Moyes explains backroom team decisions
WHUFC.com
David Moyes says he has the perfect team behind him as he sets his sights on
reviving West Ham United's Premier League fortunes. Moyes has finalised his
backroom team this week with the appointments of Alan Irvine, Stuart Pearce
and Billy McKinlay as his assistants, who join goalkeeper coach Chris Woods
on the staff, and the quintet are leading preparations for the Scot's first
game in charge of the Hammers at Watford on Sunday. All three of Moyes'
assistants possess managerial experience of their own and the boss is sure
their collective knowledge will push the Hammers on. "I'm really pleased to
welcome Alan, Stuart and Billy to the club, along with Chris who was already
here, and I'm looking forward to working with them all," Moyes said. "I
wanted to get their appointments finalised as quickly as possible and it's
great that we now have a full week together before the game at Watford on
Sunday. "I've obviously worked with Alan, Billy and Chris previously, and
I'm also looking forward to working with Stuart, who I have got to know well
over the years. "They all bring different qualities, and they all share the
same desire and hunger to make a positive contribution here. "It's all
about working hard on the training pitch and getting the results we need as
quickly as possible – that's all we are focused on."
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Foundation coach Abba nominated for Asian Football Award
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Foundation coach Rashid Abba has been nominated for the
Behind The Scenes award at this evening's Asian Football Awards. The 4th
Asian Football Awards will be presented on Tuesday evening in London and
Abba is on the shortlist for the Behind The Scenes honour – an award which
recognises the hard work of individuals behind closed doors in the world of
football. Employability and coach education manager Abba is one of three
names on the shortlist for the accolade along with Arsenal sport scientist
Nav Singh and Humayun Islam of Shapla Sports and Bangla Bantams. West Ham
United Foundation chief executive Joseph Lyons said: "We are delighted that
Rashid's hard work and efforts have led to his nomination for this
prestigious award. "Rashid has been a valuable member of our team since
joining West Ham United in 2004 and his tireless commitment to developing
and mentoring players and coaches in our community is worthy of recognition.
"On behalf of the entire Foundation I'd like to congratulate Rashid again on
his nomination and he should be incredibly proud of his achievement'
Abba, who boasts almost 30 years of experience of working in football, was
also honoured at the British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards in March, where
he was presented with a Football Association Special Recognition. West Ham
United are proud to also sponsor the Women's Player Award at tonight's
event. The award – which will go to either Maya Vio of Spurs Ladies, Vanisha
Patel of Gillingham Ladies, or QPR Ladies' Neethu Haridas – will be
presented by West Ham United Ladies' general manager Karen Ray.
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One or two U23s players have caught my eye – Moyes
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager David Moyes was a guest on 5 Live Sport's Monday
Night Club this week. The new Hammers boss was asked about his first week in
charge of the Irons, his assessment of his new team and the crop of
youngsters at the Club.
On taking over during the international break:
It's probably a good time to get used to the players but I'm already missing
eight or nine, as most clubs do at this time of year during the
international games. It's a good time and a bad time. I have spoken to one
or two [players on international duty] for different reasons. But I will
wait on most of them coming back in. I've not been able to talk to the whole
group and I won't do that until probably Thursday.
On his new squad:
I think it takes you a little bit of time to get used to them and working
with them. I think we've all probably got an idea because we watch them
regularly and we've seen them all season. Overall, I think it takes you a
bit of time to get used to them and get to know them. I've got to say the
players have been terrific. They really have. They've worked very hard in
the four or five days I've been with them. They've done everything we've
asked.
Moyes in training
On his initial aims:
We must start from scratch and give the players a chance to start again. We
would also be stupid if we didn't look back. We've looked at the goals we've
conceded and we have got the worst defensive record in the league. First of
all, we've got to try and find a way of stopping that. We don't want to stop
the attacking play because we've got good attacking players as well. But we
can't get away with not running back. We can't get away with not doing the
jobs we've got to do. Ultimately, they've got to be a bit more humble for
each other, work for the team, and score goals together and defend together.
On his targets for the season:
For me the first thing is to make sure there's no chance that we are
involved at the bottom end of the table. Realistically I'm hoping I can win
more games than people expect me to do. And I can only do that by getting
the players onside and making sure they are doing the right things. They're
talking a good game, the players. They're telling me exactly what they want.
They're telling me they want to work hard, be organised and be disciplined.
I hope once I've done that they won't be complaining!
On whether he pays attention to statistics:
I do look at the stats. You're always looking for ways to make things
better. We have to try and improve those figures if possible. And it might
not actually be fitness, it could be attitude or commitment. But we're going
to find out and we're going to give the players an opportunity to show us
they can do it. The U23s have come up to Rush Green to train with us...I've
been told about one or two and a couple of others have caught my eye.
David Moyes
On the West Ham academy:
They've trained with us every day since I've been here because the numbers
are down and we wanted to train with decent size numbers. The U23s have come
up to Rush Green to train with us and I hope that's the way it will stay.
I've been told about one or two and a couple of others have caught my eye.
Really those young boys need to be given opportunities.
On West Ham's upcoming fixtures:
I've looked at the fixtures and I want to treat them really positively. I
want to go into every game thinking we can win it. Let's not be kidding
ourselves either – there's some really tough games in there. I've never put
a team out not expecting to win.
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Ladies draw Coventry United in FA Cup second round
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies have been drawn to take on Coventry United Ladies in
the second round of the SSE Women's FA Cup. The away contest - set to be
played at Butts Park Arena - will take place on Sunday 3 December, with the
exact time to be confirmed in the coming weeks. The Hammers and Coventry
have met twice in the Premier League Southern Division already this
campaign, with Greg De Carnys' side on the receiving end of a 2-1 loss in
both contests. However West Ham now have a chance to overcome those defeats
with the FA Cup tie early next month. The competition was won last season
by Manchester City, who defeated Birmingham City 4-1 in the final at
Wembley. Cup competition fixture changes have also meant a slight alteration
in the upcoming matches for the Hammers over the next few weeks. West Ham
United Ladies will now play C&K Basildon Ladies at Rush Green on Sunday 19
November, with kick-off at 2pm, rather than Crystal Palace. The match
against the Eagles will be rescheduled for a later date in the next few
weeks. The Ladies will then return to action following the Basildon tie
this week with the SSE Women's FA Cup match with Coventry United a fortnight
later, before playing Brislington away on Sunday 10 December in the WPL
Plate.
Admission for the match against C&K Basildon is free for Season Ticket
Holders, Claret Members and all Under-16s! Click here for more information
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Trevor Sinclair in drink-drive and PC assault arrest
13 November 2017
BBC.co.uk
BBC pundit Trevor Sinclair, who was held on drink-driving charges, has been
further arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer. Police were
called after a woman was hit by a car in Lytham, Lancashire, on Sunday,
suffering minor injuries. The former England footballer, 44, was arrested on
suspicion of drink-driving, common assault and criminal damage. He is also
suspected of a public order offence and has been released while inquiries
continue, police said. Officers responded at 20:45 GMT to a disturbance at a
home on Victory Boulevard in Lytham, said Lancashire Police. A man had
already left the property in a car. A police spokesman added: "A short time
later, officers found the vehicle which had been involved in a collision
with a woman pedestrian on Clifton Drive. She received minor injuries." The
London-born winger, who grew up in Manchester, played 12 times for England
including four caps in the 2002 World Cup. His clubs included Blackpool,
QPR, West Ham, Cardiff and Manchester City.
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Moyes monitoring Academy stars
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 14th November 2017
By: Staff Writer
David Moyes has confirmed that he has been keeping a close eye on several
members of the Academy after they were invited to train with the first team.
And the 54-year-old Scot, who is back at Rush Green for his second week
since succeeding Slaven Bilic in the managerial hotseat revealed that one or
two of the club's youngsters had made an instant impact. "They've trained
with us every day since I've been here because the numbers are down and we
wanted to train with decent size numbers," he told whufc.com. "The U23s have
come up to Rush Green to train with us and I hope that's the way it will
stay. I've been told about one or two and a couple of others have caught my
eye. "Really, those young boys need to be given opportunities."
The new boss also called for his senior players to be more "humble", as the
squad begins the arduous task of attempting to lift itself away from the
relegation zone. "We can't get away with not doing the jobs we've got to
do," he added. "Ultimately, they've got to be a bit more humble for each
other, work for the team, and score goals together and defend together. "The
first thing is to make sure there's no chance that we are involved at the
bottom end of the table. Realistically I'm hoping I can win more games than
people expect me to do. And I can only do that by getting the players onside
and making sure they are doing the right things. They're talking a good
game, the players. They're telling me exactly what they want. They're
telling me they want to work hard, be organised and be disciplined. I hope
once I've done that they won't be complaining!"
Moyes first test at the club's latest manager - the fourth in seven years
under the current administration - comes this weekend against Watford this
Sunday at Vicarage Road.
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Will the real David Moyes please step forward?
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 14th November 2017
By: Paul Walker
I know David Moyes is a good manager. I've seen it with my own eyes, week
after week. This guy knows what he is doing.
Trouble is that was a while ago. That old angry red hair has been replaced
by white--not surprising with what he has been through with Manchester
United and Sunderland-- and the doubts over whether he can still hack it at
the top have been well voiced by many.
The dust has settled now on Slaven Bilic's sad demise and Moyes finding
himself rescued from the ashes of Sunderland's shambolic relegation to be
put in charge of West Ham, and charged with making sure that doesn't happen
to us. We are all going to see how he starts at Vicarage Road on Sunday.
So far he has been spot on. He's made all the right noises, made our
slackers run around a bit more, and brought in an experienced backroom team.
Now the matches start and regardless of your view about the man, surely we
all want him to succeed because if that happens, so do the Irons.
Now's the point where I have to declare an interest. For the final ten years
of my working life I met Moyes two/three/four times a week depending on how
often Everton played. I feel that maybe, amongst our 50,000 plus fans, that
I have had a unique insight into our new manager.
I am not daft enough to suggest we were friends, or even acquaintances.
Managers switch into media mode very quickly when they have to go through
the sometimes tiring, tedious interview rituals that go with their job.
Radio, TV, national papers, locals, agencies, Sunday papers, they all have
their own press conferences these days and the poor manager finds himself
answering the same questions all morning.
I doubt he remembers my name, or face, despite folk claiming I have an
unforgettable mug more fitting to radio. I was just one of a group of people
who stood in front of him every week for ten years holding a hand mike and
hanging on his every word.
And I know what I know. This guy may have slipped from a pedestal of late
following his very public humiliation and career shredding experiences at
Old Trafford, and then with the basket case that was Sunderland, where he
found he didn't have any money and had to keep his predecessors backroom
staff. Never gong to work, that.
But at Everton, in his pomp, he was exceptional. The perfect template for
West Ham, whose owners have long coveted such a manager. One who could work
on a shoestring, one who can find journeymen players and turn them into
stars, one who could forge a tremendous team-spirit. One who didn't lose
much.
Moyes stood up to the intense pressure of being across Stanley Park from a
rather patronising, arrogant Liverpool who, while he looked on from
Goodison, won two European trophies and every trophy available apart from
the league title under first Gerard Houllier and then Rafa Benitez.
Moyes had none of their riches, but in the end he matched them in league
performances, took Everton into the Champions League and turned Goodison
Park into a bear pit, where angels and Arsenal feared to tread.
I mention Arsenal because Arsene Wenger once told the Liverpool press crew
that he knew he had a problem when he listening to his players discussion
what evils Everton would inflict upon them as they sat on the team coach
heading for the match.
That's how many teams felt facing Moyes' Everton. They were scared stiff
because they knew they were in for a kicking, and that was only from a
ferocious crowd! Every one of the big clubs struggled against Moyes
teams--Manchester United, Chelsea, the lot.
Oh that the 54 year-old Glaswegian could produce that sort of team for us at
the London Stadium. I want to believe that he can, because I won't forget
just how good he was in that decade at Everton. He had brushes with
relegation but in the end was a consistent top six/seven club with resources
that should not have made that possible.
Then he was clear-eyed, confident, utterly sure of himself and he instilled
those virtues into a his teams. I never once saw self doubt in his eyes. And
that is what Alex Ferguson liked. He wanted Moyes as his assistant while he
was at Preston, but Everton was a bigger job in Moyes view.
From then on everyone in north west football and beyond knew that Moyes
would be the 'chosen one' to take over from Fergie. How all that went so
badly wrong has been dissected at length these past weeks.
My view is that he was left with an aging team, and Fergie's backroom staff
that he eliminated too quickly for any steady transition. Then he ran into
multi-millionaire footballers who didn't like their little groups and
cliques being disrupted by a man with no top level CV as a player. Show us
your medals... yeah, right.
People I have spoken to at Old Trafford suggest he ran into a wall of
indifference from players who had seen things run their way for too long.
And he found that you can make the odd daft remark or decision at Goodison,
but not at Old Trafford where your every word and decision is minutely
examined.
He wilted under that pressure, should never have gone off to Real Sociedad
with all the obvious language problems and then should equally never have
set foot in Sunderland. Those decisions, with his desperation to get back
into the big time, and quickly, have been obviously wrong and left his stock
severely tarnished.
So now he has landed in east London at a club in need of just the attributes
that made him so successful at Everton. And he knows he has six months to
save us and save his own career, because another relegation would probably
end any thoughts he had of managing in the Premier League.
It seems, too, that as many as ten managers rejected West Ham before David
Sullivan and David Gold turned to a man they would have loved to have as
manager a few years ago.
Ah yes, our wonderful leaders. Finally sacking Bilic and then telling him he
was 'worn out and lost interest in the job.' What a sour way to let a man go
who was respected by fans who never turned on him.
Maybe our owners should look at their own style of management; Bilic was
under intense pressure for a year, constantly two matches from the axe and
forever finding himself discussed on social media or in the tabloids by
Bermuda triangle ownership, where dreams and money seem to just disappear.
Can you wonder he was worn out? Interesting now is that many more people are
taking up a theme I have long suggested, that our owners do not do social
media, write for newspapers or even do big interviews. How long is it going
to be before it sinks in? Even big Sam recently claimed that he tore his
hair out at the constant stream of stuff coming from the boardroom that
found its way into the papers.
I must admit to being really upset when news finally hit my phone as I
walked through the Cristiano Ronaldo airport in Madeira. They've even got a
statue of their most famous son on the key side at Funchal.
This past week on holiday I have carefully not got involved in the debate,
wanting to see what Moyes did rather than rattle on about the perceptions of
his character and management style like the rest of the twitter
non-intelligencia.
Even though I expected Bilic to go after the Liverpool debacle, when it
happened it felt a bit like the axing of John Lyall or the departure of
Billy Bonds. Another piece of our club had gone. There has been so much of
our legacy and history destroyed by the move from the Boleyn, so much of
what we loved about the club gone. This was just another hammer blow.
But the king is dead, long life the king. And Moyes has surrounded himself
with a very decent backroom staff, almost an Everton all our yesterdays.
With Chris Woods, Moyes' goalkeeping coach at Goodison, the only one of
Bilic's staff kept on, there was a quick arrival too of Alan Irvine.
That's another guy I have witnessed working for many years. A great support
for Moyes, a man who has been in charge of Everton and Newcastle's Academy
and someone who has coached and managed at a decent level. It's particularly
interesting that he has done so well with young players. Nobody at West Ham
in the youth and under 23 set-up will now not be closely monitored.
Moyes has also found his Everton chief scout, Tony Henry, working for the
club as Sullivan's right-hand man, a situation that Allardyce did not
appreciate and seemingly neither did Slav. Now, though, that triangle of
friction--Sullivan, Henry and Bilic is no more. Things should run a lot
smother now!
Stuart Pearce, too, is someone I have felt still has much to offer. Good
enough to manage England's under 21s as well as Manchester City. He was a
fearsome player with a soft spot for us as a former Hammer of the Year. I
doubt he will stand for any slacking now.
Then there's Billy McKinley, who is a rarity. He's a Scot who has actually
played in a World Cup Finals, and they are thin on the ground. It was in
France '98 and he was in the side who lost to Brazil. He was also in the
UEFA finals squad in Portugal two years earlier.
As Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill's assistant more recently, he
has had a major input into their recent impressive improvement. And there's
also been several, varied, club football coaching jobs.
So Moyes has surrounded himself with a very experienced backroom - and he's
going to need one.
But it all comes down, in the end, to results. And we certainly need an
upturn in fortune and form. And that is where Moyes will be judged. He has
to hit the ground running, win at Watford and then make sure of a win at
home to Leicester the following Friday. The old David Moyes would have no
problems with that, I hope the newer Moyes is equally sound.
So, will the real David Moyes step forward. The man I watched operate for a
decade on Merseyside with such clear-eyed determination. And so much
success. Welcome to the Sullivan house of cards; best of luck pal, you'll
need 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.
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HAMMERS WEMBLEY TRIP AT RISK
By Sean Whetstone 14 Nov 2017 at 19:58
WTID
West Ham's away trip to Wembley on New Year's Eve to face Spurs is at risk!
We have learned today that London Underground want the game postponed
because of the unavailability of drivers. And we understand that TFL would
like a permanent ban on all future Premier League matches in the capital on
New Year's Eve. Tickets have yet to go on sale and the fixture remains in
limbo awaiting final approval from Wembley's Safety Advisory Board. We
understand London Underground are refusing to budge from current position
despite the fixture having Premier League and police approval. However, they
have a history of brinkmanship on these issues but generally reach a
compromise at the eleventh hour. Meeting are continuing in a bid to solve
the problem.
A source close to West Ham indicated any issues would be dealt by the Spurs
end rather than ours saying: "The game has been confirmed by the Premier
League although there were intense discussions with various parties before
it was confirmed. However, The police have also confirmed. Spurs would have
to sort out any issues if they are subsequently raised."
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MOYES FIRST GAME AND WILL HE BE A SUCCESS?
By Tony Hanna 14 Nov 2017 at 08:00
WTID
Well, this week we begin another era of West Ham United football club's
history. David Moyes first game in charge away to Watford will be an
interesting and very much anticipated affair. The two week period following
the loss to Liverpool has given the new manager some extra time to settle in
and start working with what is a somewhat depleted squad due to the
International break. News coming out of Rush Green suggests the training has
been a lot tougher and more intense than under Bilic's reign and that the
players are enjoying the extra work. If this is the case it will be
interesting to see how many of the players currently away on International
duty will make the first team this weekend given the limited time spent with
the new regime? If as reported, Moyes has been working hard with the small
group left at home, and they have taken to the new intensity and responded
well to all that has been asked of them, it may be a hard call for any of
them to be excluded from Moyes first team selection on Sunday? Guess that is
why he is paid the big bucks though? Tough decisions already. Since Moyes
appointment he has brought in Alan Irvine and Stuart Pearce to join Chris
Woods as his assistants and in the last 24 hours has secured the services of
Billy McKinlay who has quit his caretaker manager role at Sunderland. It is
often muted that when a team sack their manager they more often than not win
their next game under the new manager. Here's fingers crossed that we can
keep the tradition going.
The reaction to David Moyes appointment on social media and fan site blogs
was shall we say mixed at best. "Only option" and "cheap option" were some
of the more regularly used phrases from fans expecting an appointment of
perceived much greater current status. We will take the Moyes of Preston and
Everton but you can keep the Moyes of his last three jobs pretty much summed
up a lot of fans feelings. And it is that uncertainty of "which Moyes will
we get" that disappoints some fans whilst a Silva, a Dyche or a Wagner would
have them dancing in the streets. In the real World though, success is not
guaranteed by any of those four names. If it was that easy you would not be
seeing the constant hiring and firing of football managers where the average
longevity in England in the same job is a little over a year. The Moyes of
Everton was a great success and I think most would agree that the job at
Manchester United was a dead set poison chalice. His results in Spain at
Real Sociedad were mixed and make of what you will on his time at
Sunderland.
Some fans welcomed the appointment, some just wanted Bilic gone, some didn't
want Bilic out and some just didn't want Moyes. A week later and there has
been a mellowing from most of those aligned to the latter scenarios. He has
said all the right things in his press interviews and he has been open and
honest about how he perceives this job. This is his last chance saloon
because if he fails here you would have to think that he will never get
another top flight job? He desperately wants another crack at the highest
level and West Ham have given it to him. I read somewhere recently that he
would have probably done the job for free. I wouldn't go that far, but there
again? Moyes is doing this job for himself as much as anything else, even
more so than most other managers, and this is why we won't get that
attachment to the club that provided the great love affair with Slaven
Bilic. He has no prior attachment or love of West Ham and whilst that may
seem cold it could also be a good thing. Moyes desperately wants to succeed
and he will want everything from his players with no excuses. "There will be
no favours. If they don't do the running, they're not playing".
It seems even more apparent now that some players have not been putting in a
decent shift. No Einstein stuff there but it will be interesting to see how
much the yards run, the sprints and the pressing improves? One player who
has shone in recent times is Andre Ayew, scoring goals and visibly putting
in the effort. For me I would like to see him start against Watford whilst
the likes of Antonio and Arnautovic should have to work their socks off to
regain their places. I may be being hard on Antonio who may have been
playing injured recently (indeed it looks like he will miss this weekend's
game due to injury), but his body language and facial expressions on the
touchline when he was coming on as a substitute against Crystal Palace
recently, lead me to think that he wasn't that interested at all? Perhaps it
was this lackadaisical mentality that led to his brain snap in the final
seconds of that match? If the Ogbonna tweet "liking" a fans Bilic out
comment is "fair dinkum" as we say in Australia, then you have to question
his motives too and it will also be interesting to see if Sakho all of a
sudden becomes like a new signing for Moyes? The likes of Carroll, Kouyate,
Cresswell, Obiang, Hernandes and Fonte (who is now a long term injury) have
all had very mixed performances this season. That may just be down to
playing in a side where their team mates have been letting them down as much
as a lack of their own motivation or a problem with Bilic? Whatever, it is
now down to David Moyes to get this side up and running and playing like a
unit again. It will be a huge task for him and I wish him all the best of
luck. We are due some.
Anyway, on to the fun bit. How do YOU think a Moyes West Ham will perform
this season? The best indicator will be our finishing position in the
Premier League table come the end of the season? For me, I am going to be as
optimistic as I can possibly be by predicting 14th. Post your final placing
prediction on the comments section and I will take a look back at the end of
the season and in my Tuesday article on the 15th May 2018 I will report back
on how we all went. Sorry, no prizes but perhaps an accolade or two for the
most accurate.
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West Ham slammed as a 'soap opera" by Sporting chief ready to discuss new
William Carvalho bid
He is willing to return to the negotiation table
Football London
ByGreg Johnson
UPDATED18:16, 14 NOV 2017
Bruno de Carvalho, president of Sporting Clube de Portugal, has compared
West Ham to a soap opera due to how they conduct their business behind the
scenes.
A war of words broke out between the two clubs after negotiations broke down
over a deal to bring midfielder William Carvalho to London Stadium in the
summer.
West Ham co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan were labelled "the dildo
brothers" by their Lisbon-based counterpart and Sporting director Nuno
Saraiva called Sullivan a "liar" and a "parasite" in an inflammatory post on
Facebook. Relations soured after the Irons claimed that the transfer fell
through on deadline day as Carvalho ran out of time to complete a medical.
That account of what took place in the final hours of the transfer window
was rejected by Sporting CP's directors and Saraiva even accused the Hammers
of wasting everyone's time by never submitting an official bid for the
player. He challenged Sullivan to produce proof that an offer had been made,
with the West Ham owner threatening legal action. A set of emails was later
leaked to the press that allegedly proved that a bid had been submitted, a
series of events that amounted to a "soap" according to Sporting CP
president De Carvalho. "There was this soap regarding West Ham," he said in
an interview with IBTimes. However, he remains open to the idea of returning
to the negotiation table and doing business with the Irons again in the
future. "It is not good for anybody because the fans deserve better, the
truth, our respect," he added. "The fans are the most important thing at the
club. "So if we finish what was a strange soap, let's see. But I don't know
if they will finish, because it was very, very strange." Despite two
deadline day transfers between the club and a Premier League side running
into trouble after Adrien Silva missed the deadline for registration after a
deal was agreed with Leicester City for the midfielder, De Carvalho admitted
he still had a good impression of English sides.
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Scouting system that reveals David Moyes' mind
In an exclusive extract from his new book Michael Calvin is allowed behind
the scenes at Everton to see how the man who is now Manchester United's
manager works
Michael Calvin @CalvinBook Saturday 10 August 2013 23:00 BST0 comments
The Independent Sport
"Like his mentor Sir Alex Ferguson he wields power decisively but
sensitively. He is comfortable with ultimate responsibility – indeed he
demands it" Getty
David Moyes is not a man to cross on a moment's whim. He has a finely
developed sense of respect. His trust, once earned, is of immeasurable
importance. His professionalism is unimpeachable. His eye for detail is
acute. His work ethic is prodigious and his wrath is best avoided.
Had he walked into Finch Farm training complex that bleak, wet Wednesday
morning, he would have been distinctly unimpressed. It was bad enough that a
stranger should saunter through the heavy door, marked "with permission
only", which led to a sequence of four offices which symbolised the
continuity of Everton's decade under the Scot's control. To allow someone of
my calling into the nerve centre of a club which consistently overachieves
in the face of financial restraint was positively heretical.
My guide, James Smith, revealed the compelling simplicity of a system which
many seek to emulate. Appropriately, given the nature of my visit, Moyes was
on a scouting mission in Europe. Thankfully, given my vulnerability, Duncan
Ferguson, who has previous in dealing with unwanted intruders, was unaware
of my presence. He was flicking yellow-flighted darts into a royal blue
board in the players' dining room around the corner.
Smith, Everton's head of technical scouting, was free to reveal the science
behind the School of Science. Smith has worked for Moyes since 2003. A
sports science graduate from South Bank University in London who coached in
the United States and worked his way up from Coventry City's Community
Scheme, he was among the first wave of performance analysts who seeped into
professional football in the early years of the last decade.
He was promoted after five years, when Moyes had the foresight to recognise
the value of an integrated approach to recruitment, which embraced
technology and made a virtue out of necessity.
"I think he was the only manager outside the Premier League to use
performance analysis software when he was at Preston," Smith recalled. "It's
not unlike him to want to have the best things and to be ahead of the game.
Managers don't let people in very easily – so much of the job is about
relationships and confidentiality, because you are working very closely with
them. He was not looking to overhaul recruitment exactly, but drag it
forward a bit. He wanted someone with more of an academic background as we
stepped things up."
Smith operates from the recruitment room. Its contents are cherished and
highly classified. They represent Everton's most valuable intellectual
property. Moyes' entire transfer strategy is mapped out on a succession of
whiteboards which cover all four walls. This is the visualisation of a
principle, the distillation of a philosophy. It underlines the collegiate
nature of his approach and the clinical brilliance of his management skills.
Everything is self-contained, yet inter-reliant. Smith has 5,000 reports
stored online, on around 1,000 potential targets. They conform to a
blueprint, which matches the club's culture, aspirations and financial
status. A series of internal scouting conferences analyse trends and
standardise reporting mechanisms.
Each scout must assess every player under the age of 24 at his match, and
grade them on specific aspects of performance. Moyes has produced what he
calls "an MOT Test", where players are judged against a checklist of up to
12 criteria for each position.
The optimal aim is to have up to 50 reports on a primary transfer target,
written by between 10 and 12 scouts. The manager's commitment inspires
loyalty and, it must be said, a little awe. Steve Brown, who took Smith's
role as principal performance analyst, hails Moyes' "brilliance" in devising
specific tactical strategies. The same qualities which make him a leading
coach – according to Brown, "he's so detailed, thorough and methodical in
his work" – make him a good judge of a player. The complementary disciplines
coalesce in the preparation of a two-tiered game plan, which draws on detail
contained in Everton's opposition scouting reports.
Steve Round, Moyes' assistant, has an integral role in its compilation with
the manager. The main strategy, which takes several hours to create, is
distilled into a shorter, more accessible version for the players, featuring
team shape, set-piece analysis and opposition goals. Round enters the
transfer process after first-team coach Jimmy Lumsden has followed up leads
sourced by the scouts, and sanctioned by chief scout Robbie Cooke. Again,
the principle of collective responsibility applies.
Smith admitted: "When I started at the club, I didn't know much about it
all, so I've learned from the manager, from Steve and the other staff. In
the first job, I was doing all the pre- and post-match video work, so I
spent a lot of time listening and showing them stuff, talking about stuff.
Doing all the team meetings, travelling abroad, was a massive chance to
learn from David.
"So I've got an idea of players from him. I kind of know what he's looking
for, what he's thinking. I'm thinking out loud now, but my role is knitting
it together, being a kind of a link between the manager and the scouts.
"Everything is fed back into the recruitment room. Anyone can just pop his
head in at any time. It enables the manager to keep absolutely on top of
what's going on. That's a lot of what I think David Moyes' success is
probably about: keeping on top of everything and checking, making sure
you're on it and it's not just drifting."
The secret room is unprepossessing, long and thin. It has the feel of a
teacher's study at a busy comprehensive. It is a mine of information, a
tantalising glimpse of what might be, expressed in marker pens of different
hues.
The whiteboards on the walls have a logical sequence. To understand where
Everton are in the recruitment process, they must be read from left to
right. The first board features the most promising new foreign players,
highlighted by the system. They are the pick of the 1,000 or so players
under review, and are deemed realistic recruits. Annotated beneath
individual positions, they span Europe and South America. Trends are
highlighted: right-backs, for instance, are in extremely short supply.
The next whiteboard contains live targets, who are monitored constantly.
Their ages are written in red, on a yellow square. Those names in blue are
potential free transfers, coming to the end of their contracts. Those in
green are potential loanees. Those in red carry a price. There is an
additional section, in the bottom left-hand corner, featuring three
goalkeepers, who are seen as emergency loanees if required.
Some managers preach loyalty; Moyes practises it. The next whiteboard is a
statement of faith in those closest to him. It features favoured Premier
League players, personal choices who are not on any other list. They must be
26 or under, playing for a club outside the top six, and be regarded as
realistic potential recruits.
They have been voted for by Moyes, and his senior staff. Four players, out
of the 20 or so featured, are unanimous selections. That gives everyone food
for thought. Time moves with terrifying speed in football: the next wall
condenses the next three seasons into the five seconds or so it takes to
scan a succession of teams, in Everton's favoured formation.
This is why the secret room is off limits to players. It is, in essence, a
Moyes mind map. The whiteboard contains a list of all first-team squad
players, with their ages, contract details and appearance records.
It starts with Moyes' idea of his best current starting 11, and what it will
be, up until 2014. This offers an insight into which regulars he suspects
will fade away, and who he hopes will emerge from the supporting cast. It is
an imprecise science because of the unpredictability of fate but the gaps,
when they appear, are ominous. This is a visual tool for the black art of
management, moving a player on when his use has been exhausted but his
resale potential is still significant.
Moyes does not share the elitist view that the quality of players from the
Football League has declined so markedly that it is negligible. His
personality was shaped in the lower leagues and he retains faith in their
ability to nurture raw talent. The next whiteboard is smaller, and contains
no player over the age of 23. The most promising Championship, League One
and Two players are highlighted in blue, red and green respectively.
The last major whiteboard, the transfer window list, is in many ways the
most important. This contains the names of players Everton are actively
seeking to sign. This is the scruffiest section, because so many names have
been scrubbed off, or re-entered, during the courtship rituals involving
players, clubs, agents and assorted hangers-on. The human element will
always be paramount. Peer recognition is pivotal. Moyes' brains trust uses
individual contacts, including players, coaches and managers. Agents are
regarded as most useful in South America where the web of third-party
ownership can ensnare the unwise or the unwary.
Smith reflected: "The world is changing. In the old days it seemed as if
they did everything off the back of a fag packet. The old school scout would
go to a game and just have a general look, unless there was a specific
player. He'd then speak to the chief scout on the phone and tell him what he
thought, so basically everything was stored in people's heads.
"Well, they thought it was. It wasn't really, because you can't store it all
in your head, can you? That's why reports have become so fundamental. It's
about intellectual property rights. That information belongs to Everton
because it was gained by people being paid by Everton, working for Everton.
The old-school way, with the chief scout having it all in his head, gave no
continuity. If he gets run over by a bus he takes all the knowledge with
him. I know I'm laughing at that thought, but we had a similar problem in
the academy several years ago. The head of recruitment left and there was
nothing. We didn't even have the telephone numbers of the scouts! It was as
if he'd never been here. An owner, or a CEO these days wouldn't tolerate
that, if he's got anything about him."
Some things never change. Great clubs are shaped in the image of their great
managers. It is too simplistic to view Moyes as merely an autocrat, with the
inflexibility that implies. Like his mentor Sir Alex Ferguson, he wields
power decisively, but sensitively. He is comfortable with ultimate
responsibility – indeed he demands it – but the democratic nature of
Everton's recruitment policy informs us of the man, and the club he has
created.
Michael Calvin's 'The Nowhere Men: The Unknown Story of Football's True
Talent Spotters' is published by Century at £14.99. Available at all good
book shops and online
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, November 15
Tuesday, November 14
Daily WHUFC News - 14th November 2017
Moyes confirms assistants at West Ham United
WHUFC.com
David Moyes has confirmed the appointment of Alan Irvine and Stuart Pearce as his assistants at West Ham United. The manager also hopes to confirm the appointment of Billy McKinlay – currently in a caretaker role at Sunderland – as a third assistant in the coming days. Irvine will be reunited with fellow Scot Moyes, whom he has previously worked with at both Preston North End and Everton. The 59-year-old Glaswegian has managerial experience of his own, having taken the reins at Preston, Sheffield Wednesday and West Bromwich Albion and was most recently at Norwich City, where he served as assistant manager to Alex Neil. "I'm delighted to be given this opportunity and am really looking forward to the challenge ahead," said Irvine, who has been assisting Moyes throughout his first week in charge. "I obviously know David well from our time together at Preston and Everton, and it was certainly a big attraction to work with him again, as was the thought of coming to a club like West Ham. "This is the sixth job I have been offered since leaving Norwich at the end of last season – some of which were very attractive - but it's the first one that has persuaded me to accept, so I hope that says a lot about how excited I am to be here. "The prospect of working in the Premier League, at a great club, and alongside David, meant that it was an opportunity I couldn't resist, and I hope that I can now make a positive contribution."
Former Manchester City and Nottingham Forest manager Pearce returns to the Hammers 16 years after a playing spell which saw him turn out 50 times in claret and blue. "I'm really looking forward to coming in and getting involved," said Pearce, who will join up with Moyes and the playing squad at Rush Green on Monday.
"The opportunity to work with David Moyes, who I have respected greatly over the years, was a big factor, as was having previously played for the club. "It's been many years since I was there for a couple of seasons, but I really enjoyed my time. The West Ham fans were fantastic to me and I'm looking forward to coming back. "It's tough times at the moment but it's a fantastic opportunity for me. I'm really excited by the challenge."
55-year-old Pearce won 78 England caps in a glittering playing career which saw him win two League Cups during a lengthy spell at Nottingham Forest along with appearing for England at three major championships. Following his time at the Boleyn Ground, Pearce's final club as a player was Manchester City, where he later took over the managerial reins in 2005. A successful seven-year period in charge of England's U21s followed, where he took the team to the 2009 UEFA U21 Championship final, with Mark Noble as captain. He also took charge of the Great Britain side at the 2012 London Olympic Games, and returned to club management for a year-long spell at Nottingham Forest in 2014. Former Dundee United, Blackburn and Leicester midfielder McKinlay, 48, worked with Moyes at both Real Sociedad and Sunderland, where he has recently been helping out on a temporary basis alongside another former Hammer, Robbie Stockdale.
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Six things you probably didn't know about Stuart Pearce
WHUFC.com
Stuart Pearce may have only just joined the Club as one of David Moyes' backroom staff, but he is far from an unkown quantity in east London. The former Hammer's no-nonsense approach endeared him to the West Ham faithful and he'll be hoping to add a new chapter to his journey with the Hammers as he takes on his new role. Here are six things that you may not have known about the Londoner affectionately known as 'Psycho'…
He started from the bottom
It might be more common to come through a club's academy and into their first team these days, but as a youngster, Pearce found his way into the professional game via the non-league route. The left-back played over 100 games for Wealdstone before joining Coventry City in the Football League.
A career elsewhere?
During his early days with Nottingham Forest, Pearce clearly thought his career in football was not for the long-haul when he took out ad-space in the matchday programme to advertise his services as an electrician! The defender would go on to make over 400 appearances for Forest, scoring more than 60 goals and winning the League Cup twice.
He was a Hammer in Europe
Stuart Pearce was part of the West Ham side that won the Intertoto Cup in 1999 and as a result, the Hammers qualified for the UEFA Cup (now known as the Europa League) through this competition.
He hasn't lost his legs...
At the tender age of just 53, Pearce made his league debut for Gloucestershire non-league side Longford after signing a one-match contract, despite retiring 13 years prior. Longford were labelled 'the worst side in the United Kingdom' having lost every single match during the 2015/16 season up to the point of Pearce's signing, conceding 179 goals in the process. Pearce stepped in to play for the side in order to bring some publicity to the grassroots level of football.
Psycho!
Pearce made 78 appearances for England, scoring five times, but is best remembered as a passionate wearer of the shirt from the above legendary picture. Screaming after scoring a penalty against Spain in Euro '96 – having missed a crucial spot-kick against West Germany in Italia '90 – it signified one of the great redemption stories of modern international football.
History with Hammers
As manager of the England U21 team, Pearce made West Ham legend Mark Noble captain of his outfit for the 2009 U21 European Championship. His team, led by the skipper, reached the final but were eventually beaten 4-0 by Germany. Psycho also signed and handed current West Ham No1 Joe Hart his Manchester City debut in 2006 while manager City.
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Pearce: We need to build togetherness
WHUFC.com
New West Ham United assistant Stuart Pearce says squad unity will be key to the Hammers climbing the table as he gets to work as part of manager David Moyes' coaching team. Pearce, 55, spent two years with the Hammers as a player and will now bring a wealth of coaching experience gained from spells in charge of Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and England U21s to his new role. West Ham's first game under Moyes' management comes at Watford on Sunday and Pearce is keen to hit the ground running. He said: "David [Moyes] is acutely aware – as we all are – of exactly where the club are at this moment in time. "It's not going to be easy, no one is expecting it to be, because the stakes are very high in the Premier League, but I think with the staff here and the squad of players, we have a great chance. "The main thing is to enhance the togetherness at the club. I've watched West Ham a lot from the outside, because it's one of my former clubs, I probably keep a closer eye on things. "I've seen a lot of them this season – I covered the Tottenham game at Wembley and the Liverpool game last week, and it is clear that everyone needs galvanizing. "Confidence has been dented and that is part of the task, to get that back on track. We need to find that togetherness again and the players are the most powerful ones of all in showing that."
Pearce's return to the training field comes nearly three years after his time as manager at Nottingham Forest came to an end and he said a return to a Premier League club was too good an opportunity to turn down. He added: "I've been doing one day a week this season at Portsmouth, helping out Kenny Jackett, who is a good friend, and I guess that has probably sparked my excitement again in regards to coaching. "The media work has been good for me, but I really feel that I've got something to offer the coaching set-up here. "It's an opportunity to work in the Premier League again, with a good squad of players – it was too good to turn down."
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Seven things you may not have known about Alan Irvine
WHUFC.com
On Sunday evening, West Ham United announced the appointment of two coaches to work alongside new manager David Moyes. We take a look at the career of former winger Alan Irvine and pick out eight facts you may not have known about the Scot…
Alan Irvine had a 15-year playing career
Former winger Irvine played over 300 games for the likes of Queens Park, Everton, Crystal Palace, Dundee United and Crystal Palace. He scored more than 30 goals with his most prolific spell coming at Selhurst Park for Palace.
As a coach, he's worked with ten different clubs
West Ham will be Irvine's eleventh club as a coach. His coaching career spans the length and breadth of the United Kingdom, from Blackburn Rovers to Norwich City. His vast experience across all levels of football means he should be a trusty sidekick for new boss David Moyes.
Irvine took Preston North End from relegation candidates to play-off contenders
As Preston boss from 2007–2009, Irvine took the club from the basement of the Championship table to a play-off place in just one and a half campaigns in charge. Eventually, the Glaswegian's team fell just short to Sheffield United after losing 2-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals.
Irvine has worked with a current Hammer before
During his time at Preston, Alan Irvine took a young Andy Carroll on loan from Newcastle United. Carroll played eleven games for the Lancashire side before returning to his parent club. While on loan at Deepdale, Carroll scored his first professional league goal – against Leicester City.
High praise from an Irish icon
Irvine has received praise from a number highly respected figures in the game but perhaps the strongest endorsement of his coaching ability came from Republic of Ireland international and Premier League winner Damien Duff. Alan Irvine is described by Duff – alongside Brian Kerr – as the most important coach of his career.
He likes to work with young players
Under Moyes, Irvine was appointed director of the Everton academy in 2011 where he helped bring through players such as Ross Barkley and Seamus Coleman into the first team. Hammers fans will now be hoping the Scot can help in the process of bringing through the next generation from the Academy of Football.
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U23s in London Stadium action this Friday - free tickets for STH and Members
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Under-23s take on Derby County at London Stadium on Friday evening, with Season Ticket Holders and Claret Members able to book their FREE tickets now! The Hammers are in superb form, having won four and lost only one of their last six games, and you can be at London Stadium to see the future of the Hammers in action. As Terry Westley's side prepare for their second London Stadium game of the season - the first was a fantastic 4-2 win over Manchester United - supporters can pick up their tickets now. Please note that all tickets must be booked in advance.
Book tickets now
Season Ticket Holders can book tickets for free, while adult tickets are priced at £5 and concessions £3
All Ttckets must be purchased in advance and are subject to availability.
All tickets purchased online will be issued as e-tickets and you can also book tickets by calling on the phone on 0333 030 1966 or in person.
Access Cards will NOT be in use for this match.
Due to a limited capacity to this match, we cannot guarantee seats will be available on the day. Should the match sell out in advance, this will be announced on www.whufc.com and eticketing.co.uk/whufc
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Antonio: I see positive things under Moyes
WHUFC.com
"Things are going to go well" under David Moyes, according to West Ham United forward Michail Antonio. The 27-year-old, although currently out with a rib injury, has witnessed the Scottish manager's immediate impact in east London and has a positive feeling. Moyes was appointed the Hammers boss last Tuesday morning and took his first training session at Rush Green later that day. On Wednesday, the former Everton and Manchester United boss conducted a double session and Antonio believes he has already made a great impression on the squad. "Obviously I have not been able to train under him but right now, things are looking good," last season's top scorer said. "He's come in and things have been quite intense. Everything's quite different. He's out there, he's standing with the boys, he's taking training himself and he's very involved. "I see positive things. I feel like things are going to go well under him."
West Ham return to action on Sunday when they travel to Vicarage Road to face Watford following a fortnight without a match due to the international break. And Antonio is confident that, under Moyes, the side's league position is sure to improve. "With the squad that we have, we definitely shouldn't be in the situation that we are in. "With a bit of structure and more belief and confidence, we will definitely be going up the league."
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Just One Thing: Marlon Harewood on West Ham's play-off drama
WHUFC.com
When it comes to West Ham United's play-off drama, Marlon Harewood is well-placed to talk of the highs and the lows which come with the Football League's end-of-season promotion shootout. Harewood was involved in both the Hammers' play-off campaigns from the Championship in the 2003/04 and 2004/05 seasons, and we caught up with him to discuss his experience, which ended with glory against Preston North End at Cardiff in 2005. He said: "Play-off games are more hyped, more exciting and once you're there you want to win it. "That night against Ipswich [the 2004 semi-final], the fans were amazing and I can remember it like it was yesterday. Everyone was roaring, the atmosphere afterwards was really good and Matty Etherington's goal was indescribable. "It was a happier ending in 2005. I scored against Ipswich, who we had again in the semi-finals, and it was a great feeling. "We knew were going to get promoted against Preston in the final, because the atmosphere around the lads was 'we're not going to let this go again'."
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I feel pride in Ladies team despite Coventry defeat – De Carnys
WHUFC.com
Greg de Carnys admits his Ladies side just weren't on the same level as Coventry United but is proud of how they performed in their 2-1 defeat on Sunday. Despite taking the lead midway through the first half thanks to Zoe Swift's goal, the Irons fell to a disappointing defeat at Butts Park Arena as goals either side of the interval secured the victory for Coventry. Manager de Carnys can see that his side just fell short of besting Coventry during Sunday's match but is nonetheless content with the spirit of the performance and can take positives from his team's effort. "We went into the game feeling like we could get something from it," de Carnys told whufc.com. "There is a lot of belief in the dressing room. On the day though we just weren't quite as good as Coventry and that was reflected in the scoreline. "It was a tight game and that shows how far we've come. The fact we are disappointed shows we know we can look up rather than down. I can't fault the work rate the girls showed. It stands us in good stead if that's your minimum. We work hard and we try to work our way into these games. "It was a very difficult pitch to play football on. We've got players that like to move the ball and this was a tough challenge for them. The result hasn't gone our way but there were a lot of positives."
The result marks the second time this campaign that the West Ham Ladies have fallen to a 2-1 defeat against Coventry, with de Carnys particularly unhappy with the context of the loss at Rush Green. However, the manager is proud of how his side learned from the previous game and cannot find fault with what his Ladies did on the pitch on Sunday. De Carnys continued: "We prepared a game plan for this match, having played Coventry not long ago, and I think the girls stuck to it excellently for large portions of the game. I don't think I can fault the girls in terms of taking on board the information and executing the game plan well. "Ultimately though it will always come down to those moments of quality as well. Coventry are a real handful and they punished us on a couple of occasions. They are an experienced team that are doing well in the league."
Coventry's first finish came from the penalty spot, a decision which appeared contentious in the immediate aftermath. De Carnys, however, believes his defence can continue to learn from such situations and must use Sunday's example as another stepping stone. When asked about the penalty de Carnys added: "My initial reaction was we had just got caught out. If you switch off for a second against a team that's bright in the final third you're going to get caught. If you're the wrong side of someone you're taking a risk if you try and go to ground. "A few people have said they didn't think it was a penalty but I still think we can learn from a situation like that."
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David Moyes names West Ham assistant coaches, including former player Stuart Pearce
BBc.co.uk
West Ham United boss David Moyes has added former England Under-21 boss Stuart Pearce, Alan Irvine and Billy McKinlay as his assistant coaches. McKinlay's appointment impacts on Moyes' old club Sunderland, as the 48-year-old was joint caretaker boss following Simon Grayson's departure. Pearce, 55, had two years with the Hammers as a player while Irvine, 59, was with Moyes at Preston and Everton. Moyes was named as Slaven Bilic's successor at West Ham last week. "I'm really looking forward to coming in and getting involved," Pearce told the club website. "The opportunity to work with David Moyes, who I have respected greatly over the years, was a big factor, as was having previously played for the club."
Sunderland are bottom of the Championship, without a win in 13 games and have now lost one of two caretaker bosses currently leading the first team. McKinlay, who was brought to Wearside by Moyes during his time in charge, and Robbie Stockdale took their first game as the Black Cats interim coaching team in the 1-0 defeat by Middlesbrough before the international break. However the Scot's departure to London Stadium means Stockdale alone will be in charge for Saturday's visit of Millwall to the Stadium of Light. "The club would like to thank Billy for his efforts during his time on Wearside," Sunderland said in a statement. "Robbie Stockdale will continue as the club's caretaker manager when the squad returns to training on Monday. "A further announcement will be made in due course."
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Trevor Sinclair in drink-drive arrest
BBc.co.uk
BBC pundit and former England footballer Trevor Sinclair has been arrested on suspicion of drink-driving, common assault and criminal damage. The 44-year-old was arrested after a woman was hit by a car, suffering minor injuries. Lancashire Police said officers responded at 20:45 GMT on Sunday to a disturbance at a home on Victory Boulevard in Lytham. It said a man had already left the property in a car. A force spokesman added: "A short time later, officers found the vehicle which had been involved in a collision with a woman pedestrian on Clifton Drive. She received minor injuries. "The driver, a 44-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of drink driving, common assault and criminal damage. "He is currently in custody." The London-born winger, who grew up in Manchester, played 12 times for England including four caps in the 2002 World Cup. His clubs included Blackpool, QPR, West Ham, Cardiff and Manchester City.
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BILIC, THE BOARD AND MOYES
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 12 NOVEMBER 2017 AT 9:41PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Malcolm Atkins – @malatk
There has been lots written and said about recent events at the club, having had a chance to mull it all over I thought I would have a go at putting my thoughts together, looking at Bilic and his departure, the board's handling of things and the arrival of David Moyes .
I have long been a critic of Slaven Bilic and called for his departure. I have been shocked at the fans reaction to him and his leaving. While I don't believe he deserves abuse I am at a loss to understand people saying they are sad to see him go. The performances have been shocking; the most depressing thing for me was sitting at the Liverpool game watching the team be thrashed at home in an abject performance while the fans sat not in anger or disbelief but resigned acceptance, we were expecting it. I never thought I would see a West Ham crowd react so tamely to such a performance and that spoke volume about where had fallen to.
"He's a nice bloke" – He may well be but that does not mean he should of kept the job. "he's West Ham legend!" – No, he isn't. When Billy Bonds left the manager's job I thought it was handled badly but I didn't think management was for him, I felt sad because Billy Bonds IS a West Ham legend; 663 appearances over 21 years, Captain and Icon – I was gutted for him.
Slaven Bilic turned up in 1996, played really well at Centre Back, he had a clause saying he could talk to clubs if a bid hit 4 million quid, Spurs made a bid but the clause only said he could talk to them not he had to be sold, Redknapp held firm and he stayed before moving on to "bigger club" Everton for 4.5 million after 18 months and 47 games – To put that in context Mo Diame got slated for wanting a move and played 71 games.
"Slaven Bilic enjoyed a great first season" Well yes there were some high points and the final game at the Boleyn will live long in the memory, but with Payet in World Class form and a squad flying I honestly view that season as a missed opportunity. Despite the fine performances there were some defensive horrors and a failure to gain the expected points against some of the lesser lights. I honestly believe we should have been top six and had a real chance to break the top four.
Since then 14 wins from 49 premier league games tells only part of how poor we have been, I am so pleased Slaven Bilic is no longer West Ham Manager, I do not feel sorry for him, he got it badly wrong and earned seven and a half million quid for doing so. His biggest failing of all was in his inability to surround himself with a competent coaching team resulting in an unfit disorganised squad, and I cannot think of one single player who has improved under Bilic.
However, despite being one who has often defended the board, they have made a total mess of the whole Bilic situation. They should have replaced him in the summer but having failed to do so they should have got behind him. It has been clear for ages they have had reservations and they left him as a lame duck manager, it cannot have been about money, a few league places would cover the compensation, they have dithered and hesitated and let the club drift, they fired him after losing at home to Liverpool but let him carry on after losing at home to Brighton, Karen Brady's piece in the Sun was uncalled for and if what she is saying is true only highlights the Board's incompetence in leaving him in post.
Now David Moyes, I am not upset about his appointment per se but the board have appointed him almost with an apology, it is just for six months, he was available, he was good at Everton, hardly a ringing endorsement. I also worry that they have hired a guy who is suited to applying long term methods around training and organisation for a short term fix. Getting this team fit mid-season will be some challenge. However the early signs have been encouraging and I really hope he can turn things round. Right now survival will do, even though this squad are capable of much more.
My concern though is that the soap opera will continue. IF David Moyes can steer us away from trouble then we are still heading for months of speculation. There is a clear narrative that he is a short term appointment while we seek the "big name" we want. If we finish 14th – 17th then that all goes nicely, he kept us up, no fireworks, let's see who we can get, of course if we cannot attract a top name and keep Moyes we would then look foolish. What if he does better though 11th – 14th from the current position would be decent and maybe deserving of more time, certainly the "big name would have to be pushing top 8 to justify the big wages he would get compared to Moyes. If we finish 7th – 10th and/or have a decent cup run, or dare I say win one, and then surely Moyes has to stay – unless we are signing a manager and expecting a champion's league challenge! Having made a managerial change we can still expect this level of speculation over the coming months.
I do believe though that David Moyes will prove a significant upgrade and may have got really lucky because this squad, including the highly promising youngsters, has the potential to do so much better, with a bit of momentum, a bit of feel good factor, a bit of luck and a couple of signings Moyes could end up looking really good here. Get the defence organised and the fitness level up and we have potential going forward; Carroll, Chicarito, Arnautovic, Antonio, Kouyate, Noble, Obiang, Lanzini, Sakho, Obiang are all capable of playing at a higher level than they have this season while Rice, Holland, Martinez and Haksabanovic are all highly promising.
So now we await the end of the boring international break and the beginning of the next chapter. David Moyes may not be the most exciting appointment but I hope he is here for years, because that means he will have turned it around
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No truth in Serie A rumours, insists Masuaku
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 13th November 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham defender Arthur Masuaku has distanced himself from a report by someone claiming to be his Italian representative. On Sunday a report appeared in the Italian media in which agent Francesco Lingenti claimed he had already undergone talks with Napoli regarding a potential January move for the 24-year-old French defender. "I offered Arthur to Cristiano Giuntoli [of Napoli] three years ago, then two years ago," said Lingenti, according to CalcioNapoli24. "Now he has probably got the idea - along with Juventus, Genoa and Milan. "Of course there have been talks. The player is being watched very carefully by a few clubs, including Napoli. Serie A is our objective and hopefully he'll be there in January. "For now, Juventus, Napoli and Genoa are in the lead. However, he'd only go to Juventus if the Bianconeri sold Alex Sandro. Giuntoli has always liked him. West Ham's asking price is around €9-10m, as they paid €7m to get him from Olympiakos in 2016."
However Masuaku has since taken to social media in order to rubbish the reports, claiming that he had never met - or heard of - Mr Lingenti, who was claiming to be acting on his behalf. "In order to avoid any misunderstandings i'd like to stress out that neither me or my agent (Panos Galariotis) know Mr. from Italy," wrote the West Ham full back. "So everything that is published is completely false. "I'm only focused on helping my team achieve its goals," he added. Masuaku, who holds dual French and Congolese nationality moved to West Ham in August 2016, having signed from Greek outfit Olympiakos for €7million, after Genoa had a €4million bid rejected.
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Antonio enthused by Moyes effect
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 13th November 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham winger Michail Antonio believes David Moyes had made an impressive start in his new role. The 27-year-old has been unable to take part in the Scot's initial training sessions due to a rib injury, but believes the 54-year-old Scot will have a positive effect on a failing squad. "He's come in and things have been quite intense," Antonio told whufc.com. "Everything's quite different. "He's out there, he's standing with the boys, he's taking training himself and he's very involved. I see positive things. I feel like things are going to go well under him. "With the squad that we have, we definitely shouldn't be in the situation that we are in. With a bit more belief and confidence, we will definitely be going up the league."
Speaking at the weekend, Moyes insisted that everybody would be given the opportunity to shine - regardless of the condition of their relationship with his predecessor, Slaven Bilic. "It's a clean slate for the entire squad," he said. "It will obviously take time for the players to fully understand our style and methods but the initial signs are very encouraging – they've bought into what we are trying to do and that's a good base for us to build on. "Everybody will get their opportunity to impress us and there have certainly been no decisions made about individuals. There's a lot of quality here and I'm confident the players will all bring something different to the table."
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I feel cheated
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 10th November 2017
By: Ian Morgan
As a fan who has been going to West Ham since the early '90s, I'm not new to seeing a poor side that's lacking belief, fight or passion. I've seen the previous relegation fights and struggles.
But added to all of that was a enjoyable experience in the Championship and a couple of decent seasons under Big Sam. Also the fifth place finish and the flair of that Harry Redknapp team. The promotion side in the Billy Bonds era. And of course the final season at the old place!
But now, I feel that the heart has truly been ripped out of our club.
I wasn't expecting instant success but we have been fed a string of lies. Getting us to accept that leaving our home of more than 100 years was what we needed, it now seems a bitter pill to swallow.
So, January 2010. Gold and Sullivan purchased the majority sharehold in the club, and brought along with them Karren Brady. Everyone was jumping from the rafters, the club saved from the rack and ruin of the Icelandic bank disaster.
Their first priority was to take over the Olympic Stadium and move us out of Upton Park and onto the infamous 'next level'. A year later and relegation under Avram Grant, when it was there for all to see - he was no longer the man to 'keep us up' and still they didn't act.....so, relegation.
Nonetheless, we accepted our fate and rebuilt in the Championship under Big Sam. With the deal for our move to Stratford now rubber-stamped, the process began of convincing the fans.
No vote allowed, but we were told we would take up residence for the beginning of the 2016/17 season. Fans forums galore and the promise of a home that we would leave us "in no doubt was the true home of West Ham United".
Images and drapes of former players and the glory days gone by. The statue of our three World Cup winners! We were even going to have 'claret and blue' seats.....what a future it looked!
Instead, the truth. Wven on the eve of our final home game at Upton Park, the talks had started with our MARQUEE £40 million, 20 goal a season striker. Yet, somehow the 'marquee striker' turned out to be a Millets pop-up tent.
So, in the form of Zaza, we had another of the famous loans with view to a permanent deal on our books. We were told "we have never seen David Sullivan work so hard in a window", then "we tried our best". They only used that one on us three times!
Anyway, the first game in our new 'home' and I couldn't help but be totally underwhelmed with what we have been delivered:
- No sign of the digital wrap
- No drapes of former players
- No statues
- No free wi-fi
- Barely any claret and blue seats
- Rubbish non-retractable seating
- And changing our badge to adopt the word 'London'
Plus:
- Scaffolding
- Concrete blocks
- Rows of empty white seats
- Black and claret tarpaulins
- Gaps behind the goal the size of the old Chicken Run
The Board show little, if any, respect to our former players. Many of whom now feel so unwelcome that they will not step foot inside the place. The players you have chosen as 'Club Ambassadors' hardly set the pulses racing.
"A place where you are left in no doubt that you have arrived at the home of West Ham United," is how the stadium was described by Karren Brady.
If that's what she thinks is fitting, then Lord Sugar should call her out on her own ability to deliver a product. He should be able to fit it in whilst slagging our club off and making a laughing stock of us to his BBC audience.
But still, you could forgive them the first season and put it down to the massive change, but what's to follow, for me, was the final straw.
We had three away games to start the season, when we were told West Ham United would be the 'main tenant' and that we would have PRIORITY when it came to our fixtures.
Any sign of what little identity we had in our 'home ground' was stripped for the Anniversary Games. In fact they couldn't even be bothered to put it back to how they found it when we left in May.
The Sir Trevor Brooking Stand's claret tarpaulin sign is still half covered in white, empty seats. We've been made to feel as welcome as the staff and stewards make you feel at the kiosks. And let's not get started on the Westfield security!
Moving on, there will be no home game on Boxing Day for the Hammers for the foreseeable future. Great!
Our recent visit to Wembley showed what can be achieved. Spurs have made the Wembley surroundings more like 'home' for just one season than we have done with our 99-year lease.
Their former heroes are at every game proudly wearing club ties and jackets. But it's ok, we have put up a tribute to the late great Bobby Moore - that should appease the 'customers', at least.
On to the squad and manager. If Slaven Bilic wasn't fit for purpose and they had question marks over his position going into his final season, why was he not replaced in the summer!?
The players all knew he has just the one year left, it's there for all to see. There was a serious lack of effort, as was the case with Big Sam in his last six months in charge once they knew he was going.
If, three years ago, someone had offered me the squad we have now I'd have bitten their hand off. But in truth, we have an aging defence and the lack of real investment (as shown by our net spend) has left us lagging behind other, comparable teams.
These are teams that we should be more than competing with, but instead we are currently looking up at. This is hardly "the next level"...
To compete with the 'big clubs' we were informed that we must sell Upton Park and move - that's what they said. And as someone who doesn't expect instant success, I'd buy into what I was sold, but this is far from the dream.
So I put it to Mr Gold, Mr Sullivan and Lady Brady - you haven't delivered on so many levels, so in the words of Lord Sugar:"YOU'RE FIRED!"
I don't trust you! I don't believe in your lies! Lie after lie after lie... broken promises galore... you can call yourself fans, but no fan of this club would have delivered to us what you have! You'll never really care like what we do. FACT!
Terrence Brown and those before you never promised the earth, so we didn't expect it. But the constant rubbish you have fed us has now taken its toll!
I can't even motivate myself to come to watch. I don't want to watch the club I love any more, in a stadium David Sullivan claimed 95 per cent of us are happy in! You don't know or respect your fans customers and you don't want to, either!
And if your statement of intent regarding moving us to "the next level" is Mr David Moyes, then you're even worse than I thought you could be.
Now, not everyone will agree with this but it's all about opinions - and this is mine! Anyway, rant over. I must now go and look for the heart and soul you have ripped out of me.
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.
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THE LIVERPOOL DEFEAT: WILL IT BE ANOTHER TURNING POINT?
By rapidhammer 13 Nov 2017 at 08:00
WTID
The Liverpool game was my first "live game" in London this season. Together with three friends we had planned to spend a weekend in London at the beginning of November and watch those boys in claret & blue under the lights on Saturday evening. And maybe, well maybe, we were going to be entertained by our Austrian "hero" Marko Arnautovic. However, as we now know, we witnessed another disappointing game – the last one of manager Slaven Bilic in charge of the Irons. Have we witnessed a turning point in West Ham's fortune too?
The trip from Vienna could not have started better. British Airways had us sitting almost three hours in the plane on the runway before we were able to take off for London Heathrow. We were told about heavy fog in west London this morning, but I was sure: if it hadn't been West Ham we would have been there in time …
The weekend was going to start with a concert of blues legend John Mayall on Friday. On the Sunday we wanted to join a service at Holy Trinity Brompton. And on Saturday we thought we were going to be entertained at the London Stadium by West Ham United. Well, John Mayall at Cadogan Hall in South Kensington really was an inspiration. The 84 year old radiated positive mood playing his rhythm'n'blues and one really could feel the joy he takes from standing on stage in front of his audience and playing together with the musicians in his band.
What a contrast to this evening the atmosphere one day later in the London Stadium was! We had been slightly optimistic before the game, thought it would be "so West Ham" to beat the Reds against all odds to kick-start this Premier League season at last. We also tried not to let the sad impressions from the detour we had made on the way to Stratford stand in our way: having decided not to travel directly to the ground from central London, we got to Upton Park to catch a glimpse of the current state of the site that had been the Boleyn Ground. Afterwards we would take the bus 104 from the Boleyn to Stratford.
It was a very strange view when we walked down Green Street from Upton Park station, coming across just a huge heap of excavated earth where the West Stand had towered over the car park only a year ago. There still stands one post painted in claret where in former times the impressive landmark of the John Lyall Gates had been. The narrow Castle Street behind the former Bobby Moore Stand now looks like a wide but deserted avenue, and with Ken's Café closed and the Boleyn Pub far from overcrowded it almost seemed as if there never had been that theatre where Bubbles were blown and dreams been dreamt to be fulfilled or shattered with the final whistle …
Nevertheless the Catholic Church of Our Lady of Compassion, the numerous barbershops and Queen's Market are still there, and the World Cup sculpture is in its place at the junction of Barking Road and Green Street – where in my opinion it should remain, in commemoration of West Ham United's history at the Boleyn Ground, and not be moved to Stratford. The Champions Place in front of the London Stadium deserves to get a new statue, as new Wembley has got a Bobby Moore sculpture of its own.
Well, at Stratford there was no church but a group of singers seeking to evangelize by performing songs in the street. And we couldn't have a pint in an overcrowded pub like the Boleyn or the Queens where you can hardly understand a word talking to your fellow supporters about the upcoming game. Instead of this we got us a treat and a tea at the quiet Caffé Concerto, sitting table to table with Markus Weinzierl, the former Schalke 04 manager. Just some hours later we learned that he had not been the only manager sniffing around West Ham seeking a new job this evening. Then we managed to book a table at Jamie's Italian for dinner after the game and then we headed for the ground.
The atmosphere was slightly optimistic, as I said before, and "Bubbles" rang out like always when the players graced the pitch (without Austrian Marko Arnautovic in the starting IX, as expected). Remembrance Day celebrations were impressive and created a festive atmosphere, but from the start of the game West Ham seemed to be very nervous and lacking confidence and the players hardly were able to string some passes together. Compared to John Mayall's spirit the evening before, West Ham's attitude seemed quite uninspired and everybody was wary of making mistakes. The Irons' continual backward passing instead of making quick runs and troubling Liverpool's defence left us and our fellow supporters at growing unease, and after the Irons' first good chance had been spoilt, minutes later a West Ham corner resulted in a fast counter attack and Liverpool scored. That felt "so West Ham" in a negative way. Then Liverpool got a corner and scored again, just 3 minutes after their first goal.
"The natural state of the football fan is bitter disappointment, no matter what the score," the famous quote from "Fever Pitch" says. But in modern times it seems that being disappointed much too quickly leads to turn one's back on the team. When Liverpool had scored, a lad in front of us in motorbike clothes seized his helmet and left his seat with immediate effect. He wasn't seen on the terraces again.
During the interval we moaned about the "cheap goals" and the drama of two corners, and we wondered if Arnautovic would be given a chance to come on in the second half. But first it was Andy Carroll who Slaven Bilic chose to lead the line together with Chicharito. And things livened up from the start, the crowd got involved a little more, and with Manuel Lanzini's goal the London Stadium became a noisy place and hope rose from the terraces. But only to get slammed in the face just a minute later with Liverpool's next cheap goal!
With Liverpool having restored their two goal lead and the score 1-3, Mark Noble came off and Arnautovic got the nod. He showed some good moves immediately and seemed to try to bring West Ham back in the game, but it didn't take long and he disappeared for the rest of the match. Finally bringing Sakho 20 minutes from time just seemed a last desperate act from the manager whose time was over for sure with this defeat. In the 75th minute Liverpool's 4-1 rang the final signal for West Ham's supporters to leave their seats and let poor Slaven and his squad almost walk alone for the rest of the game, much in contrary to Liverpool's away support celebrating their win by singing a song with this title.
Usually I say that I like the English kind of support which is much more spontaneous and depending on the events on the pitch than the support from the European "Ultras" (as Rapid Vienna's "Block West") whose support is performed throughout the whole game almost no matter what the score. But this time there was almost no spontaneous cheering or singing, the atmosphere in the stadium was quite lifeless most of the time and it seemed the fans had come to the conclusion that this team was not worth being cheered on with "We're West Ham's claret and blue army". They could have needed some permanent ultra-like support, but instead of this the white spots on the terraces got bigger and bigger with the supporters heading for the exits.
My thoughts went back to the old Boleyn Ground: there have been dire games and pathetic performances which I have witnessed at Upton Park too, but I hardly remember such a melancholic and sad atmosphere after a West Ham loss at Upton Park. With the current state of the site in mind which was West Ham's former ground and the empty seats of the current stadium, this trip to London was quite a depressing one as far as football was concerned.
But as always I'm trying to take some positives from my memories and I told my friends at Jamie Oliver's afterwards that I remember having witnessed another 1-4 defeat more than a decade ago which proved to be a turning point and the beginning of a very successful time for my home town club Rapid Vienna. I had been on the terraces together with my son that game, having taken him to his first game at our home ground. Rapid Vienna lost 1-4, and this also became the last game at home before their manager was sacked.
When I looked up that result on the internet it was quite baffling that the name of Bilic appeared alongside the score. Well, of course it wasn't Slaven playing for Rapid but his fellow Croatian Mate Bilic, but the departure of the then manager shortly after this defeat lead to the appointment of Rapid's most successful coach within the last decade. With Peter Pacult at the helm Rapid Vienna was able to win the Austrian Bundesliga and to qualify several times for the Europa League, twice eliminating Aston Villa in the process.
Therefore I think that this 1-4 will also be a turning point for West Ham, as it was for Rapid Vienna 11 years ago. Though David Moyes wouldn't have been my choice as West Ham's new manager things can only get better now, and when I will be back to London in four weeks time for the Chelsea game I will watch a different team, that's for sure, I think!
Hopefully a team showing the commitment and spirit that makes them worth to be cheered on again by the brilliant support I know from former games! Let's hope the new manager (and the future results) are going to instill some confidence and the players find a new way of playing together in a positive way instead of nervously passing backward again and again.
Going back to the example of John Mayall, whose inspiring concert we enjoyed so much more this weekend than the poor performance the trip had been planned around: Let's hope there will be a radiation of positive mood around the London Stadium instead of the negativity that has been produced from the beginning of this season. Mayall's first gold album in 1969 was called "The Turning Point". Let's hope the 1-4 against Liverpool will also have been a turning point with respect to West Ham – something this season is in desperate need of.
There is a German proverb which says, "Hope is the last to die." This proverb goes with the "West Ham way", always blowing bubbles, pretty bubbles in the air. See you in December, reaching for the sky!
Come on you Irons!
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West Ham defender sparks January transfer battle in Italy with agent naming his low asking price
Juventus, AC Milan and Napoli are all keen on a move for the defender in January
Football London
ByRob Guest
07:00, 13 NOV 2017
West Ham left-back Arthur Masuaku could be on the move in January with four Serie A clubs interested in his signature. Napoli are believed to have serious interest in the 24-year-old, while Juventus, AC Milan and Genoa are also keeping tabs on his form for the Hammers. Francesco Lingenti, the player's agent, has targeted a move to Italy for the defender after his previous attempts of a move to Serie A three years ago fell through after a move looked likely. With interest in the player, Lingenti believes West Ham could cash in on him for between €9-10million once the transfer window reopens at the turn of the year. Lingenti, speaking to CalcioNapoli24.it, said: "I offered Arthur to (Napoli director of sport Cristiano) Giuntoli three years ago, then two years ago and now he has probably got the idea… along with Juventus, Genoa and Milan. "Of course there have been talks. The player is being watched very carefully by a few clubs, including Napoli. "We almost signed for Genoa three years ago, then Olympiakos created problems and the deal fell through. Juventus were the first side to send scouts for him four years ago, when he was at Valenciennes in Ligue 1. "Serie A is our objective and hopefully he'll be there in January. For now, Juventus, Napoli and Genoa are in the lead. However, he'd only go to Juventus if the Bianconeri sold Alex Sandro. "Giuntoli has always liked him. I don't know if he would be brought in to pave the way for Ghoulam's exit, but he would certainly be a luxury alternative to have. "West Ham's asking price is around €9-10m, as they paid €7m to get him from Olympiakos in 2016."
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West Ham confirm the first additions to David Moyes' staff as Stuart Pearce returns to the club
JACK ROSSER
ES Sport
West Ham have announced the appointment of David Moyes' first three assistants since most of backroom staff was cleared out in the wake of Slaven Bilic's sacking. Moyes was appointed following Monday's sacking of Bilic off the back of a 4-1 defeat to Liverpool and all but one of the Croatian's staff were also dismissed. Former West Ham and England defender Stuart Pearce has made a return to the club in a coaching role, having managed Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and England U21s in the past.Alan Irvine, who has worked with Moyes in the past and has been working at the club throughout the week, will also join the staff and says he is looking forward to working for a club like West Ham. "I'm delighted to be given this opportunity and am really looking forward to the challenge ahead," he told the club's site. "I obviously know David well from our time together at Preston and Everton, and it was certainly a big attraction to work with him again, as was the thought of coming to a club like West Ham."
The Hammers also announced the intention to bring in Billy McKinlay from his role at Sunderland, who have confirmed that the 48-year-old will be moving to east London.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
David Moyes has confirmed the appointment of Alan Irvine and Stuart Pearce as his assistants at West Ham United. The manager also hopes to confirm the appointment of Billy McKinlay – currently in a caretaker role at Sunderland – as a third assistant in the coming days. Irvine will be reunited with fellow Scot Moyes, whom he has previously worked with at both Preston North End and Everton. The 59-year-old Glaswegian has managerial experience of his own, having taken the reins at Preston, Sheffield Wednesday and West Bromwich Albion and was most recently at Norwich City, where he served as assistant manager to Alex Neil. "I'm delighted to be given this opportunity and am really looking forward to the challenge ahead," said Irvine, who has been assisting Moyes throughout his first week in charge. "I obviously know David well from our time together at Preston and Everton, and it was certainly a big attraction to work with him again, as was the thought of coming to a club like West Ham. "This is the sixth job I have been offered since leaving Norwich at the end of last season – some of which were very attractive - but it's the first one that has persuaded me to accept, so I hope that says a lot about how excited I am to be here. "The prospect of working in the Premier League, at a great club, and alongside David, meant that it was an opportunity I couldn't resist, and I hope that I can now make a positive contribution."
Former Manchester City and Nottingham Forest manager Pearce returns to the Hammers 16 years after a playing spell which saw him turn out 50 times in claret and blue. "I'm really looking forward to coming in and getting involved," said Pearce, who will join up with Moyes and the playing squad at Rush Green on Monday.
"The opportunity to work with David Moyes, who I have respected greatly over the years, was a big factor, as was having previously played for the club. "It's been many years since I was there for a couple of seasons, but I really enjoyed my time. The West Ham fans were fantastic to me and I'm looking forward to coming back. "It's tough times at the moment but it's a fantastic opportunity for me. I'm really excited by the challenge."
55-year-old Pearce won 78 England caps in a glittering playing career which saw him win two League Cups during a lengthy spell at Nottingham Forest along with appearing for England at three major championships. Following his time at the Boleyn Ground, Pearce's final club as a player was Manchester City, where he later took over the managerial reins in 2005. A successful seven-year period in charge of England's U21s followed, where he took the team to the 2009 UEFA U21 Championship final, with Mark Noble as captain. He also took charge of the Great Britain side at the 2012 London Olympic Games, and returned to club management for a year-long spell at Nottingham Forest in 2014. Former Dundee United, Blackburn and Leicester midfielder McKinlay, 48, worked with Moyes at both Real Sociedad and Sunderland, where he has recently been helping out on a temporary basis alongside another former Hammer, Robbie Stockdale.
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Six things you probably didn't know about Stuart Pearce
WHUFC.com
Stuart Pearce may have only just joined the Club as one of David Moyes' backroom staff, but he is far from an unkown quantity in east London. The former Hammer's no-nonsense approach endeared him to the West Ham faithful and he'll be hoping to add a new chapter to his journey with the Hammers as he takes on his new role. Here are six things that you may not have known about the Londoner affectionately known as 'Psycho'…
He started from the bottom
It might be more common to come through a club's academy and into their first team these days, but as a youngster, Pearce found his way into the professional game via the non-league route. The left-back played over 100 games for Wealdstone before joining Coventry City in the Football League.
A career elsewhere?
During his early days with Nottingham Forest, Pearce clearly thought his career in football was not for the long-haul when he took out ad-space in the matchday programme to advertise his services as an electrician! The defender would go on to make over 400 appearances for Forest, scoring more than 60 goals and winning the League Cup twice.
He was a Hammer in Europe
Stuart Pearce was part of the West Ham side that won the Intertoto Cup in 1999 and as a result, the Hammers qualified for the UEFA Cup (now known as the Europa League) through this competition.
He hasn't lost his legs...
At the tender age of just 53, Pearce made his league debut for Gloucestershire non-league side Longford after signing a one-match contract, despite retiring 13 years prior. Longford were labelled 'the worst side in the United Kingdom' having lost every single match during the 2015/16 season up to the point of Pearce's signing, conceding 179 goals in the process. Pearce stepped in to play for the side in order to bring some publicity to the grassroots level of football.
Psycho!
Pearce made 78 appearances for England, scoring five times, but is best remembered as a passionate wearer of the shirt from the above legendary picture. Screaming after scoring a penalty against Spain in Euro '96 – having missed a crucial spot-kick against West Germany in Italia '90 – it signified one of the great redemption stories of modern international football.
History with Hammers
As manager of the England U21 team, Pearce made West Ham legend Mark Noble captain of his outfit for the 2009 U21 European Championship. His team, led by the skipper, reached the final but were eventually beaten 4-0 by Germany. Psycho also signed and handed current West Ham No1 Joe Hart his Manchester City debut in 2006 while manager City.
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Pearce: We need to build togetherness
WHUFC.com
New West Ham United assistant Stuart Pearce says squad unity will be key to the Hammers climbing the table as he gets to work as part of manager David Moyes' coaching team. Pearce, 55, spent two years with the Hammers as a player and will now bring a wealth of coaching experience gained from spells in charge of Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and England U21s to his new role. West Ham's first game under Moyes' management comes at Watford on Sunday and Pearce is keen to hit the ground running. He said: "David [Moyes] is acutely aware – as we all are – of exactly where the club are at this moment in time. "It's not going to be easy, no one is expecting it to be, because the stakes are very high in the Premier League, but I think with the staff here and the squad of players, we have a great chance. "The main thing is to enhance the togetherness at the club. I've watched West Ham a lot from the outside, because it's one of my former clubs, I probably keep a closer eye on things. "I've seen a lot of them this season – I covered the Tottenham game at Wembley and the Liverpool game last week, and it is clear that everyone needs galvanizing. "Confidence has been dented and that is part of the task, to get that back on track. We need to find that togetherness again and the players are the most powerful ones of all in showing that."
Pearce's return to the training field comes nearly three years after his time as manager at Nottingham Forest came to an end and he said a return to a Premier League club was too good an opportunity to turn down. He added: "I've been doing one day a week this season at Portsmouth, helping out Kenny Jackett, who is a good friend, and I guess that has probably sparked my excitement again in regards to coaching. "The media work has been good for me, but I really feel that I've got something to offer the coaching set-up here. "It's an opportunity to work in the Premier League again, with a good squad of players – it was too good to turn down."
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Seven things you may not have known about Alan Irvine
WHUFC.com
On Sunday evening, West Ham United announced the appointment of two coaches to work alongside new manager David Moyes. We take a look at the career of former winger Alan Irvine and pick out eight facts you may not have known about the Scot…
Alan Irvine had a 15-year playing career
Former winger Irvine played over 300 games for the likes of Queens Park, Everton, Crystal Palace, Dundee United and Crystal Palace. He scored more than 30 goals with his most prolific spell coming at Selhurst Park for Palace.
As a coach, he's worked with ten different clubs
West Ham will be Irvine's eleventh club as a coach. His coaching career spans the length and breadth of the United Kingdom, from Blackburn Rovers to Norwich City. His vast experience across all levels of football means he should be a trusty sidekick for new boss David Moyes.
Irvine took Preston North End from relegation candidates to play-off contenders
As Preston boss from 2007–2009, Irvine took the club from the basement of the Championship table to a play-off place in just one and a half campaigns in charge. Eventually, the Glaswegian's team fell just short to Sheffield United after losing 2-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals.
Irvine has worked with a current Hammer before
During his time at Preston, Alan Irvine took a young Andy Carroll on loan from Newcastle United. Carroll played eleven games for the Lancashire side before returning to his parent club. While on loan at Deepdale, Carroll scored his first professional league goal – against Leicester City.
High praise from an Irish icon
Irvine has received praise from a number highly respected figures in the game but perhaps the strongest endorsement of his coaching ability came from Republic of Ireland international and Premier League winner Damien Duff. Alan Irvine is described by Duff – alongside Brian Kerr – as the most important coach of his career.
He likes to work with young players
Under Moyes, Irvine was appointed director of the Everton academy in 2011 where he helped bring through players such as Ross Barkley and Seamus Coleman into the first team. Hammers fans will now be hoping the Scot can help in the process of bringing through the next generation from the Academy of Football.
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U23s in London Stadium action this Friday - free tickets for STH and Members
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Under-23s take on Derby County at London Stadium on Friday evening, with Season Ticket Holders and Claret Members able to book their FREE tickets now! The Hammers are in superb form, having won four and lost only one of their last six games, and you can be at London Stadium to see the future of the Hammers in action. As Terry Westley's side prepare for their second London Stadium game of the season - the first was a fantastic 4-2 win over Manchester United - supporters can pick up their tickets now. Please note that all tickets must be booked in advance.
Book tickets now
Season Ticket Holders can book tickets for free, while adult tickets are priced at £5 and concessions £3
All Ttckets must be purchased in advance and are subject to availability.
All tickets purchased online will be issued as e-tickets and you can also book tickets by calling on the phone on 0333 030 1966 or in person.
Access Cards will NOT be in use for this match.
Due to a limited capacity to this match, we cannot guarantee seats will be available on the day. Should the match sell out in advance, this will be announced on www.whufc.com and eticketing.co.uk/whufc
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Antonio: I see positive things under Moyes
WHUFC.com
"Things are going to go well" under David Moyes, according to West Ham United forward Michail Antonio. The 27-year-old, although currently out with a rib injury, has witnessed the Scottish manager's immediate impact in east London and has a positive feeling. Moyes was appointed the Hammers boss last Tuesday morning and took his first training session at Rush Green later that day. On Wednesday, the former Everton and Manchester United boss conducted a double session and Antonio believes he has already made a great impression on the squad. "Obviously I have not been able to train under him but right now, things are looking good," last season's top scorer said. "He's come in and things have been quite intense. Everything's quite different. He's out there, he's standing with the boys, he's taking training himself and he's very involved. "I see positive things. I feel like things are going to go well under him."
West Ham return to action on Sunday when they travel to Vicarage Road to face Watford following a fortnight without a match due to the international break. And Antonio is confident that, under Moyes, the side's league position is sure to improve. "With the squad that we have, we definitely shouldn't be in the situation that we are in. "With a bit of structure and more belief and confidence, we will definitely be going up the league."
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Just One Thing: Marlon Harewood on West Ham's play-off drama
WHUFC.com
When it comes to West Ham United's play-off drama, Marlon Harewood is well-placed to talk of the highs and the lows which come with the Football League's end-of-season promotion shootout. Harewood was involved in both the Hammers' play-off campaigns from the Championship in the 2003/04 and 2004/05 seasons, and we caught up with him to discuss his experience, which ended with glory against Preston North End at Cardiff in 2005. He said: "Play-off games are more hyped, more exciting and once you're there you want to win it. "That night against Ipswich [the 2004 semi-final], the fans were amazing and I can remember it like it was yesterday. Everyone was roaring, the atmosphere afterwards was really good and Matty Etherington's goal was indescribable. "It was a happier ending in 2005. I scored against Ipswich, who we had again in the semi-finals, and it was a great feeling. "We knew were going to get promoted against Preston in the final, because the atmosphere around the lads was 'we're not going to let this go again'."
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I feel pride in Ladies team despite Coventry defeat – De Carnys
WHUFC.com
Greg de Carnys admits his Ladies side just weren't on the same level as Coventry United but is proud of how they performed in their 2-1 defeat on Sunday. Despite taking the lead midway through the first half thanks to Zoe Swift's goal, the Irons fell to a disappointing defeat at Butts Park Arena as goals either side of the interval secured the victory for Coventry. Manager de Carnys can see that his side just fell short of besting Coventry during Sunday's match but is nonetheless content with the spirit of the performance and can take positives from his team's effort. "We went into the game feeling like we could get something from it," de Carnys told whufc.com. "There is a lot of belief in the dressing room. On the day though we just weren't quite as good as Coventry and that was reflected in the scoreline. "It was a tight game and that shows how far we've come. The fact we are disappointed shows we know we can look up rather than down. I can't fault the work rate the girls showed. It stands us in good stead if that's your minimum. We work hard and we try to work our way into these games. "It was a very difficult pitch to play football on. We've got players that like to move the ball and this was a tough challenge for them. The result hasn't gone our way but there were a lot of positives."
The result marks the second time this campaign that the West Ham Ladies have fallen to a 2-1 defeat against Coventry, with de Carnys particularly unhappy with the context of the loss at Rush Green. However, the manager is proud of how his side learned from the previous game and cannot find fault with what his Ladies did on the pitch on Sunday. De Carnys continued: "We prepared a game plan for this match, having played Coventry not long ago, and I think the girls stuck to it excellently for large portions of the game. I don't think I can fault the girls in terms of taking on board the information and executing the game plan well. "Ultimately though it will always come down to those moments of quality as well. Coventry are a real handful and they punished us on a couple of occasions. They are an experienced team that are doing well in the league."
Coventry's first finish came from the penalty spot, a decision which appeared contentious in the immediate aftermath. De Carnys, however, believes his defence can continue to learn from such situations and must use Sunday's example as another stepping stone. When asked about the penalty de Carnys added: "My initial reaction was we had just got caught out. If you switch off for a second against a team that's bright in the final third you're going to get caught. If you're the wrong side of someone you're taking a risk if you try and go to ground. "A few people have said they didn't think it was a penalty but I still think we can learn from a situation like that."
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David Moyes names West Ham assistant coaches, including former player Stuart Pearce
BBc.co.uk
West Ham United boss David Moyes has added former England Under-21 boss Stuart Pearce, Alan Irvine and Billy McKinlay as his assistant coaches. McKinlay's appointment impacts on Moyes' old club Sunderland, as the 48-year-old was joint caretaker boss following Simon Grayson's departure. Pearce, 55, had two years with the Hammers as a player while Irvine, 59, was with Moyes at Preston and Everton. Moyes was named as Slaven Bilic's successor at West Ham last week. "I'm really looking forward to coming in and getting involved," Pearce told the club website. "The opportunity to work with David Moyes, who I have respected greatly over the years, was a big factor, as was having previously played for the club."
Sunderland are bottom of the Championship, without a win in 13 games and have now lost one of two caretaker bosses currently leading the first team. McKinlay, who was brought to Wearside by Moyes during his time in charge, and Robbie Stockdale took their first game as the Black Cats interim coaching team in the 1-0 defeat by Middlesbrough before the international break. However the Scot's departure to London Stadium means Stockdale alone will be in charge for Saturday's visit of Millwall to the Stadium of Light. "The club would like to thank Billy for his efforts during his time on Wearside," Sunderland said in a statement. "Robbie Stockdale will continue as the club's caretaker manager when the squad returns to training on Monday. "A further announcement will be made in due course."
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Trevor Sinclair in drink-drive arrest
BBc.co.uk
BBC pundit and former England footballer Trevor Sinclair has been arrested on suspicion of drink-driving, common assault and criminal damage. The 44-year-old was arrested after a woman was hit by a car, suffering minor injuries. Lancashire Police said officers responded at 20:45 GMT on Sunday to a disturbance at a home on Victory Boulevard in Lytham. It said a man had already left the property in a car. A force spokesman added: "A short time later, officers found the vehicle which had been involved in a collision with a woman pedestrian on Clifton Drive. She received minor injuries. "The driver, a 44-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of drink driving, common assault and criminal damage. "He is currently in custody." The London-born winger, who grew up in Manchester, played 12 times for England including four caps in the 2002 World Cup. His clubs included Blackpool, QPR, West Ham, Cardiff and Manchester City.
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BILIC, THE BOARD AND MOYES
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 12 NOVEMBER 2017 AT 9:41PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Malcolm Atkins – @malatk
There has been lots written and said about recent events at the club, having had a chance to mull it all over I thought I would have a go at putting my thoughts together, looking at Bilic and his departure, the board's handling of things and the arrival of David Moyes .
I have long been a critic of Slaven Bilic and called for his departure. I have been shocked at the fans reaction to him and his leaving. While I don't believe he deserves abuse I am at a loss to understand people saying they are sad to see him go. The performances have been shocking; the most depressing thing for me was sitting at the Liverpool game watching the team be thrashed at home in an abject performance while the fans sat not in anger or disbelief but resigned acceptance, we were expecting it. I never thought I would see a West Ham crowd react so tamely to such a performance and that spoke volume about where had fallen to.
"He's a nice bloke" – He may well be but that does not mean he should of kept the job. "he's West Ham legend!" – No, he isn't. When Billy Bonds left the manager's job I thought it was handled badly but I didn't think management was for him, I felt sad because Billy Bonds IS a West Ham legend; 663 appearances over 21 years, Captain and Icon – I was gutted for him.
Slaven Bilic turned up in 1996, played really well at Centre Back, he had a clause saying he could talk to clubs if a bid hit 4 million quid, Spurs made a bid but the clause only said he could talk to them not he had to be sold, Redknapp held firm and he stayed before moving on to "bigger club" Everton for 4.5 million after 18 months and 47 games – To put that in context Mo Diame got slated for wanting a move and played 71 games.
"Slaven Bilic enjoyed a great first season" Well yes there were some high points and the final game at the Boleyn will live long in the memory, but with Payet in World Class form and a squad flying I honestly view that season as a missed opportunity. Despite the fine performances there were some defensive horrors and a failure to gain the expected points against some of the lesser lights. I honestly believe we should have been top six and had a real chance to break the top four.
Since then 14 wins from 49 premier league games tells only part of how poor we have been, I am so pleased Slaven Bilic is no longer West Ham Manager, I do not feel sorry for him, he got it badly wrong and earned seven and a half million quid for doing so. His biggest failing of all was in his inability to surround himself with a competent coaching team resulting in an unfit disorganised squad, and I cannot think of one single player who has improved under Bilic.
However, despite being one who has often defended the board, they have made a total mess of the whole Bilic situation. They should have replaced him in the summer but having failed to do so they should have got behind him. It has been clear for ages they have had reservations and they left him as a lame duck manager, it cannot have been about money, a few league places would cover the compensation, they have dithered and hesitated and let the club drift, they fired him after losing at home to Liverpool but let him carry on after losing at home to Brighton, Karen Brady's piece in the Sun was uncalled for and if what she is saying is true only highlights the Board's incompetence in leaving him in post.
Now David Moyes, I am not upset about his appointment per se but the board have appointed him almost with an apology, it is just for six months, he was available, he was good at Everton, hardly a ringing endorsement. I also worry that they have hired a guy who is suited to applying long term methods around training and organisation for a short term fix. Getting this team fit mid-season will be some challenge. However the early signs have been encouraging and I really hope he can turn things round. Right now survival will do, even though this squad are capable of much more.
My concern though is that the soap opera will continue. IF David Moyes can steer us away from trouble then we are still heading for months of speculation. There is a clear narrative that he is a short term appointment while we seek the "big name" we want. If we finish 14th – 17th then that all goes nicely, he kept us up, no fireworks, let's see who we can get, of course if we cannot attract a top name and keep Moyes we would then look foolish. What if he does better though 11th – 14th from the current position would be decent and maybe deserving of more time, certainly the "big name would have to be pushing top 8 to justify the big wages he would get compared to Moyes. If we finish 7th – 10th and/or have a decent cup run, or dare I say win one, and then surely Moyes has to stay – unless we are signing a manager and expecting a champion's league challenge! Having made a managerial change we can still expect this level of speculation over the coming months.
I do believe though that David Moyes will prove a significant upgrade and may have got really lucky because this squad, including the highly promising youngsters, has the potential to do so much better, with a bit of momentum, a bit of feel good factor, a bit of luck and a couple of signings Moyes could end up looking really good here. Get the defence organised and the fitness level up and we have potential going forward; Carroll, Chicarito, Arnautovic, Antonio, Kouyate, Noble, Obiang, Lanzini, Sakho, Obiang are all capable of playing at a higher level than they have this season while Rice, Holland, Martinez and Haksabanovic are all highly promising.
So now we await the end of the boring international break and the beginning of the next chapter. David Moyes may not be the most exciting appointment but I hope he is here for years, because that means he will have turned it around
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No truth in Serie A rumours, insists Masuaku
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 13th November 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham defender Arthur Masuaku has distanced himself from a report by someone claiming to be his Italian representative. On Sunday a report appeared in the Italian media in which agent Francesco Lingenti claimed he had already undergone talks with Napoli regarding a potential January move for the 24-year-old French defender. "I offered Arthur to Cristiano Giuntoli [of Napoli] three years ago, then two years ago," said Lingenti, according to CalcioNapoli24. "Now he has probably got the idea - along with Juventus, Genoa and Milan. "Of course there have been talks. The player is being watched very carefully by a few clubs, including Napoli. Serie A is our objective and hopefully he'll be there in January. "For now, Juventus, Napoli and Genoa are in the lead. However, he'd only go to Juventus if the Bianconeri sold Alex Sandro. Giuntoli has always liked him. West Ham's asking price is around €9-10m, as they paid €7m to get him from Olympiakos in 2016."
However Masuaku has since taken to social media in order to rubbish the reports, claiming that he had never met - or heard of - Mr Lingenti, who was claiming to be acting on his behalf. "In order to avoid any misunderstandings i'd like to stress out that neither me or my agent (Panos Galariotis) know Mr. from Italy," wrote the West Ham full back. "So everything that is published is completely false. "I'm only focused on helping my team achieve its goals," he added. Masuaku, who holds dual French and Congolese nationality moved to West Ham in August 2016, having signed from Greek outfit Olympiakos for €7million, after Genoa had a €4million bid rejected.
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Antonio enthused by Moyes effect
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 13th November 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham winger Michail Antonio believes David Moyes had made an impressive start in his new role. The 27-year-old has been unable to take part in the Scot's initial training sessions due to a rib injury, but believes the 54-year-old Scot will have a positive effect on a failing squad. "He's come in and things have been quite intense," Antonio told whufc.com. "Everything's quite different. "He's out there, he's standing with the boys, he's taking training himself and he's very involved. I see positive things. I feel like things are going to go well under him. "With the squad that we have, we definitely shouldn't be in the situation that we are in. With a bit more belief and confidence, we will definitely be going up the league."
Speaking at the weekend, Moyes insisted that everybody would be given the opportunity to shine - regardless of the condition of their relationship with his predecessor, Slaven Bilic. "It's a clean slate for the entire squad," he said. "It will obviously take time for the players to fully understand our style and methods but the initial signs are very encouraging – they've bought into what we are trying to do and that's a good base for us to build on. "Everybody will get their opportunity to impress us and there have certainly been no decisions made about individuals. There's a lot of quality here and I'm confident the players will all bring something different to the table."
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I feel cheated
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 10th November 2017
By: Ian Morgan
As a fan who has been going to West Ham since the early '90s, I'm not new to seeing a poor side that's lacking belief, fight or passion. I've seen the previous relegation fights and struggles.
But added to all of that was a enjoyable experience in the Championship and a couple of decent seasons under Big Sam. Also the fifth place finish and the flair of that Harry Redknapp team. The promotion side in the Billy Bonds era. And of course the final season at the old place!
But now, I feel that the heart has truly been ripped out of our club.
I wasn't expecting instant success but we have been fed a string of lies. Getting us to accept that leaving our home of more than 100 years was what we needed, it now seems a bitter pill to swallow.
So, January 2010. Gold and Sullivan purchased the majority sharehold in the club, and brought along with them Karren Brady. Everyone was jumping from the rafters, the club saved from the rack and ruin of the Icelandic bank disaster.
Their first priority was to take over the Olympic Stadium and move us out of Upton Park and onto the infamous 'next level'. A year later and relegation under Avram Grant, when it was there for all to see - he was no longer the man to 'keep us up' and still they didn't act.....so, relegation.
Nonetheless, we accepted our fate and rebuilt in the Championship under Big Sam. With the deal for our move to Stratford now rubber-stamped, the process began of convincing the fans.
No vote allowed, but we were told we would take up residence for the beginning of the 2016/17 season. Fans forums galore and the promise of a home that we would leave us "in no doubt was the true home of West Ham United".
Images and drapes of former players and the glory days gone by. The statue of our three World Cup winners! We were even going to have 'claret and blue' seats.....what a future it looked!
Instead, the truth. Wven on the eve of our final home game at Upton Park, the talks had started with our MARQUEE £40 million, 20 goal a season striker. Yet, somehow the 'marquee striker' turned out to be a Millets pop-up tent.
So, in the form of Zaza, we had another of the famous loans with view to a permanent deal on our books. We were told "we have never seen David Sullivan work so hard in a window", then "we tried our best". They only used that one on us three times!
Anyway, the first game in our new 'home' and I couldn't help but be totally underwhelmed with what we have been delivered:
- No sign of the digital wrap
- No drapes of former players
- No statues
- No free wi-fi
- Barely any claret and blue seats
- Rubbish non-retractable seating
- And changing our badge to adopt the word 'London'
Plus:
- Scaffolding
- Concrete blocks
- Rows of empty white seats
- Black and claret tarpaulins
- Gaps behind the goal the size of the old Chicken Run
The Board show little, if any, respect to our former players. Many of whom now feel so unwelcome that they will not step foot inside the place. The players you have chosen as 'Club Ambassadors' hardly set the pulses racing.
"A place where you are left in no doubt that you have arrived at the home of West Ham United," is how the stadium was described by Karren Brady.
If that's what she thinks is fitting, then Lord Sugar should call her out on her own ability to deliver a product. He should be able to fit it in whilst slagging our club off and making a laughing stock of us to his BBC audience.
But still, you could forgive them the first season and put it down to the massive change, but what's to follow, for me, was the final straw.
We had three away games to start the season, when we were told West Ham United would be the 'main tenant' and that we would have PRIORITY when it came to our fixtures.
Any sign of what little identity we had in our 'home ground' was stripped for the Anniversary Games. In fact they couldn't even be bothered to put it back to how they found it when we left in May.
The Sir Trevor Brooking Stand's claret tarpaulin sign is still half covered in white, empty seats. We've been made to feel as welcome as the staff and stewards make you feel at the kiosks. And let's not get started on the Westfield security!
Moving on, there will be no home game on Boxing Day for the Hammers for the foreseeable future. Great!
Our recent visit to Wembley showed what can be achieved. Spurs have made the Wembley surroundings more like 'home' for just one season than we have done with our 99-year lease.
Their former heroes are at every game proudly wearing club ties and jackets. But it's ok, we have put up a tribute to the late great Bobby Moore - that should appease the 'customers', at least.
On to the squad and manager. If Slaven Bilic wasn't fit for purpose and they had question marks over his position going into his final season, why was he not replaced in the summer!?
The players all knew he has just the one year left, it's there for all to see. There was a serious lack of effort, as was the case with Big Sam in his last six months in charge once they knew he was going.
If, three years ago, someone had offered me the squad we have now I'd have bitten their hand off. But in truth, we have an aging defence and the lack of real investment (as shown by our net spend) has left us lagging behind other, comparable teams.
These are teams that we should be more than competing with, but instead we are currently looking up at. This is hardly "the next level"...
To compete with the 'big clubs' we were informed that we must sell Upton Park and move - that's what they said. And as someone who doesn't expect instant success, I'd buy into what I was sold, but this is far from the dream.
So I put it to Mr Gold, Mr Sullivan and Lady Brady - you haven't delivered on so many levels, so in the words of Lord Sugar:"YOU'RE FIRED!"
I don't trust you! I don't believe in your lies! Lie after lie after lie... broken promises galore... you can call yourself fans, but no fan of this club would have delivered to us what you have! You'll never really care like what we do. FACT!
Terrence Brown and those before you never promised the earth, so we didn't expect it. But the constant rubbish you have fed us has now taken its toll!
I can't even motivate myself to come to watch. I don't want to watch the club I love any more, in a stadium David Sullivan claimed 95 per cent of us are happy in! You don't know or respect your fans customers and you don't want to, either!
And if your statement of intent regarding moving us to "the next level" is Mr David Moyes, then you're even worse than I thought you could be.
Now, not everyone will agree with this but it's all about opinions - and this is mine! Anyway, rant over. I must now go and look for the heart and soul you have ripped out of me.
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.
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THE LIVERPOOL DEFEAT: WILL IT BE ANOTHER TURNING POINT?
By rapidhammer 13 Nov 2017 at 08:00
WTID
The Liverpool game was my first "live game" in London this season. Together with three friends we had planned to spend a weekend in London at the beginning of November and watch those boys in claret & blue under the lights on Saturday evening. And maybe, well maybe, we were going to be entertained by our Austrian "hero" Marko Arnautovic. However, as we now know, we witnessed another disappointing game – the last one of manager Slaven Bilic in charge of the Irons. Have we witnessed a turning point in West Ham's fortune too?
The trip from Vienna could not have started better. British Airways had us sitting almost three hours in the plane on the runway before we were able to take off for London Heathrow. We were told about heavy fog in west London this morning, but I was sure: if it hadn't been West Ham we would have been there in time …
The weekend was going to start with a concert of blues legend John Mayall on Friday. On the Sunday we wanted to join a service at Holy Trinity Brompton. And on Saturday we thought we were going to be entertained at the London Stadium by West Ham United. Well, John Mayall at Cadogan Hall in South Kensington really was an inspiration. The 84 year old radiated positive mood playing his rhythm'n'blues and one really could feel the joy he takes from standing on stage in front of his audience and playing together with the musicians in his band.
What a contrast to this evening the atmosphere one day later in the London Stadium was! We had been slightly optimistic before the game, thought it would be "so West Ham" to beat the Reds against all odds to kick-start this Premier League season at last. We also tried not to let the sad impressions from the detour we had made on the way to Stratford stand in our way: having decided not to travel directly to the ground from central London, we got to Upton Park to catch a glimpse of the current state of the site that had been the Boleyn Ground. Afterwards we would take the bus 104 from the Boleyn to Stratford.
It was a very strange view when we walked down Green Street from Upton Park station, coming across just a huge heap of excavated earth where the West Stand had towered over the car park only a year ago. There still stands one post painted in claret where in former times the impressive landmark of the John Lyall Gates had been. The narrow Castle Street behind the former Bobby Moore Stand now looks like a wide but deserted avenue, and with Ken's Café closed and the Boleyn Pub far from overcrowded it almost seemed as if there never had been that theatre where Bubbles were blown and dreams been dreamt to be fulfilled or shattered with the final whistle …
Nevertheless the Catholic Church of Our Lady of Compassion, the numerous barbershops and Queen's Market are still there, and the World Cup sculpture is in its place at the junction of Barking Road and Green Street – where in my opinion it should remain, in commemoration of West Ham United's history at the Boleyn Ground, and not be moved to Stratford. The Champions Place in front of the London Stadium deserves to get a new statue, as new Wembley has got a Bobby Moore sculpture of its own.
Well, at Stratford there was no church but a group of singers seeking to evangelize by performing songs in the street. And we couldn't have a pint in an overcrowded pub like the Boleyn or the Queens where you can hardly understand a word talking to your fellow supporters about the upcoming game. Instead of this we got us a treat and a tea at the quiet Caffé Concerto, sitting table to table with Markus Weinzierl, the former Schalke 04 manager. Just some hours later we learned that he had not been the only manager sniffing around West Ham seeking a new job this evening. Then we managed to book a table at Jamie's Italian for dinner after the game and then we headed for the ground.
The atmosphere was slightly optimistic, as I said before, and "Bubbles" rang out like always when the players graced the pitch (without Austrian Marko Arnautovic in the starting IX, as expected). Remembrance Day celebrations were impressive and created a festive atmosphere, but from the start of the game West Ham seemed to be very nervous and lacking confidence and the players hardly were able to string some passes together. Compared to John Mayall's spirit the evening before, West Ham's attitude seemed quite uninspired and everybody was wary of making mistakes. The Irons' continual backward passing instead of making quick runs and troubling Liverpool's defence left us and our fellow supporters at growing unease, and after the Irons' first good chance had been spoilt, minutes later a West Ham corner resulted in a fast counter attack and Liverpool scored. That felt "so West Ham" in a negative way. Then Liverpool got a corner and scored again, just 3 minutes after their first goal.
"The natural state of the football fan is bitter disappointment, no matter what the score," the famous quote from "Fever Pitch" says. But in modern times it seems that being disappointed much too quickly leads to turn one's back on the team. When Liverpool had scored, a lad in front of us in motorbike clothes seized his helmet and left his seat with immediate effect. He wasn't seen on the terraces again.
During the interval we moaned about the "cheap goals" and the drama of two corners, and we wondered if Arnautovic would be given a chance to come on in the second half. But first it was Andy Carroll who Slaven Bilic chose to lead the line together with Chicharito. And things livened up from the start, the crowd got involved a little more, and with Manuel Lanzini's goal the London Stadium became a noisy place and hope rose from the terraces. But only to get slammed in the face just a minute later with Liverpool's next cheap goal!
With Liverpool having restored their two goal lead and the score 1-3, Mark Noble came off and Arnautovic got the nod. He showed some good moves immediately and seemed to try to bring West Ham back in the game, but it didn't take long and he disappeared for the rest of the match. Finally bringing Sakho 20 minutes from time just seemed a last desperate act from the manager whose time was over for sure with this defeat. In the 75th minute Liverpool's 4-1 rang the final signal for West Ham's supporters to leave their seats and let poor Slaven and his squad almost walk alone for the rest of the game, much in contrary to Liverpool's away support celebrating their win by singing a song with this title.
Usually I say that I like the English kind of support which is much more spontaneous and depending on the events on the pitch than the support from the European "Ultras" (as Rapid Vienna's "Block West") whose support is performed throughout the whole game almost no matter what the score. But this time there was almost no spontaneous cheering or singing, the atmosphere in the stadium was quite lifeless most of the time and it seemed the fans had come to the conclusion that this team was not worth being cheered on with "We're West Ham's claret and blue army". They could have needed some permanent ultra-like support, but instead of this the white spots on the terraces got bigger and bigger with the supporters heading for the exits.
My thoughts went back to the old Boleyn Ground: there have been dire games and pathetic performances which I have witnessed at Upton Park too, but I hardly remember such a melancholic and sad atmosphere after a West Ham loss at Upton Park. With the current state of the site in mind which was West Ham's former ground and the empty seats of the current stadium, this trip to London was quite a depressing one as far as football was concerned.
But as always I'm trying to take some positives from my memories and I told my friends at Jamie Oliver's afterwards that I remember having witnessed another 1-4 defeat more than a decade ago which proved to be a turning point and the beginning of a very successful time for my home town club Rapid Vienna. I had been on the terraces together with my son that game, having taken him to his first game at our home ground. Rapid Vienna lost 1-4, and this also became the last game at home before their manager was sacked.
When I looked up that result on the internet it was quite baffling that the name of Bilic appeared alongside the score. Well, of course it wasn't Slaven playing for Rapid but his fellow Croatian Mate Bilic, but the departure of the then manager shortly after this defeat lead to the appointment of Rapid's most successful coach within the last decade. With Peter Pacult at the helm Rapid Vienna was able to win the Austrian Bundesliga and to qualify several times for the Europa League, twice eliminating Aston Villa in the process.
Therefore I think that this 1-4 will also be a turning point for West Ham, as it was for Rapid Vienna 11 years ago. Though David Moyes wouldn't have been my choice as West Ham's new manager things can only get better now, and when I will be back to London in four weeks time for the Chelsea game I will watch a different team, that's for sure, I think!
Hopefully a team showing the commitment and spirit that makes them worth to be cheered on again by the brilliant support I know from former games! Let's hope the new manager (and the future results) are going to instill some confidence and the players find a new way of playing together in a positive way instead of nervously passing backward again and again.
Going back to the example of John Mayall, whose inspiring concert we enjoyed so much more this weekend than the poor performance the trip had been planned around: Let's hope there will be a radiation of positive mood around the London Stadium instead of the negativity that has been produced from the beginning of this season. Mayall's first gold album in 1969 was called "The Turning Point". Let's hope the 1-4 against Liverpool will also have been a turning point with respect to West Ham – something this season is in desperate need of.
There is a German proverb which says, "Hope is the last to die." This proverb goes with the "West Ham way", always blowing bubbles, pretty bubbles in the air. See you in December, reaching for the sky!
Come on you Irons!
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West Ham defender sparks January transfer battle in Italy with agent naming his low asking price
Juventus, AC Milan and Napoli are all keen on a move for the defender in January
Football London
ByRob Guest
07:00, 13 NOV 2017
West Ham left-back Arthur Masuaku could be on the move in January with four Serie A clubs interested in his signature. Napoli are believed to have serious interest in the 24-year-old, while Juventus, AC Milan and Genoa are also keeping tabs on his form for the Hammers. Francesco Lingenti, the player's agent, has targeted a move to Italy for the defender after his previous attempts of a move to Serie A three years ago fell through after a move looked likely. With interest in the player, Lingenti believes West Ham could cash in on him for between €9-10million once the transfer window reopens at the turn of the year. Lingenti, speaking to CalcioNapoli24.it, said: "I offered Arthur to (Napoli director of sport Cristiano) Giuntoli three years ago, then two years ago and now he has probably got the idea… along with Juventus, Genoa and Milan. "Of course there have been talks. The player is being watched very carefully by a few clubs, including Napoli. "We almost signed for Genoa three years ago, then Olympiakos created problems and the deal fell through. Juventus were the first side to send scouts for him four years ago, when he was at Valenciennes in Ligue 1. "Serie A is our objective and hopefully he'll be there in January. For now, Juventus, Napoli and Genoa are in the lead. However, he'd only go to Juventus if the Bianconeri sold Alex Sandro. "Giuntoli has always liked him. I don't know if he would be brought in to pave the way for Ghoulam's exit, but he would certainly be a luxury alternative to have. "West Ham's asking price is around €9-10m, as they paid €7m to get him from Olympiakos in 2016."
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West Ham confirm the first additions to David Moyes' staff as Stuart Pearce returns to the club
JACK ROSSER
ES Sport
West Ham have announced the appointment of David Moyes' first three assistants since most of backroom staff was cleared out in the wake of Slaven Bilic's sacking. Moyes was appointed following Monday's sacking of Bilic off the back of a 4-1 defeat to Liverpool and all but one of the Croatian's staff were also dismissed. Former West Ham and England defender Stuart Pearce has made a return to the club in a coaching role, having managed Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and England U21s in the past.Alan Irvine, who has worked with Moyes in the past and has been working at the club throughout the week, will also join the staff and says he is looking forward to working for a club like West Ham. "I'm delighted to be given this opportunity and am really looking forward to the challenge ahead," he told the club's site. "I obviously know David well from our time together at Preston and Everton, and it was certainly a big attraction to work with him again, as was the thought of coming to a club like West Ham."
The Hammers also announced the intention to bring in Billy McKinlay from his role at Sunderland, who have confirmed that the 48-year-old will be moving to east London.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, November 12
Daily WHUFC News - 13th November 2017
West Ham United Ladies fall to defeat at Coventry
WHUFC.com
Goals either side of half-time condemned West Ham United Ladies to a disappointing 2-1 defeat away to Coventry United. Zoe Swift put the Irons ahead on 19 minutes with a looping effort which may have taken a slight deflection. However, Coventry levelled just before half-time after the referee awarded a penalty, before the home side took the lead on 53 minutes. Coventry could have taken the lead in the opening exchanges of the match as the home side saw an effort crash back off the cross-bar, while also failing to convert the rebound. The Hammers made them regret that missed opportunity after 19 minutes. A low ball into the area fell kindly to Swift, who was able to coolly loop her shot over a stranded Sue Wood to give the away team the lead. Dayna Chong, Amber Stobbs and Molly Peters all attempted efforts to double West Ham's advantage, while Carla Salcedo also came close after an impressive team move.
At the other end Sindi Kanto earned applause from the away support for an outstanding save to keep the Irons' lead alive while Chenise Austin was relieved to see her deflection, after a cross into the West Ham penalty area, bounce wide of the far post. Unfortunately, Kanto couldn't do much as Coventry were awarded a penalty eight minutes from the interval. Helen Dermondy converted from the spot to level the match. Coventry took the lead just eight minutes into the second period after Helen Dermondy received the ball on the left-hand side, and scored at the end of a tricky run. The Hammers continued to fight to level the match with Stobbs seeing a long-ranged effort held well by Wood and Peters a constant threat, with her pace continuing to cause issues. Stobbs was again involved as Ellie Zoepfl came close to getting West Ham's second. The two combined well to get the Hammers away on the counter attack, only for Zoepfl's shot from close range to be blocked out for a corner. As the final minutes ticked away it seemed more likely that Coventry would add a third, and the home side came close in the 90th minute, only to be stopped by another fantastic stop by Kanto.
West Ham United: Kanto; Mackie, Wheeler, Austin, Auguste; Chong, Swift, Salcedo (Georgiou 62'), Stobbs; Peters, Zoepfl
Subs not used: R Kmita, M Kmita, , Cooper
Goals: Swift 19',
Coventry United: Wood; Brock, Miles, Cooper, Wilcox, Buck, Dermondy (Hughes 73'), Smith, Hall, Gauntlett, Davies
Subs not used: Signwright, McDonnell, Steele, Sorense
Goals: Dermondy 39', Gauntlett 52'
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Javier Hernandez will not receive special treatment, says West Ham boss David Moyes
Last Updated: 12/11/17 8:58am
SSN
New West Ham boss David Moyes has warned Javier Hernandez he will not receive any "special treatment" during his reign – but has welcomed the chance to work with the Mexican forward for a second time. Hernandez worked under Moyes at Manchester United, but started just five Premier League matches during the Scot's 10-month spell at Old Trafford. The 29-year-old, who suffered a suspected hamstring injury in Mexico's 3-3 draw with Belgium on Friday, is currently the Hammers' top scorer in the Premier League having netted four goals in 11 matches.
Speaking prior to Hernandez's injury, Moyes said: "He won't be getting any special treatment. "If he is scoring goals and working hard, he will be in. It will be the same for the rest of the team." Hernandez joined West Ham from Bayer Leverkusen for £16m in the summer, but was often deployed on the left side of a front three by former manager Slaven Bilic. Moyes added: "He's a top goalscorer, a brilliant finisher. "It was difficult for him at [Manchester] United because I had Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck, Shinji Kagawa, so there was lots of competition. "It was also the same for him when he was playing for Sir Alex Ferguson. But I'm looking forward to him coming back from the international break."
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Stuart Pearce to join David Moyes coaching staff at West Ham United
Last Updated: 12/11/17 8:35pm
SSN
Stuart Pearce is set to join David Moyes' backroom staff at West Ham, according to Sky sources. In his introductory press conference last Wednesday, Moyes said he had already spoken with Pearce, who previously managed Manchester City and the England U21s, to see whether he would be interested in joining him in east London. Moyes said: "I'm in talks with a couple of people, Stuart Pearce being one of them. Hopefully I will have something settled by the end of the week."
The bulk of Slaven Bilic's coaching staff left along with the Croat, when he was sacked on November 6. Pearce had a two-year spell in charge of Manchester City before spending six years coaching England U21s. He left that post in 2013 before an ill-fated seven months in charge of another of his former clubs, Nottingham Forest. He made over 400 appearances for Forest over 12 years before spending two years at Upton Park, where he was named player of the year in 2001.
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'West Ham job a worry for David Moyes'
Last Updated: 12/11/17 6:45pm
'West Ham madness a worry for Moyes'
SSN
Matt Lawton says he fears slightly for David Moyes in his new role as West Ham manager but admits it should be a good move for him. David Moyes has landed one of the biggest jobs in the game at West Ham, but the "madness" at the club may be a concern for the Scot, says Matt Lawton. Moyes was given an initial six-month contract to replace Slaven Bilic at the London Stadium last week, with West Ham languishing in 18th place in the table. However, after recent failures at Sunderland - who were relegated from the Premier League last season - Real Sociedad and Manchester United, the pressure is now on Moyes to succeed in east London.
"It has not gone well for him since he left Everton," Lawton told the Sunday Supplement. "I do not think there is any manager who would have actually made United work as the immediate successor to [Sir Alex] Ferguson as we saw [Louis] Van Gaal struggled as well. "So it is harsh to judge him too much on what happened at United, and United was such a chastening experience that he then perhaps did not make the best choices after that. "Real Sociedad was a mistake - he might argue with that - but I do not think there was enough due diligence done on that and to me he did not really want to be there. "And the curious thing about taking the Sunderland job was I know he looked at it when he was at Sociedad and he sent one of his tried-and-trusted scouts to go and have a look at them. And the report back was they are just not good enough, not enough quality in the squad, do not go near the place. "But then he is out of work and you have to be careful as there are lots of examples of managers who stayed out too long and then they just do not get back. "So I think there was a degree of panic in taking the Sunderland job and within five minutes he knew he had made a mistake and he could not do much with the players he had and (chairman) Ellis Short said there is no money. "The trouble was and what was slightly worrying about the Sunderland experience was that he admitted the management techniques he had employed throughout his career just were not working anymore."
Moyes, though, will need to find a way to work with the West Ham owners David Sullivan and David Gold, as well as chief executive Karren Brady, if he is to keep the club in the Premier League, according to the Mail's chief sports reporter. "It is very obvious in the West Ham statement that they have hired him because of what he did at Everton and they are hoping he can rediscover that sort of authority and leadership," said Lawton. "But he looked a shadow of himself after he left United. "I think he believes he can do it, but I worry for him a bit with the madness at West Ham and working for the triumvirate of Gold, Sullivan and Brady. "They have been working together a long time, but it never seems like they are all quite in sync with each other. There is far too much said in public, Sullivan says far too much when a manager is in office, lots of blame being passed around for signings. "So you fear for him a little bit. It should be a good job, it is one of the big jobs, great big modern stadium - it should be a good move for him."
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WET PATCHES ON THE CARPET
By Mike Ireson 11 Nov 2017 at 08:00
WTID
As I write this, it is a few days since we became the centre of attention as we took one manager to the vets to be put down, and resurrected another from football's graveyard.
Dust has started to settle and some things have started to become a little clearer, whilst other things have become a little murkier with questions to be asked (and answered).
I, like many of you, have gone through a gambit of emotions since it became clear at the weekend that change was afoot.
On Saturday I was angry at yet another abject performance where, quite frankly, we were embarrassed. On and off the pitch.
But I still really wasn't angry with Slaven Bilic. That is because I didn't want to be. Like when an elderly dog leaves yet another wet patch on the carpet, you don't want to be angry with them because you know it isn't their fault and you ultimately still love them.
Slaven ticked so many boxes for us that we ignored the wet patches for a long time. Unfortunately those wet patches were results and it could only go on so long before, despite your love, putting him out of his (and our) misery was the only option.
When the deed was done I was genuinely sad. A sadness I had not felt since John Lyall and Billy Bonds were shown the door. This felt like we were doing wrong by a family member.
Then came the anxiety. Not about who the next manager might be, as it was plain to see immediately it was going to be David Moyes.
He's not a West Ham man, he won't understand us like Slaven, it won't feel the same, he's lost it, does he know the West Ham way? Etc etc.
It didn't feel right.
But who would?
Now, having watched his interviews and had a more rational think about it, I'm a lot more positive. Yes his reputation is tarnished, but that should work in our favour. We have a manager who must do well. Not for us but himself.
Once the most desirable manager in the Premier League he finds himself in a situation where only some kind of success at West Ham will save what was once the brightest of career prospects.
With only a contract till the end of the season he has to come in firing on all cylinders. He is not here for the money or to keep the seat warm, he is here to succeed.
I imagine, if pushed, he would have taken the job for nothing. As he has made clear in all interviews he is here for redemption. Fail here and not only will he not get another contract with us but no top team will go near him.
This kind of drive and reward can only be good for us? Right?
It is this motivation that will enable him to tackle head on the biggest problem. The players.
Apparently, once relived of his duties Slaven Bilic telephoned a few of the senior players to ask where it had gone wrong (although I wonder why he hadn't asked this question of them when he had a chance to rectify it).
The overwhelming consensus was that he was too nice and had been overly soft with certain members of the playing squad. Not imposing fines for lateness, certain individuals turning up for training when they fancied, and the rest of the squad being irked by this.
If you watched Sky Sports News on Monday you will have seen them trot out all the stats about why we were so bad. Least distance covered, least amount of sprints made etc, led them to conclude we were the unfittest squad in the league.
Well add those statistics to the stories of certain players poor attitude to training and discipline leads me to a different conclusion. We have the laziest squad who put the least amount of effort in.
Not everyone of course but we clearly have bad apples who think they are all that and a bag of chips.
Look upon any team of 11 that have been on the pitch this season and you cannot say they are unfit. They're not coughing and wheezing after 70 minutes or look like they've done an army assault course at the end of the game.
If we had 11 Neil Ruddock's out there I'd agree, but we have a team of professional athletes. Poor attitude has led us to have covered the least amount of ground, not poor physicality.
Now we can all quite easily speculate as to which individuals this may apply to but what we need is someone to come in and have the nuts to drop anyone with a rubbish attitude.
David Moyes has already said this. If your attitude is poor or you appear to be unfit you're dropped. And I back him to do this. The clock ticking over his head will not allow him to namby pamby around.
This will go one of two ways. At the moment I have belief that it will go the right way.
It will be very interesting to see which 11 players cross the white line at Watford. It may just tell you a lot about those that don't ………
COYI
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David Moyes to offer former Everton charge Kevin Mirallas a New Year lifeline at West Ham
The Belgian was signed by Moyes five years ago but has fallen out of favour at Goodison Park
The Mirror
ByNeil Moxley
22:30, 11 NOV 2017
David Moyes will offer Kevin Mirallas a route out of Everton in the New Year. West Ham's new boss is keeping tabs on the Belgian's situation at Goodison Park in the wake of his controversial walk-out last week. Moyes signed the speedy winger from Olympiakos five years ago and will move for him if he cannot patch up his differences with his bosses on Merseyside. The 30-year-old was involved in a bizarre incident last weekend, prior to the Toffees' fixture against Watford. He was accused of showing a lack of commitment and was sent home from training by caretaker boss David Unsworth. However, Mirallas explained his position on social media, apologising for 'not being able to cope with my frustration.' The player only agreed a new contract with Everton six months ago. That lasts for another two-and-a-half seasons but if he fails to resolve his issues, Moyes will make an offer when the window opens.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Goals either side of half-time condemned West Ham United Ladies to a disappointing 2-1 defeat away to Coventry United. Zoe Swift put the Irons ahead on 19 minutes with a looping effort which may have taken a slight deflection. However, Coventry levelled just before half-time after the referee awarded a penalty, before the home side took the lead on 53 minutes. Coventry could have taken the lead in the opening exchanges of the match as the home side saw an effort crash back off the cross-bar, while also failing to convert the rebound. The Hammers made them regret that missed opportunity after 19 minutes. A low ball into the area fell kindly to Swift, who was able to coolly loop her shot over a stranded Sue Wood to give the away team the lead. Dayna Chong, Amber Stobbs and Molly Peters all attempted efforts to double West Ham's advantage, while Carla Salcedo also came close after an impressive team move.
At the other end Sindi Kanto earned applause from the away support for an outstanding save to keep the Irons' lead alive while Chenise Austin was relieved to see her deflection, after a cross into the West Ham penalty area, bounce wide of the far post. Unfortunately, Kanto couldn't do much as Coventry were awarded a penalty eight minutes from the interval. Helen Dermondy converted from the spot to level the match. Coventry took the lead just eight minutes into the second period after Helen Dermondy received the ball on the left-hand side, and scored at the end of a tricky run. The Hammers continued to fight to level the match with Stobbs seeing a long-ranged effort held well by Wood and Peters a constant threat, with her pace continuing to cause issues. Stobbs was again involved as Ellie Zoepfl came close to getting West Ham's second. The two combined well to get the Hammers away on the counter attack, only for Zoepfl's shot from close range to be blocked out for a corner. As the final minutes ticked away it seemed more likely that Coventry would add a third, and the home side came close in the 90th minute, only to be stopped by another fantastic stop by Kanto.
West Ham United: Kanto; Mackie, Wheeler, Austin, Auguste; Chong, Swift, Salcedo (Georgiou 62'), Stobbs; Peters, Zoepfl
Subs not used: R Kmita, M Kmita, , Cooper
Goals: Swift 19',
Coventry United: Wood; Brock, Miles, Cooper, Wilcox, Buck, Dermondy (Hughes 73'), Smith, Hall, Gauntlett, Davies
Subs not used: Signwright, McDonnell, Steele, Sorense
Goals: Dermondy 39', Gauntlett 52'
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Javier Hernandez will not receive special treatment, says West Ham boss David Moyes
Last Updated: 12/11/17 8:58am
SSN
New West Ham boss David Moyes has warned Javier Hernandez he will not receive any "special treatment" during his reign – but has welcomed the chance to work with the Mexican forward for a second time. Hernandez worked under Moyes at Manchester United, but started just five Premier League matches during the Scot's 10-month spell at Old Trafford. The 29-year-old, who suffered a suspected hamstring injury in Mexico's 3-3 draw with Belgium on Friday, is currently the Hammers' top scorer in the Premier League having netted four goals in 11 matches.
Speaking prior to Hernandez's injury, Moyes said: "He won't be getting any special treatment. "If he is scoring goals and working hard, he will be in. It will be the same for the rest of the team." Hernandez joined West Ham from Bayer Leverkusen for £16m in the summer, but was often deployed on the left side of a front three by former manager Slaven Bilic. Moyes added: "He's a top goalscorer, a brilliant finisher. "It was difficult for him at [Manchester] United because I had Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck, Shinji Kagawa, so there was lots of competition. "It was also the same for him when he was playing for Sir Alex Ferguson. But I'm looking forward to him coming back from the international break."
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Stuart Pearce to join David Moyes coaching staff at West Ham United
Last Updated: 12/11/17 8:35pm
SSN
Stuart Pearce is set to join David Moyes' backroom staff at West Ham, according to Sky sources. In his introductory press conference last Wednesday, Moyes said he had already spoken with Pearce, who previously managed Manchester City and the England U21s, to see whether he would be interested in joining him in east London. Moyes said: "I'm in talks with a couple of people, Stuart Pearce being one of them. Hopefully I will have something settled by the end of the week."
The bulk of Slaven Bilic's coaching staff left along with the Croat, when he was sacked on November 6. Pearce had a two-year spell in charge of Manchester City before spending six years coaching England U21s. He left that post in 2013 before an ill-fated seven months in charge of another of his former clubs, Nottingham Forest. He made over 400 appearances for Forest over 12 years before spending two years at Upton Park, where he was named player of the year in 2001.
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'West Ham job a worry for David Moyes'
Last Updated: 12/11/17 6:45pm
'West Ham madness a worry for Moyes'
SSN
Matt Lawton says he fears slightly for David Moyes in his new role as West Ham manager but admits it should be a good move for him. David Moyes has landed one of the biggest jobs in the game at West Ham, but the "madness" at the club may be a concern for the Scot, says Matt Lawton. Moyes was given an initial six-month contract to replace Slaven Bilic at the London Stadium last week, with West Ham languishing in 18th place in the table. However, after recent failures at Sunderland - who were relegated from the Premier League last season - Real Sociedad and Manchester United, the pressure is now on Moyes to succeed in east London.
"It has not gone well for him since he left Everton," Lawton told the Sunday Supplement. "I do not think there is any manager who would have actually made United work as the immediate successor to [Sir Alex] Ferguson as we saw [Louis] Van Gaal struggled as well. "So it is harsh to judge him too much on what happened at United, and United was such a chastening experience that he then perhaps did not make the best choices after that. "Real Sociedad was a mistake - he might argue with that - but I do not think there was enough due diligence done on that and to me he did not really want to be there. "And the curious thing about taking the Sunderland job was I know he looked at it when he was at Sociedad and he sent one of his tried-and-trusted scouts to go and have a look at them. And the report back was they are just not good enough, not enough quality in the squad, do not go near the place. "But then he is out of work and you have to be careful as there are lots of examples of managers who stayed out too long and then they just do not get back. "So I think there was a degree of panic in taking the Sunderland job and within five minutes he knew he had made a mistake and he could not do much with the players he had and (chairman) Ellis Short said there is no money. "The trouble was and what was slightly worrying about the Sunderland experience was that he admitted the management techniques he had employed throughout his career just were not working anymore."
Moyes, though, will need to find a way to work with the West Ham owners David Sullivan and David Gold, as well as chief executive Karren Brady, if he is to keep the club in the Premier League, according to the Mail's chief sports reporter. "It is very obvious in the West Ham statement that they have hired him because of what he did at Everton and they are hoping he can rediscover that sort of authority and leadership," said Lawton. "But he looked a shadow of himself after he left United. "I think he believes he can do it, but I worry for him a bit with the madness at West Ham and working for the triumvirate of Gold, Sullivan and Brady. "They have been working together a long time, but it never seems like they are all quite in sync with each other. There is far too much said in public, Sullivan says far too much when a manager is in office, lots of blame being passed around for signings. "So you fear for him a little bit. It should be a good job, it is one of the big jobs, great big modern stadium - it should be a good move for him."
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WET PATCHES ON THE CARPET
By Mike Ireson 11 Nov 2017 at 08:00
WTID
As I write this, it is a few days since we became the centre of attention as we took one manager to the vets to be put down, and resurrected another from football's graveyard.
Dust has started to settle and some things have started to become a little clearer, whilst other things have become a little murkier with questions to be asked (and answered).
I, like many of you, have gone through a gambit of emotions since it became clear at the weekend that change was afoot.
On Saturday I was angry at yet another abject performance where, quite frankly, we were embarrassed. On and off the pitch.
But I still really wasn't angry with Slaven Bilic. That is because I didn't want to be. Like when an elderly dog leaves yet another wet patch on the carpet, you don't want to be angry with them because you know it isn't their fault and you ultimately still love them.
Slaven ticked so many boxes for us that we ignored the wet patches for a long time. Unfortunately those wet patches were results and it could only go on so long before, despite your love, putting him out of his (and our) misery was the only option.
When the deed was done I was genuinely sad. A sadness I had not felt since John Lyall and Billy Bonds were shown the door. This felt like we were doing wrong by a family member.
Then came the anxiety. Not about who the next manager might be, as it was plain to see immediately it was going to be David Moyes.
He's not a West Ham man, he won't understand us like Slaven, it won't feel the same, he's lost it, does he know the West Ham way? Etc etc.
It didn't feel right.
But who would?
Now, having watched his interviews and had a more rational think about it, I'm a lot more positive. Yes his reputation is tarnished, but that should work in our favour. We have a manager who must do well. Not for us but himself.
Once the most desirable manager in the Premier League he finds himself in a situation where only some kind of success at West Ham will save what was once the brightest of career prospects.
With only a contract till the end of the season he has to come in firing on all cylinders. He is not here for the money or to keep the seat warm, he is here to succeed.
I imagine, if pushed, he would have taken the job for nothing. As he has made clear in all interviews he is here for redemption. Fail here and not only will he not get another contract with us but no top team will go near him.
This kind of drive and reward can only be good for us? Right?
It is this motivation that will enable him to tackle head on the biggest problem. The players.
Apparently, once relived of his duties Slaven Bilic telephoned a few of the senior players to ask where it had gone wrong (although I wonder why he hadn't asked this question of them when he had a chance to rectify it).
The overwhelming consensus was that he was too nice and had been overly soft with certain members of the playing squad. Not imposing fines for lateness, certain individuals turning up for training when they fancied, and the rest of the squad being irked by this.
If you watched Sky Sports News on Monday you will have seen them trot out all the stats about why we were so bad. Least distance covered, least amount of sprints made etc, led them to conclude we were the unfittest squad in the league.
Well add those statistics to the stories of certain players poor attitude to training and discipline leads me to a different conclusion. We have the laziest squad who put the least amount of effort in.
Not everyone of course but we clearly have bad apples who think they are all that and a bag of chips.
Look upon any team of 11 that have been on the pitch this season and you cannot say they are unfit. They're not coughing and wheezing after 70 minutes or look like they've done an army assault course at the end of the game.
If we had 11 Neil Ruddock's out there I'd agree, but we have a team of professional athletes. Poor attitude has led us to have covered the least amount of ground, not poor physicality.
Now we can all quite easily speculate as to which individuals this may apply to but what we need is someone to come in and have the nuts to drop anyone with a rubbish attitude.
David Moyes has already said this. If your attitude is poor or you appear to be unfit you're dropped. And I back him to do this. The clock ticking over his head will not allow him to namby pamby around.
This will go one of two ways. At the moment I have belief that it will go the right way.
It will be very interesting to see which 11 players cross the white line at Watford. It may just tell you a lot about those that don't ………
COYI
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Moyes to offer former Everton charge Kevin Mirallas a New Year lifeline at West Ham
The Belgian was signed by Moyes five years ago but has fallen out of favour at Goodison Park
The Mirror
ByNeil Moxley
22:30, 11 NOV 2017
David Moyes will offer Kevin Mirallas a route out of Everton in the New Year. West Ham's new boss is keeping tabs on the Belgian's situation at Goodison Park in the wake of his controversial walk-out last week. Moyes signed the speedy winger from Olympiakos five years ago and will move for him if he cannot patch up his differences with his bosses on Merseyside. The 30-year-old was involved in a bizarre incident last weekend, prior to the Toffees' fixture against Watford. He was accused of showing a lack of commitment and was sent home from training by caretaker boss David Unsworth. However, Mirallas explained his position on social media, apologising for 'not being able to cope with my frustration.' The player only agreed a new contract with Everton six months ago. That lasts for another two-and-a-half seasons but if he fails to resolve his issues, Moyes will make an offer when the window opens.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Daily WHUFC News - 12th November 2017
Sakho scores as Senegal seal World Cup place
WHUFC.com
Diafra Sakho scored as Senegal secured a 2-0 victory in South Africa to book
their place at next summer's FIFA World Cup in Russia. West Ham United
striker Sakho opened the scoring in Polokwane with just 12 minutes on the
clock to set the Lions of Teranga on the way to victory. An own goal from
Thamsanqa Mkhize made it 2-0 before the break and Senegal claimed the three
points they needed to ensure they can't be caught at the top of their
qualifying group. Cheikhou Kouyate also played 86 minutes of the qualifier,
and Senegal will now have the luxury of going into Tuesday's return fixture
against the Bafana Bafana knowing their ticket to Russia has been booked.
Elsewhere, Chicharito won his 99th Mexico cap in El Tri's friendly 3-3 draw
with Belgium. The Hammers man played 51 minutes in Brussels, as goals from
Andres Guardado and two from Hirving Lozano gave the visitors a share of the
spoils.
Meanwhile, Joe Hart was an unused substitute as England drew 0-0 with
Germany in their Wembley friendly.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reid satisfied with draw in World Cup play-off first leg
WHUFC.com
New Zealand captain Winston Reid put in an outstanding performance to earn
his side a 0-0 draw against Peru in the first leg of their intercontinental
2018 World Cup play-off. The centre-back marshalled the New Zealand defence
in a resounding effort to keep out Peru - who sit tenth in the FIFA World
Rankings - earning the Kiwis a draw in the first leg of the tie. Reid's was
satisfied with his, and his team's, performance at the Wellington's Westpac
Stadium. "We've been close to getting a result before against the so-called
bigger teams," Reid said, according to Fox Sports. "Today, for me, was about
keeping a clean sheet at the back and giving ourselves an opportunity in the
second leg. We've certainly done that." "The first ten minutes were a bit
cagey and it was just about settling the nerves down. The second half was a
lot better, we produced some good chances."They're a quality side but we'll
go to the second leg full of confidence. It's all about resting up now."
New Zealand will travel to Lima next week to play the second leg of the
competition with Reid and his compatriots looking to secure the nation's
spot at a World Cup finals for just the third time in their history. The
two previous times were in 1982 and 2010, the latter of which was where a
young Reid made his mark on global football. Then just 21-years-old, Reid
helped New Zealand to an unbeaten campaign as they drew all three of their
group stage fixtures in Group F. The defender scored a late equaliser in
the draw with Slovakia in the tournament in South Africa, and will be hoping
for a positive result next week against Peru to cement his, and New
Zealand's, return to the World Cup next summer. Reid is one of seven New
Zealand internationals that are based in Britain who will have travelled
24,000 miles to compete for a place at the World Cup finals by the time he
returns to West Ham after the second leg next Thursday morning.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"NO CLUB OUTSIDE THE TOP SIX HAS SPENT MORE"-YES THEY HAVE KARREN!
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 11 NOVEMBER 2017 AT 5:35PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Geo Mackie of HammersChat
I read Karren Brady claim today that 'We spent £100million on players since
he joined — and no club outside the top six has spent more' in her column
for the Sun, so I decided to check out this claim as it seems a bit too
accurate, £100m….a bit precise, and a couple of other reasons but I will
keep this article as factual rather than opinions.
So, here is the other Premier League clubs (I have not included the top 6 as
Karren did not claim we have spent more than them) that have been in the
Premier League club since Bilic was manager, their spend and their net
spend, oh, and we haven't even spent £100m ourselves, so that figure was
plucked out of the air, put it alongside the '95% of fans are happy at the
London Stadium' claim from David Sullivan
Bournemouth – spend since 15/16 – £117.09m net spend – £93.57m
Crystal Palace – spend since 15/16 – £150.75m net spend – £97.83m
Everton – spend since 15/16 – £263.95m net spend – £106.69m
Leicester City – spend since 15/16 – £204.61m net spend – £94.45m
Southampton – spend since 15/16 – £151.55m net spend – £15.24m
Stoke City – spend since 15/16 – £114.39m net spend – £58.46m
Swansea City – spend since 15/16 – £117.72m net spend +£14.13m
Watford – spend since 15/16 – £193.49m net spend – £118.47m
West Brom – spend since 15/16 – £113.85m – net spend – £76.09m
West Ham United – spend since 15/16 – £163.44m – net spend – £82.29m
Clubs that are comparable that have spent more than West Ham Utd since
Slaven Bilic was manager – Everton, Leicester City and Watford
Clubs that have a higher net spend for the same period since the summer of
2015 – Watford, Leicester City, Everton, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth.
There you have it, so the vice-chairman's claim of 'We spent £100million on
players since he joined — and no club outside the top six has spent more' is
wrong on both fronts – our spend and that no other club has spent more.
And that is where I will end this article, thanks for reading and feel free
to follow myself on twitter @redhammer8 if you like this kind of
'information'.
*All figures are figures are from the well respected transfermarket website
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham striker Javier Hernandez injures hamstring while playing for Mexico
against Belgium
Last Updated: 11/11/17 5:30pm
SSN
West Ham United striker Javier Hernandez suffered a suspected hamstring
injury during Mexico's 3-3 draw with Belgium on Friday. Hernandez was forced
to leave the field after 51 minutes having won a penalty on his 100th
international appearance. Mexico face another friendly against Poland on
Monday. The injury will be a worry for West Ham's new manager David Moyes as
he prepares for next Sunday's Premier League game at Watford, live on Sky
Sports Main Event. Hernandez is West Ham's top scorer in the Premier League
this season with four goals in 11 appearances, more than a third of their
overall total. The Hammers currently sit in 18th place in the table
following six losses, three draws and just two wins.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic never recovered from Dimitri Payet exit, says West Ham
vice-chairman Karren Brady
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 11/11/17 2:44pm
SSN
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady claims Slaven Bilic never recovered from
Dimitri Payet's acrimonious departure from the club and eventually "ran out
of ideas". Bilic was sacked by West Ham on Monday following their poor start
to the new Premier League season, with the Hammers in 18th place having won
only two of their opening 11 matches. The Croatian joined West Ham in 2015
and led the club to their best Premier League points tally - 62 - during his
first campaign in charge, with Payet an instrumental figure after his
arrival from Marseille. But Payet, who scored 15 goals in 60 appearances,
returned to Marseille in January 2017 having told Bilic that he would no
longer play for the club. "In his first six months, when Dimitri Payet was
inspiring the team with his Gallic brilliance, Bilic sometimes looked
pensive, as though he thought this was a lucky break and might not go on,"
Brady told The Sun. "He never quite recovered after the player staged a
strike and went back to Marseille. "He began to run out of ideas as the
team's initial defiance to Payet's behaviour faded and less than a year
later the manager had also departed."
Former Manchester United, Everton and Sunderland manager David Moyes was
appointed as Bilic's successor on a deal until the end of the season on
Tuesday. Brady previously criticised Moyes for a comment he made towards a
female reporter during his time at Sunderland, but she is confident there
will be no repeat during his spell at West Ham. "A few months ago I
highlighted that the then-Sunderland manager David Moyes gave an unworthy
reaction to a question from a woman reporter," Brady said. "He apologised to
her and I welcome his move to us and know he won't make such a remark again.
"I don't know whether or not he is the dour Scot he is sometimes reputed to
be but we know he has many of the characteristics of Sir Alex Ferguson, who
mentored his accession at Old Trafford."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WET PATCHES ON THE CARPET
By Mike Ireson 11 Nov 2017 at 08:00
WTID
As I write this, it is a few days since we became the centre of attention as
we took one manager to the vets to be put down, and resurrected another from
football's graveyard.
Dust has started to settle and some things have started to become a little
clearer, whilst other things have become a little murkier with questions to
be asked (and answered).
I, like many of you, have gone through a gambit of emotions since it became
clear at the weekend that change was afoot.
On Saturday I was angry at yet another abject performance where, quite
frankly, we were embarrassed. On and off the pitch.
But I still really wasn't angry with Slaven Bilic. That is because I didn't
want to be. Like when an elderly dog leaves yet another wet patch on the
carpet, you don't want to be angry with them because you know it isn't their
fault and you ultimately still love them.
Slaven ticked so many boxes for us that we ignored the wet patches for a
long time. Unfortunately those wet patches were results and it could only go
on so long before, despite your love, putting him out of his (and our)
misery was the only option.
When the deed was done I was genuinely sad. A sadness I had not felt since
John Lyall and Billy Bonds were shown the door. This felt like we were doing
wrong by a family member.
Then came the anxiety. Not about who the next manager might be, as it was
plain to see immediately it was going to be David Moyes.
He's not a West Ham man, he won't understand us like Slaven, it won't feel
the same, he's lost it, does he know the West Ham way? Etc etc.
It didn't feel right.
But who would?
Now, having watched his interviews and had a more rational think about it,
I'm a lot more positive. Yes his reputation is tarnished, but that should
work in our favour. We have a manager who must do well. Not for us but
himself.
Once the most desirable manager in the Premier League he finds himself in a
situation where only some kind of success at West Ham will save what was
once the brightest of career prospects.
With only a contract till the end of the season he has to come in firing on
all cylinders. He is not here for the money or to keep the seat warm, he is
here to succeed.
I imagine, if pushed, he would have taken the job for nothing. As he has
made clear in all interviews he is here for redemption. Fail here and not
only will he not get another contract with us but no top team will go near
him.
This kind of drive and reward can only be good for us? Right?
It is this motivation that will enable him to tackle head on the biggest
problem. The players.
Apparently, once relived of his duties Slaven Bilic telephoned a few of the
senior players to ask where it had gone wrong (although I wonder why he
hadn't asked this question of them when he had a chance to rectify it).
The overwhelming consensus was that he was too nice and had been overly soft
with certain members of the playing squad. Not imposing fines for lateness,
certain individuals turning up for training when they fancied, and the rest
of the squad being irked by this.
If you watched Sky Sports News on Monday you will have seen them trot out
all the stats about why we were so bad. Least distance covered, least amount
of sprints made etc, led them to conclude we were the unfittest squad in the
league.
Well add those statistics to the stories of certain players poor attitude to
training and discipline leads me to a different conclusion. We have the
laziest squad who put the least amount of effort in.
Not everyone of course but we clearly have bad apples who think they are all
that and a bag of chips.
Look upon any team of 11 that have been on the pitch this season and you
cannot say they are unfit. They're not coughing and wheezing after 70
minutes or look like they've done an army assault course at the end of the
game.
If we had 11 Neil Ruddock's out there I'd agree, but we have a team of
professional athletes. Poor attitude has led us to have covered the least
amount of ground, not poor physicality.
Now we can all quite easily speculate as to which individuals this may apply
to but what we need is someone to come in and have the nuts to drop anyone
with a rubbish attitude.
Embed from Getty Images
David Moyes has already said this. If your attitude is poor or you appear to
be unfit you're dropped. And I back him to do this. The clock ticking over
his head will not allow him to namby pamby around.
This will go one of two ways. At the moment I have belief that it will go
the right way.
It will be very interesting to see which 11 players cross the white line at
Watford. It may just tell you a lot about those that don't ………
COYI
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
NEW MAN MOYES SPEAKS AFTER JOINING WEST HAM
The Mirror
David Moyes will offer Kevin Mirallas a route out of Everton in the New
Year. West Ham's new boss is keeping tabs on the Belgian's situation at
Goodison Park in the wake of his controversial walk-out last week. Moyes
signed the speedy winger from Olympiakos five years ago and will move for
him if he cannot patch up his differences with his bosses on Merseyside. The
30-year-old was involved in a bizarre incident last weekend, prior to the
Toffees' fixture against Watford. He was accused of showing a lack of
commitment and was sent home from training by caretaker boss David Unsworth.
However, Mirallas explained his position on social media, apologising for
'not being able to cope with my frustration.' The player only agreed a new
contract with Everton six months ago. That lasts for another two-and-a-half
seasons but if he fails to resolve his issues, Moyes will make an offer when
the window opens.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham manager David Moyes promises players 'clean slate' to impress as he
looks to strengthen Hammers squad in January window
West Ham manager David Moyes will look to transfer market after Christmas
He will evaluate his full squad when they return after the international
break
For those left behind it has been an intense week of training at Rush Green
By Kieran Gill for MailOnline
PUBLISHED: 23:34, 10 November 2017 | UPDATED: 00:32, 11 November 2017
David Moyes has told his players that they have a 'clean slate' to show him
why they deserve to be at the club beyond January. West Ham's new manager
will look to make his mark in the transfer market after Christmas, but the
Scot has not had a chance to look at all of his squad yet, with the majority
away on international break. For those left behind it has been an intense
week of training at Rush Green and Moyes said: 'It's a clean slate for the
entire squad. They've all worked very hard this week and responded in a
positive manner to everything we've asked of them. 'It will obviously take
time for the players to fully understand our style and methods but the
initial signs are very encouraging – they've bought into what we are trying
to do and that's a good base for us to build on. 'I'm looking forward to
welcoming back the players who are on international duty and working with
the full squad ahead of the game at Watford next Sunday. 'Everybody will get
their opportunity to impress us and there have certainly been no decisions
made about individuals. 'There's a lot of quality here and I'm confident the
players will all bring something different to the table. They will need to
work hard but they aren't afraid of doing that, which has been good to see.
'Working together as a unit will be key, with the aim to try and collect
positive results which will see us climb the table.'
Moyes' first match as West Ham manager will be away at Vicarage Road against
Watford on November 19.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Liverpool star Sadio Mane, West Ham ace Sakho steer Senegal to book place at
World Cup finals
Published on: 11 November 2017
GhanaSoccerNet.com
Liverpool star Sadio Mane and Diafra Sakho of West Ham United played key
roles as Senegal reached the World Cup for the first time in 16 years after
defeating South Africa 2-0 in Polokwane on Friday to qualify for the
tournament in Russia next year. English Premier League combined as pair
Sakho opened the scoring off a pass from Liverpool attacker Mane and both
were involved in the move that led to a Thamsanqa Mkhize own-goal before
half-time. The Teranga Lions became the third African country to qualify for
the 2018 World Cup thanks to the victory in the replayed match. The victory
gives Senegal an insurmountable five-point lead atop CAF qualifying Group D,
ensuring their place in Russia alongside already-qualified Egypt and
Nigeria. The result eliminates South Africa as well as Burkina Faso and Cape
Verde, while Senegal qualify for their first finals since 2002 and will
appear at the global showpiece tournament for just the second time in their
history after an early strike from Diafra Sakho and an unfortunate own goal
from Thamsanqa Mkhize. The match was a replay of the original November 2016
fixture that was won 2-1 by South Africa, a result that was later annulled
by FIFA after Ghana referee Joseph Lamptey was found guilty of manipulating
the result of the match.
After a bright opening from the hosts, it was an incisive piece of passing
that put Senegal in the lead on 12 minutes. Sadio Mane found some space on
the right and his defence-splitting ball was perfect for Sakho to slide the
ball past the masked Itumeleng Khune in the Bafana goal. The home side might
have equalised midway through the first half when Themba Zwane's shot was
only parried by Senegal keeper Khadim N'Diaye, and Percy Tau turned home the
rebound. Bafana came even closer a few minutes later when Mkhize's low cross
into the box was met by Lebogang Manyama, whose shot cannoned off the
crossbar with N'Diaye well beaten. They were applying constant pressure to
the Senegal goal through this period, but the visitors doubled their
advantage with a sucker-punch. Mane failed to get a solid connection on his
shot from eight yards that was saved by Khune, but the ball deflected off
the back of Mkhize and dribbled into the Bafana net. Manyama had a free-kick
that provided a nervous moment for N'Diaye late in the first half, but the
keeper made the save in the top corner of his net. Sibusiso Vilakazi had the
first opening of the second period, but his snap-shot was straight at
N'Diaye when a yard either side of the keeper would likely have resulted in
a goal. Bafana's second-most capped player Siphiwe Tshabalala was handed an
89th cap for the final 20 minutes almost four years, but Bafana's World Cup
dream had long faded by the time Dean Furman flashed a late 35-yard drive
wide. The teams will meet in the final match in the pool in Dakar on Tuesday
in what is now a dead rubber.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Diafra Sakho scored as Senegal secured a 2-0 victory in South Africa to book
their place at next summer's FIFA World Cup in Russia. West Ham United
striker Sakho opened the scoring in Polokwane with just 12 minutes on the
clock to set the Lions of Teranga on the way to victory. An own goal from
Thamsanqa Mkhize made it 2-0 before the break and Senegal claimed the three
points they needed to ensure they can't be caught at the top of their
qualifying group. Cheikhou Kouyate also played 86 minutes of the qualifier,
and Senegal will now have the luxury of going into Tuesday's return fixture
against the Bafana Bafana knowing their ticket to Russia has been booked.
Elsewhere, Chicharito won his 99th Mexico cap in El Tri's friendly 3-3 draw
with Belgium. The Hammers man played 51 minutes in Brussels, as goals from
Andres Guardado and two from Hirving Lozano gave the visitors a share of the
spoils.
Meanwhile, Joe Hart was an unused substitute as England drew 0-0 with
Germany in their Wembley friendly.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reid satisfied with draw in World Cup play-off first leg
WHUFC.com
New Zealand captain Winston Reid put in an outstanding performance to earn
his side a 0-0 draw against Peru in the first leg of their intercontinental
2018 World Cup play-off. The centre-back marshalled the New Zealand defence
in a resounding effort to keep out Peru - who sit tenth in the FIFA World
Rankings - earning the Kiwis a draw in the first leg of the tie. Reid's was
satisfied with his, and his team's, performance at the Wellington's Westpac
Stadium. "We've been close to getting a result before against the so-called
bigger teams," Reid said, according to Fox Sports. "Today, for me, was about
keeping a clean sheet at the back and giving ourselves an opportunity in the
second leg. We've certainly done that." "The first ten minutes were a bit
cagey and it was just about settling the nerves down. The second half was a
lot better, we produced some good chances."They're a quality side but we'll
go to the second leg full of confidence. It's all about resting up now."
New Zealand will travel to Lima next week to play the second leg of the
competition with Reid and his compatriots looking to secure the nation's
spot at a World Cup finals for just the third time in their history. The
two previous times were in 1982 and 2010, the latter of which was where a
young Reid made his mark on global football. Then just 21-years-old, Reid
helped New Zealand to an unbeaten campaign as they drew all three of their
group stage fixtures in Group F. The defender scored a late equaliser in
the draw with Slovakia in the tournament in South Africa, and will be hoping
for a positive result next week against Peru to cement his, and New
Zealand's, return to the World Cup next summer. Reid is one of seven New
Zealand internationals that are based in Britain who will have travelled
24,000 miles to compete for a place at the World Cup finals by the time he
returns to West Ham after the second leg next Thursday morning.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"NO CLUB OUTSIDE THE TOP SIX HAS SPENT MORE"-YES THEY HAVE KARREN!
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 11 NOVEMBER 2017 AT 5:35PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Geo Mackie of HammersChat
I read Karren Brady claim today that 'We spent £100million on players since
he joined — and no club outside the top six has spent more' in her column
for the Sun, so I decided to check out this claim as it seems a bit too
accurate, £100m….a bit precise, and a couple of other reasons but I will
keep this article as factual rather than opinions.
So, here is the other Premier League clubs (I have not included the top 6 as
Karren did not claim we have spent more than them) that have been in the
Premier League club since Bilic was manager, their spend and their net
spend, oh, and we haven't even spent £100m ourselves, so that figure was
plucked out of the air, put it alongside the '95% of fans are happy at the
London Stadium' claim from David Sullivan
Bournemouth – spend since 15/16 – £117.09m net spend – £93.57m
Crystal Palace – spend since 15/16 – £150.75m net spend – £97.83m
Everton – spend since 15/16 – £263.95m net spend – £106.69m
Leicester City – spend since 15/16 – £204.61m net spend – £94.45m
Southampton – spend since 15/16 – £151.55m net spend – £15.24m
Stoke City – spend since 15/16 – £114.39m net spend – £58.46m
Swansea City – spend since 15/16 – £117.72m net spend +£14.13m
Watford – spend since 15/16 – £193.49m net spend – £118.47m
West Brom – spend since 15/16 – £113.85m – net spend – £76.09m
West Ham United – spend since 15/16 – £163.44m – net spend – £82.29m
Clubs that are comparable that have spent more than West Ham Utd since
Slaven Bilic was manager – Everton, Leicester City and Watford
Clubs that have a higher net spend for the same period since the summer of
2015 – Watford, Leicester City, Everton, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth.
There you have it, so the vice-chairman's claim of 'We spent £100million on
players since he joined — and no club outside the top six has spent more' is
wrong on both fronts – our spend and that no other club has spent more.
And that is where I will end this article, thanks for reading and feel free
to follow myself on twitter @redhammer8 if you like this kind of
'information'.
*All figures are figures are from the well respected transfermarket website
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West Ham striker Javier Hernandez injures hamstring while playing for Mexico
against Belgium
Last Updated: 11/11/17 5:30pm
SSN
West Ham United striker Javier Hernandez suffered a suspected hamstring
injury during Mexico's 3-3 draw with Belgium on Friday. Hernandez was forced
to leave the field after 51 minutes having won a penalty on his 100th
international appearance. Mexico face another friendly against Poland on
Monday. The injury will be a worry for West Ham's new manager David Moyes as
he prepares for next Sunday's Premier League game at Watford, live on Sky
Sports Main Event. Hernandez is West Ham's top scorer in the Premier League
this season with four goals in 11 appearances, more than a third of their
overall total. The Hammers currently sit in 18th place in the table
following six losses, three draws and just two wins.
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Slaven Bilic never recovered from Dimitri Payet exit, says West Ham
vice-chairman Karren Brady
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 11/11/17 2:44pm
SSN
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady claims Slaven Bilic never recovered from
Dimitri Payet's acrimonious departure from the club and eventually "ran out
of ideas". Bilic was sacked by West Ham on Monday following their poor start
to the new Premier League season, with the Hammers in 18th place having won
only two of their opening 11 matches. The Croatian joined West Ham in 2015
and led the club to their best Premier League points tally - 62 - during his
first campaign in charge, with Payet an instrumental figure after his
arrival from Marseille. But Payet, who scored 15 goals in 60 appearances,
returned to Marseille in January 2017 having told Bilic that he would no
longer play for the club. "In his first six months, when Dimitri Payet was
inspiring the team with his Gallic brilliance, Bilic sometimes looked
pensive, as though he thought this was a lucky break and might not go on,"
Brady told The Sun. "He never quite recovered after the player staged a
strike and went back to Marseille. "He began to run out of ideas as the
team's initial defiance to Payet's behaviour faded and less than a year
later the manager had also departed."
Former Manchester United, Everton and Sunderland manager David Moyes was
appointed as Bilic's successor on a deal until the end of the season on
Tuesday. Brady previously criticised Moyes for a comment he made towards a
female reporter during his time at Sunderland, but she is confident there
will be no repeat during his spell at West Ham. "A few months ago I
highlighted that the then-Sunderland manager David Moyes gave an unworthy
reaction to a question from a woman reporter," Brady said. "He apologised to
her and I welcome his move to us and know he won't make such a remark again.
"I don't know whether or not he is the dour Scot he is sometimes reputed to
be but we know he has many of the characteristics of Sir Alex Ferguson, who
mentored his accession at Old Trafford."
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WET PATCHES ON THE CARPET
By Mike Ireson 11 Nov 2017 at 08:00
WTID
As I write this, it is a few days since we became the centre of attention as
we took one manager to the vets to be put down, and resurrected another from
football's graveyard.
Dust has started to settle and some things have started to become a little
clearer, whilst other things have become a little murkier with questions to
be asked (and answered).
I, like many of you, have gone through a gambit of emotions since it became
clear at the weekend that change was afoot.
On Saturday I was angry at yet another abject performance where, quite
frankly, we were embarrassed. On and off the pitch.
But I still really wasn't angry with Slaven Bilic. That is because I didn't
want to be. Like when an elderly dog leaves yet another wet patch on the
carpet, you don't want to be angry with them because you know it isn't their
fault and you ultimately still love them.
Slaven ticked so many boxes for us that we ignored the wet patches for a
long time. Unfortunately those wet patches were results and it could only go
on so long before, despite your love, putting him out of his (and our)
misery was the only option.
When the deed was done I was genuinely sad. A sadness I had not felt since
John Lyall and Billy Bonds were shown the door. This felt like we were doing
wrong by a family member.
Then came the anxiety. Not about who the next manager might be, as it was
plain to see immediately it was going to be David Moyes.
He's not a West Ham man, he won't understand us like Slaven, it won't feel
the same, he's lost it, does he know the West Ham way? Etc etc.
It didn't feel right.
But who would?
Now, having watched his interviews and had a more rational think about it,
I'm a lot more positive. Yes his reputation is tarnished, but that should
work in our favour. We have a manager who must do well. Not for us but
himself.
Once the most desirable manager in the Premier League he finds himself in a
situation where only some kind of success at West Ham will save what was
once the brightest of career prospects.
With only a contract till the end of the season he has to come in firing on
all cylinders. He is not here for the money or to keep the seat warm, he is
here to succeed.
I imagine, if pushed, he would have taken the job for nothing. As he has
made clear in all interviews he is here for redemption. Fail here and not
only will he not get another contract with us but no top team will go near
him.
This kind of drive and reward can only be good for us? Right?
It is this motivation that will enable him to tackle head on the biggest
problem. The players.
Apparently, once relived of his duties Slaven Bilic telephoned a few of the
senior players to ask where it had gone wrong (although I wonder why he
hadn't asked this question of them when he had a chance to rectify it).
The overwhelming consensus was that he was too nice and had been overly soft
with certain members of the playing squad. Not imposing fines for lateness,
certain individuals turning up for training when they fancied, and the rest
of the squad being irked by this.
If you watched Sky Sports News on Monday you will have seen them trot out
all the stats about why we were so bad. Least distance covered, least amount
of sprints made etc, led them to conclude we were the unfittest squad in the
league.
Well add those statistics to the stories of certain players poor attitude to
training and discipline leads me to a different conclusion. We have the
laziest squad who put the least amount of effort in.
Not everyone of course but we clearly have bad apples who think they are all
that and a bag of chips.
Look upon any team of 11 that have been on the pitch this season and you
cannot say they are unfit. They're not coughing and wheezing after 70
minutes or look like they've done an army assault course at the end of the
game.
If we had 11 Neil Ruddock's out there I'd agree, but we have a team of
professional athletes. Poor attitude has led us to have covered the least
amount of ground, not poor physicality.
Now we can all quite easily speculate as to which individuals this may apply
to but what we need is someone to come in and have the nuts to drop anyone
with a rubbish attitude.
Embed from Getty Images
David Moyes has already said this. If your attitude is poor or you appear to
be unfit you're dropped. And I back him to do this. The clock ticking over
his head will not allow him to namby pamby around.
This will go one of two ways. At the moment I have belief that it will go
the right way.
It will be very interesting to see which 11 players cross the white line at
Watford. It may just tell you a lot about those that don't ………
COYI
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NEW MAN MOYES SPEAKS AFTER JOINING WEST HAM
The Mirror
David Moyes will offer Kevin Mirallas a route out of Everton in the New
Year. West Ham's new boss is keeping tabs on the Belgian's situation at
Goodison Park in the wake of his controversial walk-out last week. Moyes
signed the speedy winger from Olympiakos five years ago and will move for
him if he cannot patch up his differences with his bosses on Merseyside. The
30-year-old was involved in a bizarre incident last weekend, prior to the
Toffees' fixture against Watford. He was accused of showing a lack of
commitment and was sent home from training by caretaker boss David Unsworth.
However, Mirallas explained his position on social media, apologising for
'not being able to cope with my frustration.' The player only agreed a new
contract with Everton six months ago. That lasts for another two-and-a-half
seasons but if he fails to resolve his issues, Moyes will make an offer when
the window opens.
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West Ham manager David Moyes promises players 'clean slate' to impress as he
looks to strengthen Hammers squad in January window
West Ham manager David Moyes will look to transfer market after Christmas
He will evaluate his full squad when they return after the international
break
For those left behind it has been an intense week of training at Rush Green
By Kieran Gill for MailOnline
PUBLISHED: 23:34, 10 November 2017 | UPDATED: 00:32, 11 November 2017
David Moyes has told his players that they have a 'clean slate' to show him
why they deserve to be at the club beyond January. West Ham's new manager
will look to make his mark in the transfer market after Christmas, but the
Scot has not had a chance to look at all of his squad yet, with the majority
away on international break. For those left behind it has been an intense
week of training at Rush Green and Moyes said: 'It's a clean slate for the
entire squad. They've all worked very hard this week and responded in a
positive manner to everything we've asked of them. 'It will obviously take
time for the players to fully understand our style and methods but the
initial signs are very encouraging – they've bought into what we are trying
to do and that's a good base for us to build on. 'I'm looking forward to
welcoming back the players who are on international duty and working with
the full squad ahead of the game at Watford next Sunday. 'Everybody will get
their opportunity to impress us and there have certainly been no decisions
made about individuals. 'There's a lot of quality here and I'm confident the
players will all bring something different to the table. They will need to
work hard but they aren't afraid of doing that, which has been good to see.
'Working together as a unit will be key, with the aim to try and collect
positive results which will see us climb the table.'
Moyes' first match as West Ham manager will be away at Vicarage Road against
Watford on November 19.
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Liverpool star Sadio Mane, West Ham ace Sakho steer Senegal to book place at
World Cup finals
Published on: 11 November 2017
GhanaSoccerNet.com
Liverpool star Sadio Mane and Diafra Sakho of West Ham United played key
roles as Senegal reached the World Cup for the first time in 16 years after
defeating South Africa 2-0 in Polokwane on Friday to qualify for the
tournament in Russia next year. English Premier League combined as pair
Sakho opened the scoring off a pass from Liverpool attacker Mane and both
were involved in the move that led to a Thamsanqa Mkhize own-goal before
half-time. The Teranga Lions became the third African country to qualify for
the 2018 World Cup thanks to the victory in the replayed match. The victory
gives Senegal an insurmountable five-point lead atop CAF qualifying Group D,
ensuring their place in Russia alongside already-qualified Egypt and
Nigeria. The result eliminates South Africa as well as Burkina Faso and Cape
Verde, while Senegal qualify for their first finals since 2002 and will
appear at the global showpiece tournament for just the second time in their
history after an early strike from Diafra Sakho and an unfortunate own goal
from Thamsanqa Mkhize. The match was a replay of the original November 2016
fixture that was won 2-1 by South Africa, a result that was later annulled
by FIFA after Ghana referee Joseph Lamptey was found guilty of manipulating
the result of the match.
After a bright opening from the hosts, it was an incisive piece of passing
that put Senegal in the lead on 12 minutes. Sadio Mane found some space on
the right and his defence-splitting ball was perfect for Sakho to slide the
ball past the masked Itumeleng Khune in the Bafana goal. The home side might
have equalised midway through the first half when Themba Zwane's shot was
only parried by Senegal keeper Khadim N'Diaye, and Percy Tau turned home the
rebound. Bafana came even closer a few minutes later when Mkhize's low cross
into the box was met by Lebogang Manyama, whose shot cannoned off the
crossbar with N'Diaye well beaten. They were applying constant pressure to
the Senegal goal through this period, but the visitors doubled their
advantage with a sucker-punch. Mane failed to get a solid connection on his
shot from eight yards that was saved by Khune, but the ball deflected off
the back of Mkhize and dribbled into the Bafana net. Manyama had a free-kick
that provided a nervous moment for N'Diaye late in the first half, but the
keeper made the save in the top corner of his net. Sibusiso Vilakazi had the
first opening of the second period, but his snap-shot was straight at
N'Diaye when a yard either side of the keeper would likely have resulted in
a goal. Bafana's second-most capped player Siphiwe Tshabalala was handed an
89th cap for the final 20 minutes almost four years, but Bafana's World Cup
dream had long faded by the time Dean Furman flashed a late 35-yard drive
wide. The teams will meet in the final match in the pool in Dakar on Tuesday
in what is now a dead rubber.
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