder a
comparable seat in the new stadium to the one they have for the final season
at the Boleyn Ground.

Additionally, Season Ticket Holders are able to group their seats together
with friends and family and have the opportunity to bring with them up to
two new Season Ticket Holders.

In devising a process to meet those priorities, the club had three guiding
principles: that the process should be fair and transparent to all
supporters, with the efficiency to accommodate 40,000 supporters coming
through the Reservation Centre doors.


The Process

Every Season Ticket Holder who renews their ticket for the final season at
the Boleyn Ground will receive an invitation to attend a personal
appointment at West Ham United's Reservation Centre at Westfield Stratford
City. The appointments will take place between April 2015 and February 2016.

At the Reservation Centre, an adviser will present the various ticketing
options available for the big kick-off in August 2016. Supporters will be
shown the surroundings and views from different seats in the stadium using
state-of-the-art Virtual Venue technology.

The club is committed to ensuring Season Ticket Holders have the opportunity
to select seats at the new stadium in an equivalent price band and location
to their seat at the Boleyn. They will therefore be allocated their
appointment based on the price band and seat location of their 2015/16
Season Ticket.

They will have a choice of seats in their existing price band or from any
available seats in price bands above. If Season Ticket Holders wish to
choose a seat in a lower price band they can do so, but only after all
Season Ticket Holders in that price band have had the opportunity to select
their seats. This is to protect the rights of Season Ticket Holders in lower
price bands and ensure that they are in no way disadvantaged by the process
or their fellow supporters.

Each Season Ticket Holder will also have the opportunity to bring up to two
new Season Ticket Holders with them to the new stadium, and – subject to
availability – choose the additional seats together. Larger groups wishing
to sit together will be able to register for a group Reservation Centre
appointment. For further information on the 'grouping' process and the seat
selection process as a whole, please refer to the FAQ below.

Season Ticket prices for the new Stadium will be comparable to those for the
final season at the Boleyn Ground, further details of which will be released
in April 2015. Upon visiting the Reservation Centre, supporters can secure
their 2016/17 Season Ticket with a 25 per cent deposit and the remaining
balance is then due in June 2016.

Once all 2015/16 Season Ticket Holders' appointments are complete, and the
new stadium waiting list has been serviced, any remaining Season Tickets
will be made available for general sale.

The waiting list for new Stadium Season Tickets will open later this year.
Until then, the only way to guarantee your priority in the seat selection
process is by holding a Season Ticket for the final season at the Boleyn
Ground.

Further important information on the seat selection process and timetable
can be found can be viewed in the following Q+A.





New Stadium seat selection FAQs

This FAQ covers the following topics:

• New Stadium seat selection plans
• Selecting seats at the new Stadium
• Buying Season Tickets
• Sitting with friends and family
• Attending the Reservation Centre


New Stadium seat selection plans

How will Season Ticket Holders be allocated seats at the new Stadium?

The Club have worked carefully to ensure that the seat allocation process
works in the interests of all our loyal Season Ticket Holders. The
priorities are:

• That every existing Season Ticket Holder is offered a comparable
seat in the new Stadium to the one they have for the final season at the
Boleyn Ground.

• That they are able to group their seats together with friends and
family.

Additionally, Season Ticket Holders will have the opportunity to bring with
them up to two other individuals as new Season Ticket Holders.

In planning a process to meet those priorities, the Club have had three
guiding principles:

Fairness – the process must be fair, so the rights of Season Ticket Holders
in each band are equally protected.
Transparency – The process must be clear to all supporters, so that all can
understand what is happening, when and why.
Efficiency - The process must be efficient, so that the 40,000 supporters
expected through the Reservation Centre doors have enough time to enjoy
their appointments and make a fair decision in good time before August 2016.


On the basis of those priorities and principles, the process will work as
follows:

• Every Season Ticket Holder will be offered a comparable seat at the
new Stadium, based on the price band and location of their seat for the
final season at the Boleyn Ground.

• Season Ticket Holders will receive their Reservation Centre
appointments and select their seats in order of price band, from band 1 to
band 4, so it is clear at each stage what seats are available in higher
price bands, should supporters wish to upgrade.

• Every Season Ticket Holder will therefore be offered first refusal
on the best available seats in their equivalent price band, before those
seats are made available to supporters in any other bands.

• Subject to availability, all Season Ticket Holders will be given the
opportunity to upgrade their ticket in the new Stadium to a seat in a higher
price band.

• Supporters who wish to move down a price band will be able to do so;
however only after all supporters in that price band have had the
opportunity to select their seat.


Selecting seats in the new Stadium

How do I select my seat for the new Stadium?

Each Season Ticket Holder will be offered a personal appointment at the New
Stadium Reservation Centre in Westfield Stratford City, where they will
select their seat with the help of a Club adviser. Using state-of-the-art
Virtual Venue technology, supporters will be shown the views from the seats
available to them and the advisers will be able to answer all their
questions, from sightlines and transport to Stadium access and facilities.

How will the order of appointments within each price band be decided?

The order of appointments for Season Ticket Holders within each band will be
based on the quality of the current sightline for each seat at the Boleyn
Ground, working from the half way line in the Alpari and East stands and
directly behind the goal in the Bobby Moore and Sir Trevor Brooking stands,
and then out towards the corner flags. Appointments will work from the back
to front of each stand in the lower tiers – with the exception of the area
surrounding the tunnel – and from front to back of each stand in the upper
tiers.

What is meant by a 'comparable seat'?

A comparable seat is one in an equivalent price band and similar location to
the seat occupied for the final season at the Boleyn Ground. However, given
the obvious difference in the shape, seating layout and capacity of the two
grounds, no two seats will be exactly comparable and the quality of each
seat and sightline is subjective.
Where will each price band be located within the Stadium?

Supporters will be able to see the location of all seats in the price bands
available to them at their Reservation Centre appointment.

Can I choose a seat in a lower price band?

Any Season Ticket Holder wanting to choose a seat in a lower price band than
their equivalent at the Boleyn Ground may do so, but they will have to wait
until all current Season Ticket Holders from that band have had the
opportunity to select their new seat. This is to protect the rights of
Season Ticket Holders in lower price bands and ensure that they are in no
way disadvantaged by the process or their fellow supporters.

As a disabled supporter, how will the seat selection process work for me?

All disabled supporters, both wheelchair users and ambulant, will be entered
into the same system as all other Season Ticket Holders and the scheduling
of their Reservation Centre appointment will be based on their location at
the Boleyn Ground for the final season.
The new Stadium boasts excellent disabled access, facilities and seating
options, all of which can be discussed with the Club adviser at the
Reservation Centre, along with guidance on the best location within the
Stadium in relation to access and transport links.

Will the Virtual Venue software allow me to experience view from the
wheelchair platforms?

Yes, the technology will offer sightlines from all the wheelchair platforms
at the new Stadium.

I'm a visually impaired/ambulant disabled supporter, can I sit anywhere in
the Stadium?

Visually impaired and ambulant disabled supporters are free to select any
available seat in a comparable location at the new stadium. However,
Reservation Centre advisers will be able to offer guidance on the areas that
are best suited to the supporter's individual access needs.

Will I need to move seats for any game at the new Stadium?

Season Tickets seats will not be offered in any sections of the new Stadium
which will potentially be affected by the allocation of visiting supporters,
even for domestic cup games.

Can I visit the Stadium before I select my seat?

The Stadium itself will be an active construction site while it undergoes
the transformation into football mode and the Club's new home. It is not,
therefore, possible to facilitate any Stadium visits before the Club takes
up residence.

The CGI visualisations and the Virtual Venue system used for seat selection
will give supporters a real sense of their new matchday surroundings.


Buying Season Tickets

How much will Season Tickets cost in the new Stadium?

Season Ticket prices for the new Stadium will be announced in April 2015 but
the Club can confirm they will be comparable with prices for the final
season at the Boleyn Ground.

When will I need to pay for my Season Ticket?

At the end of their appointment at the Reservation Centre, once they have
chosen their seats, Season Ticket Holders will be asked to pay a
non-refundable deposit of 25 per cent of their total ticket price. The
remaining 75 per cent will be due by June 2016, in line with the normal
window for Season Ticket renewals.

Why do I need to pay a deposit at the Reservation Centre?

At all times, the Club need to know precisely which seats have been
allocated, to ensure that supporters who are still to select their seats
have access to the best seats still available. Without some form of
financial commitment from Season Ticket Holders, this would prove
exceptionally difficult. The Club is therefore asking supporters for a 25
per cent deposit to secure their chosen seat, which is payable at the
Reservation Centre with the remainder not due until June 2016.

Will I still be able to pay for my Season Ticket on finance?

Supporters can purchase 2016/17 Season Tickets on finance under the same
terms and conditions as currently available at the Boleyn Ground. Once a
Season Ticket Holder has selected their seat in the new Stadium, it will be
reserved for them, pending credit approval. Upon confirmation of the finance
agreement, their seat will be secured.

What are the options for supporters without a Season Ticket for the final
season at the Boleyn Ground?

Anyone not holding a Season Ticket for the final season at the Boleyn Ground
will need to register on the new Stadium waiting list if they wish to buy a
Season Ticket for the 2016/17 season. The new Stadium waiting list opens in
the spring of 2015.


Sitting with friends and family

1) Existing groups

I already sit with a group at the Boleyn Ground and we want to sit together
in the new Stadium. Can we sit together in the new Stadium?

Yes. Season Ticket Holders who currently sit together at the Boleyn Ground
will also be able to move as a group. When supporters receive details of
their appointment, they will be able to create and register their group
online and attend the Reservation Centre together.

2) New groups

i) I want to 'group' with Season Ticket Holders who sit in my price band,
but do not currently sit with me. Can we sit together in the new Stadium?

Season Ticket Holders in the same price band are welcome to group together.
When supporters receive details of their appointment, they will be able to
create and register their group online and attend the Reservation Centre
together.

The Club will look to allocate the seats that most closely fit the group's
requirements, though the area selected may not be directly comparable for
members of the group with the best seat location.

ii) I want to 'group' with Season Ticket Holders who sit in different price
bands. Can we sit together in the new Stadium?

Season Ticket Holders currently in different price bands are also welcome to
group at the new Stadium, but will be required to group with the individual
in the highest band. This is to protect the rights of Season Ticket Holders
in lower price bands and ensure that they are in no way disadvantaged by the
process or their fellow supporters.

The Club will look to allocate the seats that most closely fit the group's
requirements, though the area selected may not be directly comparable for
members of the group with the best seat location.

iii) Will I still be able to sit with friends who are also wheelchair users,
as I do now?

Yes, provided the group agree on location and there is space available.

How will introducing new Season Ticket Holders work?

Subject to availability, every Season Ticket Holder renewing for the 2016/17
season will have the opportunity to bring up to two new Season Ticket
Holders with them to the new Stadium. Any new Season Ticket Holder will be
able to choose their seat along with the existing Season Ticket Holder at
their Reservation Centre appointment.


Attending the Reservation Centre

When will I be informed of my appointment at the Reservation Centre?

Season Ticket Holders will be contacted between April 2015 and February 2016
with details of their Reservation Centre appointments. The Club aim to give
supporters a minimum of two weeks' notice of their appointment.

What if I can't make my appointment?

With over 40,000 supporters expected to visit the Reservation Centre, the
Club ask that all supporters stick to their allotted appointment time. If
for any reason supporters cannot make the time slot offered, they should
contact the Reservation Centre using the contact details provided and the
appointment will be rescheduled. However, rescheduling an appointment to a
later date will inevitably reduce the supporter's choice of seats because
other supporters will be making their selections in the interim.

Should any Season Ticket Holder be unable to make their appointment in
person, they are welcome to nominate someone to attend the Reservation
Centre on their behalf.

What are the Reservation Centre's opening hours?

To accommodate the vast number of appointments, the Reservation Centre is
open seven days a week (including matchdays): Monday to Friday from 10:00 to
21:00, Saturday 09:00 to 21:00 and Sunday 12:00 to 18:00.

Is the Reservation Centre wheelchair accessible?

Yes.

Can I conduct the appointment over the phone or online?

While supporters can select their seats over the phone if necessary, they
are strongly advised to attend their appointment in person to take advantage
of the Virtual Venue technology, which will help them to select the seats,
sightlines and surroundings that are right for them. The Club will not have
the flexibility to relocate Season Ticket Holders once the 2016/17 season
has begun, so it is important that supporters are happy with their seats
before they choose them. Supporters cannot select their seats online.

While all reasonable endeavours have been made to ensure that the contents
of these FAQs are correct, West Ham United will not be held responsible for
any inaccuracies or omissions. West Ham United Football Club reserves the
right to amend the information contained in these FAQs at any time and from
time to time.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Opening time for the new Boleyn
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 12th January 2015
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United have announced the launch of The Boleyn, a dedicated bar for
Hammers supporters at the club's new Olympic Stadium in Queen Elizabeth
Olympic Park.

An exclusive yet informal bar located in the West Stand of the stadium, The
Boleyn will combine the camaraderie and atmosphere of your favourite
pre-match pub with the convenience of being seconds from your halfway line
seats on either side of the players' tunnel, from where you will enjoy an
unrivalled view of the action.

The bar will be decked out in claret and blue colours and the West Ham
crest, with portraits of the greatest legends and moments in Hammers history
gracing the walls, all part of the club's commitment to make the new stadium
look and feel unmistakably like our new home inside and out.

Members of The Boleyn will enjoy free drinks at half-time and can purchase
traditional East End food from Café Cassettari, named after the venue where
graduates of the West Ham Academy famously used to meet and talk tactics.

Membership of The Boleyn will be strictly limited to 1,000 places, and is
being made available today to all Season Ticket Holders on a first come,
first served basis. From this morning (Monday), each Season Ticket Holder's
household will receive a unique Boleyn brochure, with full details of this
stunning new venue.

As well as exclusive use of the bar and café, free half-time drinks and
halfway line seats, members will enjoy access to every West Ham Premier
League home fixture plus the first three cup games, priority for cup
semi-finals and finals, a dedicated VIP entrance to the Stadium, and a
complimentary matchday programme.

To purchase your membership, register online for a Reservation Centre
appointment to select your seats.

Fans wanting to secure one of the limited number of places will be required
to pay a joining fee of £500 plus VAT, with monthly direct debits of £140
plus VAT beginning from June 2016. This price will remain fixed for the
length of your membership.

When it comes to the big kick-off in 2016, the Boleyn will be the perfect
place to combine your traditional matchday experience with the convenience
of being just seconds away from your seats. Book your place in West Ham's
greatest-ever bar today.

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Sam Allardyce hopes to keep Winston Reid at West Ham
Last Updated: 12/01/15 3:53pm
SSN

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has reiterated his desire not to lose Winston
Reid who is out of contract this summer. Arsenal are one of a host of clubs
reportedly interested in signing the New Zealand international, whose
current deal at Upton Park expires at the end of the season. Sam Allardyce
says rumoured transfer target Matija Nastasic wants to play overseas and
wouldn't be drawn on stories linking the club with Efe Ambrose. Allardyce
admitted last week that Reid was unlikely to sign a new contract but the
Hammers boss remains hopeful the 26-year-old, who joined West Ham from
Danish club FC Midtjylland in August 2010, will have a change of heart due
to the club's bright future. There has also been speculation the Hammers
could decide to cash in on Reid this month before his contract is up, but
Allardyce is keen to keep him until at least the end of the season unless
the club receive an offer they cannot refuse. "The chairman decides whether
the money is big enough, but for me he stays and I think that the way the
club has improved, I think he will stay."
Allardyce said: "There's no choice for me, he stays - that's it. If somebody
makes a big offer then obviously the chairman decides, but for me he's
staying. "The chairman decides whether the money is big enough, but for me
he stays and I think that the way the club has improved, I think he will
stay. "And I think that what we have done this season, and hopefully (we
will) finish off the season strongly, might persuade him to sign for us. "We
are on the up at the moment and we have got a very big future ahead of us,
moving into the new stadium. So the club could be bigger than it's ever been
in the next four to five years."

Meanwhile, West Ham have been linked with Celtic defender Efe Ambrose, but
Allardyce refused to comment on that speculation with his focus currently on
loan deals. He said: "There is limited finance for us, as I have said
before, on the financial fair play side of it. So anybody coming in on a
permanent basis wouldn't be possible for us, I don't think, based on the
budgets that we have got available. "Maybe a loan player or two, but not a
permanent deal."

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Lazio in talks to sign West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison, according to Sky
sources
Last Updated: 12/01/15 9:46pm
SSN

Lazio are in talks to sign midfielder Ravel Morrison from West Ham,
according to Sky sources. West Ham have told Morrison, whose contract
expires in the summer, he can leave for free this month despite the fact he
has an £18m buyout clause in his contract, with the London club reportedly
only asking for a percentage of any future sale. Two Premier League clubs
and three clubs in Europe are trying to sign the 21-year-old, although a
dispute between Morrison and West Ham over one month's wages of £60,000 is
holding up any potential deal.
Morrison insists he is owed the money while the club claim they have
deducted it from his December salary as payment of club fines. Morrison has
called the PFA in to mediate. The mdifielder returned to West Ham last month
after an unsuccessful loan spell at Cardiff and has been training with the
U21 development squad, having not played for the Hammers since the August
defeat to Southampton at Upton Park. He has also had loan spells at
Birmingham and QPR since signing from Manchester United for £650,000 two
years ago.

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West Ham v Everton team news
Last Updated: 12/01/15 4:10pm
SSN

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has hinted he will name his strongest possible
side for Tuesday night's FA Cup third-round replay with Everton at Upton
Park.

The Hammers do not play again until they face Hull on Sunday and Allardyce
feels there is enough time for recovery between the two fixtures for him to
name a full-strength XI.

Although he admitted there are a number of unspecified bumps and bruises,
only Diafra Sakho (back) and Cheikhou Kouyate (international duty) are
expected to be unavailable for selection, with Ravel Morrison not considered
as his future at the club remains unclear.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez will again be without seven players for the
game.

The same group that missed Saturday's 1-1 Premier League draw with
Manchester City continue to be sidelined - Tim Howard (calf), Sylvain Distin
(groin), Tony Hibbert (unspecified), Leon Osman (foot), Darron Gibson,
Steven Pienaar (both knee) and James McCarthy (hamstring).

Martinez has confirmed he intends to include 22-year-old forward Conor
McAleny in the squad for the game in London.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll aiming for FA Cup glory with West Ham after moment of magic
against Swansea
Jan 11, 2015 22:30 By Andrew Gwilym
The giant 6ft3 striker has been a nightmare for the Swans having slotted
three against them this season already
The Mirror

Andy Carroll again stuck the boot into Swansea before setting his sights on
FA Cup glory with West Ham. The striker's stunning first-half goal at the
Liberty Stadium was his seventh against Swansea and his third against them
this season. It was not enough to secure all three points as Mark Noble's
effort to keep out a Bafetimbi Gomis header only resulted in the ball ending
up in the net. But the result keeps the Hammers in the mix for European
qualification and with their top-flight status all but secure, Carroll wants
to see off Everton in tomorrow's FA Cup replay. He said: "There's nothing
better than a cup run for everyone at West Ham and I feel this is the season
where we could go a long way in it. "There's no reason we can't. We've had a
good run this season, so why can't we carry that on in the FA Cup? "I
thought we could have won at Everton and we were unlucky at the end when we
conceded. "But all the lads are looking forward to the replay and hopefully
getting through to the next round." The England striker's goal was a rare
moment of quality in a scrappy game. Stewart Downing's cross was brilliantly
controlled on the chest, three defenders were beaten and an unstoppable
left-foot shot dispatched into the top corner. "Swansea are a good team to
play against for me as I've scored a few goals. I was taking stick off the
Swansea fans so it was nice to score and I had a bit of banter with them
with the celebration. It was one of my best."

The Hammers should have boss Sam Allardyce back in the dug-out against
Everton after he missed the trip to Wales with a chest infection.
He is on antibiotics now and I am sure in a couple of days will be right as
rain," said assistant Neil McDonald. Gomis's involvement in the equaliser
should have been welcome news to Garry Monk with Wilfried Bony heading to
Manchester City. But the Swans boss is having to fight off interest in the
French international, who said his agent was talking to a "big club". "I am
sure every agent in the world is speaking to someone at this time of year,"
said Monk. "It would only bother me if he wasn't trying or his performance
was affected. You can see in all the games he plays he is 100 per cent with
us."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Everton striker Romelu Lukaku to play in West Ham replay in tribute of late
Junior Malanda
Jan 12, 2015 22:30 By David Anderson
The Toffees striker has been left devastated after boyhood friend Malanda
was killed in a car crash on Saturday but wants to take to the field at
Upton Park
SSN

Romelu Lukaku will play for Everton on Tuesday night in tribute to his
tragic boyhood pal Junior Malanda. Lukaku has been left devastated after
Wolfsburg defender Malanda was killed in a car crash in Germany on Saturday.
The Belgium striker is being supported by Everton as he deals with the
tragedy and boss Roberto Martinez claims he has found training an escape.
Martinez says Lukaku wants to face West Ham in tonight's FA Cup replay at
Upton Park in honour of Malanda. "Obviously it was an incredible shock for
Rom and for everyone," he said. "We all knew that Rom had that relationship
with Junior because it was a talking point when we played Wolfsburg in the
Europa League, the two of them facing each other. "We found out straight
after the Man City game. It was such incredible news and it has been tough.
Rom has been really affected. Everyone has to be honest, as we only played
them not long ago. "It is so sad it is difficult to comprehend. Rom is
really down about it. He is in constant contact with his family, but he has
been very strong over it. "Playing football probably allows you to get rid
of that feeling and that's exactly what he needs. He trained well on Sunday
and we are all helping and supporting him." Malanda, who was 20, was on the
fringes of the Belgium squad and Martinez says compatriot Kevin Mirallas is
also distraught."Rom is a very sensitive man and he had always been giving
Junior good advice," he said. "Junior was just breaking into the senior side
with Belgium and you can imagine their group is very strong. Kevin Mirallas
was very close to him too. "Their feeling is they want to play football and
show their respect on the pitch as well. "They are such a footballing
family. It is so sad what happened. It makes you appreciate not to take
anything for granted in life." Meanwhile, Leighton Baines claims the cups
are Everton's best hope this season because their Champions League dream is
over.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons: 'We think Rav and Lazio are talking'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 12, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Speculation that Ravel Morrison could join Lazio was not being ruled out by
West Ham this evening. After the story was broken on Sky Sports News,
ClaretandHugh was told by a top Boleyn insider that the club believed the
Italian club was talking to Morrison and his advisers. The player has been
told he can leave Upton Park and given he is out of contract at the end of
the season can sign a deal with the Serie A outfit. The club believe that
whilst a deal with the Italians is "probably unlikely" they refuse to rule
it out entirely.
Our source said: "We think they are talking to him as he can speak to
foreign clubs as of course he's free to sign a pre-contract and we would get
a token fee under FIFA rules should it happen. "Personally, however, I think
it's probably unlikely. There's many factors involved."

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"I'm so flexible" – Sorry Sam run that by me again
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 12, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

I'm a little bit more flexible than Roberto – he is a total believer in one
style. You become flexible as time goes on. Flexibility teaches you that you
have a philosophy in the way you want to play, but if that way of playing
doesn't suit the players you cannot keep that philosophy."

SAM ALLARDYCE JANUARY 12, 2015

This is the quote which our manager gave to the BBC during an interview
ahead of tomorrow evening's game against Everton! he enlarged typeface has
been used to ensure that you are sure you can believe your eyes! There
really is very little to add except to apologise to the man for so
misunderstanding that he was a multi-faceted tactician with many different
ways of playing, It really does almost beggar belief that Sam could have
chosen to explain himself and his philosophy in such a brazen manner.

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Irons move for Man City defender fails
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 12, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

West Ham have lost out in the chase for Manchester City defender Matija
Nastasic. Reports in Germany claim the Hammers attempted to make a late move
for the player after he was involved in talks with Schalke. The Hammers
moved in when it became clear that Schalke were keen to take him on loan but
were unwilling to commit to a £10 million fee at the end of the season. City
wanted a loan and offer from the German club at season end and thus the deal
became "bogged down " allowing the Irons to move in. However, the defender,
who is earning £70k a week, was unsure about a move to the east-end and with
uncertainty still surrounding Winston Reid's position the move broke down..

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Daily WHUFC News - 12th January 2015

Jenks relishes new role
WHUFC.com
Carl Jenkinson enjoyed playing as a wing-back in Saturday's 1-1 draw at
Swansea City
11.01.2015

Carl Jenkinson had mixed emotions after West Ham United played out a third
consecutive draw on Saturday. The Hammers led for over half-an-hour after
Andy Carroll fired them in front at Swansea City, but the hosts claimed a
share of the spoils 16 minutes from the end through Bafetimbi Gomis' header.
Jenkinson was deployed in a more attacking wing-back role and he went close
to a late winner with a shot from range which Lukas Fabianski shovelled
around the post. He felt the Hammers were well worthy of their point, but it
was one which was laced with a tinge of frustration after the Swans levelled
from a set play. "I think overall it's a good point," he said. "We're
disappointed because we conceded from a set piece, which was obviously
avoidable and we had plenty of chances to win the game. "So that's
frustrating, but at the same time Swansea are a good team and we've picked
up four points in two games against them. It's not the end of the world and
we look forward to Tuesday now. "I really enjoyed playing in the wing back
role. The first half we were quite restricted and I didn't have too much of
the ball in the attacking third so I was playing more like a full back. But
in the second half the game opened up and I was able to get forward more.
"It was different and I enjoyed it because it gave me the licence to get
forward."

As well as getting forward, Jenkinson showed his proficiency at the other
end when flying in to block from Wayne Routledge when the winger looekd set
to score on the stroke of half-time. "The boys and the assistant gaffer
Macca were happy with me for that block," Jenkinson added. "It was nice and
an important time to make a tackle and stop a goal. "It was just a shame we
couldn't keep them out in the second half. It was a disappointing goal to
concede, but onwards and upwards. It's not a bad point by any means."

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Morrison embroiled in wages row
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 11th January 2015
By: Staff Writer

Ravel Morrison has called upon the PFA to resolve a wages issue with West
Ham. The 21-year-old midfielder, who has made just two brief appearances for
the Hammers this season is out of contract this summer and on his way out of
the club. However the Mirror reports that Morrison has contacted the
Professional Football's Association in order to resolve a dispute he has
with West Ham over withheld wages.
West Ham, who pay Morrison circa £15,000 per week are understood to have
removed a number of fines from Morrison's salary and insist the England
under-21 was aware of those fines; not so, says Morrison.

Despite being prepared to allow Morrison to leave on a free transfer, there
have been no takers as of yet. Neil McDonald intimated recently that the
youngster would never play for West Ham again. Since joining the Hammers
three years ago this month, Morrison has made only 17 starts for the club,
scoring five goals in the process. During that period he has also been sent
on loan to Birmingham (2012/13 season), Queens Park Rangers (February to May
2014) and Cardiff City (September to December 2014).

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West Ham outcast Ravel Morrison calls in players' union to resolve Hammers
wages row
Jan 10, 2015 22:30 By Tom Hopkinson
The 21-year-old player takes action over a complaint he is owed a month's
salary of around £60,000 - but Hammers insist deductions are down to fines
The Mirror

Ravel Morrison's relationship with West Ham has plumbed new depths in a row
over wages, writes Tom Hopkinson in the Sunday People .
The 21-year-old has called in the PFA over a complaint that he did not
receive his full salary – understood to be around £60,000 – for December and
now the players' union is trying to mediate between the two parties. The
Hammers say that any money deducted is due to an accumulation of fines and
club sources insist Morrison was informed through the proper channels. The
club are trying to offload the former Manchester United youngster this month
– however, they are struggling to find a taker with his £15,000-a-week wages
and reputation major obstacles. As Sunday People Sport revealed last month,
West Ham are looking at every option that is open to them to cancel his
contract. Incredibly, that contract contains an £18million buyout clause –
although the Hammers are now happy to let him leave for nothing. Last week,
boss Sam Allardyce's assistant Neil McDonald said of Morrison: "I am not
sure if he is leaving but he won't come back into the squad."
Morrison joined West Ham in January 2013 after Sir Alex Ferguson ran out of
patience with his antics. Allardyce paid £650,000 to sign him from United in
the belief that he could get his focus back once away from the distractions
of Manchester. However, the pair's relationship deteriorated and loan spells
at QPR and Cardiff both ended in problems.

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Hammers respond to Celtic defender link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 11, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

West Ham have tonight denied any interest in Celtic defender Efe Ambrose.
The 26-year old Nigerian right back/central defender had been linked with
the Irons in various newspapers stories today along with Crystal Palace. He
has been impressive for the Scottish outfit since joining in 2012 after
joining from Israeli club FC Ashdod. One report said: "Both the Hammers and
Eagles are aware of his defensive prowess and believe they can lure the
Nigeria international south of the border." But ClaretandHugh was told a few
minutes ago: "We have seen the reports but can confirm there's no interest
as far as West Ham are concerned."

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Song hopes rise for Everton replay
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 11, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

West Ham medics are hopeful that Alex Song will be fit to return to action
for the Third Round FA Cup replay against Everton on Tuesday evening. The
player has been carrying a viral infection since his trip to Africa where he
ended his international career. He had hoped to play at Swansea yesterday
but was finally ruled out after failing to completely recover from the
'bug.' A club source told ClaretandHugh earlier this afternoon (Sun): "These
viral things have to run their course but he's feeling better and we are
hopeful he will make it for the Everton match. "It is impossible to be 100
per cent sure but the signs are good and he will be very keen to become
involved again. "It could have been a stressful week with the international
decision and now this so it will be great for him to put everything behind
him and start playing football again."

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Irons confirm new Morrison row
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 11, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Ravel Morrison and the club are embroiled in a new row…over his wages! The
club confirmed to ClaretandHugh this morning that the player had deductions
made from his £60k a month salary following reports in a national newspaper.
The Hammers say he was paid but that certain deductions were for reasons
they told Claretandhugh were "internal."
Morrison, meanwhile is reported to, have taken the matter up with the
Professional Footballers' Association as his relationship with the club
worsens. He has already been told he can now find a new club after two
spells on loan at Queens Park Rangers and Cardiff City and Neil McDonald
confirmed earlier ClaretandHugh reports that his comments claiming nobody
would be leaving the club in January do not necessarily apply to Morrison.
The player has been training with the Under-21 squad and will be released at
the end of the season should he fail to find a club this month.

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