Police investigate offensive chanting by Tottenham supporters
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 25th February 2015
By: Staff Writer
Tottenham Hotspur could face a Police probe after it was revealed that
offensive chants aimed at West Ham supporters during Sunday's derby at White
Hart Lane are being investigated by the FA. Both the Police and the FA have
been informed of the offensive chanting - which included references to
"pikeys", a derogatory term for members of the travelling community - by
Kick It Out, football's equality and inclusion organisation. And the north
London club now face a potential fine after their supporters were filmed -
by their own fans, no less - singing songs with racist overtones at visiting
supporters. Spurs supporters are no strangers to being caught participating
in songs featuring offensive lyrics. In 2008 they were accused of racist
chanting when referring to the father of African striker Emmanuel Adebayor -
who ironically now plays for Tottenham - as an "elephant washer" and his
mother as "a whore". And for several years, references to West Ham
supporters as "pikeys" - an offensive reference to Roma, Gypsies and
Travellers - have been heard on the terraces at White Hart Lane and whenever
they have visited the Boleyn Ground. West Ham fans are also being
investigated as a result of Sunday's game for referring to Spurs striker
Harry Kane as a "mong" - a derogatory term for someone with Downs Syndrome.
Meanwhile a video purporting to feature a group of West Ham fans singing an
offensive chant on a tube at some stage on Sunday has been dismissed as
potentially fraudulent, despite featuring in most of the national newspapers
since.
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Sullivan sympathises with fans who confronted his father
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 25th February 2015
By: Staff Writer
The son of co-owner David Sullivan has expressed sympathy for the supporters
who accosted his father following West Ham United's recent FA Cup exit at
West Brom.
18-year-old Dave Sullivan, the Chairman's eldest son was not present when
his father was besieged by enraged fans after West Ham were unexpectedly
thrashed 4-0 by Albion on Valentine's Day, as he was leaving for a short
holiday with younger brother Jack.
The appalling scenes - which saw the club's co-owner surrounded by a small
but vocal group of furious supporters demanding the dismissal of manager Sam
Allardyce - were posted for the world to see on You Tube a matter of hours
after the game had ended.
But despite the fact that his father was clearly shaken by the incident
Sullivan Jnr admitted he empathised with the fans who confronted his dad,
some of whom had spent hours stuck in traffic jams travelling to the West
Midlands - only to see the team fail to arrive.
"It sounds weird, but you can see why they're annoyed," said Sullivan,
talking exclusively on the latest episode of the KUMB West Ham Podcast. "But
it's not the right way to react.
"The thing is, me and Jack would have been there if we hadn't been going
away. It's the first away game we've missed so we were very lucky we weren't
there, but it does happen. You can see in some games there's a bit of
tension - and you don't get security at every club.
"At West Brom, Dad had to walk past the station where you had a lot of angry
West Ham fans going home. He had to walk past - and it's inviting trouble.
There was nowhere else for him to go, so he had to walk past it.
"He's a fan. He's as upset as everyone else. He was going to see his mum,
who's ill in hospital, so it's not like he was just leaving early. He was
upset, but there's a certain feeling of sympathy with the fans who are
angry. But that's not the way to react."
Sullivan, who spoke at length on the Podcast about his experiences at the
club since Sullivan Snr and co-owner David Gold gained control in 2010, was
happy to quash concerns regarding any lasting effects on his father.
"He's fine. You haven't got to worry, he's alright!" he laughed, before
adopting a more serious tone. "It's not right, but for some reason football
does have that effect on some people. You've just got to deal with it,
because it's going to happen to varying degrees."
However he admitted that scenes such as those witnessed outside the
Hawthorns can take their toll - with Sullivan Snr having considered his own
future as the club's owner at times, if only momentarily. "If you've got
people screaming at you, that's always going to happen," he said.
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REMEMBER DYLAN TOMBIDES ON 38 MINUTES
By Sean Whetstone 25 Feb 2015 at 14:09
West Ham till I Die
Hammer Dylan Tombides, who tragically passed away in April 2014, will be
remembered this weekend when the DT38 Foundation is launched at West Ham's
game with Crystal Palace. West Ham made a touching tribute of retiring his
No.38 jersey last year.
Dylan was robbed of a future that he dreamed of as a young boy. It robbed
Taylor of a brother and it robbed my husband and I of watching our beautiful
son grow and fulfil his dreams. Please do not let this happen to your son,
brother, friend or father," writes Tracy Tombides on the DT38 Foundation
website.
DT38 is a foundation which aims to "change the way testicular cancer is
diagnosed". The disease is the most common cancer for men between the ages
of 15 and 40, and the foundation hopes to raise awareness as well as educate
to help prevent the disease. The club will be putting a picture of Dylan up
on the big screens at 38 minutes and it would be fitting way to remember
Dylan if all home and away fans joined in one minute applause.
Dylan's mother Tracy Tombides details his final years on the foundation
website from joining West Ham in 2008 to his untimely death in 2014.
"In 2008, Dylan joined West Ham United and he flourished. He scored many
goals in the Under 16s and quickly found himself playing in the Under 18s,
the reserves, and finally in and around the first team. Dylan proudly spent
his 17th birthday with the first team in Portugal where he won the crossbar
challenge and made a commercial. He returned to England and continued to
shine.
In April 2011, at the age of 17, Dylan found a lump in his testicle. He
didn't say anything straight away because he felt no pain or discomfort. He
was playing so much football that when he did start to feel pain he put it
down to all his exercise. When the discomfort became a little more
consistent Dylan visited his General Practitioner. His GP informed Dylan
that he had a cyst and that there was nothing to worry about as many people
live with cysts. So Dylan continued on with his feeling of being on top of
the world – by firstly finishing the Barclays Premier League season on the
bench against Sunderland on 22 May. and He then travelled to Australia four
days later to join up with his Aussie teammates to prepare for the Under-17
World Cup in Mexico."
While in Mexico, Dylan caught the eye of Nike and he was offered a five-year
contract. However, following the last game of the tournament for Australia,
Dylan had a random drugs test and the results came back positive for a
tumour. Dylan was finally diagnosed with testicular cancer – three months
after his initial GP consultation. Dylan fought very hard to maintain his
fitness and strength while going through chemotherapy. He amazed everyone
with his determination and his constant smile and banter. He once described
himself as the happiest kid with cancer, but his cancer would not go
away.Every time Dylan had treatment, the tumour would return within
six-eight weeks. It returned stronger and more resilient than before."
In January 2012, he had RPLND (Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection)
surgery to remove his lymph nodes, but by June his cancer returned.
Amid Dylan's brave battle came his brightest day, his senior West Ham United
debut on 25 September 2012. Dylan replaced Gary O'Neil in the 84th minute of
a third round Capital One Cup tie with Wigan Athletic. Though the Hammers
lost 4-1, it was a moment that Dylan would never forget. The culmination of
a life-time's determination and desire, a dream come true.In December 2012,
Dylan had high dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplant twice within eight
weeks."
"In March 2013, Dylan was preparing for the Under-20 World Cup and his
cancer resurfaced in his liver and he had to have his liver resected and was
out for the next three months.During this time Dylan went into the Club
every day and worked on his banter, snooker and the exercise bike. He
continued to do mild exercise until he was allowed to do more physical
training.Dylan had a couple of minor procedures throughout July – October
and in November 2013 Dylan's cancer returned again. He was determined to
have his three-week course of Chemotherapy and be fit for the Under-22
tournament in Oman in January 2014. Dylan completed his course of
chemotherapy and played for Australia in January just three weeks later. But
by the time he returned he was informed the cancer had not responded to the
treatment and the doctors said that they could no longer offer Dylan a cure.
Dylan travelled to Germany where they offered hope and treatments not
available in the UK. Dylan stayed strong throughout his next phase of
treatment but Dylan's cancer was rare and he had had so much chemotherapy
that they were worried that his organs would fail.
"On 18 April 2014, Dylan's organs failed and we said goodbye to our beloved
son and brother. His West Ham family thought so highly of him they retired
his number 38 shirt. It breaks our heart to think that this could have been
prevented. If we had known about testicular cancer and what we needed to do
to catch it early, we would have insisted on an ultra sound when we went to
the GP. Dylan was robbed of a future that he dreamed of as a young boy. It
robbed Taylor of a brother and it robbed my husband and I of watching our
beautiful son grow and fulfil his dreams. Please do not let this happen to
your son, brother, friend or father."
"If you have a concern with your testicles please see a doctor straight away
and insist on an ultrasound – it may just save your life
We miss you so much Dylan. You have left a void that no one can fill.Tracy
Tombides"
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ZERO TOLERANCE IS BUT ONE HALF OF THE EQUATION!
By S J Chandos 25 Feb 2015 at 08:00
West Ham till I Die
It is regrettable that the club is once again the focus of controversy in
the aftermath of a match at White Hart Lane. There have been various reports
that a group of Hammers supporters were recorded (by public spirited Spurs
fans!) singing anti-Semitic songs, on public transport, whilst travelling to
last Sunday's match. Moreover, TV pundit, Kevin Kilbane (even though he was
not present at WHL and did not personally witness the alleged behaviour),
has formally reported alleged chants made by a section of the West Ham
support that have been interpreted as mocking disabled people. And the FA,
urged by groups such as Kick it Out, are said to be taking swift action to
investigate the claims. We await the outcome of those investigations and, if
proven, it is only right that appropriate action is taken.
At the same time, video evidence of the Spurs support singing songs
referring to Hammers supporters as 'pikeys,' (a similarly discriminatory and
offensive term) have so far received less media and official attention. That
is disappointing, because Kick it Out and the FA must be seen to be even
handed in investigating all incidents of discriminatory conduct, whatever
its origins. So far, West Ham's official position has been that any Hammers
fans found guility of such conduct will be banned from Upton Park. That is
the correct position to adopt, but zero tolerance is arguably but one half
of this particular equation
In November 2012, there was there incidents of anti-Semitic chanting in the
3-1 defeat at White Hart Lane. The club's initial response was swift and
extremely positive. It both adopted a zero tolerance position (which remains
in place today) and began a number of anti-discrimination and inclusion
initiatives that gave leadership and set a strong example for all
supporters. This included the club's high profile public support for a
number of equalities campaigns, being the first club in the country to
commemorate Holocaust Memorial Month in January 2013 and developing some
promising grass root equalities activities via the club's community Trust.
Indeed, West Ham deserved real praise for the strength of its response and
the initial work that was undertaken, with strong leadership being supplied
from the very top of the club.
Unfortunately, after that initial phase of positive activity, the club
appeared (for whatever reason) to take its foot off the accelerator. Perhaps
the club felt that it had done sufficient on the
inclusion/anti-discrimination agenda to address the issues? Maybe I am
wrong, but the turning point seemed to be the very public (captured on
U-Tube) incident involving hostility towards Muslim fans at a match vs
Manchester City and later fan criticism of discounted ticket schemes for
excluded groups. Certain elements raised a fuss and the club seemed to back
off. At least that is the way that it appeared to me. Subsequently, as part
of this trend, it was noticeable that the flag ship Holocaust Memorial
annual event at the ground was quietly dropped this season.
In the summer of 2013, far from backing off, I argued that the club needed
to continue to systematically build on its good work. What was needed, in my
view, was a joint Club-Community Trust led equalities initiative that
promoted grass root work with youngsters and, indeed, the wider fan base. A
proactive 'West Ham Together' campaign modelled on the hugely successful
initiative piloted by Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Such a campaign would
have brought all of its separate equalities initiatives together and
provided a standing vehicle to organise and deliver an ongoing programme of
engagement with the fan base. It would have disseminated the view of West
Ham Utd as an inclusive organisation, with a valued diverse and
international fan base. And the key message would be that all fans proudly
support the club, regardless of diverse origins or identity/background, and
it is a factor that unites us all. Within that, it would be a positive
lesson to visually underline the true richness and diversity that exists
within our fan base via a colteral advertising/publicity campaign.
The probability is that discriminatory and reactionary elements will always
be part of any large fan base. The objective, however, is to maintain
positive social values at the mainstream of the club's ethos/ethics and, in
doing so, unite the vast majority of decent supporters around those shared
progressive values. That way, you effectively side line the reactionaries
and ensure that they are marginal and non-representative. A 'West Ham
Together' type initiative would provide the means to do this, in an ongoing
fashion. Because the thing with successful equalities strategies is that
they are invariably long-term projects that are led at all levels of the
organisation, mainstreamed, reach/empower key stakeholders and are
continuously/corporately driven forward.
Zero tolerance positions are right and proper, but they are but half of the
equation. It should be accompanied by a programme of grass root engagement
work to 'win hearts and minds' and help set the mainstream values of the
club's support to a progressive default. In this way, you can proactively
work to ensure that discriminatory incidents are less likely to occur, in
the first place, and when they do they are widely seen as the actions of an
unrepresentative fringe. Indeed, an ultimate objective should be to create a
climate in which fans feel confident to report and, to a degree, self-police
by challenging all such behaviour and making clear to transgressors that it
is unacceptable. As well as encouraging many more fan based interventions
like the excellent West Ham video response to the Paris train incident.
Proactive work with fans groups can surely harness more of that type of fan
led initiative that utilise humour to challenge discrimination and
positively influence other fans. Thus, ensuring a multi-faceted approach
that enlists the skills and initiative of fans/fan groups themselves in
support of that which we wish to achieve.
The club has adopted the strapline 'Moore than a football club.' Well it was
never more true than within this context. The club has enormous influence
and can give inspiring community leadership. Hopefully, the club will
respond to this latest episode in the right way. The aim should be to
transform West Ham Utd FC in to a model football club in all matters
pertaining to equalities and inclusion. It is possible to achieve and,
what's more, it is essential in support of the club's core business
objectives pertaining the move to the Olympic Stadium and delivering the
Olympic legacy in East London.
Even if the social justice argument for equalities/inclusion action does not
convince everyone at the club, the business case should!
SJ. Chandos.
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est Ham tracking young Ghanaian sensation Bernard Mensah after impressive
season in Portugal
18:41, 25 February 2015 By John Cross
Mensah has scored four times in 20 appearances for Premeira Liga side
Vitoria De Guimaraes, sparking interest from a host of European teams
The Mirror
West Ham are tracking Ghanian midfielder Bernard Mensah. The 20-year-old
midfielder is currently at Portuguese club Vitoria De Guimaraes who have
also had interest from Juventus in a part-ownership deal. West Ham scouts
have been looking at Mensah in the past couple of months and may make a move
in the summer. Mensah has played 20 games in the Primeira Liga so far this
season, finding the net on four different occasions, including a striker
against Porto in September. He signed a deal with Vitoria until 2018
following an impressive season with the club's 'B' team last season, which
saw him promoted to the senior ranks.
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38th minute applause in memory of Dylan
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 25, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
ClaretandHugh is today calling on all followers/readers to join a 38th
minute round of applause on Saturday afternoon for Dylan Tombides who
tragically passed away in April last year. He is to be especially remembered
when the DT38 Foundation is launched at West Ham's Premier League clash with
Crystal Palace where his family will be in attendance. A picture of Dylan up
on the big screens at 38 minutes when the Upton Park crowd are urged to
remember one of the finest prospects – and young men – to emerge from the
club in years.
Tracy Tombides – writing on the DT38 Foundation website – said: "Dylan was
robbed of a future that he dreamed of as a young boy.
"It robbed Taylor of a brother and it robbed my husband and I of watching
our beautiful son grow and fulfil his dreams. Please do not let this happen
to your son, brother, friend or father."
CANDH AGAIN URGES YOU TO REMEMBER THIS FINE YOUNG MAN ON 38 MINUTES!
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Lampard's ghastly Mooro/Terry comparison
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 25, 2015 in Whispers
Claret 7 Hugh
Sorry everybody – I just can't let this pass!
Here's what Frank Lampard has had to say about the great Mooro and his
personal bestie John Terry. "It's not easy to compare to Bobby Moore but in
terms of the ability that they have on the football field I think the
closest you could get would be John Terry in the modern day. "He'd [Moore]
take a moment and kick a ball about like I always used to do with my Dad at
the time. I remember stories from my Dad telling me 'this is the type of
player you want to be, but also more than that this is the type of man you
want to be'."
I think the clue is in his Dad's words: "the type of man you want to be'." I
won't go into details because we all know enough about Mooro's lifestyle and
Terry's to merely say: "Shut up Frank and talk about things of which you
actually have some knowledge because you were far too young to ever watch
the great man."
For the record Lampard was born in 1978 and Mooro played his last league
game in 1977 – enough said!
Disgraceful comparison which makes Lampard a laughing stock!
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Hammers: The missing top six link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 25, 2015 in Whispers
Claret 7 Hugh
By Rich Sprent
The last three league games have highlighted a multitude of unreported
issues! Yes we've all read about poor refereeing decisions, manager
decisions, substitutions, Sam out/Sam in, next manager, injuries, singing,
diving and late, late leads thrown away. However, the real story, as ever,
is the team.
Look at the table and it clearly shows that West Ham currently sits in
eighth place in the Premier League. The team is only a couple of wins away
from challenging for a European place. The last three league results have
been draws against the 4th, 5th and 6th place teams.
Many would have taken eighth place at this stage before the season started.
There is no doubt that the team has progressed fantastically from the mess
of the last relegation.
Coupled with the club's shrewd running and with such a low wage to turnover
rate, it makes it even more of an achievement. With our best XI on the pitch
it requires just a little more to push on and actively be a force in the top
six places.
Whether that best XI is deployed in a diamond or a more counter attacking
4-5-1, the team have shown that they are more than a match for the teams
above them. The squad is however creaking with a lack of midfielders.
The bench on Sunday had just Kevin Nolan representing the engine room. Diego
Poyet has had a calf strain and is only recently back in training. He has
not been entrusted in the first team squad as yet.
Morgan Amalfitano still has two games to sit out after his petulance at The
Hawthorns. If the three were blended then we'd have the answer. All three
however just don't make the grade… yet. For Poyet, there is time to develop.
If he does then he will save the club a lot of searching and money.
The defenders are all back in town; Nene is in to cover Carroll and Cole.
But why did we not have a plan B for Darren Fletcher failing his
medical/deal …cancelled by the board….chose a better deal at Smethwick ?
The arguments for not signing Fletcher were there for all to see. And yet,
with no fee involved he could easily have been the difference in turning the
last three draws into wins.
Song, Noble and Kouyate work so well together. Song: always available, on
the ball, creating space. In effect, he is class. Noble: endeavour,
enthusiasm, work rate and an excellent pass completion rate.
He's the heartbeat of the Irons but for him to raise himself to the level
above he requires a better player next to him. Kouyate: breaking play up and
then making those runs into the opposition box. He compliments the whole
team so well. He is always willing and seemingly always there. The three
allow Downing to play with freedom at the tip of the diamond at home and be
that wide threat on the road.
Next season? For me, Song must be retained. He has had his critics for his
performances since the AFCON squad debacle. But this team needs a player of
his class. And for Song to shine he needs players around him to be able to
play as well.
That fourth midfielder is required urgently. To either challenge the current
starters or improve the options off of the bench. Either way, until we can
rely on that fourth midfielder, through a transfer or Poyet stepping up,
then we will struggle to dominate top six sides for 90 minutes and make that
jump to Europe .
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Sam's situation unchanged despite Shearer
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 25, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce's situation at West Ham remains unchanged despite an attempted
intervention by Alan Shearer. The former England striker believes the Irons
will be making a big mistake if they get rid of Sam Allardyce in the summer.
Writing in the Sun he says: "It now looks increasingly likely Sam Allardyce
will not have his contract renewed but West Ham fans need to be careful what
they wish for. "There are not many teams Big Sam has left that have gone on
to bigger and better things — just look at the state of Bolton, Newcastle
and Blackburn. Hammers fans need reminding the grass is not always greener."
However, it no seems that the 60 year old's chances of remaining in charge
are receding with a source saying: "The situation remains unchanged as far
as I know. The reports that the club are putting a list of candidates
together remain correct."
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Boleyn Ground flats plan in doubt
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 25, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales has hit out at Galliard homes plans to build
838 apartments on the former home of West Ham United. "This initial offer
from Galliard Homes is insulting, the developers need to drastically rethink
this ridiculous offer and ensure it offers a good mixture of tenures
including social, affordable and intermediate rents." Sir Robin told the
Newham Recorder. The mayor holds a season ticket at West Ham, and has
previously declared 35 gifts from the club over a three year period, mainly
of hospitality. The plans have also been criticised by local action group
Friends of Queen's Market for proposing 332 car parking spaces at a site
expecting more than 2,000 residents. The planning application will go to
Newham council's strategy and development committee, but no date has been
set for a hearing. There is a good chance that Galliard may need to go back
to the drawing board with their plans.
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£9m West Ham flop Savio Nsereko's debut with obscure Bulgarian club hits a
bump
HITC
Mathew Nash
Savio Nsereko is now plying his trade for Beroe Stara Zagora ... well,
maybe. When Gianfranco Zola spent £9 million, according to the Daily Mail,
on 19-year-old German youth international Savio Nsereko in January 2009 he
became the club's record signing. But after just ten games for The Hammers
he failed to score and left for Fiorentina. His time in Florence was also
poor. In that time he was consistently AWOL, out on loan and generally
misbehaving at La Viola. He spent time on loan with Bologna, Juve Stabia and
1860 Munich whilst also sampling football in Bulgaria and Romania with
Chernomerets Burgas and FC Vaslui respectively. He then moved back to
Germany with SpVgg Unterhaching and eventually found himself playing for
Viktoria Koln in German football's fourth tier. It is not only on the pitch
where he has struggled - In 2012 he spent three weeks in a Thai jail after
faking a kidnapping to extort money from a family member, according to
Metro.
At the end of 2013 the West Ham flop was dealt a lifeline from an unlikely
location - Kazakhstan. Nsereko signed for Kazakh Premier League side FC
Atyrau in December 2013 and it proved to be a moderate hit. He scored a
sensational goal on his debut. It was his first goal in professional
football since he netted as a teenager for Brescia, against Pisa, in January
2009! He was player of the month in the Kazakh Premier League back in March
but at the end of the season he did not renew his deal with the club and
went to undergo a trial period at Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala back in
July. That deal never came to fruition and now he is back in Bulgaria, where
things have hit something of a snag. He joined Bulgarian side Beroe Stara
Zagora earlier this month after a successful trial period and made his debut
in the Bulgarian Cup match against Ludogorets Razgrad on the 15th February.
Now it has become clear that he should not have played in that fixture. A
report in Focus-Sport states that Beroe manager Petar Hubchev has confirmed
that he missed the second leg at the weekend, as he is still contracted to
Atyrau. However his Bulgarian adventure is not over yet. Hubchev also
confirmed that he should be signed on in time for the game with Lokomotiv
Plovdiv at the weekend.
Yet another bizarre twist in the career of this former West Ham record
holder, who at 25-years-old, has already done more than most veterans have
in their careers.
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Robert Lipovac 'flattered' after West Ham hand trial to Swedish teenage
striker
The BK Hacken striker will train with West Ham Under 21s this week
Robert Lipovac is 'flattered' according to his agent Linus Jacobsson
Hammers are currently without injured Carlton Cole and Andy Carroll
By SIMON JONES FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 17:23, 25 February 2015 | UPDATED: 17:23, 25 February 2015
West Ham are giving a trial to Swedish striker Robert Lipovac. The
18-year-old plays for BK Hacken but his club have given him permission to
visit West Ham this week where he is training with the club's U21 squad. His
representative Linus Jacobsson said: 'West Ham sent an official invitation
to Hacken, who thought it was good timing and a good experience for Robert,
so they released him for a week. The Hammers are currently short up front
following injuries to Andy Carroll and Carlton Cole, which could see new
signing Nene fast tracked into action against Crystal Palace. The
33-year-old Brazilian forward arrived last week on a free transfer and
manager Sam Allardyce admits recent injuries have forced his hand in
Saturday's team selection. 'Nene would have probably featured anyway but he
will definitely be involved now because we're down to the two strikers with
Andy Carroll's injury and Carlton Cole's new hamstring problem,' said
Allardyce.
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West Ham Cottee: I want to know if Kane goal should have been allowed
15:08 25 February 2015
London 24
Former West Ham star Tony Cottee questions the validity of Harry Kane's
late, late rebound
I was at White Hart Lane on Sunday with Tony Gale and was all ready to
celebrate what would have been a superb and throughly deserved victory
against our great rivals. Tottenham were not on their game and at 2-0 we
could have added at least one more, before it all went horribly wrong in the
last 10 minutes. You have to say that we were unlucky on the day. I don't
think Adrian did well enough for their first goal, though he has to be
forgiven as he has been so good this season. And then came the penalty and I
would like to make a point about the way they equalised in the last second.
The referee had allowed for five minutes of injury time and when Spurs won
their penalty, which I thought was definitely a spot kick by the way, he had
played six minutes extra. I would like to know how much time had elapsed
when Harry Kane's shot was saved because if time was up, the referee should
have blown for full time, before he had put in the rebound.
Mind you it would have been a brave referee to blow the whistle at that
point. Winston Reid returned to the team on Sunday and I thought he handled
Kane pretty well all afternoon. I think he is the best defender at the club
and he and James Tomkins are the best pair we have. We certainly need him in
the team. James Collins has also been excellent this season and is an
important part of the squad. Sunday saw us drop another two points from a
winning position and it is proving very costly. It is difficult to work out
the reason for it. It could prove very costly, but I still believe that we
are capable of making it into the Europa League this season. The way things
are panning out, finishing seventh could be enough to secure a spot and for
me that means catching Southampton, which we are certainly capable of.
To do that we must start holding on to leads, starting with Saturday's match
against Crystal Palace at Upton Park. Alan Pardew has galvanised Palace
since coming in as manager and I think they will stay up because of him.
They have lost their last two home games, though, and I think it might be a
good time to play them, so I am going for a 2-0 victory to keep us in the
hunt for Europe.
COYI!
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Thursday, February 26
Wednesday, February 25
Daily WHUFC News - 25th February 2015
Kouyate up for PFA award
WHUFC.com
Vote for Cheikhou to win the PFA Fans' Player of the Month for February
24.02.2015
The nominations for the February PFA Fan's Player of the Month powered by
90min have been announced and the top contenders are:
· Harry Kane
· Branislav Ivanovic
· Cheikhou Kouyaté
· James Milner
· Philippe Coutinho
· Olivier Giroud
Fans can vote for their favourite player to win by clicking here.
http://fanawards.90min.com/
The PFA Fans' Player of the Month award which is powered by 90min is
designed to give a strong voice to the supporters who are the lifeblood of
the game. The awards are endorsed by the players and supported by the clubs.
Each month, one lucky fan will meet and present the award to the player on
the side of the pitch before the game. Voting closes at midnight on Saturday
28 February with the winner to be announced on Monday 2 March.
Follow on Twitter at #POTM, @90min_Football and @PFA
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Bobby Moore OBE 1941-1993
WHUFC.com
West Ham United and England's finest-ever captain Bobby Moore OBE died on
this day 22 years ago
24.02.2015
Bobby Moore OBE, West Ham United's most famous player and England's 1966
World Cup-winning captain, sadly passed away on this day 22 years ago. The
central defender made 646 league and cup appearances for the Hammers,
scoring 27 goals. Moore was born in Barking on 12 April 1941, making his
debut for his local club in a 3-2 win over Manchester United at the Boleyn
Ground as a 17-year-old on 8 September 1958. It was the start of a
glittering career that is remembered fondly by football fans the world over
As a West Ham player, Moore lifted the FA Cup in 1964 and the European Cup
Winners' Cup in 1965. A year later, he was back at Wembley to complete an
unforgettable hat-trick by lifting the Jules Rimet Trophy following
England's 4-2 victory over West Germany. Moore would go on to star at the
1970 World Cup finals in Mexico before moving to Fulham, for whom he played
against the Hammers in the 1975 FA Cup final. Following his retirement,
Moore moved first into management and then into the world of broadcasting
before his life was cut short by cancer in February 1993. He was just 51.
Fellow Hammers legend Billy Bonds MBE recalls Bobby's memory fondly. He
said: "Mooro was an absolute icon. I respected a lot of team-mates and
opponents down the years but he was the only person in my entire career, who
made me feel that way. "He was fantastic to me from the day that I arrived
and I loved him as a player and as a person. Bobby Moore had a presence both
off and on the field. "There was no side to him at all and, having lifted
the World Cup, he'd been the most famous person on the planet on that July
afternoon at Wembley in 1966 but, despite all of that, Bobby wasn't the
slightest bit lairy. Mooro treated everyone the same, no matter who they
were. "Bobby Moore wasn't a particularly good header of the ball and he
wasn't very quick either but, boy, his timing was impeccable. He didn't need
to be good in the air or fast because he could read the game so well - he
always seemed to be in the right place at the right time to nick the ball
off a centre-forward. "And he was just so good at bringing the ball out of
defence and starting attacks, too."
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Mediawatch - 24 February
WHUFC.com
Our daily look at West Ham United in the news
24.02.2015
The BBC cover the story of men thought to be West Ham United fans who were
filmed chanting abusive songs on a train in North London, along with the
Club's response that 'if any individual is found to have behaved in an
inappropriate way, the club's simple zero-tolerance policy dictates that
they will face the strongest possible action, including the option of a life
ban from the Boleyn Ground.' On Sky Sports' website, Hammers boss Sam
Allardyce says that Nene could make his debut on Saturday against Crystal
Palace after Carlton Cole picked up a hamstring injury.
This story also appears in the Mail Online.
Meanwhile, The Sun (£) carry a story where Tottenham's Nabil Bentaleb claims
that the Hammers' disappointment over a final minue penalty award to his
team is unjustified.
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Jenko - We deserved more
WHUFC.com
Carl Jenkinson felt the Hammers deserved the three points on Sunday
24.02.2015
West Ham United defender Carl Jenkinson said the Hammers were very
unfortunate to come away from White Hart Lane without three points, having
been on top for most of Sunday's London derby. The Hammers took a deserved
lead through goals from Cheikhou Kouyate and Diafra Sakho, and they looked
to have secured a vital win in their push for a European qualification spot,
however Harry Kane's 95th minute penalty rescued Tottenham a point after
Danny Rose's goal had given them a lifeline. Speaking after the game, the
23-year-old right back, on loan from Arsenal said: "I couldn't see us
conceding another goal. I thought we were comfortable at 2-1 and they didn't
really look like scoring. "Obviously they've equalised with the last kick
off the game, it's unbelievable really. That's the way it goes sometimes but
it was very unfortunate."
Having been on top for large parts of the game, Jenkinson clearly felt that
the Hammers deserved all three points. However, a highly entertaining match
was to end in high drama as, in the 95th minute of the game, Alex Song was
adjudged to have tripped Harry Kane inside the box. The in-form Tottenham
striker picked himself up to take the spot kick - which was brilliantly
saved by Adrian - before the 23-year-old tucked away the rebound. Speaking
about the award of the penalty, Jenkinson continued: "There were quite a few
players in between me and the tackle so I couldn't see it to be honest. "For
me it felt like extra time was an eternity. I didn't have a watch on my
wrist but it seemed like a very long time. I asked the referee not long
before the end how much longer and he said one minute. It definitely seemed
like more than a minute. I think a few things went against us. "We dominated
the game, and they couldn't get near us to be honest with you. I thought we
were the better side. We went 2-0 up and deservedly so, we could've been 3
or 4-0 up. "Obviously we've ended up drawing 2-2 and I can't get my head
round it. It's massively disappointing for everyone involved."
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From the Academy
WHUFC.com
Terry Westley keeps us updated with all the goings on at the West Ham United
Academy
24.02.2015
Hello,
As ever, it's been a busy time for everyone at the Academy, particularly
with the half-term just gone, it gives us a great opportunity to work with
some of the younger age groups. Across last week we had a number of
different age groups in at Rush Green together working on a number of
different areas of the game including tactical sessions, positional work and
in-game scenarios. It's great at any stage of a player's development to
train with players who are slightly older than them. You can't really put a
value on it as they are constantly learning, and in the long run it can only
help them to reach their potential. As well as that some of our most
promising players have been called away on international duty. Left-back
Vashon Neufville and attacking midfielder Anthony Scully were both away with
the England U16s were they played against Switzerland, Slovakia and France
in games at St. George's Park. Another hugely talented player called on
international duty is centre-midfielder Declan Rice, who played for his
native Republic of Ireland. As well as Declan, Reece Oxford and Jahmal
Hector-Ingram were both involved in a tournament in Portugal, where they
played Germany, Portugal and Holland. It's a great achievement for anyone to
represent their country at any level, and everyone at the Academy is very
proud of their achievements. As Director of the Academy, we hope they
continue to play for their countries for many years to come. As long as they
continue to apply themselves and put in the dedication we've seen so far, I
see no reason why they won't. As well as that, we've made our selection for
scholars for next year which include Oxford, Powell, Neufville, Scully and
Tunji Akinola. We've also offered Jake Eggleton, a very exciting right-back,
the option of doing his A levels while continuing to be a full time player.
It's a very strong group of players with several internationals in there.
They've all played above their age in U18s and even for the U21s. They're
all still young and we have to be patient, by we hope one day they'll have
an impact on the first team. As for the U21s, they haven't had a league game
for a while but we've kept them busy, including a friendly against Dagenham
& Redbridge. It was a great opportunity for a number of younger players to
demonstrate what they can do, and against a side made of predominantly
professional players, I thought they played very well. Away from the pitch,
the U21s have been involved in various community projects. First, a
selection of the squad went to the University of East London to learn about
the importance of healthy eating and how to prepare food properly.
They're at an age where some of them are moving into their own accommodation
so they need to know what to eat, when to eat. As athletes, eating the right
balance of carbohydrates and protein is absolutely essential to make sure
they can perform to their best. Knowing how this changes depending on their
schedule, i.e. preparing for a game or recovering afterwards is also vital.
Another event was a half-term training session at the David Lloyd Leisure
near Gidea Park. This included Dan Potts, Leo Chambers, Lewis Page, Marcus
Browne and Kieran Bywater where they coached 30 kids during their half term
break. It was great to see the kids enjoy themselves, and I know the players
enjoyed the experience just as much. The session is another example of the
good relationship we are building with the centre, and the community as a
whole.
All the best,
Terry
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Noble: 'Europe is still possible'
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble said a European spot is possible if West Ham perform like they
did against Spurs
23.02.2015
West Ham United midfielder Mark Noble said the Hammers can still finish in a
European qualifying position if they play like they did against Tottenham
Hotspur in their remaining 12 league games. The Hammers stormed to a 2-0
lead, with Noble, who was captaining the team, playing an important role in
both goals. First, Cheikhou Kouyate headed his third goal of the season
powerfully past Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris before Diafra Sakho doubled
their advantage in the second half. However, Tottenham got a foothold in the
game after Danny Rose's mistimed shot nestled in the far corner before Spurs
were awarded a penalty in the fifth minute of stoppage time, where Harry
Kane was on hand to pull Spurs level at the second attempt after Adrian had
saved the initial spot kick. Speaking after the match, the 27-year-old
midfielder said: "To be 2-0 up and not win is massively disappointing but I
still think we played well. "We put a lot of effort into the Manchester
United game and then had nine men for 20 minutes away at Southampton, West
Brom was one game too many really. "But today was much better, we showed
what we can do when we're all fully fit. If we play like that for the rest
of the season we still have a great chance of Europe."
Having conceded a late equaliser against Manchester United on Sunday 8
February, the Hammers have lost ground on their rivals for a European
qualification spot, drawing their last three league matches. While clearly
disappointed with the result, Noble insisted there were several positives
for the Hammers as they prepare for their match with Crystal Palace on
Saturday 28 February. "That's four points dropped recently. But we played
well, got a point away at Spurs and we'll move onto to the next game against
Crystal Palace at home. "It's a special game for me and the fans, I love
playing in the London derbies. I was enjoying the game, I always love coming
here. It was a good atmosphere and at 2-0 I thought we were fully in
control. They didn't look like hurting us and if anything we had a good
chance to wrap it up when Enner went close. "I'm not sure what went wrong
really, I think we probably invited too much pressure onto us and that made
it difficult. I was too far away from the penalty so I don't know if it was
or not. Last minute at White Hart Lane it's difficult to take."
Since former West Ham United manager Alan Pardew took over at Crystal
Palace, they have won five of their nine games, including wins over
Tottenham and Southampton. Looking ahead to Saturday's game, another London
derby, Noble is expecting a tough game: "It'll be nice to see Pards again. I
watched their game against Arsenal and they played well. "They're a good
side with exciting players so it'll be tough but if we play like we did
today, we have every chance of winning."
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U18s defeat disappoints Phillips
WHUFC.com
Mark Phillips was disappointed with the U18s 2-1 defeat by Norwich City on
Saturday
24.02.2015
West Ham United U18s coach Mark Phillips was disappointed with Saturday's
Barclays U18 Premier League defeat to Norwich City as it could seriously
damage their push for a top four place. After falling behind to a Harley
Black free kick with just two minutes on the clock, the Hammers worked hard
and pulled level when England U17 international striker Jahmal Hector-Ingram
coolly finished into the top corner.
The Hammers hopes of entering the top four play-off stages alongside seven
of the best Academy teams in the country were then dented when Norwich
substitute Benny Ashley-Seal benefited from a defensive mistake to steal the
points for the Canaries. "I'm not just disappointed with the result but also
the fact that I think it will now stop us finishing in the top four in the
league," admitted Phillips. "It was a very disjointed performance if I'm
honest. "In the first half, we got behind their defence quite a few times
and fair enough to Norwich, they defended it well. I think that we were a
little too careless with the final ball in and around their penalty area.
"Even after we went 1-0 down, I was still confident that we could have gone
on to score three or four goals because of the amount of chances we were
creating. "Our play started to become more impatient and anxious and we were
looking for gaps through the middle where there wasn't any spaces. "Again,
fair play to Norwich because they were filling the gaps that our lads should
have realised they needed to push wide and create chances a different way."
The hosts had a strong squad available for the visit of the Norfolk-based
team to Little Heath, with recent first team substitute Reece Oxford
available for Phillips' side. Phillips revealed though that although it's
beneficial to have a strong selection of players to choose from, it doesn't
mean anything if the effort isn't put in on the pitch. "Without a shadow of
a doubt, conceding a goal after just two minutes was a real kick in the
teeth because on paper, we were probably at our strongest," continued
Phillips. "The only players we were perhaps missing from our team was Vashon
Neufville and Anthony Scully because they were both away on England duty.
"It's nice having a strong team on paper but it's about how you perform on
the pitch that is important. I never felt like we were going to push on and
win the game during the second half because although we had the lion share
of possession, we didn't do anything with it in the final third.
"I didn't feel like we would lose it though and it was just a mistake that
let their lad run through and score the goal. In all honesty, I thought it
would end in a draw and I think both teams would've been happy with that."
The Hammers host Reading U18 at Little Heath on Saturday 28 February as they
aim to finish the season by leapfrogging several other teams to a top four
finish. Parking and admission are both completely FREE at Little Heath.
After the Reading game, the Hammers will join a play-off stage alongside the
teams in their final position group in both the North and South sections.
For example, those that finish 1st-4th in both the Northern and Southern
divisions will play each other in a further seven fixtures, with the same
process applying for those that finish in 5th-8th and 9th-12th.
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Man offended on behalf of someone else reports incident he didn't see or
hear
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 24th February 2015
By: Staff Writer
TV pundit Kevin Kilbane has reported West Ham United supporters for using
derogatory language during Sunday's televised London derby with Tottenham.
The former Irish international is reported to have registered a complaint
with the FA after complaining that travelling fans sang a song aimed at
Harry Kane mocking his speech impediment. Kilbane told the Daily Mirror that
fans sang: "Harry Kane talks like a mong and plays like one too". He has
complained on the basis that the term 'mong' - which first emerged in the
1980s as a slang reference to people with Downs Syndrome - mocks the
disabled. The former Everton winger is understood to have raised the
complaint after being informed of the chant by a friend who was present at
the game and whose daughter has Downs. "I spoke to him and he was extremely
upset," said Kilbane. "I felt I had to report it. No family should have to
put up with it at football matches. "It is also extremely offensive towards
Harry Kane, who is only a young lad, starting out in the game and who does
not deserve that kind of disgusting abuse just because he is a footballer.
"I am sure they understand they are causing offence," he continued. "You
cannot sweep it under the carpet and label it as ignorance. It is visible
and clear and, like racist or homophobic chanting, it is intended to cause
offence. "I want to be able to take my kids to football matches and when
Elsie gets older she will understand about her condition and I would not
want her to hear that kind of chanting. If her sister Isla heard it, she
would be devastated too, as my friend's sons were. "This is a wider society
problem, not just a problem with football, and idiots are using football as
a tool to show their ignorance and discrimination. "I have spoken to the FA
and they have assured me they will investigate it thoroughly. In all my time
playing and watching football I have never heard this before. Hopefully we
can do something to make sure it isn't again and this awful chant does not
spread."
The FA - and football's equality and inclusion organisation Kick It Out -
have been deluged with complaints since Sunday's match between Spurs and
West Ham - which finished 2-2 -ended. A Tottenham fan started the ball
rolling on Sunday evening by posting a video of some unidentified men, which
he claimed were West Ham supporters, singing an offensive song on a train
(further investigations point to the video being several years old). After
that it was Spurs' turn to feel the heat when a video of their supporters
singing "no noise from the pikey boys" - 'pikey' being a derogatory term for
members of the travelling community - during Sunday's match emerged. Last
night it was revealed that a number of Tottenham fan forums were full of
similar offensive terminology, before the news that Kilbane had reported
West Ham fans to the FA was divulged.
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He ain't heavy, he's my brother
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 24th February 2015
By: Gordon Thrower
Gordon Thrower, KUMB.com's Deputy Editor has a brother with Downs Syndrome.
Here's what he had to think about the Harry Kane song - and resulting
furore...
Some of you will know that my youngest brother Geoff has Downs Syndrome. He
is now 43 and for the last 24 years he has held down a proper full time job
at a branch of Sainsbury's. He's held down that job uninterrupted (which is
more than I can say for my own career).
He plays cricket for the Hants Disabled side – some of you kindly voted for
them in the National Lottery awards a few years back. He's clever,
intelligent and funny and has a warped sense of humour (can't work out where
he got that from). He has two big brothers who think the world of him and
spoil him rotten.
Anyone who knows me will know just how proud I and the rest of the family
are of all he has achieved in his life since the day in 1972 when a doctor
told Mum and Dad to stick him away in a home because he'd never be much more
than a "cabbage" (yes a genuine doctor used that exact word).
As a result of all that, I probably have a different point of reference for
all this.
With reference to the use of the word "mong", I tend to have a contextual
filter. It's not a word I would use myself and were I to catch someone using
that directly at my brother in the street in my presence let's just say the
red mist might just take over.
However, I'd find it difficult to raise a complaint about its use at a
football match I wasn't at.
I mean, where would I draw the line? I'd be willing to bet that at just
about every ground in the country last weekend someone, somewhere, said or
sang something that I personally would find distasteful. Perhaps I should
send out for tapes of each match to see if I can be offended by anything so
I can report it.
Joking aside, I'm not going to slate Kevin Kilbane though. I actually don't
mind the bloke.
Over the years he'd probably be one of the first to admit that, as a player,
he made the most of a limited amount of talent go a long way – over 100 caps
for the Republic Of Ireland is good going for someone who never had any
obvious claims to being "world class" – and he was known to take the
nickname "Zinadine" in the good-humoured spirit of irony in which it was
coined.
As a pundit he concentrates on commenting on what he has seen rather than
trying to be controversial for controversy's sake (yes, you Savage) and he
doesn't seem one to say something, anything even when he hasn't a clue what
he's talking about (I'm pointing at you for a reason Carragher).
I even met him once on a very proud day for me when he presented me with a
medal for dragging my carcass around the Boleyn in a charity tournament. (A
tournament at which, incidentally, a referee threatened to report everyone
involved to the FA because one side included a girl with Downs Syndrome who
was technically too old to be included in a mixed gender side under FA rules
– now THAT'S an offensive attitude). I had a chat with him about stuff in
general and found him to be likeable and intelligent.
I guess that his aim in reporting this was probably to highlight the matter
and, as we can see from here, it's certainly provoked a discussion. I can
only presume that he thought that the best way to bring the matter into
public view was to report it to the FA as a potential offence.
I'm not sure I'd agree with that – as the boss's headline points out, his
position as "man offended on behalf of someone else reports incident he
didn't see or hear" kind of reduces the impact of what he is trying to
highlight. Think of Mary Whitehouse who turned "taking offence" into a
profession to the extent that nobody took her seriously.
Think how stupid Malcolm Muggeridge and the Bishop Of Southwark looked when
admitting that, although they had never seen Monty Python's Life Of Brian,
they were damn well going to fight to have it banned anyway. However, as I
say, as a way of raising the debate it certainly worked – it's just that I
think that there were probably better ways of doing so.
I will say one final thing about the matter. There is one aspect of all this
that does offend me and it's this: Geoff is as honest as the day is long.
He's been known to hand in 10p pieces found in the car-park when he's on
trolley duty. He'd no more try to cheat or con anyone than I would request a
DJ to play "Build Me Up Buttercup".
Which is why I'm sure Geoff would be offended if he realised that he was
being put in the same category as a diving cheat of a footballer, who conned
a referee in order to save his side a point last weekend.
Perhaps I should complain to the FA on his behalf?
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West Ham's Winston Reid condemns football fans' racism
Last Updated: 24/02/15 8:11pm
SSN
West Ham defender Winston Reid says there can be 'no excuses' for any
football fan making racist chants. Police are currently investigating video
footage which has emerged allegedly showing West Ham fans singing
anti-Semitic songs before their 2-2 Premier League draw at Tottenham on
Sunday. The footage and subsequent complaint made by anti-racism and
discrimination organisation Kick It Out came just days after Police
announced they were hunting several alleged Chelsea supporters who prevented
a black man from entering a train on the Paris Metro following their
Champions League tie at Paris St Germain. Reid, who is expected to leave
West Ham when his contract expires at the end of the season, condemned the
Paris incident and said: "There can be no excuses for the actions of fans
singing racist songs. "What happened on the Metro in Paris was absolutely
unacceptable and it was a shame because there is so much work that gets put
into eradicating it from the game that it simply shouldn't happen.
"Ultimately no one wants to go to a football match where stupid people are
saying stupid stuff. It only takes three or four people to ruin it for two
or three thousand. "As a player I've not experienced any fans chanting
racism towards me but it has to be something that football continues to
address and will hopefully end one day. "The positive thing is that the
issue in general is getting better. There are fewer incidents cases and the
number of campaigns that are trying to tackle the issue seems to be having
an effect. "We are a lot further along than 20 years ago, and social media
is making it easy for people to see who is responsible. Hopefully the work
that organisations like the PFA do means that one day the issue won't be an
issue at all."
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Redknapp talks on Irons job
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 24, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Harry Redknapp has warned off anybody from backing him to become the next
West Ham boss. The former Upton Park chief has been installed as a 4/1
favourite in some places to take over from Sam Allardyce at the end of the
season. But speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh the 67 year old declared:
"Tell everybody to keep their money in their pockets. It's not going to
happen. "I don't even know what's going on at the club as far as Sam
Allardyce is concerned. I read the reports but we will have to wait and see.
"What I do think is he has done a great job but predicting what is likely to
happen in this game is a fool's game. However, should a vacancy become
available at the Boleyn I can promise you I won't be filling it. "
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Iron lays FA racism charge at Spurs fans
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 24, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
A West Ham fan has laid an official complaint against Spurs after a new
video emerged showing the north London fans chanting racist terms at Irons
supporters. The supporter wants to remain anonymous but contacted
ClaretandHugh to reveal he had laid an official complaint with both the
game's ruling body and then Kick it Out campaign. It follows Kevin
Kilbane's complaint to the FA over reports that Hammers followers were using
the word "mong" in chants at White Hart on Sunday. The Hammers fan rold
ClaretandHugh: "In the current climate there must be zero tolerance in all
cases of racism with the new video showing Spurs fans roaring the words
'pikey boys' at Irons fans.
The Show Racism the Red Card campaign says: "Gyppo and Pikey are extremely
racist and offensive towards anybody from any of the Traveller groups as
both of them have a history of being used to hurt and offend people. "These
words should never be used even if it is towards someone who is not a Gypsy
or Traveller."
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Man City scouting West Ham star
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 24, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Manchester City are heavily scouting West Ham's hugely impressive left back
Aaron Cresswell. ClaretandHugh learned the player remains the focus of City
attention as they look at their home grown player quota for next season.
Cresswell has had a brilliant first campaign becoming a Hammers ever-present
with 30 games so far in his first season. It's no surprise to hear of
City's interest after the plaudits he has received from most observers and
pundits this season who have been freely tipping him for international
honours. ClaretandHugh has learned that City have had an eye on him for
three years since Brian Marwood was Director of Football – may be set to
launch a summer raid. The club are ready to allow Aleksander Kolorov to move
on and are looking at both Cresswell and Monaco left sided back four man
Leyvia Kurzarwa. A decision to go for the Monaco star would of course leave
City looking elsewhere in the squad to beef up the British connection.
Hammers source told ClaretandHugh: "It would take a huge offer to even tempt
us as Ipswich also get a chunk if we ever sold on which really isn't in our
thinking.".
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REMEMBERING MOORO: 1941 – 1993
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 24, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Twenty two years ago today the club's greatest hero – Mooro – passed away.
Tragically he was only 51 years old. Those of us who lived through that era
and watched him from the Upton Park terraces were truly blessed – he was
unarguably the greatest footballer we have ever – and probably – will ever
see. Many of us barely see a day go by without remembering the man…in my
case he was my last true footballing hero. The 1966 World Cup-winning
captain, sadly passed away on this day 22 years ago. He made 646 league and
cup appearances for the Hammers, scoring 27 goals. Born in Barking on 12
April 1941, he made his debut for his local club in a 3-2 win over
Manchester United at the Boleyn Ground as a 17-year-old on 8 September 1958.
It was the start of a glittering career that is remembered fondly by
football fans the world over. He lifted the FA Cup in 1964 and the European
Cup Winners' Cup in 1965. A year later, he was back at Wembley to complete
an unforgettable hat-trick by lifting the Jules Rimet Trophy following
England's 4-2 victory over West Germany.
Fellow Hammers legend Billy Bonds MBE admitted to ClaretandHugh: " When I
arrived from Charlton I was absolutely over awed by him. The feeling never
really went away. He was a hero to me and an icon. He was an unforgettable
footballer and man. To have known him was incredible – to have played with
him was a fantastic honour."
Mooro as an immortal – Bob, YOU ARE NEVER FORGOTTEN!
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World Cup may cause Irons stadium switch
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 24, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
The FIFA task force looking into dates for the Qatar World Cup has
recommended the tournament to be staged in November and December 2022, the
head of the Asian Football Confederation has confirmed today, while
unconfirmed reports have suggested that the final will be held the day
before Christmas Eve. If ratified by the FIFA executive committee in March
this would inevitably lead to an extension of the Premier League season into
June 2022. This potentially pushes the football season into the athletics
season. West Ham are technically the Winter anchor stadium concessionaires
on a 99 year lease with UK Athletics holding the Summer anchor tenancy for
50 years. New Olympic Stadium operator Vinci would need to sort out any
dispute with it's concessionaires and tenants but there remains a
possibility of re-scheduling or playing some games in another stadium should
no compromise be found.
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Parma crisis could help West Ham land reported January target
HITC
Jack Beresford
The Hammers had been linked with a mid-season move for Parma striker Ishak
Belfodil and developments at the Italian club could play into their hands.
Former PSG striker Nene may have been recruited to the West Ham United cause
already this month, as reported by the BBC, but Sam Allardyce may well have
one eye on goings-on in Italy. Parma, a club steeped in tradition and major
continental success, are on the brink of collapse after the club's debts
seemingly caught up with them. Players and staff have gone unpaid for months
and with the Serie A side no longer able to even pay for ground staff, their
fixtures for the remainder of the season have been voided and demotion looks
likely. Yet for all the sadness and concern surrounding the plight of this
once great club, the likes of Allardyce and West Ham may well be taking even
more of an interest in the future of the Parma squad. More specifically they
will be looking at Algeria international and long-time target Ishak Belfodil
and his plans for the future. The 23-year-old has been on the Hammers' radar
since January 2014, with The Guardian reporting at the time that the London
club were keen to recruit the forward on a loan deal from Inter Milan.
A deal had looked to be have been agreed in principle, only for the move to
collapse with Belfodil moving to Livorno on loan before sealing a permanent
switch to Parma last summer. Even then West Ham continued to pursue the
player, with Tutto Mercato claiming back in December that the club would
move for the forward. Once again, however, no deal materialised, with
Belfodil remaining in Italy. Yet, with Parma close to the brink and the
Algerian facing an uncertain future, could West Ham and Sam Allardyce be
about to benefit from the demise of this once great Italian club?
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WHUFC.com
Vote for Cheikhou to win the PFA Fans' Player of the Month for February
24.02.2015
The nominations for the February PFA Fan's Player of the Month powered by
90min have been announced and the top contenders are:
· Harry Kane
· Branislav Ivanovic
· Cheikhou Kouyaté
· James Milner
· Philippe Coutinho
· Olivier Giroud
Fans can vote for their favourite player to win by clicking here.
http://fanawards.90min.com/
The PFA Fans' Player of the Month award which is powered by 90min is
designed to give a strong voice to the supporters who are the lifeblood of
the game. The awards are endorsed by the players and supported by the clubs.
Each month, one lucky fan will meet and present the award to the player on
the side of the pitch before the game. Voting closes at midnight on Saturday
28 February with the winner to be announced on Monday 2 March.
Follow on Twitter at #POTM, @90min_Football and @PFA
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Bobby Moore OBE 1941-1993
WHUFC.com
West Ham United and England's finest-ever captain Bobby Moore OBE died on
this day 22 years ago
24.02.2015
Bobby Moore OBE, West Ham United's most famous player and England's 1966
World Cup-winning captain, sadly passed away on this day 22 years ago. The
central defender made 646 league and cup appearances for the Hammers,
scoring 27 goals. Moore was born in Barking on 12 April 1941, making his
debut for his local club in a 3-2 win over Manchester United at the Boleyn
Ground as a 17-year-old on 8 September 1958. It was the start of a
glittering career that is remembered fondly by football fans the world over
As a West Ham player, Moore lifted the FA Cup in 1964 and the European Cup
Winners' Cup in 1965. A year later, he was back at Wembley to complete an
unforgettable hat-trick by lifting the Jules Rimet Trophy following
England's 4-2 victory over West Germany. Moore would go on to star at the
1970 World Cup finals in Mexico before moving to Fulham, for whom he played
against the Hammers in the 1975 FA Cup final. Following his retirement,
Moore moved first into management and then into the world of broadcasting
before his life was cut short by cancer in February 1993. He was just 51.
Fellow Hammers legend Billy Bonds MBE recalls Bobby's memory fondly. He
said: "Mooro was an absolute icon. I respected a lot of team-mates and
opponents down the years but he was the only person in my entire career, who
made me feel that way. "He was fantastic to me from the day that I arrived
and I loved him as a player and as a person. Bobby Moore had a presence both
off and on the field. "There was no side to him at all and, having lifted
the World Cup, he'd been the most famous person on the planet on that July
afternoon at Wembley in 1966 but, despite all of that, Bobby wasn't the
slightest bit lairy. Mooro treated everyone the same, no matter who they
were. "Bobby Moore wasn't a particularly good header of the ball and he
wasn't very quick either but, boy, his timing was impeccable. He didn't need
to be good in the air or fast because he could read the game so well - he
always seemed to be in the right place at the right time to nick the ball
off a centre-forward. "And he was just so good at bringing the ball out of
defence and starting attacks, too."
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Mediawatch - 24 February
WHUFC.com
Our daily look at West Ham United in the news
24.02.2015
The BBC cover the story of men thought to be West Ham United fans who were
filmed chanting abusive songs on a train in North London, along with the
Club's response that 'if any individual is found to have behaved in an
inappropriate way, the club's simple zero-tolerance policy dictates that
they will face the strongest possible action, including the option of a life
ban from the Boleyn Ground.' On Sky Sports' website, Hammers boss Sam
Allardyce says that Nene could make his debut on Saturday against Crystal
Palace after Carlton Cole picked up a hamstring injury.
This story also appears in the Mail Online.
Meanwhile, The Sun (£) carry a story where Tottenham's Nabil Bentaleb claims
that the Hammers' disappointment over a final minue penalty award to his
team is unjustified.
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Jenko - We deserved more
WHUFC.com
Carl Jenkinson felt the Hammers deserved the three points on Sunday
24.02.2015
West Ham United defender Carl Jenkinson said the Hammers were very
unfortunate to come away from White Hart Lane without three points, having
been on top for most of Sunday's London derby. The Hammers took a deserved
lead through goals from Cheikhou Kouyate and Diafra Sakho, and they looked
to have secured a vital win in their push for a European qualification spot,
however Harry Kane's 95th minute penalty rescued Tottenham a point after
Danny Rose's goal had given them a lifeline. Speaking after the game, the
23-year-old right back, on loan from Arsenal said: "I couldn't see us
conceding another goal. I thought we were comfortable at 2-1 and they didn't
really look like scoring. "Obviously they've equalised with the last kick
off the game, it's unbelievable really. That's the way it goes sometimes but
it was very unfortunate."
Having been on top for large parts of the game, Jenkinson clearly felt that
the Hammers deserved all three points. However, a highly entertaining match
was to end in high drama as, in the 95th minute of the game, Alex Song was
adjudged to have tripped Harry Kane inside the box. The in-form Tottenham
striker picked himself up to take the spot kick - which was brilliantly
saved by Adrian - before the 23-year-old tucked away the rebound. Speaking
about the award of the penalty, Jenkinson continued: "There were quite a few
players in between me and the tackle so I couldn't see it to be honest. "For
me it felt like extra time was an eternity. I didn't have a watch on my
wrist but it seemed like a very long time. I asked the referee not long
before the end how much longer and he said one minute. It definitely seemed
like more than a minute. I think a few things went against us. "We dominated
the game, and they couldn't get near us to be honest with you. I thought we
were the better side. We went 2-0 up and deservedly so, we could've been 3
or 4-0 up. "Obviously we've ended up drawing 2-2 and I can't get my head
round it. It's massively disappointing for everyone involved."
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From the Academy
WHUFC.com
Terry Westley keeps us updated with all the goings on at the West Ham United
Academy
24.02.2015
Hello,
As ever, it's been a busy time for everyone at the Academy, particularly
with the half-term just gone, it gives us a great opportunity to work with
some of the younger age groups. Across last week we had a number of
different age groups in at Rush Green together working on a number of
different areas of the game including tactical sessions, positional work and
in-game scenarios. It's great at any stage of a player's development to
train with players who are slightly older than them. You can't really put a
value on it as they are constantly learning, and in the long run it can only
help them to reach their potential. As well as that some of our most
promising players have been called away on international duty. Left-back
Vashon Neufville and attacking midfielder Anthony Scully were both away with
the England U16s were they played against Switzerland, Slovakia and France
in games at St. George's Park. Another hugely talented player called on
international duty is centre-midfielder Declan Rice, who played for his
native Republic of Ireland. As well as Declan, Reece Oxford and Jahmal
Hector-Ingram were both involved in a tournament in Portugal, where they
played Germany, Portugal and Holland. It's a great achievement for anyone to
represent their country at any level, and everyone at the Academy is very
proud of their achievements. As Director of the Academy, we hope they
continue to play for their countries for many years to come. As long as they
continue to apply themselves and put in the dedication we've seen so far, I
see no reason why they won't. As well as that, we've made our selection for
scholars for next year which include Oxford, Powell, Neufville, Scully and
Tunji Akinola. We've also offered Jake Eggleton, a very exciting right-back,
the option of doing his A levels while continuing to be a full time player.
It's a very strong group of players with several internationals in there.
They've all played above their age in U18s and even for the U21s. They're
all still young and we have to be patient, by we hope one day they'll have
an impact on the first team. As for the U21s, they haven't had a league game
for a while but we've kept them busy, including a friendly against Dagenham
& Redbridge. It was a great opportunity for a number of younger players to
demonstrate what they can do, and against a side made of predominantly
professional players, I thought they played very well. Away from the pitch,
the U21s have been involved in various community projects. First, a
selection of the squad went to the University of East London to learn about
the importance of healthy eating and how to prepare food properly.
They're at an age where some of them are moving into their own accommodation
so they need to know what to eat, when to eat. As athletes, eating the right
balance of carbohydrates and protein is absolutely essential to make sure
they can perform to their best. Knowing how this changes depending on their
schedule, i.e. preparing for a game or recovering afterwards is also vital.
Another event was a half-term training session at the David Lloyd Leisure
near Gidea Park. This included Dan Potts, Leo Chambers, Lewis Page, Marcus
Browne and Kieran Bywater where they coached 30 kids during their half term
break. It was great to see the kids enjoy themselves, and I know the players
enjoyed the experience just as much. The session is another example of the
good relationship we are building with the centre, and the community as a
whole.
All the best,
Terry
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Noble: 'Europe is still possible'
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble said a European spot is possible if West Ham perform like they
did against Spurs
23.02.2015
West Ham United midfielder Mark Noble said the Hammers can still finish in a
European qualifying position if they play like they did against Tottenham
Hotspur in their remaining 12 league games. The Hammers stormed to a 2-0
lead, with Noble, who was captaining the team, playing an important role in
both goals. First, Cheikhou Kouyate headed his third goal of the season
powerfully past Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris before Diafra Sakho doubled
their advantage in the second half. However, Tottenham got a foothold in the
game after Danny Rose's mistimed shot nestled in the far corner before Spurs
were awarded a penalty in the fifth minute of stoppage time, where Harry
Kane was on hand to pull Spurs level at the second attempt after Adrian had
saved the initial spot kick. Speaking after the match, the 27-year-old
midfielder said: "To be 2-0 up and not win is massively disappointing but I
still think we played well. "We put a lot of effort into the Manchester
United game and then had nine men for 20 minutes away at Southampton, West
Brom was one game too many really. "But today was much better, we showed
what we can do when we're all fully fit. If we play like that for the rest
of the season we still have a great chance of Europe."
Having conceded a late equaliser against Manchester United on Sunday 8
February, the Hammers have lost ground on their rivals for a European
qualification spot, drawing their last three league matches. While clearly
disappointed with the result, Noble insisted there were several positives
for the Hammers as they prepare for their match with Crystal Palace on
Saturday 28 February. "That's four points dropped recently. But we played
well, got a point away at Spurs and we'll move onto to the next game against
Crystal Palace at home. "It's a special game for me and the fans, I love
playing in the London derbies. I was enjoying the game, I always love coming
here. It was a good atmosphere and at 2-0 I thought we were fully in
control. They didn't look like hurting us and if anything we had a good
chance to wrap it up when Enner went close. "I'm not sure what went wrong
really, I think we probably invited too much pressure onto us and that made
it difficult. I was too far away from the penalty so I don't know if it was
or not. Last minute at White Hart Lane it's difficult to take."
Since former West Ham United manager Alan Pardew took over at Crystal
Palace, they have won five of their nine games, including wins over
Tottenham and Southampton. Looking ahead to Saturday's game, another London
derby, Noble is expecting a tough game: "It'll be nice to see Pards again. I
watched their game against Arsenal and they played well. "They're a good
side with exciting players so it'll be tough but if we play like we did
today, we have every chance of winning."
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U18s defeat disappoints Phillips
WHUFC.com
Mark Phillips was disappointed with the U18s 2-1 defeat by Norwich City on
Saturday
24.02.2015
West Ham United U18s coach Mark Phillips was disappointed with Saturday's
Barclays U18 Premier League defeat to Norwich City as it could seriously
damage their push for a top four place. After falling behind to a Harley
Black free kick with just two minutes on the clock, the Hammers worked hard
and pulled level when England U17 international striker Jahmal Hector-Ingram
coolly finished into the top corner.
The Hammers hopes of entering the top four play-off stages alongside seven
of the best Academy teams in the country were then dented when Norwich
substitute Benny Ashley-Seal benefited from a defensive mistake to steal the
points for the Canaries. "I'm not just disappointed with the result but also
the fact that I think it will now stop us finishing in the top four in the
league," admitted Phillips. "It was a very disjointed performance if I'm
honest. "In the first half, we got behind their defence quite a few times
and fair enough to Norwich, they defended it well. I think that we were a
little too careless with the final ball in and around their penalty area.
"Even after we went 1-0 down, I was still confident that we could have gone
on to score three or four goals because of the amount of chances we were
creating. "Our play started to become more impatient and anxious and we were
looking for gaps through the middle where there wasn't any spaces. "Again,
fair play to Norwich because they were filling the gaps that our lads should
have realised they needed to push wide and create chances a different way."
The hosts had a strong squad available for the visit of the Norfolk-based
team to Little Heath, with recent first team substitute Reece Oxford
available for Phillips' side. Phillips revealed though that although it's
beneficial to have a strong selection of players to choose from, it doesn't
mean anything if the effort isn't put in on the pitch. "Without a shadow of
a doubt, conceding a goal after just two minutes was a real kick in the
teeth because on paper, we were probably at our strongest," continued
Phillips. "The only players we were perhaps missing from our team was Vashon
Neufville and Anthony Scully because they were both away on England duty.
"It's nice having a strong team on paper but it's about how you perform on
the pitch that is important. I never felt like we were going to push on and
win the game during the second half because although we had the lion share
of possession, we didn't do anything with it in the final third.
"I didn't feel like we would lose it though and it was just a mistake that
let their lad run through and score the goal. In all honesty, I thought it
would end in a draw and I think both teams would've been happy with that."
The Hammers host Reading U18 at Little Heath on Saturday 28 February as they
aim to finish the season by leapfrogging several other teams to a top four
finish. Parking and admission are both completely FREE at Little Heath.
After the Reading game, the Hammers will join a play-off stage alongside the
teams in their final position group in both the North and South sections.
For example, those that finish 1st-4th in both the Northern and Southern
divisions will play each other in a further seven fixtures, with the same
process applying for those that finish in 5th-8th and 9th-12th.
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Man offended on behalf of someone else reports incident he didn't see or
hear
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 24th February 2015
By: Staff Writer
TV pundit Kevin Kilbane has reported West Ham United supporters for using
derogatory language during Sunday's televised London derby with Tottenham.
The former Irish international is reported to have registered a complaint
with the FA after complaining that travelling fans sang a song aimed at
Harry Kane mocking his speech impediment. Kilbane told the Daily Mirror that
fans sang: "Harry Kane talks like a mong and plays like one too". He has
complained on the basis that the term 'mong' - which first emerged in the
1980s as a slang reference to people with Downs Syndrome - mocks the
disabled. The former Everton winger is understood to have raised the
complaint after being informed of the chant by a friend who was present at
the game and whose daughter has Downs. "I spoke to him and he was extremely
upset," said Kilbane. "I felt I had to report it. No family should have to
put up with it at football matches. "It is also extremely offensive towards
Harry Kane, who is only a young lad, starting out in the game and who does
not deserve that kind of disgusting abuse just because he is a footballer.
"I am sure they understand they are causing offence," he continued. "You
cannot sweep it under the carpet and label it as ignorance. It is visible
and clear and, like racist or homophobic chanting, it is intended to cause
offence. "I want to be able to take my kids to football matches and when
Elsie gets older she will understand about her condition and I would not
want her to hear that kind of chanting. If her sister Isla heard it, she
would be devastated too, as my friend's sons were. "This is a wider society
problem, not just a problem with football, and idiots are using football as
a tool to show their ignorance and discrimination. "I have spoken to the FA
and they have assured me they will investigate it thoroughly. In all my time
playing and watching football I have never heard this before. Hopefully we
can do something to make sure it isn't again and this awful chant does not
spread."
The FA - and football's equality and inclusion organisation Kick It Out -
have been deluged with complaints since Sunday's match between Spurs and
West Ham - which finished 2-2 -ended. A Tottenham fan started the ball
rolling on Sunday evening by posting a video of some unidentified men, which
he claimed were West Ham supporters, singing an offensive song on a train
(further investigations point to the video being several years old). After
that it was Spurs' turn to feel the heat when a video of their supporters
singing "no noise from the pikey boys" - 'pikey' being a derogatory term for
members of the travelling community - during Sunday's match emerged. Last
night it was revealed that a number of Tottenham fan forums were full of
similar offensive terminology, before the news that Kilbane had reported
West Ham fans to the FA was divulged.
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He ain't heavy, he's my brother
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 24th February 2015
By: Gordon Thrower
Gordon Thrower, KUMB.com's Deputy Editor has a brother with Downs Syndrome.
Here's what he had to think about the Harry Kane song - and resulting
furore...
Some of you will know that my youngest brother Geoff has Downs Syndrome. He
is now 43 and for the last 24 years he has held down a proper full time job
at a branch of Sainsbury's. He's held down that job uninterrupted (which is
more than I can say for my own career).
He plays cricket for the Hants Disabled side – some of you kindly voted for
them in the National Lottery awards a few years back. He's clever,
intelligent and funny and has a warped sense of humour (can't work out where
he got that from). He has two big brothers who think the world of him and
spoil him rotten.
Anyone who knows me will know just how proud I and the rest of the family
are of all he has achieved in his life since the day in 1972 when a doctor
told Mum and Dad to stick him away in a home because he'd never be much more
than a "cabbage" (yes a genuine doctor used that exact word).
As a result of all that, I probably have a different point of reference for
all this.
With reference to the use of the word "mong", I tend to have a contextual
filter. It's not a word I would use myself and were I to catch someone using
that directly at my brother in the street in my presence let's just say the
red mist might just take over.
However, I'd find it difficult to raise a complaint about its use at a
football match I wasn't at.
I mean, where would I draw the line? I'd be willing to bet that at just
about every ground in the country last weekend someone, somewhere, said or
sang something that I personally would find distasteful. Perhaps I should
send out for tapes of each match to see if I can be offended by anything so
I can report it.
Joking aside, I'm not going to slate Kevin Kilbane though. I actually don't
mind the bloke.
Over the years he'd probably be one of the first to admit that, as a player,
he made the most of a limited amount of talent go a long way – over 100 caps
for the Republic Of Ireland is good going for someone who never had any
obvious claims to being "world class" – and he was known to take the
nickname "Zinadine" in the good-humoured spirit of irony in which it was
coined.
As a pundit he concentrates on commenting on what he has seen rather than
trying to be controversial for controversy's sake (yes, you Savage) and he
doesn't seem one to say something, anything even when he hasn't a clue what
he's talking about (I'm pointing at you for a reason Carragher).
I even met him once on a very proud day for me when he presented me with a
medal for dragging my carcass around the Boleyn in a charity tournament. (A
tournament at which, incidentally, a referee threatened to report everyone
involved to the FA because one side included a girl with Downs Syndrome who
was technically too old to be included in a mixed gender side under FA rules
– now THAT'S an offensive attitude). I had a chat with him about stuff in
general and found him to be likeable and intelligent.
I guess that his aim in reporting this was probably to highlight the matter
and, as we can see from here, it's certainly provoked a discussion. I can
only presume that he thought that the best way to bring the matter into
public view was to report it to the FA as a potential offence.
I'm not sure I'd agree with that – as the boss's headline points out, his
position as "man offended on behalf of someone else reports incident he
didn't see or hear" kind of reduces the impact of what he is trying to
highlight. Think of Mary Whitehouse who turned "taking offence" into a
profession to the extent that nobody took her seriously.
Think how stupid Malcolm Muggeridge and the Bishop Of Southwark looked when
admitting that, although they had never seen Monty Python's Life Of Brian,
they were damn well going to fight to have it banned anyway. However, as I
say, as a way of raising the debate it certainly worked – it's just that I
think that there were probably better ways of doing so.
I will say one final thing about the matter. There is one aspect of all this
that does offend me and it's this: Geoff is as honest as the day is long.
He's been known to hand in 10p pieces found in the car-park when he's on
trolley duty. He'd no more try to cheat or con anyone than I would request a
DJ to play "Build Me Up Buttercup".
Which is why I'm sure Geoff would be offended if he realised that he was
being put in the same category as a diving cheat of a footballer, who conned
a referee in order to save his side a point last weekend.
Perhaps I should complain to the FA on his behalf?
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West Ham's Winston Reid condemns football fans' racism
Last Updated: 24/02/15 8:11pm
SSN
West Ham defender Winston Reid says there can be 'no excuses' for any
football fan making racist chants. Police are currently investigating video
footage which has emerged allegedly showing West Ham fans singing
anti-Semitic songs before their 2-2 Premier League draw at Tottenham on
Sunday. The footage and subsequent complaint made by anti-racism and
discrimination organisation Kick It Out came just days after Police
announced they were hunting several alleged Chelsea supporters who prevented
a black man from entering a train on the Paris Metro following their
Champions League tie at Paris St Germain. Reid, who is expected to leave
West Ham when his contract expires at the end of the season, condemned the
Paris incident and said: "There can be no excuses for the actions of fans
singing racist songs. "What happened on the Metro in Paris was absolutely
unacceptable and it was a shame because there is so much work that gets put
into eradicating it from the game that it simply shouldn't happen.
"Ultimately no one wants to go to a football match where stupid people are
saying stupid stuff. It only takes three or four people to ruin it for two
or three thousand. "As a player I've not experienced any fans chanting
racism towards me but it has to be something that football continues to
address and will hopefully end one day. "The positive thing is that the
issue in general is getting better. There are fewer incidents cases and the
number of campaigns that are trying to tackle the issue seems to be having
an effect. "We are a lot further along than 20 years ago, and social media
is making it easy for people to see who is responsible. Hopefully the work
that organisations like the PFA do means that one day the issue won't be an
issue at all."
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Redknapp talks on Irons job
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 24, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Harry Redknapp has warned off anybody from backing him to become the next
West Ham boss. The former Upton Park chief has been installed as a 4/1
favourite in some places to take over from Sam Allardyce at the end of the
season. But speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh the 67 year old declared:
"Tell everybody to keep their money in their pockets. It's not going to
happen. "I don't even know what's going on at the club as far as Sam
Allardyce is concerned. I read the reports but we will have to wait and see.
"What I do think is he has done a great job but predicting what is likely to
happen in this game is a fool's game. However, should a vacancy become
available at the Boleyn I can promise you I won't be filling it. "
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Iron lays FA racism charge at Spurs fans
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 24, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
A West Ham fan has laid an official complaint against Spurs after a new
video emerged showing the north London fans chanting racist terms at Irons
supporters. The supporter wants to remain anonymous but contacted
ClaretandHugh to reveal he had laid an official complaint with both the
game's ruling body and then Kick it Out campaign. It follows Kevin
Kilbane's complaint to the FA over reports that Hammers followers were using
the word "mong" in chants at White Hart on Sunday. The Hammers fan rold
ClaretandHugh: "In the current climate there must be zero tolerance in all
cases of racism with the new video showing Spurs fans roaring the words
'pikey boys' at Irons fans.
The Show Racism the Red Card campaign says: "Gyppo and Pikey are extremely
racist and offensive towards anybody from any of the Traveller groups as
both of them have a history of being used to hurt and offend people. "These
words should never be used even if it is towards someone who is not a Gypsy
or Traveller."
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Man City scouting West Ham star
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 24, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Manchester City are heavily scouting West Ham's hugely impressive left back
Aaron Cresswell. ClaretandHugh learned the player remains the focus of City
attention as they look at their home grown player quota for next season.
Cresswell has had a brilliant first campaign becoming a Hammers ever-present
with 30 games so far in his first season. It's no surprise to hear of
City's interest after the plaudits he has received from most observers and
pundits this season who have been freely tipping him for international
honours. ClaretandHugh has learned that City have had an eye on him for
three years since Brian Marwood was Director of Football – may be set to
launch a summer raid. The club are ready to allow Aleksander Kolorov to move
on and are looking at both Cresswell and Monaco left sided back four man
Leyvia Kurzarwa. A decision to go for the Monaco star would of course leave
City looking elsewhere in the squad to beef up the British connection.
Hammers source told ClaretandHugh: "It would take a huge offer to even tempt
us as Ipswich also get a chunk if we ever sold on which really isn't in our
thinking.".
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REMEMBERING MOORO: 1941 – 1993
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 24, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Twenty two years ago today the club's greatest hero – Mooro – passed away.
Tragically he was only 51 years old. Those of us who lived through that era
and watched him from the Upton Park terraces were truly blessed – he was
unarguably the greatest footballer we have ever – and probably – will ever
see. Many of us barely see a day go by without remembering the man…in my
case he was my last true footballing hero. The 1966 World Cup-winning
captain, sadly passed away on this day 22 years ago. He made 646 league and
cup appearances for the Hammers, scoring 27 goals. Born in Barking on 12
April 1941, he made his debut for his local club in a 3-2 win over
Manchester United at the Boleyn Ground as a 17-year-old on 8 September 1958.
It was the start of a glittering career that is remembered fondly by
football fans the world over. He lifted the FA Cup in 1964 and the European
Cup Winners' Cup in 1965. A year later, he was back at Wembley to complete
an unforgettable hat-trick by lifting the Jules Rimet Trophy following
England's 4-2 victory over West Germany.
Fellow Hammers legend Billy Bonds MBE admitted to ClaretandHugh: " When I
arrived from Charlton I was absolutely over awed by him. The feeling never
really went away. He was a hero to me and an icon. He was an unforgettable
footballer and man. To have known him was incredible – to have played with
him was a fantastic honour."
Mooro as an immortal – Bob, YOU ARE NEVER FORGOTTEN!
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World Cup may cause Irons stadium switch
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 24, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
The FIFA task force looking into dates for the Qatar World Cup has
recommended the tournament to be staged in November and December 2022, the
head of the Asian Football Confederation has confirmed today, while
unconfirmed reports have suggested that the final will be held the day
before Christmas Eve. If ratified by the FIFA executive committee in March
this would inevitably lead to an extension of the Premier League season into
June 2022. This potentially pushes the football season into the athletics
season. West Ham are technically the Winter anchor stadium concessionaires
on a 99 year lease with UK Athletics holding the Summer anchor tenancy for
50 years. New Olympic Stadium operator Vinci would need to sort out any
dispute with it's concessionaires and tenants but there remains a
possibility of re-scheduling or playing some games in another stadium should
no compromise be found.
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Parma crisis could help West Ham land reported January target
HITC
Jack Beresford
The Hammers had been linked with a mid-season move for Parma striker Ishak
Belfodil and developments at the Italian club could play into their hands.
Former PSG striker Nene may have been recruited to the West Ham United cause
already this month, as reported by the BBC, but Sam Allardyce may well have
one eye on goings-on in Italy. Parma, a club steeped in tradition and major
continental success, are on the brink of collapse after the club's debts
seemingly caught up with them. Players and staff have gone unpaid for months
and with the Serie A side no longer able to even pay for ground staff, their
fixtures for the remainder of the season have been voided and demotion looks
likely. Yet for all the sadness and concern surrounding the plight of this
once great club, the likes of Allardyce and West Ham may well be taking even
more of an interest in the future of the Parma squad. More specifically they
will be looking at Algeria international and long-time target Ishak Belfodil
and his plans for the future. The 23-year-old has been on the Hammers' radar
since January 2014, with The Guardian reporting at the time that the London
club were keen to recruit the forward on a loan deal from Inter Milan.
A deal had looked to be have been agreed in principle, only for the move to
collapse with Belfodil moving to Livorno on loan before sealing a permanent
switch to Parma last summer. Even then West Ham continued to pursue the
player, with Tutto Mercato claiming back in December that the club would
move for the forward. Once again, however, no deal materialised, with
Belfodil remaining in Italy. Yet, with Parma close to the brink and the
Algerian facing an uncertain future, could West Ham and Sam Allardyce be
about to benefit from the demise of this once great Italian club?
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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Tuesday, February 24
Daily WHUFC News - 24th February 2015
The new whufc.com coming soon
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will soon be launching a new-look website
23.02.2015
West Ham United are delighted to announce that they will soon be launching
an all-new whufc.com The new-look website is set to launch in the coming
weeks and will represent a major step forward for the Club's online
presence. A fully responsive design will allow supporters to keep abreast of
the Hammers news wherever they are, on desktop, tablet or mobile, with a
whole range of new features to enjoy. For the first time, supporters will be
able to view West Ham TV videos for free, with match highlights from the
first team, Development Squad and Under-18s, interviews, behind the scenes
features and more available to watch on demand. An interactive social hub
will sit at the centre of the new site, giving a dedicated platform for
conversation on all things West Ham throughout the day, while on matchdays
an improved match centre will provide all the information you need to follow
the game. Including free live audio commentary, live stats, photo galleries
and comment, the match centre will be the one stop shop to keep up to date.
Away from matches, the new whufc.com will be home to more opinion, with
blogs from fans, former players and media personalities keeping the Hammers
conversation ticking over all week long.
With all this and much more besides, our first website redesign since 2008
is set to provide supporters with a richer online experience following their
Club, so keep an eye out for the new whufc.com, coming soon!
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Sakho seeks capital gains
WHUFC.com
Diafra Sakho wants Sunday's derby-day goal to be the first of many in the
coming weeks
23.02.2015
Diafra Sakho is gunning for West Ham United's London rivals, after he
notched against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday in the first of a quartet of
capital clashes. Sakho's ninth league goal of the campaign doubled the
Hammers' advantage shortly after the hour mark at White Hart Lane, after his
compatriot Cheikhou Kouyate had earlier headed the visitors in front. But
the Senegal striker's joy was short-lived as Danny Rose and, in the sixth
minute of added time, Harry Kane completed an improbable Spurs revival. So
while Sakho and co would have to settle for a point, the 25-year-old was
still pleased to get back on the goal trail.
"It made for a real moment," he told West Ham TV. "I'd not scored in the
league [for some time] - I'd only scored in the cup. I hope as well that
it's the start and that I'm going to score again in the derbies to come. "We
know that all the games are important and we've got Palace on Saturday, when
I'll be trying to score again. I hope come the end we'll have won the game."
Sakho's strike on the day was arguably the tougher of his two second-half
chances, having earlier tried and failed to beat Hugo Lloris' defences at
his near post. But when Mark Noble's deep cross picked out the No15, Sakho
squeezed home from the acutest of angles. "I'd had one earlier chance that
was a lot easier that I'd missed, so there I was thinking I've at least got
to hit the target," he continued. "Fortune smiled on me and I scored. "It's
a derby and an away one too. I came here having not played in one [against
Spurs]. It was great for me, as a forward, and important for me to score a
goal like that against Tottenham and, for sure, I'm happy with it."
But two points dropped in such dramatic circumstances obviously rankle with
the striker, who said his side need to find a way to close out matches. The
Hammers suffered a similar fate against Manchester United a fortnight ago
and Sakho wants this to be the end of it. He added: "It's difficult to take,
particularly because that's the second time [it's happened], against
Manchester United as well it was the same. We lead until the last minute and
then conceded. It's becoming a habit! Now it's for us to rid ourselves of it
and manage the game, as a group, until the end. "I think we lacked a bit of
concentration at the end, but that can happen at any given moment. It's down
to us to make sure it no longer happens, because as a result we've lost four
points over the two games. And at the end of the season, all those points
are important. I think that with the performance we produced on Sunday, even
though we're frustrated to have drawn it, we can still reflect on a good
game overall."
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Loan round up
WHUFC.com
See how the four West Ham United loanees fared this weekend
23.02.2015
Elliot Lee scored on his debut for Luton Town on Saturday, just four minutes
after coming on as a substitute. Lee's goal appeared to have salvaged Luton
a vital point until David Connolly's last minute winner secured Wimbledon a
3-2 win.
Raphael Spiegel made his debut for Carlisle United in a 3-2 home defeat to
Wycombe Wanderers. The visitors took a commanding 3-0 lead through goals
from Aaron Pierre, Fred Onyedinma and Matt McClure before the hosts rallied.
First Kyle Dempsey curled a shot in before Danny Grainger's penalty ensured
a nervy final eight minutes. Despite their best efforts they couldn't find
the equaliser and the score remained 3-2.
Modibo Maiga played the full game in FC Metz' 0-0 draw away at Reims. The
draw gives the French outfit a valuable point as they try and get off the
bottom of Ligue Un.
Sean Maguire came on for the final eight minutes as Accrington Stanley drew
1-1 at home with Cheltenham Town. The visitors opened the scoring on 31
minutes with a looping header from Wes Burns before Shay McCartan's
second-half strike levelled the proceedings.
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Anti-Semitic chanting before West Ham match probed
BBC.co.uk
Video footage has emerged of a group of men, thought to be West Ham fans,
chanting anti-Semitic abuse on a train in north London. Anti-discrimination
group Kick It Out has contacted police over the footage, filmed on Sunday.
The video appeared on social media showing fans on the way to the 2-2 draw
with Tottenham at White Hart Lane. West Ham said it had a "zero-tolerance
policy" and perpetrators could be banned from the club's ground for life. It
had warned fans before the match that "any form of discriminatory behaviour"
would not be tolerated. Most Spurs fans are not Jewish but the club has a
historical association with London's Jewish community. The latest
controversy comes after Chelsea supporters were filmed pushing a black man
from a train on the Paris Metro last week.
Police are also investigating racist chanting at St Pancras station by men
thought to be Chelsea fans returning from the Champions League match in
Paris. The latest footage was uploaded to Twitter by Spurs fan @RomanGeezer,
who tweeted: "On the train on the way to the game, West Ham fans break into
song in Stamford Hill, a Jewish area, scum." A British Transport Police
spokesman said: "We are encouraged the public has the confidence to report
incidents of inappropriate and offensive football-related behaviour to us.
"We take these incidents very seriously, and it is clear what happened on
the Paris Metro and at St Pancras the following night were not isolated
events."
A West Ham spokesman said: "If any individual is found to have behaved in an
inappropriate way, the club's simple, zero-tolerance policy dictates that
they will face the strongest possible action, including the option of a life
ban from the Boleyn Ground." Tottenham said it hoped those involved would be
identified and dealt with seriously. A spokesman for the club said:
"Anti-Semitism in any form is wholly unacceptable and we support all efforts
to kick it out of the game. "We hope that those individuals responsible for
this vile behaviour are identified and dealt with in the strongest way
possible."
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Alou Alou! Diarra returns to London
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 23rd February 2015
By: Staff Writer
Former West Ham midfielder Alou Diarra has signed for Championship side
Charlton on a short-term contract. The 33-year-old defensive midfielder
joins the Addicks seven months after he was released by West Ham following a
stormy two years at the club. "He will add some height, experience, and most
of all, quality to the midfield," said Charlton boss Guy Luzon. "It's a
coup for us that we can attract a player with so much international
experience and I'm sure he will be fantastic for us." The former French
international made a total of just 14 appearances for West Ham during his
spell at the Boleyn. Signed from Olympique Marseille in the summer of 2012,
Diarra was in the news for his continuous complaints more often than for his
efforts on the pitch during his spell at West Ham.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tottenham's Nabil Bentaleb hits back at West Ham boss Sam Allardyce
Last Updated: 23/02/15 2:13pm
SSN
Tottenham midfielder Nabil Bentaleb has hit back at Sam Allardyce after the
West Ham manager claimed Spurs should not have been awarded the penalty that
led to their equaliser on Sunday. Allardyce bemoaned the decision of referee
Jonathan Moss after Alex Song brought down Harry Kane deep into stoppage
time at White Hart Lane. The former Bolton and Blackburn boss said Tottenham
were "desperate" and suggested their players went down too easily throughout
the game. But Bentaleb said: "This is football. Sometimes the referee makes
decisions and you just have to shut your mouth and not complain. "Of course
it was a penalty - there's no doubt about that. Maybe it's because we scored
from the penalty in the last minute; I can understand if he's a little bit
angry about this. "He can say whatever he wants but if he wants to argue
maybe we could say Mark Noble should have been sent off. "The positive thing
we can take out of this game is that we believed until the end and once
again we scored in the last minute and managed to get that point." The 2-2
draw kept Spurs within touching distance of the top four – with third to
seventh separated by just four points - while West Ham remain five points
below their rivals in eighth.
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West Ham manager Sam Allardyce confirms Nene ready for debut
Last Updated: 23/02/15 3:18pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has confirmed that new striker Nene will make
his debut against Crystal Palace on Saturday. The 33-year-old Brazilian
failed to make the squad for Sunday's 2-2 draw with Tottenham but will play
some part against the Eagles after Carlton Cole picked up a hamstring
problem at White Hart Lane. Allardyce said: "Nene would have probably
featured anyway but he will definitely be involved now because we're down to
the two strikers with Andy Carroll's injury and Carlton Cole's new hamstring
problem. "Nene would have probably featured anyway but he will definitely be
involved now because we're down to the two strikers with Andy Carroll's
injury and Carlton Cole's new hamstring problem." "Enner Valencia and Diafra
Sakho did a fantastic job - like the whole team - against Tottenham. It was
just a shame we were not all going out celebrating another victory against
Tottenham." Former PSG and Monaco forward Nene was released by Qatari side
Al-Gharafa at the start of the year and arrived at Upton Park on a free
transfer.
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West Ham warn fans on racism as probe into anti-Semitic chants gets under
way
Last Updated: 23/02/15 2:51pm
SSN
West Ham supporters have been told they face life bans for inappropriate
behaviour as an investigation is launched into anti-Semitic chants. A video
showing people thought to be West Ham fans singing racist songs was reported
to Kick It Out over the weekend with the anti-discrimination group probing
the incident with the help of the British Transport Police. The video,
filmed on the London Underground, emerged on Sunday following the 2-2 draw
at White Hart Lane between the Hammers and Tottenham. A Kick It Out
statement said they had "received several reports via social media about the
footage". They also added they had been informed of a "number of
anti-Semitic tweets which we are reporting to the Police". "If any
individual is found to have behaved in an inappropriate way, the Club's
simple, zero-tolerance policy dictates that they will face the strongest
possible action."
West Ham statement
The incident came two days after West Ham wrote to all fans going to the
game reminding them of the club's zero-tolerance attitude to racism and
possible stadium bans. On Monday, the club responded by issuing a warning to
any fan found guilty and requested information from anybody who knew
anything on the alleged incident. A West Ham United spokesman said: "The
club emailed every supporter who had bought a ticket to Sunday's game to
remind them that they were acting as ambassadors for West Ham United. "If
any individual is found to have behaved in an inappropriate way, the Club's
simple, zero-tolerance policy dictates that they will face the strongest
possible action, including the option of a life ban from the Boleyn Ground.
"If anyone has any information on such behaviour we would urge them to
report it to the Club, Kick It Out or the police so it can be investigated
thoroughly."
Lord Ousley, chairman of Kick It Out, was hugely critical of the response by
football's governing bodies, including the Football Association, the
Football League, Football managers' Association and the Professional
Footballers' Association. "We cannot go on like that because the problems
will continue," he told Sky Sports News HQ. "The people who own and run
football, they must do something about it. They are not doing enough – they
are hardly doing anything." The letter, published on the West Ham website
and signed from owners David Gold and David Sullivan, ahead of Sunday's
match with their London rivals said: "We would like to remind all fans
attending the match at White Hart Lane that they will be acting as
ambassadors for West Ham United and their behaviour should reflect the
values and standards of our club.
Tottenham statement
"Working with the Metropolitan Police, the club will continue to adopt a
zero tolerance policy towards any form of discriminatory behaviour and any
fan found to be acting inappropriately - including racist, anti-Semitic and
homophobic behaviour - will be punished to the full extent of the law and
banned from attending matches. "We are rightly proud of our world-famous
support home and away and we look forward to the famous Claret and Blue Army
once again getting behind the team with all their heart and showing the
world that following the Hammers means supporting with pride, passion and
respect."
British Transport Police issued a statement asking for information or
footage on the incident, which occured at Stamford Hill in north London. It
read: "We take these incidents very seriously, and it is clear what happened
on the Paris Metro and at St Pancras the following night were not isolated
events. "Anyone who has information or video that would help us our
investigation should contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040, by
text, on 61016, quoting reference 420 of 22/2/15."
A Tottenham spokesman added: "Anti-Semitism in any form is wholly
unacceptable and we support all efforts to kick it out of the game.
"We hope that those individuals responsible for this vile behaviour are
identified and dealt with in the strongest way possible." Last week, Chelsea
fans were filmed on the Paris Metro appearing to push a black man off the
train in an alleged racist incident.
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Tottenham label West Ham fans' anti-Semitic chants VILE and call for
"strongest possible action"
12:14, 23 February 2015 By Joe Mewis
A clip emerged online which claims to feature a group of Hammers fans
chanting on the train as they travelled to White Hart Lane on Sunday
The Mirror
Tottenham have called for strong action over a video apparently showing West
Ham fans chanting an anti-Semitic song. The footage first emerged on Twitter
and claims to show supporters travelling on a train through Stamford Hill, a
well-know Jewish area in London singing: "I've got a foreskin, how about
you? F****** Jew." And now the North London club have said they hope
appropriate action is taken against those responsible for what they call
"vile behaviour". A Spurs spokesman said: "Anti-Semitism in any form is
wholly unacceptable and we support all efforts to kick it out of the game.
"We hope that those individuals responsible for this vile behaviour are
identified and dealt with in the strongest way possible."
West Ham said they had emailed every supporter who bought a ticket to
Sunday's game to remind them they were acting as ambassadors for the club. A
spokesman said: "If any individual is found to have behaved in an
inappropriate way, the club's simple, zero-tolerance policy dictates that
they will face the strongest possible action, including the option of a life
ban from the Boleyn Ground. "If anyone has any information on such behaviour
we would urge them to report it to the club, Kick It Out or the police so it
can be investigated thoroughly."
The game at White Hart Lane finished 2-2, with Spurs netting a last gasp
equaliser though Harry Kane.
Anti-discrimination group Kick It Out have also called on the authorities to
step in and steps to be taken to tackle the issue of anti-Semitism in the
game. "Once again, the weekend has been marred by a number of abusive
incidents further demonstrating the high levels of prejudice and
discrimination within football and wider British society," a statement from
Lord Herman Ouseley. "The reality is that this barely scratches the surface
of what is a widespread issue continuing to blight the game across the
country and English football's image abroad. "We received several reports
throughout the course of yesterday (22 February) afternoon bringing to our
attention video footage of West Ham United fans leading antisemitic chants
on a train heading towards White Hart Lane for their Premier League fixture
against Tottenham Hotspur. The statement added: "What would have happened if
we hadn't seen this footage or it hadn't been reported? We need to give
people the confidence to challenge discriminatory and abusive behaviour, and
this can only be reinforced by action being taken by the Police and within
football by the clubs and authorities. The Community Security Trust issued
statistics earlier this month showing record levels of antisemitism since it
started monitoring incidents in 1984. Our own statistics from the 2013/14
season highlighted antisemitism as the second most common form of
discrimination reported to us. "Antisemitism must be tackled with the same
vigour as all other forms of discrimination. There is a heightened level of
concern within the Jewish community about antisemitism with some feeling
unable to live their everyday lives without fear of harassment, abuse and
violence. "Theresa May, the Home Secretary, said last month that the UK
'must redouble its efforts to wipe out antisemitism'. Antisemitism which
occurs within football should not be treated differently to any other
discriminatory incidents. This type of behaviour is all interlinked and it
must be stopped. "Football across the board, and that includes everyone
involved in the game, especially at the highest levels, need to take
responsibility and start asserting themselves by condemning this behaviour
and acting upon it when it occurs. "All too often there is silence or
half-hearted statements made by those with power and influence when it comes
to countering discrimination within the game. This must change now if we are
to make a difference. We cannot go on any longer operating with a silo
mentality in which everyone looks to someone else to take responsibility but
never does so themselves."
This comes in the wake of the video recorded on the Paris Metro last Tuesday
that showed a group of Chelsea fans singing racist chants while not allowing
a black man to board a train as they chanted: "We're racist and that's the
way we like it."
On Saturday, ahead of their draw with Burnley, Chelsea fans at Stamford
Bridge sent out a strong anti-racism message in response to the incident.
Police confirmed on Sunday that they were talking to three men about the
alleged racist incident. A separate group of Hammers fans had earlier
parodied the incident by producing a video showing a black West Ham fan
being given a jovial welcome onto a train carriage.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kick It Out contact police over West Ham fans' pre-match 'anti-Semitic'
songs
11:04, 23 February 2015 By Joe Mewis
The Mirror
Police have been contacted over a video that appears to show West Ham fans
singing anti-Semitic songs as they travelled to the club's game with
Tottenham on Sunday. The footage first emerged on Twitter and claims to show
supporters travelling on a train through Stamford Hill, a well-know Jewish
area in London singing: "I've got a foreskin, how about you? F****** Jew."
And now anti-discrimination group Kick It Out have called on the authorities
to step in. "Kick It Out has received several reports via social media about
the footage and will be liaising with British Transport Police on the
matter," read a statement. "In addition, we have been informed of a number
of anti-Semitic tweets which we are reporting to the police." The game at
White Hart Lane finished 2-2, with Spurs netting a last gasp equaliser
though Harry Kane. This comes in the wake of the video recorded on the Paris
Metro last Tuesday that showed a group of Chelsea fans singing racist chants
while not allowing a black man to board a train as they chanted: "We're
racist and that's the way we like it." On Saturday, ahead of their draw with
Burnley, Chelsea fans at Stamford Bridge sent out a strong anti-racism
message in response to the incident.
Police confirmed on Sunday that they were talking to three men about the
alleged racist incident. A separate group of Hammers fans had earlier
parodied the incident by producing a video showing a black West Ham fan
being given a jovial welcome onto a train carriage.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce admits to a 'West Ham Way'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 23, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce has regularly declared there is no such thing as the 'West Ham
Way.' Back in 2012 at a press conference he declared: "There has never been
a 'West Ham way' shown to me, not by anybody that's worked with West Ham who
I have inherited. "I've spoken to them all and none of them can tell me or
define what the West Ham way is. So it is a bit of a delusion."
Yet only a year earlier as he marched into the Boleyn as the new boss he was
preaching a very different message. In an interview – with the Evening
Standard on his arrival at the club as manager – he had declared: "When I
was a player I always wanted to come and play at Upton Park. "The legacy
always impressed me as a young man – Bobby Moore, Martin Peters and Geoff
Hurst and then players like Trevor Brooking and Billy Bonds. "It was a
pleasure and a privilege to play against players like that although I
wouldn't say I enjoyed it too much because we didn't win too many. "As a
manager coming back to Upton Park, the plan was always to stop the way West
Ham wanted to play – the West Ham 'way'."That used to frustrate the fans and
the players and then we were able to take advantage of that. So finally, the
truth is out – Sam has known about the 'West Ham Way for close on for a very
long time! Glad we could clear that one up for you!
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FIFA rules broken with penalty rebound
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 23, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
FIFA rules suggest referee Jonathan Moss should have blown his whistle after
Harry Kane's first penalty kick was taken thus denying him his follow up
chance on the rebound.
The rules suggest:
When a match is extended at full-time, to allow a Penalty Kick to be taken
the extension shall last until the moment that the Penalty Kick has been
completed and the game shall terminate immediately the referee has made his
decision.
After the player taking the Penalty Kick has put the ball into play, no
player other than the defending goalkeeper may play or touch the ball before
the kick is completed.
When a Penalty Kick is being taken in extended time:
The provisions of all of the foregoing paragraphs, except paragraphs (2)(b)
and (4)(c) shall apply in the usual way, and
in the circumstances described in paragraphs (2)(b) and (4)(c) the game
shall terminate immediately the ball rebounds from the goalkeeper, the
cross-bar or the goal-post.
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Irons cool on Manchester City defender
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 23, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are unlikely to become embroiled in an auction for Manchester City
defender Micah Richards The on loan Fiorentina right back s has admitted he
wants to come back to the Premier League but probably not with Manchester
City. Speaking to Sky Sports he said: "I don't think [I'll go back to City].
I think it's in the past now.Obviously I'd love to play for them again, but
they have so many players, the budget is so high." "It's a lot more
defensive (In Italy), teams just come and try and get a point. The Premier
League is more fast and furious, a bit more entertaining. Here some teams
just accept defeat." West Ham were reported to be chasing the player last
summer but a well placed source told ClaretandHugh today: "He's expensive at
around £70k a week remembering that he hasn't played that much and has been
injury prone. "Obviously we will be linked with central defenders given
Winston Reid's position but it's too early to discuss really."
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West Ham TV to be free for all
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 23, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
The club have confirmed that West Ham TV containing videos and content such
as match highlights from the first team, Development Squad and Under-18s,
interviews and behind the scenes features will be free of charge from March.
The service also includes free live audio commentary for every match.
The West Ham TV service has over 2,000 subscribers paying up to £4.99 per
month each but the plan is to bring the content to a much wider audience
with the launch of the new WHUFC.com website in March.
West Ham TV subscribers received an email saying "We would like to thank you
for subscribing to West Ham TV and we hope you enjoyed the service, but you
will now be able to access it free of charge from March 2015. You will
shortly receive an email from West Ham TV with details of refunding the
balance of your account where appropriate."
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Carlton in twitter bother again!
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 23, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Carlton Cole faces a dressing down from the FA and or West Ham after telling
one Spurs season ticket holder to "F off you c***" on social media after
yesterday's draw. The message sent by Carlton just after 6pm on Sunday
evening was in response to a tweet by Spurs fan Stuart Hardy who directed
his message at Cole saying "Hi @CarltonCole1 when your own team mates don't
kick the ball out when your'e lying injured for 2 mins, you think it's time
to call it a day?" The message has since been deleted by Carlton Cole. In
2011 Carlton Cole was fined £20,000 by the Football Association for comments
he made on Twitter during England's friendly with Ghana. It remains to be
seen whether the FA will accuse Carlton of bringing the game into
disrepute.
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Leroy: "Sam these are your problems alone"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 23, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
First things first – we are a far better team without Kevin Nolan. We
deserved more yesterday but the simple fact is the players are losing belief
when victory is in sight and that is an issue this manager – or whoever
comes next – has to solve. Sam Allardyce has claimed various reasons for
likely victories becoming draws but having watched all our games to me the
answer is clear – the players are falling back 20 – 25 yards when the other
team starts to have a real go. The manager is making defensive substitutions
as a result but the truth is he has to convince the team they are now a very
decent time who can mix it and beat the best.
The players instead are getting nervous and conceding. At the end of the day
that's a managerial problem, Sam has to convince them they are good enough
to beat these teams and until he does that this situation will keep
repeating itself. The tragedy yesterday was that we had played so well for
so long and Nolan's absence for Cheik Kouyate had an awful lot to do with
that.
Most of the supporters have been saying for a long time that the captain is
slowing everything down and they are right. We were excellent and the
football on display for a long time was excellent. It was a shame that Mark
Noble had to go off for his own security from a red card because he was
utterly outstanding and we lost our grip in part when he disappeared. But
the lads lost their conviction that they could win and however much Sam
tries to explain it away, this is his or the next manager's problem.
I don't take sides but who do you blame when a team loses it's belief? The
manager! He has to address it, I had the same problems at times as a boss
and had to accept it was my dilemma. No one else's. There's been much talk
about an imminent departure for Sam and if that happens then it will mean
things have come to a natural end. But he has to stop this draw rot and
convince this team it is the top six side I believe it to be before he does.
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Kevin Kilbane lodges complaint to FA after West Ham fans sing sick song
mocking the disabled against Spurs
22:30, 23 February 2015 By Colin Young
Match of the Day pundit and former Ireland star hopes authorities will act
over 'Harry Kane talks like a mong and plays like one too' chant
The Mirror
Kevin Kilbane has made an official complaint to the FA after vile West Ham
fans chanted offensive songs mocking the disabled on Sunday.
The Match of the Day pundit contacted the FA after a close friend reported
West Ham fans sang 'Harry Kane talks like a mong and plays like one too'
during the 2-2 draw at White Hart Lane. The word 'mong' is a derogatory term
for people with learning disabilities.
And Kilbane, whose 10-year-old daughter Elsie has Down's Syndrome, has been
told the FA is launching an investigation into his complaint.
The former Ireland star, a patron of the Down's Syndrome Association
charity, said: "I am sure they understand they are causing offence. You
cannot sweep it under the carpet and label it as ignorance. "It is visible
and clear and like racist or homophobic chanting, it is intended to cause
offence. I want to be able to take my kids to football matches and when
Elsie gets older she will understand about her condition and I would not
want her to hear that kind of chanting. If her sister Isla heard it, she
would be devastated too, as my friend's sons were. "I spoke to him and he
was extremely upset and I felt I had to report it. No family should have to
put up with it at football matches. "It is also extremely offensive towards
Harry Kane, who is only a young lad, starting out in the game and who does
not deserve that kind of disgusting abuse just because he is a footballer.
"It was very clear and sadly it appeared to be from a large number of West
Ham fans in the ground. This was not isolated to a handful of people. "This
is a wider society problem, not just a problem with football and idiots are
using football as a tool to show their ignorance and discrimination. "I have
spoken to the FA and they have assured me they will investigate it
thoroughly. In all my time playing and watching football, I have never heard
this before. Hopefully we can do something to make sure it isn't again and
this awful chant does not spread."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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WHUFC.com
West Ham United will soon be launching a new-look website
23.02.2015
West Ham United are delighted to announce that they will soon be launching
an all-new whufc.com The new-look website is set to launch in the coming
weeks and will represent a major step forward for the Club's online
presence. A fully responsive design will allow supporters to keep abreast of
the Hammers news wherever they are, on desktop, tablet or mobile, with a
whole range of new features to enjoy. For the first time, supporters will be
able to view West Ham TV videos for free, with match highlights from the
first team, Development Squad and Under-18s, interviews, behind the scenes
features and more available to watch on demand. An interactive social hub
will sit at the centre of the new site, giving a dedicated platform for
conversation on all things West Ham throughout the day, while on matchdays
an improved match centre will provide all the information you need to follow
the game. Including free live audio commentary, live stats, photo galleries
and comment, the match centre will be the one stop shop to keep up to date.
Away from matches, the new whufc.com will be home to more opinion, with
blogs from fans, former players and media personalities keeping the Hammers
conversation ticking over all week long.
With all this and much more besides, our first website redesign since 2008
is set to provide supporters with a richer online experience following their
Club, so keep an eye out for the new whufc.com, coming soon!
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Sakho seeks capital gains
WHUFC.com
Diafra Sakho wants Sunday's derby-day goal to be the first of many in the
coming weeks
23.02.2015
Diafra Sakho is gunning for West Ham United's London rivals, after he
notched against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday in the first of a quartet of
capital clashes. Sakho's ninth league goal of the campaign doubled the
Hammers' advantage shortly after the hour mark at White Hart Lane, after his
compatriot Cheikhou Kouyate had earlier headed the visitors in front. But
the Senegal striker's joy was short-lived as Danny Rose and, in the sixth
minute of added time, Harry Kane completed an improbable Spurs revival. So
while Sakho and co would have to settle for a point, the 25-year-old was
still pleased to get back on the goal trail.
"It made for a real moment," he told West Ham TV. "I'd not scored in the
league [for some time] - I'd only scored in the cup. I hope as well that
it's the start and that I'm going to score again in the derbies to come. "We
know that all the games are important and we've got Palace on Saturday, when
I'll be trying to score again. I hope come the end we'll have won the game."
Sakho's strike on the day was arguably the tougher of his two second-half
chances, having earlier tried and failed to beat Hugo Lloris' defences at
his near post. But when Mark Noble's deep cross picked out the No15, Sakho
squeezed home from the acutest of angles. "I'd had one earlier chance that
was a lot easier that I'd missed, so there I was thinking I've at least got
to hit the target," he continued. "Fortune smiled on me and I scored. "It's
a derby and an away one too. I came here having not played in one [against
Spurs]. It was great for me, as a forward, and important for me to score a
goal like that against Tottenham and, for sure, I'm happy with it."
But two points dropped in such dramatic circumstances obviously rankle with
the striker, who said his side need to find a way to close out matches. The
Hammers suffered a similar fate against Manchester United a fortnight ago
and Sakho wants this to be the end of it. He added: "It's difficult to take,
particularly because that's the second time [it's happened], against
Manchester United as well it was the same. We lead until the last minute and
then conceded. It's becoming a habit! Now it's for us to rid ourselves of it
and manage the game, as a group, until the end. "I think we lacked a bit of
concentration at the end, but that can happen at any given moment. It's down
to us to make sure it no longer happens, because as a result we've lost four
points over the two games. And at the end of the season, all those points
are important. I think that with the performance we produced on Sunday, even
though we're frustrated to have drawn it, we can still reflect on a good
game overall."
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Loan round up
WHUFC.com
See how the four West Ham United loanees fared this weekend
23.02.2015
Elliot Lee scored on his debut for Luton Town on Saturday, just four minutes
after coming on as a substitute. Lee's goal appeared to have salvaged Luton
a vital point until David Connolly's last minute winner secured Wimbledon a
3-2 win.
Raphael Spiegel made his debut for Carlisle United in a 3-2 home defeat to
Wycombe Wanderers. The visitors took a commanding 3-0 lead through goals
from Aaron Pierre, Fred Onyedinma and Matt McClure before the hosts rallied.
First Kyle Dempsey curled a shot in before Danny Grainger's penalty ensured
a nervy final eight minutes. Despite their best efforts they couldn't find
the equaliser and the score remained 3-2.
Modibo Maiga played the full game in FC Metz' 0-0 draw away at Reims. The
draw gives the French outfit a valuable point as they try and get off the
bottom of Ligue Un.
Sean Maguire came on for the final eight minutes as Accrington Stanley drew
1-1 at home with Cheltenham Town. The visitors opened the scoring on 31
minutes with a looping header from Wes Burns before Shay McCartan's
second-half strike levelled the proceedings.
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Anti-Semitic chanting before West Ham match probed
BBC.co.uk
Video footage has emerged of a group of men, thought to be West Ham fans,
chanting anti-Semitic abuse on a train in north London. Anti-discrimination
group Kick It Out has contacted police over the footage, filmed on Sunday.
The video appeared on social media showing fans on the way to the 2-2 draw
with Tottenham at White Hart Lane. West Ham said it had a "zero-tolerance
policy" and perpetrators could be banned from the club's ground for life. It
had warned fans before the match that "any form of discriminatory behaviour"
would not be tolerated. Most Spurs fans are not Jewish but the club has a
historical association with London's Jewish community. The latest
controversy comes after Chelsea supporters were filmed pushing a black man
from a train on the Paris Metro last week.
Police are also investigating racist chanting at St Pancras station by men
thought to be Chelsea fans returning from the Champions League match in
Paris. The latest footage was uploaded to Twitter by Spurs fan @RomanGeezer,
who tweeted: "On the train on the way to the game, West Ham fans break into
song in Stamford Hill, a Jewish area, scum." A British Transport Police
spokesman said: "We are encouraged the public has the confidence to report
incidents of inappropriate and offensive football-related behaviour to us.
"We take these incidents very seriously, and it is clear what happened on
the Paris Metro and at St Pancras the following night were not isolated
events."
A West Ham spokesman said: "If any individual is found to have behaved in an
inappropriate way, the club's simple, zero-tolerance policy dictates that
they will face the strongest possible action, including the option of a life
ban from the Boleyn Ground." Tottenham said it hoped those involved would be
identified and dealt with seriously. A spokesman for the club said:
"Anti-Semitism in any form is wholly unacceptable and we support all efforts
to kick it out of the game. "We hope that those individuals responsible for
this vile behaviour are identified and dealt with in the strongest way
possible."
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Alou Alou! Diarra returns to London
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 23rd February 2015
By: Staff Writer
Former West Ham midfielder Alou Diarra has signed for Championship side
Charlton on a short-term contract. The 33-year-old defensive midfielder
joins the Addicks seven months after he was released by West Ham following a
stormy two years at the club. "He will add some height, experience, and most
of all, quality to the midfield," said Charlton boss Guy Luzon. "It's a
coup for us that we can attract a player with so much international
experience and I'm sure he will be fantastic for us." The former French
international made a total of just 14 appearances for West Ham during his
spell at the Boleyn. Signed from Olympique Marseille in the summer of 2012,
Diarra was in the news for his continuous complaints more often than for his
efforts on the pitch during his spell at West Ham.
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Tottenham's Nabil Bentaleb hits back at West Ham boss Sam Allardyce
Last Updated: 23/02/15 2:13pm
SSN
Tottenham midfielder Nabil Bentaleb has hit back at Sam Allardyce after the
West Ham manager claimed Spurs should not have been awarded the penalty that
led to their equaliser on Sunday. Allardyce bemoaned the decision of referee
Jonathan Moss after Alex Song brought down Harry Kane deep into stoppage
time at White Hart Lane. The former Bolton and Blackburn boss said Tottenham
were "desperate" and suggested their players went down too easily throughout
the game. But Bentaleb said: "This is football. Sometimes the referee makes
decisions and you just have to shut your mouth and not complain. "Of course
it was a penalty - there's no doubt about that. Maybe it's because we scored
from the penalty in the last minute; I can understand if he's a little bit
angry about this. "He can say whatever he wants but if he wants to argue
maybe we could say Mark Noble should have been sent off. "The positive thing
we can take out of this game is that we believed until the end and once
again we scored in the last minute and managed to get that point." The 2-2
draw kept Spurs within touching distance of the top four – with third to
seventh separated by just four points - while West Ham remain five points
below their rivals in eighth.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce confirms Nene ready for debut
Last Updated: 23/02/15 3:18pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has confirmed that new striker Nene will make
his debut against Crystal Palace on Saturday. The 33-year-old Brazilian
failed to make the squad for Sunday's 2-2 draw with Tottenham but will play
some part against the Eagles after Carlton Cole picked up a hamstring
problem at White Hart Lane. Allardyce said: "Nene would have probably
featured anyway but he will definitely be involved now because we're down to
the two strikers with Andy Carroll's injury and Carlton Cole's new hamstring
problem. "Nene would have probably featured anyway but he will definitely be
involved now because we're down to the two strikers with Andy Carroll's
injury and Carlton Cole's new hamstring problem." "Enner Valencia and Diafra
Sakho did a fantastic job - like the whole team - against Tottenham. It was
just a shame we were not all going out celebrating another victory against
Tottenham." Former PSG and Monaco forward Nene was released by Qatari side
Al-Gharafa at the start of the year and arrived at Upton Park on a free
transfer.
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West Ham warn fans on racism as probe into anti-Semitic chants gets under
way
Last Updated: 23/02/15 2:51pm
SSN
West Ham supporters have been told they face life bans for inappropriate
behaviour as an investigation is launched into anti-Semitic chants. A video
showing people thought to be West Ham fans singing racist songs was reported
to Kick It Out over the weekend with the anti-discrimination group probing
the incident with the help of the British Transport Police. The video,
filmed on the London Underground, emerged on Sunday following the 2-2 draw
at White Hart Lane between the Hammers and Tottenham. A Kick It Out
statement said they had "received several reports via social media about the
footage". They also added they had been informed of a "number of
anti-Semitic tweets which we are reporting to the Police". "If any
individual is found to have behaved in an inappropriate way, the Club's
simple, zero-tolerance policy dictates that they will face the strongest
possible action."
West Ham statement
The incident came two days after West Ham wrote to all fans going to the
game reminding them of the club's zero-tolerance attitude to racism and
possible stadium bans. On Monday, the club responded by issuing a warning to
any fan found guilty and requested information from anybody who knew
anything on the alleged incident. A West Ham United spokesman said: "The
club emailed every supporter who had bought a ticket to Sunday's game to
remind them that they were acting as ambassadors for West Ham United. "If
any individual is found to have behaved in an inappropriate way, the Club's
simple, zero-tolerance policy dictates that they will face the strongest
possible action, including the option of a life ban from the Boleyn Ground.
"If anyone has any information on such behaviour we would urge them to
report it to the Club, Kick It Out or the police so it can be investigated
thoroughly."
Lord Ousley, chairman of Kick It Out, was hugely critical of the response by
football's governing bodies, including the Football Association, the
Football League, Football managers' Association and the Professional
Footballers' Association. "We cannot go on like that because the problems
will continue," he told Sky Sports News HQ. "The people who own and run
football, they must do something about it. They are not doing enough – they
are hardly doing anything." The letter, published on the West Ham website
and signed from owners David Gold and David Sullivan, ahead of Sunday's
match with their London rivals said: "We would like to remind all fans
attending the match at White Hart Lane that they will be acting as
ambassadors for West Ham United and their behaviour should reflect the
values and standards of our club.
Tottenham statement
"Working with the Metropolitan Police, the club will continue to adopt a
zero tolerance policy towards any form of discriminatory behaviour and any
fan found to be acting inappropriately - including racist, anti-Semitic and
homophobic behaviour - will be punished to the full extent of the law and
banned from attending matches. "We are rightly proud of our world-famous
support home and away and we look forward to the famous Claret and Blue Army
once again getting behind the team with all their heart and showing the
world that following the Hammers means supporting with pride, passion and
respect."
British Transport Police issued a statement asking for information or
footage on the incident, which occured at Stamford Hill in north London. It
read: "We take these incidents very seriously, and it is clear what happened
on the Paris Metro and at St Pancras the following night were not isolated
events. "Anyone who has information or video that would help us our
investigation should contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040, by
text, on 61016, quoting reference 420 of 22/2/15."
A Tottenham spokesman added: "Anti-Semitism in any form is wholly
unacceptable and we support all efforts to kick it out of the game.
"We hope that those individuals responsible for this vile behaviour are
identified and dealt with in the strongest way possible." Last week, Chelsea
fans were filmed on the Paris Metro appearing to push a black man off the
train in an alleged racist incident.
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Tottenham label West Ham fans' anti-Semitic chants VILE and call for
"strongest possible action"
12:14, 23 February 2015 By Joe Mewis
A clip emerged online which claims to feature a group of Hammers fans
chanting on the train as they travelled to White Hart Lane on Sunday
The Mirror
Tottenham have called for strong action over a video apparently showing West
Ham fans chanting an anti-Semitic song. The footage first emerged on Twitter
and claims to show supporters travelling on a train through Stamford Hill, a
well-know Jewish area in London singing: "I've got a foreskin, how about
you? F****** Jew." And now the North London club have said they hope
appropriate action is taken against those responsible for what they call
"vile behaviour". A Spurs spokesman said: "Anti-Semitism in any form is
wholly unacceptable and we support all efforts to kick it out of the game.
"We hope that those individuals responsible for this vile behaviour are
identified and dealt with in the strongest way possible."
West Ham said they had emailed every supporter who bought a ticket to
Sunday's game to remind them they were acting as ambassadors for the club. A
spokesman said: "If any individual is found to have behaved in an
inappropriate way, the club's simple, zero-tolerance policy dictates that
they will face the strongest possible action, including the option of a life
ban from the Boleyn Ground. "If anyone has any information on such behaviour
we would urge them to report it to the club, Kick It Out or the police so it
can be investigated thoroughly."
The game at White Hart Lane finished 2-2, with Spurs netting a last gasp
equaliser though Harry Kane.
Anti-discrimination group Kick It Out have also called on the authorities to
step in and steps to be taken to tackle the issue of anti-Semitism in the
game. "Once again, the weekend has been marred by a number of abusive
incidents further demonstrating the high levels of prejudice and
discrimination within football and wider British society," a statement from
Lord Herman Ouseley. "The reality is that this barely scratches the surface
of what is a widespread issue continuing to blight the game across the
country and English football's image abroad. "We received several reports
throughout the course of yesterday (22 February) afternoon bringing to our
attention video footage of West Ham United fans leading antisemitic chants
on a train heading towards White Hart Lane for their Premier League fixture
against Tottenham Hotspur. The statement added: "What would have happened if
we hadn't seen this footage or it hadn't been reported? We need to give
people the confidence to challenge discriminatory and abusive behaviour, and
this can only be reinforced by action being taken by the Police and within
football by the clubs and authorities. The Community Security Trust issued
statistics earlier this month showing record levels of antisemitism since it
started monitoring incidents in 1984. Our own statistics from the 2013/14
season highlighted antisemitism as the second most common form of
discrimination reported to us. "Antisemitism must be tackled with the same
vigour as all other forms of discrimination. There is a heightened level of
concern within the Jewish community about antisemitism with some feeling
unable to live their everyday lives without fear of harassment, abuse and
violence. "Theresa May, the Home Secretary, said last month that the UK
'must redouble its efforts to wipe out antisemitism'. Antisemitism which
occurs within football should not be treated differently to any other
discriminatory incidents. This type of behaviour is all interlinked and it
must be stopped. "Football across the board, and that includes everyone
involved in the game, especially at the highest levels, need to take
responsibility and start asserting themselves by condemning this behaviour
and acting upon it when it occurs. "All too often there is silence or
half-hearted statements made by those with power and influence when it comes
to countering discrimination within the game. This must change now if we are
to make a difference. We cannot go on any longer operating with a silo
mentality in which everyone looks to someone else to take responsibility but
never does so themselves."
This comes in the wake of the video recorded on the Paris Metro last Tuesday
that showed a group of Chelsea fans singing racist chants while not allowing
a black man to board a train as they chanted: "We're racist and that's the
way we like it."
On Saturday, ahead of their draw with Burnley, Chelsea fans at Stamford
Bridge sent out a strong anti-racism message in response to the incident.
Police confirmed on Sunday that they were talking to three men about the
alleged racist incident. A separate group of Hammers fans had earlier
parodied the incident by producing a video showing a black West Ham fan
being given a jovial welcome onto a train carriage.
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Kick It Out contact police over West Ham fans' pre-match 'anti-Semitic'
songs
11:04, 23 February 2015 By Joe Mewis
The Mirror
Police have been contacted over a video that appears to show West Ham fans
singing anti-Semitic songs as they travelled to the club's game with
Tottenham on Sunday. The footage first emerged on Twitter and claims to show
supporters travelling on a train through Stamford Hill, a well-know Jewish
area in London singing: "I've got a foreskin, how about you? F****** Jew."
And now anti-discrimination group Kick It Out have called on the authorities
to step in. "Kick It Out has received several reports via social media about
the footage and will be liaising with British Transport Police on the
matter," read a statement. "In addition, we have been informed of a number
of anti-Semitic tweets which we are reporting to the police." The game at
White Hart Lane finished 2-2, with Spurs netting a last gasp equaliser
though Harry Kane. This comes in the wake of the video recorded on the Paris
Metro last Tuesday that showed a group of Chelsea fans singing racist chants
while not allowing a black man to board a train as they chanted: "We're
racist and that's the way we like it." On Saturday, ahead of their draw with
Burnley, Chelsea fans at Stamford Bridge sent out a strong anti-racism
message in response to the incident.
Police confirmed on Sunday that they were talking to three men about the
alleged racist incident. A separate group of Hammers fans had earlier
parodied the incident by producing a video showing a black West Ham fan
being given a jovial welcome onto a train carriage.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce admits to a 'West Ham Way'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 23, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce has regularly declared there is no such thing as the 'West Ham
Way.' Back in 2012 at a press conference he declared: "There has never been
a 'West Ham way' shown to me, not by anybody that's worked with West Ham who
I have inherited. "I've spoken to them all and none of them can tell me or
define what the West Ham way is. So it is a bit of a delusion."
Yet only a year earlier as he marched into the Boleyn as the new boss he was
preaching a very different message. In an interview – with the Evening
Standard on his arrival at the club as manager – he had declared: "When I
was a player I always wanted to come and play at Upton Park. "The legacy
always impressed me as a young man – Bobby Moore, Martin Peters and Geoff
Hurst and then players like Trevor Brooking and Billy Bonds. "It was a
pleasure and a privilege to play against players like that although I
wouldn't say I enjoyed it too much because we didn't win too many. "As a
manager coming back to Upton Park, the plan was always to stop the way West
Ham wanted to play – the West Ham 'way'."That used to frustrate the fans and
the players and then we were able to take advantage of that. So finally, the
truth is out – Sam has known about the 'West Ham Way for close on for a very
long time! Glad we could clear that one up for you!
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FIFA rules broken with penalty rebound
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 23, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
FIFA rules suggest referee Jonathan Moss should have blown his whistle after
Harry Kane's first penalty kick was taken thus denying him his follow up
chance on the rebound.
The rules suggest:
When a match is extended at full-time, to allow a Penalty Kick to be taken
the extension shall last until the moment that the Penalty Kick has been
completed and the game shall terminate immediately the referee has made his
decision.
After the player taking the Penalty Kick has put the ball into play, no
player other than the defending goalkeeper may play or touch the ball before
the kick is completed.
When a Penalty Kick is being taken in extended time:
The provisions of all of the foregoing paragraphs, except paragraphs (2)(b)
and (4)(c) shall apply in the usual way, and
in the circumstances described in paragraphs (2)(b) and (4)(c) the game
shall terminate immediately the ball rebounds from the goalkeeper, the
cross-bar or the goal-post.
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Irons cool on Manchester City defender
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 23, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are unlikely to become embroiled in an auction for Manchester City
defender Micah Richards The on loan Fiorentina right back s has admitted he
wants to come back to the Premier League but probably not with Manchester
City. Speaking to Sky Sports he said: "I don't think [I'll go back to City].
I think it's in the past now.Obviously I'd love to play for them again, but
they have so many players, the budget is so high." "It's a lot more
defensive (In Italy), teams just come and try and get a point. The Premier
League is more fast and furious, a bit more entertaining. Here some teams
just accept defeat." West Ham were reported to be chasing the player last
summer but a well placed source told ClaretandHugh today: "He's expensive at
around £70k a week remembering that he hasn't played that much and has been
injury prone. "Obviously we will be linked with central defenders given
Winston Reid's position but it's too early to discuss really."
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West Ham TV to be free for all
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 23, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
The club have confirmed that West Ham TV containing videos and content such
as match highlights from the first team, Development Squad and Under-18s,
interviews and behind the scenes features will be free of charge from March.
The service also includes free live audio commentary for every match.
The West Ham TV service has over 2,000 subscribers paying up to £4.99 per
month each but the plan is to bring the content to a much wider audience
with the launch of the new WHUFC.com website in March.
West Ham TV subscribers received an email saying "We would like to thank you
for subscribing to West Ham TV and we hope you enjoyed the service, but you
will now be able to access it free of charge from March 2015. You will
shortly receive an email from West Ham TV with details of refunding the
balance of your account where appropriate."
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Carlton in twitter bother again!
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 23, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Carlton Cole faces a dressing down from the FA and or West Ham after telling
one Spurs season ticket holder to "F off you c***" on social media after
yesterday's draw. The message sent by Carlton just after 6pm on Sunday
evening was in response to a tweet by Spurs fan Stuart Hardy who directed
his message at Cole saying "Hi @CarltonCole1 when your own team mates don't
kick the ball out when your'e lying injured for 2 mins, you think it's time
to call it a day?" The message has since been deleted by Carlton Cole. In
2011 Carlton Cole was fined £20,000 by the Football Association for comments
he made on Twitter during England's friendly with Ghana. It remains to be
seen whether the FA will accuse Carlton of bringing the game into
disrepute.
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Leroy: "Sam these are your problems alone"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 23, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
First things first – we are a far better team without Kevin Nolan. We
deserved more yesterday but the simple fact is the players are losing belief
when victory is in sight and that is an issue this manager – or whoever
comes next – has to solve. Sam Allardyce has claimed various reasons for
likely victories becoming draws but having watched all our games to me the
answer is clear – the players are falling back 20 – 25 yards when the other
team starts to have a real go. The manager is making defensive substitutions
as a result but the truth is he has to convince the team they are now a very
decent time who can mix it and beat the best.
The players instead are getting nervous and conceding. At the end of the day
that's a managerial problem, Sam has to convince them they are good enough
to beat these teams and until he does that this situation will keep
repeating itself. The tragedy yesterday was that we had played so well for
so long and Nolan's absence for Cheik Kouyate had an awful lot to do with
that.
Most of the supporters have been saying for a long time that the captain is
slowing everything down and they are right. We were excellent and the
football on display for a long time was excellent. It was a shame that Mark
Noble had to go off for his own security from a red card because he was
utterly outstanding and we lost our grip in part when he disappeared. But
the lads lost their conviction that they could win and however much Sam
tries to explain it away, this is his or the next manager's problem.
I don't take sides but who do you blame when a team loses it's belief? The
manager! He has to address it, I had the same problems at times as a boss
and had to accept it was my dilemma. No one else's. There's been much talk
about an imminent departure for Sam and if that happens then it will mean
things have come to a natural end. But he has to stop this draw rot and
convince this team it is the top six side I believe it to be before he does.
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Kevin Kilbane lodges complaint to FA after West Ham fans sing sick song
mocking the disabled against Spurs
22:30, 23 February 2015 By Colin Young
Match of the Day pundit and former Ireland star hopes authorities will act
over 'Harry Kane talks like a mong and plays like one too' chant
The Mirror
Kevin Kilbane has made an official complaint to the FA after vile West Ham
fans chanted offensive songs mocking the disabled on Sunday.
The Match of the Day pundit contacted the FA after a close friend reported
West Ham fans sang 'Harry Kane talks like a mong and plays like one too'
during the 2-2 draw at White Hart Lane. The word 'mong' is a derogatory term
for people with learning disabilities.
And Kilbane, whose 10-year-old daughter Elsie has Down's Syndrome, has been
told the FA is launching an investigation into his complaint.
The former Ireland star, a patron of the Down's Syndrome Association
charity, said: "I am sure they understand they are causing offence. You
cannot sweep it under the carpet and label it as ignorance. "It is visible
and clear and like racist or homophobic chanting, it is intended to cause
offence. I want to be able to take my kids to football matches and when
Elsie gets older she will understand about her condition and I would not
want her to hear that kind of chanting. If her sister Isla heard it, she
would be devastated too, as my friend's sons were. "I spoke to him and he
was extremely upset and I felt I had to report it. No family should have to
put up with it at football matches. "It is also extremely offensive towards
Harry Kane, who is only a young lad, starting out in the game and who does
not deserve that kind of disgusting abuse just because he is a footballer.
"It was very clear and sadly it appeared to be from a large number of West
Ham fans in the ground. This was not isolated to a handful of people. "This
is a wider society problem, not just a problem with football and idiots are
using football as a tool to show their ignorance and discrimination. "I have
spoken to the FA and they have assured me they will investigate it
thoroughly. In all my time playing and watching football, I have never heard
this before. Hopefully we can do something to make sure it isn't again and
this awful chant does not spread."
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