Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United: All you need to know
WHUFC.com
West Ham United travel to Wembley Stadium to take on Tottenham Hotspur in
the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday evening.
The Hammers will be making their first appearance at the Home of Football
since winning the 2012 Championship Play-Off final.
Here, we set you up for the big game with all the essential information,
details and facts...
Where and when
West Ham United will travel to Wembley Stadium for Wednesday's Carabao Cup
fourth-round tie, with kick-off at 8pm.
The Hammers have played at the Home of Football ten times previously, with
the most-recent visit coming in May 2012, when Sam Allardyce's Hammers
defeated Blackpool 2-1 in the Championship Play-Off final.
That victory was West Ham's only visit to the 'new' Wembley, which opened in
2007. Prior to that, the Hammers won three FA Cup finals (1964, 1975 and
1980), lost another (the first-ever FA Cup final at Wembley in 1923), lifted
the European Cup Winners' Cup (1965) and Football League War Cup (1940),
were beaten in two FA Charity Shields (1975 and 1980) and drew a League Cup
final (1981).
How to catch the match
Wednesday's tie will be shown live on Sky Sports on Sky Sports Main Event
and Sky Sports Football, with coverage beginning at 7.30pm.
You can also follow the game live via our Matchday Blog on whufc.com, with
updates also available on Twitter throughout the evening. You can also
follow the match in different ways on our official Instagram, Facebook and
Snapchat channels!
Audio coverage will also be provided by BBC Radio London Sport and 5live
sports extra.
Match officials
Referee: Mike Dean
Assistant Referees: Simon Long and Ian Hussin
Fourth Official: Lee Mason
Wednesday's tie will be refereed by one of English football's
most-experienced match officials in 49-year-old Mike Dean - the 50th time he
will take charge of a West Ham United fixture.
The Wirral-born Dean has refereed the Hammers in three previous meetings
with Spurs - a 4-3 Premier League defeat at the Boleyn Ground in March 2007,
goalless draw at White Hart lane in March 2011 and Tottenham's 3-2 win in
north London in November 2016.
Meet the opposition
Tottenham Hotspur have made a strong start to the 2017/18 season, losing
just one of the 13 matches they have contested in all competitions - a 2-1
Premier League defeat by Chelsea at Wembley on 20 August.
Since then, Spurs have won eight and drawn two, scoring wins over Borussia
Dortmund, Liverpool and Everton and holding Real Madrid in the Spanish
capital in the UEFA Champions League, conceding just five goals in the
process.
With White Hart Lane being redeveloped, Spurs are playing their home games
at Wembley this season and have won their last four at the Home of Football
in all competitions.
Player to watch
Manuel Lanzini has scored in three of his four career appearances against
Tottenham Hotspur, including a winner in West Ham United's 1-0 Premier
League victory at London Stadium in May 2017.
The Argentina international has netted nine of his 14 goals in Claret and
Blue against London opposition.
Head to head
West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur have met six times previously in the
League Cup, with each club progressing on three occasions.
The first meeting came as long ago as 1966, when Geoff Hurst netted the only
goal in a second round tie at the Boleyn Ground. Nine years later, Spurs
prevailed 2-0 in a fourth-round replay at the Boleyn, following a goalless
draw at White Hart Lane.
In December 1980, David Cross was the Hammers' fifth-round hero at the
Boleyn, but Spurs leveled the head-to-head record again in February 1987
courtesy of a 5-0 fifth-round replay win at White Hart Lane.
October 2003 saw Spurs prevail after extra-time in a fourth-round tie at
White Hart Lane, but West Ham made it three wins apiece when Matt Jarvis and
Modibo Maiga scored in a thrilling 2-1 fifth-round victory in N17 in
December 2013.
Last five meetings
West Ham United 2-3 Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League, 23 September 2017
West Ham United 1-0 Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League, 5 May 2017
Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 West Ham United, Premier League, 19 November 2016
West Ham United 1-0 Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League, 2 March 2016
Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 West Ham United, Premier League, 22 November 2015
Did you know?
Belgium international Francois van der Elst (pictured, above), is one of
four West Ham United players to have netted a League Cup fourth round
hat-trick. Geoff Hurst, John Sissons and Frank Lampard are the other three.
West Ham United scored their record League Cup victory over Leeds United,
7-0, at the Boleyn Ground on 7 November 1966
West Ham United's all-time League Cup fourth round record is as follows:
Played 35, Won 16, Drawn 3, Lost 16, Goals For 59, Goals Against 41
How to get there
As you might expect, Wembley Stadium is easy to get to from central London
by public transport.
West Ham United supporters should take the Jubilee or Metropolitan line from
Baker Street to Wembley Park. Alternatively, fans can take a mainline
service from London Marylebone to Wembley Stadium.
The third option, which necessitates a slightly longer 20-minute walk to the
stadium, is to take a Bakerloo, London Overground, London Midland or
Southern service to Wembley Central. For full public transport information,
visit the Transport for London website.
Parking is very limited at Wembley and supporters planning to drive should
book in advance.
Ticket information
All 4,800 Standard Tickets for this fixture sold out to Season Ticket
Holders with 8+ Priority Points. Accessibility Ticket information can be
found here.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Adrian ready for Tottenham challenge
WHUFC.com
Adrian is ready to grasp every opportunity he is given this season and is
ready to show what he can do if selected for Wednesday's Carabao Cup fourth
round tie at Tottenham Hotspur. The Hammers head to Wembley looking to
avenge last month's league defeat to the north Londoners and move to the
competition's quarter-final stage. Adrian has played his part in the team's
cup run so far, keeping clean sheets in both his outings this season at
Cheltenham Town and in the previous round's victory over Bolton Wanderers,
so he is keen for more of the same in Wednesday's derby. He explained: "To
me it is very important to do my best and help my teammates in every
opportunity I get this season. "That is the most important thing, so to keep
a clean sheet and beat Bolton in the last round was great. "I had the chance
to play in that game, we moved into the next round and now we have a really
exciting game against Tottenham. "We have to prepare for this and it is a
massive game in a massive stadium. "We need to go there and give our best,
and if I have the chance to play I need to give my best as well."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cresswell: Only the players can turn our form around
WHUFC.com
Aaron Cresswell is not short of reasons to be highly motivated when West Ham
United take on Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley in the Carabao Cup. Not only is
the defender desperate to turn around the Hammers' recent run of indifferent
form, but he has one eye on lifting the first major trophy of his
professional career, and a win would take Cresswell and his teammates
through to the quarter-finals. With the added incentive of putting on a
positive performance in front of a passionate 50,000-plus crowd and a
television audience of millions at the historic Home of Football, and
avenging last month's Premier League defeat by Spurs, the No3 is both
motivated and excited by the prospect of Wednesday's mouth-watering London
derby. "It's a massive game against Spurs, as it always is, and it's even
more so as it's at Wembley, which is one of the most iconic and best
stadiums in Europe," he said. "To play there in a derby against Spurs in the
cup is one we're all excited to and looking forward to. "Getting beat
against Spurs at home and how the run has been going for us recently, which
is not so good, give us extra motivation for Wednesday night. It is only
down to us to turn that around and there is no better place to do it or team
to do it against. "I've played at Wembley for England and been involved in
squads a couple of times and it's one of the best stadiums to play in. I am
sure it will be a good atmosphere and I hope we can enjoy it and get a good
result."
Cresswell and the Hammers reached the quarter-finals of the same competition
last season, beating Accrington Stanley and Chelsea before losing out at
Manchester United. The left-back is aware that West Ham need to overcome
in-form opposition if they are to emulate that achievement, but he says
Slaven Bilic's side need to rise to the occasion if they are to continue
their quest for the Club's first major silverware in 38 years. "Of course,
Spurs have got some fantastic players and you want to play against the best
players in the world, testing yourself in the best stadiums in the biggest
games you can. Certainly, Wembley against Spurs is a massive game. "As
players, you want to win something or be involved in finals. I've never won
a competition like this, and I don't think many of the boys in the dressing
room have either, so hopefully we can beat Spurs and progress further into
the cup. This is a great chance to do that."
Looking further ahead, West Ham face a vital Premier League fixture at
bottom club Crystal Palace on Saturday – a game Cresswell says the Hammers
must raise their game for if they want to avoid a potential relegation
battle. "It is only the starting XI or the 18 in the squad on a matchday who
can change it, and all we can do is work hard on the training pitch and give
our best to turn around the situation around that we're in. "I know there
are only eight or nine games gone, but we certainly don't want to be sitting
around towards the back end of the table. For us, we've got to look forward
to these games and hopefully turn it around. "Every game is important. I'm
not going to say Wednesday or Saturday are more important because we want to
progress in the cup and move up the table and end this bad form that we're
in at the minute."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic: Massive Spurs game, Wembley and Marko Arnautovic
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic is hoping Wednesday night's Carabao Cup
tie against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur can get the Hammers back on the
right track after defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion on Friday. The
Croatian's side were beaten 3-0 by the Seagulls in the Premier League and
will be keen to put that to the back of their minds when they face Spurs.
The boss spoke to the press ahead of the fourth round match, talking
Tottenham, Wembley and Marko Arnautovic…
'It's massive – it's a derby'
Wednesday will mark the Hammers' first visit to Wembley since they were
triumphant in 2012's Championship play-off final. Spurs, of course, have the
national stadium as their home this campaign as they await the completion of
their new ground, and will host Bilic's men in the stadium's second London
derby of the season. But although playing at Wembley is special, according
to Bilic, the Hammers need no extra incentive to go and perform. "I don't
think we need that extra inspiration," he said. "We can't say we put more
effort it, it is a big game, it's a cup. "It's who goes to the
quarter-finals, it's against Spurs, it's massive and it's a derby, and it's
also Wembley, which makes it special, but that's not motivating us more than
normal. "The chance [to turn things around] is not coming in a couple of
weeks' time or three weeks, it's now, tomorrow night, which is a really good
thing in this situation. "We have to lift ourselves in training, I've had a
few talks with players individually and as I said, we have to play better
than we did on Friday."
Highs and lows
In Bilic's time in charge of the Hammers, the manager admitted there have
been highs and lows. However, when asked if he feels down after a bad
result, the manager said he chooses to focus on how his side turn things
around instead. The boss revealed his players met with each other on Monday,
chatting about what they can do to pick up positive results in the coming
weeks. And although he acknowledged the mood around the camp is not at its
most positive, Bilic remained upbeat about his team's chances. He said:
"They had a meeting. I know about that of course, I first had a meeting with
Mark [Noble]. It was a long chat and then after, they had a meeting. "I find
that very positive, of course. They know that the situation is serious, and
we have to play better and to get points, especially from our home games.
"We have had our successful periods and our down periods when we are losing,
like when we lost five on the trot in March, but the main reason why we get
out that situation a few times was that we continued to work hard and all
that. "I have no reason or indication to believe anything has changed in
that department. We have to stay focused. I have to lead the team, lead the
group and I have to get us playing better immediately. To be fair, I have a
game tomorrow and that's all I'm focused on. It's very big for us. I have
told you a few times, that it's all I can do, be totally focused and
determined to win the next game, or my next training. That's the only way
you can expect things to turn around. "[The mood] is not pleasant after the
defeat at home. We were hoping after we hit a pretty decent run in the last
six games, we were hoping and expecting that we are going to win the game
and put in a strong performance. When you lose 3-0 at home, you are
disappointed and frustrated and all that. "But we have a chance tomorrow and
we have another Premier League game very soon against Crystal Palace away,
and there is only one way to get out of this situation. That's by staying
together, staying focused and working very hard."
Marko Arnautovic
Austrian winger Marko Arnautovic, who signed from Stoke City in the summer
transfer window, is yet to show his best form in Claret and Blue. Bilic,
though, remains confident he will be a fans' favourite before long at London
Stadium. The 28-year-old has shown glimpses of his talent – including two
assists in the last round of the Carabao Cup against Bolton Wanderers – and
will be hoping to display his quality on a more consistent basis for the
Club. "If someone is letting you down in life, that person is normally doing
it deliberately," continued Bilic. "Marko – no, he didn't; I've spoken to
him a few times, he wants, he tries. "It would be a disaster to put the
blame on one, two or three players. We are all in the same boat, we are
together. Marko is a great talent and proved himself in the Premier League.
"He really wanted to come here. His first spell was disrupted with the red
card and then a bit of flu, and then the international break, but I'm very
positive and I'm sure that sooner or later – but it will be important if it
happens as soon as possible – that West Ham fans will be delighted with him.
"He has that quality and we all have to help him. That's why I also had a
talk with him yesterday. West Ham will benefit from Marko Arnautovic."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Betway Insider's View of the Opposition: Tottenham Hotspur
WHUFC.com
In the last round of the EFL Cup, Tottenham fielded Jan Vertonghen, Harry
Winks and Dele Alli as they edged past Barnsley 1-0 at Wembley. But having
negotiated several injuries and a hectic schedule in the last fortnight,
Mauricio Pochettino will have to dig further into the depths of his squad
for this game. Considering that West Ham have not faced such a flurry of
matches, they have a good chance of taking advantage. In particular, the
Hammers should target what will surely be an inexperienced Spurs backline.
Juan Foyth did play in that Barnsley match, but may not be surrounded by
such experience in this game, and will have rarely faced a striker of Andy
Carroll's stature before his summer switch from Argentinian side
Estudiantes. Slaven Bilic's side put two headers past Tottenham in the
league in September, and a repeat is possible if Carroll can make the most
of this physical mismatch. If he does, then the Hammers have every chance of
extending a run that has seen them beat Tottenham in three of their last
four campaigns. The last of those victories – a 1-0 win at London Stadium in
April that extinguished any hope of Spurs winning the title – was built on a
five-man defence, a system that Bilic may return to after Friday's
disappointment against Brighton. If used successfully, the Hammers should
stifle Spurs and play on the frustrations of the Wembley crowd, which is
likely to be sparse. It should also ensure that – in contrast with the
recent history of this fixture – this is not a high-scoring game. Spurs' win
over Liverpool was the first time that they have scored more than once in a
domestic home game at Wembley, which suggests that keeping their second
string quiet is eminently achievable for the Hammers. And while West Ham
beat Bolton 3-0 in the last round, they are less likely to push this game's
goal tally above 2.5.
Recommended bets
Andy Carroll to score – 13/5
Spurs to score under 1.5 goals – 8/5
Under 2.5 goals – 6/4
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Team news: Carroll set for return at Wembley, Adrian to start
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic confirmed Andy Carroll will return to the matchday squad when
his West Ham United side face Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup fourth
round on Wednesday evening. The forward, who was sent off for two bookable
offences against Burnley in the Premier League over a week ago, served his
one-match suspension when Brighton and Hove Albion travelled to London
Stadium on Friday. The boss also told the media in his pre-match press
conference that Spanish goalkeeper Adrian will start between the sticks
against the north Londoners. The 30-year-old has played every minute in the
competition so far this campaign and will continue in goal, taking over from
Joe Hart, on Wednesday. The Hammers take on Spurs at Wembley for a place in
the quarter-final of the competition after wins over Cheltenham Town and
Bolton Wanderers saw them reach the last-16.
Mauricio Pochettino's team were 3-2 winners when they travelled to London
Stadium in the Premier League earlier this season and Bilic's side will be
hoping for revenge on Wednesday. The boss also gave updates on the likes of
Michail Antonio – who suffered a knock against the Seagulls – as well as
James Collins and Diafra Sakho. He said: "We have Andy Carroll back in the
squad. Michail Antonio will definitely be out tomorrow because he had a
knock on his ribs in the first half against Brighton, but managed to play.
It's very painful, so he'll be out. "Then there are only Collins and Sakho,
who start to train with us for the first time today.
"Tomorrow it is going to be Adrian [in goal]."
Bilic fielded a strong XI when his outfit beat Bolton in the third round
back in September, with skipper Mark Noble, midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate and
summer signing Marko Arnautovic all starting in the 3-0 victory. And the
boss confirmed at Wembley, he is likely to do similar while also making a
few changes to his team. "[I will do] both of the above – [field a strong
side and rest players]. They are my players and they are my time. "Some of
them it's my third season and for the new players, I was involved in them
coming to the club and I rate them very highly. It's a big part of my job to
demand them to play better, and to help them to hit the form we want them to
hit. "We all have the same aim and same goal, both tomorrow and for the
season. It's my job to help them and definitely to lead them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'Keeping young people safe is at the heart of everything we do'
WHUFC.com
For West Ham United Foundation, safeguarding is a vital part of the work we
do every day. We sat down with Bryan Glover, Head of Football Development at
the Foundation to talk about how that happens in practice.
From our programmes in schools, right the way through to our life-changing
football opportunities, keeping our young people safe is of paramount
importance.
Our Soccer Schools, which run during the school holidays, are a key pillar
of our safeguarding work. With those Soccer Schools always expanding – now
based in wider areas of East London and Essex, it is vital we make sure each
venue is chosen for its high standing stature within the local community.
Each venue is visited prior to delivery and risk assessed, and then a daily
risk assessment is carried out prior to all delivery. With a ratio of 1
coach for every 16 children in place on all of our courses, we make sure
that coaches are able to constantly monitor the young people – helping keep
them safe.
All of our courses are visited a minimum of 2 times each week by both the
Soccer Schools Programme Lead and an Academy Integration Officer, ensuring
quality remains high and player pathways are in place. The courses are then
visited once a week by the Foundation's safeguarding team.
Outside of course time, our coaches are quality assured once a quarter, and
there are 4 CPD activities throughout the year to keep our coaches well
trained and refreshed.
Commenting on his commitment to safeguarding, Bryan said "I am proud of the
work we do on safeguarding, not only within my department but across the
Foundation and Club. Keeping our young people safe is at the heart of
everything we do, and we are committed to ensuring all of our courses are
high on quality, safety and of course fun! We continue to work hard to
ensure we are challenging ourselves to provide the safest football courses
in East London and Essex."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Speedy striker Peters planning to continue fast start
WHUFC.com
Speedy West Ham United Ladies striker Molly Peters is planning to continue
her fast start to the season on Sunday. The Hammers host Queens Park Rangers
in the Women's Premier League Plate first round at Rush Green at 2pm – a tie
that also marks the Ladies' first-ever Family Fun Day. While the presence of
first-team players, a DJ and other activities will add to the occasion from
12noon, Peters is hoping her blistering pace will be the main attraction.
"Before I played football I used to do the 100m sprint and I got so good
that I did it competitively for the English schools," revealed Peters, who
is preparing to face Queens Park Rangers in the Women's Premier League Plate
first round at Rush Green on Sunday afternoon. "When I got into playing
football I realised I could combine the two and it's certainly worked in my
favour so far!"
It is not just her blistering pace that has caught the eye so far this
season. Peters has impressed her teammates and supporters with a string of
fantastic goals – she has four to her name in the Premier League Southern
Division already. Each of the young attacker's finishes this season have
been eye-catching or memorable for different reasons. Against Swindon Town,
Peters rounded the goalkeeper to slot home. Against Charlton Athletic, she
scored twice – creating one goal all on her own and netting a sensational
lobbed effort, the latter of which is her favourite so far. "The second goal
against Charlton was a beautiful goal. I couldn't believe it had gone in to
be honest. I just saw the goalkeeper off her line and decided to have a go.
"When it comes to scoring I usually try to knock it around the goalkeeper
with my speed, and then score. Or I'm outside the box and I just need to hit
it. So far that approach has been working and I loved the goals I've got
this season already."
There is a certain goal type that Peters does not score too often though,
that she really relishes when she gets the chance. "Obviously I love scoring
worldies, but I also really like getting the chance to score headers.
Because I'm so short I don't score many headers, so when I do get them I'm
absolutely over the moon!"
West Ham Ladies will be seeking to bounce back from last weekend's Capital
Women's Cup defeat at Crystal Palace on Sunday, and Peters is confident the
Hammers have the spirit and talent to overcome a QPR side which has just won
just once in the league this season. "I think the team, in the past few
games, have become a family. You have to have that. The atmosphere among the
girls both in training and on the pitch has been amazing. "This season is
about improvement, both for me personally and the team. I want to keep
scoring goals and there's a few games coming up where I should get the
chance to add to my tally. "We're playing really well as a group and we want
to keep developing. It's literally all about us improving together."
West Ham United Ladies host QPR Ladies at Rush Green on Sunday at 2pm. Gates
open for the Family Fun Day at 12noon, with free admission for Season Ticket
Holders and Claret Members.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United
WED, 25 OCT 2017EFL CUP - FOURTH ROUND
20:00
Venue: Wembley Stadium
BBC.co.uk
England left-back Danny Rose is set to start a match for the first time
since January as Tottenham play West Ham in the Carabao Cup fourth round.
Rose, 27, suffered a knee injury against Sunderland on 31 January and made a
10-minute substitute appearance against Real Madrid last Tuesday.
West Ham goalkeeper Adrian, who has played in the last two rounds of the
competition, will replace Joe Hart. Striker Andy Carroll is also set to
return after serving a one-match ban.
Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino said: "We are resting players because they
need to rest and we don't want to take risks." Midfielder Mousa Dembele
could play for the first time since the 1-0 win over Barnsley in the third
round after recovering from ankle and hip injuries, but winger Erik Lamela,
who has been out for nearly a year because of hip problems, remains
unavailable. "Dembele is on the list and in the last few days he has been
doing well," added Pochettino. "Lamela is doing well but is still not
available and I don't know when he will be. I can't say whether it will be
one week or one month. "We have to assess him every day and decide when he
is ready, but we need to be careful."
West Ham have only won once in five Premier League games and are 16th in the
league, but under-pressure boss Slaven Bilic is not concerned about
speculation concerning his job. He said: "We have to stay focused. I have to
lead the group and get us playing better. I have said a few times to the
press, all that I am focused on is my next game." Midfielder Michail Antonio
could miss out after he suffered a rib injury during the 3-0 defeat by
Brighton on Friday, while defender James Collins and striker Diafra Sakho
only returned to training this week. Tottenham beat West Ham 3-2 at the
London Stadium in September and both clubs were fined £20,000 for failing to
control their players after a late melee.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
85 years a Hammer
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 24th October 2017
By: Roger Roseboom
Back in 1944, my father took me to Craven Cottage where Fulham were playing
West Ham. My father was an ex-professional who came from the Glasgow Rangers
youth team (in 1914). He joined the Black Watch in the First World War, won
the military medal for bravery and survived the war (hence my later birth in
1932).
At the time West Ham had a full back, Charlie Bicknell, who had played with
my father at one of his clubs until injury took him out of the game. West
Ham won the game comfortably, 7-4 if my memory is correct.
After the game my father took me into the West Ham dressing room where I met
Jock Dodds, Archie Macauley, Len Goulden, Ernie Gregory and other giants of
the past. I was given the match ball, which was a 'tee-ball' with the usual
leather lace tie! From that moment on I was a West Ham supporter. I lived in
Fulham at the time and made the occasional trip to see Harry Hooper flying
down the wing, then young Harry Rednapp, etc. I wanted to be a professional
footballer, but at the age of 11 my father said "sorry son, you won't make
it ". I did have a trial for Chelsea in 1946 but he was right - I never made
it. Good amateur football followed including representing the Canal Zone
against the British Army's Cameron Highland Division - the hardest match I
have ever experienced.
Now aged 85, I gave up playing competitive football aged 55 as I could no
longer understand what the young team members were saying! I then took up
coaching primary school teams from which I finally retired three years ago.
I am pretty fit for my age. I have supported West Ham United through thick
and thin, the latter more often than I would wish. The growth of the club
has been financially correctly structured, but the investment in players has
been somewhat haphazard to say the least. Why this has happened confuses me
- it is equally important to ensure the right team is assembled as are the
bricks and pitch around them. It was the right decision to leave the
Boleyn, but I doubt if the present manager is the right one to instil
discipline in the current crop of players. The new ones arrive to a fanfare
of praise for past accomplishments, but then seem to fade away. Yes there
are individuals who will always give their best - Antonio, Lanzini, Kouyate
and Cresswell for example - but that is not enough. All 11 players must
always be mentally alert, physically fit and committed.
Here I must criticise the mentality of Andy Carroll - surely a professional
of his standing should never have committed the stupidity of being given two
yellow cards in two minutes? As a result, Brighton - a game for which
Carroll was banned - could relax and play their football without the problem
of having to use two players to keep Carroll under wraps. Only the day
before, Graham Souness was on TV extolling the need for every team to have a
senior player to motivate the team. Who is that player at West Ham? Another
problem is the fitness of Hernandez, who is no longer the sharp predator he
once was. The result of Carroll's rush of blood was to place Slaven Bilic
under more pressure. West Ham could have won that match against Brighton,
now what is his future ?
At the Boleyn, the ups and downs could be resolved, Now? The problem is the
financial deterioration should the Hammers be relegated to the Championship
as has happened before. That is a situation the club cannot allow.
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the
author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be
attributed to, KUMB.com.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The unfathomable situation
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 24th October 2017
By: Trevor Twohig
So here we are once more, huddled together like penguins, waiting for the
news diligently, the news that doesn't come.
I feel like I have been here before. That's right, last September, following
the 4-2 defeat by Watford. This is not a case of I told you so (as I prepare
to say I kind of told you so), but Super Slav, is really not that super.
I mean, he's lovely and I like the fact that he goes to rock concerts and
wears band t-shirts and the players like him and all of that stuff, but when
it comes to managing the football club, he's just not that super. There, I
said it.
As stated, there we were. Cold and cross at the London Stadium, wondering
why we bothered as Zabaleta gave away a stone wall penalty and we stared
down the barrel of a 3-0 defeat, to a team just promoted and with the
greatest respect, were no great shakes.
Except of course, I was not there. I had already sold my season ticket on
the exchange as the thought of watching West Ham again after the Swansea
fixture, where we scraped home in the dying embers, by the skin of our
teeth, did not fill me with the joy.
I watched it of course from the comfort of my living room, knowing full well
that the forty quid for my ticket sits comfortably in my e-ticketing
account. Of course, I mean £27, after the club takes its cut, but I'm
assured this money goes on 'community-based' projects, whether I like it or
not.
What I'm saying is not that, 'I am so clever, dodged a bullet' etc. more
that it was so clear what could have potentially happened that my head told
me to stay away, even if my heart said otherwise.
This really is quite tragic. I have been on the waiting list for a new
season ticket after not renewing when we left the Boleyn. I was excited for
this season, having fought off my demons regarding the new stadium and the
corporate facelessness that seemed to be the direction in which we were
going.
I guessed I was ready to forgive all of that, as performances on the pitch
were what mattered and given our recruitment over the summer, we had a
fighting chance of doing better this season. How wrong I was!
Despite the excitement of some big name summer signings, the same cracks
were there, glaring, from the season before. Carroll and his injury woes are
a running theme, the inability to strengthen at the back since the departure
of James Tomkins, the gap left by Payet going forward.
I mean Mikhail Antonio can only have so much gas in the tank and on Friday
night, it appeared all of his endeavour and spark, had been replaced by
frustration and malcontent.
Like a battered partner, hurt and upset after the Swansea performance, I
knew I had to think carefully about how to move forward. I was wary and kept
my distance against Brighton but knew that the disappointment of such a
humiliating result will force action, will make the change. Sadly, I was
wrong.
It is clear to most, probably to Slav himself, that the game is up. It has
since transpired that he said his goodbyes and offered to leave a number of
games ago after the same result at Newcastle.
I mean, what other message do the board need, when their manager throws in
the towel so early on? Is this Slav feeling the heat or is he admitting he
does not know what to do?
We face the same situation as we did this time last year. A manager who for
whatever reason is not getting the job done and leading the team into a
potential struggle, a possible relegation battle, yet the owners deciding to
'give him two more games'.
Personally, I find nothing more insipid and disappointing than this vapid
response. What do they expect? What can anyone gain from this situation?
Let's discuss the options.
Option 1: West Ham United, by some miraculous intervention from a higher
power, get home against a rampant Spurs side and beat Palace away. Bilic
stays and another disappointing season follows.
Option 2: West Ham United beat Spurs somehow and lose to Palace. Although
beating Spurs away is a feeling second to none, we will be deep in the
relegation zone and will most probably be looking at another big team in the
Caribou Cup.
Option 3: West Ham United lose heavily to Spurs and beat Palace. A
mini-reprieve in the league, but how likely are we to get a result at
Selhurst if we are battered by a scarily in form Tottenham?
Option 4: Beaten by both, same position, except the players are more
delusioned, lacking confidence, we are out of a cup and staring down the
barrel in the league.
My fairly laboured point, is that this inertia and fear of change, is almost
certainly going to cost us. No-one wants to sack a manager, I would have
loved it if Slav worked, but it hasn't. He could and in my book should have
gone this time last year and we are quite clearly going backwards now.
I am grateful to the owners for a number of things, but not for this. The
feeling in the camp is too relaxed, there is no real pressure (except for
the fans), there is no urgency among players or staff. We have become a
mini-Arsenal, the fans forced to accept a fate we do not really deserve.
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the
author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be
attributed to, KUMB.com.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll returns for Spurs clash - but Antonio out
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 24th October 2017
By: Staff Writer
Andy Carroll is set to return to the starting XI when West Ham tackle
Tottenham in the Carabao Cup tomorrow night. The striker has been out of
contention since being dismissed during the 1-1 draw at Burnley, but returns
to spearhead United's attack in the fourth round tie, which is being staged
at Wembley. However wide man Michail Antonio is ruled out after sustaining a
rib injury in the 3-0 defeat at home to Brighton last Friday evening. "We
have Andy back in the squad," confirmed manager Slaven Bilic. "Michail will
definitely be out tomorrow because he had a knock on his ribs in the first
half against Brighton, but managed to play. It's very painful, so he'll be
out. "Then there are James Collins and Diafra Sakho, who start to train with
us for the first time today."
The manager also confirmed that he hopes to make several changes to the team
that were embarrassed by Brighton last weekend - including the
reintroduction of former number one, Adrian, in place of loanee Joe Hart.
"Some of them are new players, I was involved in them coming to the club and
I rate them very highly," Bilic confirmed. It's a big part of my job to
demand them to play better, and to help them to hit the form we want them to
hit. "We all have the same aim and same goal, both tomorrow and for the
season. It's my job to help them and definitely to lead them."
Meanwhile Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has already confirmed that
Tottenham's in-form striker, Harry Kane, is also likely to be rested.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
80 per cent are UNHAPPY in Stratford, say fans
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 24th October 2017
By: Staff Writer
David Sullivan's claim that 95 per cent of supporters are happy at the
Olympic Stadium couldn't be further from the truth, according to the results
of a new KUMB poll. Sullivan, speaking with Sky Sports on Friday night
insisted that only one in 20 West Ham supporters were disenchanted with the
Stratford stadium - without providing any basis for his assertion. However a
poll of registered KUMB.com members paints a rather different picture - with
an astonishing 80 per cent claiming that rather than being content, they are
distinctly unhappy in Stratford. Indeed, only 12 per cent of voters
registered as being happy with life at the OS - some 83 per cent less than
Sullivan had claimed. The reasons behind the general air of dissatisfaction
are many and varied, although a recurring theme is the suggestion that the
Board may have raised expectations unnecessarily prior to the migration
process - a process hailed by many as a catastrophic failure. "I don't mind
the stadium and have always said I like my seat and view," wrote KUMB Forum
stalwart Kialos. " I go to from Stratford via Carpenters Estate so avoid the
Westfield area and stop/go signs. "However what annoys me is seeing how the
Board negotiated the whole thing, based solely on spending as little as
possible rather than doing what needed doing. Signing away any kind of say
in matters that any club with regard to fans or even the team would sign
over is unforgivable."
Thoughts echoed by Big George, who added: "The club sold us a fake vision.
The executive team failed to do even the most basic of work to prepare the
stadium, then shifted blame for the horrendous problems. They were so
blinded by the cash, they ignored their customers."
And ChikinRub added: "I bought the 'founder' season ticket at the new
stadium with an open mind but, I have to say, people who expressed concerns
have been proved right. I've given it a go, but it's not us.
"To say it never will be is wrong, because I think this massive compromise
of a football stadium will be 'us', the new us. I strongly believe that most
of what - if not all - we loved about our wonderfully charismatic, unique
club is quickly being destroyed. The stadium is a big part of that
destruction; it's ironic, really."
Equally concerning - if not more so - would appear to be the number of long
term supporters who either have, or intend to refrain from renewing their
season ticket/s as a result of the many issues surrounding the stadium. "I
can't stand the place so I haven't been this season," said Pop Robson.
"After missing only two home league games over 15 seasons, I've missed all
four home games this season."
Meanwhile BrownFatwa and RichieRiv find themselves in a similar position. "I
didn't renew this year after over 40 years full commitment," commented the
former. "I hate the place and actually was mildly in favour of the move.
It's simply not a fit place to watch football." Whilst the latter added:
"This is my 17th year - and I am seriously doubting whether I'll reach 18."
Hundreds of KUMB readers have joined the above in commented on the poll,
offering a series of reasons why they are either content or disappointed at
Stratford. You may read those on the KUMB Forum.
Poll Standings (as of Tuesday, 24 October)
Question: Are you "happy with the move" to Stratford?
Yes: 12%
No: 80%
Unsure: 8%
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sakho: I still want out
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 24th October 2017
By: Staff Writer
Diafra Sakho has confirmed that he still wants to leave West Ham - despite
having spent "three wonderful years" at the club. And the former Metz man
insists that West Ham gave him permission to travel to France on transfer
deadline day in order to undergo a medical with Rennes - despite the club
having suggested otherwise. "I still want to leave," he told journalist
Claude Atcheba. "I don't hide it. Fans or not, I want a change of
environment. I want to see something else.
"I've spent three wonderful years at West Ham but I want to see other things
and I think that going to France would be a good challenge. One day in the
furthre perhaps I'd like to come back, but right now I want a change of
scenery."
The Senegal international also hit back at claims that he had flown to
France in August without permission from West Ham. "I just went to do the
medical, see the club and other people," he said. "I think both clubs agreed
that I went for the medical, but maybe there wasn't enough time for West Ham
to let me go as they were unable to find a replacement. "I understood the
situation and came back - but that didn't change my desire to leave. I'm
happy to be here today, but nothing has changed. I have nothing against the
fans, players or manager but nobody has convinved me to stay."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic admits he is under pressure to save West Ham job ahead of
Tottenham clash
By Matthew Treadwell
Last Updated: 24/10/17 7:37pm
SSN
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic admits he is under pressure to save his job ahead
of a crucial Carabao Cup clash against London rivals Tottenham at Wembley.
Sky sources reported earlier this week that the Croatian has two games to
keep his position as manager after the team's poor start to the season - the
game with Spurs and the Premier League fixture with Crystal Palace next
weekend. Bilic was under pressure last season but kept his job, yet the
Hammers are 16th in the Premier League and only out of the relegation zone
on goal difference after eight games.
Slaven Bilic is not worried about reports claiming he has two games to save
his job as West Ham manager. But he said: "We have to stay focused, I have
to lead the team and the group and I need to get us playing better
immediately. "I have a game tomorrow and that is all I am focused on. All I
can do is stay focused on my next game or training session because that is
the only way you can expect to turn things around. "There are always three,
four, five managers in those positions [under pressure] and I am definitely
one of them. "Does it make me lose my focus? No. I never gave up in my
career or in any part of my life, as a player, as a parent, as a friend, as
a manager. It's my biggest strength, to be strong in hard times. "Now I am
facing my hard time but it doesn't scare me."
Bilic says he still believes in his players, many of whom he brought to the
club, despite a run of just one league win in their last five attempts. "I
will never lose the faith in the players, they are my players, they are my
team," he added. "With the newer players I was involved in their coming to
the club and of course I rate them very highly. I must demand they play
better but it is also a big part of my job to help them play better."
As for what victory at Tottenham would mean to him, Bilic said: "A couple of
calm days, at least in the press conferences! It would be good of course [to
win and progress] but it is a different competition. "A win against Spurs
may not improve your league position, but, of course, to go through in the
cup would give us back some confidence that we built over the last four or
five weeks but damaged in the game against Brighton."
Watch Tottenham v West Ham in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday. Coverage begins
on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football at 7:30pm.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tottenham v West Ham preview: Spurs face London rivals live on Sky Sports
Football
By Patrick Surlis
Last Updated: 24/10/17 7:35pm
SSN
Tottenham midfielder Mousa Dembele has returned to training ahead of their
Carabao Cup fourth-round clash with West Ham on Wednesday, live on Sky
Sports Football. The Spurs man, who has been struggling with a hip problem,
has not featured since the club's 1-0 success over Barnsley in the previous
round on September 19, a run of six games. Tottenham have won five of them,
drawing the other 1-1 against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in the Champions
League.
That good form has left them top of Group H in Europe and five points behind
pace-setters Manchester City in the Premier League, with Mauricio Pochettino
likely to make changes for the resumption of the Carabao Cup. He told his
pre-match press conference: "It is important to keep momentum. If we rotate,
we have to show that everyone can help and be a very important part of the
team." Brighton piled more pressure on West Ham boss Slaven Bilic with a 3-0
win at the London Stadium in the Hammers' previous fixture. They sit 16th in
the Premier League table and Michail Antonio admits they will be looking for
revenge over Tottenham after a 3-2 defeat in east London in September. "It's
a massive game. Even if it wasn't at Wembley it would be a massive game,"
Antonio told the club's website.
"Any game between West Ham and Tottenham is massive, especially after they
beat us at home, we need to go there and beat them at their home. "We've got
to steady our minds, go there and perform for the fans."
Team news
Tottenham midfielder Dembele is back in training following a hip injury and
could feature on Wednesday, while Victor Wanyama is continuing his
rehabilitation from a knee problem. Danny Rose could start as he steps up
his return but Erik Lamela remains unavailable with a long-term hip
complaint.
Bilic has confirmed Adrian will start in goal for West Ham but Antonio
misses out due to a rib injury suffered against Brighton. There's better
news on Andy Carroll, who returns from his one-match suspension, while James
Collins and Diafra Sakho are back in training as they build-up their
fitness.
Match stats
Tottenham's last three home games against West Ham at home have seen 14
goals (avg 4.7 per game), although this will be their first ever meeting at
Wembley.
This will be the ninth meeting across seven ties between these two sides in
the League Cup, with the Hammers winning the last encounter back in December
2013 - a 2-1 quarter-final victory at White Hart Lane.
West Ham are looking to reach the quarter-final stage in consecutive
campaigns for the first time since 1980-81, the same season they beat
Tottenham en route to a final defeat by Liverpool.
West Ham are returning to Wembley for the first time since May 2012 when
they beat Blackpool 2-1 in the Championship play-off final - their previous
appearance was a League Cup final against Liverpool in 1981.
Charlie predicts
This could be a feisty one - but I only see one outcome. Mauricio Pochettino
impressively exposed Liverpool's vulnerabilities on Sunday and their
confidence must be sky high. This is a good chance to sit Harry Kane, who
will hopefully need to rest his hamstring until after the Arsenal game!
Fernando Llorente will come in again and Dele Alli will get another game
after missing quite a few, meaning Spurs still have plenty of attacking
quality. What does Slaven Billic do? If he plays a strong team, they could
still be embarrassed. I'm a fan of Bilic but this is a really average group
of players. He's partly responsible but I don't think you should judge him
on a match like this.
Charlie predicts: 3-0 and Dele Alli to score first (28/1 with Sky Bet)
Betting
Tottenham are Sky Bet's 1/2 favourites to progress within 90 minutes as West
Ham go up against odds of 11/2 to win and 18/5 to take the tie to
extra-time.
Subject to selection, Kane is the 2/1 favourite to score first followed by
Fernando Llorente at 5/2, while Heung-min Son is enhanced from 9/2 to 11/2
in Sky Bet's Price Boosts. Spurs are the 13/2 fourth favourites to lift the
trophy with the Hammers priced at 40/1.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
PALACE GAME BIGGER THAN SPURS?
By Tony Hanna 24 Oct 2017 at 08:00
WTID
If it is true that Slaven Bilic has been given two games to save his job
like many of the media outlets are reporting, I find it difficult to believe
that the Spurs game will have much bearing on the decision. Put it this way.
If it is true and we beat Spurs and lose to Palace I just don't see him
remaining in his job. If we lose to Spurs and beat Palace things may well be
different, at least for the time being. Crystal Palace is the big one for
Bilic despite many fans actually preferring a win against Tottenham if given
the choice? Spurs will likely play an under strength team against us after
playing Liverpool on Sunday and matches away to the Moaning ones on the
weekend and home to Real Madrid a few days later. I doubt the League Cup, or
whatever it is called this season, is a high priority for Pochettino's team
this season. So, with a crucial game against Palace this weekend it will be
interesting to see what team we field at Wembley on Wednesday? My best guess
is that we will keep much of our powder dry concentrating on the League
game.
It is interesting to see how matches against Spurs have become the most
anticipated in West Ham fans calendars? I must admit I have followed the
droves and these fixtures have become the highlight of my season too,
providing we get a result of course. But from my memory it was not like that
when I first started going to matches back in the 1960's. I was only very
young then and perhaps ill informed, but if my memory serves me correct our
games against Manchester United were always the "big ones"? All London
derbies had an extra edge to them back then but the Spurs fixture has
certainly well and truly overtaken all of them, apart from one certain team
who we hardly ever play anyway!
My stat machine tells me we have played Spurs on 207 occasions and they have
won 94 and we have won 62 with 51 drawn encounters. However, in the past ten
fixtures we have won five with one draw and four Spurs wins. This improved
run of results started with the famous 3-0 win at White Hart Lane in October
2013 where Sam, after a start to the season not unlike what is happening
now, pulled a rabbit out of the hat and played a 4/6/0 formation with Ravel
Morrison scoring a goal to remember. Many of the games played in recent
history have been memorable for one thing or another. David Cross scoring
four goals, Lasagne-gate right through to last season's 1-0 win with an
under strength team that killed off any chance Spurs may have had of winning
the Premier League.
Spurs have always seemed to have the upper hand in the transfer market over
us and player transactions between the two clubs are now rare. Over the past
13 years there has only been two transfers with Calum Davenport being our
only signing in 2007 and Scott Parker going the other way six years ago. The
Martin Peters transfer was probably the worst deal West Ham ever made with
Tottenham, simply made unpalatable by our gullibility in taking a player
exchange with Jimmy Greaves as part of the transaction. Receiving 3.5m quid
for Michael Carrick is also a pants down for the club and more recently the
sale of Scott Parker also left a bitter taste. That was the last player
transfer between the two clubs.
By the time I write my next column Slav's tenure might be up? On the bookies
markets there was a lot of money for Koeman to be the next manager to leave
his position. He was backed into 1-4 (80%) in a matter of hours on Sunday
evening. I wrote this in my original draft but before the ink was dry so to
speak, the deed was done! Bilic has now been left as the new 8/11 (58%)
favourite and would be much shorter odds but for the wave of money that is
coming for Sean Dyche. That is on the back of him being heavily backed for
the Everton job. The fact that there are 28 managers at 33/1 or under to be
the next West Ham manager is a clear indication that finding any potential
new man will be difficult – there are really no leads in the market to
suggest the owners have any specific targets lined up. For those who are
predicting relegation the price of 7/2 (22%) is a fantastic opportunity for
you to put your money where your mouth is and make a handsome profit. Thirty
five quid profit for a tenner indeed.
To lighten the mood, some may have seen this video but for the benefit of
those who haven't it is well worth a look. The clip centres around young two
year old Henrique and his family who have had tough times but their love for
West Ham is unwavering. A day out at the OS was just what the doctor
ordered.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic must give star Adrian the chance to prove point to West Ham owners
HITC
Dan Coombs
Adrian has a big opportunity for West Ham if selected this week. West Ham
goalkeeper Adrian has a huge opportunity this week if given the nod at
Wembley to face Tottenham Hotspur. Joe Hart was signed on loan in the
summer, but his performances have been indifferent, with the Hammers
conceding the fourth highest number of goals in the Premier League (17).
Spanish stopper Adrian has been a consistent performer for West Ham since
signing from Real Betis in 2013. Adrian hit out in the summer at what he
perceived as disrespect from club owner David Sullivan, who said immediately
that Hart was the best goalkeeper at the Hammers. Adrian has so far had to
rely on Carabao Cup appearances for games, and Slaven Bilic must continue
with this against Tottenham. Bilic may be tempted to give Hart a game as he
is under pressure, but Adrian may be even more motivated than the England
international. A big game from Adrian will prove a big point to the Hammers
hierarchy, and while it may not lead to regular first team selection in the
Premier League this season, the Spaniard will help his case if he can shut
Tottenham out as he did at the en of last season in a memorable 1-0 win.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Marko Arnautovic poor start at West Ham United means he could follow in
Robert Snodgrass' footsteps
HITC
John Verrall
West Ham United winger Marko Arnautovic has been in poor form since signing
from Stoke City. Marko Arnautovic's alarmingly poorly start at West Ham
United has surely already left questions being asked over the Austrian's
future at the London Stadium. West Ham spent big to bring in Arnautovic from
Stoke City during the summer transfer window, but he has been awful to date.
Arnautovic has looked lethargic and offered very little in the way of
creativity whenever he has been picked. The Austrian has seemingly
struggled to fit in with Slaven Bilic's side, with his performances failing
to catch the eye of the Hammers supporters. While it is still early days for
his career at West Ham, Bilic has already shown a ruthless side to his
management. Bilic sold Robert Snodgrass after the Scottish international
spent just six months with the club, after he failed to impress. And unless
Arnuatovic's performance dramatically improve there must be some concern
that his West Ham career heading the same way as Snodgrass's.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sakho breaks his silence on failed move and is still determined to leave
West Ham
The moody striker has been speaking out again as he tries to force through a
move away
Football London
Sam Inkersole
17:48, 24 OCT 2017
Diafra Sakho is still targeting a January exit from West Ham after failing
to secure a move away from the club on the summer window deadline day. The
Senegal striker has seen the past couple of years of his West Ham career
plagued by injuries to his back and hamstring and when he was fit, found
himself out of favour with Slaven Bilic. He eventually had enough and went
to Rennes for a medical on deadline day, without permission of the club
though that is something Sakho disputes, and passed the medical before the
Hammers told him he wasn't going anywhere. That set of a bonkers chain of
events which saw Sakho end up at Chelmsford racecourse to watch his agents
horse win a race, then to him going to the London Stadium and Rush Green to
find a board member to speak to, but was unsuccessful and the move never
materialised. Now, in an interview with French journalist Claude Atcheba,
the frontman is still yearning for a move as he has still be unable to get a
regular starting spot in the team, settling for the odd cameo off the bench
despite scoring two goals in three games for club and country earlier this
month. Sakho said: "I still want to leave. I don't hide it. Fans or not, I
want a change of environment. I want to see something else. "I've spent
three wonderful years at West Ham but I want to see other things and I think
that going to France would be a good challenge. One day in the future
perhaps I'd like to come back, but right now I want a change of scenery."
Sakho also hit out at the Hammers for his apparent lack of permission to
travel to Rennes on deadline day, disputing their version of events. "I just
went to do the medical, see the club and other people," he said. "I think
both clubs agreed that I went for the medical, but maybe there wasn't enough
time for West Ham to let me go as they were unable to find a replacement. "I
understood the situation and came back - but that didn't change my desire to
leave. I'm happy to be here today, but nothing has changed. I have nothing
against the fans, players or manager but nobody has convinced me to stay."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"They are not letting me down": Slaven Bilic stands by West Ham summer
signings despite Brighton shocker
JACK ROSSER
ES Sport
Slaven Bilic has refused to blame his summer signings after their poor
showing against Brighton on Friday night. The four headline additions over
the summer (Javier Hernandez, Pablo Zabaleta, Marko Arnautovic and Joe Hart)
have had stuttering starts to their careers in east London. During Friday's
3-0 defeat to Chris Hughton's side, Arnautovic was largely ineffective and
looked disinterested before being brought off in the second half, while Hart
was arguably at fault for Jose Izquierdo's goal. However, Bilic has stuck by
his additions ahead of their League Cup clash with Tottenham on Wednesday.
"They are not letting me down," Bilic insisted. "I spoke to him [Arnautovic]
already and he wants, he tries, it just at the moment - not only for him -
we are all in the same boat and we all have to do better. "Marko is a great
talent, has proved it before, he wanted to come here. "It has been
disrupted with the red card, then the flu, international break but I am very
positive and sure that sooner or later he will be really important."
While the Croatian has backed the former Stoke man to win the Hammers fans
over, he revealed that Hart will not be starting at Wembley. "Tomorrow is
going to be Adrian, because he is a cup keeper," he added. "I do not want
to pin point the players, not in front of the media and that, after we had a
bad spell in the first three games when we conceded ten goals, we hit good
form with clean sheets and against Brighton we made a few mistakes and
shipped three goals. "But it's not because of that Adrian will be in goal,
it was a plan from the beginning of the season and Adrian did well in his
games. He will be in goal tomorrow."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic plans wholesale changes against Tottenham with
one eye on Crystal Palace
KEN DYER
ES Sport
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is set to make wholesale changes for
Wednesday's Carabao Cup tie against Tottenham at Wembley as the club
prioritise the weekend's crucial Premier League game against Crystal Palace.
Hammers co-owner David Sullivan discussed his club's precarious League
position with Bilic on Monday — but the manager will remain in charge
against Spurs and at Palace three days later. There was speculation that
Sullivan and the West Ham board had arranged to meet following Friday
night's 3-0 home defeat by Brighton, but it is understood no such meeting
took place. However, Sullivan, co-chairman David Gold and vice-chairman
Karren Brady are sufficiently concerned to be exploring possible
replacements for Bilic. Speculation that Bilic offered his resignation after
the Brighton defeat have been discounted by the club, but it is understood
the Croatian — who is in the final season of a three-year deal — was
dismayed by the performance of his players not only on Friday but also
following a similarly dysfunctional performance at Newcastle in August. Talk
of dressing-room disharmony has also been rejected. The players, it is
understood, still largely like and respect Bilic, despite the team's poor
form, but the board remain acutely concerned about the lack of direction and
improvement displayed by the squad this season. The board are anxious not to
make knee-jerk decisions and remain keen to keep faith with Bilic, until the
end of the season, at least. They will know, though, that performances such
as the one against Brighton cannot be repeated without them taking action.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"I have to get us playing better immediately," West Ham manager Slaven Bilic
calls for instant improvement against Tottenham
JACK ROSSER
ES Sport
Slaven Bilic has admitted he must get his West Ham side playing better
'immediately' ahead of their EFL Cup clash with Tottenham on Wednesday. The
Hammers boss has come under intense pressure after their 3-0 defeat to
Brighton at London Stadium on Friday night. The Croatian has been under no
illusions as to his position, while Standard Sport understands the two
London derbies against Spurs and then Crystal Palace in the Premier League
could decide his future. With a quick turnaround before their clash with a
Spurs side who have drawn at the Bernabeu and beaten Liverpool 4-1 in the
last week, Bilic knows improvement must come quickly, however, also says it
presents a good opportunity. "I have to get us playing better immediately,"
Bilic told reporters. "It is a chance for us. It is not coming a couple of
weeks time or three weeks, it is tomorrow night "In this situation it is a
really good thing. We have to lift ourselves, we have trained and as I said,
we have to play better. Friday was very disappointing although every Premier
League game is difficult."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mark Noble leads crisis meeting at West Ham training ground
KEN DYER
ES Sport
Captain Mark Noble was the main voice as the West Ham players met on Monday
to discuss the club's crisis. Noble led the meeting at the Rush Green
training ground as the squad shared ideas on how to improve with West Ham
16th in the table, a point ahead of second-from-bottom Bournemouth,
following their poor performance in the 3-0 defeat by Brighton on Friday. It
is understood that Noble, who has been at West Ham since the age of 15, was
frank and forthright in the meeting which lasted just 10 minutes. The
midfielder missed the last game but is expected to return for Wednesday's
Carabao Cup tie against Tottenham. He is set to be one of a number of
changes made by Slaven Bilic, who will rest players with the crunch League
match at Crystal Palace on Saturday in mind. Should West Ham lose at
Selhurst Park, with a performance similar to the one against Brighton,
co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold could be forced into taking action.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, October 25
Tuesday, October 24
Daily WHUFC News - 24th October 2017
Antonio targets Wembley rerun
WHUFC.com
Michail Antonio is hoping for a Wembley rerun when West Ham United take on Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night. The Hammers head to the Home of Football in the Carabao Cup fourth round, with both a place in the quarter-finals and local bragging rights at stake. For Antonio, the tie also represents an opportunity to repeat the success he enjoyed on his only previous visit to Wembley, when he scored a fine goal in Southampton's Football League Trophy final victory over Carlisle United in 2010. "It's a massive game," said the winger, who scored the winner against Tottenham in the final Premier League derby at the Boleyn Ground in March 2016. "Even if it wasn't at Wembley, it would be a massive game, as any game when West Ham and Tottenham are playing against each other, it is a massive. "Especially after they beat us at home, we need to go there and beat them at their home. We've got to steady our minds, go there and perform for the fans."
Antonio is one of a number of West Ham players who have turned out at Wembley before, with Joe Hart, Aaron Cresswell, Pablo Zabaleta, Jose Fonte, James Collins, Mark Noble and Andy Carroll all having trodden the hallowed turf in the past. Hart, Zabaleta and Carroll have all won the League Cup at the historic north London ground and the No30 would love to emulate that achievement. "It's Wembley. As much as they are playing home games there all season, it's Wembley so it's exciting for any team that goes there. "There are going to be loads of players who have not had the opportunity to play there, who will now get the opportunity to play there. "People are going to turn up and want to perform there because it is a historic ground."
Reflecting on his victorious goalscoring performance at Wembley seven years ago, Antonio cannot help but smile when he recalls that day. Playing alongside current Hammers teammate Jose Fonte and under former West Ham manager Alan Pardew on his 20th birthday, the winger scored the Saints' fourth and final goal in a comfortable victory over the Cumbrians. "It was an unbelievable day. There were 75,000 fans there and it was my birthday, as I'd just turned 20, we won and I scored! I had 15 of my family members and celebrated my goal in front of them, so it was just an unforgettable day. I remember everything about it to a tee.
"Scoring a goal at the historic Wembley Stadium was just unbelievable. Rickie Lambert headed the ball down and I've taken it on my chest and half-volleyed it with my left foot into the corner. "I'd love to do it again on Wednesday night!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nolan: Mark Noble's character will be vital for West Ham United
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble's character could be vital to West Ham United's chances of winning at Wembley on Wednesday evening, according to former skipper Kevin Nolan. Nolan, who preceded Noble as Hammers captain and led the Club to Play-Off final glory at the Home of Football in 2012, says his successor remains vitally important to the squad, whether he is playing or not. The No16 was an unused substitute in Friday's loss to Brighton & Hove Albion and has started only five of West Ham's nine Premier League matches, with Cheikhou Kouyate, Pedro Obiang, Edimilson Fernandes and youngster Declan Rice also available to play in the centre of the park. However, Noble did wear the armband in both Carabao Cup victories over Cheltenham Town and Bolton Wanderers, and Nolan believes his ex-teammate is the right man to lead the Hammers into battle against Spurs this week. The Notts County manager expects Noble's inner drive and character to motivate not just himself, but also his teammates. is use the feeling to motivate himself to get back into the team, such is the skippers' drive and character. "Of course, it will be bothering him that he's not playing," Nolan told whufc.com: "He's captain of the Club and right now he's not getting in the side. Nobes will be taking that to heart and will wanting to be doing something to put it right. "Not being in the team will be killing him, but one thing Mark Noble has got is a great character. Nobes is a great lad. This won't knock him. This will spur him on and make him want to try harder to get back in the team and help the side win games.
"He's got to keep his head down, work hard and be ready for his chance when it comes."
Nolan believes that chance may come at Wembley, where the pair shared one of the best moments of their respective careers five-and-a-half years ago. Noble was also part of the squad which knocked Spurs out of the League Cup at White Hart Lane in December 2013, and Nolan says his presence will also be of huge benefit this time around. He added: "Mark's a great character and he's a great lad. For me, he's what West Ham need. West Ham need those sorts of players, especially heading into a game like Tottenham away. "Mark Noble wears his heart on his sleeve and loves West Ham. He's a West Ham boy through and through, and for me he's the perfect fit for the Club and the captaincy and the way West Ham play."
Standard Tickets for West Ham United's Carabao Cup fourth round visit to Tottenham Hotspur have sold out, but the tie will be broadcast live by Sky Sports, with kick-off at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday at 8pm.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
FAIR TO MIDDLING
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 23 OCTOBER 2017 AT 4:54PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
As West Ham fans, we're pretty much used to being the middlemen of the Premier League. The current run has seen us finish 11th, 7th, 12th, 13th and 10th, echoing our previous run, which spanned 9th to 17th. Aside from our brief drop to the Championship and immediate bounce back, you can sometimes feel like the Hammers are there just to make up the numbers.
So, the recent predictions by sports analysts, Gracenote Sports, won't have come as much of a surprise to the West Ham faithful. Gracenote had us predicted to finish in 10th place with 47 points at the start of the season, and after seven games had revised that down by one win to put us in 14th place with 44 points.
Gracenote creates its Premier League predictions by ranking the top flight clubs using its Euro Club Index, then running over a million 'season simulations' to work out what it thinks will happen. After seven games, the exact placings may have shuffled a little, but the area of the table for each club has remained roughly the same. Pre-season favourites, Chelsea, have been replaced by Man City, and Crystal Palace have swapped places with Huddersfield at the bottom of the table.
You could argue that this is not exactly rocket science. Crystal Palace have lost all seven games and have yet to score a goal while conceding seventeen. My cat could predict their fate at the end of the season, and she's much more of a rugby fan. If anything, Gracenote's estimate of a 72% chance of the Eagles flying south seems rather generous.
Similarly, with both City and Man United unbeaten with six wins apiece, and with 39 goals between them and just two each against, you hardly need to be Nostradamus to predict one of them to be picking up the trophy next May. Gracenote reckon there's a 47% chance it will be City and a 24% chance it will be United, leaving just a 29% chance that the title will go anywhere else but Manchester.
Of course, predictions are not always right. With all its experts to call on, BBC Sport predicted Chelsea to win in 2015/16 and Leicester City to finish 19th. We all know how that turned out. They also predicted the Hammers would finish around our customary mid-table spot of 11th, but we beat that by four places to finish in the heady heights of the top seven. That was, indeed, a strange season all round.
In many ways, West Ham's reliable mid-table mediocrity saves us all a lot of sleepless nights towards the end of the season. It also saves us a few bob at the bookies, too, based on the old Premier League outright odds. After all, who is going to back us at 750-1 to win the Premier League, or even at 100-1 to finish in the top four? Certainly, no Hammers fan wants to tempt fate by having a cheeky fiver on relegation at 6-1.
Sometimes you just have to accept the fact that with West Ham neither at the bottom nor the top, like Kermit's nephew from the Muppet Show, we are destined to be forever Halfway Down The Stairs.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM UNITED, FOREVER ON THE ROAD TO NOWHERE!
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 23 OCTOBER 2017 AT 4:44PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @jasoninge
Well Friday Night Football couldn't of gone any worse, could it! I went into the game feeling very optimistic with the front four of Hernandez, Arnautovic, Lanzini and Antonio finally available to set a light our season. However in traditional West Ham style we were left being royally turned over by an awful Brighton side. Frankly it was a toothless, embarrassing performance by every single player that stepped out at the stadium that was supposed to be the catalyst for our great club to progress to the next level and compete with the big boys. However, although we were promised the world, ultimately nothing has changed, we're still the same old West Ham, a club that has so much potential but ultimately disappoints.
I've reflected a lot over the weekend since the bad defeat about why this club finds itself in an all too familiar situation, where we were struggling and the reasons for this, which I see as three fold. Like a lot the fans I had brought into this dream of West Ham becoming an elite club, competing in Europe on a regular basis and as a result only saw moving to the London Stadium as a necessary means as a result. However, it has now become apparent to me that we do not have the ingredients across the board to go to the next level.
Firstly, we have an average group of players that are simply nowhere near the standard of the top six teams. We are littered with overhyped players that individually and collectively make mistakes on a consistent basis that cost us results. We have a distant lack of creative, technically gifted players bar Lanzini, who for the record is the only player we have that is good enough to get in a top side, so the chances of actually competing with the big boys now is frankly impossible. In all honestly, we are no better than the any of clubs that are competing to be the best of the rest and therefore poor performances/results against poor teams is something that has been consistent throughout of history and will continue to plague our future. It's also been a suggested that we are no longer a selling club, but in reality Premier League Clubs aren't lining up to take our talent. Again that proves we're nowhere near a top six side.
Secondly, the manager isn't elite level. Now everyone who has seen my previous articles will know I back Slaven to the hilt and I will never turn on a manager, as I believe you support them as long as they're the man in charge. However, Slaven Bilic has proven in the last two seasons that he's unable to take this club any further than a mid table team and therefore finds himself in a virtually impossible situation to stay on as the manager past the current season. Furthermore, there is too much noise in the media and it's apparent that the owners are looking at replacements. It mirrors the exact same scenario as where Sam Allardyce found himself in during his last season. Obviously a lot of fans feel the need to make a managerial change now believing Slaven Bilic is the sole reason for our current blight and that the endless list of managers linked as replacements would all turn this around and have the capabilities to take this club forward to new heights. I completely disagree with this. We are West Ham United, and we are not capable of attracting an elite level manager, like Carlo Ancelotti to take us over. Also, I feel that sacking Slaven now would merely be a short term fix, and although would likely see an immediate resurgent in form and results this season, our history would show that it will be short lived before it ultimately goes wrong for said manager a year or two down the line, with fans calling for that person to be sacked. The reality is we find ourselves in a vicious cycle of hopes of achieving something followed by despair of underachieving.
Thirdly, the owners do not and will never have the finances needed to progress this club to the next level. We have a stadium that although isn't everyone's cup of tea is something that should of have been catalyst for better things for the club. However the current regime our wasting it and in all honestly continuing to fail with point after point of promises that really shouldn't have been hard to deliver. We are left talking about them failing to deliver a claret turf around the pitch with the current green one being a hindrance to the players on the pitch, because it costs too much money. We are left playing at a stadium with no naming rights because they are unable to seal the big deals like Man City and Arsenal have. All these issues show their shortcomings and exactly why they are incapable of progressing this club any further forward. However the most damning point is the distant lack of funds in the transfer market to buy the much better players needed. I'm not disputing they were able to get the majority of the managers targets this year, but it's simply not enough to make us a better club. You only have to look at our two record signings in the last two years. We've brought the two best players at Swansea and Stoke at the time, who like us are average teams in the hope they can replicate their good form with us, which neither have because average players are inconsistent. The club needs to be finding gems like Man City did when they were progressing forward to an elite club, with the likes David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany, but every world class player the owners have attempted to sign, they have failed to do so, because they don't have the finances required to buy those players. You can't expect progression if you can't spend big in this league!
So where do we go from here? Well in all honestly, we have to just get on with things. We are in a position where we have been many times over the years. Yes, we had hoped to never be in and around the relegation zone anymore, but we do have the capabilities of fighting our way of the situation. It's not a situation where we have lost six games on the spin and are ten points adrift. There is plenty of time to achieve a mid table finish, which is still our level and something that this manager and this group of players were able to achieve last season after a poor start. History shows the owners don't sack managers and honour contracts, whether you agree or not, we have to accept that. Long term though it is imperative that we are taken over, which will lead to a top class manager being appointed and a better squad being assembled that can finally challenge the top six. If that doesn't happen, we will continue down this road to nowhere with the pack likely to be shuffled in the summer once again and merry-go-around of joy followed by misery will go on.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
TIME TO THINK THE UNTHINKABLE
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 23 OCTOBER 2017 AT 4:24PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
by Malcolm Atkins @malatk
Apparently Ex is putting an article out which may shed more light but the rumour mill is that none of the board's preferred targets as a replacement for Slaven Bilic are available until summer with no temporary candidate currently appealing to them.
Most agree Slav is damaged beyond repair and for me, some sort of change is essential. I never thought I would propose this but….Paolo Di Canio anyone? OK he is fiery and unpredictable but he could be right man at the right time. Paolo would love the job and would probably agree a short term deal (trial) until the end of season.
Madness isn't it? Yes, but there are three big problems right now for me, the team lack fitness, they lack motivation and the fans are flat which is causing a big problem on match day. Di Canio would address the fitness issue without a doubt and certainly in the short term would fire players up. I bet he could get Arnautovic firing.
Then the fans, many – including me, have doubted his managerial credentials but he is hugely popular and would have the stadium rocking. Di Canio would produce a team that played with flair and swagger and most of all passion, The West Ham Way indeed.
If the board are too interfering etc. Paolo will tell us, if not, as they claim, we will know so and it will help repair their image a little.
I know there is a risk to this but it really can't get much worse. Big Sam may be pragmatic bu the fans would be divided and the board would look foolish. Paolo loves the club, wants the job, is passionate and views fitness as vital
Time to think the unthinkable? It is for me.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former City boss in the running?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 23rd October 2017
By: Staff Writer
The vastly-experienced Manuel Pellegrini is the latest coach to be linked with Slaven Bilic's job. The Croat's position at West Ham is under serious threat following United's poor start to the 017/18 campaign and several managers - including Rafa Benitez and Alan Pardew - have been linked with the role. And now the Chilean - who is currently employed by Chinese Super League side Hebei China Fortune - is the latest big name to be linked with the post and a Premier League return, despite being under contract for a further 12 months. West Ham's Board met at the weekend following Friday's night's 3-0 humbling against Brighton & Hove Albion to discuss Bilic's position. The manager, who is out of contract at the end of the season is set to remain in charge for the foreseeable future, despite his team having accrued only eight points from their opening nine games of the campaign.
Manuel Pellegrini: managerial history
1988–1989: Universidad de Chile
1990–1992: Palestino
1992–1993: O'Higgins
1993–1995: Universidad Católica
1998: Palestino
1999–2000: LDU Quito
2001–2002: San Lorenzo
2002–2003: River Plate
2004–2009: Villarreal
2009–2010: Real Madrid
2010–2013: Málaga
2013–2016: Manchester City
2016-: Hebei China Fortune
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spurs to miss talisman for Cup tie?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 23rd October 2017
By: Staff Writer
Tottenham and England striker Harry Kane is set to miss this week's Carabao Cup clash between Tottenham and West Ham. The two clubs meet at Wembley on Wednesday night when the Hammers will be seeking to replicate their 2013 success at White Hart Lane in the same competition (then known as the Capital One Cup). And news of Kane's likely omission will come as a major boost to the Hammers, who are themselves sweating over the fitness of one or two key players ahead of the game. "We have many games ahead - Wednesday, then Manchester United at the weekend and Real Madrid," Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino told the media. "We finish the weekend with Crystal Palace. "It's important to know that Harry played two games for the national team before Bournemouth. It's been a massive effort from him, but his performance in that way he's so professional. "But he's not a machine and maybe Wednesday we'll give him a rest."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
They shoot horses, don't they?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 23rd October 2017
By: Paul Walker
I think Neil Ashton on Sky at the weekend got it just about right. When will Slaven Bilic be put out of his misery?
The Sunday Supplement anchor and Daily Mail man could hardly have put it better. However you look at it, how much you blame Slav for our current predicament. This is no way to treat anyone.
As usual the 'two games to save his job' nonsense was filtered out after a weekend in which our board had been clearly unable to find someone to step in at short notice to turn the ship around. So Slav has to carry on.
You see, he is not trying to save his job, because he and us all know that decision has already been taken. If you tell someone that he can stay on only because they can't find anyone to take over, that is hardly much of an incentive.
And the players know it. They know the manager giving them instructions has absolutely no credibility any more, no clout, no position of an real authority.
Two games, Spurs at Wembley in what Sky may see as a very public execution (I thought we stopped all that a century back) and then a trip to an improving Crystal Palace who will be just baying for blood in a game they now feel that have a decent chance in.
And what next for Slav? It's Liverpool at home on 4 November. After that we have another two week international break. Yes, another one. And it is there that I reckon David Sullivan feels he may have a window of opportunity to get someone in.
Bilic just has to suck it up. Maybe the are trying to force him to resign, but why should he? The board have given him so much grief over the months, he probably feels entitled to that £2m pay-off.
If he soldiers on, he will get that with his contract ending next summer. If he walks away, he gets nothing. Lovely jubbly, Sullivan.
There has even been rumours, rejected by the board that Bilic has offered to quit. That rumour has come from somewhere to reach social media, and may well be how he has spoken to the players in times if real strife and weakness of the soul.
Now I have never been one to start calling for his head, nobody really knows what goes on in our club behind Karren's net curtains. But the Brighton disaster changed a few minds, the end of the road for many, who just cannot see how the tide can be turned.
Funnily enough, I was pretty confident on Friday, having seen the side draw at Burnley with ten men, a defiant, resilient display that no-one can convince me was a case of the manager having lost the dressing room.
Sullivan may well have felt that way when he did that interview with Gary Neville pre-match to say Slav would get to the end of his contract, he could have believed he was on firm ground.
Having not raised his head or said a word since that ridiculous row with Sporting Lisbon and the statement he issued to prove we had made a bid for William Carvalho - something I understand David Gold and Karren Brady did not know anything about until it had been done - here was the time for him to make a statesmanlike interview.
Ninety minutes later all that had changed.
There is no going back now. No 'two games to save your job.' It's all hot air and will change the instant someone agrees to step into Slav's boots.
But three more defeats would force Sullivan's hand, he will have to sack the manager. Because by then, even now many feel, there is a need for strong leadership, not only to do the decent thing by a man who has been held in high esteem as a player as well, initially, a manager at the club. You can't go on treating a man with such distain, such lack of respect, such mental cruelty, even.
Yes, I know, Slaven is a big boy, he knows the game and knows the consequences of this sort of crisis. But I cannot recall a manager being treated like this over such an extended period. Almost a silent war of attrition. Slav looks drained, tired of it all, a man now without answers.
Nobody deserves that, it has been going on far too long. Many feel Sullivan should have acted before the season started. The signs have been there for a long time.
I frankly don't know what Sullivan should do next in this endless search for a new manager. But then I am not the owner, I am not the person who has accepted that responsibility. He has to make the call, end the cruelty of Bilic and move on.
Palace found a decent manager pretty quickly, there are enough out-of-work people around to take the reigns for maybe a year, Alan Pardew springs to mind. Sullivan could even try a very short-term move of asking Mark Noble and Pablo Zabaleta to take the reigns with Terry Westley doing the nuts and bolts on the training ground. Just to give the club time to come to a decent decision.
But Bilic should be put out of his misery, this situation reminds me of the 'they shot horses, don't they' film!
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to, KUMB.com.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
500 days and counting: where do we go from here?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 23rd October 2017
By: Paul Walker
We have just passed the 500 days mark since we left our beloved Boleyn. Seems like yesterday, doesn't it, and those vivid memories of the last game played at Upton Park.
Manchester United stopped in their tracks - quite literally, outside and inside the ground - and vivid memories of that night, May 10 2016, when 30,000+ Hammers inside the stadium and 20,000 outside witnessed a night we will remember forever.
Those figures alone probably convinced our owners in the boardroom that night that we were a big club that had outgrown a small home. It no doubt re-enforced their view that everything would be hunky-dory in E20.
How wrong could they be. Our record is all matches since that night against Manchester United is P 58 W19 D 12 L27 F 70 A 97.
That is just shocking, and is the reason we are where we are with Bilic, a board that is not trusted by a vast majority of the fans and the potential disaster of a shattering relegation on our hands - something that must be the owners' worst nightmare.
I walked away that night back in May 2016 determined not to look back, and never go back to Green Street. My family, dad, grandad, uncles, brother, son, myself, had invested a century in that ground, some things are just too painful.
And nothing I have seen since has got even close to the excitement of the Boleyn. It has become a long, painful wait for take-off at the London Stadium, and a relentless, cruel destruction of Slaven Bilic. Back at the Boleyn he was the manager of passion, all hugs and kisses for his team.
Not too many kisses now. A manager sadly exposed and ridiculed. An endless list of being two/three matches away from the sack. How he must privately wish that these past 17 months had not happened, that he could somehow turn back the clock to better times.
Many feel like that for many conflicting reasons. I know my family, past, would not recognise our club now. We all have stories to tell about those family roots. I was told the grandfather I never knew watched West Ham before the First World War and was at Wembley in 1923.
And sadly there's no reason now to go back to the old manor. The streets of East Ham, my old aunt's place just behind Upton Park tube, the other family homes in Forest Gate, Barking, Ilford, all now distant memories. Replaced by Chelmsford, Southend and Sevenoaks in our Christmas card address book. I am sure that sort of tale is familiar to many East End, East London families, not just mine.
So it was off to the shiny new palace on the banks of the River Lea, the cold wastelands of Stratford's canals and rivers. Our island in the sun we were told.
It's fair to say that some have handled the moved better than others. Not for one moment am I saying folk should move on, my own memories here show that's very difficult. But it is history now, and maybe it's the time for a quick evaluation of where we are, and where we are going. Clearly, at some point, without Bilic. That is so blindingly clear now.
But in terms of progress, what could we have realistically expected at this stage? Cut through all the PR rubbish that was spouted about a new level, that's an expression I hate because it comes from a dream world for people who think Champions League, Europe and trophies were just going to fall from the sky.
Elsewhere on this site my colleague HHS produced a lengthy piece recently showing just how much nonsense it is to believe that we can make any sort of leap to a new level in a football industry that is totally loaded in favour of the elite, the established wealth domestically and in Europe.
Now this is not intended as another slagging for our owners and Lady Karren. That would be too easy in the current climate, and because they have done so much talking. So much hot air. Off the pitch they would say the move has been a success, now we are the 17th richest club in the world and are selling 56,000 tickets each week, if not filling the seats.
But even that is the same method of recording ticket sales used by every club. There are empty seats everywhere, even Old Trafford is reputed to have at least 5,000 empty seats some games.
Our owners are often accused of wholesale lies about the whole move. I would prefer to call it being economical with the truth…about athletics events, about the non-retractable, removable, temporary seating. About how far we are from the flamin'pitch, about the dreadful transport links and the constant closures of inadequate local stations.
But a lot of this stuff only effects those at the ends of the stadium, the BML and the TBL. I know folk sitting in posher, more expensive seats who are more than happy with things and this modern stadium.
In the end, it is what happens on the field that really matters, that changes moods and makes the problems we have all faced a little more acceptable. And that's where things have not gone well, to put it mildly.
We have had three transfer windows since we left the Boleyn, and frankly I do not see much of an improvement in the squad.
And the figures do little to help this perception. I reckon that we have spent around £96m on transfers since leaving Upton Park, and pulled in around £65m in sales. Those figures will no doubt be challenged because clubs tend to inflate figures for public consumption when they sell and reduce them when they buy, and of course they don't take into account the extra charges, wages and agents fees - seemingly we spend £9m on that a year.
The owners will point to breaking the transfer record twice in this time, but on what? Are they serious about the quality? It is pretty much accepted now that our buying has been a mess and a high percentage of acquisitions are no longer with us. Pick a card, chose who to blame!
What we have spent is far short of the clubs we are trying to emulate. But even that is not totally our owners' fault, because we are not allowed to throw, say, £200m at the problem, FFP regulations don't allow that.
You have the boost your transfer budget by raising cash from sponsorships and commercial activities. How long that takes to find its way into the food chain is anyone's guess. And certainly David Sullivan has a reputation for not spending cash unless he really has to.
Sadly, it is the results since we arrived in Stratford that severely let things down. It's 58 games in all, as previously mentioned Our league record in that time is P46 W13 D11 L22 F 54 A 81.
At the London Stadium it is even more miserable. In all competitions we have played 29 games at our new home, won just 13, drawn four, lost 12 and scored 34 while conceding 44.
It does not take much working out to see where the problem lies. What is being offered on the pitch does not come close to a reasonable level. Certainly not the next level. In fact, I struggle to recall games that have really excited me or lived up to any level of expectation.
Is that Bilic's fault, is it the fault of a board and transfer department that falls horribly short however you look at it?
Everybody can have a view on where the blame should rest, I can just present the statistics. I do not really want to jump on the 'Bilic out' bandwagon because I feel he has been dealt a pretty rough hand at times trying to overcome all the problems of the move and a restless, sometimes resentful public.
It all seems too much for him in the end. But one thing is for sure. Everybody has to improve across the board.
My view is that we should be challenging in the top eight by now, This current squad is underachieving, it is the most expensive, well-paid group we have ever had as a club. It's just not good enough, and our owners and manager, whoever he may be, know it.
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to, KUMB.com.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM ARE LIKE DENMARK - BUT NOT IN A GOOD WAY
By HamburgHammer 23 Oct 2017 at 08:00
WTID
When I was a wee boy my family used to spend most of our summers in Denmark. My parents loved it there, it was easy to get to from Hamburg, reasonably priced (important for a young couple) and my folks also fell in love with the people there.
So much so that I ended up with Danish godparents, was given a Danish first name (same as my brother five years earlier) and basically grew up in Denmark. If my parents' accounts of those days are accurate, my first footprints as a toddler were left on Viking soil.
It's a beautiful little country, with friendly and laid back people who have a great sense of humour, a lot of warmth and who are also immensely proud of their history and heritage.
West Ham are like Denmark now, unfortunately not in terms of the positive connotations I just mentioned, but solely as in the famous Shakespeare quote from Hamlet:
"Something is rotten in the state of Denmark."
When I came home on Friday evening, ready to watch the game against Brighton, I was in a reasonably good mood as I had just briefly been at the Concordia training ground, meeting our new signing, a young French striker from Lens who does even speak some English and who will hopefully help to turn Concordia's season around.
So I settled down in my armchair at home in good spirits, screwdriver at the ready, feeling confident that this was it, this would be the game where the team finally found their collective fourth and fifth gear, the lads would play like we all know they can and send Brighton back to the beach with zero points and tail firmly between their legs.
Or should that be wings clipped as they are called The Seagulls after all ?
At the end of the game we found ourselves in that now almost too familiar state of disbelief, shock and utter despair. I know that as a club we have suffered embarrassing defeats galore throughout our history. Painful cup exits against teams we weren't even sure where exactly in Britain they were from. Thrashings against the big boys. Getting beaten 3:4 by Wimbledon at the Boleyn after racing into a 3:0 lead after 27 minutes. The lot. As fans we've always come back for more because it was our club, it was in our blood, in our DNA, instilled into us either by birth or twist of fate, rarely by choice.
This feels different now somehow. There is so much wrong at the club that it is hard to simply file that under yet another bumpy ride or just another phase. Of course it is a phase insofar as Bilic will be replaced in the very near rather than the distant future. Already we are hearing that Bilic's job is safe until a replacement has been lined up, with numerous hats thrown into the ring: Pellegrini, Mancini, Wagner, Benitez, Moyes, Dyche, take your pick.
Temporary relief a new gaffer may bring, it may fix some temporary issues with training regimes, application and motivation of the players, organisation at the back, body language, ability and willingness to press the opposition and actually run for the majority of the 90 minutes on the pitch rather than just jogging along or strolling under the Stratford sky.
Granted, more effort and positive attitude from the team is what most fans would be quite happy with and even I agree at this point that Bilic looks completely lost, unable to make the players work and play hard – or even get the basics right.
Whatever Bilic may want from them, he ain't getting it. So, as much as it pains me to say it because I love Bilic as a human being, in terms of being West Ham's manager he has run his course now I'm afraid.
I hate sounding like a broken record, but it begins and ends with the people at the very top, running our club, making the decisions, be that about managers, signing players or stadium related issues. Hang on, when I say "our" club, is that actually true anymore what with us being addressed as mere customers ? In discussions with fellow fans and posters on here I was told a while ago "West Ham basically died when the final whistle sounded in that final Boleyn game against Manchester United".
I am not entirely sure that statement is true and if it's really just the stadium although it still seems to be a massive factor. We play in a giant bugger of a bowl, for rent.
We keep being told it's a world class stadium fit and meant for world class players, preferably those playing in claret and blue. At the moment it's hard to see any evidence of either. The board have decided to use the club as an investment vehicle, with the stadium move being key to pushing the ultimate club value and price up once they will have decided to sell up eventually. We don't know when exactly that is going to happen, but happen it will.
You cannot achieve the world class players in a world class stadium scenario if as owners you are merely prepared to spend the bare minimum, hoping against hope you will stay up every time to keep your seat on the Premier League money train. It is a very risky gamble this. It seems to be almost impossible to improve the matchday experience when you are at the mercy of the LLDC agreeing to any changes made to the stadium, even if it is about a seemingly simple matter such as putting a claret surface over the running track, to get a bit of contrast in relation to the green of the pitch.
Let's assume we get a new manager. What happens next ? Will the board suddenly start spending a decent amount of money on players ? Will they give the new manager a 40 million signing like Carvalho after denying Bilic that courtesy ? I doubt it will be a miraculous turnaround with a new manager, any new manager. Because the way the board run the club determines to a large degree where the ceiling for our club is. We deserve to be exactly where we are and they all need to shoulder the blame for this, not just Bilic. Also and especially Sullivan, Gold and Brady. They have fallen short, they have promised much and provided little.
Let us now anticipate the moment in time they do sell the club to new owners, be that in two years, five or ten. What will be left of West Ham as a club at that point ? Of the proverbial life and soul of the club ? It's the universal truth that the fans are the most permanent feature of any football club, they have a bond to their club for life, going through several owners, managers, players, even stadiums in their lifetimes. Change in football is also a permanent feature, but don't underestimate the undercurrent of heritage and history. You ignore the latter at your own peril.
Once the old guard are gone, will those who happily munch popcorn and take selfies at the London Stadium today still watch West Ham five or ten years from now ?
It's natural that some of the old guard were not willing to join the migration when the club were moving to the new stadium. There will be even more people who are going to reevaluate the status of the relationship they have with West Ham. So will I, even though I am not sure at this junction what my decision is going to be. Hiring a new manager will not fix this deeper rooted issue for me. Some of us will try to attend away games only in future. Others will stop going altogether, but may continue to watch on the telly or internet streams. And a small group may even pack it in for good.
I ain't stopping going just yet – before the Brighton game I actually arranged my next trip and I won't cancel it just because we lost in embarrassing fashion to Brighton.
I shall be taking in the pre-Christmas derbies against Chelsea and Arsenal in person. I will arrive in London on Friday, December 8th, returning to Hamburg on Thursday, December 14th.
It's highly likely Bilic will no longer be in charge at that point. But there are still things to look forward to, even when you wouldn't realistically expect a massive points haul from those two fixtures to be frank. I have joined the West Ham Supporters Club now, so I will be able to try out that new location, Stour Space, near the stadium, for pre- and post-match drinks and festivities (yeah, right!). I also can't wait to go and watch some football in Dagenham again as the West Ham Under 23s will face their Tottenham counterparts at the Chigwell Construction Stadium on Monday night. From a sporting perspective, as a contest under the lights this may well turn out to be the highlight of my upcoming trip.
I'll be as happy as a kitten waking up on a fully loaded milk float at the break of dawn when meeting up again with some of my friends from this blog, each and everyone of whom is more West Ham than the entire current board together.
Spurs in the cup next at Wembley. They are likely to play a weakened side. Not sure this gives an advantage to us. But this is West Ham. It wouldn't surprise me to see us beat them on the night. Saying that, it wouldn't surprise me to see our first team getting mullered 6:0 by their U18s either at this point. COYI!
Embed from Getty Images
PS: The Concordia update for those interested – a bit of a mixed bag. Cordi 2 won their game comfortably, 9:0 against the Out-of-Towners from Gülzow.
The boys are still very much on track for promotion after that result.
Then the first team earned themselves some much needed respect with a very decent 2:2 draw against one of the top sides in the league, Teutonia.
It was still unlucky as they conceded the equaliser in the shape of a wonder goal into the top corner from 25 yards out with the last kick of the game, after Cordi had played more than half an hour with a man advantage.
It was cold, it was raining stair-rods all game and 110 diehard spectators were braving the elements. The win would have been most welcome.
Cordi remain stuck in second gear and midtable.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Seaman backs West Ham goalkeeper Joe Hart to start in goal for England at the World Cup
Hart has already let in 17 goals in nine Premier League games this season, including three against Brighton on Friday night
The Mirror
Neil McLeman
17:32, 23 OCT 2017
David Seaman has backed Joe Hart to be England No.1 at the World Cup next summer – and reckons the West Ham keeper will get lots of practice this season.
The on-loan Manchester City star has already let in 17 goals in nine Premier League games this season, including three against Brighton on Friday night. Hart, now 30, is under pressure for his England place from the next generation of keepers like Jack Butland, Tom Heaton and Jordan Pickford. He has won 74 caps and can equal the total of 75 set by Seaman in the international friendlies next month. And the former Arsenal star said: "I would stay with Joe for the World Cup. For me Joe is still England's No.1. The level he's played at for a long time is really good. Now the other guys are getting closer. That will push him. "I had the same situation when I was with England - I knew the other goalkeepers were getting closer, it just made me try and train a little bit harder and try to play better. It just focuses your mind a bit better. "It is difficult for keepers in struggling teams but even if they're having a bad time it means he's going to get more to do. It's a chance to show what you can do. "The more you have to do, the more there is a chance for a mistake and they're are things that get highlighted. "There was one against Brighton he might question himself. When you get that much of your hand to the ball and it goes in you're always a bit disappointed but it's not a mistake by any stretch. "He's having a lot more to do. He's playing for West Ham. He has more saves to make and that could lead to more mistakes as well. But when he plays for England he does his stuff."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ex-West Ham youth star made himself look 20 years older to secure cheaper car insurance on £30,000 Range Rover
The Hammers prospect once featured on the bench for a Europa League qualifier
The Mirror
Jack RathbornJack Rathborn
15:41, 23 OCT 2017
A former West Ham youth ace made himself look 20 years older to get a cheaper car insurance policy for his £30,000 Range Rover, a court heard today. Nathan Mabi-Mavila, 22, told insurers at RSA Group he was old enough to be his own father to get a cheaper premium for his luxury Range Rover Evoque. The talented young left-back and midfielder, who played for The Hammer's youth team from 2012-2014, also claimed he lived outside London in Kent in a bid to save £2,000.
Mavila was sussed out when he took his girlfriend for a spin and was asked to pull over and produce his documents at a police checkpoint in Grosvesnor Place, Belgravia, on 7 August. He admitted one count of fraud by false representation and one count of using a motor vehicle without third party insurance at Westminster Magistrates' court today. Mabi-Mavila joined Maidstone following his time at West Ham.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Who is West Ham fitness chief Miljenko Rak after damning stat raises serious questions
The fitness of the West Ham players has come under massive scrutiny in the wake of the Brighton loss
Football London
Sam Inkersole
20:00, 23 OCT 2017UPDATED21:14, 23 OCT 2017
A damning stat was revealed on Match of the Day 2 on Sunday night and it has raised some serious questions about what goes on at West Ham's Rush Green training ground. An accusation often levelled at the team this season as that they are not fit enough and that was no more evident than on Friday nights surrender against Brighton at the London Stadium. Michail Antonio looked exhausted after about 30 minutes and a number of players has simply ran out of gas by half time and in the final ten minutes of the game, the Hammers were at walking pace. On numerous times over the past 18 months, we have seen the Hammers ship late goals as a result of them being dead on their feet and unable to get that last bit of energy to get them over the line. Who is to blame for that? Numerous reports, particularly from former players and even ones currently on staff but away on loan (Reece Oxford and Robert Snodgrass) have slammed the training methods at Rush Green. The statistic revealed that the Hammers are ranked DEAD LAST in the amount of distance covered by the players this season (944.1km) and are also DEAD LAST in the number of sprints the players made (3938). But in terms of fitness, that's down to one man - West Ham's head of first team head of performance Miljenko Rak. The 70-year-old excelled at the long jump in his formative years before he moved into coaching and helped the careers of dozens of Croatian stars, including Olympic skier Janica Kostelic before turning hsi attention to football. Rak has been a long-serving lieutenant of Slaven Bilic, having worked with him for the Croatian national team, Lokomotiv Moscow, Besiktas and now West Ham. It's not just him that should be singled out for criticism however. There is the whole backroom team of assistant Nikola Jurcevic, the very eloquent coach Edin Terzic and Julian Dicks, plus goalkeeping coach Chris Woods, that all contribute to Rush Green. This is not the first time the work ethic has come under fire at the training ground and you do wonder what is going on behind closed doors.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Referee announced for West Ham's crunch clash with Crystal Palace and it's excellent news
The man in the middle has a good record in charge of West Ham games
Football london
Sam Inkersole
18:00, 23 OCT 2017
If you're of the disposition where you like to look at good omens ahead of upcoming games for your team, West Ham fans will be delighted to see who is in charge of their clash with Crystal Palace on Saturday. Bobby Madley will be the man in the middle for what is already being called a six-pointer in the Premier League as two struggling London sides lock horns at what is sure to be a raucous Sehurst Park. Roy Hodgson's men showed a bit of a revival after beating Chelsea recently but then followed that up with a 1-0 loss to Newcastle United last weekend, while we all know what's gone on with the Hammers. A run of one defeat in six came crashing down around them and rendered worthless after they were humbled by Brighton at the London Stadium on Friday night, losing 3-0. The pressure is fully on Hammers boss Slaven Bilic but he might be able to take a crumb of comfort - maybe - when he looks at the record Madley has in charge of his team last season. He was the referee for four West Ham games last season and Bilic's men lost just one of them and won the other three. Two of those games were against Burnley, with a 1-0 win at the London Stadium thanks to a Mark Noble penalty and the other on the final day at Turf Moor, a 2-0 win. The other victory Madley was in charge for was the 1-0 win against Sunderland in the early days of the London Stadium, Winston Reid lashing home a stoppage time winner against the Black Cats a little more than a year ago. The one blot on his record was the 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth last March, where Josh King ran riot and scored a hat trick at the Vitality Stadium. This season, Madley has been a bit card happy and has dished out four yellow cards in just seven games he has officiated, including two in the game between Man City and Everton on August 21 when he sent off Kyle Walker and Morgan Schneiderlin.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
By Sean Whetstone 22 Oct 2017 at 17:30 31 comments
WTID
I have just returned home from watching the West Ham Under 23's take on Chelsea at Aldershot's stadium. Although it was a goalless draw the young team played with more passion, determination and grit than any of the first team showed on Friday night. I sat just behind Terry Westley and greeted him and wished him good luck before kick off. It was good to see him and his methods up close. He is another very passionate manager who frequently banged the clear plastic glass of the dugout when the game wasn't going his way. It was also great to see Declan Rice up close and personal, he truly is a wonderful prospect who clearly models himself on the late great Bobby Moore.
This afternoon was a pleasant distraction from the embarrassment that happened on Friday night. West Ham fans hopes were quickly extinguished after Brighton's first goal on 10 minutes. As the second killer goal went in just before halftime West Ham fans turned on West Ham fans inside the stadium. I personally witnessed a couple of incidents in my block 113 in the West stand of arguing, pushing and shoving and at halftime police rushed into the back of block 114 for another incident where one West Ham fan was arrested and hauled off. It seemed a return to old days of last season.
As the third goal went in on 75 minutes there was further trouble at Club London next to the director's box as some kind of altercation broke out in the corporate hospitality area. By then embarrassed by a 3-0 defeat at home by Brighton the London Stadium largely emptied and West Ham fans made their long way home in disbelief what they had just witnessed on the pitch. It is on nights like last night that the London Stadium doesn't feel like our new home.
A poll of over 3,100 supporters on Claret and Hugh on Saturday says the majority now want Slaven Bilic gone, over 77% want him gone immediately, over 10% want to give him until the Palace game, 4% say give him until January while 5% say the end of the season and a mere 3% want him to get a new contract.
There are rumours that he offered to resign after the Newcastle loss and again after Brighton. While it might have some element of truth I am told he has never offered to resign to the board at any time and the offer was made directly to the players instead which is meaningless.
I understand the board are currently unwilling to sack Slaven Bilic without a replacement with proven Premier League experience and they say there is simply no-one of the right calibre available at this time. They don't want to be in the same situation as Leicester City. They also believe there is no natural successor to become caretaker manager at West Ham and while they love Terry Westley to bits they don't think he has the right skill set to take over the Hammers as caretaker boss with demands of the Premier League.
Despite widespread reports, West Ham have NOT held any emergency board meetings over the weekend to decide whether Slaven Bilic should be sacked!
Speculation has been swirling around since Friday night's shock result that Bilic could be out of work by the weekend as a result of such a meeting. David Gold is currently away on a winter break in the Caribbean and no board meeting would be held without him.
However, West Ham are drawing up a list of candidates to take over from Slaven Bilic should the decision be made in the future and the club knows it has a serious problem and is quickly speaking to agents and intermediaries. One of the possibilities being considered is an approach to veteran coach Guus Hiddink on a short-term contract whilst the club look for their ideal long-term candidate but there is concern over his age.
Another surprise option being considered by the club is former manager Sam Allardyce, he is said to be interested in the USA International manager job and it remains to be seen if he would tell the board where to stick it he got a call to get them out of trouble short term. Another Claret and Hugh poll of over 2,000 supporters shows that nearly 54% of supporters would accept Big Sam back as a short-term fix while 46% would stick with Slaven Bilic for the remainder of the season even if he meant relegation given the choice.
Meanwhile, bookmakers have predictably made Slaven Bilic a massive the odds-on favourite as the next Premier League manager to be sacked this season. Slav's chance of the sack has been slashed to 1/3 making odds-on on favourite with Sky Bet to go with his closest rival Ronald Koeman at Everton on 11/4. Paddypower have Bilic 4/9 for the push while it's 2/5 with Bet Victor.
Sky Bet have Manuel Pellegrini as the 100/30 favourite to replace the Croatian with Carlo Ancelotti second favourite at 11/2, Rafa Benitez is third at 6/1 with Sean Dyche, Roberto Mancini and Slavisa Jokanovic all at 8/1.
Manuel Pellegrini is the manager of Chinese Super League club Hebei China Fortune since August 2016. He is thought to be on a lucrative contract in China worth £30m over three years. He is the bookies Odds on favourite to join Leicester City. Difficult to match his current package.
Carlo Ancelotti says he will take at least a 10-month break after the Bayern Munich axe. Was paid £12.6m per year on a three-year contract at Bayern. Even if we could afford him after his sabbatical he is unlikely to consider West Ham as a realistic option as he won't be short on offers.
Rafa Benitez says he is committed to Newcastle until the end of the season. He signed a new three-year contract in May this year worth £4.2m per year so West Ham could end up paying a compensation of around £10m should they tempt Rafa to leave the North East. With Newcastle up for sale, he is said to be keen to wait and find out what a new owner could bring to the Magpies in terms of backing in the transfer market.
Sean Dyche signed a contract extension at Burnley in 2016 and is one of lowest paid managers in the Premier League on £420,000 per year. He joined the Clarets in 2012 and in his five-year tenure has led them twice to Premier League promotion. Whether Dyche would leave Burnley and whether he would be an improvement on Slaven Bilic are all unanswered questions.
Roberto Mancini took over as Zenit St Petersburg manager this summer on a three-year contract thought to be worth €4.5m a year. He has the option of a two-year extension. Whether Mancini has a clause to leave if a Premier League club came in for him is unknown but there is likely to be a large compensation to persuade Zenit to part with him.
Slavisa Jokanovic took over at Championship side Fulham in 2015 and signed a two-year contract extension to stay in West London earlier this year. He has no Premier League experience despite previously getting Watford promoted to the Premier League. His lack of experience makes him somewhat of a gamble and would cost £5m in compensation to Fulham which makes him an unlikely candidate.
Personally, I think Bilic has already lost the dressing room and things will only get worse as the season goes on. Angelo Ogbonna says his baby daughter liked a 'Bilic Out' message on social media and it wasn't him (honest guv) but rumours suggest the dressing room is already divided.
The board need to act and act fast, enough is enough, this is the time they need to stand up and be counted. Will the next West Ham manager please come forward.
Thanks for all you have done as a player and manager Slav and good luck for the future!
Sean COYI
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham players hold crisis talks at training ground following latest defeat by Brighton in Premier League
Mark Noble tore into his West Ham team-mates after Brighton defeat on Friday
West Ham were defeated 3-0 at home against Brighton on Friday night
Slaven Bilic is facing a huge fight to save his job following a poor start to season
By Sami Mokbel for the Daily Mail
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 23 October 2017 | UPDATED: 22:30, 23 October 2017
West Ham players held a crisis meeting on Monday as manager Slaven Bilic faces fresh scrutiny over his job. And Sportsmail can reveal the training ground summit comes after captain Mark Noble tore into team-mates during a heated dressing room inquest following Friday's embarrassing home defeat to Brighton. Bilic is facing a huge fight to save his job following a poor start to the season, the loss to the newly-promoted Seagulls plunging the Croat into further difficulty.
Indeed, the Hammers hierarchy held further talks on Monday to address the club's plight, with Bilic still clinging on to his job. The Hammers squad took matters into their own hands on Monday, holding their own meeting in a bid to revive the club's ailing season. Having spoken extensively to Bilic earlier in the day, Noble is understood to have led Monday's talks. Fears are growing behind the scenes that the under pressure manager is losing the dressing room. Some players are privately questioning Bilic's tactics and training techniques, while the fact the 49-year-old is almost certain not to be the manager beyond the end of the season, when his current contract expires, is threatening his authority within the camp. It is hoped Monday's meeting at the club's Rush Green training base can spark a positive response from the Hammers, who face Tottenham in the Carabao Cup at Wembley on Wednesday night before facing a crucial Premier League game at Crystal Palace on Saturday. Indeed, Bilic will be desperate to see an improvement from his team against Spurs following the debacle against Brighton last week.
In the aftermath of Friday's loss; sources claim that Noble — who was an unused substitute for the game - ripped into the team. Sportsmail understands the dressing room was largely silent after the defeat; something that is said to have annoyed Noble, who felt the players should have showed more emotion after the loss. Stalwart central defender James Collins, who is currently injured, is also understood to have addressed the players since the humbling defeat. The next two fixtures will be pivotal in determining whether Bilic keeps his job. Defeat at Wembley on Wednesday and another loss at Selhurst Park on Saturday would likely result in Bilic being sacked, despite co-owner David Sullivan's insistence last week that the manager's position would only be reviewed at the end of the season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Michail Antonio is hoping for a Wembley rerun when West Ham United take on Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night. The Hammers head to the Home of Football in the Carabao Cup fourth round, with both a place in the quarter-finals and local bragging rights at stake. For Antonio, the tie also represents an opportunity to repeat the success he enjoyed on his only previous visit to Wembley, when he scored a fine goal in Southampton's Football League Trophy final victory over Carlisle United in 2010. "It's a massive game," said the winger, who scored the winner against Tottenham in the final Premier League derby at the Boleyn Ground in March 2016. "Even if it wasn't at Wembley, it would be a massive game, as any game when West Ham and Tottenham are playing against each other, it is a massive. "Especially after they beat us at home, we need to go there and beat them at their home. We've got to steady our minds, go there and perform for the fans."
Antonio is one of a number of West Ham players who have turned out at Wembley before, with Joe Hart, Aaron Cresswell, Pablo Zabaleta, Jose Fonte, James Collins, Mark Noble and Andy Carroll all having trodden the hallowed turf in the past. Hart, Zabaleta and Carroll have all won the League Cup at the historic north London ground and the No30 would love to emulate that achievement. "It's Wembley. As much as they are playing home games there all season, it's Wembley so it's exciting for any team that goes there. "There are going to be loads of players who have not had the opportunity to play there, who will now get the opportunity to play there. "People are going to turn up and want to perform there because it is a historic ground."
Reflecting on his victorious goalscoring performance at Wembley seven years ago, Antonio cannot help but smile when he recalls that day. Playing alongside current Hammers teammate Jose Fonte and under former West Ham manager Alan Pardew on his 20th birthday, the winger scored the Saints' fourth and final goal in a comfortable victory over the Cumbrians. "It was an unbelievable day. There were 75,000 fans there and it was my birthday, as I'd just turned 20, we won and I scored! I had 15 of my family members and celebrated my goal in front of them, so it was just an unforgettable day. I remember everything about it to a tee.
"Scoring a goal at the historic Wembley Stadium was just unbelievable. Rickie Lambert headed the ball down and I've taken it on my chest and half-volleyed it with my left foot into the corner. "I'd love to do it again on Wednesday night!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nolan: Mark Noble's character will be vital for West Ham United
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble's character could be vital to West Ham United's chances of winning at Wembley on Wednesday evening, according to former skipper Kevin Nolan. Nolan, who preceded Noble as Hammers captain and led the Club to Play-Off final glory at the Home of Football in 2012, says his successor remains vitally important to the squad, whether he is playing or not. The No16 was an unused substitute in Friday's loss to Brighton & Hove Albion and has started only five of West Ham's nine Premier League matches, with Cheikhou Kouyate, Pedro Obiang, Edimilson Fernandes and youngster Declan Rice also available to play in the centre of the park. However, Noble did wear the armband in both Carabao Cup victories over Cheltenham Town and Bolton Wanderers, and Nolan believes his ex-teammate is the right man to lead the Hammers into battle against Spurs this week. The Notts County manager expects Noble's inner drive and character to motivate not just himself, but also his teammates. is use the feeling to motivate himself to get back into the team, such is the skippers' drive and character. "Of course, it will be bothering him that he's not playing," Nolan told whufc.com: "He's captain of the Club and right now he's not getting in the side. Nobes will be taking that to heart and will wanting to be doing something to put it right. "Not being in the team will be killing him, but one thing Mark Noble has got is a great character. Nobes is a great lad. This won't knock him. This will spur him on and make him want to try harder to get back in the team and help the side win games.
"He's got to keep his head down, work hard and be ready for his chance when it comes."
Nolan believes that chance may come at Wembley, where the pair shared one of the best moments of their respective careers five-and-a-half years ago. Noble was also part of the squad which knocked Spurs out of the League Cup at White Hart Lane in December 2013, and Nolan says his presence will also be of huge benefit this time around. He added: "Mark's a great character and he's a great lad. For me, he's what West Ham need. West Ham need those sorts of players, especially heading into a game like Tottenham away. "Mark Noble wears his heart on his sleeve and loves West Ham. He's a West Ham boy through and through, and for me he's the perfect fit for the Club and the captaincy and the way West Ham play."
Standard Tickets for West Ham United's Carabao Cup fourth round visit to Tottenham Hotspur have sold out, but the tie will be broadcast live by Sky Sports, with kick-off at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday at 8pm.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
FAIR TO MIDDLING
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 23 OCTOBER 2017 AT 4:54PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
As West Ham fans, we're pretty much used to being the middlemen of the Premier League. The current run has seen us finish 11th, 7th, 12th, 13th and 10th, echoing our previous run, which spanned 9th to 17th. Aside from our brief drop to the Championship and immediate bounce back, you can sometimes feel like the Hammers are there just to make up the numbers.
So, the recent predictions by sports analysts, Gracenote Sports, won't have come as much of a surprise to the West Ham faithful. Gracenote had us predicted to finish in 10th place with 47 points at the start of the season, and after seven games had revised that down by one win to put us in 14th place with 44 points.
Gracenote creates its Premier League predictions by ranking the top flight clubs using its Euro Club Index, then running over a million 'season simulations' to work out what it thinks will happen. After seven games, the exact placings may have shuffled a little, but the area of the table for each club has remained roughly the same. Pre-season favourites, Chelsea, have been replaced by Man City, and Crystal Palace have swapped places with Huddersfield at the bottom of the table.
You could argue that this is not exactly rocket science. Crystal Palace have lost all seven games and have yet to score a goal while conceding seventeen. My cat could predict their fate at the end of the season, and she's much more of a rugby fan. If anything, Gracenote's estimate of a 72% chance of the Eagles flying south seems rather generous.
Similarly, with both City and Man United unbeaten with six wins apiece, and with 39 goals between them and just two each against, you hardly need to be Nostradamus to predict one of them to be picking up the trophy next May. Gracenote reckon there's a 47% chance it will be City and a 24% chance it will be United, leaving just a 29% chance that the title will go anywhere else but Manchester.
Of course, predictions are not always right. With all its experts to call on, BBC Sport predicted Chelsea to win in 2015/16 and Leicester City to finish 19th. We all know how that turned out. They also predicted the Hammers would finish around our customary mid-table spot of 11th, but we beat that by four places to finish in the heady heights of the top seven. That was, indeed, a strange season all round.
In many ways, West Ham's reliable mid-table mediocrity saves us all a lot of sleepless nights towards the end of the season. It also saves us a few bob at the bookies, too, based on the old Premier League outright odds. After all, who is going to back us at 750-1 to win the Premier League, or even at 100-1 to finish in the top four? Certainly, no Hammers fan wants to tempt fate by having a cheeky fiver on relegation at 6-1.
Sometimes you just have to accept the fact that with West Ham neither at the bottom nor the top, like Kermit's nephew from the Muppet Show, we are destined to be forever Halfway Down The Stairs.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM UNITED, FOREVER ON THE ROAD TO NOWHERE!
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 23 OCTOBER 2017 AT 4:44PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @jasoninge
Well Friday Night Football couldn't of gone any worse, could it! I went into the game feeling very optimistic with the front four of Hernandez, Arnautovic, Lanzini and Antonio finally available to set a light our season. However in traditional West Ham style we were left being royally turned over by an awful Brighton side. Frankly it was a toothless, embarrassing performance by every single player that stepped out at the stadium that was supposed to be the catalyst for our great club to progress to the next level and compete with the big boys. However, although we were promised the world, ultimately nothing has changed, we're still the same old West Ham, a club that has so much potential but ultimately disappoints.
I've reflected a lot over the weekend since the bad defeat about why this club finds itself in an all too familiar situation, where we were struggling and the reasons for this, which I see as three fold. Like a lot the fans I had brought into this dream of West Ham becoming an elite club, competing in Europe on a regular basis and as a result only saw moving to the London Stadium as a necessary means as a result. However, it has now become apparent to me that we do not have the ingredients across the board to go to the next level.
Firstly, we have an average group of players that are simply nowhere near the standard of the top six teams. We are littered with overhyped players that individually and collectively make mistakes on a consistent basis that cost us results. We have a distant lack of creative, technically gifted players bar Lanzini, who for the record is the only player we have that is good enough to get in a top side, so the chances of actually competing with the big boys now is frankly impossible. In all honestly, we are no better than the any of clubs that are competing to be the best of the rest and therefore poor performances/results against poor teams is something that has been consistent throughout of history and will continue to plague our future. It's also been a suggested that we are no longer a selling club, but in reality Premier League Clubs aren't lining up to take our talent. Again that proves we're nowhere near a top six side.
Secondly, the manager isn't elite level. Now everyone who has seen my previous articles will know I back Slaven to the hilt and I will never turn on a manager, as I believe you support them as long as they're the man in charge. However, Slaven Bilic has proven in the last two seasons that he's unable to take this club any further than a mid table team and therefore finds himself in a virtually impossible situation to stay on as the manager past the current season. Furthermore, there is too much noise in the media and it's apparent that the owners are looking at replacements. It mirrors the exact same scenario as where Sam Allardyce found himself in during his last season. Obviously a lot of fans feel the need to make a managerial change now believing Slaven Bilic is the sole reason for our current blight and that the endless list of managers linked as replacements would all turn this around and have the capabilities to take this club forward to new heights. I completely disagree with this. We are West Ham United, and we are not capable of attracting an elite level manager, like Carlo Ancelotti to take us over. Also, I feel that sacking Slaven now would merely be a short term fix, and although would likely see an immediate resurgent in form and results this season, our history would show that it will be short lived before it ultimately goes wrong for said manager a year or two down the line, with fans calling for that person to be sacked. The reality is we find ourselves in a vicious cycle of hopes of achieving something followed by despair of underachieving.
Thirdly, the owners do not and will never have the finances needed to progress this club to the next level. We have a stadium that although isn't everyone's cup of tea is something that should of have been catalyst for better things for the club. However the current regime our wasting it and in all honestly continuing to fail with point after point of promises that really shouldn't have been hard to deliver. We are left talking about them failing to deliver a claret turf around the pitch with the current green one being a hindrance to the players on the pitch, because it costs too much money. We are left playing at a stadium with no naming rights because they are unable to seal the big deals like Man City and Arsenal have. All these issues show their shortcomings and exactly why they are incapable of progressing this club any further forward. However the most damning point is the distant lack of funds in the transfer market to buy the much better players needed. I'm not disputing they were able to get the majority of the managers targets this year, but it's simply not enough to make us a better club. You only have to look at our two record signings in the last two years. We've brought the two best players at Swansea and Stoke at the time, who like us are average teams in the hope they can replicate their good form with us, which neither have because average players are inconsistent. The club needs to be finding gems like Man City did when they were progressing forward to an elite club, with the likes David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany, but every world class player the owners have attempted to sign, they have failed to do so, because they don't have the finances required to buy those players. You can't expect progression if you can't spend big in this league!
So where do we go from here? Well in all honestly, we have to just get on with things. We are in a position where we have been many times over the years. Yes, we had hoped to never be in and around the relegation zone anymore, but we do have the capabilities of fighting our way of the situation. It's not a situation where we have lost six games on the spin and are ten points adrift. There is plenty of time to achieve a mid table finish, which is still our level and something that this manager and this group of players were able to achieve last season after a poor start. History shows the owners don't sack managers and honour contracts, whether you agree or not, we have to accept that. Long term though it is imperative that we are taken over, which will lead to a top class manager being appointed and a better squad being assembled that can finally challenge the top six. If that doesn't happen, we will continue down this road to nowhere with the pack likely to be shuffled in the summer once again and merry-go-around of joy followed by misery will go on.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
TIME TO THINK THE UNTHINKABLE
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 23 OCTOBER 2017 AT 4:24PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
by Malcolm Atkins @malatk
Apparently Ex is putting an article out which may shed more light but the rumour mill is that none of the board's preferred targets as a replacement for Slaven Bilic are available until summer with no temporary candidate currently appealing to them.
Most agree Slav is damaged beyond repair and for me, some sort of change is essential. I never thought I would propose this but….Paolo Di Canio anyone? OK he is fiery and unpredictable but he could be right man at the right time. Paolo would love the job and would probably agree a short term deal (trial) until the end of season.
Madness isn't it? Yes, but there are three big problems right now for me, the team lack fitness, they lack motivation and the fans are flat which is causing a big problem on match day. Di Canio would address the fitness issue without a doubt and certainly in the short term would fire players up. I bet he could get Arnautovic firing.
Then the fans, many – including me, have doubted his managerial credentials but he is hugely popular and would have the stadium rocking. Di Canio would produce a team that played with flair and swagger and most of all passion, The West Ham Way indeed.
If the board are too interfering etc. Paolo will tell us, if not, as they claim, we will know so and it will help repair their image a little.
I know there is a risk to this but it really can't get much worse. Big Sam may be pragmatic bu the fans would be divided and the board would look foolish. Paolo loves the club, wants the job, is passionate and views fitness as vital
Time to think the unthinkable? It is for me.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former City boss in the running?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 23rd October 2017
By: Staff Writer
The vastly-experienced Manuel Pellegrini is the latest coach to be linked with Slaven Bilic's job. The Croat's position at West Ham is under serious threat following United's poor start to the 017/18 campaign and several managers - including Rafa Benitez and Alan Pardew - have been linked with the role. And now the Chilean - who is currently employed by Chinese Super League side Hebei China Fortune - is the latest big name to be linked with the post and a Premier League return, despite being under contract for a further 12 months. West Ham's Board met at the weekend following Friday's night's 3-0 humbling against Brighton & Hove Albion to discuss Bilic's position. The manager, who is out of contract at the end of the season is set to remain in charge for the foreseeable future, despite his team having accrued only eight points from their opening nine games of the campaign.
Manuel Pellegrini: managerial history
1988–1989: Universidad de Chile
1990–1992: Palestino
1992–1993: O'Higgins
1993–1995: Universidad Católica
1998: Palestino
1999–2000: LDU Quito
2001–2002: San Lorenzo
2002–2003: River Plate
2004–2009: Villarreal
2009–2010: Real Madrid
2010–2013: Málaga
2013–2016: Manchester City
2016-: Hebei China Fortune
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spurs to miss talisman for Cup tie?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 23rd October 2017
By: Staff Writer
Tottenham and England striker Harry Kane is set to miss this week's Carabao Cup clash between Tottenham and West Ham. The two clubs meet at Wembley on Wednesday night when the Hammers will be seeking to replicate their 2013 success at White Hart Lane in the same competition (then known as the Capital One Cup). And news of Kane's likely omission will come as a major boost to the Hammers, who are themselves sweating over the fitness of one or two key players ahead of the game. "We have many games ahead - Wednesday, then Manchester United at the weekend and Real Madrid," Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino told the media. "We finish the weekend with Crystal Palace. "It's important to know that Harry played two games for the national team before Bournemouth. It's been a massive effort from him, but his performance in that way he's so professional. "But he's not a machine and maybe Wednesday we'll give him a rest."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
They shoot horses, don't they?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 23rd October 2017
By: Paul Walker
I think Neil Ashton on Sky at the weekend got it just about right. When will Slaven Bilic be put out of his misery?
The Sunday Supplement anchor and Daily Mail man could hardly have put it better. However you look at it, how much you blame Slav for our current predicament. This is no way to treat anyone.
As usual the 'two games to save his job' nonsense was filtered out after a weekend in which our board had been clearly unable to find someone to step in at short notice to turn the ship around. So Slav has to carry on.
You see, he is not trying to save his job, because he and us all know that decision has already been taken. If you tell someone that he can stay on only because they can't find anyone to take over, that is hardly much of an incentive.
And the players know it. They know the manager giving them instructions has absolutely no credibility any more, no clout, no position of an real authority.
Two games, Spurs at Wembley in what Sky may see as a very public execution (I thought we stopped all that a century back) and then a trip to an improving Crystal Palace who will be just baying for blood in a game they now feel that have a decent chance in.
And what next for Slav? It's Liverpool at home on 4 November. After that we have another two week international break. Yes, another one. And it is there that I reckon David Sullivan feels he may have a window of opportunity to get someone in.
Bilic just has to suck it up. Maybe the are trying to force him to resign, but why should he? The board have given him so much grief over the months, he probably feels entitled to that £2m pay-off.
If he soldiers on, he will get that with his contract ending next summer. If he walks away, he gets nothing. Lovely jubbly, Sullivan.
There has even been rumours, rejected by the board that Bilic has offered to quit. That rumour has come from somewhere to reach social media, and may well be how he has spoken to the players in times if real strife and weakness of the soul.
Now I have never been one to start calling for his head, nobody really knows what goes on in our club behind Karren's net curtains. But the Brighton disaster changed a few minds, the end of the road for many, who just cannot see how the tide can be turned.
Funnily enough, I was pretty confident on Friday, having seen the side draw at Burnley with ten men, a defiant, resilient display that no-one can convince me was a case of the manager having lost the dressing room.
Sullivan may well have felt that way when he did that interview with Gary Neville pre-match to say Slav would get to the end of his contract, he could have believed he was on firm ground.
Having not raised his head or said a word since that ridiculous row with Sporting Lisbon and the statement he issued to prove we had made a bid for William Carvalho - something I understand David Gold and Karren Brady did not know anything about until it had been done - here was the time for him to make a statesmanlike interview.
Ninety minutes later all that had changed.
There is no going back now. No 'two games to save your job.' It's all hot air and will change the instant someone agrees to step into Slav's boots.
But three more defeats would force Sullivan's hand, he will have to sack the manager. Because by then, even now many feel, there is a need for strong leadership, not only to do the decent thing by a man who has been held in high esteem as a player as well, initially, a manager at the club. You can't go on treating a man with such distain, such lack of respect, such mental cruelty, even.
Yes, I know, Slaven is a big boy, he knows the game and knows the consequences of this sort of crisis. But I cannot recall a manager being treated like this over such an extended period. Almost a silent war of attrition. Slav looks drained, tired of it all, a man now without answers.
Nobody deserves that, it has been going on far too long. Many feel Sullivan should have acted before the season started. The signs have been there for a long time.
I frankly don't know what Sullivan should do next in this endless search for a new manager. But then I am not the owner, I am not the person who has accepted that responsibility. He has to make the call, end the cruelty of Bilic and move on.
Palace found a decent manager pretty quickly, there are enough out-of-work people around to take the reigns for maybe a year, Alan Pardew springs to mind. Sullivan could even try a very short-term move of asking Mark Noble and Pablo Zabaleta to take the reigns with Terry Westley doing the nuts and bolts on the training ground. Just to give the club time to come to a decent decision.
But Bilic should be put out of his misery, this situation reminds me of the 'they shot horses, don't they' film!
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to, KUMB.com.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
500 days and counting: where do we go from here?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 23rd October 2017
By: Paul Walker
We have just passed the 500 days mark since we left our beloved Boleyn. Seems like yesterday, doesn't it, and those vivid memories of the last game played at Upton Park.
Manchester United stopped in their tracks - quite literally, outside and inside the ground - and vivid memories of that night, May 10 2016, when 30,000+ Hammers inside the stadium and 20,000 outside witnessed a night we will remember forever.
Those figures alone probably convinced our owners in the boardroom that night that we were a big club that had outgrown a small home. It no doubt re-enforced their view that everything would be hunky-dory in E20.
How wrong could they be. Our record is all matches since that night against Manchester United is P 58 W19 D 12 L27 F 70 A 97.
That is just shocking, and is the reason we are where we are with Bilic, a board that is not trusted by a vast majority of the fans and the potential disaster of a shattering relegation on our hands - something that must be the owners' worst nightmare.
I walked away that night back in May 2016 determined not to look back, and never go back to Green Street. My family, dad, grandad, uncles, brother, son, myself, had invested a century in that ground, some things are just too painful.
And nothing I have seen since has got even close to the excitement of the Boleyn. It has become a long, painful wait for take-off at the London Stadium, and a relentless, cruel destruction of Slaven Bilic. Back at the Boleyn he was the manager of passion, all hugs and kisses for his team.
Not too many kisses now. A manager sadly exposed and ridiculed. An endless list of being two/three matches away from the sack. How he must privately wish that these past 17 months had not happened, that he could somehow turn back the clock to better times.
Many feel like that for many conflicting reasons. I know my family, past, would not recognise our club now. We all have stories to tell about those family roots. I was told the grandfather I never knew watched West Ham before the First World War and was at Wembley in 1923.
And sadly there's no reason now to go back to the old manor. The streets of East Ham, my old aunt's place just behind Upton Park tube, the other family homes in Forest Gate, Barking, Ilford, all now distant memories. Replaced by Chelmsford, Southend and Sevenoaks in our Christmas card address book. I am sure that sort of tale is familiar to many East End, East London families, not just mine.
So it was off to the shiny new palace on the banks of the River Lea, the cold wastelands of Stratford's canals and rivers. Our island in the sun we were told.
It's fair to say that some have handled the moved better than others. Not for one moment am I saying folk should move on, my own memories here show that's very difficult. But it is history now, and maybe it's the time for a quick evaluation of where we are, and where we are going. Clearly, at some point, without Bilic. That is so blindingly clear now.
But in terms of progress, what could we have realistically expected at this stage? Cut through all the PR rubbish that was spouted about a new level, that's an expression I hate because it comes from a dream world for people who think Champions League, Europe and trophies were just going to fall from the sky.
Elsewhere on this site my colleague HHS produced a lengthy piece recently showing just how much nonsense it is to believe that we can make any sort of leap to a new level in a football industry that is totally loaded in favour of the elite, the established wealth domestically and in Europe.
Now this is not intended as another slagging for our owners and Lady Karren. That would be too easy in the current climate, and because they have done so much talking. So much hot air. Off the pitch they would say the move has been a success, now we are the 17th richest club in the world and are selling 56,000 tickets each week, if not filling the seats.
But even that is the same method of recording ticket sales used by every club. There are empty seats everywhere, even Old Trafford is reputed to have at least 5,000 empty seats some games.
Our owners are often accused of wholesale lies about the whole move. I would prefer to call it being economical with the truth…about athletics events, about the non-retractable, removable, temporary seating. About how far we are from the flamin'pitch, about the dreadful transport links and the constant closures of inadequate local stations.
But a lot of this stuff only effects those at the ends of the stadium, the BML and the TBL. I know folk sitting in posher, more expensive seats who are more than happy with things and this modern stadium.
In the end, it is what happens on the field that really matters, that changes moods and makes the problems we have all faced a little more acceptable. And that's where things have not gone well, to put it mildly.
We have had three transfer windows since we left the Boleyn, and frankly I do not see much of an improvement in the squad.
And the figures do little to help this perception. I reckon that we have spent around £96m on transfers since leaving Upton Park, and pulled in around £65m in sales. Those figures will no doubt be challenged because clubs tend to inflate figures for public consumption when they sell and reduce them when they buy, and of course they don't take into account the extra charges, wages and agents fees - seemingly we spend £9m on that a year.
The owners will point to breaking the transfer record twice in this time, but on what? Are they serious about the quality? It is pretty much accepted now that our buying has been a mess and a high percentage of acquisitions are no longer with us. Pick a card, chose who to blame!
What we have spent is far short of the clubs we are trying to emulate. But even that is not totally our owners' fault, because we are not allowed to throw, say, £200m at the problem, FFP regulations don't allow that.
You have the boost your transfer budget by raising cash from sponsorships and commercial activities. How long that takes to find its way into the food chain is anyone's guess. And certainly David Sullivan has a reputation for not spending cash unless he really has to.
Sadly, it is the results since we arrived in Stratford that severely let things down. It's 58 games in all, as previously mentioned Our league record in that time is P46 W13 D11 L22 F 54 A 81.
At the London Stadium it is even more miserable. In all competitions we have played 29 games at our new home, won just 13, drawn four, lost 12 and scored 34 while conceding 44.
It does not take much working out to see where the problem lies. What is being offered on the pitch does not come close to a reasonable level. Certainly not the next level. In fact, I struggle to recall games that have really excited me or lived up to any level of expectation.
Is that Bilic's fault, is it the fault of a board and transfer department that falls horribly short however you look at it?
Everybody can have a view on where the blame should rest, I can just present the statistics. I do not really want to jump on the 'Bilic out' bandwagon because I feel he has been dealt a pretty rough hand at times trying to overcome all the problems of the move and a restless, sometimes resentful public.
It all seems too much for him in the end. But one thing is for sure. Everybody has to improve across the board.
My view is that we should be challenging in the top eight by now, This current squad is underachieving, it is the most expensive, well-paid group we have ever had as a club. It's just not good enough, and our owners and manager, whoever he may be, know it.
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to, KUMB.com.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM ARE LIKE DENMARK - BUT NOT IN A GOOD WAY
By HamburgHammer 23 Oct 2017 at 08:00
WTID
When I was a wee boy my family used to spend most of our summers in Denmark. My parents loved it there, it was easy to get to from Hamburg, reasonably priced (important for a young couple) and my folks also fell in love with the people there.
So much so that I ended up with Danish godparents, was given a Danish first name (same as my brother five years earlier) and basically grew up in Denmark. If my parents' accounts of those days are accurate, my first footprints as a toddler were left on Viking soil.
It's a beautiful little country, with friendly and laid back people who have a great sense of humour, a lot of warmth and who are also immensely proud of their history and heritage.
West Ham are like Denmark now, unfortunately not in terms of the positive connotations I just mentioned, but solely as in the famous Shakespeare quote from Hamlet:
"Something is rotten in the state of Denmark."
When I came home on Friday evening, ready to watch the game against Brighton, I was in a reasonably good mood as I had just briefly been at the Concordia training ground, meeting our new signing, a young French striker from Lens who does even speak some English and who will hopefully help to turn Concordia's season around.
So I settled down in my armchair at home in good spirits, screwdriver at the ready, feeling confident that this was it, this would be the game where the team finally found their collective fourth and fifth gear, the lads would play like we all know they can and send Brighton back to the beach with zero points and tail firmly between their legs.
Or should that be wings clipped as they are called The Seagulls after all ?
At the end of the game we found ourselves in that now almost too familiar state of disbelief, shock and utter despair. I know that as a club we have suffered embarrassing defeats galore throughout our history. Painful cup exits against teams we weren't even sure where exactly in Britain they were from. Thrashings against the big boys. Getting beaten 3:4 by Wimbledon at the Boleyn after racing into a 3:0 lead after 27 minutes. The lot. As fans we've always come back for more because it was our club, it was in our blood, in our DNA, instilled into us either by birth or twist of fate, rarely by choice.
This feels different now somehow. There is so much wrong at the club that it is hard to simply file that under yet another bumpy ride or just another phase. Of course it is a phase insofar as Bilic will be replaced in the very near rather than the distant future. Already we are hearing that Bilic's job is safe until a replacement has been lined up, with numerous hats thrown into the ring: Pellegrini, Mancini, Wagner, Benitez, Moyes, Dyche, take your pick.
Temporary relief a new gaffer may bring, it may fix some temporary issues with training regimes, application and motivation of the players, organisation at the back, body language, ability and willingness to press the opposition and actually run for the majority of the 90 minutes on the pitch rather than just jogging along or strolling under the Stratford sky.
Granted, more effort and positive attitude from the team is what most fans would be quite happy with and even I agree at this point that Bilic looks completely lost, unable to make the players work and play hard – or even get the basics right.
Whatever Bilic may want from them, he ain't getting it. So, as much as it pains me to say it because I love Bilic as a human being, in terms of being West Ham's manager he has run his course now I'm afraid.
I hate sounding like a broken record, but it begins and ends with the people at the very top, running our club, making the decisions, be that about managers, signing players or stadium related issues. Hang on, when I say "our" club, is that actually true anymore what with us being addressed as mere customers ? In discussions with fellow fans and posters on here I was told a while ago "West Ham basically died when the final whistle sounded in that final Boleyn game against Manchester United".
I am not entirely sure that statement is true and if it's really just the stadium although it still seems to be a massive factor. We play in a giant bugger of a bowl, for rent.
We keep being told it's a world class stadium fit and meant for world class players, preferably those playing in claret and blue. At the moment it's hard to see any evidence of either. The board have decided to use the club as an investment vehicle, with the stadium move being key to pushing the ultimate club value and price up once they will have decided to sell up eventually. We don't know when exactly that is going to happen, but happen it will.
You cannot achieve the world class players in a world class stadium scenario if as owners you are merely prepared to spend the bare minimum, hoping against hope you will stay up every time to keep your seat on the Premier League money train. It is a very risky gamble this. It seems to be almost impossible to improve the matchday experience when you are at the mercy of the LLDC agreeing to any changes made to the stadium, even if it is about a seemingly simple matter such as putting a claret surface over the running track, to get a bit of contrast in relation to the green of the pitch.
Let's assume we get a new manager. What happens next ? Will the board suddenly start spending a decent amount of money on players ? Will they give the new manager a 40 million signing like Carvalho after denying Bilic that courtesy ? I doubt it will be a miraculous turnaround with a new manager, any new manager. Because the way the board run the club determines to a large degree where the ceiling for our club is. We deserve to be exactly where we are and they all need to shoulder the blame for this, not just Bilic. Also and especially Sullivan, Gold and Brady. They have fallen short, they have promised much and provided little.
Let us now anticipate the moment in time they do sell the club to new owners, be that in two years, five or ten. What will be left of West Ham as a club at that point ? Of the proverbial life and soul of the club ? It's the universal truth that the fans are the most permanent feature of any football club, they have a bond to their club for life, going through several owners, managers, players, even stadiums in their lifetimes. Change in football is also a permanent feature, but don't underestimate the undercurrent of heritage and history. You ignore the latter at your own peril.
Once the old guard are gone, will those who happily munch popcorn and take selfies at the London Stadium today still watch West Ham five or ten years from now ?
It's natural that some of the old guard were not willing to join the migration when the club were moving to the new stadium. There will be even more people who are going to reevaluate the status of the relationship they have with West Ham. So will I, even though I am not sure at this junction what my decision is going to be. Hiring a new manager will not fix this deeper rooted issue for me. Some of us will try to attend away games only in future. Others will stop going altogether, but may continue to watch on the telly or internet streams. And a small group may even pack it in for good.
I ain't stopping going just yet – before the Brighton game I actually arranged my next trip and I won't cancel it just because we lost in embarrassing fashion to Brighton.
I shall be taking in the pre-Christmas derbies against Chelsea and Arsenal in person. I will arrive in London on Friday, December 8th, returning to Hamburg on Thursday, December 14th.
It's highly likely Bilic will no longer be in charge at that point. But there are still things to look forward to, even when you wouldn't realistically expect a massive points haul from those two fixtures to be frank. I have joined the West Ham Supporters Club now, so I will be able to try out that new location, Stour Space, near the stadium, for pre- and post-match drinks and festivities (yeah, right!). I also can't wait to go and watch some football in Dagenham again as the West Ham Under 23s will face their Tottenham counterparts at the Chigwell Construction Stadium on Monday night. From a sporting perspective, as a contest under the lights this may well turn out to be the highlight of my upcoming trip.
I'll be as happy as a kitten waking up on a fully loaded milk float at the break of dawn when meeting up again with some of my friends from this blog, each and everyone of whom is more West Ham than the entire current board together.
Spurs in the cup next at Wembley. They are likely to play a weakened side. Not sure this gives an advantage to us. But this is West Ham. It wouldn't surprise me to see us beat them on the night. Saying that, it wouldn't surprise me to see our first team getting mullered 6:0 by their U18s either at this point. COYI!
Embed from Getty Images
PS: The Concordia update for those interested – a bit of a mixed bag. Cordi 2 won their game comfortably, 9:0 against the Out-of-Towners from Gülzow.
The boys are still very much on track for promotion after that result.
Then the first team earned themselves some much needed respect with a very decent 2:2 draw against one of the top sides in the league, Teutonia.
It was still unlucky as they conceded the equaliser in the shape of a wonder goal into the top corner from 25 yards out with the last kick of the game, after Cordi had played more than half an hour with a man advantage.
It was cold, it was raining stair-rods all game and 110 diehard spectators were braving the elements. The win would have been most welcome.
Cordi remain stuck in second gear and midtable.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Seaman backs West Ham goalkeeper Joe Hart to start in goal for England at the World Cup
Hart has already let in 17 goals in nine Premier League games this season, including three against Brighton on Friday night
The Mirror
Neil McLeman
17:32, 23 OCT 2017
David Seaman has backed Joe Hart to be England No.1 at the World Cup next summer – and reckons the West Ham keeper will get lots of practice this season.
The on-loan Manchester City star has already let in 17 goals in nine Premier League games this season, including three against Brighton on Friday night. Hart, now 30, is under pressure for his England place from the next generation of keepers like Jack Butland, Tom Heaton and Jordan Pickford. He has won 74 caps and can equal the total of 75 set by Seaman in the international friendlies next month. And the former Arsenal star said: "I would stay with Joe for the World Cup. For me Joe is still England's No.1. The level he's played at for a long time is really good. Now the other guys are getting closer. That will push him. "I had the same situation when I was with England - I knew the other goalkeepers were getting closer, it just made me try and train a little bit harder and try to play better. It just focuses your mind a bit better. "It is difficult for keepers in struggling teams but even if they're having a bad time it means he's going to get more to do. It's a chance to show what you can do. "The more you have to do, the more there is a chance for a mistake and they're are things that get highlighted. "There was one against Brighton he might question himself. When you get that much of your hand to the ball and it goes in you're always a bit disappointed but it's not a mistake by any stretch. "He's having a lot more to do. He's playing for West Ham. He has more saves to make and that could lead to more mistakes as well. But when he plays for England he does his stuff."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ex-West Ham youth star made himself look 20 years older to secure cheaper car insurance on £30,000 Range Rover
The Hammers prospect once featured on the bench for a Europa League qualifier
The Mirror
Jack RathbornJack Rathborn
15:41, 23 OCT 2017
A former West Ham youth ace made himself look 20 years older to get a cheaper car insurance policy for his £30,000 Range Rover, a court heard today. Nathan Mabi-Mavila, 22, told insurers at RSA Group he was old enough to be his own father to get a cheaper premium for his luxury Range Rover Evoque. The talented young left-back and midfielder, who played for The Hammer's youth team from 2012-2014, also claimed he lived outside London in Kent in a bid to save £2,000.
Mavila was sussed out when he took his girlfriend for a spin and was asked to pull over and produce his documents at a police checkpoint in Grosvesnor Place, Belgravia, on 7 August. He admitted one count of fraud by false representation and one count of using a motor vehicle without third party insurance at Westminster Magistrates' court today. Mabi-Mavila joined Maidstone following his time at West Ham.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Who is West Ham fitness chief Miljenko Rak after damning stat raises serious questions
The fitness of the West Ham players has come under massive scrutiny in the wake of the Brighton loss
Football London
Sam Inkersole
20:00, 23 OCT 2017UPDATED21:14, 23 OCT 2017
A damning stat was revealed on Match of the Day 2 on Sunday night and it has raised some serious questions about what goes on at West Ham's Rush Green training ground. An accusation often levelled at the team this season as that they are not fit enough and that was no more evident than on Friday nights surrender against Brighton at the London Stadium. Michail Antonio looked exhausted after about 30 minutes and a number of players has simply ran out of gas by half time and in the final ten minutes of the game, the Hammers were at walking pace. On numerous times over the past 18 months, we have seen the Hammers ship late goals as a result of them being dead on their feet and unable to get that last bit of energy to get them over the line. Who is to blame for that? Numerous reports, particularly from former players and even ones currently on staff but away on loan (Reece Oxford and Robert Snodgrass) have slammed the training methods at Rush Green. The statistic revealed that the Hammers are ranked DEAD LAST in the amount of distance covered by the players this season (944.1km) and are also DEAD LAST in the number of sprints the players made (3938). But in terms of fitness, that's down to one man - West Ham's head of first team head of performance Miljenko Rak. The 70-year-old excelled at the long jump in his formative years before he moved into coaching and helped the careers of dozens of Croatian stars, including Olympic skier Janica Kostelic before turning hsi attention to football. Rak has been a long-serving lieutenant of Slaven Bilic, having worked with him for the Croatian national team, Lokomotiv Moscow, Besiktas and now West Ham. It's not just him that should be singled out for criticism however. There is the whole backroom team of assistant Nikola Jurcevic, the very eloquent coach Edin Terzic and Julian Dicks, plus goalkeeping coach Chris Woods, that all contribute to Rush Green. This is not the first time the work ethic has come under fire at the training ground and you do wonder what is going on behind closed doors.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Referee announced for West Ham's crunch clash with Crystal Palace and it's excellent news
The man in the middle has a good record in charge of West Ham games
Football london
Sam Inkersole
18:00, 23 OCT 2017
If you're of the disposition where you like to look at good omens ahead of upcoming games for your team, West Ham fans will be delighted to see who is in charge of their clash with Crystal Palace on Saturday. Bobby Madley will be the man in the middle for what is already being called a six-pointer in the Premier League as two struggling London sides lock horns at what is sure to be a raucous Sehurst Park. Roy Hodgson's men showed a bit of a revival after beating Chelsea recently but then followed that up with a 1-0 loss to Newcastle United last weekend, while we all know what's gone on with the Hammers. A run of one defeat in six came crashing down around them and rendered worthless after they were humbled by Brighton at the London Stadium on Friday night, losing 3-0. The pressure is fully on Hammers boss Slaven Bilic but he might be able to take a crumb of comfort - maybe - when he looks at the record Madley has in charge of his team last season. He was the referee for four West Ham games last season and Bilic's men lost just one of them and won the other three. Two of those games were against Burnley, with a 1-0 win at the London Stadium thanks to a Mark Noble penalty and the other on the final day at Turf Moor, a 2-0 win. The other victory Madley was in charge for was the 1-0 win against Sunderland in the early days of the London Stadium, Winston Reid lashing home a stoppage time winner against the Black Cats a little more than a year ago. The one blot on his record was the 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth last March, where Josh King ran riot and scored a hat trick at the Vitality Stadium. This season, Madley has been a bit card happy and has dished out four yellow cards in just seven games he has officiated, including two in the game between Man City and Everton on August 21 when he sent off Kyle Walker and Morgan Schneiderlin.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
By Sean Whetstone 22 Oct 2017 at 17:30 31 comments
WTID
I have just returned home from watching the West Ham Under 23's take on Chelsea at Aldershot's stadium. Although it was a goalless draw the young team played with more passion, determination and grit than any of the first team showed on Friday night. I sat just behind Terry Westley and greeted him and wished him good luck before kick off. It was good to see him and his methods up close. He is another very passionate manager who frequently banged the clear plastic glass of the dugout when the game wasn't going his way. It was also great to see Declan Rice up close and personal, he truly is a wonderful prospect who clearly models himself on the late great Bobby Moore.
This afternoon was a pleasant distraction from the embarrassment that happened on Friday night. West Ham fans hopes were quickly extinguished after Brighton's first goal on 10 minutes. As the second killer goal went in just before halftime West Ham fans turned on West Ham fans inside the stadium. I personally witnessed a couple of incidents in my block 113 in the West stand of arguing, pushing and shoving and at halftime police rushed into the back of block 114 for another incident where one West Ham fan was arrested and hauled off. It seemed a return to old days of last season.
As the third goal went in on 75 minutes there was further trouble at Club London next to the director's box as some kind of altercation broke out in the corporate hospitality area. By then embarrassed by a 3-0 defeat at home by Brighton the London Stadium largely emptied and West Ham fans made their long way home in disbelief what they had just witnessed on the pitch. It is on nights like last night that the London Stadium doesn't feel like our new home.
A poll of over 3,100 supporters on Claret and Hugh on Saturday says the majority now want Slaven Bilic gone, over 77% want him gone immediately, over 10% want to give him until the Palace game, 4% say give him until January while 5% say the end of the season and a mere 3% want him to get a new contract.
There are rumours that he offered to resign after the Newcastle loss and again after Brighton. While it might have some element of truth I am told he has never offered to resign to the board at any time and the offer was made directly to the players instead which is meaningless.
I understand the board are currently unwilling to sack Slaven Bilic without a replacement with proven Premier League experience and they say there is simply no-one of the right calibre available at this time. They don't want to be in the same situation as Leicester City. They also believe there is no natural successor to become caretaker manager at West Ham and while they love Terry Westley to bits they don't think he has the right skill set to take over the Hammers as caretaker boss with demands of the Premier League.
Despite widespread reports, West Ham have NOT held any emergency board meetings over the weekend to decide whether Slaven Bilic should be sacked!
Speculation has been swirling around since Friday night's shock result that Bilic could be out of work by the weekend as a result of such a meeting. David Gold is currently away on a winter break in the Caribbean and no board meeting would be held without him.
However, West Ham are drawing up a list of candidates to take over from Slaven Bilic should the decision be made in the future and the club knows it has a serious problem and is quickly speaking to agents and intermediaries. One of the possibilities being considered is an approach to veteran coach Guus Hiddink on a short-term contract whilst the club look for their ideal long-term candidate but there is concern over his age.
Another surprise option being considered by the club is former manager Sam Allardyce, he is said to be interested in the USA International manager job and it remains to be seen if he would tell the board where to stick it he got a call to get them out of trouble short term. Another Claret and Hugh poll of over 2,000 supporters shows that nearly 54% of supporters would accept Big Sam back as a short-term fix while 46% would stick with Slaven Bilic for the remainder of the season even if he meant relegation given the choice.
Meanwhile, bookmakers have predictably made Slaven Bilic a massive the odds-on favourite as the next Premier League manager to be sacked this season. Slav's chance of the sack has been slashed to 1/3 making odds-on on favourite with Sky Bet to go with his closest rival Ronald Koeman at Everton on 11/4. Paddypower have Bilic 4/9 for the push while it's 2/5 with Bet Victor.
Sky Bet have Manuel Pellegrini as the 100/30 favourite to replace the Croatian with Carlo Ancelotti second favourite at 11/2, Rafa Benitez is third at 6/1 with Sean Dyche, Roberto Mancini and Slavisa Jokanovic all at 8/1.
Manuel Pellegrini is the manager of Chinese Super League club Hebei China Fortune since August 2016. He is thought to be on a lucrative contract in China worth £30m over three years. He is the bookies Odds on favourite to join Leicester City. Difficult to match his current package.
Carlo Ancelotti says he will take at least a 10-month break after the Bayern Munich axe. Was paid £12.6m per year on a three-year contract at Bayern. Even if we could afford him after his sabbatical he is unlikely to consider West Ham as a realistic option as he won't be short on offers.
Rafa Benitez says he is committed to Newcastle until the end of the season. He signed a new three-year contract in May this year worth £4.2m per year so West Ham could end up paying a compensation of around £10m should they tempt Rafa to leave the North East. With Newcastle up for sale, he is said to be keen to wait and find out what a new owner could bring to the Magpies in terms of backing in the transfer market.
Sean Dyche signed a contract extension at Burnley in 2016 and is one of lowest paid managers in the Premier League on £420,000 per year. He joined the Clarets in 2012 and in his five-year tenure has led them twice to Premier League promotion. Whether Dyche would leave Burnley and whether he would be an improvement on Slaven Bilic are all unanswered questions.
Roberto Mancini took over as Zenit St Petersburg manager this summer on a three-year contract thought to be worth €4.5m a year. He has the option of a two-year extension. Whether Mancini has a clause to leave if a Premier League club came in for him is unknown but there is likely to be a large compensation to persuade Zenit to part with him.
Slavisa Jokanovic took over at Championship side Fulham in 2015 and signed a two-year contract extension to stay in West London earlier this year. He has no Premier League experience despite previously getting Watford promoted to the Premier League. His lack of experience makes him somewhat of a gamble and would cost £5m in compensation to Fulham which makes him an unlikely candidate.
Personally, I think Bilic has already lost the dressing room and things will only get worse as the season goes on. Angelo Ogbonna says his baby daughter liked a 'Bilic Out' message on social media and it wasn't him (honest guv) but rumours suggest the dressing room is already divided.
The board need to act and act fast, enough is enough, this is the time they need to stand up and be counted. Will the next West Ham manager please come forward.
Thanks for all you have done as a player and manager Slav and good luck for the future!
Sean COYI
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham players hold crisis talks at training ground following latest defeat by Brighton in Premier League
Mark Noble tore into his West Ham team-mates after Brighton defeat on Friday
West Ham were defeated 3-0 at home against Brighton on Friday night
Slaven Bilic is facing a huge fight to save his job following a poor start to season
By Sami Mokbel for the Daily Mail
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 23 October 2017 | UPDATED: 22:30, 23 October 2017
West Ham players held a crisis meeting on Monday as manager Slaven Bilic faces fresh scrutiny over his job. And Sportsmail can reveal the training ground summit comes after captain Mark Noble tore into team-mates during a heated dressing room inquest following Friday's embarrassing home defeat to Brighton. Bilic is facing a huge fight to save his job following a poor start to the season, the loss to the newly-promoted Seagulls plunging the Croat into further difficulty.
Indeed, the Hammers hierarchy held further talks on Monday to address the club's plight, with Bilic still clinging on to his job. The Hammers squad took matters into their own hands on Monday, holding their own meeting in a bid to revive the club's ailing season. Having spoken extensively to Bilic earlier in the day, Noble is understood to have led Monday's talks. Fears are growing behind the scenes that the under pressure manager is losing the dressing room. Some players are privately questioning Bilic's tactics and training techniques, while the fact the 49-year-old is almost certain not to be the manager beyond the end of the season, when his current contract expires, is threatening his authority within the camp. It is hoped Monday's meeting at the club's Rush Green training base can spark a positive response from the Hammers, who face Tottenham in the Carabao Cup at Wembley on Wednesday night before facing a crucial Premier League game at Crystal Palace on Saturday. Indeed, Bilic will be desperate to see an improvement from his team against Spurs following the debacle against Brighton last week.
In the aftermath of Friday's loss; sources claim that Noble — who was an unused substitute for the game - ripped into the team. Sportsmail understands the dressing room was largely silent after the defeat; something that is said to have annoyed Noble, who felt the players should have showed more emotion after the loss. Stalwart central defender James Collins, who is currently injured, is also understood to have addressed the players since the humbling defeat. The next two fixtures will be pivotal in determining whether Bilic keeps his job. Defeat at Wembley on Wednesday and another loss at Selhurst Park on Saturday would likely result in Bilic being sacked, despite co-owner David Sullivan's insistence last week that the manager's position would only be reviewed at the end of the season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
