Hammers make Burnley pay penalty
WHUFC.com
West Ham United secured their ninth home win of the season with a 1-0 win
over relegation-embattled Burnley.
The match hinged on one moment midway through the first half when Jonathan
Moss awarded the hosts a penalty after Cheikhou Kouyate was fouled. Mark
Noble stepped up to score his second goal of the season.
In a fast paced game, Enner Valencia went agonizingly close to breaking the
deadlock in the early exchanges as he tried to connect to Aaron Cresswell's
teasing cross. However the Ecuadorean international could not quite manage
to get enough contact on the ball while under pressure from two Burnley
defenders.
The visiting Clarets knew that only a win would do in their efforts to avoid
the relegation trapdoor. Sean Dyche's men started the game full of vigour
and verve fashioning a number of chances, the best of which fell to
Burnley's top goalscorer Danny Ings. First, he turned his marker and shot
just wide of the far post from a tight angle before heading over from close
range just moments later.
Midway through the first half and the Hammers took the lead via the penalty
spot. Mark Noble calmly sent Tom Heaton the wrong way to record his second
goal of the campaign.
The move started by superb play from Enner Valencia beating Kieran Trippier
before playing an incisive pass to Cheikhou Kouyate inside the box. The
Senegalese international twisted and turned before being felled by Michael
Duff.
Up-stepped Noble to tuck the spot kick away confidently. Referee Jonathan
Moss decided to send off Duff, a decision that some may argue was harsh.
Boyed by taking the lead, the Hammers went close to doubling it just moments
later. Carl Jenkinson played an exquisite ball for Downing to chase, who
fired in a superb cross toward Valencia. The forward took a touch before
smashing it goal bound, forcing Heaton to pull off a magnificent save from
point-blanc range.
Heaton was called into again just minutes later, denying a fiercely struck
shot by Morgan Amalfitano, making his first appearance since the 1-1 draw
with Stoke City.
For Burnley, a hard task was made even more difficult by been reduced to ten
men and the Hammers soon began to take control of the game.
The visitors never stopped working and their tireless efforts were almost
rewarded when Trippier's well struck free kick had Adrian scrambling across
his line yet the effort flew just wide of the apex.
During the interval, a rousing reception was given to member of the 1965
European Cup Winners' Cup squad, celebrating their phenomenal achievement 50
years on.
With an air of proud nostalgia around the ground, the first team sprang out
of the traps, trying to extend their lead. Nolan poked just wide following
good work Downing and Jenkinson before Valencia blasting wide.
Burnley continued to pose a threat, particularly through Danny Ings' pace.
The England U21 International managed to get goal side of the defence yet he
crashed his effort into the side netting.
Amalfitano and Nolan both had chances to score. The Frenchman curled a shot
wide of the far post before the captain fired Cresswell's drilled cross yet
was denied his 100th League goal by a desperate block from the Clarets'
defence.
The game developed an edge midway through the second half, particularly when
Stewart Downing went down in the box. He and his teammates were adamant they
should have won a second penalty, Burnley were incensed at what they deemed
to be a dive. Moss agreed with the visitors and booked the 30-year-old.
The Hammers continued to push for a second goal, Sam Allardyce reshuffled
his pack and brought on Nene and Carlton Cole which nearly brought immediate
dividends. First, Cole went close with a header and then a one-on-one
however Heaton would not be beaten a second time.
Despite not scoring a second goal, the Hammers secured a deserved win, their
ninth home win of the season, leapfrogging Everton and Stoke, climbing to
ninth with 47 points.
West Ham United: Adrian, Jenkinson, Burke, Collins, Cresswell, Noble,
Kouyate, Nolan © (Nene 74), Downing, Amalfitano, Valencia (Cole 82)
Subs: Jaaskelainen, O'Brien, Oxford, Jarvis, Song
Goals: Noble (p) 24,
Bookings: Valencia 42, Noble 44, Downing 60
Burnley: Heaton, Trippier, Shackell, Duff, Mee, Boyd (Keane 46), Arfield,
Jones, Taylor (Wallace 81), Barnes (Sordell 74), Ings
Subs: Gilks, Kightly, Reid, Jutkiewicz
Goals:
Bookings: Keane 61,
Red Card: Duff 23
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Gaffer hails 'well-deserved' Burnley victory
WHUFC.com
He may have kicked a water bottle in frustration and been chewing his gum
harder than ever in the final few minutes, but Sam Allardyce was ultimately
happy man on Saturday evening. The West Ham United manager saw his side
convert their first penalty of the season to condemn Burnley to a 1-0 defeat
at the Boleyn Ground that pushed the Clarets closer to the Barclays Premier
League trapdoor. The Hammers took advantage of Michael Duff's controversial
red card – shown by Jonathan Moss for a foul on Cheikhou Kouyate and Mark
Noble's resulting spot-kick to climb back into ninth place, and with a
positive goal difference at that. However, that goal difference could have
been significantly bolstered as West Ham unleashed 27 efforts on goal, only
to find Tom Heaton and his nine remaining outfield colleagues in resolute
mood. As it was, the Hammers and Big Sam had to make do with a one-goal
victory. "It's been clear to everybody that we have struggled to put the
ball in the back of the net, even though we created chance after chance,"
the manager told West Ham TV. "I wouldn't say all of it were bad finishing,
because a lot of it was good defending and very good goalkeeping,
particularly the save from Enner Valencia just after we'd scored the
penalty. "We go the nerve-ends jangling for everybody because, with three
minutes to go, we know we were 1-0 up and what has happened to us in the
recent past. We coped with it very well, so it was a very good win. "It was
a very good performance in the second half, but not so much the first, and
of course we got our second penalty of the season and it was so important
for us in the end because we scored it. A second clean sheet in succession,
following a goalless draw at Queens Park Rangers, pleased the boss,
particularly with 18-year-old Reece Burke making his full home Barclays
Premier League debut alongside the imperious James Collins. "It was a good
performance by the players stepping up to the mark to replace those who are
injured and Reece Burke again I have to mention on his second appearance. It
took him until Thursday to recover [from QPR] physically and mentally
because he was so tired, but he did another good job. "It was a
well-deserved victory but we should have won it by an awful lot more."
After a bright start, Burnley's hopes all but evaporated when Duff was
expelled from the pitch for his tackle on Kouyate – made after Enner
Valencia had burst past a defender and set the Senegalese free. From then
on, West Ham created chance after chance – while Adrian denied Ashley Barnes
from a corner – but Heaton and company produced heroics to keep their
deficit to one. During the second half siege, West Ham felt they should have
had a second spot-kick, but Stewart Downing was booked for diving as he went
past Ben Mee. In the end, though, a relieved Big Sam was able to smile,
shrug his shoulders and move onto next weekend's trip to FA Cup finalists
Aston Villa.
"There was no doubt it was a penalty but it was a harsh sending-off I think
because there was another defender there. Those decisions have to be made in
a split-second by the official and I'm not sure if Stewart Downing's one in
the second half was a penalty, but in the end it hasn't mattered. "If a
referee gets a decision wrong against you the critical factor is that it
doesn't cost you, and we've still won the game, so it hasn't cost us and we
have still got three points. "We've been telling everybody how important it
is to keep clean sheets and it has finally hit home over the last two games
because we have collected two of them and four points."
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Hammers celebrate 1965 ECWC anniversary
WHUFC.com
West Ham United welcomed back the Club's European Cup Winners' Cup heroes on
Saturday, with the 50th anniversary of the Hammers' 1965 Wembley triumph
fast approaching. The Club's maiden European campaign ended with a 2-0 win
over TSV Munich on 19 May 1965 and the famous faces from that memorable day
were back at the Boleyn Ground this weekend. Martin Peters, Ronnie Boyce
and Ken Brown, all of whom started at Wembley, were joined by Eddie
Bovington, Peter Brabrook and Alan Dickie, as well as the families of the
dearly-departed manager Ron Greenwood and two-goal hero Alan Sealey.
To mark the occasion, Joint-Chairman David Gold presented West Ham's kings
of Europe with commemorative shields to a rapturous Boleyn Ground reception.
The larger-than-life Ken Brown certainly enjoyed his day back in east
London, a rare opportunity to reminisce with his West Ham contemporaries.
"It's an absolute delight to see some of the boys back here," he told West
Ham TV. "They don't improve with time, they're still ugly. But seriously,
it's brilliant to come back. "
Now 81, Forest Gate-born Brown can scarcely believe that 50 years have
passed but is thrilled, nonetheless, that the Club were intent on
celebrating the anniversary. He continued: "I still can't believe that it
was that long ago, I can't, honestly. To think that the Club wants to do
something about it, surely they don't, but they do, and I can't speak highly
enough of them. Brilliant."
As for the game itself, the occasion and nerves were such that Brown's
memories are somewhat hazy, but he will forever remember the feeling of
walking out at Wembley. "A lot of it was a blur, because going out onto the
pitch itself, to me it was like an electric current hitting you. You're
thinking, we've done the warm ups, and then you go out there, and think
jeepers, the atmosphere, it's hard to explain. It just hit me like a rocket.
"To have the good fortune to go back to Wembley like that, I regard myself,
or people have told me of late that I must be a lucky charm to Wembley,
because I played there three times and won every game!"
West Ham's inaugural European adventure saw Greenwood's Hammers visit
France, Czechoslovakia, Switzerland and Spain before taking on TSV Munich
1860 in a thrilling final. The Hammers scored in each of the eight ties they
played on the way to the final, including all four away legs, but it was far
from plain sailing all the way to Wembley. The Londoners had to resist a
late comeback from Spartak Prague, a rollercoaster battle with Lausanne and
a determined effort from Real Zaragoza to set up a meeting with the German
Cup winners on the night of 19 May 1965. There and then, the brand of
football first introduced by Greenwood's predecessor Ted Fenton in the late
1950s reached its zenith on the wide open spaces of Wembley. With no fewer
than eight home-grown players in the starting XI, West Ham produced a fine
performance to edge out through two second-half goals from outside right
Alan Sealey. Just seven years after winning promotion from the Second
Division, the Hammers had become just the second English club to win a
European trophy.
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Noble's spot kick delight
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble's chances from the penalty spot have been few and far between in
the 2014/15 season so he made sure he would not pass up the opportunity when
it presented itself on Saturday. Michael Duff's foul on Cheikhou Kouyate
gave referee Jonathan Moss little option but to award a spot kick, although
to many observers the red card that followed for Duff was perhaps a touch
harsh. Noble was in no mood for charity, however, and his successful penalty
conversion set up a 1-0 victory which took West Ham back into the top half
of the Barclays Premier League table. "It's a massive result for us," he
explained. "The last couple of games have been against teams fighting for
their lives and I've been in that position so I know how much you have a go.
"We knew it was going to be tough today, but once we got the penalty we
found it pretty comfortable from thereon really. "We're expected to win
against Burnley here, even if they've got eleven men, so there's pressure
anyway. As soon as they went down to ten men, I scored the penalty and that
eased it a little bit. We could enjoy ourselves a little bit after that."
This was only the second Premier League penalty the Hammers have been
awarded this season but Noble insisted he did not feel any additional
pressure after missing his last effort against Tottenham Hotspur. He
continued: "I scored one in the FA Cup shootout, but we've only had two
penalties in the Premier League this season, so for the goal to win the
three points is massive for us. "I quite enjoy the pressure of penalties and
I believe I'm going to score. The one against Spurs was early doors, the
goal was there to score in, the keeper went early and it was just a lack of
concentration from me as I thought I had already scored but on Saturday I
made sure it hit the back of the net."
The target of 50 points is now within touching distance for the Hammers but
Noble does not want to stop there. He continued: "50 points is in our sights
and one more win will get us there. Who's to say we can't go and beat that
50-point barrier and finish as high up as we can. "It's two clean sheets in
a row, which is massive. Young Reece has come in and we've got two clean
sheets, so he'll be proud of himself next to Ginge. "It's much better for
us, because if you keep clean sheets you can't lose games and that's what we
haven't been doing up until recently."
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Four U16s sign up on Scholarship contracts
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce that four of the most exciting
Academy prospects have signed new contracts with the Club.
Jake Eggleton, Jahmal Hector-Ingram, Declan Rice and Anthony Scully signed
their scholarship contracts on the hallowed Boleyn Ground pitch during
half-time at Saturday'ss match with Burnley. All four players are currently
U16s with their performances impressing the coaching staff at the Academy,
earning them scholarships. England U17 international Jahmal Hector-Ingram, a
prolific striker, has scored five goals in eleven games for the U18s.
Selecting his favourite, he explained: "This season my favourite goal was
when I chipped the ball over the keeper against Arsenal. That one was on
video too!"
Hector-Ingram, alongside Rice and Scully, was one of a number of highly
talented Academy members to visit the Club's fantastic new Stadium in
Stratford. Speaking after the guided tour of the stadium where he hopes to
make a name for himself, he enthused: "It's an unbelievable stadium. It's a
crazy, crazy feeling thinking that I might one day be playing here. It's
definitely something to look forward to. The idea of 50,000 West Ham fans
singing my name is decent! "I really think my generation could be the one
that breaks through because everyone is playing up a level or two. It'll be
hard, but if we carry on like this, why not?"
Anthony Scully, an attacking midfielder who was recently named Republic of
Ireland's U16 Player of the Year, echoed his teammates' excitement at
signing in front of the fans. "It's fantastic to have signed my contract,
especially in front of the fans. The atmosphere was great and it's
definitely one of my career highlights. "Hopefully one day I'll be able to
thank the fans properly, on the pitch playing for West Ham. It was a great
for me and the lads."
Academy manager Terry Westley described his delight at signing four of the
most promising players at the Academy. "I'm absolutely delighted to have got
the signatures of all four players. There was a lot of interest from other
clubs and it shows the direction the Academy is going in that they all chose
to stay here."
The good news follows a great couple of weeks for the Academy, which saw the
Development Squad beat their Manchester City counterparts 2-1, followed by
18-year-old Reece Burke making his Premier League debut away at Queens Park
Rangers. With Burke making his Premier League home debut today against the
Clarets on Saturday, Westley continued to appraise his latest signings.
"Jahmal has played for England U17s in their European qualifiers. He's a
centre-forward who has spent most of the season in the U18s. He's scored
goals on a regular basis. He's already got a full season of U18 experience
under his belt so you'd expect him to do very well next season. "Anthony
Scully can beat players. He can also score excellent goals, I remember him
scoring a great goal against Juventus here at Rush Green. It was a
ridiculous shot, outside the box, on the volley. It was outrageous. That's
the quality he's got. "As for Declan, he can play at centre-back and as a
holding midfielder. He has done well in both positions and has been one of
our best players. "I'm looking forward to seeing him as a full time scholar
and seeing how far he can develop. I'm delighted with his signature because
he's a fantastic player.
"Jake is a right-back who has played both U16 and U18 football this season.
Being an A-grade student at school, taking 11 GCSEs and 2 A Levels, Jake
will combine education and football over the next two years."
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West Ham 1 Burnley 0
2 May 2015
Last updated at 17:44
By Chris Osborne
BBC Sport
Burnley will be relegated if they fail to beat Hull City next week, after
losing at West Ham. Clarets defender Michael Duff was controversially sent
off for tripping Cheikhou Kouyate in the box, allowing Mark Noble to score
from the spot. Burnley's Tom Heaton kept out Enner Valencia with a sharp
save, but Sean Dyche's side could only muster half-chances in response. The
visitors are eight points from safety with just three games remaining. The
decision by referee Jon Moss to dismiss Duff in the 23rd minute looked
questionable and, with Burnley unable to recover, could have consigned the
Clarets to life back in the Championship. Duff certainly caught Kouyate as
the Senegalese cut back on to his right foot in the area, but Burnley had
plenty of men covering to deny a goal-scoring opportunity.
Hammered
Noble placed his penalty to Heaton's right, and from that point on the
Hammers, who had won just one of their last 12 league games, were rarely
threatened by the division's bottom club. Valencia forced Heaton into a
superb point-blank save and Morgan Amalfitano went close before the break,
with Ashley Barnes' header the closest the visitors came to a first-half
opening. Danny Ings, who is expected to leave Burnley in the summer, was
full of running and made a chance for himself by forcing his way into the
area before shooting wide. But the Clarets spent most of the second period
trying to avoid conceding a second, with Valencia failing to turn in a loose
ball and Carlton Cole squandering two chances after coming off the bench.
And Stewart Downing, who was lively on the right wing for West Ham, was
unlucky to be booked for diving when tackled by Ben Mee in the area. Hammers
boss Sam Allardyce may be uncertain about his future at Upton Park, with his
contract expiring in the summer, but this result puts his side on 47 points,
seven more than they finished with last season.
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce: "It should have been a lot easier and it would
have been had we converted our chances. "We had the chances to win two games
and couldn't get that comfort zone. One slip can prove costly, but
thankfully the lads did the job. "I think we had a bit of luck on the
sending off. "Mark Noble never practises penalties. He says, "don't worry
I'll be fine gaffer". The thing today was about winning and we've done
that."
Burnley boss Sean Dyche on Michael Duff's red card: "It's impossible for it
to be a red card. Referees have a tough job, but that's not a tough
decision. "Jason Shackell is in position to go and cover. Usually you can
tell by a stadium, there was a sharp intake of breath and they were
surprised. I was extremely shocked. It ruined the game and has given us an
absolute mountain to do what we need to do. "You can't guarantee you win 11
v 11, but it gives you a better chance. "The way the team operate they will
give everything and we will continue to do that."
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West Ham 1-0 Burnley: Mark Noble penalty edges Burnley closer to drop
By Simeon Gholam. Last Updated: 02/05/15 7:59pm
SSN
Burnley are on the verge of relegation from the Premier League after a Mark
Noble penalty saw them lose 1-0 at West Ham. Noble's first-half spot-kick,
which saw Michael Duff sent off for a foul on Cheikhou Kouyate, left the
Clarets bottom of the table - eight points from safety with just three games
to go. And wins on Saturday for relegation rivals Aston Villa, Sunderland
and Leicester means that Sean Dyche's side will now almost certainly be
returning to the Championship next season. It was a slow start at Upton
Park, with no real chances until the 20-minute mark when Danny Ings, now
without a goal in 10 matches, should have done better than head over the bar
after losing his marker in the box. But just a couple of minutes later,
West Ham were ahead through Noble's penalty, Kouyate brought down by Duff's
hanging leg following a jinking run into the box. Duff was dismissed by
referee Jon Moss, much to the fury of his team-mates, and Noble sent Tom
Heaton the wrong way with the resulting spot-kick. It could have been worse
were it not for Heaton, who first saved superbly from a close-range effort
by Enner Valencia, before making a smart stop at his near post after a
powerful shot from Morgan Amalfitano to keep the deficit to just a single
goal at the break.
West Ham's intensity dropped, although they did have their chances through
Amalfitano - whose curling effort flashed just wide - then captain Kevin
Nolan, who hit the keeper from 12 yards when he was free in the area. Former
Hammers midfielder Matt Taylor drew a smart stop from Adrian, while Ings was
denied by the side netting. But though the game opened up, Burnley could not
rally in the dying moments and could now be relegated next weekend away at
Hull.
Player ratings
West Ham: Adrian 7, Jenkinson 6, Collins 6, Burke 6, Cresswell 7, Amalfitano
7, Noble 7, Kouyate 7, Nolan 6, Downing 6, Valencia 6
Subs: Nene 5, Cole 5
Burnley: Heaton 7, Trippier 6, Shackell 6, Duff 4, Mee 5, Boyd 5, Arfield 5,
Jones 5, Taylor 5, Barnes 5, Ings 5
Subs: Keane 5, Sordell 5, Wallace 5
Man of the match: Mark Noble
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West Ham deserved win against Burnley, insists Sam Allardyce
Last Updated: 02/05/15 8:22pm
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce believes his side fully deserved their 1-0
victory over Burnley on Saturday at Upton Park. The Hammers claimed victory
thanks to a Mark Noble penalty, after Burnley defender Michael Duff was sent
off for a foul in the box on Cheikhou Kouyate. "What pleased me was that we
kept a clean sheet," said Allardyce. "We've known for a long time that
without our leading scorers goals have been harder to come by. "In the end
the 1-0 victory is deserved but it should have been by a lot more based on
our chances created." Allardyce also believed that the dismissal of Duff was
"harsh", but there was no doubting it was a spot-kick. He added: "It looked
like there was a defender in the right position to get a block on it. But
obviously from our point of view it was a penalty, and that's the important
thing." Allardyce was also pleased to make it to the 47-point mark in the
Premier League, one more than he has ever managed with West Ham in the
Premier League. But he admitted it could have been even more were it not
for dropping sloppy points in recent games. "We know how much we've thrown
away in great positions," he said. "This win should've taken us to 54
(points) based on recent losses of games in final seconds of matches. "But
overall you look at what we've done today and we've got ourselves in the top
half and our performances have been good, and at some stages magnificent,
across the whole season. "We've thrilled a lot of people and because it
hasn't gone so well recently they tend to forget that. We've scored more
goals in the Premier League than we've ever done and we can now try and
finish with a couple more wins then look forward to next season."
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Sean Dyche downbeat after Burnley defeat but blasts Michael Duff red card
decision
Last Updated: 02/05/15 8:19pm
SSN
Sean Dyche admitted that Burnley's survival would be the stuff of "legend
and folklore" after a 1-0 defeat at west Ham left them on the brink. Mark
Noble's penalty means the Clarets are bottom of the Premier League, eight
points from safety and all-but relegated with just three games left to play
But a "realistic" Dyche said he was stunned by the decision of referee Jon
Moss to send off Michael Duff for a challenge on Cheikhou Kouyate, Noble
converting what proved a decisive spot-kick. "I'm incredibly disappointed,"
Dyche told Sky Sports. "I don't think it needs to be a red. I'm shocked and
I imagine Sam (Allardyce) was also surprised. It's a difficult division to
be in when it's 11v11, let alone with 10. "I think the measure of these
decisions is when the crowd doesn't react. We're at West Ham, these are not
always the most forgiving fans for the opposition and they were amazed."
Dyche also confirmed he spoke to referee Moss about the incident, who
confirmed he believed that Duff had prevented a goalscoring opportunity - a
decision that left the Burnley boss bemused. "I went to see him (Moss) and
he said he (Kouyate) was ready to score a goal and that's why he's sent him
off," said Dyche. "But I disagree. I can only assume he had a crystal ball
and can see what he was going to do next. "It's unfortunate having to speak
about refereeing decisions at this stage of the season, but today it's gone
against us. "I thought it was a common sense moment. When it was a penalty,
he gets booked; we all crack on with the rest of the game."
On Burnley's hopes of what would be a miraculous recovery, Dyche said: "That
makes it a whole big mountain to climb now. You're going into myths, legends
and folklores."I'm a realist. I don't do blind faith. Positive realities, I
call it. I'm positive but there has to be a reality."
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West Ham 1-0 Burnley: Noble penalty strike edges 10-man Clarets closer to
relegation
17:04, 2 May 2015 By Neil McLeman
Sean Dyche's men now need three wins from their last three games to even
stand a chance of surviving the drop
The Mirror
FA Cup final ref Jon Moss effectively ended Burnley's stay in the Premier
League by controversially sending off Michael Duff in the first half. The
Sunderland official awarded West Ham a 23rd-minute penalty for a foul by the
Clarets centre-back on Cheikh Kouyate. But despite two Burnley defenders
running back to cover, Moss showed Duff a straight red for denying a
goal-scoring opportunity and the visitors never recovered. Mark Noble rolled
in the Hammers' first penalty of the season for only their third Premier
League win since Christmas. But Burnley are now eight points from safety
with only three games to go and staring relegation in the face. Sean Dyche's
side have now failed to score in six league games while picking up only one
point. They can stay alive by winning at Hull next week but the end is nigh.
Danny Ings, who spurned a hat-trick of chances, extended his barren run to
10 games without a goal. Burnley kept fighting at Upton Park and Hammers
keeper Adrian conjured saves from Jason Shackell and former Iron Matt Taylor
on either side of the break. And Moss was again in the spotlight for two
more big decisions after the break. First he waved play on when last man
Carl Jenkinson appeared to hold back Danny Ings when he was through on goal.
Then the referee booked Stewart Downing for diving when he hurdled a sliding
tackle from Ben Mee in the Burnley box. West Ham dominated possession after
the break but Sam Allardyce's side were unable to kill off the team bottom
of the table playing with ten men. But the win moves the hammers up one
place to 10 and remain on course to achieve Allardyce's pre-season aim of a
top ten finish and 50 points despite the terrible run of form this year.
Remaining fixtures
West Ham: Aston Villa (A), Everton (H), Newcastle (A)
Burnley: Hull (A), Stoke (H), Aston Villa (A)
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David Moyes poised for West Ham manager's job as he plots swift return from
Real Sociedad
22:30, 2 May 2015 By Andy Dunn
The Scot is understood to want a Premier League gig for next season, his
Spanish club won't fight to keep him and there's little sign Allardyce will
be retained
The Mirror
David Moyes looks certain to take over as West Ham manager next season.
Sunday Mirror Sport understands Moyes – who has been at Real Sociedad for
barely six months – is keen for the swiftest possible return to the Premier
League, and the Spanish club will not stand in his way. While former Everton
and Manchester United boss Moyes insists he is revelling in his time in La
Liga, his achievement in stabilising a Sociedad side who looked bound for
relegation when he took over has been seen locally as little more than the
minimum requirement. And while he has created a decent impression with the
Basque club, he is not seen as a long-term option. That has hardened Moyes'
determination to make a Premier League comeback sooner rather than later.
And West Ham's owners - judging Moyes on his record and work at Goodison
Park, rather than during his 10-month stint at Old Trafford - see him as a
good fit should they decide to call time on Sam Allardyce's reign at Upton
Park. Moyes' old pal Tony Henry is the chief scout at West Ham. A former
player with Manchester City and Bolton, Henry worked for the Scot in a
similar capacity at Everton and is now in charge of all Hammers' scouting
and transfer dealings.
He reports directly to the board of David Gold, David Sullivan and Karren
Brady, and is currently negotiating with Italian side Sampdoria for Pedro
Obiang. The 23-year-old Spanish midfielder will cost around £8.5million and
will be Henry's first signing, should the deal go through. Boss Allardyce
clearly feels undermined by the arrival of Henry, and the power and
responsibility he has been given by the board. Indeed, Henry does not work
out of the training ground at Chadwell Heath but from Upton Park itself.
Allardyce is thought to be uncomfortable with Henry working alongside him.
There has yet to be a decision about Allardyce's future - his contract
expires at the end of the season and talks about a renewal have not taken
place. The longer there is no decision on Big Sam, the more likely it is
that Moyes will take over. Until a slightly acrimonious departure, Moyes
enjoyed a good relationship with Everton fans - the sort of connection
Allardyce has struggled to develop with West Ham supporters. And while
Allardyce maintains a new contract is still a possibility his departure has
become increasingly inevitable during a dismal 2015 for West Ham. The
challenge of leading the Hammers into their new home at the Olympic Stadium
next year would appeal to Moyes, and Gold and Sullivan would be aware the
Scot has a point to prove after his unhappy spell at Old Trafford.
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Irons victory but the blood isn't racing
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 2, 2015 in Whispers
Irons 1 Burnley 0
Claret & Hugh
I'm trying desperately hard to find something seriously positive to say but
a one goal win via the penalty spot against a bottom of the table team which
played for an hour with ten men makes it hard! However in our circumstances
I suppose we can give thanks for that but this was no victory to set the
blood racing. Indeed, once Mark Noble had sent keeper Heaton the wrong with
way with the spot kick, the game degenerated into a clash of two sides who
really hadn't much of a clue. Apart from an Amafitano curler a the end of
some clever play involving Enner Valencia, chances were few for the Irons
although the visitors managed to create some decent chances. This is an
entirely different West Ham team to the one that started the season in such
style. There's no panache or style. This was the performance of a team who
seemed happy to hang on to what they had. Not good enough given the lack of
any sort of quality in the opposition.
Danny Ings, now without a goal in 10, astonishingly headed over the bar
after losing his marker in the box early on. Two minutes later West Ham were
in the lead through Noble's penalty after Kouyate was brought down by Duff's
hanging leg after a jinking run into the Burnley area. An obvious penalty
but when ref Jon Moss decided to red card the offender even the most ardent
Irons raised more than a surprised eyebrow. Heaton, saved well from a
close-range effort by Enner Valencia, before stopping smartly at his near
post after a powerful shot from Morgan Amalfitano, to keep the deficit to
just a single goal at the break. It was mostly a performance of control from
West Ham, who seemed more than happy for the most part to see the game out
by a single goal.
Although they did have their chances through Amalfitano – who's curling
effort flashed just wide, then captain Kevin Nolan hit the keeper from 12
yards when he was completely free in the area. Ings and Taylor also had
opportunities to level for Burnley, but they were denied by the side netting
and Adrian who stopped a close range effort with his feet. In the end we
were probably worth the win but against a team almost certainly doomed to
relegation it could and should have been a whole lot more convincing. But
then we have become so used to unconvincing performances we are now grateful
for any win. It wasn't pretty, it wasn't too enjoyable but the heroes of
1965 were in attendance so that made it worth the trip.
However, quite what Sir Geoff, Martin Peters 'Ticker' Boyce and all the rest
made of the 2015 Hammers I don't even what to think about.
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Allardyce: "A well deserved victory"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 2, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
You won't be unduly surprised to learn that Sam Allardyce believes today's
display against bottom of the table Burnley represented "a well deserved
victory." Speaking after the one goal defeat of the ten men, he said: ""It
was a very good performance in the second half, but not so much the first,
and of course we got our second penalty of the season and it was so
important for us in the end because we scored it. "It was a good performance
by the players stepping up to the mark to replace those who are injured and
Reece Burke again I have to mention on his second appearance. It took him
until Thursday to recover [from QPR] physically and mentally because he was
so tired, but he did another good job. "It was a well-deserved victory but
we should have won it by an awful lot more." He added on West Ham TV: "It's
been clear to everybody that we have struggled to put the ball in the back
of the net, even though we created chance after chance. "I wouldn't say all
of it were bad finishing, because a lot of it was good defending and very
good goalkeeping, particularly the save from Enner Valencia just after we'd
scored the penalty. "We go the nerve-ends jangling for everybody because,
with three minutes to go, we know we were 1-0 up and what has happened to us
in the recent past. We coped with it very well, so it was a very good win."
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DG: "Sad day but welcome win"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 2, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Gold was relieved with a victory over Burnley but declared: "The
passing of Rio Ferdinand's wife Rebecca puts a whole different perspective
on everything doesn't it?" He told ClaretandHugh excsuively: "That was such
a sad way to start the day. Rio was one of our own and everybody's heart
goes out to him, the three children and the family. "Club affiliations are
put aside at a time like this and from everybody at West Ham I want to say:
"All of us are with you Rio. We are thinking about you at this terrible
time. It's awful. Rebecca was too young."
On the match this afternoon the co-chairman said: "It was a relief to get
three points and it cheered things a little given that tragedy.
"However, we were nowhere near our best were we? A win is always welcome
given the circumstances we have been in and I was pleased to see Nene get a
run-out even though it was only for 15 minutes or so. I thought he did well.
Amalfitano has pace and guile too. "But as I say we weren't at our best and
haven't been for some time now."
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Sunday, May 3
Saturday, May 2
Daily WHUFC News - 2nd May 2015
Preview - Burnley
WHUFC.com
Preview - Burnley
In brief
West Ham United welcome struggling Burnley to the Boleyn Ground on Saturday
looking to start the final month of the season in style.
With four games left, the Hammers are still within sight of the 50-point
mark and will be keen to move three points closer to their target against a
team who are without a win in five. The Clarets' problems are evidenced by
their lack of goals - they have failed to score in seven of their last eight
outings - with that run unsurprisingly yielding a total of just four points.
Sean Dyche's men last recorded a victory when they came up against
Manchester City at Turf Moor and they currently sit at the foot of the
Barclays Premier League table with 26 points from 34 games. The Hammers'
form has not been an awful lot better, although they have collected four
points from their last two home matches, defeating Sunderland 1-0 before
drawing 1-1 with Stoke City last time out at the Boleyn Ground.
Who are they?
The Clarets were formed in 1882 as Burnley Rovers and six years later became
one of the 12 founder members of the Football League.
Their colours of claret and blue were adopted in 1910 as a tribute to the
dominant force in the English game at the time, Aston Villa.
Twice league champions, in 1921 and 1960, they are one of three clubs,
alongside Wolverhampton Wanderers and Preston North End to have won all four
divisions of the Football League. They are currently in their second Premier
League season, having also featured at that level in 2009/10.
Team News
West Ham United
Sam Allardyce is likely to have the same squad of players available to him
as at Queens Park Rangers last weekend. James Tomkins (shoulder), Andy
Carroll (knee), Guy Demel (calf), Winston Reid (hamstring) and Diafra Sakho
(thigh) remain sidelined, while Alex Song missed out at Loftus Road with a
back problem. Reece Burke could continue at centre back alongside James
Collins after impressing on his top flight debut last week.
Burnley
Sam Vokes will have a fitness test on a thigh injury after missing last
weekend's defeat to Leicester City. However, fellow forward Ashley Barnes is
available again after serving his suspension.
Referee
Saturday's referee is Jonathan Moss., who has been appointed to referee this
season's FA Cup final between Arsenal and Aston Villa.
Sunderland-born, West Yorkshire-based Moss has taken charge of eight
previous West Ham United matches, six of which have ended in draws.
Three of those stalemates have occurred this season - 0-0 at home to Aston
Villa, 1-1 here against West Bromwich Albion and 1-1 at Swansea City. Prior
to that, Moss's first two Hammers appointments came during the 2011/12
season in the Championship - a 2-1 away defeat to Derby County and a 3-3
Boleyn Ground draw with Birmingham City.
One to Watch
West Ham United
Aaron Cresswell
Aaron Cresswell's prowess from free kicks has come to the fore in recent
weeks, after he followed his super strike against Stoke with another fine
effort at QPR, which needed a wonderful save from ex-Hammer Robert Green to
touch onto the crossbar. The 25-year-old left back has handled the step-up
to the Premier League with ease since his summer move from Ipswich Town and
is set to continue his second of playing every second this season when the
Hammers take on the Clarets.
Burnley
Danny Ings
England U21 striker Danny Ings's goals have kept Burnley in the hunt to
avoid an instant return to the Championship, although the former Bournemouth
man has struggled to hit the back of the net quite so regularly in recent
weeks. His total of nine goals is nonetheless impressive in his first top
flight campaign and the 23-year-old enjoyed a real purple patch at the turn
of the year, notching five times in his first seven games of 2015.
Tickets
Tickets for this game have SOLD OUT.
Travel
There are no planned closures on the District or Hammersmith & City lines
serving Upton Park station on Saturday. Click here for full TfL travel
information.
Good services are also anticipated on the Greater Anglia and c2c lines into
Liverpool Street and Fenchurch Street respectively.
Weather
A dry, cloudy afternoon is expected on Saturday, with temperature at
kick-off of 12C (54F).
Last home meeting
West Ham United 1-2 Burnley
npower Championship
3 December 2011
West Ham United: Green, McCartney, Tomkins, Faye, O'Brien (Carew 80),
Faubert, Nolan, Collison, Taylor (Piquionne 56), Noble, Cole
Subs: Stech, Demel, Diop
Burnley: Grant, Trippier, Duff, Edgar, Mee, McCann, Marney, Stanislas (Vokes
69), Bartley, Treacy (Wallace 58), Rodriguez
Subs: Stewart, Easton, Hines
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Medals stolen from legend Brown
WHUFC.com
West Ham United legend Ken Brown has been left devastated after his
priceless medals were stolen in a burglary at his home. The Hammers great
and his wife returned to their house in Norfolk following a cruise holiday
to find callous thieves had broken in and made off with his 1964 FA Cup and
1965 European Cup Winners' Cup medals. The 81-year-old's 1986 League Cup
winner's medal won while manager of Norwich City was also stolen, leaving
Brown so shocked and shaken that he has reluctantly cancelled his weekend
return to the Boleyn Ground - where he was to join former teammates to
celebrate the 50th anniversary of their Cup Winners' Cup success. Having
immediately called in the police, Brown has appealed to West Ham fans and
the wider football community to keep an eye out for his stolen mementoes,
and alert the authorities should they be approached to buy them or see them
being advertised for sale. "I had such a great time with both West Ham
United and Norwich City and feel a great deal of pride when I look back at
my medals and to think that someone has entered my home and taken them hurts
me a lot," said Brown, who is a welcome regular visitor to the Boleyn Ground
on matchdays. "To me it's the sentimental value of what's been taken that
matters more. I have grandchildren who play football and I love being able
to show them the medals when they come and visit. They won't like to see
their granddad upset but unfortunately that's how I feel at the moment. "My
wife and I feel violated that someone could take items of such personal
significance and I can only hope those responsible for doing this can see
how pointless it is to take something that has no value to them and such
great value to us."
Forest Gate-born Brown enjoyed a storybook career with West Ham, graduating
from the Academy and spending 14 seasons in the first-team squad between
1953 and 1967. The centre-half played a central role in the greatest period
in Hammers history, playing alongside Bobby Moore for nearly a decade as the
Club won promotion before lifting their first major domestic and European
trophies. Voted Hammer of the Year in 1959, Brown earned his sole England
cap against Northern Ireland the same year. In all, he made 474 appearances
for the Club, scoring four goals. Brown later enjoyed a successful
management career with Norwich City, Shrewsbury Town and Plymouth Argyle.
His son, Kenny, also played for the Club during the 1990s. Police are
appealing for further information and asking anyone who thinks they may have
come into contact with any of the stolen items to contact DC Matthew Jenkins
at Great Yarmouth CID on 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800
555 111.
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Sylvestre aiming for third win on the spin
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U18 midfielder Noha Sylvestre is expecting his team to put
in another solid performance this Saturday when the young Hammers travel to
the North East to play Sunderland. Having beaten Wolverhampton Wanderers
and Liverpool in their last two games of their Play Off campaign, Sylvestre
is hoping to make it a third win on the bounce. Speaking ahead of
Saturday's game with the Black Cats, the Swiss U17 international said:
"We're all looking forward to the match. We've started the Play Offs pretty
well. We know we can still improve and we just want to finish as high up the
table as possible. Having said that, the team performance is more important
than the league table. "Beating Liverpool was a good win for us. They're
always a good side but we played well and deserved the victory. "My
confidence is high after the last two games, so is the team's after winning
the last two games."
Despite normally playing in separate divisions, and therefore rarely playing
each other, Sylvestre enjoyed a successful experience in his one and only
experience of playing the Mackems. As the 17-year-old continued to
explain: "I've played against them once before, we won 1-0 at under 16
level. I think I played well that day, it was a very long journey! I think
we're capable of playing well again on Saturday. "The distance shouldn't be
a factor because we're going up on the day before. We should play well."
Reflecting on an impressive season in claret and blue, Sylvestre has settled
in at West Ham remarkably quickly given the fact he left his native
Switzerland at such a young age. Assessing a season in which he has made 22
appearances - the joint-highest alongside fellow playmaker Grady Diangana,
Sylvestre summarised: "I think I've had a good season. I've played a lot of
games despite having an injury for a month. I'm looking forward to finishing
the season strongly."
The talented midfielder, who has previously named Xabi Alonso as his role
model, nominated teammate Reece Burke as his U18s' Player of the Year,
stating: "I'd have to say Reece Burke. He made his first team debut last
weekend against Queens Park Rangers which is obviously a fantastic
achievement."
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On this day - 1 May
WHUFC.com
Classic match
West Ham United 4-0 Watford
Division One
1 May 2004
Alan Pardew's Hammers had their eyes on the Division One Play-Offs when they
welcomed Watford for their final home fixture of the regular season on this
day eleven years ago. With just two games to play, top two Norwich City and
West Bromwich Albion had the automatic promotion slots sewn up, while the
Hammers were in fifth position, with their place in the end-of-season
showdown threatened by the likes of Reading and Sheffield United. So it came
as a relief to the majority of the 34,685 crowd at the Boleyn Ground when
Don Hutchison gave the Hammers a 17th minute lead. The Scottish midfielder
netted four league goals that term, and another was to follow from the spot
before the break as the hosts took a firm grip on proceedings. Top league
scorer Marlon Harewood weighed in with two further goals in the second
period as West Ham took the points in some comfort to move up to third. That
all but secured the Hammers' Play-Off berth, which was confirmed with a 1-1
draw at Wigan Athletic the following week, and although Pardew's side
defeated Ipswich Town in the semi-finals, they would suffer final heartbreak
at the hands of Crystal Palace.
Complete record - 1 May
1920 West Ham United 2-0 Stockport County (Division Two)
1926 West Ham United 0-2 Bury (Division One)
1937 West Ham United 1-0 Sheffield United (Division Two)
1948 Fulham 1-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1953 Lincoln City 3-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1963 Birmingham City 3-2 West Ham United (Division One)
1968 West Bromwich Albion 3-1 West Ham United (Division One)
1971 West Ham United 0-1 Huddersfield Town (Division One)
1972 West Ham United 1-0 Southampton (Division One)
1982 Arsenal 2-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1999 West Ham United 1-5 Leeds United (Premier League)
2004 West Ham United 4-0 Watford (Division One)
2006 West Bromwich Albion 0-1 West Ham United (Premier League)
2011 Manchester City 2-1 West Ham United (Premier League)
Played 14, Won 5, Drawn 1, Lost 8, Scored 17, Conceded 22
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v Burnley
KO 15:00
1 May 2015
Last updated at 11:18
By Guy Mowbray
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 2 May
TEAM NEWS
West Ham have no new injury worries, with Alex Song hoping to return after a
back problem. Manager Sam Allardyce has confirmed teenage defender Reece
Burke will start after impressing on his debut last weekend.
Burnley's Sam Vokes will have a fitness test on the thigh injury that ruled
him out of last weekend's defeat by relegation rivals Leicester. Fellow
forward Ashley Barnes is available again after a suspension.
MATCH PREVIEW
Forget "No, Nay, Never"*, for Burnley it's NOW or never for getting the
points they need to stay in the Premier League - or they'll "play B******
Rovers" again sooner than they'd like to. Five points away from safety, the
Clarets are more than likely looking at a minimum of three wins from their
remaining four games to stay up - a tall order for a team that have only
won five of 34 this season. Scoring goals is the problem, with only one
netted in the last eight games and leading scorer Danny Ings without one in
nine appearances. So not a lot of hope then? Well, you wouldn't believe that
listening to manager Sean Dyche, whose calm manner and matter-of-fact way of
speaking would have us believe that anything is possible.
Lawro's prediction "I think Burnley know their chances of staying up are
fading fast. The goals have dried up - for Danny Ings and the rest of the
team - and especially with Leicester's form of late, the Clarets are
probably looking at their situation and thinking they are doomed." He's
pointed to Burnley scoring nine in four games at the turn of the year as
evidence that there are goals in his team, and called on his players to
"retain that relaxed focus and play freely". With Sam Allardyce having set
a target (of sorts) of 50 points and a ninth-place finish to represent
"progress" this season, his West Ham team need to re-focus for the run-in -
not least to help the position of a boss Stewart Downing says the players
"love playing for". Having won just two of 17 league games since Boxing Day
(they'd won nine of their first 17 this season), we're back to a position of
there not being a lot of love from many Hammers fans towards Big Sam, who
has said there's no truth in reports of talks over a new contract - and
seems perfectly relaxed himself about that. His current deal expires in the
summer. He might need a big finish to avoid a new start elsewhere in August.
*The words of Burnley fans' ode to their Blackburn rivals, sung to the tune
of "The Wild Rover".
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
The three Premier League meetings between these sides have averaged five
goals per game.
Burnley lost 5-3 on their last Premier League visit to Upton Park in
November 2009.
West Ham
West Ham have won just one of their last 12 Premier League matches, and have
scored just three goals in their last seven games.
The Hammers were fourth at Christmas but have since won just twice.
They have scored 15 headed goals, more than any other team in the top
flight.
Adrian is the ninth goalkeeper in Premier League history to save three
penalties in a row; no keeper has ever managed four.
However, the Hammers are the only top-flight team not to score from the
penalty spot this season.
Burnley
Burnley have failed to score in their last five league matches, spanning
seven hours and 59 minutes, and have managed just one goal in their last 10
hours and 39 minutes of Premier League action.
The Clarets have picked up one point from the last 15 available. Defeat at
Upton Park would be their fourth in a row, making it their worst losing run
of the season.
Burnley have conceded exactly twice as many goals as they've scored in the
league this season (52:26).
One third of the goals they have conceded have been from headers, the
Premier League's highest proportion.
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Legend cancels Boleyn return after medals stolen
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 1st May 2015
By: Staff Writer
Hammers legend Ken Brown has cancelled a trip to the Boleyn Ground this
weekend after he returned from holiday to discover he had been the victim of
a burglary.
81-year-old Brown was due to be a star guest at the Boleyn Ground this
weekend along with several fellow members of the 1965 Cup Winners' Cup
Final-winning team. However he has now cancelled his return to Upton Park
after returning from holiday to discovered that his home had been burgled.
As well as a number of valuable items, Brown also lost his 1964 FA Cup
winners medal and 1965 Cup Winners' Cup winners medal. "To think that
someone has entered my home and taken them hurts me a lot," he told
whufc.com.
"But it's the sentimental value of what's been taken that matters more. I
have grandchildren who play football and I love being able to show them the
medals when they come and visit.
"They won't like to see their granddad upset, but unfortunately that's how I
feel at the moment. I can only hope those responsible for doing this can see
how pointless it is to take something that has no value to them and such
great value to us."
Brown, who received one England cap during his playing career was a key
member of the West Ham United team that won both the FA Cup and the Cup
Winners' Cup within a year at Wembley between 1964 and 1965.
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West Ham v Burnley preview: Clarets face critical Hammers test
Last Updated: 01/05/15 3:42pm
Ssn
With just four games remaining, Burnley travel to West Ham for a must-win
game in their bid for Premier League survival on Saturday.
Sean Dyce's side suffered a major blow as they lost at home to fellow
strugglers Leicester last weekend. Jamie Vardy was the man to make them pay
for missing a second half penalty, Matt Taylor the culprit. The result
leaves Burnley rooted to the bottom of the table and five points form safety
having lost four of their past five games, picking up just a point in that
run. West Ham are also desperately out of form having failed to win in their
past four matches. Ed Chamberlin looks ahead to the Premier League game
between West Ham United and Burnley. Sam Allardyce's men have slipped into
the bottom half of the table having been in the hunt for the European places
just a couple of months ago.
Team news
Sam Allardyce has no fresh injury concerns. The 60-year-old has confirmed
teenager Reece Burke will start after impressing on his Premier League debut
at QPR last week - with fellow defenders Winston Reid (hamstring), James
Tomkins (shoulder) and Guy Demel (calf) all ruled out. Alex Song missed the
trip to Loftus Road with a back problem but may return, whilst strikers
Diafra Sakho (thigh) and Andy Carroll (knee) still missing.
Ashley Barnes returns from suspension for Burnley on Saturday. Fellow
forward Sam Vokes will have a fitness test on Friday to see whether he has
recovered from the thigh injury that ruled him out of the 1-0 defeat to
Leicester last weekend. Long-term knee injury victims Dean Marney and Kevin
Long remain sidelined.
Opta facts
West Ham have won just two of their last 17 Premier League games (W2 D7 L8)
but those two victories in that run have been at Upton Park (W2 D3 L3).
Burnley have failed to score in seven of their last eight Barclays Premier
League matches and netted only one in the other game. The Hammers have
scored more headed goals than any other team in the top flight (15). 33% of
the goals Burnley have conceded have been from headers; the league's highest
proportion. Adrian is the ninth goalkeeper in Premier League history to save
three penalties in a row; no keeper has ever done four. The Clarets have the
worst chance conversion rate in the top flight this season, scoring with
just nine per cent of their shots.
Merson's prediction
Burnley just don't seem to score goals - that's seven out of eight games
they've failed to score, and you just can't do that. Danny Ings has scored
over a third of their league goals, and that says it all. West Ham have to
win a game sooner or later, and it should be this weekend. If Matty Taylor
had scored that penalty against Leicester last week, and QPR had scored
their penalty, they're both above Leicester. That's how tight it is at the
moment.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0 (17/2 on Sky Bet)
Betting
Sky Bet make Burnley 12/5 to boost their waning survival hopes by securing
three points at Upton Park, with West Ham 23/20 favourites while the draw is
priced 9/4. The Clarets were pushed out to 8/1 to stay up following last
weekend's defeat to Leicester and are considered joint favourites to finish
bottom at 1/1. Danny Ings is considered their most likely source of
salvation at 11/2 to open the scoring, while Diafra Sakho heads the first
goalscorer betting at 5/1.
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Sam Allardyce says West Ham players are letting themselves down and must
''look in the mirror''
22:30, 30 April 2015 By Neil McLeman
Hammers have won just two league games since Boxing Day and their manager
looks looking increasingly likely to be released in the summer
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce has told his players to "look in the mirror" over their own
performances and not worry about his future. Stewart Downing is the latest
Hammers player to publicly speak in support of their manager, who is out of
contract at the end of the season.
The Londoners' boss is in danger, with his side winning only two of the 17
Premier League games they have played since Boxing Day.
But Allardyce, who will give teenage defender Reece Burke his home debut
against Burnley on Saturday, insisted: "I just think the players should
think about not letting themselves down more than [letting] me down. "They
know that they have been capable of much better results.
"There are limited things I can do because of all the injuries. "And for me
it is always been, 'Are you happy the way you are playing yourself?' And if
you are not, do something about it. "Look at yourself in the mirror in the
morning. You can't look at yourself in the mirror and say, 'I am playing on
top of my game' when, deep down inside, you know you are not. "Look at
yourself and just say, 'I have got to play better and I have got to produce
wins.'"
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Burnley boss Sean Dyche backs Matt Taylor to take another penalty against
old club West Ham
22:30, 30 April 2015 By David Anderson
Midfielder missed a spot-kick in six-pointer defeat to Leicester last week
which has left rock-bottom Clarets five points from safety with four games
to go
The M irror
Sean Dyche has backed Matt Taylor to take another penalty on Saturday
against his old club West Ham after his spot-kick agony. Dyche says Taylor
has not brooded over his costly miss during last Saturday's loss to
relegation rivals Leicester. The Burnley boss claims the midfielder is
experienced enough to get over it and says he would have no qualms over him
taking another spot-kick. "It's part of the game," said Dyche. "His history
taking penalties is clear and he's done well with big occasions and big
moments, so we move forward. We don't keep looking at that. "He's old enough
and wise enough to know about the good, the bad, the ins and the outs of
football. And he's also an honest campaigner, which we like here. "If he's
ready to take a penalty, then he'll take a penalty. The way he gripped the
ball and walked after it, I had no other thought than he would score."
Dyche claims Taylor's focus is on returning to Upton Park and the former
Portsmouth wide man helped the Hammers win promotion to the Premier League
during his three seasons there. He is set for his second start since August
for rock-bottom Burnley, who are five points from safety, and Dyche said: "I
don't think last week is relevant, but playing against his old club might
be. "I think he wants to play full stop because he's had a tough time with
injuries since he's got here. "He's a super-fit lad and for the first time
in his career virtually he's had an awkward spell out with something we
thought would be moderate term. "He's fit and well now and looking forward
to playing if selected."
Taylor's penalty miss means Burnley have gone seven hours and 59 minutes
without a goal, while striker Danny Ings has not netted since February 11.
Dyche defended Ings, saying it is not just down to him to score. "It's not
just Danny, the team have to stand up," he said. "He's certainly trying. And
that's one of the key components, showing that willingness. It's not a
situation where you can just rely on one player."
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Allardyce tells players: "Look in the mirror."
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 1, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce has told the West Ham players to look in the mirror at
themselves and produce a performance. Speaking at his press conference he
said: "For me, the focus is 'are you happy with the way you are playing? And
if you aren't then do something about it.
Look at yourself in the mirror in the morning because you can't kid that
person. Deep down inside you know you are not playing, so just say 'I have
to produce wins with performances and entertainment value' which is what we
had been doing all season."
With four games to go, the manager feels that they could get 12 points to
thrust them back up the league, where he thinks they belong.
He insisted: "The true fact of the matter is we should have already nailed
ninth place or better by a long way. "We want to finish higher than 10th,
but the more and more we don't pick up three points the more the season ebbs
away to a disappointment. "I keep saying to the players, let's not be a
disappointment at the end of the season, because that is not good enough.
"We need to try and win every game. Four games to go we are still trying to
reach the 50-point mark and finish higher than 10th if we can. Games like
Burnley at home, Aston Villa away, Everton at home and Newcastle away, if we
reach our top form and be more ruthless we can beat them."
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Sam's D-Day close - abuse won't change a thing
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 1, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Could there be a more dreary, disruptive and disappointing climax to a
season gone badly wrong?
Tomorrow it's rock-bottom Burnley at the Boleyn for a game in which there's
little interest or enthusiasm - it should all have been so different.
Over recent days we have seen our co chairman DG abused on Twitter because
he claimed injuries contributed towards a lack lustre performance at QPR
before later declaring himself "tired" of abuse directed at the club with
one follower calling it a "joke."
Meanwhile the team's general form and results is nothing less than appalling
with the managerial situation remaining entirely at the forefront of most
people's minds.
It's all so West Ham. You don't need a time machine to revisit Hammers
history.2014-15 is a repeat of 2013-14.
Little or nothing, including the League position, has changed and once again
we await an end of season review with not a day going by and the managerial
situation not being discussed,
In a word West Ham is once again in a "mess" with fans demanding answers,
not getting any and thus venting their spleen all over Twitter at David Gold
or any other handy target.
There sole reason for this is the the Sam Allardyce situation.
Once David Gold had described himself of "tired" of Twitter abuse and later
said if he and David Sullivan weren't wanted they could leave, the real
issue emerged.
A huge number tweeted that it was all about the manager. One claimed that if
DG wanted an end to the Twitter twatter he should get rid of him like NOW
.it was a theme rapidly taken up by many others.
None of it was about DG - it was about the manager and it always will be
until the matter is sorted. DG will understand that as he nurses the hurt
inflicted by non-thinking keyboard warriors
The Davids are friends to this site and we know they both read it with DG
often being good enough to grant us interviews. The know how the fans feel -
trust me on this!
David Sullivan made his position clear back in November during a question
and answer session with us. Here's a reminder of what was said:
CandH: There seems to be a constant war between the pro and anti Sam
brigades. Do you have a message for them?
DS: People are entitled to their opinions. We live in a democracy. I'd say
'judge him over the season.'
Most will feel we are now in a position to do that despite four games being
left.
The reality is there has been little or no progress either in league
position (that may change for better or worse!), the atmosphere within the
club is as grim as ever, and the type of football for the second half of the
season is where we were this time last year despite demands for something
much better by fans and board alike last summer.
Within a few weeks the manager's fate will be revealed. Until then however,
let's lay off the co chairmen because effing and blinding on social networks
will make not a blind bit of difference to anything.
I have believed for a long time that a new manager will be installed this
summer and I think that will be good for West Ham United and Sam Allardyce.
Despite a bright start we are again in the pack of also rans. It's been like
backing a horse and watching it run a great first mile before fading into
the no hope category long before the end.
David Sullivan has been in the racing industry as well as football for 25
years - he will get it!
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Inter Milan defender linked with Hammers
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 1, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
According to Gazzetta TV in Italy, West Ham are interested in signing Inter
Milan defender Marco Andreolli. Andreolli, 28, was lured to the Inter Milan
as a teenager having come through the ranks at Padova, and after spells with
Roma, Vicenza, Sassuolo and Chievo he returned back to Inter in 2013.
Andreolli has featured in just 18 games in almost two years at Milan and is
allegedly ready to move again desperate in search of first-team football
with his ideal move to the Premier League. The report in Italy suggests that
Fiorentina and Lazio will offer him the chance to stay in Serie A.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Benitez is set to leave Napoli in June
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 1, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Rafael Benitez is set to leave Napoli at the end of the season even if he is
offered a new contract by the Italian club claim sources close to the 54
year old in Italy.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis revealed this week that Benitez can
remain at the San Paolo "for the next five years" if he wants to. However,
sources close to Benitez say he will quit Napoli when his contract expires
in June, putting clubs in the Premier League including West Ham on alert
over his availability over the summer.
The former Liverpool and Chelsea manager Benitez joined Napoli in the summer
of 2013 and led them to the Coppa Italia and third place in Serie A in his
first season in charge. This season Napoli has failed to mount a serious
bid for the title, but Benitez has guided the club to the semi-finals of the
Europa League.
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Dyche: Matt Taylor ready for Irons
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 1, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Burnley boss Sean Dyche is backing Matt Tayklor for a big performance
against us on Saturday. The former Iron missed a very important penalty
against Burnley last week but the Clarets boss reckons he has put that one
away in his mind. He said: "I don't think last week is relevant, but playing
against his old club might be. "I think he wants to play full stop because
he's had a tough time with injuries since he's got here. "He's a super-fit
lad and for the first time in his career virtually he's had an awkward spell
out with something we thought would be moderate term. "He's fit and well now
and looking forward to playing if selected."
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Allardyce hands Howe advice
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 1, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce reckons it's great to see one of those guys tipped as his
possible replacement at West Ham - Eddie Howe - doing so well!
It looks unlikely that the 37 year old Bournemouth manager will arrive at
the Boleyn however, despite widespread praise across the game.
Some felt he would like to step up to an established Premier League outfit
but all the signals are that he will stay where he is.
Allardyce said in his Evening Standard column: "Eddie Howe went back home to
Bournemouth after an uncomfortable time at Burnley and look what he has
achieved. "Eddie seems to have a good relationship with the club owner, who
has supported him financially, and together they made their dream a reality.
"My one piece of advice for Eddie now is to make sure you stay in that
Premier League. Nothing else matters.
"If you do that, you can establish yourself as a quality, British manager in
the Premier League. "Some manage it, others don't but it's a great challenge
for Eddie and I wish him every success for next season and beyond."
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Valencia on his topsy turvy season
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 1, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Enner Valencia has admitted life has not been straightforward in his first
West Ham season. Speaking to the official site Enner said: "Looking back on
my first season at West Ham, I think it has been a year of ups and downs. "I
had a few injuries at the beginning, and the Premier League is a very
strong, dynamic league. I've had to adapt, which has been hard, but I think
I've done well in the process." Injury has caused problems and he is now
only just beginning to find his fitness again as the end of season
approaches.
However he said: "I have learned a lot about the Premier League, the teams
that play well, the teams that play strong and different kinds of football.
I've adapted and I think next season will be better than this one."
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WHUFC.com
Preview - Burnley
In brief
West Ham United welcome struggling Burnley to the Boleyn Ground on Saturday
looking to start the final month of the season in style.
With four games left, the Hammers are still within sight of the 50-point
mark and will be keen to move three points closer to their target against a
team who are without a win in five. The Clarets' problems are evidenced by
their lack of goals - they have failed to score in seven of their last eight
outings - with that run unsurprisingly yielding a total of just four points.
Sean Dyche's men last recorded a victory when they came up against
Manchester City at Turf Moor and they currently sit at the foot of the
Barclays Premier League table with 26 points from 34 games. The Hammers'
form has not been an awful lot better, although they have collected four
points from their last two home matches, defeating Sunderland 1-0 before
drawing 1-1 with Stoke City last time out at the Boleyn Ground.
Who are they?
The Clarets were formed in 1882 as Burnley Rovers and six years later became
one of the 12 founder members of the Football League.
Their colours of claret and blue were adopted in 1910 as a tribute to the
dominant force in the English game at the time, Aston Villa.
Twice league champions, in 1921 and 1960, they are one of three clubs,
alongside Wolverhampton Wanderers and Preston North End to have won all four
divisions of the Football League. They are currently in their second Premier
League season, having also featured at that level in 2009/10.
Team News
West Ham United
Sam Allardyce is likely to have the same squad of players available to him
as at Queens Park Rangers last weekend. James Tomkins (shoulder), Andy
Carroll (knee), Guy Demel (calf), Winston Reid (hamstring) and Diafra Sakho
(thigh) remain sidelined, while Alex Song missed out at Loftus Road with a
back problem. Reece Burke could continue at centre back alongside James
Collins after impressing on his top flight debut last week.
Burnley
Sam Vokes will have a fitness test on a thigh injury after missing last
weekend's defeat to Leicester City. However, fellow forward Ashley Barnes is
available again after serving his suspension.
Referee
Saturday's referee is Jonathan Moss., who has been appointed to referee this
season's FA Cup final between Arsenal and Aston Villa.
Sunderland-born, West Yorkshire-based Moss has taken charge of eight
previous West Ham United matches, six of which have ended in draws.
Three of those stalemates have occurred this season - 0-0 at home to Aston
Villa, 1-1 here against West Bromwich Albion and 1-1 at Swansea City. Prior
to that, Moss's first two Hammers appointments came during the 2011/12
season in the Championship - a 2-1 away defeat to Derby County and a 3-3
Boleyn Ground draw with Birmingham City.
One to Watch
West Ham United
Aaron Cresswell
Aaron Cresswell's prowess from free kicks has come to the fore in recent
weeks, after he followed his super strike against Stoke with another fine
effort at QPR, which needed a wonderful save from ex-Hammer Robert Green to
touch onto the crossbar. The 25-year-old left back has handled the step-up
to the Premier League with ease since his summer move from Ipswich Town and
is set to continue his second of playing every second this season when the
Hammers take on the Clarets.
Burnley
Danny Ings
England U21 striker Danny Ings's goals have kept Burnley in the hunt to
avoid an instant return to the Championship, although the former Bournemouth
man has struggled to hit the back of the net quite so regularly in recent
weeks. His total of nine goals is nonetheless impressive in his first top
flight campaign and the 23-year-old enjoyed a real purple patch at the turn
of the year, notching five times in his first seven games of 2015.
Tickets
Tickets for this game have SOLD OUT.
Travel
There are no planned closures on the District or Hammersmith & City lines
serving Upton Park station on Saturday. Click here for full TfL travel
information.
Good services are also anticipated on the Greater Anglia and c2c lines into
Liverpool Street and Fenchurch Street respectively.
Weather
A dry, cloudy afternoon is expected on Saturday, with temperature at
kick-off of 12C (54F).
Last home meeting
West Ham United 1-2 Burnley
npower Championship
3 December 2011
West Ham United: Green, McCartney, Tomkins, Faye, O'Brien (Carew 80),
Faubert, Nolan, Collison, Taylor (Piquionne 56), Noble, Cole
Subs: Stech, Demel, Diop
Burnley: Grant, Trippier, Duff, Edgar, Mee, McCann, Marney, Stanislas (Vokes
69), Bartley, Treacy (Wallace 58), Rodriguez
Subs: Stewart, Easton, Hines
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Medals stolen from legend Brown
WHUFC.com
West Ham United legend Ken Brown has been left devastated after his
priceless medals were stolen in a burglary at his home. The Hammers great
and his wife returned to their house in Norfolk following a cruise holiday
to find callous thieves had broken in and made off with his 1964 FA Cup and
1965 European Cup Winners' Cup medals. The 81-year-old's 1986 League Cup
winner's medal won while manager of Norwich City was also stolen, leaving
Brown so shocked and shaken that he has reluctantly cancelled his weekend
return to the Boleyn Ground - where he was to join former teammates to
celebrate the 50th anniversary of their Cup Winners' Cup success. Having
immediately called in the police, Brown has appealed to West Ham fans and
the wider football community to keep an eye out for his stolen mementoes,
and alert the authorities should they be approached to buy them or see them
being advertised for sale. "I had such a great time with both West Ham
United and Norwich City and feel a great deal of pride when I look back at
my medals and to think that someone has entered my home and taken them hurts
me a lot," said Brown, who is a welcome regular visitor to the Boleyn Ground
on matchdays. "To me it's the sentimental value of what's been taken that
matters more. I have grandchildren who play football and I love being able
to show them the medals when they come and visit. They won't like to see
their granddad upset but unfortunately that's how I feel at the moment. "My
wife and I feel violated that someone could take items of such personal
significance and I can only hope those responsible for doing this can see
how pointless it is to take something that has no value to them and such
great value to us."
Forest Gate-born Brown enjoyed a storybook career with West Ham, graduating
from the Academy and spending 14 seasons in the first-team squad between
1953 and 1967. The centre-half played a central role in the greatest period
in Hammers history, playing alongside Bobby Moore for nearly a decade as the
Club won promotion before lifting their first major domestic and European
trophies. Voted Hammer of the Year in 1959, Brown earned his sole England
cap against Northern Ireland the same year. In all, he made 474 appearances
for the Club, scoring four goals. Brown later enjoyed a successful
management career with Norwich City, Shrewsbury Town and Plymouth Argyle.
His son, Kenny, also played for the Club during the 1990s. Police are
appealing for further information and asking anyone who thinks they may have
come into contact with any of the stolen items to contact DC Matthew Jenkins
at Great Yarmouth CID on 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800
555 111.
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Sylvestre aiming for third win on the spin
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U18 midfielder Noha Sylvestre is expecting his team to put
in another solid performance this Saturday when the young Hammers travel to
the North East to play Sunderland. Having beaten Wolverhampton Wanderers
and Liverpool in their last two games of their Play Off campaign, Sylvestre
is hoping to make it a third win on the bounce. Speaking ahead of
Saturday's game with the Black Cats, the Swiss U17 international said:
"We're all looking forward to the match. We've started the Play Offs pretty
well. We know we can still improve and we just want to finish as high up the
table as possible. Having said that, the team performance is more important
than the league table. "Beating Liverpool was a good win for us. They're
always a good side but we played well and deserved the victory. "My
confidence is high after the last two games, so is the team's after winning
the last two games."
Despite normally playing in separate divisions, and therefore rarely playing
each other, Sylvestre enjoyed a successful experience in his one and only
experience of playing the Mackems. As the 17-year-old continued to
explain: "I've played against them once before, we won 1-0 at under 16
level. I think I played well that day, it was a very long journey! I think
we're capable of playing well again on Saturday. "The distance shouldn't be
a factor because we're going up on the day before. We should play well."
Reflecting on an impressive season in claret and blue, Sylvestre has settled
in at West Ham remarkably quickly given the fact he left his native
Switzerland at such a young age. Assessing a season in which he has made 22
appearances - the joint-highest alongside fellow playmaker Grady Diangana,
Sylvestre summarised: "I think I've had a good season. I've played a lot of
games despite having an injury for a month. I'm looking forward to finishing
the season strongly."
The talented midfielder, who has previously named Xabi Alonso as his role
model, nominated teammate Reece Burke as his U18s' Player of the Year,
stating: "I'd have to say Reece Burke. He made his first team debut last
weekend against Queens Park Rangers which is obviously a fantastic
achievement."
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On this day - 1 May
WHUFC.com
Classic match
West Ham United 4-0 Watford
Division One
1 May 2004
Alan Pardew's Hammers had their eyes on the Division One Play-Offs when they
welcomed Watford for their final home fixture of the regular season on this
day eleven years ago. With just two games to play, top two Norwich City and
West Bromwich Albion had the automatic promotion slots sewn up, while the
Hammers were in fifth position, with their place in the end-of-season
showdown threatened by the likes of Reading and Sheffield United. So it came
as a relief to the majority of the 34,685 crowd at the Boleyn Ground when
Don Hutchison gave the Hammers a 17th minute lead. The Scottish midfielder
netted four league goals that term, and another was to follow from the spot
before the break as the hosts took a firm grip on proceedings. Top league
scorer Marlon Harewood weighed in with two further goals in the second
period as West Ham took the points in some comfort to move up to third. That
all but secured the Hammers' Play-Off berth, which was confirmed with a 1-1
draw at Wigan Athletic the following week, and although Pardew's side
defeated Ipswich Town in the semi-finals, they would suffer final heartbreak
at the hands of Crystal Palace.
Complete record - 1 May
1920 West Ham United 2-0 Stockport County (Division Two)
1926 West Ham United 0-2 Bury (Division One)
1937 West Ham United 1-0 Sheffield United (Division Two)
1948 Fulham 1-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1953 Lincoln City 3-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1963 Birmingham City 3-2 West Ham United (Division One)
1968 West Bromwich Albion 3-1 West Ham United (Division One)
1971 West Ham United 0-1 Huddersfield Town (Division One)
1972 West Ham United 1-0 Southampton (Division One)
1982 Arsenal 2-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1999 West Ham United 1-5 Leeds United (Premier League)
2004 West Ham United 4-0 Watford (Division One)
2006 West Bromwich Albion 0-1 West Ham United (Premier League)
2011 Manchester City 2-1 West Ham United (Premier League)
Played 14, Won 5, Drawn 1, Lost 8, Scored 17, Conceded 22
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West Ham v Burnley
KO 15:00
1 May 2015
Last updated at 11:18
By Guy Mowbray
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 2 May
TEAM NEWS
West Ham have no new injury worries, with Alex Song hoping to return after a
back problem. Manager Sam Allardyce has confirmed teenage defender Reece
Burke will start after impressing on his debut last weekend.
Burnley's Sam Vokes will have a fitness test on the thigh injury that ruled
him out of last weekend's defeat by relegation rivals Leicester. Fellow
forward Ashley Barnes is available again after a suspension.
MATCH PREVIEW
Forget "No, Nay, Never"*, for Burnley it's NOW or never for getting the
points they need to stay in the Premier League - or they'll "play B******
Rovers" again sooner than they'd like to. Five points away from safety, the
Clarets are more than likely looking at a minimum of three wins from their
remaining four games to stay up - a tall order for a team that have only
won five of 34 this season. Scoring goals is the problem, with only one
netted in the last eight games and leading scorer Danny Ings without one in
nine appearances. So not a lot of hope then? Well, you wouldn't believe that
listening to manager Sean Dyche, whose calm manner and matter-of-fact way of
speaking would have us believe that anything is possible.
Lawro's prediction "I think Burnley know their chances of staying up are
fading fast. The goals have dried up - for Danny Ings and the rest of the
team - and especially with Leicester's form of late, the Clarets are
probably looking at their situation and thinking they are doomed." He's
pointed to Burnley scoring nine in four games at the turn of the year as
evidence that there are goals in his team, and called on his players to
"retain that relaxed focus and play freely". With Sam Allardyce having set
a target (of sorts) of 50 points and a ninth-place finish to represent
"progress" this season, his West Ham team need to re-focus for the run-in -
not least to help the position of a boss Stewart Downing says the players
"love playing for". Having won just two of 17 league games since Boxing Day
(they'd won nine of their first 17 this season), we're back to a position of
there not being a lot of love from many Hammers fans towards Big Sam, who
has said there's no truth in reports of talks over a new contract - and
seems perfectly relaxed himself about that. His current deal expires in the
summer. He might need a big finish to avoid a new start elsewhere in August.
*The words of Burnley fans' ode to their Blackburn rivals, sung to the tune
of "The Wild Rover".
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
The three Premier League meetings between these sides have averaged five
goals per game.
Burnley lost 5-3 on their last Premier League visit to Upton Park in
November 2009.
West Ham
West Ham have won just one of their last 12 Premier League matches, and have
scored just three goals in their last seven games.
The Hammers were fourth at Christmas but have since won just twice.
They have scored 15 headed goals, more than any other team in the top
flight.
Adrian is the ninth goalkeeper in Premier League history to save three
penalties in a row; no keeper has ever managed four.
However, the Hammers are the only top-flight team not to score from the
penalty spot this season.
Burnley
Burnley have failed to score in their last five league matches, spanning
seven hours and 59 minutes, and have managed just one goal in their last 10
hours and 39 minutes of Premier League action.
The Clarets have picked up one point from the last 15 available. Defeat at
Upton Park would be their fourth in a row, making it their worst losing run
of the season.
Burnley have conceded exactly twice as many goals as they've scored in the
league this season (52:26).
One third of the goals they have conceded have been from headers, the
Premier League's highest proportion.
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Legend cancels Boleyn return after medals stolen
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 1st May 2015
By: Staff Writer
Hammers legend Ken Brown has cancelled a trip to the Boleyn Ground this
weekend after he returned from holiday to discover he had been the victim of
a burglary.
81-year-old Brown was due to be a star guest at the Boleyn Ground this
weekend along with several fellow members of the 1965 Cup Winners' Cup
Final-winning team. However he has now cancelled his return to Upton Park
after returning from holiday to discovered that his home had been burgled.
As well as a number of valuable items, Brown also lost his 1964 FA Cup
winners medal and 1965 Cup Winners' Cup winners medal. "To think that
someone has entered my home and taken them hurts me a lot," he told
whufc.com.
"But it's the sentimental value of what's been taken that matters more. I
have grandchildren who play football and I love being able to show them the
medals when they come and visit.
"They won't like to see their granddad upset, but unfortunately that's how I
feel at the moment. I can only hope those responsible for doing this can see
how pointless it is to take something that has no value to them and such
great value to us."
Brown, who received one England cap during his playing career was a key
member of the West Ham United team that won both the FA Cup and the Cup
Winners' Cup within a year at Wembley between 1964 and 1965.
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West Ham v Burnley preview: Clarets face critical Hammers test
Last Updated: 01/05/15 3:42pm
Ssn
With just four games remaining, Burnley travel to West Ham for a must-win
game in their bid for Premier League survival on Saturday.
Sean Dyce's side suffered a major blow as they lost at home to fellow
strugglers Leicester last weekend. Jamie Vardy was the man to make them pay
for missing a second half penalty, Matt Taylor the culprit. The result
leaves Burnley rooted to the bottom of the table and five points form safety
having lost four of their past five games, picking up just a point in that
run. West Ham are also desperately out of form having failed to win in their
past four matches. Ed Chamberlin looks ahead to the Premier League game
between West Ham United and Burnley. Sam Allardyce's men have slipped into
the bottom half of the table having been in the hunt for the European places
just a couple of months ago.
Team news
Sam Allardyce has no fresh injury concerns. The 60-year-old has confirmed
teenager Reece Burke will start after impressing on his Premier League debut
at QPR last week - with fellow defenders Winston Reid (hamstring), James
Tomkins (shoulder) and Guy Demel (calf) all ruled out. Alex Song missed the
trip to Loftus Road with a back problem but may return, whilst strikers
Diafra Sakho (thigh) and Andy Carroll (knee) still missing.
Ashley Barnes returns from suspension for Burnley on Saturday. Fellow
forward Sam Vokes will have a fitness test on Friday to see whether he has
recovered from the thigh injury that ruled him out of the 1-0 defeat to
Leicester last weekend. Long-term knee injury victims Dean Marney and Kevin
Long remain sidelined.
Opta facts
West Ham have won just two of their last 17 Premier League games (W2 D7 L8)
but those two victories in that run have been at Upton Park (W2 D3 L3).
Burnley have failed to score in seven of their last eight Barclays Premier
League matches and netted only one in the other game. The Hammers have
scored more headed goals than any other team in the top flight (15). 33% of
the goals Burnley have conceded have been from headers; the league's highest
proportion. Adrian is the ninth goalkeeper in Premier League history to save
three penalties in a row; no keeper has ever done four. The Clarets have the
worst chance conversion rate in the top flight this season, scoring with
just nine per cent of their shots.
Merson's prediction
Burnley just don't seem to score goals - that's seven out of eight games
they've failed to score, and you just can't do that. Danny Ings has scored
over a third of their league goals, and that says it all. West Ham have to
win a game sooner or later, and it should be this weekend. If Matty Taylor
had scored that penalty against Leicester last week, and QPR had scored
their penalty, they're both above Leicester. That's how tight it is at the
moment.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0 (17/2 on Sky Bet)
Betting
Sky Bet make Burnley 12/5 to boost their waning survival hopes by securing
three points at Upton Park, with West Ham 23/20 favourites while the draw is
priced 9/4. The Clarets were pushed out to 8/1 to stay up following last
weekend's defeat to Leicester and are considered joint favourites to finish
bottom at 1/1. Danny Ings is considered their most likely source of
salvation at 11/2 to open the scoring, while Diafra Sakho heads the first
goalscorer betting at 5/1.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce says West Ham players are letting themselves down and must
''look in the mirror''
22:30, 30 April 2015 By Neil McLeman
Hammers have won just two league games since Boxing Day and their manager
looks looking increasingly likely to be released in the summer
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce has told his players to "look in the mirror" over their own
performances and not worry about his future. Stewart Downing is the latest
Hammers player to publicly speak in support of their manager, who is out of
contract at the end of the season.
The Londoners' boss is in danger, with his side winning only two of the 17
Premier League games they have played since Boxing Day.
But Allardyce, who will give teenage defender Reece Burke his home debut
against Burnley on Saturday, insisted: "I just think the players should
think about not letting themselves down more than [letting] me down. "They
know that they have been capable of much better results.
"There are limited things I can do because of all the injuries. "And for me
it is always been, 'Are you happy the way you are playing yourself?' And if
you are not, do something about it. "Look at yourself in the mirror in the
morning. You can't look at yourself in the mirror and say, 'I am playing on
top of my game' when, deep down inside, you know you are not. "Look at
yourself and just say, 'I have got to play better and I have got to produce
wins.'"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Burnley boss Sean Dyche backs Matt Taylor to take another penalty against
old club West Ham
22:30, 30 April 2015 By David Anderson
Midfielder missed a spot-kick in six-pointer defeat to Leicester last week
which has left rock-bottom Clarets five points from safety with four games
to go
The M irror
Sean Dyche has backed Matt Taylor to take another penalty on Saturday
against his old club West Ham after his spot-kick agony. Dyche says Taylor
has not brooded over his costly miss during last Saturday's loss to
relegation rivals Leicester. The Burnley boss claims the midfielder is
experienced enough to get over it and says he would have no qualms over him
taking another spot-kick. "It's part of the game," said Dyche. "His history
taking penalties is clear and he's done well with big occasions and big
moments, so we move forward. We don't keep looking at that. "He's old enough
and wise enough to know about the good, the bad, the ins and the outs of
football. And he's also an honest campaigner, which we like here. "If he's
ready to take a penalty, then he'll take a penalty. The way he gripped the
ball and walked after it, I had no other thought than he would score."
Dyche claims Taylor's focus is on returning to Upton Park and the former
Portsmouth wide man helped the Hammers win promotion to the Premier League
during his three seasons there. He is set for his second start since August
for rock-bottom Burnley, who are five points from safety, and Dyche said: "I
don't think last week is relevant, but playing against his old club might
be. "I think he wants to play full stop because he's had a tough time with
injuries since he's got here. "He's a super-fit lad and for the first time
in his career virtually he's had an awkward spell out with something we
thought would be moderate term. "He's fit and well now and looking forward
to playing if selected."
Taylor's penalty miss means Burnley have gone seven hours and 59 minutes
without a goal, while striker Danny Ings has not netted since February 11.
Dyche defended Ings, saying it is not just down to him to score. "It's not
just Danny, the team have to stand up," he said. "He's certainly trying. And
that's one of the key components, showing that willingness. It's not a
situation where you can just rely on one player."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce tells players: "Look in the mirror."
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 1, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce has told the West Ham players to look in the mirror at
themselves and produce a performance. Speaking at his press conference he
said: "For me, the focus is 'are you happy with the way you are playing? And
if you aren't then do something about it.
Look at yourself in the mirror in the morning because you can't kid that
person. Deep down inside you know you are not playing, so just say 'I have
to produce wins with performances and entertainment value' which is what we
had been doing all season."
With four games to go, the manager feels that they could get 12 points to
thrust them back up the league, where he thinks they belong.
He insisted: "The true fact of the matter is we should have already nailed
ninth place or better by a long way. "We want to finish higher than 10th,
but the more and more we don't pick up three points the more the season ebbs
away to a disappointment. "I keep saying to the players, let's not be a
disappointment at the end of the season, because that is not good enough.
"We need to try and win every game. Four games to go we are still trying to
reach the 50-point mark and finish higher than 10th if we can. Games like
Burnley at home, Aston Villa away, Everton at home and Newcastle away, if we
reach our top form and be more ruthless we can beat them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam's D-Day close - abuse won't change a thing
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 1, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Could there be a more dreary, disruptive and disappointing climax to a
season gone badly wrong?
Tomorrow it's rock-bottom Burnley at the Boleyn for a game in which there's
little interest or enthusiasm - it should all have been so different.
Over recent days we have seen our co chairman DG abused on Twitter because
he claimed injuries contributed towards a lack lustre performance at QPR
before later declaring himself "tired" of abuse directed at the club with
one follower calling it a "joke."
Meanwhile the team's general form and results is nothing less than appalling
with the managerial situation remaining entirely at the forefront of most
people's minds.
It's all so West Ham. You don't need a time machine to revisit Hammers
history.2014-15 is a repeat of 2013-14.
Little or nothing, including the League position, has changed and once again
we await an end of season review with not a day going by and the managerial
situation not being discussed,
In a word West Ham is once again in a "mess" with fans demanding answers,
not getting any and thus venting their spleen all over Twitter at David Gold
or any other handy target.
There sole reason for this is the the Sam Allardyce situation.
Once David Gold had described himself of "tired" of Twitter abuse and later
said if he and David Sullivan weren't wanted they could leave, the real
issue emerged.
A huge number tweeted that it was all about the manager. One claimed that if
DG wanted an end to the Twitter twatter he should get rid of him like NOW
.it was a theme rapidly taken up by many others.
None of it was about DG - it was about the manager and it always will be
until the matter is sorted. DG will understand that as he nurses the hurt
inflicted by non-thinking keyboard warriors
The Davids are friends to this site and we know they both read it with DG
often being good enough to grant us interviews. The know how the fans feel -
trust me on this!
David Sullivan made his position clear back in November during a question
and answer session with us. Here's a reminder of what was said:
CandH: There seems to be a constant war between the pro and anti Sam
brigades. Do you have a message for them?
DS: People are entitled to their opinions. We live in a democracy. I'd say
'judge him over the season.'
Most will feel we are now in a position to do that despite four games being
left.
The reality is there has been little or no progress either in league
position (that may change for better or worse!), the atmosphere within the
club is as grim as ever, and the type of football for the second half of the
season is where we were this time last year despite demands for something
much better by fans and board alike last summer.
Within a few weeks the manager's fate will be revealed. Until then however,
let's lay off the co chairmen because effing and blinding on social networks
will make not a blind bit of difference to anything.
I have believed for a long time that a new manager will be installed this
summer and I think that will be good for West Ham United and Sam Allardyce.
Despite a bright start we are again in the pack of also rans. It's been like
backing a horse and watching it run a great first mile before fading into
the no hope category long before the end.
David Sullivan has been in the racing industry as well as football for 25
years - he will get it!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Inter Milan defender linked with Hammers
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 1, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
According to Gazzetta TV in Italy, West Ham are interested in signing Inter
Milan defender Marco Andreolli. Andreolli, 28, was lured to the Inter Milan
as a teenager having come through the ranks at Padova, and after spells with
Roma, Vicenza, Sassuolo and Chievo he returned back to Inter in 2013.
Andreolli has featured in just 18 games in almost two years at Milan and is
allegedly ready to move again desperate in search of first-team football
with his ideal move to the Premier League. The report in Italy suggests that
Fiorentina and Lazio will offer him the chance to stay in Serie A.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Benitez is set to leave Napoli in June
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 1, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Rafael Benitez is set to leave Napoli at the end of the season even if he is
offered a new contract by the Italian club claim sources close to the 54
year old in Italy.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis revealed this week that Benitez can
remain at the San Paolo "for the next five years" if he wants to. However,
sources close to Benitez say he will quit Napoli when his contract expires
in June, putting clubs in the Premier League including West Ham on alert
over his availability over the summer.
The former Liverpool and Chelsea manager Benitez joined Napoli in the summer
of 2013 and led them to the Coppa Italia and third place in Serie A in his
first season in charge. This season Napoli has failed to mount a serious
bid for the title, but Benitez has guided the club to the semi-finals of the
Europa League.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dyche: Matt Taylor ready for Irons
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 1, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Burnley boss Sean Dyche is backing Matt Tayklor for a big performance
against us on Saturday. The former Iron missed a very important penalty
against Burnley last week but the Clarets boss reckons he has put that one
away in his mind. He said: "I don't think last week is relevant, but playing
against his old club might be. "I think he wants to play full stop because
he's had a tough time with injuries since he's got here. "He's a super-fit
lad and for the first time in his career virtually he's had an awkward spell
out with something we thought would be moderate term. "He's fit and well now
and looking forward to playing if selected."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce hands Howe advice
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 1, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce reckons it's great to see one of those guys tipped as his
possible replacement at West Ham - Eddie Howe - doing so well!
It looks unlikely that the 37 year old Bournemouth manager will arrive at
the Boleyn however, despite widespread praise across the game.
Some felt he would like to step up to an established Premier League outfit
but all the signals are that he will stay where he is.
Allardyce said in his Evening Standard column: "Eddie Howe went back home to
Bournemouth after an uncomfortable time at Burnley and look what he has
achieved. "Eddie seems to have a good relationship with the club owner, who
has supported him financially, and together they made their dream a reality.
"My one piece of advice for Eddie now is to make sure you stay in that
Premier League. Nothing else matters.
"If you do that, you can establish yourself as a quality, British manager in
the Premier League. "Some manage it, others don't but it's a great challenge
for Eddie and I wish him every success for next season and beyond."
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Valencia on his topsy turvy season
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 1, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Enner Valencia has admitted life has not been straightforward in his first
West Ham season. Speaking to the official site Enner said: "Looking back on
my first season at West Ham, I think it has been a year of ups and downs. "I
had a few injuries at the beginning, and the Premier League is a very
strong, dynamic league. I've had to adapt, which has been hard, but I think
I've done well in the process." Injury has caused problems and he is now
only just beginning to find his fitness again as the end of season
approaches.
However he said: "I have learned a lot about the Premier League, the teams
that play well, the teams that play strong and different kinds of football.
I've adapted and I think next season will be better than this one."
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Friday, May 1
Daily WHUFC News - 1st May 2015
West Ham re-united with Umbro
WHUFC.com
West Ham United and Umbro are delighted to announce a new five-year commercial agreement which will see the legendary global sportswear company become the Club's official technical partner from next season, producing all the Hammers' official kits, from first team to youth level, as well as training products and leisure wear for players and fans.
This means Umbro will take on the historic task of producing the special commemorative kit that West Ham will wear for the Club's final season at the Boleyn Ground, as well as the kit the team will wear when playing for the first time at our magnificent new Stadium on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Umbro have a long-standing association with West Ham, having produced the Club's first ever replica kits for sale to supporters during the 1960s, when they also famously designed the England kits worn by West Ham's World Cup winning heroes in 1966. Umbro were West Ham's official kit suppliers from 2007-10.
West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "As we approach two historic seasons for West Ham United, we are delighted once again to team up with Umbro, a company which – like West Ham – is steeped in the heritage of English football but also a fast-growing global brand with an exciting future ahead.
"It is especially fitting that – during our final season at the Boleyn Ground – our players and fans will wear a brand synonymous with one of the finest moments in West Ham's rich history: England's 1966 World Cup triumph.
"It is our determination to bring back those glory days of the 1960s when we move to our magnificent new Stadium, and we look forward to doing so in partnership with Umbro, whose commitment to the highest standards of excellence and quality matches our own."
Paul Nugent, Vice President of Global Marketing for Umbro, added: "West Ham United is an incredibly exciting and significant signing for Umbro. This is a special period in the club's history and we are delighted to be part of it.
"We know the last season at the Boleyn Ground will be an emotional one and we have worked closely with the club – with input from Hammers fans – to create a memorable set of kits to commemorate the final season.
"Our kit designs for West Ham are unique to the club and celebrate the rich traditions of the club whilst incorporating all the modern performance properties required for today's game. We're looking forward to sharing our 2015/16 kits and hope players and fans will be proud to wear them both home and away."
Umbro already produce kits for dozens of major top-flight and international sides around the world, including Everton, PSV Eindhoven, Grêmio, FC Tokyo, Vasco da Gama and the Republic of Ireland.
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Big Sam on: Burnley
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce faced the press ahead of Saturday's game with Burnley.
During the press conference, the Gaffer answered questions on the team's injury news, the threat Burnley pose and finishing the season positively.
Hi Sam, do you have an injury update for us?
SA: "The injury situation stays the same for us unfortunately so we run with the same squad that was available last week. That means another start for Reece Burke, hopefully he can put in another good performance or an even better one than he did against Queens Park Rangers. We go into the game looking to get a result and a win at home."
Burnley need the win as well, what are your thoughts ahead of that game?
SA: "They play a very similar way to QPR, with a 4-4-2 formation. Like every team you have to look for their weaknesses and exploit them.
"As has been the case with ourselves, they have been a little short on goals recently. That's been a big problem for Sean, they've created a lot of chances but they haven't finished them off. We have to make sure we take our chances while keeping an all-important clean sheet like we did last weekend. "I don't think it will be a tight game because Burnley know they have to come here and go for it. We have to be aware of that, stay solid and exploit the spaces they may leave."
Is the target for the rest of the season to win every game?
SA: "Yes, certainly to try and win. We've got four games to go and 12 points to play for. We're trying to get to the 50 point mark and finish higher than tenth. With the games we've got left, we know our top form is good enough to achieve that."
There were reports in the week that you've opened early contract negotiations, is there any truth in that?
SA: "There's no truth in that, no."
If you don't stay here have you considered other jobs, maybe abroad or in the Championship?
SA: "No, I'm not thinking about that at all. We're into the last 24, 25 days of the season. After that we'll discuss my future at West Ham United. We'll talk things through then, nothing else interests me."
Are you looking forward to the end of the season, one way or the other?
SA: "I always look forward to the end of the season. I look forward to getting in the sun and relaxing and reflecting on the season.
We've had a fantastic season but we're now in a run where we should have done a lot better and we accept that. We're pushing to put that right and trying to getting back to winning matches."
Have you had a chance to think a player's targets for next season?
SA: "Yes we've been doing all that. We're looking at preseason and Martin Glover, our head of recruitment is putting a list of potential players. We need to sort out what's happening with me, then we'll look at the situation of our current players and then any transfers."
A number of clubs are looking at Callum Wilson at Bournemouth, are West Ham one of those clubs?
SA: "I think he'd probably be too expensive considering Bournemouth have just been promoted and they'll want to keep him. There's no pressure on them to sell him so it would take a big number to sign him."
Since 2002, West Ham's highest finish has been ninth, is that a pretty big carrot for you?
SA: "The truth is that we should have nailed that a long time ago but we haven't. We want to finish tenth or higher. We haven't won for a while so we need to make sure our heads don't drop because we're not satisfied with just being safe from relegation a long time ago."
Burnley are at the bottom of the table but Leicester and other clubs down the years have shown it's possible to put a run together and get out of danger…
SA: "At this stage of the season you do begin to panic if you're down at the bottom. We've seen teams pull it together, Leicester at the moment, Sunderland last season. Alan Curbishley did it here a few seasons ago. It can be done, we have to guard against Burnley doing that against us on Saturday. Our fans will expect us to play well and win."
What do you think about the job that Sean Dyche has done at Burnley?
SA: "Sean is his own man and he knows what he wants from his players. He's sticking to his original plan because he thinks that's the best way of doing things. Perhaps I'm a little bit more flexible in terms of adapting to the teams that we play and the threats that the opposition face."
How important is it for you to play well in front of your fans and finish on a high?
SA: "We've got two home games left. Winning at home is always important because it sends the fans home happy. Winning away is fantastic, but at home, in front of 30 odd thousand is great. It makes our fans have a good weekend so we always try and do that. Since the turn of the year we haven't won away so we want to put that right."
Stewart Downing has said the only way to end speculation about your future is to play well. He also said the players love playing for you, are you aware of that feeling within the squad?
SA: "You're embarrassing me now! The players just need to make sure they don't let themselves down rather than letting me down. They know they're much more capable than recent results. It's come down to a few minutes of poor concentration here and there that have let us down. There have been one or two poor performances as well but not many."
You must have seen or heard about Nigel Pearson's press conference last night, what did you make of it?
SA: "I can understand Nigel's frustration because all managers are under a huge amount of pressure. To continue to work under that pressure and come through it is hard. At the end of the day, it's an outburst, nothing more really."
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From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com
We are now firmly in the final stretch of the 2014/15 season and it is important that we put our recent run of results behind us to end the campaign on as good a note as possible.
We welcome Burnley to the Boleyn Ground this Saturday and just as when we took on Queens Park Rangers last weekend, and Aston Villa next, we will be facing a team who are fighting for their lives at the wrong end of the table.
For us, we are well out of the scrap but that is not to say there is nothing to play for in these last four games. We built up a hugely positive momentum at the start of this season, and if we finish strongly, we can take some of that into the summer too.
It is nearly time, as we do at the end of every season, to sit down and plan how we can improve for the next one. That means identifying the right players to come in and take us forward once again and we will be doing our utmost to land our top targets.
The next season, of course, is going to be a memorable one for us as we bid an emotional farewell to the Boleyn Ground – and it is our job to make all aspects of the campaign memorable, not least on the pitch.
To that end, I'm thrilled that so many of you have chosen to be a part of the campaign by renewing your Season Tickets in record numbers. Our ticket office are now working through the waiting list for Season Tickets and we fully expect to hit our cap before the start of the new season so if you are on the waiting list please do make sure you are available when the ticket office try to contact you.
On another note, we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of one of our greatest nights this year. I am, of course, talking about our European Cup Winners' Cup triumph over 1860 Munich at Wembley.
To mark the occasion, it has been my great pleasure to invite several members of that legendary team back to the Boleyn Ground for this Saturday's game and I am looking forward to seeing them, just as no doubt they are looking forward to seeing all the fans again.
Their triumph came in the middle of a glorious era for the Club, and those are the kind of days we are hoping to experience once again in the near future.
Come on you Irons
David Sullivan
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Chadwell Chatter - Enner Valencia
WHUFC.com
Hello everyone,
We've got Burnley on Saturday and after playing the last two games I feel great now. I've had some injuries during the season but now I am back and ready to play. I am looking forward to scoring again – it's been a while since I scored my last goal and I am desperate to help the team win the game on Saturday by scoring again.
I remember my goal at Burnley well. It was a good goal on the counter attack. Carl Jenkinson put in a good cross and thankfully I could head it into the goal. It's always to easier when you play with good players like we have at West Ham. The delivery from players like Jenks, Stewart Downing and Aaron Cresswell is great and that's what we need, good players playing together as a team.
Looking back on my first season at West Ham, I think it has been a year of ups and downs. I had a few injuries at the beginning, and the Premier League is a very strong, dynamic league.
I've had to adapt, which has been hard, but I think I've done well in the process. I have learned a lot about the Premier League, the teams that play well, the teams that play strong and different kinds of football. I've adapted and I think next season will be better than this one. Looking further ahead, and I will have the Copa America to look forward to with Ecuador in the summer. I was at the World Cup last year, so I haven't had a break, but I'm lucky because I love my profession.
I love playing football and I am looking forward to ending the season well with West Ham and then going away with the national team to prepare for the Copa America. I'm confident that we can have a good tournament because we have a good group of players, a new manager and technical staff and we believe we can do well. Back to Saturday and we're all determined to get the three points we need, so hopefully we can start the final run-in with a good result.
Enner
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Hammers open Great Baddow sports dome
WHUFC.com
West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce, alongside Academy graduates Mark Noble and Reece Burke, went back to school this week to open the doors to Great Baddow High School's brand new inflatable air sports dome. The Chelmsford secondary school has recently joined forces with the West Ham United Foundation, who will be delivering in-school and after-school curricular activity, as well as introducing an elite player pathway to the Academy. Replacing a dilapidated tarmac playground area, the double skinned air dome is floodlit and large enough to accommodate two five-a-side football pitches. The 3G pitch will bring a new generation of sports provision to the school and local community and Big Sam hopes that Great Baddow's ambition and investment will rub off on other schools in the area. "This is a fantastic facility and I'm sure the students will respect it and make tremendous use of it," Allardyce said. "It was important for me to be here to encourage as many schools as possible to build a facility of this quality, to give an opportunity for youngsters of all ages to enjoy team sports. "When you've got a facility as good as this, then the boys and girls don't realise the physical demands they are putting on themselves, because they're enjoying it. That's the key thing for me. "Whether it's football, rugby or tennis, physical education is so important for your whole life experience as you grow up. "Hopefully, one day, we'll have a Great Baddow High pupil running out for West Ham at the new Stadium!"
For headteacher Carrie Lynch, the sports dome is set to transform what pupils are able to do in their physical education lessons. Chelmsford, of course, is a West Ham stronghold these days and so the Hammers' backing was most welcome too. We're absolutely thrilled to have this facility," Mrs Lynch confirmed. "To have all the visitors from West Ham, working with our students, talking to them and inspiring them has been fantastic. "I think it's really important for our students to see that the people they really admire, will actually come out, put the time in with young people, hopefully inspiring the next generation. So we really appreciated that."
Though it was only completed a week ago, the sports dome is already in demand, such that there was a ballot for the grand opening and Mrs Lynch expects more of the same in the coming weeks and months. She continued: "They've been dying to get in there. We only completed the project about a week ago. It has been there first chance to get in there and other students have definitely been very jealous. They'll be queuing up in their PE lessons!"
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Burke in for Burnley start
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 30th April 2015
By: Staff Writer
17-year-old Reece Burke is set to make his second start for the Hammers this weekend when struggling Burnley provide the opposition. Burke, who made his first professional start in last weekend's goalless draw at Loftus Road will partner James Collins for a second successive weekend when the Clarets visit the Boleyn Ground on Saturday. With James Tomkins out for the rest of the season with a shoulder problem and Winston Reid still unavailable due to a hamstring, Burke will be once again start for Sam Allardyce in West Ham's penultimate home game of the 2014/15 season. Manager Allardyce, speaking to the press this morning revealed the news. "Our injury list stays the same. Unfortunately there's nobody back from last week which means the same squad and another start for Reece Burke," he confirmed.
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Song back in contention for Burnley visit
KUMb.com
Filed: Thursday, 30th April 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham midfielder Alex Song could make his return against Burnley after being give the all clear by West Ham's medical staff. The on-loan central midfielder missed the trip to Queens Park Rangers last weekend after reporting discomfort in his back but is back in contention for this weekend's Boleyn clash, according to the club's Head of Medical and Sports Science, Stijn Vandenbroucke. "Alex is no longer feeling pain and discomfort in his back and was able to return to the training pitch on Monday," Vandenbroucke told whufc.com.
"After training on an individual basis for one day, Alex returned to the group on Tuesday and is available for selection against Burnley."
In other injury news, Winston Reid - who sustained a recent hamstring injury - continues his rehabilitation but will not be available in time for this weekend. Fellow central defender James Tomkins is back in training, although he will not play again this term. None of West Ham's long-term injured squad members - Andy Carroll, Doneil Henry, Diafra Sakho and Guy Demel - are expected play again this season either.
Song has made 28 appearances for West Ham this season, without scoring a legitimate goal. Referee Neil Swarbrick incorrectly ruled out what would have been his only goal against Arsenal last December.
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Cup Winners' Cup heroes to attend Burnley clash
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 30th April 2015
By: Staff Writer
Several members of West Ham United's heroes from 1965's Cup Winners' Cup-winning squad will be returning to the Boleyn this weekend to mark 50 years since the club's greatest ever night. On 19 May 1965, Bobby Moore's West Ham beat 1860 Munich 2-0 at Wembley courtesy of goals from Alan Sealey to secure the club's only European trophy. And West Ham's co-owner David Sullivan revealed this morning that a number of the players involved on that wonderful night are the club's special guests for this week's Premier League meeting with Burnley.
"We are celebrating the 50th anniversary of one of our greatest nights this year," Sullivan wrote on whufc.com. "I am, of course, talking about our European Cup Winners' Cup triumph over 1860 Munich at Wembley. "To mark the occasion, it has been my great pleasure to invite several members of that legendary team back to the Boleyn Ground for this Saturday's game and I am looking forward to seeing them, just as no doubt they are looking forward to seeing all the fans again. "Their triumph came in the middle of a glorious era for the Club, and those are the kind of days we are hoping to experience once again in the near future."
West Ham's win against Munich was voted by supporters as the club's greatest ever achievement in KUMB.com's '100 Greatest Moments' poll, the top ten of which you can see here.
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West Ham announce Umbro partnership
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 30th April 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have confirmed a new five-year partnership with Umbro - as revealed here on KUMB back in October.
Some six months after KUMB initially broke the news, the club have finally confirmed that the kit manufacturer will be replacing Adidas ahead of the move to the Olympic Stadium.
Karren Brady, West Ham's vice-chair said of the new deal: "As we approach two historic seasons for West Ham United, we are delighted once again to team up with Umbro, a company which – like West Ham – is steeped in the heritage of English football but also a fast-growing global brand with an exciting future ahead.
"It is especially fitting that – during our final season at the Boleyn Ground – our players and fans will wear a brand synonymous with one of the finest moments in West Ham's rich history: England's 1966 World Cup triumph.
"It is our determination to bring back those glory days of the 1960s when we move to our magnificent new Stadium, and we look forward to doing so in partnership with Umbro, whose commitment to the highest standards of excellence and quality matches our own."
The Cheshire-born company, now a subsidiary of American company Iconix Brand Group, beat off interest from Nike and Puma to land the West Ham contract.
Vice President of Global Marketing Paul Nugent added: "West Ham United is an incredibly exciting and significant signing for Umbro. This is a special period in the club's history and we are delighted to be part of it.
"We know the last season at the Boleyn Ground will be an emotional one and we have worked closely with the club – with input from Hammers fans – to create a memorable set of kits to commemorate the final season.
"Our kit designs for West Ham are unique to the club and celebrate the rich traditions of the club whilst incorporating all the modern performance properties required for today's game.
"We're looking forward to sharing our 2015/16 kits and hope players and fans will be proud to wear them both home and away."
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Sam Allardyce refutes claims of West Ham contract talks
Last Updated: 30/04/15 5:58pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce has denied claims he has opened talks over a new contract at West Ham. Allardyce's current deal as manager expires at the end of the season and there has been frenzied speculation in the press linking several of Europe's biggest names - including Rafa Benitez and Jurgen Klopp - with the role. But although Allardyce has refuted stories of talks, he insists he is preparing for next season as normal. "What my future will be will be when we decide to sit down at West Ham and talk through our situation," he said. "Outside of that, at this moment, nothing else interests me. "We are doing all the pre-season work. Martin (Glover), our head of recruitment, is looking to pull a list together with all the people that we work with. "If and when we decide what is happening with some of the players...as always sort myself out, the most important thing, then we move forward with that."
Allardyce also used Thursday's pre-match news conference to distance himself from reports linking West Ham with a move for Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson. "I think he would probably be too expensive," Allardyce said when asked if Wilson would be a potential transfer target. "If Bournemouth let a player of his calibre go, after just being promoted to the Premier League, they would put a massive price on his head. If they were tempted to sell him, it would be for a big number."
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THE UMBRO £20M DEAL
By Sean Whetstone 30 Apr 2015 at 17:01
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham United and Umbro have finally announced their five-year commercial agreement which will see the global sportswear company become the Club's official technical partner from next season, producing all the Hammers' official kits, from first team to youth level, as well as training products and leisure wear for players and fans.
The announcement was hardly a surprise as we covered the story back in October last year www.westhamtillidie.com/posts/2014/10/29/hammers-to-replace-adidas-with-umbro
The picture used to promote the new deal features five locations from around the Boleyn Ground, namely the Q U eens Pub, Boleyn Cine M a, B obby Moore statue, Boleyn Ground tu R nstile and B O leyn Pub.
Umbro will take on the task of producing the special commemorative kit that West Ham will wear for the Club's final season at the Boleyn Ground, as well as the kit the team will wear when playing for the first time at our magnificent new Stadium on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Umbro have a long-standing association with West Ham, having produced the Club's first ever replica kits for sale to supporters during the 1960s, when they also famously designed the England kits worn by West Ham's World Cup winning heroes in 1966. Umbro were West Ham's official kit suppliers from 2007-10.
Umbro was sold by Nike in 2012 to the Iconix Brand Group for £140m and February last year Umbro announced Everton as their first new Premier League club to start from the beginning of the 2014/15 football season in a deal thought to be worth £6m per year or £30 over 5 years.
Andy Carroll is also on the books of Umbro, he signed a deal back in 2011 while still playing for Newcastle.
West Ham's commercial department are thought to have negotiated a £4m per year deal worth £20m over 5 years which is double that of the current Adidas deal which earned the Hammers £2m per year and £4m over a two year contract.
When added to the £20m deal the Hammers already agreed with Online betting company Betway this year it brings an impressive extra £40m of funding to the club.
Talking about the lucrative deal West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said:
"As we approach two historic seasons for West Ham United, we are delighted once again to team up with Umbro, a company which – like West Ham – is steeped in the heritage of English football but also a fast-growing global brand with an exciting future ahead. It is especially fitting that – during our final season at the Boleyn Ground – our players and fans will wear a brand synonymous with one of the finest moments in West Ham's rich history: England's 1966 World Cup triumph.It is our determination to bring back those glory days of the 1960s when we move to our magnificent new Stadium, and we look forward to doing so in partnership with Umbro, whose commitment to the highest standards of excellence and quality matches our own."
Paul Nugent, Vice President of Global Marketing for Umbro, added:
"West Ham United is an incredibly exciting and significant signing for Umbro. This is a special period in the club's history and we are delighted to be part of it. We know the last season at the Boleyn Ground will be an emotional one and we have worked closely with the club – with input from Hammers fans – to create a memorable set of kits to commemorate the final season.Our kit designs for West Ham are unique to the club and celebrate the rich traditions of the club whilst incorporating all the modern performance properties required for today's game. We're looking forward to sharing our 2015/16 kits and hope players and fans will be proud to wear them both home and away."
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Everton to subsidise cost of tickets for supporters travelling to West Ham match on 16 May
17:37, 30 April 2015 By James Whaling
The Hammers are charging £55 for adults and £32 for under-16s and over-65s, but the Toffees will reduce those costs by £10
The Mirror
Everton have announced they will subsidise the cost of tickets for supporters travelling to West Ham to watch the Toffees on 16 May.
The Hammers will charge away fans £55 for an adult ticket, with under-16s and over-65s being charged £32. However, the Everton players and the club have agreed to reduce those prices by £10, making them £45 and £22 respectively. A club statement said: "The players, management and club appreciate the lengths supporters have gone to this season to follow the team across the country and beyond into Europe and are thankful for the efforts of all those who have been there to ensure packed out away ends have greeted us wherever we have played."
Toffees skipper Phil Jagielka has backed the initiative, and praise the fans for their support throughout the season. He said: "Everton fans' support is always magnificent, our away fans especially, and this gesture is to show our gratitude to them for their support throughout the season." Everton also reduced the prices for the games at Newcastle and Swansea earlier this season, and offered free coach travel to Burnley, Southampton, Crystal Palace and QPR.
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West Ham United sign new five-year kit deal with sportswear giants Umbro
16:36, 30 April 2015 By James Whaling
The contract will start from the beginning of next season, and the Hammers join Everton in choosing the company to manufacture their kit
The Mirror
West Ham United have signed a new five-year deal with kit manufacturer Umbro. The contract will start from the beginning of next season, and the Hammers join Everton in choosing the sportswear giants to manufacture their kit. The brand will produce all of West Ham's playing and training wear, as well as replicas and other leisure wear for supporters. Umbro first produced West Ham's kits during their glory years of the 1960s, and the first year of this fresh deal will be the club's last at the Boleyn Ground. The picture used to promote the deal features five locations from around the famous old stadium, namely the Q U eens Pub, Boleyn Cine M a, B obby Moore statue, Boleyn Ground tu R nstile and B O leyn Pub.
Paul Nugent, VP of Global Marketing for Umbro, commented: "West Ham United is an incredibly exciting and significant signing for Umbro.
"This is a special period in the club's history and we are delighted to be part of it. We know the last season at the Boleyn Ground will be an emotional one and we worked closely with the club during the design process to create a memorable set of kits to commemorate the final season. "Our kit designs for West Ham are unique to the club and celebrate the rich traditions of the club whilst incorporating all the modern performance properties required for today's game. "We're looking forward to sharing our 2015/16 kits and hope players and fans will be proud to wear them both home and away."
West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "As we approach two historic seasons for the club, we are delighted once again to team up with Umbro, a company – which like West Ham – is steeped in the heritage of English football but also a fast-growing global brand with an exciting future ahead. "It is especially fitting that – during our final season at the Boleyn Ground – our players and fans will wear a brand synonymous with one of the finest moments in West Ham's rich history: England's 1966 World Cup triumph. "It is our clear ambition to bring back those glory days of the 1960s when we move to our magnificent new Stadium, and we look forward to doing so in partnership with Umbro, whose commitment to the highest standards of excellence and quality matches our own."
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Liverpool? West Ham? Where next for Marcelo Bielsa - one of football's great minds?
10:07, 30 April 2015
OPINION BY JONATHANWILSON
The Argentine has turned another club round down in Marseille, but with his contract expiring we look at where he could be headed
The Mirror
So the familiar pattern repeats for Marcelo Bielsa. When the Argentinian arrived at Marseille last summer, players spoke in awe of how tough and how unusual his training session were. Marseille began the season well. Their football was thrilling. Fans loved him. There was a disagreement with the board over transfer policy that was swiftly forgotten because results were so good. And then fatigue set in.
Players found they couldn't keep going. Marseille have lost four in a row. Champions League qualification looks beyond them. And now the talk is that Bielsa will leave in the summer.
This is how it always is with Bielsa, and why history will almost certainly judge him a greater theorist than a coach. "If players weren't human, I'd never lose," he said while manager of Velez Sarsfield in 1997, but the problem is that they are. They're not Duracell bunnies who will run all day so that a manager's only job is to point them in the right direction. They get tired.
"It's a method that provokes a certain level of tiredness," said the midfielder Juan Manuel Llop, who played under Bielsa at Newell's Old Boys when they won the Argentinian championship and reached the final of the Copa Libertadores.
"Not just physical tiredness, but also mental and emotional tiredness because the competition level is so high that it's difficult to keep up with it after a period of time. Not all human beings are the same, or think the same, or react in the same way. And the style of Bielsa, his training sessions, demand continuity and it's difficult."
In 25 years as a manager, Bielsa has won only two league titles, although he did also lead Argentina to Olympic gold. But he is a visionary, a coach who revolutionised South American football, and his idealism means that if he were ever to win another trophy, it would be a victory above other victories, one born out of a romantic attachment to attacking football.
His privileging of process over outcome, means Bielsa probably isn't the right fit for a club demanding a constant trickle of silverware.
What he needs is a club where he can be in control - his initial spat with the Marseille board came because they'd bought him a player he didn't want - and that, at least in the short term, is prepared to back his project rather than demanding instant achievement.
Bielsa's eccentricities would guarantee publicity, while the other feature that might make him attractive is the other feature of his classic arc: for a couple of weeks there is confusion, then there is clarity and in that period, results soar. Nobody seriously expected Marseille to challenge for the title this season, just as nobody expected Athletic of Bilbao to challenge for the Europa League; at both Bielsa has over-achieved before exhaustion set in.
So if he does leave Marseille, where next for the former Argentina and Chile coach? There have been rumours linking him to Liverpool which, in tactical terms, makes sense. They're a squad used to pressing, a Bielsa fundamental, and to playing with a back three, which Bielsa often favours. He would need control over transfers, though, which the club may be unwilling to grant him.
Bielsa is also on West Ham's short list. The tactical fit is not so clear, but his football is direct ("vertical" is the term he prefers) and there is pace in the squad for him to work with. With fewer expectations, less pressure, the club itself seems a good fit for him, and a coach of his profile would be a useful step up as they near the move to the Olympic Stadium.
There is an obvious question, though, of whether Bielsa's style could work in the Premier League. Its reputation for physicality isn't just a cliché. Part of Bielsa's methodology is for his team to be fitter than its rivals, to wear them down; given the effort needed to achieve that in Spain and France has caused his squad to collapse, it's far from clear he would be able to achieve that in England.
In that regard, a move to Italy may make more sense. Pressing is still far from universal in Serie A, and the success the likes of Gian Piero Gasperini and Antonio Conte have had with a pressing game suggests the impact Bielsa could have. If Rafa Benitez is set on a return to the Premier League, Bielsa's best option may be another industrial port with a team that has never quite achieved what it probably ought to have: Napoli.
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Allardyce: "There have been no contract talks"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 30, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce has confirmed the worst kept secret in football – he has NOT been offered a new deal and has not been in talks. David Gold yesterday revealed exclusively to ClaretandHugh that tweets from Talk Sport's Ian Abrahams sayin "talks were rumoured to be underway" were not true. Allaryce said: "There's no truth in that, no." Asked in his press conference today whether he had considered other jobs – either abroad or in the Championship – he replied: "No, I'm not thinking about that at all. We're into the last 24, 25 days of the season. "After that we'll discuss my future at West Ham United. We'll talk things through then, nothing else interests me." Meanwhile, he confirmed that Reece Burke would would get another pouting at the heart of defence with Winston Reid still suffering a hamstring problem. He said: ""The injury situation stays the same for us unfortunately so we run with the same squad that was available last week.
"That means another start for Reece Burke, hopefully he can put in another good performance or an even better one than he did against Queens Park Rangers. We go into the game looking to get a result and a win at home." He admitted he was looking forward to the end of the campaign, saying: "I always look forward to the end of the season. I look forward to getting in the sun and relaxing and reflecting on the season. "We've had a fantastic season but we're now in a run where we should have done a lot better and we accept that. We're pushing to put that right and trying to getting back to winning matches.
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Hammers announce £20m Umbro deal
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 30, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham and Umbro have finally officially announced their five-year commercial agreement to become the Club's official technical partner from next season taking over from Adidas.
The worst kept secret in football was widely reported back in October last year so the announcement comes as no surprise to many fans.
Umbro was sold by Nike in 2012 to the Iconix Brand Group for £140m and in February last year Umbro announced Everton as their first new Premier League club to start from the beginning of the 2014/15 football season.The Everton deal is claimed to be worth £6m per year or £30m over five years.
West Ham are thought to have stuck a £4m per year deal worth £20m over years which is double that of our current Adidas deal which earned the Hammers £2m per year and £4m over the length of the two year contract.
When added to the £20m deal already agreed with Online betting company Betway who signed a three and a half year sponsorship deal earlier this year it brings an extra £40m of funding in the coming to invest.
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Nolan move on the cards
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 30, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Kevin Nolan will be allowed to move on in the summer should the club receive a "sensible offer" for the captain.
The club have decided that the skipper – 33 in June -should be given the opportunity to grab one more decent deal after his service to the club as he no longer fits the youthful profile the club requires.
He has of course been at the centre of long term abuse from the Twitter army and at the beginning last month said: ""I have been considering my future, without a shadow of a doubt.
"I am not one who wants to sit here on the bench, I won't continue to do it. If you are not good enough for one club you move on and prove to someone else that you are."
The club has now decided that he will definitely be allowed to move on with a source declaring: "He has a year left and it would be only fair to him. There will be a fee involved and we will listen to sensible offers."
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DG loses cool in new Twitter row
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 30, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Gold has lost his legendary Twitter cool after telling a follower using the hashtag #joke club: "I am tired of this."
The co chairman has found himself caught up more and more in the downside of Twitter over recent days after being criticised for comments about injuries not helping a dismal showing at QPR.
But this morning (Thurs) he snapped at a follower who decided to use the hashtag #jokeclub .
It had read: We're gonna finish 12th, all because our depth in the squad and lack of good management @davidgold #joke club.
The co chairman responded: "I am tired of this. We are not a "joke club" we are a GREAT club going though a difficult time. dg
That opened the floodgates with a mass of responses pouring in – most claiming the problem laid with Sam Allardyce's continuing management.
One said: "You're 'tired of all this'? Sack Allardyce tomorrow and you'd have the fans back inside instantly. Problem solved.
Other said: @davidgold @sportmurphy a weak manager makes our club a joke. We need a strong figurehead for when we get to OS – Sam is not our man #actnow
@davidgold @sportmurphy As an outsider if West ham had made a decision on Big sam +everyone new what was happening they would of been top 8
@davidgold @sportmurphy even if we had messi,sam would still start cole ahead of him. We will never go forward with sam.get rid asap
@davidgold @sportmurphy if your tired of it, get rid of Sam, simple Ashley. #DT38 @WestHamFan3 11h11 hours ago
@davidgold @sportmurphy keeping Allardyce next season will pretty much mean we have to have him at the OS, complete lack of ambition.
Later DG returned to the subject to declare in one tweet: "When 87% of the fans ask us to go, as they did at Birmingham and next time be careful what you wish for. dg
And his latest he adds: "I don't get shirty when fans question my judgement but I do get upset when they say that our club is a "joke" dg
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Hammers scouting keepers
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 30, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are scouting for replacement keepers to challenge Adrian next season. Both Jussi Jääskeläinen and Rahael Spiegel see their their contracts expire next month with little chance of them being renewed. Jussi turned 40 this month and it seems unlikely he will be offered another short term contract whilst meanwhile Spiegel has failed to impress since joining in 2012 despite loans to Crawley, Barnet and Carlisle.
West Ham are said to scouting Turkish goal keeper Mert Gunok who is is out of contract at Fenerbahce this summer. Gunok is currently back-up to Volkan Demirel but has made just seven league appearances this season. Southend goalkeeper Daniel Bentley has regularly been linked with a move to West Ham along with Loris Karius, a German under-20 international who is also said to be a Hammers target. Karel Hrubes, the Czech under-21 'keeper and plays for Slavia Prague, has also been scouted according to reports.
Great things are expected of West Ham academy keeper Sam Howes but it is thought to be too early to become Adrian understudy. Howes signed his first professional contract with the Hammers on the day of his 17th birthday last year, putting pen to paper on a two-and-a-half year deal.
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Burke has Burnley chances
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 30, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Reece Burke may be handed another opportunity to impress at the weekend with Winston Reid still rated only 60/40 against chance of returning from a hamstring injury.
There is no planned return date for the newly signed-up central defender and should he fail to make it, an interesting situation develops for the fans.
For we will discover whether Sam Allardyce was sufficiently impressed with Burke to trust him against Burnley or whether he will go for the safety first policy of playing Cheik Kouyate at the back.
Diafra Sakho remains sidelined and James Tomkins hopes of returning before the end of the season seem to be receding whilst Andy Carroll is set for a return on the first day of next season.
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Spot on DG! West Ham are NOT a joke club
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 30, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
By Sean Whetstone
CandH associate editor
West Ham owner and co-Chairman snapped back to one fan on twitter this morning saying "I don't get shirty when fans question my judgement but I do get upset when they say that our club is a "joke" dg"
I agree with Gold, if anything its is the small minority of the fans who are the joke by continuing to harass and troll a 78 year man who helped save our beloved club from financial meltdown.
Some fans are never happy and continue moan about the manager, players, board and club in general no matter what is achieved on or off the pitch.
As far as I am aware David Gold is the only Premier League chairman to join and remain on twitter since 2011 and he continues to communicate with fans despite continuous and sometime vile abuse. You wouldn't catch Spurs chairman Daniel Levy communicating with fans or answering questions in the way our board does.
David Gold and David Sullivan single handedly saved our club from financial ruin after the Icelandic disaster and previous chairman in the form of Terry Brown and the Cairns family fared little better having their own disasters in the form of the Bond scheme and other allegations.
Yes, Gold and Sullivan have made mistakes by their own admission such as the appointment of Avram Grant but they are only human and despite claims they are only in it for the money I believe they do care passionately about the club we all love.
In reality there are far easier and less stressful ways in business to invest your life savings to make money and get better returns.
Fans should remember that before making personal attacks, I think the club and fans would be worst off if the fans succeed in driving David Gold off twitter altogether or maybe that is what they want!
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WHUFC.com
West Ham United and Umbro are delighted to announce a new five-year commercial agreement which will see the legendary global sportswear company become the Club's official technical partner from next season, producing all the Hammers' official kits, from first team to youth level, as well as training products and leisure wear for players and fans.
This means Umbro will take on the historic task of producing the special commemorative kit that West Ham will wear for the Club's final season at the Boleyn Ground, as well as the kit the team will wear when playing for the first time at our magnificent new Stadium on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Umbro have a long-standing association with West Ham, having produced the Club's first ever replica kits for sale to supporters during the 1960s, when they also famously designed the England kits worn by West Ham's World Cup winning heroes in 1966. Umbro were West Ham's official kit suppliers from 2007-10.
West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "As we approach two historic seasons for West Ham United, we are delighted once again to team up with Umbro, a company which – like West Ham – is steeped in the heritage of English football but also a fast-growing global brand with an exciting future ahead.
"It is especially fitting that – during our final season at the Boleyn Ground – our players and fans will wear a brand synonymous with one of the finest moments in West Ham's rich history: England's 1966 World Cup triumph.
"It is our determination to bring back those glory days of the 1960s when we move to our magnificent new Stadium, and we look forward to doing so in partnership with Umbro, whose commitment to the highest standards of excellence and quality matches our own."
Paul Nugent, Vice President of Global Marketing for Umbro, added: "West Ham United is an incredibly exciting and significant signing for Umbro. This is a special period in the club's history and we are delighted to be part of it.
"We know the last season at the Boleyn Ground will be an emotional one and we have worked closely with the club – with input from Hammers fans – to create a memorable set of kits to commemorate the final season.
"Our kit designs for West Ham are unique to the club and celebrate the rich traditions of the club whilst incorporating all the modern performance properties required for today's game. We're looking forward to sharing our 2015/16 kits and hope players and fans will be proud to wear them both home and away."
Umbro already produce kits for dozens of major top-flight and international sides around the world, including Everton, PSV Eindhoven, Grêmio, FC Tokyo, Vasco da Gama and the Republic of Ireland.
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Big Sam on: Burnley
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce faced the press ahead of Saturday's game with Burnley.
During the press conference, the Gaffer answered questions on the team's injury news, the threat Burnley pose and finishing the season positively.
Hi Sam, do you have an injury update for us?
SA: "The injury situation stays the same for us unfortunately so we run with the same squad that was available last week. That means another start for Reece Burke, hopefully he can put in another good performance or an even better one than he did against Queens Park Rangers. We go into the game looking to get a result and a win at home."
Burnley need the win as well, what are your thoughts ahead of that game?
SA: "They play a very similar way to QPR, with a 4-4-2 formation. Like every team you have to look for their weaknesses and exploit them.
"As has been the case with ourselves, they have been a little short on goals recently. That's been a big problem for Sean, they've created a lot of chances but they haven't finished them off. We have to make sure we take our chances while keeping an all-important clean sheet like we did last weekend. "I don't think it will be a tight game because Burnley know they have to come here and go for it. We have to be aware of that, stay solid and exploit the spaces they may leave."
Is the target for the rest of the season to win every game?
SA: "Yes, certainly to try and win. We've got four games to go and 12 points to play for. We're trying to get to the 50 point mark and finish higher than tenth. With the games we've got left, we know our top form is good enough to achieve that."
There were reports in the week that you've opened early contract negotiations, is there any truth in that?
SA: "There's no truth in that, no."
If you don't stay here have you considered other jobs, maybe abroad or in the Championship?
SA: "No, I'm not thinking about that at all. We're into the last 24, 25 days of the season. After that we'll discuss my future at West Ham United. We'll talk things through then, nothing else interests me."
Are you looking forward to the end of the season, one way or the other?
SA: "I always look forward to the end of the season. I look forward to getting in the sun and relaxing and reflecting on the season.
We've had a fantastic season but we're now in a run where we should have done a lot better and we accept that. We're pushing to put that right and trying to getting back to winning matches."
Have you had a chance to think a player's targets for next season?
SA: "Yes we've been doing all that. We're looking at preseason and Martin Glover, our head of recruitment is putting a list of potential players. We need to sort out what's happening with me, then we'll look at the situation of our current players and then any transfers."
A number of clubs are looking at Callum Wilson at Bournemouth, are West Ham one of those clubs?
SA: "I think he'd probably be too expensive considering Bournemouth have just been promoted and they'll want to keep him. There's no pressure on them to sell him so it would take a big number to sign him."
Since 2002, West Ham's highest finish has been ninth, is that a pretty big carrot for you?
SA: "The truth is that we should have nailed that a long time ago but we haven't. We want to finish tenth or higher. We haven't won for a while so we need to make sure our heads don't drop because we're not satisfied with just being safe from relegation a long time ago."
Burnley are at the bottom of the table but Leicester and other clubs down the years have shown it's possible to put a run together and get out of danger…
SA: "At this stage of the season you do begin to panic if you're down at the bottom. We've seen teams pull it together, Leicester at the moment, Sunderland last season. Alan Curbishley did it here a few seasons ago. It can be done, we have to guard against Burnley doing that against us on Saturday. Our fans will expect us to play well and win."
What do you think about the job that Sean Dyche has done at Burnley?
SA: "Sean is his own man and he knows what he wants from his players. He's sticking to his original plan because he thinks that's the best way of doing things. Perhaps I'm a little bit more flexible in terms of adapting to the teams that we play and the threats that the opposition face."
How important is it for you to play well in front of your fans and finish on a high?
SA: "We've got two home games left. Winning at home is always important because it sends the fans home happy. Winning away is fantastic, but at home, in front of 30 odd thousand is great. It makes our fans have a good weekend so we always try and do that. Since the turn of the year we haven't won away so we want to put that right."
Stewart Downing has said the only way to end speculation about your future is to play well. He also said the players love playing for you, are you aware of that feeling within the squad?
SA: "You're embarrassing me now! The players just need to make sure they don't let themselves down rather than letting me down. They know they're much more capable than recent results. It's come down to a few minutes of poor concentration here and there that have let us down. There have been one or two poor performances as well but not many."
You must have seen or heard about Nigel Pearson's press conference last night, what did you make of it?
SA: "I can understand Nigel's frustration because all managers are under a huge amount of pressure. To continue to work under that pressure and come through it is hard. At the end of the day, it's an outburst, nothing more really."
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From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com
We are now firmly in the final stretch of the 2014/15 season and it is important that we put our recent run of results behind us to end the campaign on as good a note as possible.
We welcome Burnley to the Boleyn Ground this Saturday and just as when we took on Queens Park Rangers last weekend, and Aston Villa next, we will be facing a team who are fighting for their lives at the wrong end of the table.
For us, we are well out of the scrap but that is not to say there is nothing to play for in these last four games. We built up a hugely positive momentum at the start of this season, and if we finish strongly, we can take some of that into the summer too.
It is nearly time, as we do at the end of every season, to sit down and plan how we can improve for the next one. That means identifying the right players to come in and take us forward once again and we will be doing our utmost to land our top targets.
The next season, of course, is going to be a memorable one for us as we bid an emotional farewell to the Boleyn Ground – and it is our job to make all aspects of the campaign memorable, not least on the pitch.
To that end, I'm thrilled that so many of you have chosen to be a part of the campaign by renewing your Season Tickets in record numbers. Our ticket office are now working through the waiting list for Season Tickets and we fully expect to hit our cap before the start of the new season so if you are on the waiting list please do make sure you are available when the ticket office try to contact you.
On another note, we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of one of our greatest nights this year. I am, of course, talking about our European Cup Winners' Cup triumph over 1860 Munich at Wembley.
To mark the occasion, it has been my great pleasure to invite several members of that legendary team back to the Boleyn Ground for this Saturday's game and I am looking forward to seeing them, just as no doubt they are looking forward to seeing all the fans again.
Their triumph came in the middle of a glorious era for the Club, and those are the kind of days we are hoping to experience once again in the near future.
Come on you Irons
David Sullivan
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Chadwell Chatter - Enner Valencia
WHUFC.com
Hello everyone,
We've got Burnley on Saturday and after playing the last two games I feel great now. I've had some injuries during the season but now I am back and ready to play. I am looking forward to scoring again – it's been a while since I scored my last goal and I am desperate to help the team win the game on Saturday by scoring again.
I remember my goal at Burnley well. It was a good goal on the counter attack. Carl Jenkinson put in a good cross and thankfully I could head it into the goal. It's always to easier when you play with good players like we have at West Ham. The delivery from players like Jenks, Stewart Downing and Aaron Cresswell is great and that's what we need, good players playing together as a team.
Looking back on my first season at West Ham, I think it has been a year of ups and downs. I had a few injuries at the beginning, and the Premier League is a very strong, dynamic league.
I've had to adapt, which has been hard, but I think I've done well in the process. I have learned a lot about the Premier League, the teams that play well, the teams that play strong and different kinds of football. I've adapted and I think next season will be better than this one. Looking further ahead, and I will have the Copa America to look forward to with Ecuador in the summer. I was at the World Cup last year, so I haven't had a break, but I'm lucky because I love my profession.
I love playing football and I am looking forward to ending the season well with West Ham and then going away with the national team to prepare for the Copa America. I'm confident that we can have a good tournament because we have a good group of players, a new manager and technical staff and we believe we can do well. Back to Saturday and we're all determined to get the three points we need, so hopefully we can start the final run-in with a good result.
Enner
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Hammers open Great Baddow sports dome
WHUFC.com
West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce, alongside Academy graduates Mark Noble and Reece Burke, went back to school this week to open the doors to Great Baddow High School's brand new inflatable air sports dome. The Chelmsford secondary school has recently joined forces with the West Ham United Foundation, who will be delivering in-school and after-school curricular activity, as well as introducing an elite player pathway to the Academy. Replacing a dilapidated tarmac playground area, the double skinned air dome is floodlit and large enough to accommodate two five-a-side football pitches. The 3G pitch will bring a new generation of sports provision to the school and local community and Big Sam hopes that Great Baddow's ambition and investment will rub off on other schools in the area. "This is a fantastic facility and I'm sure the students will respect it and make tremendous use of it," Allardyce said. "It was important for me to be here to encourage as many schools as possible to build a facility of this quality, to give an opportunity for youngsters of all ages to enjoy team sports. "When you've got a facility as good as this, then the boys and girls don't realise the physical demands they are putting on themselves, because they're enjoying it. That's the key thing for me. "Whether it's football, rugby or tennis, physical education is so important for your whole life experience as you grow up. "Hopefully, one day, we'll have a Great Baddow High pupil running out for West Ham at the new Stadium!"
For headteacher Carrie Lynch, the sports dome is set to transform what pupils are able to do in their physical education lessons. Chelmsford, of course, is a West Ham stronghold these days and so the Hammers' backing was most welcome too. We're absolutely thrilled to have this facility," Mrs Lynch confirmed. "To have all the visitors from West Ham, working with our students, talking to them and inspiring them has been fantastic. "I think it's really important for our students to see that the people they really admire, will actually come out, put the time in with young people, hopefully inspiring the next generation. So we really appreciated that."
Though it was only completed a week ago, the sports dome is already in demand, such that there was a ballot for the grand opening and Mrs Lynch expects more of the same in the coming weeks and months. She continued: "They've been dying to get in there. We only completed the project about a week ago. It has been there first chance to get in there and other students have definitely been very jealous. They'll be queuing up in their PE lessons!"
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Burke in for Burnley start
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 30th April 2015
By: Staff Writer
17-year-old Reece Burke is set to make his second start for the Hammers this weekend when struggling Burnley provide the opposition. Burke, who made his first professional start in last weekend's goalless draw at Loftus Road will partner James Collins for a second successive weekend when the Clarets visit the Boleyn Ground on Saturday. With James Tomkins out for the rest of the season with a shoulder problem and Winston Reid still unavailable due to a hamstring, Burke will be once again start for Sam Allardyce in West Ham's penultimate home game of the 2014/15 season. Manager Allardyce, speaking to the press this morning revealed the news. "Our injury list stays the same. Unfortunately there's nobody back from last week which means the same squad and another start for Reece Burke," he confirmed.
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Song back in contention for Burnley visit
KUMb.com
Filed: Thursday, 30th April 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham midfielder Alex Song could make his return against Burnley after being give the all clear by West Ham's medical staff. The on-loan central midfielder missed the trip to Queens Park Rangers last weekend after reporting discomfort in his back but is back in contention for this weekend's Boleyn clash, according to the club's Head of Medical and Sports Science, Stijn Vandenbroucke. "Alex is no longer feeling pain and discomfort in his back and was able to return to the training pitch on Monday," Vandenbroucke told whufc.com.
"After training on an individual basis for one day, Alex returned to the group on Tuesday and is available for selection against Burnley."
In other injury news, Winston Reid - who sustained a recent hamstring injury - continues his rehabilitation but will not be available in time for this weekend. Fellow central defender James Tomkins is back in training, although he will not play again this term. None of West Ham's long-term injured squad members - Andy Carroll, Doneil Henry, Diafra Sakho and Guy Demel - are expected play again this season either.
Song has made 28 appearances for West Ham this season, without scoring a legitimate goal. Referee Neil Swarbrick incorrectly ruled out what would have been his only goal against Arsenal last December.
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Cup Winners' Cup heroes to attend Burnley clash
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 30th April 2015
By: Staff Writer
Several members of West Ham United's heroes from 1965's Cup Winners' Cup-winning squad will be returning to the Boleyn this weekend to mark 50 years since the club's greatest ever night. On 19 May 1965, Bobby Moore's West Ham beat 1860 Munich 2-0 at Wembley courtesy of goals from Alan Sealey to secure the club's only European trophy. And West Ham's co-owner David Sullivan revealed this morning that a number of the players involved on that wonderful night are the club's special guests for this week's Premier League meeting with Burnley.
"We are celebrating the 50th anniversary of one of our greatest nights this year," Sullivan wrote on whufc.com. "I am, of course, talking about our European Cup Winners' Cup triumph over 1860 Munich at Wembley. "To mark the occasion, it has been my great pleasure to invite several members of that legendary team back to the Boleyn Ground for this Saturday's game and I am looking forward to seeing them, just as no doubt they are looking forward to seeing all the fans again. "Their triumph came in the middle of a glorious era for the Club, and those are the kind of days we are hoping to experience once again in the near future."
West Ham's win against Munich was voted by supporters as the club's greatest ever achievement in KUMB.com's '100 Greatest Moments' poll, the top ten of which you can see here.
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West Ham announce Umbro partnership
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 30th April 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have confirmed a new five-year partnership with Umbro - as revealed here on KUMB back in October.
Some six months after KUMB initially broke the news, the club have finally confirmed that the kit manufacturer will be replacing Adidas ahead of the move to the Olympic Stadium.
Karren Brady, West Ham's vice-chair said of the new deal: "As we approach two historic seasons for West Ham United, we are delighted once again to team up with Umbro, a company which – like West Ham – is steeped in the heritage of English football but also a fast-growing global brand with an exciting future ahead.
"It is especially fitting that – during our final season at the Boleyn Ground – our players and fans will wear a brand synonymous with one of the finest moments in West Ham's rich history: England's 1966 World Cup triumph.
"It is our determination to bring back those glory days of the 1960s when we move to our magnificent new Stadium, and we look forward to doing so in partnership with Umbro, whose commitment to the highest standards of excellence and quality matches our own."
The Cheshire-born company, now a subsidiary of American company Iconix Brand Group, beat off interest from Nike and Puma to land the West Ham contract.
Vice President of Global Marketing Paul Nugent added: "West Ham United is an incredibly exciting and significant signing for Umbro. This is a special period in the club's history and we are delighted to be part of it.
"We know the last season at the Boleyn Ground will be an emotional one and we have worked closely with the club – with input from Hammers fans – to create a memorable set of kits to commemorate the final season.
"Our kit designs for West Ham are unique to the club and celebrate the rich traditions of the club whilst incorporating all the modern performance properties required for today's game.
"We're looking forward to sharing our 2015/16 kits and hope players and fans will be proud to wear them both home and away."
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Sam Allardyce refutes claims of West Ham contract talks
Last Updated: 30/04/15 5:58pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce has denied claims he has opened talks over a new contract at West Ham. Allardyce's current deal as manager expires at the end of the season and there has been frenzied speculation in the press linking several of Europe's biggest names - including Rafa Benitez and Jurgen Klopp - with the role. But although Allardyce has refuted stories of talks, he insists he is preparing for next season as normal. "What my future will be will be when we decide to sit down at West Ham and talk through our situation," he said. "Outside of that, at this moment, nothing else interests me. "We are doing all the pre-season work. Martin (Glover), our head of recruitment, is looking to pull a list together with all the people that we work with. "If and when we decide what is happening with some of the players...as always sort myself out, the most important thing, then we move forward with that."
Allardyce also used Thursday's pre-match news conference to distance himself from reports linking West Ham with a move for Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson. "I think he would probably be too expensive," Allardyce said when asked if Wilson would be a potential transfer target. "If Bournemouth let a player of his calibre go, after just being promoted to the Premier League, they would put a massive price on his head. If they were tempted to sell him, it would be for a big number."
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THE UMBRO £20M DEAL
By Sean Whetstone 30 Apr 2015 at 17:01
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham United and Umbro have finally announced their five-year commercial agreement which will see the global sportswear company become the Club's official technical partner from next season, producing all the Hammers' official kits, from first team to youth level, as well as training products and leisure wear for players and fans.
The announcement was hardly a surprise as we covered the story back in October last year www.westhamtillidie.com/posts/2014/10/29/hammers-to-replace-adidas-with-umbro
The picture used to promote the new deal features five locations from around the Boleyn Ground, namely the Q U eens Pub, Boleyn Cine M a, B obby Moore statue, Boleyn Ground tu R nstile and B O leyn Pub.
Umbro will take on the task of producing the special commemorative kit that West Ham will wear for the Club's final season at the Boleyn Ground, as well as the kit the team will wear when playing for the first time at our magnificent new Stadium on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Umbro have a long-standing association with West Ham, having produced the Club's first ever replica kits for sale to supporters during the 1960s, when they also famously designed the England kits worn by West Ham's World Cup winning heroes in 1966. Umbro were West Ham's official kit suppliers from 2007-10.
Umbro was sold by Nike in 2012 to the Iconix Brand Group for £140m and February last year Umbro announced Everton as their first new Premier League club to start from the beginning of the 2014/15 football season in a deal thought to be worth £6m per year or £30 over 5 years.
Andy Carroll is also on the books of Umbro, he signed a deal back in 2011 while still playing for Newcastle.
West Ham's commercial department are thought to have negotiated a £4m per year deal worth £20m over 5 years which is double that of the current Adidas deal which earned the Hammers £2m per year and £4m over a two year contract.
When added to the £20m deal the Hammers already agreed with Online betting company Betway this year it brings an impressive extra £40m of funding to the club.
Talking about the lucrative deal West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said:
"As we approach two historic seasons for West Ham United, we are delighted once again to team up with Umbro, a company which – like West Ham – is steeped in the heritage of English football but also a fast-growing global brand with an exciting future ahead. It is especially fitting that – during our final season at the Boleyn Ground – our players and fans will wear a brand synonymous with one of the finest moments in West Ham's rich history: England's 1966 World Cup triumph.It is our determination to bring back those glory days of the 1960s when we move to our magnificent new Stadium, and we look forward to doing so in partnership with Umbro, whose commitment to the highest standards of excellence and quality matches our own."
Paul Nugent, Vice President of Global Marketing for Umbro, added:
"West Ham United is an incredibly exciting and significant signing for Umbro. This is a special period in the club's history and we are delighted to be part of it. We know the last season at the Boleyn Ground will be an emotional one and we have worked closely with the club – with input from Hammers fans – to create a memorable set of kits to commemorate the final season.Our kit designs for West Ham are unique to the club and celebrate the rich traditions of the club whilst incorporating all the modern performance properties required for today's game. We're looking forward to sharing our 2015/16 kits and hope players and fans will be proud to wear them both home and away."
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Everton to subsidise cost of tickets for supporters travelling to West Ham match on 16 May
17:37, 30 April 2015 By James Whaling
The Hammers are charging £55 for adults and £32 for under-16s and over-65s, but the Toffees will reduce those costs by £10
The Mirror
Everton have announced they will subsidise the cost of tickets for supporters travelling to West Ham to watch the Toffees on 16 May.
The Hammers will charge away fans £55 for an adult ticket, with under-16s and over-65s being charged £32. However, the Everton players and the club have agreed to reduce those prices by £10, making them £45 and £22 respectively. A club statement said: "The players, management and club appreciate the lengths supporters have gone to this season to follow the team across the country and beyond into Europe and are thankful for the efforts of all those who have been there to ensure packed out away ends have greeted us wherever we have played."
Toffees skipper Phil Jagielka has backed the initiative, and praise the fans for their support throughout the season. He said: "Everton fans' support is always magnificent, our away fans especially, and this gesture is to show our gratitude to them for their support throughout the season." Everton also reduced the prices for the games at Newcastle and Swansea earlier this season, and offered free coach travel to Burnley, Southampton, Crystal Palace and QPR.
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West Ham United sign new five-year kit deal with sportswear giants Umbro
16:36, 30 April 2015 By James Whaling
The contract will start from the beginning of next season, and the Hammers join Everton in choosing the company to manufacture their kit
The Mirror
West Ham United have signed a new five-year deal with kit manufacturer Umbro. The contract will start from the beginning of next season, and the Hammers join Everton in choosing the sportswear giants to manufacture their kit. The brand will produce all of West Ham's playing and training wear, as well as replicas and other leisure wear for supporters. Umbro first produced West Ham's kits during their glory years of the 1960s, and the first year of this fresh deal will be the club's last at the Boleyn Ground. The picture used to promote the deal features five locations from around the famous old stadium, namely the Q U eens Pub, Boleyn Cine M a, B obby Moore statue, Boleyn Ground tu R nstile and B O leyn Pub.
Paul Nugent, VP of Global Marketing for Umbro, commented: "West Ham United is an incredibly exciting and significant signing for Umbro.
"This is a special period in the club's history and we are delighted to be part of it. We know the last season at the Boleyn Ground will be an emotional one and we worked closely with the club during the design process to create a memorable set of kits to commemorate the final season. "Our kit designs for West Ham are unique to the club and celebrate the rich traditions of the club whilst incorporating all the modern performance properties required for today's game. "We're looking forward to sharing our 2015/16 kits and hope players and fans will be proud to wear them both home and away."
West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "As we approach two historic seasons for the club, we are delighted once again to team up with Umbro, a company – which like West Ham – is steeped in the heritage of English football but also a fast-growing global brand with an exciting future ahead. "It is especially fitting that – during our final season at the Boleyn Ground – our players and fans will wear a brand synonymous with one of the finest moments in West Ham's rich history: England's 1966 World Cup triumph. "It is our clear ambition to bring back those glory days of the 1960s when we move to our magnificent new Stadium, and we look forward to doing so in partnership with Umbro, whose commitment to the highest standards of excellence and quality matches our own."
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Liverpool? West Ham? Where next for Marcelo Bielsa - one of football's great minds?
10:07, 30 April 2015
OPINION BY JONATHANWILSON
The Argentine has turned another club round down in Marseille, but with his contract expiring we look at where he could be headed
The Mirror
So the familiar pattern repeats for Marcelo Bielsa. When the Argentinian arrived at Marseille last summer, players spoke in awe of how tough and how unusual his training session were. Marseille began the season well. Their football was thrilling. Fans loved him. There was a disagreement with the board over transfer policy that was swiftly forgotten because results were so good. And then fatigue set in.
Players found they couldn't keep going. Marseille have lost four in a row. Champions League qualification looks beyond them. And now the talk is that Bielsa will leave in the summer.
This is how it always is with Bielsa, and why history will almost certainly judge him a greater theorist than a coach. "If players weren't human, I'd never lose," he said while manager of Velez Sarsfield in 1997, but the problem is that they are. They're not Duracell bunnies who will run all day so that a manager's only job is to point them in the right direction. They get tired.
"It's a method that provokes a certain level of tiredness," said the midfielder Juan Manuel Llop, who played under Bielsa at Newell's Old Boys when they won the Argentinian championship and reached the final of the Copa Libertadores.
"Not just physical tiredness, but also mental and emotional tiredness because the competition level is so high that it's difficult to keep up with it after a period of time. Not all human beings are the same, or think the same, or react in the same way. And the style of Bielsa, his training sessions, demand continuity and it's difficult."
In 25 years as a manager, Bielsa has won only two league titles, although he did also lead Argentina to Olympic gold. But he is a visionary, a coach who revolutionised South American football, and his idealism means that if he were ever to win another trophy, it would be a victory above other victories, one born out of a romantic attachment to attacking football.
His privileging of process over outcome, means Bielsa probably isn't the right fit for a club demanding a constant trickle of silverware.
What he needs is a club where he can be in control - his initial spat with the Marseille board came because they'd bought him a player he didn't want - and that, at least in the short term, is prepared to back his project rather than demanding instant achievement.
Bielsa's eccentricities would guarantee publicity, while the other feature that might make him attractive is the other feature of his classic arc: for a couple of weeks there is confusion, then there is clarity and in that period, results soar. Nobody seriously expected Marseille to challenge for the title this season, just as nobody expected Athletic of Bilbao to challenge for the Europa League; at both Bielsa has over-achieved before exhaustion set in.
So if he does leave Marseille, where next for the former Argentina and Chile coach? There have been rumours linking him to Liverpool which, in tactical terms, makes sense. They're a squad used to pressing, a Bielsa fundamental, and to playing with a back three, which Bielsa often favours. He would need control over transfers, though, which the club may be unwilling to grant him.
Bielsa is also on West Ham's short list. The tactical fit is not so clear, but his football is direct ("vertical" is the term he prefers) and there is pace in the squad for him to work with. With fewer expectations, less pressure, the club itself seems a good fit for him, and a coach of his profile would be a useful step up as they near the move to the Olympic Stadium.
There is an obvious question, though, of whether Bielsa's style could work in the Premier League. Its reputation for physicality isn't just a cliché. Part of Bielsa's methodology is for his team to be fitter than its rivals, to wear them down; given the effort needed to achieve that in Spain and France has caused his squad to collapse, it's far from clear he would be able to achieve that in England.
In that regard, a move to Italy may make more sense. Pressing is still far from universal in Serie A, and the success the likes of Gian Piero Gasperini and Antonio Conte have had with a pressing game suggests the impact Bielsa could have. If Rafa Benitez is set on a return to the Premier League, Bielsa's best option may be another industrial port with a team that has never quite achieved what it probably ought to have: Napoli.
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Allardyce: "There have been no contract talks"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 30, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce has confirmed the worst kept secret in football – he has NOT been offered a new deal and has not been in talks. David Gold yesterday revealed exclusively to ClaretandHugh that tweets from Talk Sport's Ian Abrahams sayin "talks were rumoured to be underway" were not true. Allaryce said: "There's no truth in that, no." Asked in his press conference today whether he had considered other jobs – either abroad or in the Championship – he replied: "No, I'm not thinking about that at all. We're into the last 24, 25 days of the season. "After that we'll discuss my future at West Ham United. We'll talk things through then, nothing else interests me." Meanwhile, he confirmed that Reece Burke would would get another pouting at the heart of defence with Winston Reid still suffering a hamstring problem. He said: ""The injury situation stays the same for us unfortunately so we run with the same squad that was available last week.
"That means another start for Reece Burke, hopefully he can put in another good performance or an even better one than he did against Queens Park Rangers. We go into the game looking to get a result and a win at home." He admitted he was looking forward to the end of the campaign, saying: "I always look forward to the end of the season. I look forward to getting in the sun and relaxing and reflecting on the season. "We've had a fantastic season but we're now in a run where we should have done a lot better and we accept that. We're pushing to put that right and trying to getting back to winning matches.
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Hammers announce £20m Umbro deal
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 30, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham and Umbro have finally officially announced their five-year commercial agreement to become the Club's official technical partner from next season taking over from Adidas.
The worst kept secret in football was widely reported back in October last year so the announcement comes as no surprise to many fans.
Umbro was sold by Nike in 2012 to the Iconix Brand Group for £140m and in February last year Umbro announced Everton as their first new Premier League club to start from the beginning of the 2014/15 football season.The Everton deal is claimed to be worth £6m per year or £30m over five years.
West Ham are thought to have stuck a £4m per year deal worth £20m over years which is double that of our current Adidas deal which earned the Hammers £2m per year and £4m over the length of the two year contract.
When added to the £20m deal already agreed with Online betting company Betway who signed a three and a half year sponsorship deal earlier this year it brings an extra £40m of funding in the coming to invest.
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Nolan move on the cards
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 30, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Kevin Nolan will be allowed to move on in the summer should the club receive a "sensible offer" for the captain.
The club have decided that the skipper – 33 in June -should be given the opportunity to grab one more decent deal after his service to the club as he no longer fits the youthful profile the club requires.
He has of course been at the centre of long term abuse from the Twitter army and at the beginning last month said: ""I have been considering my future, without a shadow of a doubt.
"I am not one who wants to sit here on the bench, I won't continue to do it. If you are not good enough for one club you move on and prove to someone else that you are."
The club has now decided that he will definitely be allowed to move on with a source declaring: "He has a year left and it would be only fair to him. There will be a fee involved and we will listen to sensible offers."
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DG loses cool in new Twitter row
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 30, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Gold has lost his legendary Twitter cool after telling a follower using the hashtag #joke club: "I am tired of this."
The co chairman has found himself caught up more and more in the downside of Twitter over recent days after being criticised for comments about injuries not helping a dismal showing at QPR.
But this morning (Thurs) he snapped at a follower who decided to use the hashtag #jokeclub .
It had read: We're gonna finish 12th, all because our depth in the squad and lack of good management @davidgold #joke club.
The co chairman responded: "I am tired of this. We are not a "joke club" we are a GREAT club going though a difficult time. dg
That opened the floodgates with a mass of responses pouring in – most claiming the problem laid with Sam Allardyce's continuing management.
One said: "You're 'tired of all this'? Sack Allardyce tomorrow and you'd have the fans back inside instantly. Problem solved.
Other said: @davidgold @sportmurphy a weak manager makes our club a joke. We need a strong figurehead for when we get to OS – Sam is not our man #actnow
@davidgold @sportmurphy As an outsider if West ham had made a decision on Big sam +everyone new what was happening they would of been top 8
@davidgold @sportmurphy even if we had messi,sam would still start cole ahead of him. We will never go forward with sam.get rid asap
@davidgold @sportmurphy if your tired of it, get rid of Sam, simple Ashley. #DT38 @WestHamFan3 11h11 hours ago
@davidgold @sportmurphy keeping Allardyce next season will pretty much mean we have to have him at the OS, complete lack of ambition.
Later DG returned to the subject to declare in one tweet: "When 87% of the fans ask us to go, as they did at Birmingham and next time be careful what you wish for. dg
And his latest he adds: "I don't get shirty when fans question my judgement but I do get upset when they say that our club is a "joke" dg
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Hammers scouting keepers
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 30, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are scouting for replacement keepers to challenge Adrian next season. Both Jussi Jääskeläinen and Rahael Spiegel see their their contracts expire next month with little chance of them being renewed. Jussi turned 40 this month and it seems unlikely he will be offered another short term contract whilst meanwhile Spiegel has failed to impress since joining in 2012 despite loans to Crawley, Barnet and Carlisle.
West Ham are said to scouting Turkish goal keeper Mert Gunok who is is out of contract at Fenerbahce this summer. Gunok is currently back-up to Volkan Demirel but has made just seven league appearances this season. Southend goalkeeper Daniel Bentley has regularly been linked with a move to West Ham along with Loris Karius, a German under-20 international who is also said to be a Hammers target. Karel Hrubes, the Czech under-21 'keeper and plays for Slavia Prague, has also been scouted according to reports.
Great things are expected of West Ham academy keeper Sam Howes but it is thought to be too early to become Adrian understudy. Howes signed his first professional contract with the Hammers on the day of his 17th birthday last year, putting pen to paper on a two-and-a-half year deal.
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Burke has Burnley chances
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 30, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Reece Burke may be handed another opportunity to impress at the weekend with Winston Reid still rated only 60/40 against chance of returning from a hamstring injury.
There is no planned return date for the newly signed-up central defender and should he fail to make it, an interesting situation develops for the fans.
For we will discover whether Sam Allardyce was sufficiently impressed with Burke to trust him against Burnley or whether he will go for the safety first policy of playing Cheik Kouyate at the back.
Diafra Sakho remains sidelined and James Tomkins hopes of returning before the end of the season seem to be receding whilst Andy Carroll is set for a return on the first day of next season.
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Spot on DG! West Ham are NOT a joke club
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 30, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
By Sean Whetstone
CandH associate editor
West Ham owner and co-Chairman snapped back to one fan on twitter this morning saying "I don't get shirty when fans question my judgement but I do get upset when they say that our club is a "joke" dg"
I agree with Gold, if anything its is the small minority of the fans who are the joke by continuing to harass and troll a 78 year man who helped save our beloved club from financial meltdown.
Some fans are never happy and continue moan about the manager, players, board and club in general no matter what is achieved on or off the pitch.
As far as I am aware David Gold is the only Premier League chairman to join and remain on twitter since 2011 and he continues to communicate with fans despite continuous and sometime vile abuse. You wouldn't catch Spurs chairman Daniel Levy communicating with fans or answering questions in the way our board does.
David Gold and David Sullivan single handedly saved our club from financial ruin after the Icelandic disaster and previous chairman in the form of Terry Brown and the Cairns family fared little better having their own disasters in the form of the Bond scheme and other allegations.
Yes, Gold and Sullivan have made mistakes by their own admission such as the appointment of Avram Grant but they are only human and despite claims they are only in it for the money I believe they do care passionately about the club we all love.
In reality there are far easier and less stressful ways in business to invest your life savings to make money and get better returns.
Fans should remember that before making personal attacks, I think the club and fans would be worst off if the fans succeed in driving David Gold off twitter altogether or maybe that is what they want!
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