From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com
Evening Standard correspondent Ken Dyer has been covering West Ham United over land and sea for more than 40 years. He has also spent the last four seasons ghost-writing Sam Allardyce's column in London's daily newspaper...
Quite frankly Sunday's announcement that the Club will not be renewing Sam Allardyce's contract did not come as a great surprise considering all of the speculation over the past few weeks. From a purely personal perspective I'm a bit sad as I've ghost written his weekly column for the Evening Standard for the past four years and have built up a relationship and a friendship with him.
Looking back at his time at the Club, I think he's done everything asked of him and has brought the club out from what was a very low point to a period of stability. He took them out of the Championship and in to the Premier League at the first attempt, which is no mean feat. He gave the fans a marvellous time at Wembley and some other great wins, most notably against Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Liverpool.
It's just a shame that during the second half of the season it fell away, largely due to injuries to key players, especially the strikers.
Overall, he gave us a real spine - West Ham over many years have had a reputation for playing some good football but maybe being a bit flaky and easy to beat at times. He changed that and made us a resilient team.
He established us a mid-table Premier League Club and it is a terrific achievement in such a short period of time. I think that will be his legacy.
I'm sure in the fullness of time he'll get back into the game. I think he'll now take a well-earned break and I wish him all the best.
I watched Sam's post-match interviews and he talked with dignity and there doesn't seem to be any hard feelings between him and the Club, which is good to see. I think as he said it's probably right time for both parties – the Club and him - to move on.
David Sullivan and David Gold have now started their hunt for a new manager and I think they need someone to take Sam's legacy forward. The number one priority is to stay in the Premier League next season and I think it's important we don't get too ahead of ourselves. In future years we can set our sights much higher but next year it's all about staying in the Premier League.
In terms of style of play we will be looking for, I think the fans were frustrated in the early days of Sam's time that we played a little too direct and the new manager has to recognise that and appreciate the history and tradition of the club.
They just need to keep the continuity and stability and potentially deal with the added challenge of starting the season early due to Europa League qualification.
It is a big challenge but an exciting one for the right man.
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Former Player Blog - Tony Cottee
WHUFC.com
Tony Cottee scored 146 goals in 336 appearances over two spells with West Ham United and was part of the Hammers side which finished in a record-high third place in Division One in 1985/86...
I would like to start by wishing Sam Allardyce all the best for the future after four years in charge of my Club, West Ham United.
I know Sam and am good friends with his no2 Neil McDonald from our time playing together at Everton. He, as well as Sam's other backroom staff, will also leave the Club and I wish them all the best too. Teddy Sheringham has already been appointed as Stevenage manager and I am sure Macca, Ian Hendon and Bobby Mimms will not be out of work for long.
Concentrating on the future, if the Board appoint the right man to succeed Sam and the new manager takes the Club to the next level, then it will prove to be the right decision not to renew his contract this summer.
Some supporters have complained about the style of football we have played under Sam and I have seen the Board's statement indicating that the new manager must be aware of the Club's traditions and the West Ham Way.
I think you have to get the balance right. We all want to play attractive, attacking football, but that is no good if we end up losing 5-4 every week and getting relegated. The key to it is getting the balance between style and substance.
I think Sam did a job up to a point and took the Club as far as he could in that regard. We knew what we were getting when Sam was appointed, so there have been no surprises.
There have been times when we have played some brilliant football and pulled off some outstanding wins, but there have also been times when we have not caught the eye and have gone through difficult spells of performances and results – take this season as an example!
Whoever is appointed to take over as manager needs to get that balance right as quickly as possible.
For me, Slaven Bilic is the number one choice to become West Ham United's new manager. When you look at his credentials, he has enjoyed success at both domestic and international level, was a fantastic player, is a top guy and also has a strong connection with the Club.
I think it is important, if possible, for a manager to have a connection with a club, whether that be as a former player or coach, and Slaven was a very good player for West Ham. I would love to see Slaven Bilic get the job, as he has proved himself with Croatia and Besiktas and I believe he is available.
I have seen other names be mentioned, like Jurgen Klopp and Eddie Howe, and it is very important that the Club makes the right decision at this important time.
The Board have appointed managers before, both at West Ham and before that at Birmingham City, and have a lot of experience in this area, so I am confident they will do their homework and make the right decision.
I understand that we will likely start the season early because of the Europa League, so it is also important that any decision is made as quickly as possible so that the new manager can be fully prepared for that challenge.
All of us West Ham fans certainly have an interesting summer ahead!
Come on you Irons!
TC
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West Ham keeping tabs on Rodgers as top targets fall
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 25th May 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are keeping a close eye on the developing situation at Liverpool with view to manager Brendan Rodgers' situation.
The Irishman was panned by Reds fans yesterday following the 6-1 thrashing at Stoke - their heaviest defeat in Premier League history - since when many have been calling for Rodgers' head.
In charge at Anfield for three years, the 42-year-old was close to clinching Liverpool's first title since the 1980s last year. However that has been sandwiched by two very ordinary seasons, leading to the current calls for his immediate replacement.
West Ham's hunt for a successor to Sam Allardyce has suffered two major blows in the past few hours, with leading candidates Carlo Ancelotti and Jurgen Klopp both (indirectly) ruling themselves out of the running.
Interest in Napoli boss Rafa Benitez remains extremely high, although he continues to be linked with Ancelotti's post at Real Madrid, which has just become available at time of writing.
And whilst Slaven Bilic is understood to have given West Ham's advances his tacit approval, the club are still keeping their options open hence the fresh interest in Rodgers.
A former defender who spent the bulk of his career representing clubs in the lower leagues, Rodgers cut his managerial teeth at Stamford Bridge as reserve team manager learning from the likes of Felipe Scolari and Jose Mourinho.
His first major appointment came in 2008, when he took control of Watford. Having led the Hornets to a 13th-place Championship finish, he returned to former club Reading the following season - a marriage destined for failure, as he left the Majedski just six months later by mutual consent.
In July 2010 Championship-side Swansea came calling and within 12 months he had repaid their faith by leading them to the Premier League via a Wembley play-off win against former club Reading (4-2).
Having secured a second season in the top flight, he joined current club Liverpool in June 2012. An initial three-year contract was superseded by a new four-year deal last season, tying him to the club until summer 2018.
* In other news tonight, former England boss Steve McClaren has been fired by Derby County after failing to lead them to the Championship play-offs. The 54-year-old has also been linked to the vacancy at West Ham.
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Klopp to take six-months off
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 25th May 2015
By: Staff Writer
Jurgen Klopp is set to disappoint a string of clubs across Europe - by taking a six-month sabbatical at the start of next season.
The 47-year-old is one of the most highly-sought after managers in the game today having agreed to leave Dortmund, with whom he has spent the last seven years.
However highly-regarded German sports agency Bild revealed this afternoon that Klopp will reject all offers of a new management role in order to recharge his batteries, with view to returning to the game in 2016.
When asked to comment on his future, Klopp said: "I am a football coach. I want to work for a while, but at the moment it is difficult."
And with view to taking a role in Spain, where he has been linked with Real Madrid, he added: "I can speak almost every German dialect, so I can learn Spanish - if I have to."
In addition to Real Madrid, Klopp has been linked with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and West Ham in reent weeks.
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Who's in the frame for the West Ham job?
By Jamie Casey
Last Updated: 25/05/15 6:12pm
SSN
Following confirmation of Sam Allardyce's departure as West Ham manager, Sky Bet look at the most likely candidates to succeed him.
Slaven Bilic – 1/2
Having made 48 appearances for the club between 1996 and 1997, Slaven Bilic appears to be a popular choice among the West Ham support. The former Croatia manager – who is stepping down from his role as Besiktas manager – is also popular among Sky Bet's punters, with Bilic attracting by far the biggest number of stakes, even doubling the figure of the second most backed candidate – Rafa Benitez (20/1).
Unai Emery - 7/2
Sevilla boss Unai Emery
Having been linked with the posts at Real Madrid and AC Milan, Unai Emery is a candidate West Ham fans should not turn their noses up at. The Sevilla boss will bid to land back-to-back Europa League titles with the Spanish side on Wednesday, and has guided the club to two consecutive fifth-place finishes in La Liga. With Milan priced at 15/8 to be Carlo Ancelotti's next job and Rafa Benitez 1/4 to replace the Italian at Madrid, West Ham could well be the most attractive proposition for Emery this summer.
David Moyes – 6/1
Real Sociadad boss David Moyes
Bearing in mind the job David Moyes did in his reign at Everton, appointing the Scotsman could prove a shrewd move from the West Ham hierarchy. Moyes signed an 18-month contract with Real Sociadad last November, steering them from 15th in the table to a 12th-place finish. Adequate, if unspectacular, it is not yet known if Moyes will see out his deal, but West Ham appears to be his best option for a route back into the English top flight, with Newcastle 14/1 to appoint him.
Michael Laudrup – 8/1
Lekhwiya boss Michael Laudrup
Since leaving Swansea in February of last year, Michael Laudrup has resisted a handful of chances to return to English football, preferring to honour his contract at Qatar side Lekhwiya instead. He has been busy guiding Lekhwiya to the Qatar Stars League and Crown Prince Cup, but his contract runs out next month, paving the way for a return to the Premier League. The Dane has distanced himself from mid-table opportunities, but it is not clear how inviting he finds the positions at West Ham (8/1) and Newcastle (8/1).
The outsiders
Former Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo
Roberto Di Matteo, who is expected to be sacked by Schalke following their sixth-place finish in the Bundesliga, is next in the pecking order at 12/1. Under-fire Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is the same price as Di Matteo, with Jurgen Klopp rated 5/4 to be the next manager in the door at Anfield. Steve McClaren is a 16/1 shout, while a return for Harry Redknapp is 20/1. Ancelotti has also been linked with the Hammers' post, but it's an unlikely rumour at 25/1.
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West Ham have taken a gamble by not renewing Sam Allardyce's contract, says Paul Merson
Last Updated: 25/05/15 2:11pm
SSN
West Ham have risked their Premier League status next season by not renewing Sam Allardyce's contract, according to Paul Merson.
Merson believes Allardyce had all the qualities needed to ensure West Ham would go to the Olympic Stadium as a Premier League outfit.
Allardyce was informed of his departure on Friday which was publicly confirmed moments after his side's defeat to Newcastle on the final day of the season.
The style of football was a point of contention with the supporters at Upton Park but Niall Quinn alongside Merson struggled to understand what the West Ham 'way' is.
"I don't know. What is the West Ham way? We are talking 1960s when they had a really good team," he said.
"It's a big gamble. One thing you are assured of with Sam Allardyce is you get a top manager. They won't get relegated if he was manager next season. They are not a shoo-in to stay up next season."
Quinn added: "I saw them right up until Christmas when they were in fourth and they were still giving out about him.
"He doesn't fit into the West Ham way - what are they wishing for as a football club?"
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Roeder backs Bilic as good fit
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 25, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Football - West Ham United, Upton Park, London - 14/6/01 New West Ham Manager Glenn Roeder Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Richard Heathcote Digital
Former manager Glen Roeder insists Bilic will be able to handle the pressure at West Ham – because he has already dealt with the difficulties of Turkish football.
"He's as good a fit as anyone else," Roeder told the Talksport Sports Breakfast show. "It's always a gamble getting a new manager, you can only judge them on their past records.
"Slaven has done well with Crotia and at every club he's managed. Turkish football is a very difficult place to manage and he's come through that with Besiktas. He seems a tough guy."
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Hammers linked to Benfica winger
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 25, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Benfica's Ola John is the latest target being checked out by the Irons.
According to Foot Mercato John is expected to leave the club this season and is being courted by the Irons who are reprotedely very keen on the winger.
As reported earlier Sampdoria's Italian international striker Eder is another target for the club where the signing policy is being solely directed by recruitment director to the board Tony Henry.
With the likes of Kevin Nolan and Carlton Cole on their way out of Upton Park, the Hammers will free up wages although no fee for the left sided player has yet been agreed.
John is tied to Benfica until 2017 would cost around £9 million.
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Cottee: "Let me be your adviser Daves"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 25, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Tony Cottee has mounted a cheeky job application to become a football adviser at West Ham.
The former striker – whilst claiming the board have taken a huge gamble in getting rid of Sam Allardyce – then makes it clear he's the bloke to help them sort the future!
Speaking in his London 24.com column he says: "It's a huge gamble by the board going into what is one of the most important seasons in the club's history as we get ready for the Olympic Stadium."
He backs Slaven Bilic as Allardyce's replacement and says: " I know Bilic left us to join Everton. I am not going to criticise him for that as I did exactly the same thing.
"But Bilic has done superbly with Croatia in the World Cup, has managed in the Champions League and in some very volatile leagues, so that is why I would go for him."
Then comes the job application as Cottee declares:" One thing I would say is that I find it hard to believe that any board can go forward without someone who has played the game at a high level to advise them.
"I am always available, I have a huge passion for the club, but my phone never seems to ring.
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REPORT: Irons £8 million striker bid
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 25, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
West Ham are this afternoon reported to be weighing up a bid for Sampdoria's Italian international striker Eder.
He has scored nine goals and provided four assists and scored for the national side on his international debut and La Gazzetta dello Sport report that the Biscione have valued the 28-year-old at around €10 million.
The newspaper says the Irons have offered €8m for the Brazilian-born attacker.
However, inter Milan are also keen nd my be ready to get involved in an auction for the striker.
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Cressie: 'Thanks gaffer'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 25, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Aaron Cresswell has signed off for the summer with a word on behalf of departed boss Sam Allardyce.
The former Ipswich left back who became Hammer of the Year in his debut season has expressed his thanks to the former manager.
Cresswell tweeted: "Looking forward to next season. Thanks again for an unforgettable season. Also to the gaffer who gave me the opportunity to play for the club and has been brilliant with me.
He added: "Been a disappointing end to the season but just want to thank everyone for your support all year round, week in, week out."
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West Ham have time to make appointment
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 25, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Many of West Ham first team squad will jetting off on their summer holidays as you read this. Historically Premier League players have enjoyed four weeks holiday after the season ends returning to pre-season training in late June or the first week in July.
This year we have the added complication of the possibility of qualifying for Europa through the Fair Play route. Should we qualify our first scheduled game would be on 2nd July.
Yesterday when we asked a source close the club when the players might report back to training were told "Training will depend on if we are in (Europa) and when the new manager wants them in"
Whether we qualify for Europa or not, the board have the luxury of a few weeks before the need to appoint a new manager becomes urgent. Many believe it is far better to wait and appoint the right man rather then rush into these things.
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Hammers back to drawing board on boss
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 25, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
When the official site declared yesterday "the club is starting its search " for a new manager, that's exactly what it meant.
Rumours that Seville manager Unai Emery and Jurgen Klopp could be on their way are exactly that – rumours for which we could get no confirmation inside the club today.
A source said: "It seems that Rafa Benitez is getting the Real Madrid job and we had a lot stacked on that so it's back to the drawing board.
"Emery is very much a 'coming' manager and we would have to be interested whilst the word from Klopp's camp is that he won't make his mind up on his future until next month. That is honestly where it stands on both.
"We have never been in a desperate rush and believe we have until July to get this sorted as we are absolutely certain we will get a top class manager.
"Both of those you mention are on the list along with several others but we are now aggressively addressing the issue."
None of that may necessarily be great news for Slaven Bilic whom we were told is no better than a three or four to one shot.
We were told: "He's another on the list but the bookies have it well wrong at odds on. I think three or four to one would be more realistic."
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Ancelotti & McLaren sacked
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 25, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Carlo Ancelotti has been sacked as manager of Real Madrid after two seasons in charge of the Spanish club. Club president Florentino Perez told a news conference it had "not been an easy decision" before thanking Ancelotti and adding that a new manager would be appointed "in the coming week".
Two days ago Carlo Ancelotti who has also seen as a possible replacement for Sam Allardyce by some said he will take a year off from management if he was sacked.
Another West Ham managerial target Rafa Benitez is the odds on favourite for the Madrid role, while German newspaper Bild claims another yet West Ham managerial target, Jurgen Klopp, who will step down as Borussia Dortmund manager at the end of the season, will take a six month sabbatical from football.
Finally Derby County have terminated the contract of Steve McClaren linked by some papers to West Ham job.
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Klopp still in Irons frame
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 25, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that he is taking his time to decide on his future.
Speculation has been flying around that the German is heading back into management at any one of any number of clubs.
West Ham have approached the 47 year through middle men and have not been turned down but ClaretandHugh's was told: "He made it clear he will make his mind up in June. He appears to be sticking to that."
Some media reports in Germany claim he will take six months off although Klopp himself has only partly validated that.
He said regarding his future: "I am a football coach. I want to work for a while, but at the moment it is difficult."
He has been linked with Real Madrid – where it now seems Rafa Benitez may be headed – West Ham, Liverpool and Manchester City.
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Brum Keeper linked with Irons
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 25, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Birmingham Keeper Darren Randolph tells Blues he will be leaving as a free agent in the summer after opting against signing a new contract. After months of negotiations the Irish goalkeeper has opted not to sign the new contract the Blues offered.
As a result he becomes a free agent and is available to sign for another club. It is expected he will join a Premier League outfit, with West Ham thought to be interested according to the Birmingham Mail.
Randolph moved to Birmingham from Motherwell in the summer of 2013 and has made 92 appearances. He ended the season by keeping three consecutive clean sheets and wasn't beaten for the final five hours of his Birmingham career.
Jussi Jääskeläinen's contract runs out at the end of the May and West Ham are desperate to find backup and competition for Adrian.
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Tuesday, May 26
Monday, May 25
Daily WHUFC News - 25th May 2015
Newcastle United 2-0 West Ham United
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's 2014/15 Barclays Premier League campaign ended in defeat
on Sunday, as Newcastle United preserved their top-flight status with a 2-0
success at St James' Park. Moussa Sissoko broke the deadlock in the 54th
minute with a powerful downward header, before Jonas Gutierrez set the seal
on the Geordies' survival in the latter stages with a pinpoint low drive.
Stewart Downing had earlier been denied by Tim Krul, while Kevin Nolan fired
wide from the edge of the box against his old side, but this was well and
truly Newcastle's day. Not that the St James' Park crowd needed any stoking
up, they were almost celebrating the perfect start. Inside 60 seconds,
Emmanuel Riviere pounced on the loose ball from a right-wing cross, but
slashed his effort across the face of goal. On their big day, the hosts were
in no mood to sit back. In fact, for a game of this import, it was an
unusually open beginning. West Ham were giving as good as they got and might
have had an early spot kick. Enner Valencia cushioned Carl Jenkinson's cross
and though he fell to earth under Mike Williamson's challenge, Martin
Atkinson was unmoved. With six minutes on the clock, Riviere had another
dig, this time an acrobatic effort from Daryl Janmaat's centre. The
outcome, however, was much the same, with his volley sailing comfortably
wide of Adrian's near post. Reece Burke then got in the way of Gutierrez's
drive from the edge of the box, before Janmaat fired the rebound wide. But
it was West Ham who fashioned arguably the best chance of the half. Aaron
Cresswell slid it firmly into Stewart Downing's path in the inside left
channel and though the No11 tried to loft it over the advancing Tim Krul, he
rather scuffed it and the 'keeper smothered. As the half ticked on, the pace
inevitably let up. Newcastle were doing nothing of the sort. Jack Colback
swung in a deep cross from the left and Janmaat, arriving late at the far
post, should have done a whole lot better than the header he sent sailing
high and wide. Into first-half stoppage time it went and Janmaat set off on
a purposeful run towards goal but failed to hit the target again, dragging
his strike past Adrian's left-hand upright.
Newcastle twice went close in the opening moments of the second half.
Williamson's looping header from a Colback corner drifted past the far post,
but it was Riviere was passed up the golden opportunity. Janmaat skipped
past Cresswell and squared for the Frenchman, who, with only Adrian to beat,
made the meekest of connections and the chance went begging. But Sissoko
soon spared his teammate's blushes. Gutierrez's left-wing cross was an
inviting one and Sissoko rose above both Reid and Cresswell to power a
downward header beyond Adrian.
In response, Sam Allardyce withdrew Valencia and brought on Morgan
Amalfitano in his stead, but West Ham were struggling to carve out clear
chances. Cole met Jenkinson's cross from the right but nodded well over
Krul's crossbar. Skipper Nolan could have dented his former employer's
survival hopes. Cole's lay-off was perfect and Nolan's connection was good
enough, but while Krul scampered across his goal, the ball trickled beyond
the far post. The hosts, meanwhile, had a gilt-edged chance to settle it
late on. West Ham made a meal of a set piece and when Vurnon Anita robbed
Cresswell his path to Adrian's goal was unimpeded. He unselfishly if
unwisely tried to square it and Adrian was able to gather. The reprieve,
however, was short lived, as Gutierrez drove a low shot into the bottom
corner of Adrian's goal to spark wild celebrations among the Geordie
faithful. For the Hammers, defeat coupled with Crystal Palace's win over
Swansea, means they finish the season in 12th spot.
Newcastle United: Krul, Janmaat, Coloccini (c), Williamson, Dummett, Anita,
Colback, Gutierrez, Sissoko, Riviere, Cisse
Subs: Woodman, Perez, Ameobi, Cabella, R.Taylor, De Jong, Gouffran
Goals: Sissoko 54, Gutierrez 85
Booked: Sissoko, Gutierrez
West Ham United: Adrian, Jenkinson, Burke (Tomkins 69), Reid, Cresswell,
Song, Nolan (c), Kouyate (Lee 77), Downing, Valencia (Amalfitano 62), Cole
Subs: Jaaskelainen, O'Brien, Tomkins, Jarvis, Nene
Booked: Amalfitano
Referee: Martin Atkinson
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Reid disappointed with closing defeat
WHUFC.com
Winston Reid admitted Sunday's final game defeat at Newcastle United was a
continuation of West Ham United's recent poor run. After sitting inside the
Barclays Premier League's top four at Christmas, the Hammers have dropped
down the table over the second half of the season, much to the
disappointment of Reid and his teammates. He says ending twelfth will leave
a sour taste in the mouth over the summer, but insists the east Londoners
will return stronger next term. "The last twelve-odd games have been poor
from our point of view and we'll go off on holiday really disappointed,"
said the No2. "It just hasn't been good enough in the latter part of the
season. It's something that we need to correct for when we come back in
after the summer and get back to what it was before Christmas time. "We
started the campaign really well. We've always been safe throughout the
season, but it's just unfortunate that we couldn't push on in the second
half of the season. We just didn't hit the form that we had before
Christmas."
Sunday's 2-0 defeat on Tyneside also marked the end of manager Sam
Allardyce's four years in charge and Reid is grateful for the chance given
to him by the 60-year-old "As players we've always backed him," he
explained. "I've worked with him professionally for four years and he's been
brilliant for me and brilliant for the Club. "He brought the Club up from
the Championship and has been in the Premier League for three years so
it'll be sad to see him go but that's the decision. "Thank you to him, all
he has done has been brilliant and now we all look forward to a new coach
and new season."
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Big Sam says his goodbyes
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce has said his goodbyes to West Ham United after the Club
announced that the manager's contract will not be renewed this summer. Big
Sam leaves the Boleyn Ground after four years in charge during which he led
the Hammers to promotion and stabilised the Club in the Barclays Premier
League. On Sunday, his final game in charge saw the Hammers slump to a 2-0
defeat at Newcastle United and slip to a finishing position of 12th in the
table.
After the final whistle, and following discussions between the two parties
on Friday, the Club confirmed that the manager will not return next season
and Big Sam said goodbye to his backroom staff and players, shaking each by
the hand before leaving St James' Park.
Before doing so, he spoke to West Ham TV one final time to assess his four
seasons in east London.
"I've had a wonderful time," Big Sam began. "I think that when the challenge
got laid down I wondered whether coming into a club which had been relegated
was the right thing to do.
"I basically saw what a mess it was, but I'd signed a contract and committed
to the job. I got on with it and the journey, from after the first six
months – which was a real hard slog and graft and wasn't looking that clever
or feeling that comfortable – has only been really that small blip we had
last season with all the injuries that put us down in the relegation zone.
"Everything else has been great progress and I've enjoyed working at the
Club and the owners. I've taken great pride in working with a Club of this
size and the plan of re-establishing it back in the Premier League is what
I've done and what the owners asked me to achieve.
"I built a really good squad in the end. Altogether we've worked extremely
hard to build that squad and I've managed that squad to get into the
position we're in now and it's somebody else's turn.
"It's the right time for both of us. I look forward to the break and not
having to commit myself like you have to commit in this job. At the end of
the day, family is important and you have to sacrifice your family when
you're in this job.
"Time is right for the Club to move on and me to move on and for me to
recharge and refocus on whatever might be in a few months' time."
The manager's reign has been a rollercoaster, with promotion secured via the
Play-Offs, a comfortable tenth-place finish in the first season back in the
Premier League, a relegation battle last term followed by a season of two
halves in 2014/15.
Big Sam's tenure has attracted huge debate among West Ham supporters, so
what would the outgoing manager's message to those fans be on his departure
from E13?
"I think, like at any football club, there is always somebody who is
discontented with what you are doing and I've said before that the club in
itself, in terms of its support, is exceptionally good," he said.
"When things are not going well, they like to make themselves heard and you
accept that as a manager. I think, if you look back at what we've done and
how far we've come, you can't be too dissatisfied.
"You've got to look at the facts and look at what we've built with what
we've had to spend and how hard we've worked – and I'm not just talking
about me, my staff and the players, but the relationship with the owners in
terms of how to get that money for recruitment comes from them and their
support.
"I think we've done great. We've made mistakes but I don't think we've made
too many and, in the end, you've got a younger squad for someone else to
manage which has learnt an awful lot in the last 12 games, particularly
those who were in their first season in the Premier League. Up to Christmas,
they might have been thinking it wasn't as hard as they thought, but they
certainly know it's hard now.
"That experience of the downside will form the basis for the next manager
and hopefully make them better and more consistent for whoever is in charge
next year."
Sunday's game was a microcosm of West Ham's season, starting promisingly
before withering away in disappointing fashion late on.
Goals from Moussa Sissoko and Jonas Gutierrez saw Newcastle stay up and St
James' Park erupt with relief, but for everyone associated with the Hammers,
the feeling was one of wondering what might have been.
So, how did Big Sam assess a campaign very much of two halves?
"We can't finish and we can't score and that's become ever more apparent in
the last few weeks," said Big Sam. "Our build-up is fine, but the depth of
our quality of finishing is just not there and that's an area for someone
else now.
"Looking at the overall season, to a certain degree we have overcome the
defensive problems, but on the front line we have not had Diafra Sakho.
Without him, we've found goals hard to come by.
"Because Stewart hasn't kicked on, because Kevin Nolan hasn't done what he
normally does and because Enner Valencia hasn't scored enough goals, that
has been the biggest effect on our results.
"I've had no complaints about the way we have played until the second half
on Sunday, which I thought was really poor. I thought it was poor the way we
went about our task when we had Newcastle very nervous in the first half. We
let them off the hook and that was really disappointing.
"It's for somebody else to take the reins now and take the Club forward."
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West Ham: Sam Allardyce says decision to leave 'was mutual'
By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer
BBC.co.uk
Sam Allardyce has revealed he planned to leave West Ham United even if the
club had offered to renew his contract. Allardyce's departure was announced
within minutes of the end of West Ham's 2-0 loss at Newcastle United that
saw The Magpies stay in the Premier League.
The 60-year-old has spent four years at West Ham, but the Hammers have
decided not to renew his deal this summer. Allardyce said: "I didn't want to
stay. I suppose you could say it was mutual if they didn't want me to stay
either."
West Ham will now begin the search for a successor, although they look
likely to miss out on top target Rafael Benitez, as the Napoli boss is
linked with Real Madrid. "I thought it was the right time to leave - and
probably the right time for me and the club," added ex-Bolton and Newcastle
boss Allardyce, who now plans to take an extended break from the game.
Allardyce learned of his fate on Friday, but the news was made public on
Sunday afternoon at the conclusion of the 2014-15 Premier League season. In
a statement, joint chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold said: "We would
like to start by thanking Sam Allardyce for his valuable work since arriving
at the Boleyn Ground four years ago.
Allardyce's managerial career
Blackpool (1994-96): 102 games, 44 wins, 35 defeats, 23 draws. Lost in
Division Two play-offs to Bradford
Notts County (1997-99): 145 games, 56 wins, 50 defeats, 39 draws. Relegated
to Division Three but then won the title by 19 points
Bolton (1999-2007): 371 games, 153 wins, 114 defeats, 104 draws. Promoted to
the Premier League and finished sixth
Newcastle (2007-08): 24 games, eight wins, 10 defeats, six draws
Blackburn (2008-10): 90 games, 32 wins, 34 defeats, 24 draws
West Ham (2011-15): 181 games, 68 wins, 67 defeats, 46 draws. Won promotion
to the Premier League
"He leaves the club in a considerably better state than when he arrived and,
for that, the board are truly grateful."
Allardyce said: "I knew it was coming and I have no problems with it. We had
the discussion and I wasn't going to sign a new contract so it was probably
time to move on. "It's done and dusted and we both move on. West Ham have a
big job appointing a new manager moving forward and I have the job of seeing
my family for a change. This job is 24/7 and it's time for me to give the
family a bit more time."
Sullivan and Gold want a new manager to oversee the club's final season at
their current home before a move to the Olympic Stadium for the 2016-17
campaign.
West Ham finishing positions under Allardyce
Finishing positions 2011-12: 3rd Championship (Promoted via play-offs);
2012-13: 10th (of 20) Premier League; 2013-14: 13th; 2014-15: 12th
Record by competition
Premier League - Games: 114; W: 35; D: 28; L: 51; Win%: 31
Championship - Games: 49; W: 27; D: 14; L: 8; Win%: 55
League Cup - Games: 10; W: 5; D: 1; L: 4; Win%: 50
FA Cup - Games: 8; W: 1; D: 3; L: 4; Win%: 13
All - Games: 181; W: 68; D: 46; L: 67; Win%: 38 (Stats: Opta)
The statement was released just minutes after West Ham lost their final
Premier League game of the season 2-0 at Newcastle - a result which ensured
their opponents avoided relegation and meant the Hammers finished 12th.
Allardyce says he has no intention of making a quick return to football,
adding: "For me four years is a long time and I don't want to overstay my
welcome. You have to commit your whole life to being a Premier League
manager. "It's time to have that break. I'm looking to have a break,
recharge the batteries and when the batteries are recharged you are better
prepared to carry on doing the job at this level. "It's not just a job I'm
after, it's the right job. You can never say never but I can't see myself
being in charge of another football club at the start of next season."
West Ham United's supporters made it clear what they felt of the unloved
Allardyce as abuse rained down from the stands at St James' Park as they
lost to Newcastle United. And while it is true the 60-year-old is a
managerial taste that will never be acquired by some, Allardyce can rightly
be pleased with his four years at Upton Park. The brief from owners David
Sullivan and David Gold was to get The Hammers into the Premier League and
keep them there - two missions he accomplished comfortably. Allardyce, in
other words, has done a solid job at West Ham and it will take a lot to move
them even further forward. He may not have been a popular figure among the
fanbase - not that he seemed to care - but this is a manager who did what he
was asked to do. For that he deserves respect and credit.
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'West Ham way' target for new boss after Sam Allardyce exit
By Frank Keogh
BBC Sport
West Ham have set a list of criteria as they sift through a shortlist of
candidates to replace Sam Allardyce as manager of the Premier League club.
Allardyce, 60, will not be signing a new deal to remain Hammers boss. Owners
David Gold and David Sullivan want an ambitious boss to take the club to
"the next level" and win trophies. The candidate will be expected to
understand the club, its fans and culture, and can encourage the 'West Ham
way' of playing attacking football. Gold believes the Hammers, who finished
the season 12th, are almost certain to have qualified for the Europa League
via a Uefa Fair Play place.
What is the 'West Ham way'?
Generally thought by some West Ham fans to be a brand of attacking football
where the team goes for goals, such as when the club won the FA Cup three
times between 1965 and 1980 Critics question whether such a philosophy can
exist alongside a target of winning trophies, and bringing young players
through from the club's academy Based on the approach where defenders bring
the ball out from the back as typified by Bobby Moore, and later through the
likes of Alvin Martin and Rio Ferdinand. In his biography, former Manchester
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "I hope that before I die someone can
explain the 'West Ham way'. What is it? They last won a trophy in 1980, the
FA Cup."
Allardyce, after four years with the club in which he won promotion and
ensured Premier League stability but was criticised by some sections of the
fanbase for a supposedly negative approach, was told on Friday his contract
would not be renewed. West Ham are content with taking their time over
appointing a replacement, with the club preparing for their final season at
the Boleyn Ground before moving across East London to the Olympic Stadium in
time for the 2016-17 season. Gold and Sullivan themselves are leading the
hunt for Allardyce's replacement and have drawn up a list of candidates,
although one contender - former Liverpool manager and current Napoli boss
Rafael Benitez - is being strongly linked with a move to Spanish side Real
Madrid. The new boss is likely to oversee a European campaign starting in
July, with Gold saying the club is "99.9% certain" to have reached the
Europa League through the Fair Play criteria, which is expected to be
confirmed this week. Club sources say Gold and Sullivan are looking for a
manager who understands the culture surrounding West Ham, and will be
enthused by the stadium move. The successful candidate will also be expected
to promote the club's academy and give young players a chance to break
through into the first team.
Bookmakers' favourites for West Ham job
Slaven Bilic (Odds as of 23:00 BST, 24 May: 1-2. Age: 46) Wants the job and
has just left Turkish side Besiktas, but has no managerial experience in the
Premier League and would be a big risk. Former head coach of the Croatia
national team, was a popular player at Upton Park in the mid-1990s.
David Moyes (Odds: 4-1. Age: 51) Stock is higher following successful six
months with Real Sociedad after flopping at Manchester United. Did a
creditable job previously at Everton, although may fancy more time in Spain
before any return to the Premier League.
Unai Emery (Odds: 5-1. Age: 43) Sevilla head coach considered a hot
property, and has drawn comparisons with Jose Mourinho. Also linked with a
move to Read Madrid if Carlo Ancelotti is replaced.
Steve McClaren (Odds: 10-1. Age: 54) Former England manager would fit West
Ham owners' prototype of going for managers with top-flight experience.
McClaren's future at Derby County is unclear, although he could be courted
by Newcastle.
line
As players paid tribute to the departing manager, Allardyce said that
attacking options were likely to be a focus for his successor.
"We can't finish and we can't score and that's become ever more apparent in
the last few weeks," he told West Ham's official website.
"Our build-up is fine, but the depth of our quality of finishing is just not
there and that's an area for someone else now."
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West Ham to break the 100k barrier for the right man
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 25th May 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are preparing to push the boat out in order to land the right
manager to succeed the recently-departed Sam Allardyce.
60-year-old Allardyce ended his four-year association with the Hammers
moments after the final whistle had blown in the match against Newcastle at
St James' Park on Sunday afternoon - a game the hosts won 2-0.
And KUMB understands that the club are prepared to pay a figure well in
excess of top earner Andy Carroll's near-£5million salary in order to secure
the big-name signing required to lead the club into the Olympic Stadium
little more than a year from now.
Jurgen Klopp, Carlo Ancelotti and long-term target Rafa Benitez are three
names hovering near the top of the Board's wish list tonight and would
certainly command a salary close to that figure.
Whilst Benitez remains the favoured candidate of at least one Board member,
despite having expressed interest in the West Ham post he is believed to
favour a return to Real Madrid where he spent seven years as a player during
the 1970s and '80s.
Further along the chain, Benitez's opportunities of returning to the
Bernabeu rest upon Real's decision with regard to 55-year-old Ancelotti, who
is rumoured be facing the sack two years into a three year contract in
Spain. His future will be determined at a meeting later this week.
Should both Benitez and Ancelotti reject West Ham's overtures, Klopp remains
an unlikely yet tantalising prospect.
Although it was suggested last week that he had ruled himself out of the
running, it is now thought that may not be the case - even if the current
Dortmund boss' signature is being sought by a string of top clubs searching
for a new manager this summer.
Who'll fill the Boleyn hotseat next?
Meanwhile last week's odds-on favourite Slaven Bilic remains a further
option should none of the club's main targets accept the vacancy. Out of
contract at the end of the season, the 46-year-old is tempted by the
opportunity to manage in England.
As reported on KUMB last week, Marseille boss Marcelo Bielsa has also been
sounded out whilst Seville manager Unai Emery's name continued to be linked
with the post - although reports emerging from Italy on Sunday claimed he
has agreed to join Milan.
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Thanks Sam, say Sullivan and Gold
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 24th May 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham united's co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold have paid tribute
to Sam Allardyce, on the day that told him he was no longer wanted at West
Ham.
The 60-year-old's association with the club came to an abrupt end after four
years this afternoon when the club confirmed he would not be considered for
a new contract via their website.
And despite having wanted shot of him for several months, Sullivan and
partner Gold jointly released a statement praising his achievements.
"We would like to start by thanking Sam Allardyce for his valuable work
since arriving at the Boleyn Ground four years ago," they said. "He leaves
the Club in a considerably better state then when he arrived and, for that,
the Board are truly grateful.
"However, we have made the decision not to renew his contract, so we now
have the chance to appoint a new manager with a new philosophy to lead us
into two of the most exciting years in our great Club's history.
"Our target is to recruit a manager that will build a team capable of saying
a fitting farewell to the Boleyn Ground next year and do justice to the
outstanding surrounds we will call home from August 2016.
"We have already been impressed with the quality of candidates that have
expressed an interest in the role and fully expect to appoint a manager with
the credentials to take this Club on to new heights.
"From our point of view there isn't a more exciting job in the Premier
League at present."
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Irons couldn't say goodbye to Sam fast enough!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 24, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
In the end it couldn't have been quicker.
The statement had been prepared and was on the official site at precisely
4.50 – that's how badly the board wanted Sam Allardyce gone.
No end of season review…no special board meeting – the decision had been
made weeks back but even this morning ClaretandHugh received a phone call
telling us to say nothing about the fact that he'd be gone within seconds of
the whistle blowing in Newcastle.
We were told: "We need a result up there – do nothing that could impact on
the result but he'll be gone a soon as the game is done."
In fact it was all pretty well known by then but it was none the less pretty
embarrassing when the end finally came!
"Game lost 2-0 – the statement is up and you are no longer our manager."
It's been a long haul but behind the scenes the game has been up for a long
time. And the reasons he was sacked are exactly the same as those the fans
screaming for his departure have held.
The board are desperate to see the West Ham fans being entertained by the
type of football which they and many of us were brought up on. They knew it
wasn't going to happen under the former manager -how good does that sound?
But there was a much bigger reason for the decision to say goodbye to the
old bruiser from Dudley- and as quickly as possible: THE FANS.
Time and again in conversations with leading figures inside the club over
the past few months I was told: "He has not healed that relationship with
them and it is critical. The club is divided down the middle and it can't go
on. We've all had enough."
So the issue that has monopolised us for months and months is no more – it
all has something of a dream like quality about it.
FORMER MANAGER Sam Allardyce is no more – we have our club back at last and
now let's unite and put this dreadful last two years to bed once and for
all.
We all deserve tonight…and we all deserve a rest!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Unai Emery is bookies second favourite
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 24, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
The announcement that West Ham will not be renewing Sam Allardyce's contract
has opened up the betting markets, all keen to make money guessing his
successor. No less than ten bookmakers are now running books on his
replacement.
Slaven Bilic remains the outright odds on favourite across all ten
bookmakers ranging from 1/5 to a more generous 5/6.
A new second favourite has emerged in the shape of Unai Emery being quoted
with odds as short as 5/2 by Sky Bet but as much as 7/1 by Betfair. David
Moyes remains as third favourite followed by Roberto Di Matteo as fourth
favourite.
43 year old Emery made his name as manager of Valencia, winning 49% of his
games in charge before a six-month stint as Spartak Moscow manager. He has
been back in Spain with Sevilla since January 2013, Emery won the Europa
League trophy last season and now has Sevilla in the final of the same
competition again this season. Sevilla finished in fifth place in the La
Liga table.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Legend Parkes so glad Allardyce has gone!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 24, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
West Ham legend Phil Parkes is delighted that Sam Allardyce is gone! In a no
punches pulled exclusive interview with ClaretandHugh the brilliant former
keeper declared as we told him the news: "So it's official – thank God." And
he added: "I'm not surprised. I didn't watch the game today just as I have
tried to avoid watching for the past two or three months. I can't watch that
stuff and I have felt so sorry for our fans who have paid to do so. It's
been dreadful."
Parksey poured brutal scorn on every reason for keeping Allardyce declaring:
"They say he keeps teams up but had it not been for a good start we'd have
been in the same position as Newcastle today, or perhaps even worse."I've
never seen him as a safer pair of hands than many but I've seen him provide
come awful football. Some of it has been as bad as anything I've seen at
this club."
Never a lover of the Allardyce 'brand,' Phil finally lost it with him when
the cupped ear incident happened against Hull last season.
He said: "You don't do that to our fans who are the greatest around. He
never bought into the history of this amazing club or the passion of those
fantastic supporters and that was his biggest problem.""John Lyall would
have come out afterwards and apologised to them if a team of his had played
like that and said the opposition should have won as they deserved. John
understood the way West Ham managers behave. Sam didn't. "This has been a
long time coming and I'm glad the Sam era has gone, We deserve a quality
manager for our quality supporters and quality club. But I'll leave it to
the owners to find him.."
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Maiga to return pre season
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 24, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Maiga came on as a second half substitute for Metz's last game of the season
to complete his season long loan for the French outfit. Despite his
appearance on 56 minutes Metz lost their final game to Lille 4-1. Metz are
relegated from Ligue 1 which former Metz striker Diafra Sakho help them
achieve. In the 2013–14 season Sakho scored 20 goals in 36 appearances as
Metz won the Ligue 2 title. For his performances, Sakho was voted Ligue 2
Player of the Year for the 2013–14 season.
Maiga will now report back for training with West Ham in late June when the
pre season campaign begins unless a new loan deal can be found. Maiga signed
West Ham for a reported £4.7m from Sochaux scoring 6 goals for the Hammers
from 37 appearances.
Metz were thought to paying just £6,000 of Maiga £30,000 per week wages. He
has one year remaining on his West Ham contract worth around £1.5m in wages.
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WHUFC.com
West Ham United's 2014/15 Barclays Premier League campaign ended in defeat
on Sunday, as Newcastle United preserved their top-flight status with a 2-0
success at St James' Park. Moussa Sissoko broke the deadlock in the 54th
minute with a powerful downward header, before Jonas Gutierrez set the seal
on the Geordies' survival in the latter stages with a pinpoint low drive.
Stewart Downing had earlier been denied by Tim Krul, while Kevin Nolan fired
wide from the edge of the box against his old side, but this was well and
truly Newcastle's day. Not that the St James' Park crowd needed any stoking
up, they were almost celebrating the perfect start. Inside 60 seconds,
Emmanuel Riviere pounced on the loose ball from a right-wing cross, but
slashed his effort across the face of goal. On their big day, the hosts were
in no mood to sit back. In fact, for a game of this import, it was an
unusually open beginning. West Ham were giving as good as they got and might
have had an early spot kick. Enner Valencia cushioned Carl Jenkinson's cross
and though he fell to earth under Mike Williamson's challenge, Martin
Atkinson was unmoved. With six minutes on the clock, Riviere had another
dig, this time an acrobatic effort from Daryl Janmaat's centre. The
outcome, however, was much the same, with his volley sailing comfortably
wide of Adrian's near post. Reece Burke then got in the way of Gutierrez's
drive from the edge of the box, before Janmaat fired the rebound wide. But
it was West Ham who fashioned arguably the best chance of the half. Aaron
Cresswell slid it firmly into Stewart Downing's path in the inside left
channel and though the No11 tried to loft it over the advancing Tim Krul, he
rather scuffed it and the 'keeper smothered. As the half ticked on, the pace
inevitably let up. Newcastle were doing nothing of the sort. Jack Colback
swung in a deep cross from the left and Janmaat, arriving late at the far
post, should have done a whole lot better than the header he sent sailing
high and wide. Into first-half stoppage time it went and Janmaat set off on
a purposeful run towards goal but failed to hit the target again, dragging
his strike past Adrian's left-hand upright.
Newcastle twice went close in the opening moments of the second half.
Williamson's looping header from a Colback corner drifted past the far post,
but it was Riviere was passed up the golden opportunity. Janmaat skipped
past Cresswell and squared for the Frenchman, who, with only Adrian to beat,
made the meekest of connections and the chance went begging. But Sissoko
soon spared his teammate's blushes. Gutierrez's left-wing cross was an
inviting one and Sissoko rose above both Reid and Cresswell to power a
downward header beyond Adrian.
In response, Sam Allardyce withdrew Valencia and brought on Morgan
Amalfitano in his stead, but West Ham were struggling to carve out clear
chances. Cole met Jenkinson's cross from the right but nodded well over
Krul's crossbar. Skipper Nolan could have dented his former employer's
survival hopes. Cole's lay-off was perfect and Nolan's connection was good
enough, but while Krul scampered across his goal, the ball trickled beyond
the far post. The hosts, meanwhile, had a gilt-edged chance to settle it
late on. West Ham made a meal of a set piece and when Vurnon Anita robbed
Cresswell his path to Adrian's goal was unimpeded. He unselfishly if
unwisely tried to square it and Adrian was able to gather. The reprieve,
however, was short lived, as Gutierrez drove a low shot into the bottom
corner of Adrian's goal to spark wild celebrations among the Geordie
faithful. For the Hammers, defeat coupled with Crystal Palace's win over
Swansea, means they finish the season in 12th spot.
Newcastle United: Krul, Janmaat, Coloccini (c), Williamson, Dummett, Anita,
Colback, Gutierrez, Sissoko, Riviere, Cisse
Subs: Woodman, Perez, Ameobi, Cabella, R.Taylor, De Jong, Gouffran
Goals: Sissoko 54, Gutierrez 85
Booked: Sissoko, Gutierrez
West Ham United: Adrian, Jenkinson, Burke (Tomkins 69), Reid, Cresswell,
Song, Nolan (c), Kouyate (Lee 77), Downing, Valencia (Amalfitano 62), Cole
Subs: Jaaskelainen, O'Brien, Tomkins, Jarvis, Nene
Booked: Amalfitano
Referee: Martin Atkinson
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Reid disappointed with closing defeat
WHUFC.com
Winston Reid admitted Sunday's final game defeat at Newcastle United was a
continuation of West Ham United's recent poor run. After sitting inside the
Barclays Premier League's top four at Christmas, the Hammers have dropped
down the table over the second half of the season, much to the
disappointment of Reid and his teammates. He says ending twelfth will leave
a sour taste in the mouth over the summer, but insists the east Londoners
will return stronger next term. "The last twelve-odd games have been poor
from our point of view and we'll go off on holiday really disappointed,"
said the No2. "It just hasn't been good enough in the latter part of the
season. It's something that we need to correct for when we come back in
after the summer and get back to what it was before Christmas time. "We
started the campaign really well. We've always been safe throughout the
season, but it's just unfortunate that we couldn't push on in the second
half of the season. We just didn't hit the form that we had before
Christmas."
Sunday's 2-0 defeat on Tyneside also marked the end of manager Sam
Allardyce's four years in charge and Reid is grateful for the chance given
to him by the 60-year-old "As players we've always backed him," he
explained. "I've worked with him professionally for four years and he's been
brilliant for me and brilliant for the Club. "He brought the Club up from
the Championship and has been in the Premier League for three years so
it'll be sad to see him go but that's the decision. "Thank you to him, all
he has done has been brilliant and now we all look forward to a new coach
and new season."
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Big Sam says his goodbyes
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce has said his goodbyes to West Ham United after the Club
announced that the manager's contract will not be renewed this summer. Big
Sam leaves the Boleyn Ground after four years in charge during which he led
the Hammers to promotion and stabilised the Club in the Barclays Premier
League. On Sunday, his final game in charge saw the Hammers slump to a 2-0
defeat at Newcastle United and slip to a finishing position of 12th in the
table.
After the final whistle, and following discussions between the two parties
on Friday, the Club confirmed that the manager will not return next season
and Big Sam said goodbye to his backroom staff and players, shaking each by
the hand before leaving St James' Park.
Before doing so, he spoke to West Ham TV one final time to assess his four
seasons in east London.
"I've had a wonderful time," Big Sam began. "I think that when the challenge
got laid down I wondered whether coming into a club which had been relegated
was the right thing to do.
"I basically saw what a mess it was, but I'd signed a contract and committed
to the job. I got on with it and the journey, from after the first six
months – which was a real hard slog and graft and wasn't looking that clever
or feeling that comfortable – has only been really that small blip we had
last season with all the injuries that put us down in the relegation zone.
"Everything else has been great progress and I've enjoyed working at the
Club and the owners. I've taken great pride in working with a Club of this
size and the plan of re-establishing it back in the Premier League is what
I've done and what the owners asked me to achieve.
"I built a really good squad in the end. Altogether we've worked extremely
hard to build that squad and I've managed that squad to get into the
position we're in now and it's somebody else's turn.
"It's the right time for both of us. I look forward to the break and not
having to commit myself like you have to commit in this job. At the end of
the day, family is important and you have to sacrifice your family when
you're in this job.
"Time is right for the Club to move on and me to move on and for me to
recharge and refocus on whatever might be in a few months' time."
The manager's reign has been a rollercoaster, with promotion secured via the
Play-Offs, a comfortable tenth-place finish in the first season back in the
Premier League, a relegation battle last term followed by a season of two
halves in 2014/15.
Big Sam's tenure has attracted huge debate among West Ham supporters, so
what would the outgoing manager's message to those fans be on his departure
from E13?
"I think, like at any football club, there is always somebody who is
discontented with what you are doing and I've said before that the club in
itself, in terms of its support, is exceptionally good," he said.
"When things are not going well, they like to make themselves heard and you
accept that as a manager. I think, if you look back at what we've done and
how far we've come, you can't be too dissatisfied.
"You've got to look at the facts and look at what we've built with what
we've had to spend and how hard we've worked – and I'm not just talking
about me, my staff and the players, but the relationship with the owners in
terms of how to get that money for recruitment comes from them and their
support.
"I think we've done great. We've made mistakes but I don't think we've made
too many and, in the end, you've got a younger squad for someone else to
manage which has learnt an awful lot in the last 12 games, particularly
those who were in their first season in the Premier League. Up to Christmas,
they might have been thinking it wasn't as hard as they thought, but they
certainly know it's hard now.
"That experience of the downside will form the basis for the next manager
and hopefully make them better and more consistent for whoever is in charge
next year."
Sunday's game was a microcosm of West Ham's season, starting promisingly
before withering away in disappointing fashion late on.
Goals from Moussa Sissoko and Jonas Gutierrez saw Newcastle stay up and St
James' Park erupt with relief, but for everyone associated with the Hammers,
the feeling was one of wondering what might have been.
So, how did Big Sam assess a campaign very much of two halves?
"We can't finish and we can't score and that's become ever more apparent in
the last few weeks," said Big Sam. "Our build-up is fine, but the depth of
our quality of finishing is just not there and that's an area for someone
else now.
"Looking at the overall season, to a certain degree we have overcome the
defensive problems, but on the front line we have not had Diafra Sakho.
Without him, we've found goals hard to come by.
"Because Stewart hasn't kicked on, because Kevin Nolan hasn't done what he
normally does and because Enner Valencia hasn't scored enough goals, that
has been the biggest effect on our results.
"I've had no complaints about the way we have played until the second half
on Sunday, which I thought was really poor. I thought it was poor the way we
went about our task when we had Newcastle very nervous in the first half. We
let them off the hook and that was really disappointing.
"It's for somebody else to take the reins now and take the Club forward."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham: Sam Allardyce says decision to leave 'was mutual'
By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer
BBC.co.uk
Sam Allardyce has revealed he planned to leave West Ham United even if the
club had offered to renew his contract. Allardyce's departure was announced
within minutes of the end of West Ham's 2-0 loss at Newcastle United that
saw The Magpies stay in the Premier League.
The 60-year-old has spent four years at West Ham, but the Hammers have
decided not to renew his deal this summer. Allardyce said: "I didn't want to
stay. I suppose you could say it was mutual if they didn't want me to stay
either."
West Ham will now begin the search for a successor, although they look
likely to miss out on top target Rafael Benitez, as the Napoli boss is
linked with Real Madrid. "I thought it was the right time to leave - and
probably the right time for me and the club," added ex-Bolton and Newcastle
boss Allardyce, who now plans to take an extended break from the game.
Allardyce learned of his fate on Friday, but the news was made public on
Sunday afternoon at the conclusion of the 2014-15 Premier League season. In
a statement, joint chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold said: "We would
like to start by thanking Sam Allardyce for his valuable work since arriving
at the Boleyn Ground four years ago.
Allardyce's managerial career
Blackpool (1994-96): 102 games, 44 wins, 35 defeats, 23 draws. Lost in
Division Two play-offs to Bradford
Notts County (1997-99): 145 games, 56 wins, 50 defeats, 39 draws. Relegated
to Division Three but then won the title by 19 points
Bolton (1999-2007): 371 games, 153 wins, 114 defeats, 104 draws. Promoted to
the Premier League and finished sixth
Newcastle (2007-08): 24 games, eight wins, 10 defeats, six draws
Blackburn (2008-10): 90 games, 32 wins, 34 defeats, 24 draws
West Ham (2011-15): 181 games, 68 wins, 67 defeats, 46 draws. Won promotion
to the Premier League
"He leaves the club in a considerably better state than when he arrived and,
for that, the board are truly grateful."
Allardyce said: "I knew it was coming and I have no problems with it. We had
the discussion and I wasn't going to sign a new contract so it was probably
time to move on. "It's done and dusted and we both move on. West Ham have a
big job appointing a new manager moving forward and I have the job of seeing
my family for a change. This job is 24/7 and it's time for me to give the
family a bit more time."
Sullivan and Gold want a new manager to oversee the club's final season at
their current home before a move to the Olympic Stadium for the 2016-17
campaign.
West Ham finishing positions under Allardyce
Finishing positions 2011-12: 3rd Championship (Promoted via play-offs);
2012-13: 10th (of 20) Premier League; 2013-14: 13th; 2014-15: 12th
Record by competition
Premier League - Games: 114; W: 35; D: 28; L: 51; Win%: 31
Championship - Games: 49; W: 27; D: 14; L: 8; Win%: 55
League Cup - Games: 10; W: 5; D: 1; L: 4; Win%: 50
FA Cup - Games: 8; W: 1; D: 3; L: 4; Win%: 13
All - Games: 181; W: 68; D: 46; L: 67; Win%: 38 (Stats: Opta)
The statement was released just minutes after West Ham lost their final
Premier League game of the season 2-0 at Newcastle - a result which ensured
their opponents avoided relegation and meant the Hammers finished 12th.
Allardyce says he has no intention of making a quick return to football,
adding: "For me four years is a long time and I don't want to overstay my
welcome. You have to commit your whole life to being a Premier League
manager. "It's time to have that break. I'm looking to have a break,
recharge the batteries and when the batteries are recharged you are better
prepared to carry on doing the job at this level. "It's not just a job I'm
after, it's the right job. You can never say never but I can't see myself
being in charge of another football club at the start of next season."
West Ham United's supporters made it clear what they felt of the unloved
Allardyce as abuse rained down from the stands at St James' Park as they
lost to Newcastle United. And while it is true the 60-year-old is a
managerial taste that will never be acquired by some, Allardyce can rightly
be pleased with his four years at Upton Park. The brief from owners David
Sullivan and David Gold was to get The Hammers into the Premier League and
keep them there - two missions he accomplished comfortably. Allardyce, in
other words, has done a solid job at West Ham and it will take a lot to move
them even further forward. He may not have been a popular figure among the
fanbase - not that he seemed to care - but this is a manager who did what he
was asked to do. For that he deserves respect and credit.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'West Ham way' target for new boss after Sam Allardyce exit
By Frank Keogh
BBC Sport
West Ham have set a list of criteria as they sift through a shortlist of
candidates to replace Sam Allardyce as manager of the Premier League club.
Allardyce, 60, will not be signing a new deal to remain Hammers boss. Owners
David Gold and David Sullivan want an ambitious boss to take the club to
"the next level" and win trophies. The candidate will be expected to
understand the club, its fans and culture, and can encourage the 'West Ham
way' of playing attacking football. Gold believes the Hammers, who finished
the season 12th, are almost certain to have qualified for the Europa League
via a Uefa Fair Play place.
What is the 'West Ham way'?
Generally thought by some West Ham fans to be a brand of attacking football
where the team goes for goals, such as when the club won the FA Cup three
times between 1965 and 1980 Critics question whether such a philosophy can
exist alongside a target of winning trophies, and bringing young players
through from the club's academy Based on the approach where defenders bring
the ball out from the back as typified by Bobby Moore, and later through the
likes of Alvin Martin and Rio Ferdinand. In his biography, former Manchester
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "I hope that before I die someone can
explain the 'West Ham way'. What is it? They last won a trophy in 1980, the
FA Cup."
Allardyce, after four years with the club in which he won promotion and
ensured Premier League stability but was criticised by some sections of the
fanbase for a supposedly negative approach, was told on Friday his contract
would not be renewed. West Ham are content with taking their time over
appointing a replacement, with the club preparing for their final season at
the Boleyn Ground before moving across East London to the Olympic Stadium in
time for the 2016-17 season. Gold and Sullivan themselves are leading the
hunt for Allardyce's replacement and have drawn up a list of candidates,
although one contender - former Liverpool manager and current Napoli boss
Rafael Benitez - is being strongly linked with a move to Spanish side Real
Madrid. The new boss is likely to oversee a European campaign starting in
July, with Gold saying the club is "99.9% certain" to have reached the
Europa League through the Fair Play criteria, which is expected to be
confirmed this week. Club sources say Gold and Sullivan are looking for a
manager who understands the culture surrounding West Ham, and will be
enthused by the stadium move. The successful candidate will also be expected
to promote the club's academy and give young players a chance to break
through into the first team.
Bookmakers' favourites for West Ham job
Slaven Bilic (Odds as of 23:00 BST, 24 May: 1-2. Age: 46) Wants the job and
has just left Turkish side Besiktas, but has no managerial experience in the
Premier League and would be a big risk. Former head coach of the Croatia
national team, was a popular player at Upton Park in the mid-1990s.
David Moyes (Odds: 4-1. Age: 51) Stock is higher following successful six
months with Real Sociedad after flopping at Manchester United. Did a
creditable job previously at Everton, although may fancy more time in Spain
before any return to the Premier League.
Unai Emery (Odds: 5-1. Age: 43) Sevilla head coach considered a hot
property, and has drawn comparisons with Jose Mourinho. Also linked with a
move to Read Madrid if Carlo Ancelotti is replaced.
Steve McClaren (Odds: 10-1. Age: 54) Former England manager would fit West
Ham owners' prototype of going for managers with top-flight experience.
McClaren's future at Derby County is unclear, although he could be courted
by Newcastle.
line
As players paid tribute to the departing manager, Allardyce said that
attacking options were likely to be a focus for his successor.
"We can't finish and we can't score and that's become ever more apparent in
the last few weeks," he told West Ham's official website.
"Our build-up is fine, but the depth of our quality of finishing is just not
there and that's an area for someone else now."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham to break the 100k barrier for the right man
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 25th May 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are preparing to push the boat out in order to land the right
manager to succeed the recently-departed Sam Allardyce.
60-year-old Allardyce ended his four-year association with the Hammers
moments after the final whistle had blown in the match against Newcastle at
St James' Park on Sunday afternoon - a game the hosts won 2-0.
And KUMB understands that the club are prepared to pay a figure well in
excess of top earner Andy Carroll's near-£5million salary in order to secure
the big-name signing required to lead the club into the Olympic Stadium
little more than a year from now.
Jurgen Klopp, Carlo Ancelotti and long-term target Rafa Benitez are three
names hovering near the top of the Board's wish list tonight and would
certainly command a salary close to that figure.
Whilst Benitez remains the favoured candidate of at least one Board member,
despite having expressed interest in the West Ham post he is believed to
favour a return to Real Madrid where he spent seven years as a player during
the 1970s and '80s.
Further along the chain, Benitez's opportunities of returning to the
Bernabeu rest upon Real's decision with regard to 55-year-old Ancelotti, who
is rumoured be facing the sack two years into a three year contract in
Spain. His future will be determined at a meeting later this week.
Should both Benitez and Ancelotti reject West Ham's overtures, Klopp remains
an unlikely yet tantalising prospect.
Although it was suggested last week that he had ruled himself out of the
running, it is now thought that may not be the case - even if the current
Dortmund boss' signature is being sought by a string of top clubs searching
for a new manager this summer.
Who'll fill the Boleyn hotseat next?
Meanwhile last week's odds-on favourite Slaven Bilic remains a further
option should none of the club's main targets accept the vacancy. Out of
contract at the end of the season, the 46-year-old is tempted by the
opportunity to manage in England.
As reported on KUMB last week, Marseille boss Marcelo Bielsa has also been
sounded out whilst Seville manager Unai Emery's name continued to be linked
with the post - although reports emerging from Italy on Sunday claimed he
has agreed to join Milan.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Thanks Sam, say Sullivan and Gold
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 24th May 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham united's co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold have paid tribute
to Sam Allardyce, on the day that told him he was no longer wanted at West
Ham.
The 60-year-old's association with the club came to an abrupt end after four
years this afternoon when the club confirmed he would not be considered for
a new contract via their website.
And despite having wanted shot of him for several months, Sullivan and
partner Gold jointly released a statement praising his achievements.
"We would like to start by thanking Sam Allardyce for his valuable work
since arriving at the Boleyn Ground four years ago," they said. "He leaves
the Club in a considerably better state then when he arrived and, for that,
the Board are truly grateful.
"However, we have made the decision not to renew his contract, so we now
have the chance to appoint a new manager with a new philosophy to lead us
into two of the most exciting years in our great Club's history.
"Our target is to recruit a manager that will build a team capable of saying
a fitting farewell to the Boleyn Ground next year and do justice to the
outstanding surrounds we will call home from August 2016.
"We have already been impressed with the quality of candidates that have
expressed an interest in the role and fully expect to appoint a manager with
the credentials to take this Club on to new heights.
"From our point of view there isn't a more exciting job in the Premier
League at present."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons couldn't say goodbye to Sam fast enough!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 24, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
In the end it couldn't have been quicker.
The statement had been prepared and was on the official site at precisely
4.50 – that's how badly the board wanted Sam Allardyce gone.
No end of season review…no special board meeting – the decision had been
made weeks back but even this morning ClaretandHugh received a phone call
telling us to say nothing about the fact that he'd be gone within seconds of
the whistle blowing in Newcastle.
We were told: "We need a result up there – do nothing that could impact on
the result but he'll be gone a soon as the game is done."
In fact it was all pretty well known by then but it was none the less pretty
embarrassing when the end finally came!
"Game lost 2-0 – the statement is up and you are no longer our manager."
It's been a long haul but behind the scenes the game has been up for a long
time. And the reasons he was sacked are exactly the same as those the fans
screaming for his departure have held.
The board are desperate to see the West Ham fans being entertained by the
type of football which they and many of us were brought up on. They knew it
wasn't going to happen under the former manager -how good does that sound?
But there was a much bigger reason for the decision to say goodbye to the
old bruiser from Dudley- and as quickly as possible: THE FANS.
Time and again in conversations with leading figures inside the club over
the past few months I was told: "He has not healed that relationship with
them and it is critical. The club is divided down the middle and it can't go
on. We've all had enough."
So the issue that has monopolised us for months and months is no more – it
all has something of a dream like quality about it.
FORMER MANAGER Sam Allardyce is no more – we have our club back at last and
now let's unite and put this dreadful last two years to bed once and for
all.
We all deserve tonight…and we all deserve a rest!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Unai Emery is bookies second favourite
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 24, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
The announcement that West Ham will not be renewing Sam Allardyce's contract
has opened up the betting markets, all keen to make money guessing his
successor. No less than ten bookmakers are now running books on his
replacement.
Slaven Bilic remains the outright odds on favourite across all ten
bookmakers ranging from 1/5 to a more generous 5/6.
A new second favourite has emerged in the shape of Unai Emery being quoted
with odds as short as 5/2 by Sky Bet but as much as 7/1 by Betfair. David
Moyes remains as third favourite followed by Roberto Di Matteo as fourth
favourite.
43 year old Emery made his name as manager of Valencia, winning 49% of his
games in charge before a six-month stint as Spartak Moscow manager. He has
been back in Spain with Sevilla since January 2013, Emery won the Europa
League trophy last season and now has Sevilla in the final of the same
competition again this season. Sevilla finished in fifth place in the La
Liga table.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Legend Parkes so glad Allardyce has gone!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 24, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
West Ham legend Phil Parkes is delighted that Sam Allardyce is gone! In a no
punches pulled exclusive interview with ClaretandHugh the brilliant former
keeper declared as we told him the news: "So it's official – thank God." And
he added: "I'm not surprised. I didn't watch the game today just as I have
tried to avoid watching for the past two or three months. I can't watch that
stuff and I have felt so sorry for our fans who have paid to do so. It's
been dreadful."
Parksey poured brutal scorn on every reason for keeping Allardyce declaring:
"They say he keeps teams up but had it not been for a good start we'd have
been in the same position as Newcastle today, or perhaps even worse."I've
never seen him as a safer pair of hands than many but I've seen him provide
come awful football. Some of it has been as bad as anything I've seen at
this club."
Never a lover of the Allardyce 'brand,' Phil finally lost it with him when
the cupped ear incident happened against Hull last season.
He said: "You don't do that to our fans who are the greatest around. He
never bought into the history of this amazing club or the passion of those
fantastic supporters and that was his biggest problem.""John Lyall would
have come out afterwards and apologised to them if a team of his had played
like that and said the opposition should have won as they deserved. John
understood the way West Ham managers behave. Sam didn't. "This has been a
long time coming and I'm glad the Sam era has gone, We deserve a quality
manager for our quality supporters and quality club. But I'll leave it to
the owners to find him.."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Maiga to return pre season
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 24, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Maiga came on as a second half substitute for Metz's last game of the season
to complete his season long loan for the French outfit. Despite his
appearance on 56 minutes Metz lost their final game to Lille 4-1. Metz are
relegated from Ligue 1 which former Metz striker Diafra Sakho help them
achieve. In the 2013–14 season Sakho scored 20 goals in 36 appearances as
Metz won the Ligue 2 title. For his performances, Sakho was voted Ligue 2
Player of the Year for the 2013–14 season.
Maiga will now report back for training with West Ham in late June when the
pre season campaign begins unless a new loan deal can be found. Maiga signed
West Ham for a reported £4.7m from Sochaux scoring 6 goals for the Hammers
from 37 appearances.
Metz were thought to paying just £6,000 of Maiga £30,000 per week wages. He
has one year remaining on his West Ham contract worth around £1.5m in wages.
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Sunday, May 24
Daily WHUFC News - Official Statement
West Ham United statement
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will begin the search for a new manager after the Club
decided not to renew the contract of Sam Allardyce following the conclusion
of the 2014/15 season.
Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold will now oversee the
recruitment process for a new manager to lead the Club into one of the most
exciting eras in its history. The Hammers will bid an emotional farewell to
the Boleyn Ground, their home of more than 110 years, next season before the
Club moves to London's premier state-of-the-art 54,000 seater stadium on
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in August 2016.
The Board has already compiled a shortlist of replacements for Allardyce and
will be making significant transfer funds available for the successful
candidate.
In a statement, Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold have paid
tribute to Allardyce's contributions and explained what they will be looking
for in their new manager. "We would like to start by thanking Sam Allardyce
for his valuable work since arriving at the Boleyn Ground four years ago,"
they said. "He leaves the Club in a considerably better state then when he
arrived and, for that, the Board are truly grateful. "However, we have made
the decision not to renew his contract, so we now have the chance to appoint
a new manager with a new philosophy to lead us into two of the most exciting
years in our great Club's history. "Our target is to recruit a manager that
will build a team capable of saying a fitting farewell to the Boleyn Ground
next year and do justice to the outstanding surrounds we will call home from
August 2016. "We have already been impressed with the quality of candidates
that have expressed an interest in the role and fully expect to appoint a
manager with the credentials to take this Club on to new heights. "From our
point of view there isn't a more exciting job in the Premier League at
present."
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WHUFC.com
West Ham United will begin the search for a new manager after the Club
decided not to renew the contract of Sam Allardyce following the conclusion
of the 2014/15 season.
Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold will now oversee the
recruitment process for a new manager to lead the Club into one of the most
exciting eras in its history. The Hammers will bid an emotional farewell to
the Boleyn Ground, their home of more than 110 years, next season before the
Club moves to London's premier state-of-the-art 54,000 seater stadium on
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in August 2016.
The Board has already compiled a shortlist of replacements for Allardyce and
will be making significant transfer funds available for the successful
candidate.
In a statement, Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold have paid
tribute to Allardyce's contributions and explained what they will be looking
for in their new manager. "We would like to start by thanking Sam Allardyce
for his valuable work since arriving at the Boleyn Ground four years ago,"
they said. "He leaves the Club in a considerably better state then when he
arrived and, for that, the Board are truly grateful. "However, we have made
the decision not to renew his contract, so we now have the chance to appoint
a new manager with a new philosophy to lead us into two of the most exciting
years in our great Club's history. "Our target is to recruit a manager that
will build a team capable of saying a fitting farewell to the Boleyn Ground
next year and do justice to the outstanding surrounds we will call home from
August 2016. "We have already been impressed with the quality of candidates
that have expressed an interest in the role and fully expect to appoint a
manager with the credentials to take this Club on to new heights. "From our
point of view there isn't a more exciting job in the Premier League at
present."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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Daily WHUFC News -Allardyce gone
Allardyce gone - just seconds after the final whistle
KUMb.com
Filed: Sunday, 24th May 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have confirmed that Sam Allardyce's contract will not be
renewed this summer. The manager - who saw his side succumb to a
disappointing 2-0 defeat at St James Parl this afternoon - wasn't even given
the opportunity to break the news himself, as West Ham confirmed he will not
be retained as soon as the final whistle sounded. That move - dismissed by
some supporters as "classless" - meant that Allardyce had to face the press
with all fully aware he is now out of a job.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce leaves West Ham - three minutes after season ends
West Ham confirm manager has left his post and they are searching for a
replacement within moments of final whistle at Newcastle
By Telegraph Sport
5:01PM BST 24 May 2015
Sam Allardyce has left his position as West Ham manager just three minutes
after the club's season ended at Newcastle. The news was confirmed in a
tweet from West Ham's official Twitter account, posted moments after the
final whistle blew on their 2-0 defeat at St James' Park. The club have been
thwarted in their efforts to persuade Rafael Benitez to join, as the
Spaniard is set to take over at Real Madrid this week as the replacement for
Carlo Ancelotti. That means their attention is likely to turn to Steve
McClaren, Bournemouth's Eddie Howe, their former defender Slaven Bilic and
possible former Manchester United manager David Moyes.
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KUMb.com
Filed: Sunday, 24th May 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have confirmed that Sam Allardyce's contract will not be
renewed this summer. The manager - who saw his side succumb to a
disappointing 2-0 defeat at St James Parl this afternoon - wasn't even given
the opportunity to break the news himself, as West Ham confirmed he will not
be retained as soon as the final whistle sounded. That move - dismissed by
some supporters as "classless" - meant that Allardyce had to face the press
with all fully aware he is now out of a job.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce leaves West Ham - three minutes after season ends
West Ham confirm manager has left his post and they are searching for a
replacement within moments of final whistle at Newcastle
By Telegraph Sport
5:01PM BST 24 May 2015
Sam Allardyce has left his position as West Ham manager just three minutes
after the club's season ended at Newcastle. The news was confirmed in a
tweet from West Ham's official Twitter account, posted moments after the
final whistle blew on their 2-0 defeat at St James' Park. The club have been
thwarted in their efforts to persuade Rafael Benitez to join, as the
Spaniard is set to take over at Real Madrid this week as the replacement for
Carlo Ancelotti. That means their attention is likely to turn to Steve
McClaren, Bournemouth's Eddie Howe, their former defender Slaven Bilic and
possible former Manchester United manager David Moyes.
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Daily WHUFC News - 24th May 2015
Preview - Newcastle United
WHUFC.com
In brief
West Ham United travel to the North East to play relegation-threatened Newcastle United in the final game of the 2014/15 season. John Carver's side have their fate in their hands, knowing that a win on Sunday will secure their Premier League status. So long as Hull City don't beat Manchester United at the KC Stadium, the Magpies will be safe whatever the result. As for the Hammers, despite slipping to eleventh following Romelu Lukaku's last minute winner for Everton, they still have a chance of finishing in the top ten. Sam Allardyce, on his return to his former employers, will need a win and hope other results go his way to give his side any chance. Should the Irons win it would take them to a respectable 50 points, their highest total since returning to the top flight. Another aspect for the travelling Hammers is the matter of qualification to the Europa League via the Fair Play League. West Ham, currently in pole position, will want to maintain their clean disciplinary record to ensure Euopean football returns to east London.
Who are they?
Newcastle United have a reputation as one of the biggest clubs in English football. Created in 1881 when local sides Stanley and Rosewood merged together, their first taste of glory came in 1898 when they won promotion to the First Division. They have been crowned First Division champions four times, way back in 1904/05, 1906/07, 1908/09 and 1926/27. Further glory has come in the form of the FA Cup which they have won six times, most recently in 1955. More recently, the Magpies have come close to ending their barren run, finishing second in 1996 and 1997 as well as being FA Cup runners up in 1998 and 1999.
Team news
Newcastle United
Newcastle's slide down the table has not been helped by a lengthy injury list. Adam Armstrong and Siem De Jong (both hip) could make a return to action tomorrow, however Carver will be without Rob Elliot (thigh), Jak Alnwick (wrist), Massadio Haidara and Cheik Tiote (both knee). Steven Taylor (calf) is a long-term absentee, who isn't expected back before October.
West Ham United
The Hammers will be without James Collins (calf) who came off early against Everton, however they are boosted by the return to fitness of James Tomkins. Sam Allardyce will have to choose between in-from Reece Burke or Tomkins to partner Winston Reid at the heart of defence.
The Hammers are still without Diafra Sakho, Andy Carroll and Doneil Henry who will all hopefully be back in action in time for the start of next season.
Referee
Sunday's referee is West Riding registered Martin Atkinson. The highly rated official has been a Premier League referee since 2005, AND in a decade in the top flight he has taken charge of 264 matches, dishing out 892 yellow and 51 red cards. Atkinson's exploits as one of the best referees in the game has been recognised by taking charge of six Champions League games this season, most recently the semi-final first leg between Juventus and Real Madrid. In 45 games in 2014/15, he has given out a total of 174 yellow cards and ten reds. West Ham have a superb record when Atkinson is in charge. This term they are unbeaten in four games. Among them were the famous 2-1 win over Manchester City as well as the 2-0 and 3-0 wins over Leicester City and Hull City. Sunday's assistant referees are Mike Mullarkey and Stephen Child, Kevin Friend is the Fourth Official.
One to watch
Newcastle United
Spanish striker Ayoze Perez has impressed in his first year in the Premier League. The 21-year-old has scored seven goals in total, and after a relatively dry spell – he scored his first goal of 2015 on 25 April against Swansea City, he has now scored twice in the last four games. The former Tenerife player will want to cap off a promising season with a goal at home. Should he score the winner on Sunday he'll become an instant hero for Newcastle fans.
West Ham United
Kevin Nolan could feature after missing the Everton game. The Hammers' captain is a very popular figure on Tyneside having helped them back into the Premier League. The experienced midfielder is just one goal shy of his 100th league strike.
Tickets
Tickets for this match have SOLD OUT.
Travel
For directions on how to get to the stadium, click here.
For all the information you need regarding train times, click here for National RaiL website.
Weather
Sunday is set to be a cloudy day with sunny intervals. Temperature at kick off is forecast to be a 13C (55F). It should be dry throughout the day, making the long journey slightly easier.
Last meeting
Newcastle United 0-0 West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
24 August 2013
The last time the two sides played each other at St. James Park was near the beginning of the 2013/14 season.
In a drab game, neither side created much – the Hammers mustered up the single shot on target but it came to nothing.
Newcastle United: Krul, Coloccini, Santon, Yanga-Mbiwa, Debuchy, Sissoko, Anita, Ben Arfa, Marveaux (Ameobi 66), Cisse (Gouffran 72), Ameobi
Subs not used: Elliot, Dummett, Gosling, Bigirimana, Vuckic
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Reid, O'Brien, Collins, Demel, Nolan, Jarvis, Noble, Diame (Morrison 75), Downing (J Cole 64), Maiga
Subs not used: Adrian, Tomkins, Rat, Diarra, Vaz Te
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Kouyate urges Hammers to dream big
WHUFC.com
West Ham United midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate insists his beloved Hammers have every right to have high hopes as the Club enters arguably one of the most important eras of its history. Despite an illustrious history, silverware has proved to be illusive for the Irons of late, save for several promotions. However, with the Club's move to the new Stadium just a little over 12 months away, the 25-year-old midfielder believes the Hammers are not far from emulating past glories. "The club is very ambitious. We want to secure European football for our first year in the new Stadium. Anything can happen in football, you just need to believe. "We want to have a good season next year and leave Upton Park in as higher position as possible. We want to make the people happy. The new Stadium is an immense arena, it is perfect for big matches so we need a big season to set ourselves up for that."
Since joining the Hammers from Belgian outfit Anderlecht FC last summer, Kouyate has adapted to life in the Premier League remarkably well. His all-action performances as well as never-say-die attitude have helped him to win over fans and players alike. Further encouragement, if it were needed, is the fact that the Senegalese international has improved as the season has developed. Kouyate capped off an encouraging debut season in east London by winning the Performance of the Season award for his dominating display against Manchester United in February. However, while the larger-than-life character has impressed in his 34 appearances, he is quick to put the collective good of the team over any personal accolades. "It's not very important to be Man of the Match against Everton because we lost the game. I would prefer to have won the match because it was an important game to try and achieve our goal of finishing in the top half. But we lost the game so winning Man of the Match isn't important to me on this occasion."
Talking ahead of the Hammers' final game of the season with an away trip to relegation-threatened Newcastle, Kouyate continued to explain that his teammates are fully focused on trying to finish the season as strongly as possible. Sunday's match will also have a crucial baring on whether the Hammers qualify for the Europa League via the Fair Play League. "Our aim is to finish in the top half so we will go to Newcastle, play hard and try to win. We're not thinking about Hull, Newcastle or anyone else but ourselves. "Of course, if we are in the Europa League that will change our holiday plans but in football you need to make sacrifices and I'm willing to sacrifice everything. "I have experience of playing European football when I was at Anderlecht so I know what it's like to play in the biggest competition, it gives you goosebumps. Holidays can wait. I know I'll always pick playing European football over a holiday. Playing in top competitions are what our dreams are made of."
While Kouyate is convinced that the Hammers are on course for a bright future, he was keen to stress how much he has enjoyed his debut season while praising the key role manager Sam Allardyce had in persuading him to choose the Hammers over several European heavyweights.
"I can't speak for the other players, but the reason I am at West Ham is because of the manager. We don't know what will happen in the future, but yes, I would like the manager to stay. "He gave me the chance to fulfil my dream of playing in the Premier League. If it hadn't been for him, I would probably be playing in Spain for Valencia. Sam did everything he could to persuade me to come here. He took time out from his holiday and made sacrifices to call me so I am very thankful for that. "That personal touch was very important for me. It's been a dream come true for me and my family. The day I told my father I was coming to West Ham, he cried. It was a defining moment in my career and my life. "I love England, I love London, and it's an amazing City. I really love the atmosphere at the Club. I felt very welcome when I arrived here, it feels like home. That's thanks to the staff, the fans and the Chairmen. Also the players of course, especially Kevin Nolan, Mark Noble and Guy Demel, they helped me to settle in a lot."
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On this day - 24 May
WHUFC.com
Anniversary
Name: Keith Coleman
Born: Washington, County Durham, 24 May 1951
Clubs: Sunderland, West Ham United, KV Mechelen, Darlington, Hendon
Keith Coleman, who collected an European Cup Winners' Cup runners-up medal whilst with the Hammers in 1976, celebrates his 63rd birthday today. Born in the North East, he began his career with Sunderland and made his debut in 1971. Two years later he moved on to West Ham United for a £20,000 transfer fee. The full-back played 118 games for the Hammers in all competitions and although he did not play in the 1975 FA Cup win, he was involved throughout the next season's European adventure, which ended in a final defeat by Anderlecht in Brussels.
After his time at the Hammers, he returned to Belgium for two years with KV Mechelen, before ending his playing career with non-league side Hendon.
Classic match
West Ham United 2-1 Middlesbrough
Premier League
24 May 2009
West Ham United kept hold of their top-half position with a final-day victory over Middlesbrough on this day four years ago. Middlesbrough were in the relegation zone, and needed to win to give themselves hope of avoiding the drop to the second tier, but despite Gary O'Neil's second-half equaliser, they were unable to claim the result they required and went down to the Championship. The Hammers established a 33rd-minute lead through Carlton Cole, and recovered from that second half blow from O'Neil - a future West Ham player - to take all three points thanks to Junior Stanislas. It meant that Gianfranco Zola's men ended with 51 points from their 38 games, enough to secure ninth position in the Premier League table.
Complete record
1947 Manchester City 2-0 West Ham United (Division Two)
2009 West Ham United 2-1 Middlesbrough (Premier League)
Played 2, Won 1, Drawn 0, Lost 1, Scored 2, Conceded 3
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Sam Allardyce not on revenge mission against Newcastle
Last Updated: 23/05/15 2:32pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce says he will not be on a revenge mission when his West Ham team face his old club Newcastle at St James' Park on Sunday.
Allardyce's reign on Tyneside ended in disappointment in 2008 when he parted company with the club after just eight months at the helm, a decision that he described as a "shock". West Ham face Newcastle on Sunday knowing that if they win or draw, and Hull beat Manchester United, the Magpies will drop into the Sky Bet Championship. But, Hammers manager Allardyce claims he is not motivated by revenge and is only interested in his own team's fortunes. "It's not about what happens to Newcastle for me. Some have suggested that I'm all up for us winning to send them down, but it's far too far down the road for any of that stuff," he said. "It's been a long time since we parted company and looking back to the past is never what I've been about because you can't affect what happens in the past. You learn from it and move on to the future. "Since Newcastle I've had a fantastic time at Blackburn and then here, at West Ham. It's nearly seven years since I left Newcastle. "I'm up for winning on Sunday for West Ham because that's where I work and we want to finish with the 50 points we targeted at the start of the season. Hopefully we can achieve that goal."
Sunday could be Allardyce's final match as Hammers boss with his contract set to expire this summer, and he admits it has been a frustrating end to the season. "We're all disappointed that we haven't achieved more than we have done," said Allardyce. "We could have had a great season and matched, with a bit more luck, the best season West Ham have had.
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Kevin Nolan ready for 'emotional' day which may relegate Newcastle
SSN
Kevin Nolan admits it will be tough to face former club Newcastle this weekend knowing a West Ham win could relegate the Magpies. Kevin Nolan has already lost once on the Premier League stage this week, and would rather not make it two on Sunday even if it causes pain for a former team. The West Ham captain joined team-mates Joey O'Brien and James Collins at the O2 Arena in London on Thursday, on the final night of the Premier League Darts season, to take on rugby legend Mike Tindall in an exhibition darts match. The Hammers trio were soundly defeated by Tindall's impressive performance on the oche, but Nolan is determined he won't be beaten on the football pitch when he returns to the North East to take on Newcastle on Sunday. The 32-year-old spent two-and-a-half seasons at Newcastle and was part of the team that was relegated from the Premier League under Alan Shearer in 2009. A draw or defeat on Sunday could see John Carver's side go down if Hull beat Manchester United, but Nolan is adamant he will be trying to win the match, even though it will be "strange" to be part of the occasion. "It will be emotional going back up there again," he told Sky Sports at the O2 Arena. "I have such a good rapport with all the fans. It's going to be a bit of a strange one. We have got to do it properly and try and go for the win because we want to finish as high as possible. "But it's such a shame, seeing it from the outside, seeing where they are again after what happened not so long ago. It just shows how easy it is and how tough this league is that you can never ever rest on your laurels and you have to keep plugging away.
"I am hoping for the best for them, I must admit, for all of the great friends and family I have got up there. My little boy's a Geordie, so I am hoping that's going to be OK, but we've just got to go there and be as professional as possible."
Nolan signed for West Ham in 2011 when they had just been relegated to the Championship themselves and says he is proud to have helped the team secure their Premier League status in the past few seasons. The team has lost seven of its last 11 Premier League games, but victory on Sunday could see them secure a top-half finish once again. "We have had such a fantastic three years back in the Premier League," he added. "To not be in and around the relegation scrap, it's been a long time. "First year we bounced right back up, finished 10th, 12th last year and we've got an opportunity to finish 10th again. "That's three solid seasons which have had their ups and downs, but overall since I have come to the club and Sam [Allardyce] has come to the club, we have a lot to be proud of."
Nolan was speaking on stage following an exhibition darts match organised by shirt sponsors Betway ahead of Gary Anderson's victory in the Premier League Darts final. The West Ham players were treated to walk-on-girls, top darts referee Russ Bray and Sky Sports cameras capturing their every move.
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Stewart Downing insists West Ham will not let Newcastle off the hook
Last Updated: 23/05/15 7:49am
SSN
Stewart Downing insisted West Ham United will not take it easy at Newcastle United on Survival Sunday as they bid to end the season on a high. In an interview with Sunday's Soccer Special, the former Liverpool winger reflected on the Hammers' season, which started promisingly but faded as the campaign wore on. West Ham looked to be on course for a top-seven finish after an impressive first half of the season, but a run of just two wins in 15 league games ended such hopes. European qualification is still possible via the Fair Play Table, but Downing is not focusing on anything other than possibly earning the win that relegates Newcastle on Sunday, should Hull beat Manchester United. "We need to get a good result against Newcastle", Downing said. "Obviously, they're fighting for their lives and it'll be a tough game for us, but as the manager stresses, we need to finish well and let everyone know that we're still fighting to get in the top ten, which was the aim at the start of the season. "I still think we should have got into Europe [via the league] and that's disappointing but obviously we can still get in through the Fair Play League. "We need to finish strong, get a good result and I'm confident we'll get a win at Newcastle."
It has been a difficult season for Newcastle fans on and off the pitch, and should West Ham take the lead at St James' Park, Downing is fully aware of how the terraces will react. "It will be difficult for the new players," he added. "Obviously, I've played there before and if we score first, the fans will get on their backs. We have to capitalise on that and I think we'll get the result. "I am surprised; it's a massive club, isn't it? It's been disappointing for them. The run where they lost a lot of games has obviously affected them. Carver has gone in there trying to do a good job, but it's been difficult for him. "But we have to think about ourselves and win the game."
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Newcastle will have to fight for survival against West Ham, warns Stewart Downing
18:08, 23 MAY 2015
BY AARON FLANAGAN
The Hammers are hoping to end their season on a high by defeating the troubled Toon and possibly condemning them to relegation to the Championship
The Mirror
West Ham will not roll over to allow Newcastle their Premier League safety, according to Stewart Downing. Newcastle have to match or better the result of Hull on the final day of the league season to secure their place in the top flight. The Magpies ave only picked up one point out of their last possible 30, which has sent them tumbling down the Premier League table at a rapid rate. West Ham, however, have not been in prolific form themselves having only picked up two league wins since the end of January. But versatile midfielder Downing has warned Newcastle that the Hammers are not going to give them an easy route to safety - as they intend to end their topsy-turvy campaign on a high. Speaking to Sky Sports, Downing said: "Obviously, they're fighting for their lives and it'll be a tough game for us, but as the manager stresses, we need to finish well and let everyone know that we're still fighting to get in the top ten, which was the aim at the start of the season. "I still think we should have got into Europe [via the league] and that's disappointing but obviously we can still get in through the Fair Play League." Downing says that he is fully prepared for the hostile environment at St. James' Park should West Ham take the lead on Sunday. And he believes that if the Newcastle fans do start turning on their own players, it will only serve to aid the Hammers. He said: "Obviously, I've played there before and if we score first, the fans will get on their backs. We have to capitalise on that and I think we'll get the result." In the other relegation showdown, Hull have to beat Manchester United otherwise they will be relegated to the Championship.
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Newcastle to gamble on half-fit Papiss Cisse against West Ham in desperate bid for survival
22:30, 23 MAY 2015
BY COLIN YOUNG
The Senegal striker hasn't started since early March and John Carver has admitted he shouldn't even be in contention following a knee operation last month
The Mirror
John Carver is ready to gamble on the fitness of top scorer Papiss Cisse in a desperate bid to avoid relegation on Sunday. The stand-in Newcastle boss has admitted the Senegal striker shouldn't even be in consideration for a start in the final day clash with West Ham after a knee operation last month and is clearly not fully fit. But Carver, who insists he has "no regrets" over his reign, and still wants the St James' hot-seat full-time, knows Cisse is his best chance of goals. A win for Newcastle over West Ham will guarantee Premier League football on Tyneside next season. But, if they fail to win, they need Hull City not to beat Manchester United at the KC Stadium to be safe. Cisse's fitness will be vital for Newcastle and Carver said: "Truthfully, we had written him off for the season after what he went through, but he has put himself up for the fight so great, brilliant. "He has come back quicker than expected, but we saw at QPR he wasn't right. But sometimes that happens when you come off the bench. "When you start a game, because your preparation is different and your start is different, you feed into a game better. Gary Speed used to be a dreadful sub. "He was a nightmare. He used to say, 'I'm useless coming in off the bench', so it does vary on individuals. "The fact is Papiss has had another full week's training, going into the game and, if we start him, he will be in a better frame of mind. But he deserves so much credit that he actually wants to be selected and he was so disappointed he didn't start last week, which is testament to him."
Newcastle have won just two of Carver's 19 games in charge and slipped alarmingly down the Premier League table, against a backdrop of fans' protests over Mike Ashley's running of the club. After Sunderland's shock draw at Arsenal on Wednesday, Newcastle are now in an anxious last relegation place showdown with Hull, which seemed implausible when Carver took over from Alan Pardew in January. And he knows he will get updates from the KC Stadium. "I don't think we'll be able to escape from it," he said. "There is everybody in the crowd, you've got Sky there, telling everyone, and members of staff will be running round, but I just have to stay focused on us. "But, as the game develops after half-time, it does come into your way of thinking of certain situations for definite." Even though his job was offered to Steve McClaren after meltdown at Leicester earlier this month, Carver maintains he would do it all again – and still wants the role full-time. He said: "I've been in this job five months and I don't think any other manager would have to deal with the things I've had to deal with in their whole careers, never mind five months. "But, in a really strange way, I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I think I got softened up a little bit when Alan was here and Alan was taking a bit of abuse and I think I got used to it. "It is not a nice thing to accept, but I am definitely a stronger person and, whatever happens on Sunday, I'll be better for it, one way or the other.
"And, if I had the chance again, I would do exactly the same, say yes I want this job and do it my way. I would just like to think I would have a bit more luck and fortune. "I'd still do it all again."
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Carlo Ancelotti is surprise third favourite
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 24, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti is a surprise joint third favourite this morning to become the next West Ham manager. Although two bookmakers have suspended taking any further money on the next West Ham manager, one of the remaining two bookies, Sky Bet has installed Ancelotti as an unlikely joint 16/1 chance along with Rafa Benitez and Steve McLaren. David Moyes is second favourite at 8/1 but Slaven Bilic remains the massive odds on favourite at 1/4. In his pre match conference Sam Allardyce earlier this week joked Ancelotti would be the next name linked: 'This time though it's more the speculation over the other managers that seem to be taking my position.Probably tomorrow it will be Carlo Ancelotti, he will be the next in line."
Four years ago Ancelotti said he would manage West Ham. 'I would coach West Ham – why not? It's a challenge to manage a team in the Championship. The atmosphere at West Ham is amazing. It doesn't matter if you manage a top team or a smaller team.It's more important to work. I was happy to train in the second division when I was learning.When you manage, you don't think about the money. It has never been a motivation for me.'
However it appears Ancelotti is planning a sabbatical if he gets the sack. Speaking after yesterday's game he said: "My future is clear in my head, either I stay here at Real Madrid, or I stop for one year."
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Allardyce to leave West Ham on Sunday
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 23, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Jason Burt writing for the Sunday Telegraph has suggested Sam Allardyce will leave West Ham immediately following Sunday's match against Newcastle. Burt writes: "Sam Allardyce will leave West Ham United by mutual agreement immediately after Sunday's final Premier League game of the season away to his former club, Newcastle United." He also suggests "West Ham had expected to announce this Tuesday that Rafael Benítez would then take over as their manager. But it is understood that deal has now broken down after a dramatic intervention by Real Madrid last week."
He says the soon to be former West Ham manager has received "an intriguing offer to move into international management and take over as the coach of Nigeria, even though the coach, Stephen Keshi, who has endured a tumultuous time, recently signed a new deal.There is also understood to be a Premier League club who are interested in Allardyce."
Finally Burt says "What is clear is that Allardyce is leaving West Ham, after four years in charge, and he is expected to confirm this himself in the media briefings after today's match at St James' Park."
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Michael Owen predicts a West Ham win
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 23, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Former Newcastle Striker Michael Owen predicts a West Ham away win tomorrow at St James Park "You can't just flick a switch and play well because you need to, and recent form tells you that Newcastle are the worst side in the league side at the moment. And by some distance, too." said Owen. "So I think if any side is going to take all three points here then it is West Ham, for all that they have only won away three times this season and are hardly finishing their campaign in blistering form either. I go 1-0 or 2-1 to West Ham"
Meanwhile so called pundit Mark Lawrenson predicts that Newcastle and West Ham will draw 1-1 on Sunday. However Paul Merson predicts a late goal and a West Ham defeat. The Sky pundit says 'if you had to pick one team at home to get a result against, it would be West Ham, without a doubt. I would be backing Newcastle to go down if it was any team but West Ham. The only thing is, Sam Allardyce is going back to Newcastle – he shouldn't have got sacked there. Would he love to send them down? I'm going to say yes. Would Kevin Nolan want to send Newcastle down? I don't think so.The thing is, it's OK Allardyce wanting to send them down but the players are the ones on the pitch. There will be drama. It will be tight all the way but Newcastle will nick it with a late goal. 2-1 to Newcastle.
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Benitez put no price on his head
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 23, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
West Ham insiders have rubbished speculation that Rafa Benitez priced himself out of a move to West Ham. The Daily Mail reported that representatives of Rafa Benitez initially asked for a staggering £6m for West Ham to talk to their client. The article claimed that West Ham top brass were staggered at the request and turned it down flat. A senior source at West Ham responded "NOT TRUE" however the source quipped to Claret and Hugh "He chose Real Madrid ahead of us, not surprising really. After all he is Spanish!"
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Dicks backs Bilic
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 23, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
West Ham Legend Julian Dicks has backed Slaven Bilic to be the new West Ham manager. When asked whether Bilic would be a good choice for West Ham, Dicks replied "My opinion is that he's a good choice" asked whether he would be prepared to work along side Bilic in his coaching staff he replied "Yes definitely" but admitted he had lost touch adding "I haven't seen him for about 15 years"
When another West Ham fan questioned about Bilic's lack of Premier League management experience Dicks said "Why need premiership experience? Monk, Koeman didn't and there are managers with vast experience who don't do well" adding "All you want is 100% work rate and commitment."
Dicks speaking from his twitter account was further asked if Bilic was the best man for the job "From a personal point of view, yes as he knows what the fans expect and knows what the clubs about"
Last year Bilic was asked by ITV Sport about tough player image at West Ham and he answered: "I was in a team with Julian Dicks so I was not the hardest one in my team" Over a week ago another West Ham legend also backed Bilic, Alvin Martin told Alan Brazil on Talksport Radio "I wouldn't rule Slaven out. He's been round the game for a while now. He's proved he could do it at international level and club level in difficult circumstances.I know him. He's a highly intelligent and highly motivated individual. I think he would be absolutely perfect for us [West Ham]. Slaven is the outstanding candidate for me."
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Irons squad haven't a clue how FPL works
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 23, 2015 in Whispers
C and h
Aaron Cresswell has admitted that neither he or the rest of the squad have a clue how the Fair Pay League works. The Hammers look all set to take their place in Europe this summer but how they have managed it is a mystery to everybody. Discussing the competition with FourFourTwo the left back and Hammer of the year said: "To be honest, I don't think anyone really understands it! We haven't been told to pull out of a tackle or anything like that, though. "It's not all down to yellow and red cards – it's also attacking play and stuff like that," he continued. "But we'll assess it at the end of the season and see if we're definitely in it, then we'll sit down and see if we need to plan our summer around it."
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Sam: 'Speculation about me can breed complacency'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 23, 2015 in Whispers
C and h
Sam Allardyce has come up with a new reason for the devastating loss of Hammers form since Christmas. According to the 60 year old it's to some extent due to his position as boss being under constant scrutiny. Ahead of the match at Newcastle he said: "The speculation can breed some complacency in the dressing room, there's no doubt about that.
"There was speculation like this after the season when we came up, but this time around it's more about all the other managers who seem to be taking my position. Probably the next one will be Carlo Ancelotti. He'll be the next in line. "I can't affect that and by early next week the situation will be sorted. "I've been comfortable with it [the speculation] and don't have a problem with it. As a manager distractions are something that you put aside all the time. "Being paid to do your job is what you're here for. I'm hopeful Newcastle won't be my final game, but we'll wait and see."
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Karren Brady stays quiet
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 23, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
West Ham Vice Chairman Karren Brady has stayed remarkably quiet in her weekly football diary in the Saturday Sun newspaper. In her last column before the Premier League season finishes the Lady of Knightsbridge doesn't mention West Ham or manager Sam Allardyce once.
Brady was thought to be Sam's sole ally on the board in recent times but it now appears she has admitted defeat in her attempts to get Allardyce a contract renewal. It is believed she argued against dumping Allardyce as it would be a big business risk so close to moving into the Olympic Stadium but it is thought the shareholders were having none of it after a dismal second half to the season and West Ham fan division on the manager.
Even when Brady mentions Hammers managerial target Jurgen Klopp in her column, she just says he has been linked with the Premier League rather West Ham or 'My club' as she likes to call us. That's politics Karren, sometimes you get outvoted!
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Sullivan and Gold's Spanish planning meeting
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 23, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
David Gold and David Sullivan will jet off to their annual Marbella retreat next week. The co-chairmen will be looking at their summer plans and fine tuning finances of the transfer market operation in what has become a critical seven days of the club's year. The pair will look at the progress madein the current campaign and at the immediate objectives for the new season -which remain very much under wraps. However, it is likely that once again the club will take advantage of the Vibrac loan arrangement which they have used for several years against Sky TV money to fund their plans and which last season saw them spend around £32 million.
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Sam Allardyce to quit West Ham on Sunday as Rafa Benitez turns club down
Exclusive: Allardyce will leave after final game of the season as Spaniard pulls out of deal following Real Madrid call
Jason Burt By Jason Burt10:00PM BST 23 May 2015
Telegraph.co.uk
Sam Allardyce will leave West Ham United by mutual agreement immediately after Sunday's final Premier League game of the season away to his former club, Newcastle United. In a major twist, West Ham had expected to announce this Tuesday that Rafael Benítez would then take over as their manager. But it is understood that deal has now broken down after a dramatic intervention by Real Madrid last week.
Real called Benítez, the former Liverpool manager who is leaving Napoli, last Monday to offer him the opportunity to succeed Carlo Ancelotti, who is expected to be sacked after Saturday's final La Liga match against Getafe. The decision is a serious blow to West Ham, who are now considering their options and have yet to identify a No 1 candidate. But, despite Benitez's decision, there appears to be no chance that Allardyce will stay. Instead the 60-year-old will take a short holiday – he flies out to Spain – and has already received an intriguing offer to move into international management and take over as the coach of Nigeria, even though the coach, Stephen Keshi, who has endured a tumultuous time, recently signed a new deal. There is also understood to be a Premier League club who are interested in Allardyce. Although he would be keen to stay in London he does not want to return to the Championship, which rules out Fulham who have also shown an interest. What is clear is that Allardyce is leaving West Ham, after four years in charge, and he is expected to confirm this himself in the media briefings after today's match at St James' Park.
His contract expires this summer and although a meeting has been scheduled between his agent, Mark Curtis, and the club's hierarchy on Monday it is unclear as to whether that will now take place. It may be simply to tie up any loose ends. There is no animosity in Allardyce's departure, with West Ham believing they can move the club forward more effectively with a different manager. However it does represent a risk given his strong track record, gaining promotion and stabilising West Ham in the Premier League, and there will be sympathy towards him. Although Allardyce has not been universally popular with the supporters he is well-liked within the club and by the players.
Allardyce's future at West Ham has been in doubt for months – he almost left at the end of last season before agreeing a new 12-month deal – with the expectation that the highly-ambitious club did not want him to continue as it goes into its last season at Upton Park before it moves to the 54,000-capacity Olympic Stadium. West Ham have backed their manager financially. Having lined up a deal to bring in Benítez West Ham are now considering their options. On their list of candidates has been Real Sociedad coach David Moyes, Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe, former player Slaven Bilic, who is leaving Turkish club Besiktas and former Swansea City manager Michael Laudrup whose coaching contract in Qatar is also coming to an end.
Moyes would be a preferred choice but he has consistently stated he intends to stay in Spain – there have been a series of approaches – although a fresh move has not been ruled out, while it seems unlikely Howe will leave his newly-promoted club. The 37-year-old is also considered a risk given his lack of top-flight experience. Bilic has not coached in England but he is available and wants the job and has become an increasingly strong possibility. It is understood he has been sounded out.
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David Sullivan told not to make Tony Pulis West Ham manager
Co-owner talked out of making Pulis a shock contender to replace Sam Allardyce as club's attempts to find right man become increasingly desperate
The Telegraph
By Matt Law6:13PM BST 22 May 2015
David Sullivan has been talked out of making Tony Pulis a shock contender to replace Sam Allardyce as West Ham United manager as the club's attempts to find the right man become increasingly desperate. Allardyce has confirmed that he will find out on Monday whether or not his contract is due to be extended, although the 60-year-old could make a statement of his own immediately after the final game of the season against Newcastle United. West Ham co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold, together with vice-chairman Karren Brady, are due to meet on Monday to hold their annual review and discuss the managerial situation. While Allardyce is widely expected to leave, it is far from certain who will replace him with West Ham fearing they will miss out on their top targets. David Moyes has said he wants to stay in Spain and Rafa Benitez has been lined up by Real Madrid, while ambitious names such as Frank de Boer and Jurgen Klopp have not shown any interest in the post.
That has left Sullivan, Gold and Brady looking for alternative candidates and forced to seriously consider former West Ham player Slaven Bilic and ex-Swansea manager Michael Laudrup. Sullivan threw the name of Pulis into the hat this week, but did not receive encouragement from staff and confidents who do not believe the 57-year-old would offer a significant change from Allardyce. It is understood that Sullivan was also made aware that West Ham's fans would be unhappy with the club targeting West Bromwich Albion manager Pulis, having already voiced their frustrations against Allardyce. Pulis has done a superb job in keeping West Brom up this season and was similarly impressive at Crystal Palace last season. But the former Stoke City manager's style and approach is seen to be too similar to Allardyce at Upton Park.
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Sam Allardyce: My future will be sorted while I'm away - but I look back on four years at West Ham with pride
Evening Standard
SAM ALLARDYCE
Published: 22 May 2015 Updated: 14:37, 23 May 2015
I have a lot of time for John Carver, while Steve Bruce is one of my best mates in football. Sadly, one of them will be in charge of the team who will find themselves in the Championship late on Sunday afternoon — and we at West Ham have a big influence on how things pan out.
My responsibility is neither to Newcastle, who we play at St James' Park, nor Hull City but firmly to West Ham winning and finishing the season with 50 points.
My future at West Ham will be decided after this weekend. I will be on holiday with my grandchildren, something I'm looking forward to immensely, but my representatives will be talking to the club. There's nothing more I can say on that. I'm not in control of the situation so we'll just wait and see.
I would just like to take this opportunity, in this final column of the season, to look back on my four years at West Ham.
Progression is always the key word for any manager when he joins a new club. To do that, he must ask questions and find the answers. What are the difficulties? How do you overcome them? How do you achieve the targets set by the owners?
The ambition of the owners has to be balanced by financial availability. If they want to move forward quickly then you have to spend more money. If, however, you want to progress at a steadier pace, then you have to spend the money available more wisely. If you have little or no funds, then it's difficult to move forward at all.
There's always been investment since I've been here and that money has served the club very well in terms of bringing in players. Over the four years, the player turnover has been astronomical, particularly in that first season in the Championship.
That presents a huge task for the manager and you see many lose their jobs because, as their critics often say: "There was too much change, too quickly."
We made those wholesale changes and not only coped in that first season but built a better team, one good enough to go back up to the Premier League at the first attempt. I had signed a two-year contract and my task was to help win promotion in that time. One of the hardest things in football is to do that in the first year — very few achieve that — but we managed it.
You can't over-exaggerate the feeling of depression around a club when they are relegated and West Ham were no exception. There was desolation everywhere and you have to help rebuild the confidence, both of the club and the players — and do it quickly.
I remember sitting down at our pre-season camp, talking to the players individually, and 50 per cent wanted to leave.
We needed to work hard and quickly and the club sent out a big statement of intent when we signed Kevin Nolan. I thought the club's financial commitment there was fantastic, signing an experienced Premier League player — one who scores goals and is a great captain — and convincing him to come to a club in the Championship.
That gave us a rock-solid base on which to build and then, later, around Christmas when the goals dried up, we signed Nicky Maynard and Ricardo Vaz Te, with Ricardo in particular adding that scoring power.
I thought then we were headed for automatic promotion but no one expected the surge from Reading, who came up on the rails and pipped us.
The play-offs did, however, provide me with my greatest moments of my time here at West Ham. The pleasure and delight of that play-off final win over Blackpool is a memory I will never, ever forget.
Since then we have built and established this club in the Premier League from the first season, where we exceeded our expectations by a distance, through to the second season where we probably didn't bring in quite enough players. For six weeks around Christmas, we had to worry about relegation but we pulled back up a couple of months later and there were no more concerns.
Which brings me to this season. The summer recruitment was the best I've experienced as a manager. There is no doubt we could and should have finished higher this season. This squad, as a result of good investment, is the best since I've been at the club and there's never been a week where we've had to look over our shoulders.
It's a great shame we haven't finished the season stronger and last weekend's match against Everton was a perfect example. It's a terrible feeling deep in your gut when, as a manager, you lose a match like that, in the last minute yet again, particularly when you don't deserve to be beaten.
No, we won't finish seventh or eighth as we should have done after our terrific start but overall it's been good progress — better players playing better football, scoring more goals and even though it might only be one, although we hope it's four by the end of Sunday, finishing with more points.
The overall picture is very bright, we have a younger squad who will continue to improve. With similar investment this summer, targeting the right players at the right age, we should continue to make good progress although trying to break into the very top echelon will be extremely difficult given some clubs' financial resources.
As a manager, I'm in it to win it. You stretch yourself as much as you can so that everyone can share in the success. That brings its own rewards, in terms of pride and reputation, and in the knowledge that although you've cut it at previous clubs, you've done it at this club, too.
There's a different mentality at all clubs and I've always taken into account, no matter what anyone says, the type of football the club wants to play. It would be stupid of me to go against the tide of all that tradition and history. It can't be done overnight. Unless you spend £200 million, you have to wait to get what you want.
I enjoy living and working in London. So does Lynn, my wife. If she hadn't wanted to stay here I would have gone at the end of my last contract but we've both been happy to stay as long as we can.
The next big challenge is choosing the next crop of players and how much we spend on them. That's the hardest part of the job today, particularly if they're from abroad.
That's it then for another season. I hope you've enjoyed reading this column half as much as I have writing it.
Enjoy your summer.
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WHUFC.com
In brief
West Ham United travel to the North East to play relegation-threatened Newcastle United in the final game of the 2014/15 season. John Carver's side have their fate in their hands, knowing that a win on Sunday will secure their Premier League status. So long as Hull City don't beat Manchester United at the KC Stadium, the Magpies will be safe whatever the result. As for the Hammers, despite slipping to eleventh following Romelu Lukaku's last minute winner for Everton, they still have a chance of finishing in the top ten. Sam Allardyce, on his return to his former employers, will need a win and hope other results go his way to give his side any chance. Should the Irons win it would take them to a respectable 50 points, their highest total since returning to the top flight. Another aspect for the travelling Hammers is the matter of qualification to the Europa League via the Fair Play League. West Ham, currently in pole position, will want to maintain their clean disciplinary record to ensure Euopean football returns to east London.
Who are they?
Newcastle United have a reputation as one of the biggest clubs in English football. Created in 1881 when local sides Stanley and Rosewood merged together, their first taste of glory came in 1898 when they won promotion to the First Division. They have been crowned First Division champions four times, way back in 1904/05, 1906/07, 1908/09 and 1926/27. Further glory has come in the form of the FA Cup which they have won six times, most recently in 1955. More recently, the Magpies have come close to ending their barren run, finishing second in 1996 and 1997 as well as being FA Cup runners up in 1998 and 1999.
Team news
Newcastle United
Newcastle's slide down the table has not been helped by a lengthy injury list. Adam Armstrong and Siem De Jong (both hip) could make a return to action tomorrow, however Carver will be without Rob Elliot (thigh), Jak Alnwick (wrist), Massadio Haidara and Cheik Tiote (both knee). Steven Taylor (calf) is a long-term absentee, who isn't expected back before October.
West Ham United
The Hammers will be without James Collins (calf) who came off early against Everton, however they are boosted by the return to fitness of James Tomkins. Sam Allardyce will have to choose between in-from Reece Burke or Tomkins to partner Winston Reid at the heart of defence.
The Hammers are still without Diafra Sakho, Andy Carroll and Doneil Henry who will all hopefully be back in action in time for the start of next season.
Referee
Sunday's referee is West Riding registered Martin Atkinson. The highly rated official has been a Premier League referee since 2005, AND in a decade in the top flight he has taken charge of 264 matches, dishing out 892 yellow and 51 red cards. Atkinson's exploits as one of the best referees in the game has been recognised by taking charge of six Champions League games this season, most recently the semi-final first leg between Juventus and Real Madrid. In 45 games in 2014/15, he has given out a total of 174 yellow cards and ten reds. West Ham have a superb record when Atkinson is in charge. This term they are unbeaten in four games. Among them were the famous 2-1 win over Manchester City as well as the 2-0 and 3-0 wins over Leicester City and Hull City. Sunday's assistant referees are Mike Mullarkey and Stephen Child, Kevin Friend is the Fourth Official.
One to watch
Newcastle United
Spanish striker Ayoze Perez has impressed in his first year in the Premier League. The 21-year-old has scored seven goals in total, and after a relatively dry spell – he scored his first goal of 2015 on 25 April against Swansea City, he has now scored twice in the last four games. The former Tenerife player will want to cap off a promising season with a goal at home. Should he score the winner on Sunday he'll become an instant hero for Newcastle fans.
West Ham United
Kevin Nolan could feature after missing the Everton game. The Hammers' captain is a very popular figure on Tyneside having helped them back into the Premier League. The experienced midfielder is just one goal shy of his 100th league strike.
Tickets
Tickets for this match have SOLD OUT.
Travel
For directions on how to get to the stadium, click here.
For all the information you need regarding train times, click here for National RaiL website.
Weather
Sunday is set to be a cloudy day with sunny intervals. Temperature at kick off is forecast to be a 13C (55F). It should be dry throughout the day, making the long journey slightly easier.
Last meeting
Newcastle United 0-0 West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
24 August 2013
The last time the two sides played each other at St. James Park was near the beginning of the 2013/14 season.
In a drab game, neither side created much – the Hammers mustered up the single shot on target but it came to nothing.
Newcastle United: Krul, Coloccini, Santon, Yanga-Mbiwa, Debuchy, Sissoko, Anita, Ben Arfa, Marveaux (Ameobi 66), Cisse (Gouffran 72), Ameobi
Subs not used: Elliot, Dummett, Gosling, Bigirimana, Vuckic
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Reid, O'Brien, Collins, Demel, Nolan, Jarvis, Noble, Diame (Morrison 75), Downing (J Cole 64), Maiga
Subs not used: Adrian, Tomkins, Rat, Diarra, Vaz Te
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Kouyate urges Hammers to dream big
WHUFC.com
West Ham United midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate insists his beloved Hammers have every right to have high hopes as the Club enters arguably one of the most important eras of its history. Despite an illustrious history, silverware has proved to be illusive for the Irons of late, save for several promotions. However, with the Club's move to the new Stadium just a little over 12 months away, the 25-year-old midfielder believes the Hammers are not far from emulating past glories. "The club is very ambitious. We want to secure European football for our first year in the new Stadium. Anything can happen in football, you just need to believe. "We want to have a good season next year and leave Upton Park in as higher position as possible. We want to make the people happy. The new Stadium is an immense arena, it is perfect for big matches so we need a big season to set ourselves up for that."
Since joining the Hammers from Belgian outfit Anderlecht FC last summer, Kouyate has adapted to life in the Premier League remarkably well. His all-action performances as well as never-say-die attitude have helped him to win over fans and players alike. Further encouragement, if it were needed, is the fact that the Senegalese international has improved as the season has developed. Kouyate capped off an encouraging debut season in east London by winning the Performance of the Season award for his dominating display against Manchester United in February. However, while the larger-than-life character has impressed in his 34 appearances, he is quick to put the collective good of the team over any personal accolades. "It's not very important to be Man of the Match against Everton because we lost the game. I would prefer to have won the match because it was an important game to try and achieve our goal of finishing in the top half. But we lost the game so winning Man of the Match isn't important to me on this occasion."
Talking ahead of the Hammers' final game of the season with an away trip to relegation-threatened Newcastle, Kouyate continued to explain that his teammates are fully focused on trying to finish the season as strongly as possible. Sunday's match will also have a crucial baring on whether the Hammers qualify for the Europa League via the Fair Play League. "Our aim is to finish in the top half so we will go to Newcastle, play hard and try to win. We're not thinking about Hull, Newcastle or anyone else but ourselves. "Of course, if we are in the Europa League that will change our holiday plans but in football you need to make sacrifices and I'm willing to sacrifice everything. "I have experience of playing European football when I was at Anderlecht so I know what it's like to play in the biggest competition, it gives you goosebumps. Holidays can wait. I know I'll always pick playing European football over a holiday. Playing in top competitions are what our dreams are made of."
While Kouyate is convinced that the Hammers are on course for a bright future, he was keen to stress how much he has enjoyed his debut season while praising the key role manager Sam Allardyce had in persuading him to choose the Hammers over several European heavyweights.
"I can't speak for the other players, but the reason I am at West Ham is because of the manager. We don't know what will happen in the future, but yes, I would like the manager to stay. "He gave me the chance to fulfil my dream of playing in the Premier League. If it hadn't been for him, I would probably be playing in Spain for Valencia. Sam did everything he could to persuade me to come here. He took time out from his holiday and made sacrifices to call me so I am very thankful for that. "That personal touch was very important for me. It's been a dream come true for me and my family. The day I told my father I was coming to West Ham, he cried. It was a defining moment in my career and my life. "I love England, I love London, and it's an amazing City. I really love the atmosphere at the Club. I felt very welcome when I arrived here, it feels like home. That's thanks to the staff, the fans and the Chairmen. Also the players of course, especially Kevin Nolan, Mark Noble and Guy Demel, they helped me to settle in a lot."
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On this day - 24 May
WHUFC.com
Anniversary
Name: Keith Coleman
Born: Washington, County Durham, 24 May 1951
Clubs: Sunderland, West Ham United, KV Mechelen, Darlington, Hendon
Keith Coleman, who collected an European Cup Winners' Cup runners-up medal whilst with the Hammers in 1976, celebrates his 63rd birthday today. Born in the North East, he began his career with Sunderland and made his debut in 1971. Two years later he moved on to West Ham United for a £20,000 transfer fee. The full-back played 118 games for the Hammers in all competitions and although he did not play in the 1975 FA Cup win, he was involved throughout the next season's European adventure, which ended in a final defeat by Anderlecht in Brussels.
After his time at the Hammers, he returned to Belgium for two years with KV Mechelen, before ending his playing career with non-league side Hendon.
Classic match
West Ham United 2-1 Middlesbrough
Premier League
24 May 2009
West Ham United kept hold of their top-half position with a final-day victory over Middlesbrough on this day four years ago. Middlesbrough were in the relegation zone, and needed to win to give themselves hope of avoiding the drop to the second tier, but despite Gary O'Neil's second-half equaliser, they were unable to claim the result they required and went down to the Championship. The Hammers established a 33rd-minute lead through Carlton Cole, and recovered from that second half blow from O'Neil - a future West Ham player - to take all three points thanks to Junior Stanislas. It meant that Gianfranco Zola's men ended with 51 points from their 38 games, enough to secure ninth position in the Premier League table.
Complete record
1947 Manchester City 2-0 West Ham United (Division Two)
2009 West Ham United 2-1 Middlesbrough (Premier League)
Played 2, Won 1, Drawn 0, Lost 1, Scored 2, Conceded 3
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Sam Allardyce not on revenge mission against Newcastle
Last Updated: 23/05/15 2:32pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce says he will not be on a revenge mission when his West Ham team face his old club Newcastle at St James' Park on Sunday.
Allardyce's reign on Tyneside ended in disappointment in 2008 when he parted company with the club after just eight months at the helm, a decision that he described as a "shock". West Ham face Newcastle on Sunday knowing that if they win or draw, and Hull beat Manchester United, the Magpies will drop into the Sky Bet Championship. But, Hammers manager Allardyce claims he is not motivated by revenge and is only interested in his own team's fortunes. "It's not about what happens to Newcastle for me. Some have suggested that I'm all up for us winning to send them down, but it's far too far down the road for any of that stuff," he said. "It's been a long time since we parted company and looking back to the past is never what I've been about because you can't affect what happens in the past. You learn from it and move on to the future. "Since Newcastle I've had a fantastic time at Blackburn and then here, at West Ham. It's nearly seven years since I left Newcastle. "I'm up for winning on Sunday for West Ham because that's where I work and we want to finish with the 50 points we targeted at the start of the season. Hopefully we can achieve that goal."
Sunday could be Allardyce's final match as Hammers boss with his contract set to expire this summer, and he admits it has been a frustrating end to the season. "We're all disappointed that we haven't achieved more than we have done," said Allardyce. "We could have had a great season and matched, with a bit more luck, the best season West Ham have had.
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Kevin Nolan ready for 'emotional' day which may relegate Newcastle
SSN
Kevin Nolan admits it will be tough to face former club Newcastle this weekend knowing a West Ham win could relegate the Magpies. Kevin Nolan has already lost once on the Premier League stage this week, and would rather not make it two on Sunday even if it causes pain for a former team. The West Ham captain joined team-mates Joey O'Brien and James Collins at the O2 Arena in London on Thursday, on the final night of the Premier League Darts season, to take on rugby legend Mike Tindall in an exhibition darts match. The Hammers trio were soundly defeated by Tindall's impressive performance on the oche, but Nolan is determined he won't be beaten on the football pitch when he returns to the North East to take on Newcastle on Sunday. The 32-year-old spent two-and-a-half seasons at Newcastle and was part of the team that was relegated from the Premier League under Alan Shearer in 2009. A draw or defeat on Sunday could see John Carver's side go down if Hull beat Manchester United, but Nolan is adamant he will be trying to win the match, even though it will be "strange" to be part of the occasion. "It will be emotional going back up there again," he told Sky Sports at the O2 Arena. "I have such a good rapport with all the fans. It's going to be a bit of a strange one. We have got to do it properly and try and go for the win because we want to finish as high as possible. "But it's such a shame, seeing it from the outside, seeing where they are again after what happened not so long ago. It just shows how easy it is and how tough this league is that you can never ever rest on your laurels and you have to keep plugging away.
"I am hoping for the best for them, I must admit, for all of the great friends and family I have got up there. My little boy's a Geordie, so I am hoping that's going to be OK, but we've just got to go there and be as professional as possible."
Nolan signed for West Ham in 2011 when they had just been relegated to the Championship themselves and says he is proud to have helped the team secure their Premier League status in the past few seasons. The team has lost seven of its last 11 Premier League games, but victory on Sunday could see them secure a top-half finish once again. "We have had such a fantastic three years back in the Premier League," he added. "To not be in and around the relegation scrap, it's been a long time. "First year we bounced right back up, finished 10th, 12th last year and we've got an opportunity to finish 10th again. "That's three solid seasons which have had their ups and downs, but overall since I have come to the club and Sam [Allardyce] has come to the club, we have a lot to be proud of."
Nolan was speaking on stage following an exhibition darts match organised by shirt sponsors Betway ahead of Gary Anderson's victory in the Premier League Darts final. The West Ham players were treated to walk-on-girls, top darts referee Russ Bray and Sky Sports cameras capturing their every move.
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Stewart Downing insists West Ham will not let Newcastle off the hook
Last Updated: 23/05/15 7:49am
SSN
Stewart Downing insisted West Ham United will not take it easy at Newcastle United on Survival Sunday as they bid to end the season on a high. In an interview with Sunday's Soccer Special, the former Liverpool winger reflected on the Hammers' season, which started promisingly but faded as the campaign wore on. West Ham looked to be on course for a top-seven finish after an impressive first half of the season, but a run of just two wins in 15 league games ended such hopes. European qualification is still possible via the Fair Play Table, but Downing is not focusing on anything other than possibly earning the win that relegates Newcastle on Sunday, should Hull beat Manchester United. "We need to get a good result against Newcastle", Downing said. "Obviously, they're fighting for their lives and it'll be a tough game for us, but as the manager stresses, we need to finish well and let everyone know that we're still fighting to get in the top ten, which was the aim at the start of the season. "I still think we should have got into Europe [via the league] and that's disappointing but obviously we can still get in through the Fair Play League. "We need to finish strong, get a good result and I'm confident we'll get a win at Newcastle."
It has been a difficult season for Newcastle fans on and off the pitch, and should West Ham take the lead at St James' Park, Downing is fully aware of how the terraces will react. "It will be difficult for the new players," he added. "Obviously, I've played there before and if we score first, the fans will get on their backs. We have to capitalise on that and I think we'll get the result. "I am surprised; it's a massive club, isn't it? It's been disappointing for them. The run where they lost a lot of games has obviously affected them. Carver has gone in there trying to do a good job, but it's been difficult for him. "But we have to think about ourselves and win the game."
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Newcastle will have to fight for survival against West Ham, warns Stewart Downing
18:08, 23 MAY 2015
BY AARON FLANAGAN
The Hammers are hoping to end their season on a high by defeating the troubled Toon and possibly condemning them to relegation to the Championship
The Mirror
West Ham will not roll over to allow Newcastle their Premier League safety, according to Stewart Downing. Newcastle have to match or better the result of Hull on the final day of the league season to secure their place in the top flight. The Magpies ave only picked up one point out of their last possible 30, which has sent them tumbling down the Premier League table at a rapid rate. West Ham, however, have not been in prolific form themselves having only picked up two league wins since the end of January. But versatile midfielder Downing has warned Newcastle that the Hammers are not going to give them an easy route to safety - as they intend to end their topsy-turvy campaign on a high. Speaking to Sky Sports, Downing said: "Obviously, they're fighting for their lives and it'll be a tough game for us, but as the manager stresses, we need to finish well and let everyone know that we're still fighting to get in the top ten, which was the aim at the start of the season. "I still think we should have got into Europe [via the league] and that's disappointing but obviously we can still get in through the Fair Play League." Downing says that he is fully prepared for the hostile environment at St. James' Park should West Ham take the lead on Sunday. And he believes that if the Newcastle fans do start turning on their own players, it will only serve to aid the Hammers. He said: "Obviously, I've played there before and if we score first, the fans will get on their backs. We have to capitalise on that and I think we'll get the result." In the other relegation showdown, Hull have to beat Manchester United otherwise they will be relegated to the Championship.
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Newcastle to gamble on half-fit Papiss Cisse against West Ham in desperate bid for survival
22:30, 23 MAY 2015
BY COLIN YOUNG
The Senegal striker hasn't started since early March and John Carver has admitted he shouldn't even be in contention following a knee operation last month
The Mirror
John Carver is ready to gamble on the fitness of top scorer Papiss Cisse in a desperate bid to avoid relegation on Sunday. The stand-in Newcastle boss has admitted the Senegal striker shouldn't even be in consideration for a start in the final day clash with West Ham after a knee operation last month and is clearly not fully fit. But Carver, who insists he has "no regrets" over his reign, and still wants the St James' hot-seat full-time, knows Cisse is his best chance of goals. A win for Newcastle over West Ham will guarantee Premier League football on Tyneside next season. But, if they fail to win, they need Hull City not to beat Manchester United at the KC Stadium to be safe. Cisse's fitness will be vital for Newcastle and Carver said: "Truthfully, we had written him off for the season after what he went through, but he has put himself up for the fight so great, brilliant. "He has come back quicker than expected, but we saw at QPR he wasn't right. But sometimes that happens when you come off the bench. "When you start a game, because your preparation is different and your start is different, you feed into a game better. Gary Speed used to be a dreadful sub. "He was a nightmare. He used to say, 'I'm useless coming in off the bench', so it does vary on individuals. "The fact is Papiss has had another full week's training, going into the game and, if we start him, he will be in a better frame of mind. But he deserves so much credit that he actually wants to be selected and he was so disappointed he didn't start last week, which is testament to him."
Newcastle have won just two of Carver's 19 games in charge and slipped alarmingly down the Premier League table, against a backdrop of fans' protests over Mike Ashley's running of the club. After Sunderland's shock draw at Arsenal on Wednesday, Newcastle are now in an anxious last relegation place showdown with Hull, which seemed implausible when Carver took over from Alan Pardew in January. And he knows he will get updates from the KC Stadium. "I don't think we'll be able to escape from it," he said. "There is everybody in the crowd, you've got Sky there, telling everyone, and members of staff will be running round, but I just have to stay focused on us. "But, as the game develops after half-time, it does come into your way of thinking of certain situations for definite." Even though his job was offered to Steve McClaren after meltdown at Leicester earlier this month, Carver maintains he would do it all again – and still wants the role full-time. He said: "I've been in this job five months and I don't think any other manager would have to deal with the things I've had to deal with in their whole careers, never mind five months. "But, in a really strange way, I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I think I got softened up a little bit when Alan was here and Alan was taking a bit of abuse and I think I got used to it. "It is not a nice thing to accept, but I am definitely a stronger person and, whatever happens on Sunday, I'll be better for it, one way or the other.
"And, if I had the chance again, I would do exactly the same, say yes I want this job and do it my way. I would just like to think I would have a bit more luck and fortune. "I'd still do it all again."
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Carlo Ancelotti is surprise third favourite
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 24, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti is a surprise joint third favourite this morning to become the next West Ham manager. Although two bookmakers have suspended taking any further money on the next West Ham manager, one of the remaining two bookies, Sky Bet has installed Ancelotti as an unlikely joint 16/1 chance along with Rafa Benitez and Steve McLaren. David Moyes is second favourite at 8/1 but Slaven Bilic remains the massive odds on favourite at 1/4. In his pre match conference Sam Allardyce earlier this week joked Ancelotti would be the next name linked: 'This time though it's more the speculation over the other managers that seem to be taking my position.Probably tomorrow it will be Carlo Ancelotti, he will be the next in line."
Four years ago Ancelotti said he would manage West Ham. 'I would coach West Ham – why not? It's a challenge to manage a team in the Championship. The atmosphere at West Ham is amazing. It doesn't matter if you manage a top team or a smaller team.It's more important to work. I was happy to train in the second division when I was learning.When you manage, you don't think about the money. It has never been a motivation for me.'
However it appears Ancelotti is planning a sabbatical if he gets the sack. Speaking after yesterday's game he said: "My future is clear in my head, either I stay here at Real Madrid, or I stop for one year."
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Allardyce to leave West Ham on Sunday
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 23, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Jason Burt writing for the Sunday Telegraph has suggested Sam Allardyce will leave West Ham immediately following Sunday's match against Newcastle. Burt writes: "Sam Allardyce will leave West Ham United by mutual agreement immediately after Sunday's final Premier League game of the season away to his former club, Newcastle United." He also suggests "West Ham had expected to announce this Tuesday that Rafael Benítez would then take over as their manager. But it is understood that deal has now broken down after a dramatic intervention by Real Madrid last week."
He says the soon to be former West Ham manager has received "an intriguing offer to move into international management and take over as the coach of Nigeria, even though the coach, Stephen Keshi, who has endured a tumultuous time, recently signed a new deal.There is also understood to be a Premier League club who are interested in Allardyce."
Finally Burt says "What is clear is that Allardyce is leaving West Ham, after four years in charge, and he is expected to confirm this himself in the media briefings after today's match at St James' Park."
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Michael Owen predicts a West Ham win
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 23, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Former Newcastle Striker Michael Owen predicts a West Ham away win tomorrow at St James Park "You can't just flick a switch and play well because you need to, and recent form tells you that Newcastle are the worst side in the league side at the moment. And by some distance, too." said Owen. "So I think if any side is going to take all three points here then it is West Ham, for all that they have only won away three times this season and are hardly finishing their campaign in blistering form either. I go 1-0 or 2-1 to West Ham"
Meanwhile so called pundit Mark Lawrenson predicts that Newcastle and West Ham will draw 1-1 on Sunday. However Paul Merson predicts a late goal and a West Ham defeat. The Sky pundit says 'if you had to pick one team at home to get a result against, it would be West Ham, without a doubt. I would be backing Newcastle to go down if it was any team but West Ham. The only thing is, Sam Allardyce is going back to Newcastle – he shouldn't have got sacked there. Would he love to send them down? I'm going to say yes. Would Kevin Nolan want to send Newcastle down? I don't think so.The thing is, it's OK Allardyce wanting to send them down but the players are the ones on the pitch. There will be drama. It will be tight all the way but Newcastle will nick it with a late goal. 2-1 to Newcastle.
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Benitez put no price on his head
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 23, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
West Ham insiders have rubbished speculation that Rafa Benitez priced himself out of a move to West Ham. The Daily Mail reported that representatives of Rafa Benitez initially asked for a staggering £6m for West Ham to talk to their client. The article claimed that West Ham top brass were staggered at the request and turned it down flat. A senior source at West Ham responded "NOT TRUE" however the source quipped to Claret and Hugh "He chose Real Madrid ahead of us, not surprising really. After all he is Spanish!"
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Dicks backs Bilic
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 23, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
West Ham Legend Julian Dicks has backed Slaven Bilic to be the new West Ham manager. When asked whether Bilic would be a good choice for West Ham, Dicks replied "My opinion is that he's a good choice" asked whether he would be prepared to work along side Bilic in his coaching staff he replied "Yes definitely" but admitted he had lost touch adding "I haven't seen him for about 15 years"
When another West Ham fan questioned about Bilic's lack of Premier League management experience Dicks said "Why need premiership experience? Monk, Koeman didn't and there are managers with vast experience who don't do well" adding "All you want is 100% work rate and commitment."
Dicks speaking from his twitter account was further asked if Bilic was the best man for the job "From a personal point of view, yes as he knows what the fans expect and knows what the clubs about"
Last year Bilic was asked by ITV Sport about tough player image at West Ham and he answered: "I was in a team with Julian Dicks so I was not the hardest one in my team" Over a week ago another West Ham legend also backed Bilic, Alvin Martin told Alan Brazil on Talksport Radio "I wouldn't rule Slaven out. He's been round the game for a while now. He's proved he could do it at international level and club level in difficult circumstances.I know him. He's a highly intelligent and highly motivated individual. I think he would be absolutely perfect for us [West Ham]. Slaven is the outstanding candidate for me."
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Irons squad haven't a clue how FPL works
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 23, 2015 in Whispers
C and h
Aaron Cresswell has admitted that neither he or the rest of the squad have a clue how the Fair Pay League works. The Hammers look all set to take their place in Europe this summer but how they have managed it is a mystery to everybody. Discussing the competition with FourFourTwo the left back and Hammer of the year said: "To be honest, I don't think anyone really understands it! We haven't been told to pull out of a tackle or anything like that, though. "It's not all down to yellow and red cards – it's also attacking play and stuff like that," he continued. "But we'll assess it at the end of the season and see if we're definitely in it, then we'll sit down and see if we need to plan our summer around it."
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Sam: 'Speculation about me can breed complacency'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 23, 2015 in Whispers
C and h
Sam Allardyce has come up with a new reason for the devastating loss of Hammers form since Christmas. According to the 60 year old it's to some extent due to his position as boss being under constant scrutiny. Ahead of the match at Newcastle he said: "The speculation can breed some complacency in the dressing room, there's no doubt about that.
"There was speculation like this after the season when we came up, but this time around it's more about all the other managers who seem to be taking my position. Probably the next one will be Carlo Ancelotti. He'll be the next in line. "I can't affect that and by early next week the situation will be sorted. "I've been comfortable with it [the speculation] and don't have a problem with it. As a manager distractions are something that you put aside all the time. "Being paid to do your job is what you're here for. I'm hopeful Newcastle won't be my final game, but we'll wait and see."
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Karren Brady stays quiet
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 23, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
West Ham Vice Chairman Karren Brady has stayed remarkably quiet in her weekly football diary in the Saturday Sun newspaper. In her last column before the Premier League season finishes the Lady of Knightsbridge doesn't mention West Ham or manager Sam Allardyce once.
Brady was thought to be Sam's sole ally on the board in recent times but it now appears she has admitted defeat in her attempts to get Allardyce a contract renewal. It is believed she argued against dumping Allardyce as it would be a big business risk so close to moving into the Olympic Stadium but it is thought the shareholders were having none of it after a dismal second half to the season and West Ham fan division on the manager.
Even when Brady mentions Hammers managerial target Jurgen Klopp in her column, she just says he has been linked with the Premier League rather West Ham or 'My club' as she likes to call us. That's politics Karren, sometimes you get outvoted!
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Sullivan and Gold's Spanish planning meeting
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 23, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
David Gold and David Sullivan will jet off to their annual Marbella retreat next week. The co-chairmen will be looking at their summer plans and fine tuning finances of the transfer market operation in what has become a critical seven days of the club's year. The pair will look at the progress madein the current campaign and at the immediate objectives for the new season -which remain very much under wraps. However, it is likely that once again the club will take advantage of the Vibrac loan arrangement which they have used for several years against Sky TV money to fund their plans and which last season saw them spend around £32 million.
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Sam Allardyce to quit West Ham on Sunday as Rafa Benitez turns club down
Exclusive: Allardyce will leave after final game of the season as Spaniard pulls out of deal following Real Madrid call
Jason Burt By Jason Burt10:00PM BST 23 May 2015
Telegraph.co.uk
Sam Allardyce will leave West Ham United by mutual agreement immediately after Sunday's final Premier League game of the season away to his former club, Newcastle United. In a major twist, West Ham had expected to announce this Tuesday that Rafael Benítez would then take over as their manager. But it is understood that deal has now broken down after a dramatic intervention by Real Madrid last week.
Real called Benítez, the former Liverpool manager who is leaving Napoli, last Monday to offer him the opportunity to succeed Carlo Ancelotti, who is expected to be sacked after Saturday's final La Liga match against Getafe. The decision is a serious blow to West Ham, who are now considering their options and have yet to identify a No 1 candidate. But, despite Benitez's decision, there appears to be no chance that Allardyce will stay. Instead the 60-year-old will take a short holiday – he flies out to Spain – and has already received an intriguing offer to move into international management and take over as the coach of Nigeria, even though the coach, Stephen Keshi, who has endured a tumultuous time, recently signed a new deal. There is also understood to be a Premier League club who are interested in Allardyce. Although he would be keen to stay in London he does not want to return to the Championship, which rules out Fulham who have also shown an interest. What is clear is that Allardyce is leaving West Ham, after four years in charge, and he is expected to confirm this himself in the media briefings after today's match at St James' Park.
His contract expires this summer and although a meeting has been scheduled between his agent, Mark Curtis, and the club's hierarchy on Monday it is unclear as to whether that will now take place. It may be simply to tie up any loose ends. There is no animosity in Allardyce's departure, with West Ham believing they can move the club forward more effectively with a different manager. However it does represent a risk given his strong track record, gaining promotion and stabilising West Ham in the Premier League, and there will be sympathy towards him. Although Allardyce has not been universally popular with the supporters he is well-liked within the club and by the players.
Allardyce's future at West Ham has been in doubt for months – he almost left at the end of last season before agreeing a new 12-month deal – with the expectation that the highly-ambitious club did not want him to continue as it goes into its last season at Upton Park before it moves to the 54,000-capacity Olympic Stadium. West Ham have backed their manager financially. Having lined up a deal to bring in Benítez West Ham are now considering their options. On their list of candidates has been Real Sociedad coach David Moyes, Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe, former player Slaven Bilic, who is leaving Turkish club Besiktas and former Swansea City manager Michael Laudrup whose coaching contract in Qatar is also coming to an end.
Moyes would be a preferred choice but he has consistently stated he intends to stay in Spain – there have been a series of approaches – although a fresh move has not been ruled out, while it seems unlikely Howe will leave his newly-promoted club. The 37-year-old is also considered a risk given his lack of top-flight experience. Bilic has not coached in England but he is available and wants the job and has become an increasingly strong possibility. It is understood he has been sounded out.
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David Sullivan told not to make Tony Pulis West Ham manager
Co-owner talked out of making Pulis a shock contender to replace Sam Allardyce as club's attempts to find right man become increasingly desperate
The Telegraph
By Matt Law6:13PM BST 22 May 2015
David Sullivan has been talked out of making Tony Pulis a shock contender to replace Sam Allardyce as West Ham United manager as the club's attempts to find the right man become increasingly desperate. Allardyce has confirmed that he will find out on Monday whether or not his contract is due to be extended, although the 60-year-old could make a statement of his own immediately after the final game of the season against Newcastle United. West Ham co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold, together with vice-chairman Karren Brady, are due to meet on Monday to hold their annual review and discuss the managerial situation. While Allardyce is widely expected to leave, it is far from certain who will replace him with West Ham fearing they will miss out on their top targets. David Moyes has said he wants to stay in Spain and Rafa Benitez has been lined up by Real Madrid, while ambitious names such as Frank de Boer and Jurgen Klopp have not shown any interest in the post.
That has left Sullivan, Gold and Brady looking for alternative candidates and forced to seriously consider former West Ham player Slaven Bilic and ex-Swansea manager Michael Laudrup. Sullivan threw the name of Pulis into the hat this week, but did not receive encouragement from staff and confidents who do not believe the 57-year-old would offer a significant change from Allardyce. It is understood that Sullivan was also made aware that West Ham's fans would be unhappy with the club targeting West Bromwich Albion manager Pulis, having already voiced their frustrations against Allardyce. Pulis has done a superb job in keeping West Brom up this season and was similarly impressive at Crystal Palace last season. But the former Stoke City manager's style and approach is seen to be too similar to Allardyce at Upton Park.
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Sam Allardyce: My future will be sorted while I'm away - but I look back on four years at West Ham with pride
Evening Standard
SAM ALLARDYCE
Published: 22 May 2015 Updated: 14:37, 23 May 2015
I have a lot of time for John Carver, while Steve Bruce is one of my best mates in football. Sadly, one of them will be in charge of the team who will find themselves in the Championship late on Sunday afternoon — and we at West Ham have a big influence on how things pan out.
My responsibility is neither to Newcastle, who we play at St James' Park, nor Hull City but firmly to West Ham winning and finishing the season with 50 points.
My future at West Ham will be decided after this weekend. I will be on holiday with my grandchildren, something I'm looking forward to immensely, but my representatives will be talking to the club. There's nothing more I can say on that. I'm not in control of the situation so we'll just wait and see.
I would just like to take this opportunity, in this final column of the season, to look back on my four years at West Ham.
Progression is always the key word for any manager when he joins a new club. To do that, he must ask questions and find the answers. What are the difficulties? How do you overcome them? How do you achieve the targets set by the owners?
The ambition of the owners has to be balanced by financial availability. If they want to move forward quickly then you have to spend more money. If, however, you want to progress at a steadier pace, then you have to spend the money available more wisely. If you have little or no funds, then it's difficult to move forward at all.
There's always been investment since I've been here and that money has served the club very well in terms of bringing in players. Over the four years, the player turnover has been astronomical, particularly in that first season in the Championship.
That presents a huge task for the manager and you see many lose their jobs because, as their critics often say: "There was too much change, too quickly."
We made those wholesale changes and not only coped in that first season but built a better team, one good enough to go back up to the Premier League at the first attempt. I had signed a two-year contract and my task was to help win promotion in that time. One of the hardest things in football is to do that in the first year — very few achieve that — but we managed it.
You can't over-exaggerate the feeling of depression around a club when they are relegated and West Ham were no exception. There was desolation everywhere and you have to help rebuild the confidence, both of the club and the players — and do it quickly.
I remember sitting down at our pre-season camp, talking to the players individually, and 50 per cent wanted to leave.
We needed to work hard and quickly and the club sent out a big statement of intent when we signed Kevin Nolan. I thought the club's financial commitment there was fantastic, signing an experienced Premier League player — one who scores goals and is a great captain — and convincing him to come to a club in the Championship.
That gave us a rock-solid base on which to build and then, later, around Christmas when the goals dried up, we signed Nicky Maynard and Ricardo Vaz Te, with Ricardo in particular adding that scoring power.
I thought then we were headed for automatic promotion but no one expected the surge from Reading, who came up on the rails and pipped us.
The play-offs did, however, provide me with my greatest moments of my time here at West Ham. The pleasure and delight of that play-off final win over Blackpool is a memory I will never, ever forget.
Since then we have built and established this club in the Premier League from the first season, where we exceeded our expectations by a distance, through to the second season where we probably didn't bring in quite enough players. For six weeks around Christmas, we had to worry about relegation but we pulled back up a couple of months later and there were no more concerns.
Which brings me to this season. The summer recruitment was the best I've experienced as a manager. There is no doubt we could and should have finished higher this season. This squad, as a result of good investment, is the best since I've been at the club and there's never been a week where we've had to look over our shoulders.
It's a great shame we haven't finished the season stronger and last weekend's match against Everton was a perfect example. It's a terrible feeling deep in your gut when, as a manager, you lose a match like that, in the last minute yet again, particularly when you don't deserve to be beaten.
No, we won't finish seventh or eighth as we should have done after our terrific start but overall it's been good progress — better players playing better football, scoring more goals and even though it might only be one, although we hope it's four by the end of Sunday, finishing with more points.
The overall picture is very bright, we have a younger squad who will continue to improve. With similar investment this summer, targeting the right players at the right age, we should continue to make good progress although trying to break into the very top echelon will be extremely difficult given some clubs' financial resources.
As a manager, I'm in it to win it. You stretch yourself as much as you can so that everyone can share in the success. That brings its own rewards, in terms of pride and reputation, and in the knowledge that although you've cut it at previous clubs, you've done it at this club, too.
There's a different mentality at all clubs and I've always taken into account, no matter what anyone says, the type of football the club wants to play. It would be stupid of me to go against the tide of all that tradition and history. It can't be done overnight. Unless you spend £200 million, you have to wait to get what you want.
I enjoy living and working in London. So does Lynn, my wife. If she hadn't wanted to stay here I would have gone at the end of my last contract but we've both been happy to stay as long as we can.
The next big challenge is choosing the next crop of players and how much we spend on them. That's the hardest part of the job today, particularly if they're from abroad.
That's it then for another season. I hope you've enjoyed reading this column half as much as I have writing it.
Enjoy your summer.
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