I'm happy to be here and play for West Ham – Arnautovic
WHUFC.com
Marko Arnautovic has vowed to do everything he can for West Ham United and
the supporters who have come to adore him. After a tough start, the Austrian
has become a hero among the Claret and Blue Army for his outstanding
displays, never-say-die attitude and clear affection for the fans. With the
Hammers set to return home from a five day training camp in Miami on
Saturday, Arnautovic restated his love for those in the stands, and for the
Club as a whole. "I'm happy. I'm happy, I've said this a couple of times
already," he said. "I'm happy to be here and I'm happy to play for this
Club, with my teammates and for those fans. But it doesn't matter how I feel
now. I want the team as one unit and we're going to fight in these last
eight games."
After a run of 20 points from 12 games, West Ham have lost each of their
last three Premier League matches by a combined score off 11-1 to drop to
within three points of the relegation zone. Marko Arnautovic handed his
boots to a young fan after Saturday's defeat by Burnley Following last
Saturday's 3-0 home defeat by Burnley, Arnautovic stood in the pitch, head
bowed, in disappointment and frustration, before collecting his thoughts and
handing his boots to a young fan as the crowd sang his name. That bond, he
says, will be even more important when West Ham return to action at home to
Southampton on 31 March. "The fans are always important. I know they are
disappointed, but I also know that against Southampton the Stadium is going
to be full and they are going to be right behind us. We need them, because
without them, you are not much in football without fans. "I have a good
connection with them [the fans] and even when they boo us, it doesn't
matter, I will always be behind them and I will always love when they
support us. Still those people were with us until the end. I was applauding
them because they deserved it, even in this hard situation. "We know this is
a hard time, a tough time for them, but also for us. It's not that we don't
want to win games. We are in a hard situation but if we are all together,
work hard together, and keep the team and the fans and everyone involved
with West Ham together, then we can come out of this situation."
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Haksabanovic earns Montenegro call-up for March friendlies
WHUFC.com
Sead Haksabanovic has been named in Montenegro's squad for the upcoming
friendlies at the end of March. The 18-year-old will link up with his
international teammates for a contest with Cyprus in Nicosia on Friday 23
March before welcoming Turkey to Podgorica for a friendly fixture on Tuesday
27. The teenage midfielder played twice for Montenegro in World Cup
Qualification, making his appearances from the bench, with the most recent
coming in the away defeat to Poland. Haksabanovic and his international
teammates will not be at the tournament in Russia this summer after they
finished third in Group E of the UEFA qualifying groups, but the youngster
will be looking to stake his claim to a regular place in the Montenegro
starting line-up. The summer signing has made 12 appearance for the U23s
side this season and has played twice for the senior team - featuring in the
Carabao Cup win over Bolton Wanderers and also making an appearance in the
FA Cup clash with Wigan Athletic. Haksabanovic has also been on the bench
for six Premier League matches this campaign, but is yet to make his top
flight debut for the Hammers.
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Ray: 'Shared responsibility' key to winning Portsmouth test
WHUFC.com
A strong sense of 'shared responsibility and accountability' will be crucial
if West Ham United Ladies are to beat Portsmouth this weekend, according to
interim head coach Karen Ray. The Ladies head into Sunday's match in good
form, with the side unbeaten in their last eight matches across all
competitions and having conceded just twice in 2018. The team will take on
a stern test in Portsmouth FC Ladies, however, with this weekend's opponents
sitting fifth in the Premier League Southern Division, having claimed
back-to-back away wins in their previous two contests. Ray recognises the
threat Portsmouth pose to her side's unbeaten streak and feels the team
needs to continue to share culpability, something she feels has been vital
in the previous wins. "Portsmouth will certainly be a team to respect," Ray
told whufc.com: "Jay is a good coach, who has been having a successful
season and we will have to be at our best to get a result. "Having Neo, our
analyst, really helps us understand our opponents. We work together to
nullify our oppositions strengths and exploit their weaknesses while staying
true to our new-found identity. "The key for us has been shared
responsibility and accountability. Everyone now knows what needs to be done
to get the results. We all value each other's differences, the diversity
within our team creates a higher level of understanding and creativity which
allows us to all trust the process."
The Hammers suffered a 2-1 defeat in the reverse fixture against Portsmouth
in September, and while the Irons have added to the squad since that game,
Ray feels a clear philosophy has led to the team's improvements since then.
She continued: "We have made a couple of signings since the previous meeting
with Portsmouth, but ultimately I think the identity the team has gained has
been the biggest factor. We have instilled a style of play that supports
very talented individuals in contributing to the team. "Everyone is
passionate about performing well and winning games, our mentality shift has
been key to our newfound success and we all have plans to continue."
With just five games left in the league this campaign, plus two Cup finals,
Ray is thrilled with the progress she has seen from West Ham in 2018 and has
called on the players to continue to raise their standards between now and
the end of the season. "When I was asked to step in for the interim, my
ambition was to support the girls in earning the respect they truly
deserve," Ray added: "I think they are doing so. However, there is no reason
why we can't continue to set our sights higher. "We have an extremely
talented, competitive and brave group of players - the perfect mix for
success. The staff and I certainly won't let standards slip as we raise the
bar higher every time we cross the white line. It's a professional,
demanding and challenging environment that is driving our positive results
and I don't often say it but I am extremely proud of everyone."
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Barrett: Upbeat U18s are focused on Aston Villa clash
WHUFC.com
Returning defender Mason Barrett says the improvement in form for the West
Ham United U18s has led to a boost in atmosphere in the changing room, with
the entire squad focused on Saturday's match with Aston Villa. The Irons
head into this weekend's contest at Little Heath Sports Ground on the back
of three straight wins, and take on a Villa side that sit just two points
above them in the league. Barrett says the side recognises that this season
hasn't been the best for the young Hammers but insists the team have learned
from past mistakes, and are now a closer group because of it. And the
youngster is ready for the challenge Villa will poise. "As a team, we have
to be brutally honest and say we haven't had the best of seasons," Barrett
admitted to whufc.com. "But I feel we have learned a lot from that. We've
taken the things that we've not done well, looked on how to fix them, and
how to improve. "Our recent form has been really good and has definitely
changed the mood in the dressing room. You can tell now, before matches,
that everyone is more relaxed but also really switched on and focused at the
same time. It will be the same for Aston Villa. "The team is a lot more
upbeat and really enjoying playing together and winning games. I really feel
we have grown closer as a team in the last few weeks."
West Ham's resurgence in form coincides with Barrett's return to the team,
with the 18-year-old spending 14 months on the sidelines with stress-related
problems in both of his shins. Barrett is thrilled to be involved again and
reckons his injury experience will only make him a stronger player in the
long run. He continued: "It's a great feeling to be back and winning games.
I'm just happy to be playing again but our recent good form has been a real
confidence boost for both myself and the team. "I was buzzing to just get on
the field in general, to be fair. It was hard to be out for so long so to
just be involved again is unreal. "My injury, in a way, has just helped me
become even more hungry and now I'm back, I just want to achieve my dream of
being a professional football player even more. Right now, I'm just focused
on getting minutes under my belt, playing consistently well and seeing out
the season in the best way possible."
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Trott named in England U20s squad
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U23s' goalkeeper Nathan Trott has been named in the England
U20s squad for the upcoming matches with Poland and Portugal. Trott has
been in fine form this season for the West Ham Premier League 2 side and
made his England U20s debut last August in a 3-0 win over the Netherlands.
The shot-stopper was also between the sticks for the 4-0 victory against the
Czech Republic in October. The UEFA European U19 Championship winner has
once again been included, as one of two goalkeepers in head coach Keith
Downing's 19-man squad. The Three Lions will take on Poland in
Bielsku-Bialej on Thursday 22 March before returning to Manchester City's
Academy Stadium for a fixture against Portugal on Tuesday 27. Trott has
made 19 appearances in all competitions for the West Ham United U23s this
campaign, and was also on the bench for the first team's Premier League
match with Manchester City in December.
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Mario named in Portuguese 25
KUMb.com
Filed: Friday, 16th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
Joao Mario has been named in the Portugal squad to face the Netherlands in a
pre World Cup friendly later this month. The 25-year-old midfielder, who is
currently on loan at West Ham has been included in Fernando Manuel Costa's
squad to face Egypt (March 23) and Holland (26 March) in two friendlies
ahead of this summer's World Cup finals in Russia. Mario, who debuted for
his country back in 2014 having made an incredible 82 appearances at youth
level has made a total of seven full international appearances for Portugal.
The full Portuguese squad includes six UK-based players, four from the
Premier League, one from the Championship and one from the Scottish Premer
League. Former Hammers Jose Fonte, who recently joined Chinese Super League
side Dalian Yifang has also been included in Costa's latest selection.
Portugal have been grouped with Spain, Iran and Morocco in their World Cup
group.
Full Portugal Squad
Goalkeepers: Anthony Lopes (Lyon), Beto (Goztepe) and Rui Patrício
(Sporting).
Defenders: Bruno Alves (Rangers), Cédric Soares (Southampton), Fábio
Coentrão (Sporting), João Cancelo (Inter), José Fonte (Dalian Yifang),
Raphael Guerreiro (Dortmund), Rolando (Marselha) and Rúben Dias (Benfica).
Midfielders: Adrien Silva (Leicester), André Gomes (FC Barcelona), Bruno
Fernandes (Sporting), João Mário (West Ham), João Moutinho (Monaco), Manuel
Fernandes (Lokomotiv), Rúben Neves (Wolverhampton) and William Carvalho
(Sporting ).
Forwards: André Silva (AC Milan), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City),
Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Gelson Martins (Sporting), Gonçalo Guedes
(Valência) and Ricardo Quaresma (Besiktas).
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Arnautovic grateful for fans' support
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 16th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
Marko Arnautovic says he is delighted to have built a rapport with the West
Ham fans since moving from Stoke City.
The 28-year-old Austrian, currently in Miami with the rest of the first team
squad is rapidly becoming a crowd favourite and has been tipped by many as a
potential KUMB Player of the Year, following a decent start to his career in
east London.
And the winger, who is settling down into life in London with wife Sarah
following a £24million move from Stoke City last summer says the welcome he
has received from the fans has helped create a special bond between the two.
"The fans are always important," he told whufc.com. "I know they are
disappointed [with our recent form], but I also know that against
Southampton the stadium is going to be full and they are going to be right
behind us.
"We need them, because without the fans you are not much in football. I have
a good connection with them and even when they boo us, it doesn't matter. I
will always be behind them and I will always love when they support us.
"We know this is a hard time, a tough time for them, but also for us. We are
in a hard situation but if we are all together, work hard together, and keep
the team and the fans and everyone involved with West Ham together, then we
can come out of this situation."
Arnautovic, West Ham's leading goalscorer this season with seven to his name
(all scored in the Premier League) is set to appear next for his nation when
they face Slovenia (23 March) and Luxembourg (27 March) in international
friendlies.
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Solidarity is key, says Parish
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 16th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has sympathised with West Ham
supporters with regards to their current plight - whilst defending co-owners
David Sullivan and David Gold. Parish, whose Palace side are currently three
points and two places below West Ham in the Premier League table was
speaking in the wake of the disturbances that highlighted the supporters'
dissatisfaction with the way the club is currently being managed. And
despite his side sitting in the relegation zone with just nine matches left
to play, Parish stressed that he wouldn't change places with the Hammers. "I
do not wish what happened at West Ham on anyone," he told the Croydon
Advertiser. "I do not look at that and think 'that is great for us at
Palace'. "I know David Sullivan and David Gold. I know those guys have got
their heart and soul in that club. None of us are going to get this right,
everything we do at a football club. It is impossible, but everyone knows
the team you should have picked at 4.45pm on Saturday! It is easy to
criticise. "I know it is difficult for supporters to stay calm in that
moment. We have all had it after a game when we are getting beat. It is not
a nice experience and I think you can make your feelings known without
stepping over the line. I was disappointed to see that.
"But I know that club is a great club and have got great supporters. And I
know they will all rally round as well. When push comes to shove they will
all be there for the team. They will. They made their feelings known and
hopefully they have put that behind them."
Parish, who has been involved at Selhurst Park since 2012 also urged Hammers
fans to keep the current situation in "perspective" - no doubt a reminder
that the fans can still play a major role in their team's fortunes. "Three
teams have got to get relegated, and everyone is trying as hard as they can
to stay in the league," he added. "Things do not go wrong on purpose. I
understand people get angry, but I think we have got to keep some
perspective."
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Journalist defends 'co-ordinated attack' accusation
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 16th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
A BBC journalist has claimed that more than 20 attempts to enter the field
of play during Saturday's 3-0 defeat against Burnley were thwarted by
stadium security.
According to writer Simon Stone, who was sharing his thoughts via twitter,
"stewards repelled 85% of the attempts" by supporters to get on to the
pitch, before adding that the incidents weren't "spontaneous" but "planned",
involving "in excess of 100 people" and "co-ordinated through mobile
phones". Given that only four supporters managed to enter the field of play,
that would mean approximately 27 people in total tried to encroach onto the
pitch. And, as anyone who had attended the stadium since West Ham moved to
Stratford in 2016 will attest, it is virtually impossible to get a phone
signal inside the ground - let alone coordinate a protest campaign involving
more than 100. Naturally, those figures and explanations left many who were
actually present at the match questioning Stone's logic and information.
Consequently a number of West Ham supporters challenged the authenticity of
his comments, urging the journalist to check his sources or remove his
tweet. However Mr Stone refused to bow to pressure and instead defended his
version of events via a series of additional posts.
"I did not make it up. Info came via credible source," he replied. "I had no
reason to think it was incorrect. Secondly, there is official statement for
Safety Advisory Group - which had the power to close stadium. "[They] said
there was 'unprecedented level of disorder at multiple locations across
stadium, would have been almost impossible for any security team to manage'
+ security op was 'stretched significantly by scale + volume of incidents'
but most attempted pitch incursions were stopped. "All I did was try find
out what the 'unprecedented level of disorder' was. What I reported was what
I was told by someone who is in a position to know and stands by info. Re
mobile signal issue - which I accept - told major use was outside ground
before game to get people in. "Those who think [the] SAG statement is false
are entitled to that view. But it is an official statement and all those
present agreed with its release. CCTV evidence has been passed to police."
Following Stone's comments, several supporters have written to the BBC to
complain.
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GUEST POST: WE CAN NO LONGER BEG TO DIFFER OR ENGAGE IN A CIVIL MANNER. WHY?
By Iain Dale 16 Mar 2018 at 08:00
WTID
Guest Post by Anonymous
This follows on from
"THIS2:https://www.westhamtillidie.com/posts/2018/03/11/grown-men-behaving-l
ike-spoilt-children article from the same author on the events of last
weekend.
I just read your "piece for the
Standard"https://www.westhamtillidie.com/posts/2018/03/13/evening-standard-c
olumn-be-careful-what-you-wish-for. You have just completely taken my head
thoughts on this. Agree with every word and nuance in its entirety. Well
done.
For the last two seasons, I witnessed two supporters who sit in front of me
whom week in week out have hurled abuse at the players sat on the subs bench
directly in front of us. Ayew, Carrol, Kouyate and even Antautovic have come
in for nasty stuff at different times. I have come very close to pulling
them up and telling them to shut up, but then it would kick off and just add
to the woes amongst supporters and place me at risk.
The players sit exposed within inches of some supporters who are paying 4k a
year for a seat and who have the manners of moronic pigs despite their
earning capacity. My overwhelming impression of the last two years is of
bunch of players terrified of the supporters. It reminded me of my years
coaching kids football watching parents and other coaches scream at the kids
terrifying the kids.
On a practical level the club should consider redesigning the subs seating
in order to shield players from the supporters and get their focus on the
pitch and not on what goes on in the stands. They perhaps also should start
kicking out some of these abusive fans.
I mean in what other sport or entertainment industry event is it ok to
scream 'You f***ing lazy fat worthless useless c**t!'? Apologies for
language, but this is what I hear week in week out, with many children
present too. Whenever I have made comment on this I am dismissed with 'Oh
it's just banter mate'.
And all this going on before the events of Saturday. Cancer starts small.
I brought up Brexit in my previous email that you posted on your WHTID. I am
not sure if you read some of the replies on the WHTID forum, but some picked
up on this and took my observations out of context in inferring I was
blaming 'Brexit', identifying me as a 'Remoaner' with an ulterior motive and
therefore totally dismissing my views because of this. They wholly missed
the point.
We dropped a bomb with the EU referendum and it divided the nation, the same
has happened with West Ham and the move to the Olympic/London Stadium, we
are no longer West Ham United we are West Ham Disunited. This was the point
I was making.
This is part of a much bigger picture, we are living in a way more
aggressive abusive world than 25 years ago. The internet has also helped
fuel this as people sit anonymously behind their screen typing their bile,
something they would not do face to face, especially 25 years ago.
I have scaled down my involvement on social media to the point I am
considering pulling out completely. I talk face to face more than I have
ever done in recent years. 'Talk Don't Tweet' is now my motto. Engaging with
people in person is the medicine needed for over indulgence behind a
computer screen.
Even amongst long term friends I pick up on massive polarization and
divisive attitudes when on line/Twitter/Facebook etc. We can no longer beg
to differ or engage in a civil manner, we are either A or B, Black or White,
Gay or Straight, Left or Right, Fascist or Socialist, Tory or Labour or of
course a Brexiteer or Remoaner. Everything now has a label. It feels that
most people have forgotten that we are all humans with a limited shelf life.
We simply need to talk face to face and rediscover the art of real
communication and accept that we have different views. This world would be
better for it. Of course, this is me being idealistic.
I do not know the answer to all this hostility and division, there probably
isn't one, I try not to get cynical about mankind, but it is very
challenging not to just shut the door and stay indoors for the rest of one's
days. I fear for the future of my children and eventual grandchildren. The
world has become a worrying place in recent times.
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This must stop
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 16th March 2018
By: Connor Darrell
I am an American. I have no familial ties to the East End, and I have only
been to one West Ham United match in my entire life (a 0-0 draw with Stoke
during the final season at the Boleyn). So I forgive you if you decide to
read no further or question the value of my opinion as an outsider.
But I can assure you that I love this club with a fervent passion. Though
there are days where I ask myself why I didn't just follow Manchester United
or Chelsea like every other fairweather American fan, it is too late now. I
bleed claret and blue.
What follows is a somewhat incoherent collection of thoughts running through
my mind. I have never written any journalistic pieces before, and may never
do so again. But it was somewhat therapeutic for me to do this, and I hope
at least some of you agree with me.
I sat down to write this piece shortly after the final whistle of what could
only be described as a nightmarish and embarrassing loss to Burnley.
Nightmarish not because of the result, but because of the reality it left us
in. Embarrassing not because of what transpired on the pitch, but off of it.
As someone forced to follow the club from 3,500 miles away, it is a bit
difficult for me to gain a full understanding of how we have arrived at this
perilous state.
I think back to that magical final season at the Boleyn, and the optimism I
was filled with. Dimitri Payet was one of the best players in the world, and
while understandably emotional, a pending move to a larger stadium seemed a
reasonable proposition for a club looking to take the next step required to
compete on the world's biggest stage. I couldn't wait to embark on that
journey.
I was drinking the kool-aid.
What's transpired since has been very difficult for me to grasp. Sure, the
board carries the bulk of the blame. The move was clumsily administrated,
empty promises were made, and the final product has been nothing short of
dreadful. But I can't help but think that the unrest among the fan base has
also contributed significantly to our inability to seize opportunity, and
what I witnessed today on my television screen cemented that belief in my
mind.
After 60 minutes of outplaying the opposition, a cheap goal was conceded,
and we allowed Ashley Barnes - Ashley FREAKING Barnes - of all people to put
the final dagger into the soul of this club.
At one goal down, an objective spectator might have reasonably backed West
Ham to still nick at least a point from this match, but those spectators in
attendance who felt the need to take it upon themselves to storm the field
and direct frustration at the board made it certain that wouldn't be the
case. At the very moment the players needed the backing of the club's
supporters, those same supporters abandoned them. There was no coming back.
I truly believe that the time has come for us supporters to look in the
mirror and objectively ask ourselves if we truly believe we are acting in
the club's best interest by franticly rebelling against the board.
One of the most frequently cited knocks on Sullivan and Co. has been the
ineptitude with which they conduct themselves in the transfer market. The
long track record of incompetence is there, and nobody can rationally argue
that the club hasn't been handcuffed by poor personnel and player
recruitment. But the argument that the board has refused to make the
necessary investments in the squad since the move to the London Stadium has
some holes in it.
Given the strife and infighting amongst the club and supporters - and
amongst the supporters themselves - perhaps nobody could have navigated the
tricky negotiations needed to bring in players of the necessary quality.
Ask yourselves this, if you were a young promising player sitting in your
living room with your family and your agent, trying to decide what move
might help you propel your career to the next level, where might West Ham
rank on your list of destinations? My guess is that it would be very close
to the bottom. And part of that is due to the behaviour of supporters on
days like today.
I am not defending the board. They are arrogant, incompetent, and incapable
of objective self evaluation. If the club is going to truly move forward,
they must go. But they won't, and we need to acknowledge that reality.
At this stage, the most important thing is survival, and in order to survive
we must put the anti-board sentiment aside and focus on supporting the
players. After all, they are the only ones with direct control over the fate
of this season. We must do everything we can to support them.
In an age where money is everything, the potential perils of relegation are
far too large. We must swallow our pride, put the anti-board protests aside
for the time being, and focus our energy on positive support for the players
in the dressing room. There are points to be gained in the remaining
fixtures. We all have to do our part.
And when I say "we", I of course really mean all of you who have the luxury
of attending matches. There's nothing I can do from my living room in
Pennsylvania but clench my teeth and nervously shout at the television
screen.
Please heed my call, I would really like to avoid suffering through more
seasons in the Championship, where I must listen to audio-only broadcasts of
trips to Barnsley, Preston, or Reading.
Come on you Irons.
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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SEAGULLS HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR WORTHWHILE CAUSE
Brightonandhovealbion.com
Alex Stedman
Jose Izquierdo's goal against West Ham in the 3-1 victory at the Amex
Stadium back in February will live long in the memory for a number of
supporters. But Robin Woolley, a Seagulls fan based in Newcastle, will have
a constant reminder in his home after he won an online auction for a signed
match-worn shirt from the Seagulls wide man, in aid of young Irons fan Isla
Caton, who suffers from a rare childhood cancer called neuroblastoma. He
said, "I'm delighted, it was a shirt I had to have because I was at the game
and saw the goal itself – but more importantly it's money that I've bid for
a very worthwhile cause. "I have a daughter who's Isla's age so I thought
that if I was ever in that situation I'd want people to help me and the
family out as well. "Nobody would wish that on anyone, so I would hope
people would also put their hands in their pockets."
A video message from the Colombian midfielder was widely shared across
social media and well-received by a collection of supporters from different
clubs – Robin emphasised the response to the clip as being the perfect
example of the power of football. "The response that the family have got
definitely shows how influential the sport can be. "You put rivalries aside,
there's a lot of Millwall fans online who are giving their support to the
cause and I believe someone is running an event in a West Ham shirt as well,
so that tells you all you need to know. "When you think of the bad publicity
around those rivalries it goes out of the window with something like this.
"I saw the link on Twitter and the video as well and thought I have to have
that for such a great cause – the plan is to have it framed and up on the
wall in the house, it'll take pride of place."
The spectacular effort at the start of last month kick-started a good run of
form in the top flight which currently sees Albion sitting in 11th position
going into Saturday's Emirates FA Cup tie with Manchester United at Old
Trafford. Robin was invited down to the American Express Elite Football
Performance Centre on Thursday, as Chris Hughton met the media ahead of the
last eight cup tie in the historic competition. "It's the best goal I've
seen at the stadium – I've had a bit of journey down because I live up near
Newcastle, but I was able to have a look around the training ground and see
my first-ever press conference too. "To top it off, I got the shirt from
Jose in person as well so it's been great. "It was really interesting to see
how the press conference works – I was tempted to stick my hand up but
someone got in ahead of me with what I was going to ask!"
Fans can donate to Isla's Just Giving Page - set up in order to raise funds
to get Isla vital treatment, by clicking here.
https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/thebradleyloweryfoundation/isla
caton
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West Ham face behind closed doors fixtures if London Stadium crowd trouble
persists
KEN DYER
ES Sport
West Ham have been warned any repeat of crowd trouble will result in part or
all of the London Stadium being shut to fans for future matches. A number of
spectators invaded the pitch during last Saturday's match against Burnley
and several hundred fans congregated in front of the directors' box in an
ugly demonstration of their dissatisfaction at the club's board. Following a
meeting yesterday of the Safety Advisory Group, which included the stadium
operators, LS185, Newham council, the Metropolitan Police, the London Legacy
Development Corporation and the club, it was agreed there will be police
inside the stadium for the next home match, against Southampton on March
31.There will also be restrictions to the area in front of the directors'
box, a review of where fans can go and the stewards' response teams will be
bolstered. The cost of the increased police presence is expected to be met
by the stadium owners and operators, even though West Ham had looked at
paying in a bid to get more control over security. The SAG warned West Ham
that the remaining five home matches will be closely monitored and if there
is any repeat of the disorder, further action would be taken by Newham
council in its safety certifying role, including reducing capacity or
playing matches behind closed doors.
The Football Association are investigating the trouble and also have the
power to order a partial or full closure of the stadium. However, as steps
are being taken to tackle the issue ahead of the Southampton game, the FA
could give West Ham a heavy fine, with the stadium penalty more likely if
there is a repeat of the chaos.
In a statement, the SAG said: "LS185 and West Ham United have made great
strides in identifying the trouble-makers and have been very clear that
those guilty of violent or aggravating conduct will be banned from the
stadium."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, March 17
Friday, March 16
Daily WHUFC News - 16th March 2018
Arnautovic included in Austria squad for March matches
WHUFC.com
Marko Arnautovic has been named in Austria's squad for two friendly
international matches at the end of the month. The West Ham United forward
is one of 24 players selected to host Slovenia in Klagenfurt on 23 March
before traveling to Luxembourg four days later. Capped 67 times and with 16
goals for his country, Arnautovic is the most-experienced member of Franco
Foda's squad, having made his debut against the Faroe Islands back in
October 2008. Since then, he has featured regularly for the Burschen and was
part of the squad which travelled to the UEFA European Championship finals
in 2016. Vienna-born Arnautovic, who has seven Premier League goals to his
name for the Hammers this season, is joined in Foda's group by Watford
defender Sebastian Prodl, Leicester City centre-back Aleksandar Dragovic and
the likes of Bayern Munich midfielder David Alaba and FC Augsburg pair
Martin Hinteregger and Michael Gregoritsch. The 28-year-old is one of a
number of West Ham players called-up for international duty, with Manuel
Lanzini (Argentina), Declan Rice (Republic of Ireland) and Cheikhou Kouyate
(Senegal) also set for action.
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Collison: International football will benefit West Ham youngsters
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's lead U14/U16 coach Jack Collison says the Club's young
players will benefit from playing for their respective national teams.
Premier League 2 players Domingos Quina, Martin Samuelsen and Conor
Coventry, as well as U18 regulars Rihards Matrevics, Jeremy Ngakia and
Ajibola Alese and schoolboys Serine Sanneh and Daniel Jinadu are all in line
for call-ups for international fixtures in March and April. With opposition
ranging from Brazil to Kosovo, former Wales international Collison believes
playing against players and teams with different tactics and playing styles
can only aid the West Ham youngsters. "A number of our players will be
hoping to be called into their respective international teams' camps next
week, during the break, which will provide them with great opportunities to
further their development," said Collison, who was capped 15 times by the
Dragons at senior level and also featured seven times for the U21s. "The
chance to play for your country at this young age is a real testament to
their efforts, and the lads will need to be prepared to come up against
different formations, different styles of playing football, and even
different pressures. "The pressure of wearing an international shirt is
something every young player dreams of and I'm sure the lads involved will
give the best possible account of themselves."
While many call-ups are still at the provisional stage, West Ham could have
as many as eleven players involved in age-group internationals.
Declan Rice, Josh Cullen (both Republic of Ireland), Edimilson Fernandes
(Switzerland) and Samuelsen (Norway) are set for U21 duty in UEFA European
Championship qualifiers, while Ngakia could be involved in DR Congo's Africa
U20 Cup of Nations qualifiers with Tanzania.
Quina (Portugal), Coventry (Republic of Ireland) and Matrevics (Latvia) are
all set for UEFA European U19 Championship qualifiers.
Alese's England U17s face a friendly double-header with Brazil, while
goalkeepers Sanneh and Jinadu could be involved in the Montaigu Tournament
in France with England U16s.
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Bonds: Bobby Moore was a truly great player and a great man
WHUFC.com
Billy Bonds tells long-serving London Evening Standard reporter Ken Dyer
that the late, great Bobby Moore, who passed away 25 years ago, was his own
footballing hero...
I count myself a lucky man to have watched Bobby Moore in his pomp, but how
much better would it have been to have played in the same team as the
greatest ever Hammer?
Dream on, as they say, but one man who does know what it was to play with
the great man is yet another Club legend – Billy Bonds.
Billy joined West Ham United from Charlton Athletic for £55,000 in the
summer of 1967, a year after Bobby, as England captain, had wiped his
muddied hands on the Royal Box velvet, shaken the white-gloved hand of Her
Majesty The Queen and then received the Jules Rimet Trophy. The two men –
Bonzo and Mooro as they are affectionately known by Hammers' fans everywhere
– actually first met eight years earlier – and Bonzo hadn't a clue then, who
the blond-haired young man was. Billy takes up the story.
"I first met Mooro when I was about 12 years old – and I had no idea who he
was," he recalls. "He came over to South London to present some medals to my
local Sunday League morning team. He brought his future wife Tina over – I
think they were going out together at the time. "We had won the league and
the cup that year and our manager, Mr Flowers, told us he had arranged for
somebody to come and present the medals to us. "We all turned up at Middle
Park School and in came Mooro. He had just broken into the West Ham first
team but we didn't know who he was. Even then, though, he had something
about him, blond, good looking with a lovely young lady alongside him. He
did a bit of coaching with us, presented the medals and that was it. "We
later found out his name was Bobby Moore and he played for West Ham but
communication back then wasn't like it is now, there weren't loads of
matches on TV – and most people of my estate were either Charlton or
Millwall fans! "Fast forward six years from that first meeting and I'm
watching along with millions of others on TV, as Mooro lifts the World Cup."
Woolwich-born Bonds moved across the River Thames in 1967, when he signed
for West Ham from Second Division Charlton Athletic. "A year after the World
Cup I joined West Ham from Charlton and I certainly knew who he was then! I
was a bit in awe of him to be honest because, along with Pele, he was
probably the most famous footballer in the world - but I needn't have been
worried. "He was great right with me right from the start. There wasn't an
ounce of arrogance or ego in him. He was so down to earth you had to remind
yourself all that he had achieved. "That was what was so great about him,
apart from his ability. Nowadays there are players who, let's be honest,
couldn't lace Mooro's boots but they get a little touch of stardom and
that's it – you can't talk to them – big-time Charlies. "Mooro could have
been like that – but he wasn't. He was just a lovely bloke, someone you
looked up to and admired. Then, to play with him, well…. You can imagine
what a thrill it was for me. "The first game we played together I remember
was against Sheffield Wednesday at the start of that 1967 season. Mooro
wasn't a 'bawler and shouter'. I played right-back that day and early in the
game I looked to my left and there was Bobby Moore, playing alongside me. I
thought 'bloody hell', I'm playing alongside a World Cup winner. "He was so
calm on the ball, he wasn't a fierce tackler who would go through the back
of people but he had that wonderful knack of just nicking the ball off
opponents. He wasn't quick so his positional play had to be very good and he
was brilliant at reading the game. "I was totally different to him. He was
cool and calm with everything he did while I was a bull in a china shop,
flying into tackles. Just playing with him though, meant you learnt
something. "As I said though, he was never lairy. He knew all the stars and
everyone wanted to know him but he always had time for you. He always kept
that humility."
Bobby finally left West Ham for Fulham in 1974 but a year later the pair
were back on the same pitch – but this time in opposition. It was to be
Bobby's final competitive match at the national stadium with West Ham
finishing FA Cup winners after beating their London rivals 2-0. Billy was
West Ham captain then but, as he recalIs: "I didn't shake his hand before
the game because Alan Mullery was their captain and when the game started,
you put your business hat on – it's them or us and no-one remembers who
finishes on the losing side in an FA Cup final. "If Mooro had made a forward
run and was threatening our goal I would probably have kicked him – and more
than likely he would have expected it! "When the final whistle went, though,
and we had won the Cup, he was the first one I went to, out of respect,
before I started celebrating. I wanted to make sure he knew how I felt.
There's a picture of Graham Paddon and me, both with our arms around him.
"The last time I saw him was up at Grimsby in November 1992. I was manager
of West Ham and I was doing an interview after a night game. We had drawn
the match 1-1 and Mooro came down from the Press Box and waited until I had
finished to say 'hello' to me. "He didn't look well then and I knew he had
an illness."
Bobby died just three months later.
"I wouldn't say I was ever close to him," says Billy. "It's been well
documented that he loved a 'bevy' and he would go out after a game while I
just went home but I always say I was privileged and proud to play alongside
the great Bobby Moore. "There are different kinds of defenders. Kevin
Beattie was one of the best in my time. He was a powerhouse but Mooro wasn't
like that. I can see him now, knocking 40-yard passes up to Geoff Hurst's
chest. "A truly great player and a great man – I loved him."
*This feature originally appeared in the Official Programme for the Premier
League fixture with Burnley.
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Evra: I have to lead by example at West Ham
WHUFC.com
Patrice Evra knows he has a huge responsibility to the younger players at
West Ham United and has to lead by example both on the training fields and
during matches. At 36-years-old, Evra is West Ham's most experienced
professional player and boasts a wealth of knowledge, having claimed five
Premier League titles and made 728 competitive match appearances during his
career. The Frenchman signed for the Irons in February and is eager to share
what he has learned in his 20 years as a professional footballer with the
younger players at West Ham. But Evra knows the best way to guide these
talents is by his actions, not his words.
"Coming in at my age, there's massive responsibility on my shoulders," Evra
told whufc.com: "You have to lead by example. Before you can say anything to
a younger player and guide them with your words, you have to show them good
examples and lead with your actions. You have to work hard in training, and
do your job in the games. "It's in my character to do that anyway, and I'm
not someone who has anything to prove. When you're in a leadership position,
your most important job is to create more leaders around you. I like to do
that and I strive to do that. I want to see my teammates – particularly the
younger ones – getting better and playing well. The most important thing is
the team. "This role fits my personality so, for me, it was the perfect fit
to come to West Ham."
Having won 21 major trophies, Evra has enjoyed one of the most successful
playing careers of any individual to grace the Premier League. But
retirement is far from the left-back's mind, with Evra citing his passion
for the game as his reason for continuing. And Evra wants to harness that
hunger to help the Hammers climb back up the table. He continued: "I've got
a lot of friends who said things like 'You've got nothing to prove so why do
you keep playing?' But it's in my DNA. I can't stop. Why would I want to
stop? If I wasn't fit then, of course, I would be questioning myself. But
I'm fit and I know what I am doing. "It's all about hunger. When I was
five-years-old, I had such a hunger for football. Even when I was young, and
I was begging people for money outside of the store, even then I was saying
'I love this game!'. This is my motivation to keep playing. "When I lose
that hunger I will stop. But actually, as I get older, the stronger that
hunger gets. Forget the Patrice Evra from Manchester United, from Juventus,
from the French team. Every day I wake up is a new day, a new challenge, and
I'm always questioning myself. "Every training session and match with West
Ham is a chance to prove to myself and my teammates that I can still play
this game at the highest level. I think that hunger will be with me
forever."
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Hart ready to fight for place after receiving England call-up
WHUFC.com
Joe Hart has been named in England's squad for two mouth-watering friendly
international matches at the end of the month. The West Ham United
goalkeeper is one of 27 players selected to travel to Amsterdam to face the
Netherlands on Friday 23 March before hosting Italy at Wembley Stadium four
days later. Capped 75 times since making his debut against Trinidad and
Tobago in June 2008, Hart has travelled to the last four major tournaments
with England and will hope to make it five at the FIFA World Cup finals in
Russia this summer. "We've got some good games coming up," said Hart, who
has been working hard during the Hammers' training camp in Miami this week.
"We want to go into them and learn as much about ourselves as we possibly
can. "We've done the hard task of qualifying for the World Cup, which many
other teams found difficult, but I felt we handled it very professionally.
"Now, we've got games to test ourselves and really see where we are at, work
on our strengths and work on our weaknesses."
With the likes of Stoke City's Jack Butland, Southampton's Fraser Forster,
Burnley's Nick Pope and Everton's Jordan Pickford also vying for Gareth
Southgate's attention, Hart knows he needs to maintain his form if he is to
keep his starting place. "Every day is an audition when you go away with
England and it's highly-publicised before each game, who is going to play
and who isn't. "It's interesting how it is working out at the moment, but
I'm still in there fighting, trying to perform to my best levels, and that
will never change."
Hart, who is on a season-long loan from Manchester City, started nine of the
Three Lions' ten World Cup qualifiers, keeping seven clean sheets. In total,
has 42 shutouts in 75 appearances for his country. The 30-year-old is one
of a number of West Ham players called-up for international duty, with Marko
Arnautovic (Austria), Manuel Lanzini (Argentina), Declan Rice (Republic of
Ireland) and Cheikhou Kouyate (Senegal) also set for action.
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Joao Mario earns Portugal call for upcoming friendlies
WHUFC.com
Joao Mario has been called-up by Portugal for two FIFA World Cup warm-up
friendlies at the end of March. The West Ham United midfielder and his
teammates, including former Hammer Jose Fonte, will head for Switzerland to
face Egypt and the Netherlands. The UEFA Euro 2016 winners will tackle the
Pharaohs in Zurich on Friday 23 March before heading for Geneva to take on
the Dutch on Monday 26 March. Joao Mario is one of five English-based
players in Fernando Santos' squad, joining Southampton full-back Cedric
Soares, Leicester City midfielder Adrian Silva, Wolverhampton Wanderers'
Ruben Neves and Manchester City attacker Bernardo Silva. The 25-year-old has
been capped 31 times since 2014, scoring once, and featured in all seven
matches as Portugal were crowned European champions in France two years ago.
They will seek to add the World Cup crown when they travel to Russia in June
to take on Spain, Morocco and Iran in the group stage.
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Arnautovic: We must stay together and fight until the end
WHUFC.com
Marko Arnautovic says every West Ham United player 'has to stay together and
fight' to keep the Club in the Premier League. The Hammers have spent the
week working in Miami, where Arnautovic says David Moyes' training sessions
have had the intensity of pre-season. But while the popular Austrian and his
teammates might have been sweating, they are certainly not complaining, with
the No7 insisting the squad will return refreshed, recharged and united for
the run-in, which kicks-off with the visit of Southampton on 31 March. "The
training has been tough, and this is not a holiday for us," said Arnautovic.
"We came out here to take some sun, of course, but I think this was like
pre-season as the training was really hard. "We are happy for this because
we need to work hard and come back and finish the end of the season
strongly. Until now, so far, it was not how we wanted it. We have to work
hard, we have to stay together, like we are doing this week, until the end
of the season because it's going to be really hard for us."
With Arnautovic in magnificent form, West Ham went on an encouraging run
over Christmas and the New Year, rising to tenth in the table, but three
straight defeats have seen them drop back down to 16th. However, with eight
matches still to play, the seven-goal striker says there is time to put
things right. "Of course, we try to turn things around. I understand the
fans' disappointment. They expect us to win those games at home and we
didn't. "I think it was really hard for the players, but also for the fans
and everyone involved. But my message to everyone is to keep everything
together. "Everybody who wears this badge has to stay together and fight
until the end of the season. I think we're going to do our best to come out
of this."
As an experienced international and Premier League performer, Arnautovic
himself is willing to take on the personal responsibility of scoring and
creating the goals the Hammers need to secure the points required. Having
played influential roles in the home victories over champions Chelsea and
Watford and the away wins at Stoke City and Huddersfield Town, the
28-year-old has already shown he has the character and ability to do just
that. "I try to take as much as possible on my shoulders. I think, with this
kind of situation, that you can do some good. I just want to work hard and
start winning games. "We need those points and we need the whole team to
fight for them."
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West Ham United welcome Safety Advisory Group statement
WHUFC.com
Following the meeting of the Safety Advisory Group at London Stadium today,
West Ham United welcome the announcement of a number of safety and security
measures which will be implemented for our next home match against
Southampton on Saturday 31 March.
Please see below a statement from the London Stadium Safety Advisory Group.
The London Stadium Safety Advisory Group met today and found that a small
minority of spectators from within a very large crowd caused an
unprecedented level of disorder at multiple locations across the stadium,
which would have been almost impossible for any security team to manage.
Whilst some issues in the security regime were identified it is recognised
that the operation were stretched significantly by the scale and volume of
incidents and stopped most attempted pitch incursions successfully.
In response, a series of measures will be introduced for the next fixture
including: increased stewarding, enhanced pitch security and a significantly
larger police presence. A spokesperson on behalf of the London Safety
Advisory Group, said: "The Safety Advisory Group for London Stadium has
today met to discuss the serious disorder last weekend. "The Safety Advisory
Group (SAG) recognises discontent among fans cannot be allowed to compromise
the safety and wellbeing of the majority of spectators at the stadium. "The
SAG has been working closely with London Stadium 185 (LS185), E20 and West
Ham United to understand the sequence of events leading to the disorder. We
have instructed the stadium operators to make changes to prevent a
repetition. The SAG has seen evidence that the level of disorder would have
been difficult for any safety management team to contain. Following today's
meeting the SAG is reassured that safety is LS185's top priority. "The SAG
has made specific requests to the stadium operators for the next fixture
including:
• Police will be present inside and outside the stadium
• Bolstering the response teams
• Restricting access to the area in front of the directors' box
• A review of spectator movement around the stadium
"In addition, LS185 and West Ham United have made great strides in
identifying the trouble makers and have been very clear that those guilty of
violent or aggravating conduct will be banned from the stadium. It is
anticipated these stadium bans will be in place for the next home fixture
against Southampton on 31 March. "The SAG acts as the advisory body to
Newham Council in its safety certifying role. Following reassurances that
have been given, it is the SAG's view that the council does not need to use
the ultimate sanction, which would see capacity reduced at the venue and
spectators excluded. The remaining homes games will be closely monitored.
"The SAG must make clear that in the event of future disorder, it would
seriously consider advising the certifying authority to take forward this
sanction. Playing behind closed doors would be a great shame for the
majority of fans who wish to watch and support their team in safety."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham: More police and tighter security plans announced after crowd
trouble
BBC.co.uk
Tighter safety and security measures, including an increased police
presence, will be put in place for West Ham's next home match, following the
crowd trouble at their most recent game. There were four separate pitch
invasions at London Stadium during Saturday's 3-0 defeat by Burnley. The new
measures were announced after an emergency meeting on Thursday. The group in
charge of stadium safety also warned that future trouble could lead to
closures. London Stadium's Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which includes
representatives from the club, police, Newham council, and stadium owners
and operators, announced the decision. It has the power to restrict the
capacity of the ground or even close it to paying spectators completely.
West Ham have said they will seek life football bans for the supporters who
ran on to the pitch during last weekend's Premier League match. Co-owners
David Sullivan and David Gold were forced to leave the directors' box for
their own safety, with Sullivan struck on the head by a coin. Burnley
players sheltered a group of young fans during crowd trouble that broke out
in the home sections.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan described the scenes as "disgraceful". The Football
Association has opened its own inquiry and the Premier League also expressed
concern at the situation. The SAG said it recognised security had been
"stretched significantly by the scale and volume of incidents and stopped
most attempted pitch incursions successfully".
It said it had now "instructed the stadium operators to make changes to
prevent a repetition". The group said it had made "great strides in
identifying the trouble makers" and expected "stadium bans will be in place
for the next home fixture against Southampton on 31 March".
A statement added: "Following reassurances that have been given, it is the
SAG's view that the council does not need to use the ultimate sanction,
which would see capacity reduced at the venue and spectators excluded. The
remaining homes games will be closely monitored. "The SAG must make clear
that in the event of future disorder, it would seriously consider advising
the certifying authority to take forward this sanction. Playing behind
closed doors would be a great shame for the majority of fans who wish to
watch and support their team in safety."
Analysis
BBC Sport's Simon Stone
It is only now that the sheer scale and organisation of Saturday's trouble
is becoming apparent. Rather than the spontaneous uprising against the
club's owners it initially appeared to be, it has now been established
hundreds of supporters were involved, communicating with mobile phones, and
creating small-scale problems, in a concerted effort to get security staff
away from their designated areas to leave the directors' box, in particular,
vulnerable. Sixty staff are employed at London Stadium on matchdays with the
specific brief to keep fans off the pitch. It has been established that on
Saturday, 85% of those attempts were repelled.
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Arnie set for Lux test
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 15th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
Marko Arnautovic has been named in the Austria squad that will face Slovenia
and Luxembourg later this month. The 28-year-old, who is currently in Miami
with the rest of the West Ham first team squad already has 67 caps under his
belt and has been named in Franco Foda's latest 24-man squad ahead of the
two friendlies, which are due to take place on 23 and 27 March.
* Cheikhou Kouyate - with 25 caps to his name - is set to represent Senegal
in their forthcoming pre-World Cup friendlies against Uzbekistan and Bosnia
and Herzegovina on March 23 and 27 respectively. The Hammers midfielder -
who currently captains his national side - confesses he can't wait to lead
his team out at this summer's World Cup Finals in Russia. " I am the captain
and my people are behind us, so I need to lead my team," Kouyate told
whufc.com. "It won't be easy though as this is a World Cup and every game
is hard. Every game is a final and we are going there to give our best,
because all of Senegal are proud of the team. Everybody in the country loves
football." The midfielder is joined in the squad by former Hammer Diafra
Sakho, who has scored three goals in his first seven appearances in Ligue 1
for new club Rennes.
* In other international news, Manuel Lanzini has already been named in the
Argentina squad which will face Italy and Spain in the same week. The
25-year-old has previously represented his country at full international
level on two occasions.
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Hammers shunned by Southgate and England
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 15th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's home grown contingent have been snubbed by Gareth Southgate ahead
of England's forthcoming fixtures with Holland and Italy. The only Hammer to
be selected in the former Aston Villa defender's latest international squad
is Joe Hart, currently on loan from Manchester City. And that means a snub
for the likes of Aaron Cresswell and Michail Antonio, who have appeared
under Southgate in recent England line-ups. As a result, there are fewer
Hammers in the squad than the likes of Burnley and Leicester, with Southgate
calling up the Clarets' Nick Pope and James Tarkowski for the first time.
A total number of 14 Premier League clubs are represented in the latest
squad, which is due to face the Dutch in Amsterdam on 23 March and Italy at
Wembley on 27 March, are as follows:
Liverpool: 4 (Joe Gomez, Jordan Henderson, Jordan Henderson, Alex
Oxlade-Chamberlain)
Tottenham Hotspur: 4 (Dele Alli, Eric Dier, Danny Rose, Kieran Trippier)
Manchester City: 3 (Raheem Sterling, John Stones, Kyle Walker)
Manchester Utd: 3 (Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford, Ashley Young)
Arsenal: 2 (Danny Welbeck, Jack Wilshere)
Burnley: 2 (Nick Pope, James Tarkowski)
Leicester City: 2 (Harry Maguire, Jamie Vardy)
Bournemouth: 1 (Lewis Cook)
Everton: 1 (Jordan Pickford)
Southampton: 1 (Ryan Bertrand)
Stoke City: 1 (Jack Butland)
Swansea City: 1 (Alfie Mawson)
West Bromwich Albion: 1 (Jake Livermore)
West Ham United: 1 (Joe Hart)
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Tony Gale urges West Ham fans to unite behind the team
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 15/03/18 6:00pm
SSN
Tony Gale has urged West Ham fans to unite behind the team in a bid to avoid
another "nightmare" relegation. The Hammers sit just three points above the
relegation zone after last Saturday's 3-0 home defeat to Burnley, a match
which was played out amid fan protests against co-owners David Gold and
David Sullivan. Gale was part of the Hammers squad that was relegated from
the top flight in 1991/1992 - a season which was also marred by a series of
fan protests against the board. To comply with the Lord Justice Taylor
Report into the Hillsborough disaster, West Ham's then-owners needed to
raise £15m to convert the Boleyn Ground into an all-seater stadium. They
proposed a controversial bond scheme whereby fans would need to purchase a
bond - priced between £500 and £950 - to then have the privilege of buying a
season ticket. The scheme was eventually dropped, with only 808 bonds
purchased, but Gale believes the protests were a contributing factor in the
club's relegation and fears the same could happen again if they are not
halted until the summer. When recalling the impact that the protests had on
that season, Gale said: "It was an absolute nightmare. The crowd that was
normally so with you, were against you. "The only way they could vent their
anger at the board was through the players on the pitch - a bit similar to
what happened last weekend against Burnley. "They wanted to have a go at the
board back then, but once supporters started running on the pitch, it
stopped the continuity and concentration that the players had. The
atmosphere at the ground was immediately lost. "Not to have a crowd on your
side for those remaining games, which were so crucial to us in our bid to
survive, was a massive factor in us being relegated. No doubt about it."
The West Ham squad are currently enjoying a warm-weather training camp in
Miami with no fixture until March 31 when they return to the London Stadium
to face relegation rivals Southampton. David Moyes' side face a daunting
run-in, which includes home matches against Manchester United and Manchester
City as well as trips to face London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea. Gale added:
"The fans have got to put it to bed from now until the summer and make sure
they help the club stay in the Premier League. "The ramifications of going
down to the Championship don't bear thinking about. It's really difficult
for them. "But I'd echo the words of Sir Trevor Brooking by saying revisit
at the end of the season and I hope that the board learn and provide more
investment, more West Ham signage around the stadium, more identity for the
football club and just a bit more of everything."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
BROOKING IS RIGHT – STAY AWAY IF YOU CANNOT SUPPORT
By Blind Hammer 15 Mar 2018 at 08:00
WTID
Blind Hammer supports Brooking's call for the Board Haters to stay away.
This is what Trevor Brooking said after the disgraceful scenes on Saturday.
"….some of those decided if we went behind that was the time then to show
their frustration. But the actual level of aggression was something I
couldn't believe a West Ham fan could get involved in.
"Some of the aggression was so strong – it did go back to the bad old days.
I saw a few young families leaving because the youngsters were frightened.
That's not your genuine West Ham fan, and some of the aggression was really
strong."
"The stewards were quite young and really couldn't deal with the aggression
that they were faced with."
"The fans, and the fans involved in that have to understand that and really
shelve all those discussions and all those frustrations – just don't come to
the games at the moment until you try and allow the players to get the
points to try and stay up and that is the biggest challenge in the next
three weeks.
"There have been a lot of frustrations about spending money and a players
coming in and all those sort of things as whether the stadium is the right
place. The fact is we're at the stadium and it's nearly the end of the
second season and yes there's a debate on investment but now with five home
matches remaining. It looked an advantage. But when you've just lost 3-0 and
had people coming onto the pitch with a lot of people venting their
frustrations towards the directors… that means the next five games at home
look pretty bleak. There is no way that the team is going to be able to play
and get the points to stay up under that sort of atmosphere – it's
impossible
"All I will say is that between now and the end of the season, anyone who
has got that aggressive frustration to just don't come to the five home
games that are left because we need everyone, all the fans and the team all
working together, to try and get sufficient results in the five home games –
which we thought were going to be the strength – but yesterday became a
massive weakness."
I am amazed that, even now, some are trying to excuse the thugs and idiots
who ruined the game. Brooking is entirely correct, there are no excuses. The
response of so called supporters was astonishingly self-destructive. The
truth is that West Ham were not playing a stinker. We should remember that
for over half the game we were the better side. You do not have to take my
word for it. Sean Syche admitted that his side were simply not in it until
they scored. They were restricted to early time wasting. This was
orchestrated by their goalkeeper Pope. His long punts were also their main
tactic deployed to resist West Ham's dominance. Lennon's handball should
have been punished with a penalty. West Ham's performance was not perfect,
we lacked a cutting edge, Mario and Lanzini in particular missed crucial
chances, and Hernandez should probably have been introduced earlier.
Nevertheless it was Dyche who made an inspired substitution and it was Wood
who scored a fine goal in a rare Burnley attack. This happens in football.
Teams go behind but can recover. Time for our supporters to show their
loyalty, their mettle and support? Not a bit of it.
The proclamation by the Board Haters that they could separate their vitriol
in a way that would not negatively affect the team was always a fantasy.
This animosity destroyed our season at the time of the Bond Scheme. It is
destroying us now. The fact that we are now amongst favourites for
relegation has everything to do with these self-consumed malcontents rather
than anything to do with our squad or management. I get it that people are
emotionally upset that Upton Park no longer exists. I absolutely deny that
they, because they cannot come to terms with this, have the right to drag us
into an angry abyss. If there is a cancer eating away and destroying our
club it is these negative and arrogant self-obsessed. This hate filled
minority were always going to allow their own sense of grievance to come
first. We saw on Saturday how deep their support really is.
The self-consumed were simply waiting for the first hint of any adversity to
abandon any pretence of support. They welcomed it as the earliest
opportunity to launch the disgraceful scenes which shattered any chance that
the team could recover. Lenin once famously described this kind of support
as the support provided by the hangman's noose.
My in stadium commentator could not even describe the game for the last 15
minutes. He had a duty to explain the situation from the health and safety
perspective of blind and visually impaired supporters. He felt obliged to
increase our awareness of the developing Stadium disorder. From his position
he described women and frightened children around him crying in fear. There
were many supporters of all genders and ages getting very panicky. He also
described the reaction of Brooking, positioned adjacent to him, when these
so called supporters, to my mind, idiots, launched their attack. He
described Brooking profound embarrassment when these morons started chanting
his name. Brooking was visibly appalled that they could ever feel he had
anything in common with them.
It is difficult to express the depths of anger I personally feel about the
people who are dragging our club down with their self-serving negativity.
However I don't have to. Brooking has summed up the situation perfectly.
David Griffith
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Marko Arnautovic has been named in Austria's squad for two friendly
international matches at the end of the month. The West Ham United forward
is one of 24 players selected to host Slovenia in Klagenfurt on 23 March
before traveling to Luxembourg four days later. Capped 67 times and with 16
goals for his country, Arnautovic is the most-experienced member of Franco
Foda's squad, having made his debut against the Faroe Islands back in
October 2008. Since then, he has featured regularly for the Burschen and was
part of the squad which travelled to the UEFA European Championship finals
in 2016. Vienna-born Arnautovic, who has seven Premier League goals to his
name for the Hammers this season, is joined in Foda's group by Watford
defender Sebastian Prodl, Leicester City centre-back Aleksandar Dragovic and
the likes of Bayern Munich midfielder David Alaba and FC Augsburg pair
Martin Hinteregger and Michael Gregoritsch. The 28-year-old is one of a
number of West Ham players called-up for international duty, with Manuel
Lanzini (Argentina), Declan Rice (Republic of Ireland) and Cheikhou Kouyate
(Senegal) also set for action.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Collison: International football will benefit West Ham youngsters
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's lead U14/U16 coach Jack Collison says the Club's young
players will benefit from playing for their respective national teams.
Premier League 2 players Domingos Quina, Martin Samuelsen and Conor
Coventry, as well as U18 regulars Rihards Matrevics, Jeremy Ngakia and
Ajibola Alese and schoolboys Serine Sanneh and Daniel Jinadu are all in line
for call-ups for international fixtures in March and April. With opposition
ranging from Brazil to Kosovo, former Wales international Collison believes
playing against players and teams with different tactics and playing styles
can only aid the West Ham youngsters. "A number of our players will be
hoping to be called into their respective international teams' camps next
week, during the break, which will provide them with great opportunities to
further their development," said Collison, who was capped 15 times by the
Dragons at senior level and also featured seven times for the U21s. "The
chance to play for your country at this young age is a real testament to
their efforts, and the lads will need to be prepared to come up against
different formations, different styles of playing football, and even
different pressures. "The pressure of wearing an international shirt is
something every young player dreams of and I'm sure the lads involved will
give the best possible account of themselves."
While many call-ups are still at the provisional stage, West Ham could have
as many as eleven players involved in age-group internationals.
Declan Rice, Josh Cullen (both Republic of Ireland), Edimilson Fernandes
(Switzerland) and Samuelsen (Norway) are set for U21 duty in UEFA European
Championship qualifiers, while Ngakia could be involved in DR Congo's Africa
U20 Cup of Nations qualifiers with Tanzania.
Quina (Portugal), Coventry (Republic of Ireland) and Matrevics (Latvia) are
all set for UEFA European U19 Championship qualifiers.
Alese's England U17s face a friendly double-header with Brazil, while
goalkeepers Sanneh and Jinadu could be involved in the Montaigu Tournament
in France with England U16s.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bonds: Bobby Moore was a truly great player and a great man
WHUFC.com
Billy Bonds tells long-serving London Evening Standard reporter Ken Dyer
that the late, great Bobby Moore, who passed away 25 years ago, was his own
footballing hero...
I count myself a lucky man to have watched Bobby Moore in his pomp, but how
much better would it have been to have played in the same team as the
greatest ever Hammer?
Dream on, as they say, but one man who does know what it was to play with
the great man is yet another Club legend – Billy Bonds.
Billy joined West Ham United from Charlton Athletic for £55,000 in the
summer of 1967, a year after Bobby, as England captain, had wiped his
muddied hands on the Royal Box velvet, shaken the white-gloved hand of Her
Majesty The Queen and then received the Jules Rimet Trophy. The two men –
Bonzo and Mooro as they are affectionately known by Hammers' fans everywhere
– actually first met eight years earlier – and Bonzo hadn't a clue then, who
the blond-haired young man was. Billy takes up the story.
"I first met Mooro when I was about 12 years old – and I had no idea who he
was," he recalls. "He came over to South London to present some medals to my
local Sunday League morning team. He brought his future wife Tina over – I
think they were going out together at the time. "We had won the league and
the cup that year and our manager, Mr Flowers, told us he had arranged for
somebody to come and present the medals to us. "We all turned up at Middle
Park School and in came Mooro. He had just broken into the West Ham first
team but we didn't know who he was. Even then, though, he had something
about him, blond, good looking with a lovely young lady alongside him. He
did a bit of coaching with us, presented the medals and that was it. "We
later found out his name was Bobby Moore and he played for West Ham but
communication back then wasn't like it is now, there weren't loads of
matches on TV – and most people of my estate were either Charlton or
Millwall fans! "Fast forward six years from that first meeting and I'm
watching along with millions of others on TV, as Mooro lifts the World Cup."
Woolwich-born Bonds moved across the River Thames in 1967, when he signed
for West Ham from Second Division Charlton Athletic. "A year after the World
Cup I joined West Ham from Charlton and I certainly knew who he was then! I
was a bit in awe of him to be honest because, along with Pele, he was
probably the most famous footballer in the world - but I needn't have been
worried. "He was great right with me right from the start. There wasn't an
ounce of arrogance or ego in him. He was so down to earth you had to remind
yourself all that he had achieved. "That was what was so great about him,
apart from his ability. Nowadays there are players who, let's be honest,
couldn't lace Mooro's boots but they get a little touch of stardom and
that's it – you can't talk to them – big-time Charlies. "Mooro could have
been like that – but he wasn't. He was just a lovely bloke, someone you
looked up to and admired. Then, to play with him, well…. You can imagine
what a thrill it was for me. "The first game we played together I remember
was against Sheffield Wednesday at the start of that 1967 season. Mooro
wasn't a 'bawler and shouter'. I played right-back that day and early in the
game I looked to my left and there was Bobby Moore, playing alongside me. I
thought 'bloody hell', I'm playing alongside a World Cup winner. "He was so
calm on the ball, he wasn't a fierce tackler who would go through the back
of people but he had that wonderful knack of just nicking the ball off
opponents. He wasn't quick so his positional play had to be very good and he
was brilliant at reading the game. "I was totally different to him. He was
cool and calm with everything he did while I was a bull in a china shop,
flying into tackles. Just playing with him though, meant you learnt
something. "As I said though, he was never lairy. He knew all the stars and
everyone wanted to know him but he always had time for you. He always kept
that humility."
Bobby finally left West Ham for Fulham in 1974 but a year later the pair
were back on the same pitch – but this time in opposition. It was to be
Bobby's final competitive match at the national stadium with West Ham
finishing FA Cup winners after beating their London rivals 2-0. Billy was
West Ham captain then but, as he recalIs: "I didn't shake his hand before
the game because Alan Mullery was their captain and when the game started,
you put your business hat on – it's them or us and no-one remembers who
finishes on the losing side in an FA Cup final. "If Mooro had made a forward
run and was threatening our goal I would probably have kicked him – and more
than likely he would have expected it! "When the final whistle went, though,
and we had won the Cup, he was the first one I went to, out of respect,
before I started celebrating. I wanted to make sure he knew how I felt.
There's a picture of Graham Paddon and me, both with our arms around him.
"The last time I saw him was up at Grimsby in November 1992. I was manager
of West Ham and I was doing an interview after a night game. We had drawn
the match 1-1 and Mooro came down from the Press Box and waited until I had
finished to say 'hello' to me. "He didn't look well then and I knew he had
an illness."
Bobby died just three months later.
"I wouldn't say I was ever close to him," says Billy. "It's been well
documented that he loved a 'bevy' and he would go out after a game while I
just went home but I always say I was privileged and proud to play alongside
the great Bobby Moore. "There are different kinds of defenders. Kevin
Beattie was one of the best in my time. He was a powerhouse but Mooro wasn't
like that. I can see him now, knocking 40-yard passes up to Geoff Hurst's
chest. "A truly great player and a great man – I loved him."
*This feature originally appeared in the Official Programme for the Premier
League fixture with Burnley.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Evra: I have to lead by example at West Ham
WHUFC.com
Patrice Evra knows he has a huge responsibility to the younger players at
West Ham United and has to lead by example both on the training fields and
during matches. At 36-years-old, Evra is West Ham's most experienced
professional player and boasts a wealth of knowledge, having claimed five
Premier League titles and made 728 competitive match appearances during his
career. The Frenchman signed for the Irons in February and is eager to share
what he has learned in his 20 years as a professional footballer with the
younger players at West Ham. But Evra knows the best way to guide these
talents is by his actions, not his words.
"Coming in at my age, there's massive responsibility on my shoulders," Evra
told whufc.com: "You have to lead by example. Before you can say anything to
a younger player and guide them with your words, you have to show them good
examples and lead with your actions. You have to work hard in training, and
do your job in the games. "It's in my character to do that anyway, and I'm
not someone who has anything to prove. When you're in a leadership position,
your most important job is to create more leaders around you. I like to do
that and I strive to do that. I want to see my teammates – particularly the
younger ones – getting better and playing well. The most important thing is
the team. "This role fits my personality so, for me, it was the perfect fit
to come to West Ham."
Having won 21 major trophies, Evra has enjoyed one of the most successful
playing careers of any individual to grace the Premier League. But
retirement is far from the left-back's mind, with Evra citing his passion
for the game as his reason for continuing. And Evra wants to harness that
hunger to help the Hammers climb back up the table. He continued: "I've got
a lot of friends who said things like 'You've got nothing to prove so why do
you keep playing?' But it's in my DNA. I can't stop. Why would I want to
stop? If I wasn't fit then, of course, I would be questioning myself. But
I'm fit and I know what I am doing. "It's all about hunger. When I was
five-years-old, I had such a hunger for football. Even when I was young, and
I was begging people for money outside of the store, even then I was saying
'I love this game!'. This is my motivation to keep playing. "When I lose
that hunger I will stop. But actually, as I get older, the stronger that
hunger gets. Forget the Patrice Evra from Manchester United, from Juventus,
from the French team. Every day I wake up is a new day, a new challenge, and
I'm always questioning myself. "Every training session and match with West
Ham is a chance to prove to myself and my teammates that I can still play
this game at the highest level. I think that hunger will be with me
forever."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hart ready to fight for place after receiving England call-up
WHUFC.com
Joe Hart has been named in England's squad for two mouth-watering friendly
international matches at the end of the month. The West Ham United
goalkeeper is one of 27 players selected to travel to Amsterdam to face the
Netherlands on Friday 23 March before hosting Italy at Wembley Stadium four
days later. Capped 75 times since making his debut against Trinidad and
Tobago in June 2008, Hart has travelled to the last four major tournaments
with England and will hope to make it five at the FIFA World Cup finals in
Russia this summer. "We've got some good games coming up," said Hart, who
has been working hard during the Hammers' training camp in Miami this week.
"We want to go into them and learn as much about ourselves as we possibly
can. "We've done the hard task of qualifying for the World Cup, which many
other teams found difficult, but I felt we handled it very professionally.
"Now, we've got games to test ourselves and really see where we are at, work
on our strengths and work on our weaknesses."
With the likes of Stoke City's Jack Butland, Southampton's Fraser Forster,
Burnley's Nick Pope and Everton's Jordan Pickford also vying for Gareth
Southgate's attention, Hart knows he needs to maintain his form if he is to
keep his starting place. "Every day is an audition when you go away with
England and it's highly-publicised before each game, who is going to play
and who isn't. "It's interesting how it is working out at the moment, but
I'm still in there fighting, trying to perform to my best levels, and that
will never change."
Hart, who is on a season-long loan from Manchester City, started nine of the
Three Lions' ten World Cup qualifiers, keeping seven clean sheets. In total,
has 42 shutouts in 75 appearances for his country. The 30-year-old is one
of a number of West Ham players called-up for international duty, with Marko
Arnautovic (Austria), Manuel Lanzini (Argentina), Declan Rice (Republic of
Ireland) and Cheikhou Kouyate (Senegal) also set for action.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Joao Mario earns Portugal call for upcoming friendlies
WHUFC.com
Joao Mario has been called-up by Portugal for two FIFA World Cup warm-up
friendlies at the end of March. The West Ham United midfielder and his
teammates, including former Hammer Jose Fonte, will head for Switzerland to
face Egypt and the Netherlands. The UEFA Euro 2016 winners will tackle the
Pharaohs in Zurich on Friday 23 March before heading for Geneva to take on
the Dutch on Monday 26 March. Joao Mario is one of five English-based
players in Fernando Santos' squad, joining Southampton full-back Cedric
Soares, Leicester City midfielder Adrian Silva, Wolverhampton Wanderers'
Ruben Neves and Manchester City attacker Bernardo Silva. The 25-year-old has
been capped 31 times since 2014, scoring once, and featured in all seven
matches as Portugal were crowned European champions in France two years ago.
They will seek to add the World Cup crown when they travel to Russia in June
to take on Spain, Morocco and Iran in the group stage.
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Arnautovic: We must stay together and fight until the end
WHUFC.com
Marko Arnautovic says every West Ham United player 'has to stay together and
fight' to keep the Club in the Premier League. The Hammers have spent the
week working in Miami, where Arnautovic says David Moyes' training sessions
have had the intensity of pre-season. But while the popular Austrian and his
teammates might have been sweating, they are certainly not complaining, with
the No7 insisting the squad will return refreshed, recharged and united for
the run-in, which kicks-off with the visit of Southampton on 31 March. "The
training has been tough, and this is not a holiday for us," said Arnautovic.
"We came out here to take some sun, of course, but I think this was like
pre-season as the training was really hard. "We are happy for this because
we need to work hard and come back and finish the end of the season
strongly. Until now, so far, it was not how we wanted it. We have to work
hard, we have to stay together, like we are doing this week, until the end
of the season because it's going to be really hard for us."
With Arnautovic in magnificent form, West Ham went on an encouraging run
over Christmas and the New Year, rising to tenth in the table, but three
straight defeats have seen them drop back down to 16th. However, with eight
matches still to play, the seven-goal striker says there is time to put
things right. "Of course, we try to turn things around. I understand the
fans' disappointment. They expect us to win those games at home and we
didn't. "I think it was really hard for the players, but also for the fans
and everyone involved. But my message to everyone is to keep everything
together. "Everybody who wears this badge has to stay together and fight
until the end of the season. I think we're going to do our best to come out
of this."
As an experienced international and Premier League performer, Arnautovic
himself is willing to take on the personal responsibility of scoring and
creating the goals the Hammers need to secure the points required. Having
played influential roles in the home victories over champions Chelsea and
Watford and the away wins at Stoke City and Huddersfield Town, the
28-year-old has already shown he has the character and ability to do just
that. "I try to take as much as possible on my shoulders. I think, with this
kind of situation, that you can do some good. I just want to work hard and
start winning games. "We need those points and we need the whole team to
fight for them."
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West Ham United welcome Safety Advisory Group statement
WHUFC.com
Following the meeting of the Safety Advisory Group at London Stadium today,
West Ham United welcome the announcement of a number of safety and security
measures which will be implemented for our next home match against
Southampton on Saturday 31 March.
Please see below a statement from the London Stadium Safety Advisory Group.
The London Stadium Safety Advisory Group met today and found that a small
minority of spectators from within a very large crowd caused an
unprecedented level of disorder at multiple locations across the stadium,
which would have been almost impossible for any security team to manage.
Whilst some issues in the security regime were identified it is recognised
that the operation were stretched significantly by the scale and volume of
incidents and stopped most attempted pitch incursions successfully.
In response, a series of measures will be introduced for the next fixture
including: increased stewarding, enhanced pitch security and a significantly
larger police presence. A spokesperson on behalf of the London Safety
Advisory Group, said: "The Safety Advisory Group for London Stadium has
today met to discuss the serious disorder last weekend. "The Safety Advisory
Group (SAG) recognises discontent among fans cannot be allowed to compromise
the safety and wellbeing of the majority of spectators at the stadium. "The
SAG has been working closely with London Stadium 185 (LS185), E20 and West
Ham United to understand the sequence of events leading to the disorder. We
have instructed the stadium operators to make changes to prevent a
repetition. The SAG has seen evidence that the level of disorder would have
been difficult for any safety management team to contain. Following today's
meeting the SAG is reassured that safety is LS185's top priority. "The SAG
has made specific requests to the stadium operators for the next fixture
including:
• Police will be present inside and outside the stadium
• Bolstering the response teams
• Restricting access to the area in front of the directors' box
• A review of spectator movement around the stadium
"In addition, LS185 and West Ham United have made great strides in
identifying the trouble makers and have been very clear that those guilty of
violent or aggravating conduct will be banned from the stadium. It is
anticipated these stadium bans will be in place for the next home fixture
against Southampton on 31 March. "The SAG acts as the advisory body to
Newham Council in its safety certifying role. Following reassurances that
have been given, it is the SAG's view that the council does not need to use
the ultimate sanction, which would see capacity reduced at the venue and
spectators excluded. The remaining homes games will be closely monitored.
"The SAG must make clear that in the event of future disorder, it would
seriously consider advising the certifying authority to take forward this
sanction. Playing behind closed doors would be a great shame for the
majority of fans who wish to watch and support their team in safety."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham: More police and tighter security plans announced after crowd
trouble
BBC.co.uk
Tighter safety and security measures, including an increased police
presence, will be put in place for West Ham's next home match, following the
crowd trouble at their most recent game. There were four separate pitch
invasions at London Stadium during Saturday's 3-0 defeat by Burnley. The new
measures were announced after an emergency meeting on Thursday. The group in
charge of stadium safety also warned that future trouble could lead to
closures. London Stadium's Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which includes
representatives from the club, police, Newham council, and stadium owners
and operators, announced the decision. It has the power to restrict the
capacity of the ground or even close it to paying spectators completely.
West Ham have said they will seek life football bans for the supporters who
ran on to the pitch during last weekend's Premier League match. Co-owners
David Sullivan and David Gold were forced to leave the directors' box for
their own safety, with Sullivan struck on the head by a coin. Burnley
players sheltered a group of young fans during crowd trouble that broke out
in the home sections.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan described the scenes as "disgraceful". The Football
Association has opened its own inquiry and the Premier League also expressed
concern at the situation. The SAG said it recognised security had been
"stretched significantly by the scale and volume of incidents and stopped
most attempted pitch incursions successfully".
It said it had now "instructed the stadium operators to make changes to
prevent a repetition". The group said it had made "great strides in
identifying the trouble makers" and expected "stadium bans will be in place
for the next home fixture against Southampton on 31 March".
A statement added: "Following reassurances that have been given, it is the
SAG's view that the council does not need to use the ultimate sanction,
which would see capacity reduced at the venue and spectators excluded. The
remaining homes games will be closely monitored. "The SAG must make clear
that in the event of future disorder, it would seriously consider advising
the certifying authority to take forward this sanction. Playing behind
closed doors would be a great shame for the majority of fans who wish to
watch and support their team in safety."
Analysis
BBC Sport's Simon Stone
It is only now that the sheer scale and organisation of Saturday's trouble
is becoming apparent. Rather than the spontaneous uprising against the
club's owners it initially appeared to be, it has now been established
hundreds of supporters were involved, communicating with mobile phones, and
creating small-scale problems, in a concerted effort to get security staff
away from their designated areas to leave the directors' box, in particular,
vulnerable. Sixty staff are employed at London Stadium on matchdays with the
specific brief to keep fans off the pitch. It has been established that on
Saturday, 85% of those attempts were repelled.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arnie set for Lux test
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 15th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
Marko Arnautovic has been named in the Austria squad that will face Slovenia
and Luxembourg later this month. The 28-year-old, who is currently in Miami
with the rest of the West Ham first team squad already has 67 caps under his
belt and has been named in Franco Foda's latest 24-man squad ahead of the
two friendlies, which are due to take place on 23 and 27 March.
* Cheikhou Kouyate - with 25 caps to his name - is set to represent Senegal
in their forthcoming pre-World Cup friendlies against Uzbekistan and Bosnia
and Herzegovina on March 23 and 27 respectively. The Hammers midfielder -
who currently captains his national side - confesses he can't wait to lead
his team out at this summer's World Cup Finals in Russia. " I am the captain
and my people are behind us, so I need to lead my team," Kouyate told
whufc.com. "It won't be easy though as this is a World Cup and every game
is hard. Every game is a final and we are going there to give our best,
because all of Senegal are proud of the team. Everybody in the country loves
football." The midfielder is joined in the squad by former Hammer Diafra
Sakho, who has scored three goals in his first seven appearances in Ligue 1
for new club Rennes.
* In other international news, Manuel Lanzini has already been named in the
Argentina squad which will face Italy and Spain in the same week. The
25-year-old has previously represented his country at full international
level on two occasions.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers shunned by Southgate and England
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 15th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's home grown contingent have been snubbed by Gareth Southgate ahead
of England's forthcoming fixtures with Holland and Italy. The only Hammer to
be selected in the former Aston Villa defender's latest international squad
is Joe Hart, currently on loan from Manchester City. And that means a snub
for the likes of Aaron Cresswell and Michail Antonio, who have appeared
under Southgate in recent England line-ups. As a result, there are fewer
Hammers in the squad than the likes of Burnley and Leicester, with Southgate
calling up the Clarets' Nick Pope and James Tarkowski for the first time.
A total number of 14 Premier League clubs are represented in the latest
squad, which is due to face the Dutch in Amsterdam on 23 March and Italy at
Wembley on 27 March, are as follows:
Liverpool: 4 (Joe Gomez, Jordan Henderson, Jordan Henderson, Alex
Oxlade-Chamberlain)
Tottenham Hotspur: 4 (Dele Alli, Eric Dier, Danny Rose, Kieran Trippier)
Manchester City: 3 (Raheem Sterling, John Stones, Kyle Walker)
Manchester Utd: 3 (Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford, Ashley Young)
Arsenal: 2 (Danny Welbeck, Jack Wilshere)
Burnley: 2 (Nick Pope, James Tarkowski)
Leicester City: 2 (Harry Maguire, Jamie Vardy)
Bournemouth: 1 (Lewis Cook)
Everton: 1 (Jordan Pickford)
Southampton: 1 (Ryan Bertrand)
Stoke City: 1 (Jack Butland)
Swansea City: 1 (Alfie Mawson)
West Bromwich Albion: 1 (Jake Livermore)
West Ham United: 1 (Joe Hart)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tony Gale urges West Ham fans to unite behind the team
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 15/03/18 6:00pm
SSN
Tony Gale has urged West Ham fans to unite behind the team in a bid to avoid
another "nightmare" relegation. The Hammers sit just three points above the
relegation zone after last Saturday's 3-0 home defeat to Burnley, a match
which was played out amid fan protests against co-owners David Gold and
David Sullivan. Gale was part of the Hammers squad that was relegated from
the top flight in 1991/1992 - a season which was also marred by a series of
fan protests against the board. To comply with the Lord Justice Taylor
Report into the Hillsborough disaster, West Ham's then-owners needed to
raise £15m to convert the Boleyn Ground into an all-seater stadium. They
proposed a controversial bond scheme whereby fans would need to purchase a
bond - priced between £500 and £950 - to then have the privilege of buying a
season ticket. The scheme was eventually dropped, with only 808 bonds
purchased, but Gale believes the protests were a contributing factor in the
club's relegation and fears the same could happen again if they are not
halted until the summer. When recalling the impact that the protests had on
that season, Gale said: "It was an absolute nightmare. The crowd that was
normally so with you, were against you. "The only way they could vent their
anger at the board was through the players on the pitch - a bit similar to
what happened last weekend against Burnley. "They wanted to have a go at the
board back then, but once supporters started running on the pitch, it
stopped the continuity and concentration that the players had. The
atmosphere at the ground was immediately lost. "Not to have a crowd on your
side for those remaining games, which were so crucial to us in our bid to
survive, was a massive factor in us being relegated. No doubt about it."
The West Ham squad are currently enjoying a warm-weather training camp in
Miami with no fixture until March 31 when they return to the London Stadium
to face relegation rivals Southampton. David Moyes' side face a daunting
run-in, which includes home matches against Manchester United and Manchester
City as well as trips to face London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea. Gale added:
"The fans have got to put it to bed from now until the summer and make sure
they help the club stay in the Premier League. "The ramifications of going
down to the Championship don't bear thinking about. It's really difficult
for them. "But I'd echo the words of Sir Trevor Brooking by saying revisit
at the end of the season and I hope that the board learn and provide more
investment, more West Ham signage around the stadium, more identity for the
football club and just a bit more of everything."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
BROOKING IS RIGHT – STAY AWAY IF YOU CANNOT SUPPORT
By Blind Hammer 15 Mar 2018 at 08:00
WTID
Blind Hammer supports Brooking's call for the Board Haters to stay away.
This is what Trevor Brooking said after the disgraceful scenes on Saturday.
"….some of those decided if we went behind that was the time then to show
their frustration. But the actual level of aggression was something I
couldn't believe a West Ham fan could get involved in.
"Some of the aggression was so strong – it did go back to the bad old days.
I saw a few young families leaving because the youngsters were frightened.
That's not your genuine West Ham fan, and some of the aggression was really
strong."
"The stewards were quite young and really couldn't deal with the aggression
that they were faced with."
"The fans, and the fans involved in that have to understand that and really
shelve all those discussions and all those frustrations – just don't come to
the games at the moment until you try and allow the players to get the
points to try and stay up and that is the biggest challenge in the next
three weeks.
"There have been a lot of frustrations about spending money and a players
coming in and all those sort of things as whether the stadium is the right
place. The fact is we're at the stadium and it's nearly the end of the
second season and yes there's a debate on investment but now with five home
matches remaining. It looked an advantage. But when you've just lost 3-0 and
had people coming onto the pitch with a lot of people venting their
frustrations towards the directors… that means the next five games at home
look pretty bleak. There is no way that the team is going to be able to play
and get the points to stay up under that sort of atmosphere – it's
impossible
"All I will say is that between now and the end of the season, anyone who
has got that aggressive frustration to just don't come to the five home
games that are left because we need everyone, all the fans and the team all
working together, to try and get sufficient results in the five home games –
which we thought were going to be the strength – but yesterday became a
massive weakness."
I am amazed that, even now, some are trying to excuse the thugs and idiots
who ruined the game. Brooking is entirely correct, there are no excuses. The
response of so called supporters was astonishingly self-destructive. The
truth is that West Ham were not playing a stinker. We should remember that
for over half the game we were the better side. You do not have to take my
word for it. Sean Syche admitted that his side were simply not in it until
they scored. They were restricted to early time wasting. This was
orchestrated by their goalkeeper Pope. His long punts were also their main
tactic deployed to resist West Ham's dominance. Lennon's handball should
have been punished with a penalty. West Ham's performance was not perfect,
we lacked a cutting edge, Mario and Lanzini in particular missed crucial
chances, and Hernandez should probably have been introduced earlier.
Nevertheless it was Dyche who made an inspired substitution and it was Wood
who scored a fine goal in a rare Burnley attack. This happens in football.
Teams go behind but can recover. Time for our supporters to show their
loyalty, their mettle and support? Not a bit of it.
The proclamation by the Board Haters that they could separate their vitriol
in a way that would not negatively affect the team was always a fantasy.
This animosity destroyed our season at the time of the Bond Scheme. It is
destroying us now. The fact that we are now amongst favourites for
relegation has everything to do with these self-consumed malcontents rather
than anything to do with our squad or management. I get it that people are
emotionally upset that Upton Park no longer exists. I absolutely deny that
they, because they cannot come to terms with this, have the right to drag us
into an angry abyss. If there is a cancer eating away and destroying our
club it is these negative and arrogant self-obsessed. This hate filled
minority were always going to allow their own sense of grievance to come
first. We saw on Saturday how deep their support really is.
The self-consumed were simply waiting for the first hint of any adversity to
abandon any pretence of support. They welcomed it as the earliest
opportunity to launch the disgraceful scenes which shattered any chance that
the team could recover. Lenin once famously described this kind of support
as the support provided by the hangman's noose.
My in stadium commentator could not even describe the game for the last 15
minutes. He had a duty to explain the situation from the health and safety
perspective of blind and visually impaired supporters. He felt obliged to
increase our awareness of the developing Stadium disorder. From his position
he described women and frightened children around him crying in fear. There
were many supporters of all genders and ages getting very panicky. He also
described the reaction of Brooking, positioned adjacent to him, when these
so called supporters, to my mind, idiots, launched their attack. He
described Brooking profound embarrassment when these morons started chanting
his name. Brooking was visibly appalled that they could ever feel he had
anything in common with them.
It is difficult to express the depths of anger I personally feel about the
people who are dragging our club down with their self-serving negativity.
However I don't have to. Brooking has summed up the situation perfectly.
David Griffith
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, March 15
Daily WHUFC News - 15th March 2018
West Ham United statement
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are committed to taking decisive and positive action with
the primary focus of ensuring London Stadium is a safe, comfortable and
secure environment for supporters attending future matches.
Following the incidents which marred the second half of the Premier League
fixture with Burnley on Saturday 10 March, the Club is conducting a full and
thorough investigation, and has attended a series of emergency meetings with
London Stadium stakeholders.
The Club is working in close conjunction with the Metropolitan Police to
identify those individuals, who entered the pitch during the second half,
and with stadium operator LS185, using London Stadium's high-quality CCTV
footage, to identify those who threw missiles, both of which are specific
offences under the Football (Offences) Act 1991.
Any individual found guilty will be banned from attending any West Ham
United fixture, home and away, for life and the Club will request the courts
serve a banning order to prevent these individuals attending any football
matches in the future.
West Ham United maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards any behaviour of
this nature, with the safety of all supporters always the Club's number one
priority.
Senior Club representatives will take a full and leading role at an
emergency meeting of the core Safety Advisory Group (SAG) at London Stadium
on Thursday.
There, West Ham United will be joined by representatives from LS185,
certifying authority Newham Council, the Sports Ground Safety Authority, the
Metropolitan Police, E20 and the London Legacy Development Corporation
(LLDC).
The Club will make clear that its primary concern is for the safety and
comfort of its supporters on matchdays and, to that end, will lead
discussions centred on the safety management plans put in place and the
policing and stewarding for future fixtures at London Stadium, the first of
which will be the Premier League visit of Southampton on Saturday 31 March.
West Ham United would like to thank all those fans who supported the team on
Saturday and look forward to welcoming them back to a safe, comfortable and
secure London Stadium.
With eight Premier League matches still to play, achieving the points we
need has to be the focus. The best chance of reaching that goal is for
everyone to be united behind the team when we play Southampton on 31 March
and for the remainder of the season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moyes: Miami training camp will prepare the players for the Premier League
run-in
WHUFC.com
Manager David Moyes says West Ham United's Miami training camp will prepare
the squad for the Premier League run-in. The Hammers have travelled to
Florida and will train every day this week, taking part in a spinning
session on Monday before taking to the pitch for the first time on Tuesday
morning. Without a fixture until the visit of Southampton to London Stadium
on 31 March, Moyes is keen to get his squad in the best possible shape for
West Ham's eight remaining Premier League matches. "This break in games
gives us the chance to come to train in a different environment and one
which we believe will be hugely beneficial to the players," said Moyes,
whose players will train in temperatures of around 25C (77F) throughout the
week. "We've had a long, intense winter period with a lot of matches - 13
since the turn of the year - and little time to rest and recover, so while
this trip will offer us the chance to work the lads in testing temperatures
on the pitch, it also gives them time to get fully prepared for our
important run-in. "We're hoping that the time away can be really useful for
the squad and all the staff as we look to end the season really strongly.
With everyone all together, the already-strong team spirit within the group
is going to grow and that can only be a good thing ahead of our eight huge
matches left in the Premier League."
Nineteen players have made the trip to the United States, led by captain
Mark Noble, while the likes of Pedro Obiang, Winston Reid, Sam Byram and
Edmilson Fernandes have remained at Rush Green to continue their
rehabilitation from knee and ankle injuries respectively.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble: We need to come together and be West Ham United
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble has urged all West Ham United supporters to get firmly behind the
team and come together at a challenging time for the Club. Speaking with
heartfelt honesty and emotion, the captain, midfielder and lifelong Hammer
reflected on Saturday's difficult fixture with Burnley at London Stadium,
before calling for unity among his fellow fans ahead of eight vital Premier
League fixtures. "To be honest, as I said after the game, I see that we have
two options - either we crumble and fold and give up or we come together,
train hard and I'm hoping that the anger that the fans showed at the weekend
is out now and they'll get behind us for the final five home games," said
the No16. "We obviously don't want to see [what we saw on Saturday] because
we don't want my Club, the Club I love, to be dragged through the papers as
it has been, but with football and the way it is now, it's a results
business and we need to win games. "It was one of my toughest days at West
Ham, because I'm as passionate as the fans and I want West Ham to do well.
I've said this before, that I want everyone to be happy, but sometimes it's
not quite like that. You can't show your emotions like that, by running on
the pitch. "The way our Club has always been, we're a really passionate
bunch of people, but at times we show a bit of class and that wasn't the
case on Saturday. "I want us to do really well and I'm hoping that now the
fans have shown their hand, they will get behind us for the remaining
fixtures. "We need them, full-stop, and we can't do it without them. When
West Ham fans are on song, there is no-one better. When you see the away
games, Premier League clubs don't take half as many fans as we take to away
games, so it's a massive Club with a passionate bunch of people and I've
said 'show that passion, get behind the team and we'll try and do something
in the summer'."
Noble also spoke of the importance of the Club's warm-weather training camp
in Miami for team bonding, recharging tired minds and limbs and preparing
the squad for the run-in. "We need to get back to how we were playing before
the last three games. We need to, because we've only got eight games left
and we need to win a minimum of three of them to stay up. "That's why we've
come away now, to get away. We've obviously got three weeks without a game,
so we've come away to really get together as a team, speak some home truths
and come back fighting. "I've been on loads of these trips and I think
they're great, to train in a different location and this morning training
was really good and hard. It was a lot of fun, but we got the work done.
Especially at the right times, like when we haven't got a game for three
weeks it's good to have a change of scenery. "People say 'You've gone on
holiday', but it isn't a holiday, the way we train. It's just another
setting in which to refresh the mind and recuperate before the rest of the
season. The spinning session we did on Monday was the first one I've ever
done and it was really hard. I didn't expect it to be, but it was also
really good fun, with a lot of banter with the lads, but of course with a
lot of sweating and hard work! It was something different and the boys
really enjoyed it. "We could easily have cancelled this tip after the
weekend and looked at all the negatives and come in training at Rush Green,
but I think it's important we come together as a group and try to enjoy this
time away."
The skipper also stated his inner drive to end his 20th season as a West Ham
player on a high, having initially joined the Club in 1997 as an
eleven-year-old schoolboy, and lead the Club to better things in the future.
"I've always said I'm not the greatest player in the world, but I'll always
give everything. I'm the captain of this football club and when things
aren't going well, I take the brunt of things, as do leaders and people in
positions of authority. I'd rather I get it instead of some other players.
"My aim for this football club is to try and be the best it can be. Things
have to change, of course they do, but I'm pretty sure that, if we get
through this season and regroup in the summer, we can get together, work our
differences out with the fans and come together and we'll hopefully have a
much better season next season. "Results haven't been ideal, but I'm really,
really positive that we'll get through it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The defender putting in the miles to drive the Hammers forward
WHUFC.com
"People think I'm crazy, but there we go!" Chenise Austin shrugs. It is not
hard to see why though, when one considers her weekly mileage. The
defender's travel schedule is eyebrow-raising. Having signed for West Ham
United in the summer, Austin is still based in Swindon, 120 miles to the
west, and drives the two-and-a-half hours each way for every training
session and home match. "It is ludicrous, to be fair" Austin admits. "I've
known the drive to take me three hours before. It very much depends on
traffic. "To be fair, in daylight the drive is OK. But after training in
winter, when it's dark and cold, it can be a task! But it's always worth it
and I'm loving playing for West Ham, so I'm more than happy to put in the
miles."
Having spent three seasons with Swindon Town Ladies, Austin moved to the
Irons last year, citing the facilities and training environment as a key
factor in her decision to sign for the Hammers. "I was instantly sold on
West Ham," she says. "The coaches and staff are amazing here, and the
facilities are incredible. I don't believe you can get training - in terms
of the entire package - at a better level anywhere else. "The key thing for
me is enjoying my football. I'm loving my time with West Ham and I'm
thoroughly excited to play every time I step out onto the pitch."
A regular starter for the Ladies, Austin knows she cannot take her position
in the first XI for granted, with a host of talented players available to
step in. "Hannah [Wheeler] and I tend to be the centre-back pairing and
we've got to know each other very well. But Leanne [Mabey] has come back in
now as well, and I think she's a really reliable defender. She's knocking on
the door for a regular place. "Mollie Kmita can play at the back as well.
Jasmine Auguste and Chantelle Mackie are excellent full-backs, but
essentially there's six or seven of us competing to play in the back-line. I
can't rest on my laurels at all."
One thing that makes Austin stand-out, despite being a defender, is her
composure in front of goal - particularly from penalties. The centre-back
has been called upon to take a spot-kick on three occasions this campaign,
with all three ending up in the net. "I don't know how it started, if I'm
honest." Austin laughs. "I like to think I've got a cool head. Penalties, I
think, are like Marmite. You either love them or you hate thing.
"Personally, I get such a buzz from taking a penalty, so I'm always happy to
step up to the spot."
With West Ham United Ladies already in the Isthmian League Cup final and
earning a spot in the FA WPL Plate this past weekend, there is the
possibility of silverware before the end of the campaign for Austin and her
teammates. And, of course, there is also the chance of taking more
penalties! Austin adds: "It would be awesome if we could win some
silverware. Trophies are everything in football and to have that
accomplishment with this team would be incredible. "There could maybe be
some more penalties as well, which is always exciting! If it comes to a
shootout, you can guarantee I'll be one of the first names on the list. The
team can definitely rely on me!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham want life bans for London Stadium pitch invaders
BBC.co.uk
West Ham will seek life football bans for fans who invaded the pitch during
Saturday's 3-0 defeat to Burnley. There were four separate pitch invasions
at London Stadium, along with protests against the club's board. Co-owners
David Sullivan and David Gold were forced to leave the directors' box for
their own safety, with Sullivan struck on the head by a coin. The club say
they are working to identify supporters involved and want the courts to
issue banning orders. "Any individual found guilty will be banned from
attending any West Ham United fixture, home and away, for life and the club
will request the courts serve a banning order to prevent these individuals
attending any football matches in the future," a statement released on
Wednesday read. On Monday, a leading supporters' group announced it will
vote this month on whether to reinstate plans for a protest march against
the owners. London Stadium's Safety Advisory Group (SAG) will hold an
emergency meeting on Thursday to discuss the crowd trouble. The SAG - which
includes representatives from the club, police, Newham council, stadium
owners and operators - has the power to restrict the capacity of the ground
or even close it to paying spectators completely.
Although playing behind closed doors is thought to be highly unlikely,
security procedures for the match, which had a number of pitch invasions and
angry scenes in the stands that resulted in children having to get shelter
in the Burnley dugout and co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold leave the
directors' box for their own safety, will come under intense scrutiny.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan described the scenes as "disgraceful". The Football
Association has opened its own inquiry and the Premier League also expressed
concern at the situation. As West Ham are not due to play at home again
until they meet Southampton in a crucial match at the bottom of the league
on 31 March, the SAG does have the option to delay a decision to ensure any
recommendations can be implemented. West Ham have sold 57,000 tickets for
the game.
A growing number of fans have expressed their fury at what they perceive as
"lies" told by Sullivan, Gold and West Ham vice-chairwoman Karren Brady
about the potential benefits of the historic move to London Stadium from
Upton Park in 2016. The supporter attempting to plant a corner flag on the
centre spot on Saturday was re-enacting a scene from Upton Park in 1992 when
supporters successfully fought against the imposition of a controversial
bond scheme, which would have made fans pay for the right to buy a season
ticket.
Although no-one at the club is happy with their present position in the
Premier League - three points and two places off the relegation zone with
eight games remaining - or their form under new manager David Moyes - one
win in five games and 14 goals conceded - it is understood the club's
hierarchy still believe the move to the venue for the 2012 Olympic Games
will have a positive long-term impact.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Multiple bans for loyal fans
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 14th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have released another statement relating to the angry scenes
witnessed at the Olympic Stadium last weekend.
Furious fans who had been denied the opportunity to take part in a peaceful
protest march opted instead to air their grievances with the club's owners
inside the stadium, leading to David Sullivan and David Gold leaving their
seats midway through the second half.
And the club confirmed today that their investigation into the incident
continues, whilst insisting that they will ban, for life, any supporter who
entered the field of play or is proven to have thrown objects towards the
Directors' Box.
"West Ham United are committed to taking decisive and positive action with
the primary focus of ensuring London Stadium is a safe, comfortable and
secure environment for supporters attending future matches," read the
statement published on whufc.com
"Following the incidents which marred the second half of the Premier League
fixture with Burnley on Saturday 10 March, the Club is conducting a full and
thorough investigation, and has attended a series of emergency meetings with
London Stadium stakeholders.
"The Club is working in close conjunction with the Metropolitan Police to
identify those individuals, who entered the pitch during the second half,
and with stadium operator LS185, using London Stadium's high-quality CCTV
footage, to identify those who threw missiles, both of which are specific
offences under the Football (Offences) Act 1991.
"Any individual found guilty will be banned from attending any West Ham
United fixture, home and away, for life and the Club will request the courts
serve a banning order to prevent these individuals attending any football
matches in the future."
The club also confirmed that they will be heading a meeting of the Safety
Advisory Group later this week, in which the incident will be discussed
further.
"Senior Club representatives will take a full and leading role at an
emergency meeting of the core Safety Advisory Group (SAG) at London Stadium
on Thursday," added the statement.
"There, West Ham United will be joined by representatives from LS185,
certifying authority Newham Council, the Sports Ground Safety Authority, the
Metropolitan Police, E20 and the London Legacy Development Corporation
(LLDC).
"The Club will make clear that its primary concern is for the safety and
comfort of its supporters on matchdays and, to that end, will lead
discussions centred on the safety management plans put in place and the
policing and stewarding for future fixtures at London Stadium, the first of
which will be the Premier League visit of Southampton on Saturday 31 March."
Meanwhile an image of the supporter who carried a corner flag onto the field
of play during Saturday's game is being used to promote one of the protests
planned by supporters later this month.
61-year-old Paul Colborne, who has attended home matches for the last 49
years carried the flag towards the centre circle before holding it aloft - a
shot that is being seen by many as the defining image of the current round
of anti-Board protests.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Director of Football candidates who could spark a radical overhaul West
Ham
West Ham are reportedly ready to make sweeping changes in the summer
Football London
It's something that a fair few West Ham fans have been clamouring for and it
appears they might get their wish this summer as the Hammers look to recruit
a Director of Football. According to reports, the club already has an
experienced person in mind for the role and will approach that person to
fill in once the season is finished and the club are, hopefully, still a
Premier League team. Co-chairman David Sullivan revealed last month he would
be taking a step back from being the chief transfer negotiator for West Ham.
It was he, along with former director of player recruitment Tony Henry and
either Slaven Bilic or David Moyes that would identify transfer targets and
attempt to bring them to the club. Henry was fired in disgrace in February
over claims he said the club would not sign any more African players, while
Sullivan's negotiating tactics have come under fire after failed moves for
William Carvalho and Leander Dendoncker - two defensive midfield players the
club desperately needed then and now. Sullivan appears to have now decided
the time is right for him to step back, with this summer proving absolutely
crucial if the club remain in the Premier League to spark a radical overhaul
at the club after two extremely testing seasons since moving to the stadium.
So, who are the potential candidates that could revolutionise a club
struggling to adapt to new surroundings, having issues on and off the pitch
and hopefully get the team up the right end of the table once again?
Luis Campos
A highly-regarded talent spotter, Campos is currently sporting director at
Lille in France but was a huge driving force behind the recent success of AS
Monaco and was a scout for Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid. The Monaco side
Campos helped put together was sensational as he spearheaded the signings of
Joao Moutinho, James Rodriguez, Bernardo Silva, Djibril Sidibe, Benjamin
Mendy and Tiemoue Bakayoko and bringing through Kylian Mbappe and Thomas
Lemar. Chelsea have been linked with swooping for Campos but if West Ham
were to beat them to it, he could work wonders and is considered one of the
best in Europe at his job.
Andoni Zubizarreta
The former Spanish goalkeeper is currently at Marseille as sporting director
and held the same role at Barcelona between 2010 and 2015 before he was
sacked for making "transfer mistakes" - that might not sit well with West
Ham fans reading this but many feel he was made a scapegoat for Barca's
issues back in 2015. The Spaniard is currently battling with questions over
Marseille's signing of Kostas Mitroglu and letting go Bafetimbi Gomis, who
is tearing up the Turkish League this season, but he is still held in high
regard for the job he did at the Nou Camp before he was eventually let go.
Marcel Brands
The PSV man has taken the club from being mid-table mediocrity to title
challengers in recent seasons in the Eredivisie. Brands has taken a strong
interest in PSV's academy, recruiting talented young players and bringing
them through, such as Santiago Arias and Hirving Loano. He has been linked
with moves to both Everton and Chelsea and is one of the most sought-after
properties for DoF/Sporting Director roles in Europe.
Marc Overmars
The former Arsenal winger is currently director of football at Ajax and is
credited with helping steer the club to the Europa League final last season
along with manager Peter Bosz, where they were eventually beaten by
Manchester United. Under Overmars' watch, the likes of Matthijs de Ligt and
Justin Kluivert have come through the ranks, while he has been credited with
making the move for Hakim Ziyech. Arsenal however are reportedly favourites
to recruit Overmars should he leave Holland.
Christian Heidel
The German, currently at Schalke, has a track record of basically getting
things right, which is something that should be listened to when West Ham
are looking for their new director of football. It was Heidel who convinced
Jurgen Klopp to retire from the game and take up a role in management and
join Mainz, who he got promoted into the Bundesliga. Not content with Klopp,
Heidel then asked Thomas Tuchel to do the same job after Mainz were
relegated and Klopp went to Borussia Dortmund and got it right again as the
German side were promoted once again. He's now cementing himself as one of
the best directors in the game at Schalke and would be a real coup for the
Hammers if they brought him in.
Damien Comolli
Comolli will be well known to Premier League fans having taken on director
of football roles at both Tottenham and Liverpool, being hit and miss at
both. Comolli brought Luis Suarez, Jordan Henderson and Raul Meireles to
Anfield but also signed the likes of Andy Carroll for a huge fee and Charlie
Adam. He had several disagreements with former Spurs manager Martin Jol over
transfer strategy though he did have some hits in North London, bringing
Gareth Bale to the club from Southampton and also Luka Modric and Dimitar
Berbatov. Experienced and fluent in a number of langauges, Comolli wouldn't
be a surprising appointment given how he knows the Premier League
especially.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mark Noble calls on West Ham fans to unite following one of his 'toughest
days' in east London
JACK ROSSER
ES Sport
Mark Noble has admitted Saturday's game against Burnley was one of his
toughest days at West Ham as pitch invasions and protests created scenes
unlike any seen in the Premier League before. Four pitch invaders as well as
thousands of protesters in the stands at London Stadium on Saturday widened
the chasm that already existed between the club and fans, with the lasting
image that of captain Noble wrestling a pitch invader to the floor. The club
have vowed to hand out lifetime bans to those who entered the pitch at
London Stadium, as well as to those who threw missiles after co-owner David
Sullivan was reportedly struck by a coin. Noble, though, hopes the chaotic
scenes during the Burnley game are the last of the fans' anger and has
called on them to rally behind the team ahead of the Premier League run-in.
"To be honest, as I said after the game, I see that we have two options -
either we crumble and fold and give up or we come together, train hard and
I'm hoping that the anger that the fans showed at the weekend is out now and
they'll get behind us for the final five home games," Noble said in a direct
address to West Ham fans. "We obviously don't want to see [what we saw on
Saturday] because we don't want my club, the club I love, to be dragged
through the papers as it has been, but with football and the way it is now,
it's a results business and we need to win games. "It was one of my toughest
days at West Ham, because I'm as passionate as the fans and I want West Ham
to do well. I've said this before, that I want everyone to be happy, but
sometimes it's not quite like that. "You can't show your emotions like that,
by running on the pitch." He added: "The way our club has always been, we're
a really passionate bunch of people, but at times we show a bit of class and
that wasn't the case on Saturday. "We need them, full-stop, and we can't do
it without them. When West Ham fans are on song, there is no-one better.
When you see the away games, Premier League clubs don't take half as many
fans as we take to away games, so it's a massive club with a passionate
bunch of people and I've said 'show that passion, get behind the team and
we'll try and do something in the summer'." The Hammers are continuing their
investigation into Saturday's events ahead of their next home game against
Southampton on March 31.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are committed to taking decisive and positive action with
the primary focus of ensuring London Stadium is a safe, comfortable and
secure environment for supporters attending future matches.
Following the incidents which marred the second half of the Premier League
fixture with Burnley on Saturday 10 March, the Club is conducting a full and
thorough investigation, and has attended a series of emergency meetings with
London Stadium stakeholders.
The Club is working in close conjunction with the Metropolitan Police to
identify those individuals, who entered the pitch during the second half,
and with stadium operator LS185, using London Stadium's high-quality CCTV
footage, to identify those who threw missiles, both of which are specific
offences under the Football (Offences) Act 1991.
Any individual found guilty will be banned from attending any West Ham
United fixture, home and away, for life and the Club will request the courts
serve a banning order to prevent these individuals attending any football
matches in the future.
West Ham United maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards any behaviour of
this nature, with the safety of all supporters always the Club's number one
priority.
Senior Club representatives will take a full and leading role at an
emergency meeting of the core Safety Advisory Group (SAG) at London Stadium
on Thursday.
There, West Ham United will be joined by representatives from LS185,
certifying authority Newham Council, the Sports Ground Safety Authority, the
Metropolitan Police, E20 and the London Legacy Development Corporation
(LLDC).
The Club will make clear that its primary concern is for the safety and
comfort of its supporters on matchdays and, to that end, will lead
discussions centred on the safety management plans put in place and the
policing and stewarding for future fixtures at London Stadium, the first of
which will be the Premier League visit of Southampton on Saturday 31 March.
West Ham United would like to thank all those fans who supported the team on
Saturday and look forward to welcoming them back to a safe, comfortable and
secure London Stadium.
With eight Premier League matches still to play, achieving the points we
need has to be the focus. The best chance of reaching that goal is for
everyone to be united behind the team when we play Southampton on 31 March
and for the remainder of the season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moyes: Miami training camp will prepare the players for the Premier League
run-in
WHUFC.com
Manager David Moyes says West Ham United's Miami training camp will prepare
the squad for the Premier League run-in. The Hammers have travelled to
Florida and will train every day this week, taking part in a spinning
session on Monday before taking to the pitch for the first time on Tuesday
morning. Without a fixture until the visit of Southampton to London Stadium
on 31 March, Moyes is keen to get his squad in the best possible shape for
West Ham's eight remaining Premier League matches. "This break in games
gives us the chance to come to train in a different environment and one
which we believe will be hugely beneficial to the players," said Moyes,
whose players will train in temperatures of around 25C (77F) throughout the
week. "We've had a long, intense winter period with a lot of matches - 13
since the turn of the year - and little time to rest and recover, so while
this trip will offer us the chance to work the lads in testing temperatures
on the pitch, it also gives them time to get fully prepared for our
important run-in. "We're hoping that the time away can be really useful for
the squad and all the staff as we look to end the season really strongly.
With everyone all together, the already-strong team spirit within the group
is going to grow and that can only be a good thing ahead of our eight huge
matches left in the Premier League."
Nineteen players have made the trip to the United States, led by captain
Mark Noble, while the likes of Pedro Obiang, Winston Reid, Sam Byram and
Edmilson Fernandes have remained at Rush Green to continue their
rehabilitation from knee and ankle injuries respectively.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble: We need to come together and be West Ham United
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble has urged all West Ham United supporters to get firmly behind the
team and come together at a challenging time for the Club. Speaking with
heartfelt honesty and emotion, the captain, midfielder and lifelong Hammer
reflected on Saturday's difficult fixture with Burnley at London Stadium,
before calling for unity among his fellow fans ahead of eight vital Premier
League fixtures. "To be honest, as I said after the game, I see that we have
two options - either we crumble and fold and give up or we come together,
train hard and I'm hoping that the anger that the fans showed at the weekend
is out now and they'll get behind us for the final five home games," said
the No16. "We obviously don't want to see [what we saw on Saturday] because
we don't want my Club, the Club I love, to be dragged through the papers as
it has been, but with football and the way it is now, it's a results
business and we need to win games. "It was one of my toughest days at West
Ham, because I'm as passionate as the fans and I want West Ham to do well.
I've said this before, that I want everyone to be happy, but sometimes it's
not quite like that. You can't show your emotions like that, by running on
the pitch. "The way our Club has always been, we're a really passionate
bunch of people, but at times we show a bit of class and that wasn't the
case on Saturday. "I want us to do really well and I'm hoping that now the
fans have shown their hand, they will get behind us for the remaining
fixtures. "We need them, full-stop, and we can't do it without them. When
West Ham fans are on song, there is no-one better. When you see the away
games, Premier League clubs don't take half as many fans as we take to away
games, so it's a massive Club with a passionate bunch of people and I've
said 'show that passion, get behind the team and we'll try and do something
in the summer'."
Noble also spoke of the importance of the Club's warm-weather training camp
in Miami for team bonding, recharging tired minds and limbs and preparing
the squad for the run-in. "We need to get back to how we were playing before
the last three games. We need to, because we've only got eight games left
and we need to win a minimum of three of them to stay up. "That's why we've
come away now, to get away. We've obviously got three weeks without a game,
so we've come away to really get together as a team, speak some home truths
and come back fighting. "I've been on loads of these trips and I think
they're great, to train in a different location and this morning training
was really good and hard. It was a lot of fun, but we got the work done.
Especially at the right times, like when we haven't got a game for three
weeks it's good to have a change of scenery. "People say 'You've gone on
holiday', but it isn't a holiday, the way we train. It's just another
setting in which to refresh the mind and recuperate before the rest of the
season. The spinning session we did on Monday was the first one I've ever
done and it was really hard. I didn't expect it to be, but it was also
really good fun, with a lot of banter with the lads, but of course with a
lot of sweating and hard work! It was something different and the boys
really enjoyed it. "We could easily have cancelled this tip after the
weekend and looked at all the negatives and come in training at Rush Green,
but I think it's important we come together as a group and try to enjoy this
time away."
The skipper also stated his inner drive to end his 20th season as a West Ham
player on a high, having initially joined the Club in 1997 as an
eleven-year-old schoolboy, and lead the Club to better things in the future.
"I've always said I'm not the greatest player in the world, but I'll always
give everything. I'm the captain of this football club and when things
aren't going well, I take the brunt of things, as do leaders and people in
positions of authority. I'd rather I get it instead of some other players.
"My aim for this football club is to try and be the best it can be. Things
have to change, of course they do, but I'm pretty sure that, if we get
through this season and regroup in the summer, we can get together, work our
differences out with the fans and come together and we'll hopefully have a
much better season next season. "Results haven't been ideal, but I'm really,
really positive that we'll get through it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The defender putting in the miles to drive the Hammers forward
WHUFC.com
"People think I'm crazy, but there we go!" Chenise Austin shrugs. It is not
hard to see why though, when one considers her weekly mileage. The
defender's travel schedule is eyebrow-raising. Having signed for West Ham
United in the summer, Austin is still based in Swindon, 120 miles to the
west, and drives the two-and-a-half hours each way for every training
session and home match. "It is ludicrous, to be fair" Austin admits. "I've
known the drive to take me three hours before. It very much depends on
traffic. "To be fair, in daylight the drive is OK. But after training in
winter, when it's dark and cold, it can be a task! But it's always worth it
and I'm loving playing for West Ham, so I'm more than happy to put in the
miles."
Having spent three seasons with Swindon Town Ladies, Austin moved to the
Irons last year, citing the facilities and training environment as a key
factor in her decision to sign for the Hammers. "I was instantly sold on
West Ham," she says. "The coaches and staff are amazing here, and the
facilities are incredible. I don't believe you can get training - in terms
of the entire package - at a better level anywhere else. "The key thing for
me is enjoying my football. I'm loving my time with West Ham and I'm
thoroughly excited to play every time I step out onto the pitch."
A regular starter for the Ladies, Austin knows she cannot take her position
in the first XI for granted, with a host of talented players available to
step in. "Hannah [Wheeler] and I tend to be the centre-back pairing and
we've got to know each other very well. But Leanne [Mabey] has come back in
now as well, and I think she's a really reliable defender. She's knocking on
the door for a regular place. "Mollie Kmita can play at the back as well.
Jasmine Auguste and Chantelle Mackie are excellent full-backs, but
essentially there's six or seven of us competing to play in the back-line. I
can't rest on my laurels at all."
One thing that makes Austin stand-out, despite being a defender, is her
composure in front of goal - particularly from penalties. The centre-back
has been called upon to take a spot-kick on three occasions this campaign,
with all three ending up in the net. "I don't know how it started, if I'm
honest." Austin laughs. "I like to think I've got a cool head. Penalties, I
think, are like Marmite. You either love them or you hate thing.
"Personally, I get such a buzz from taking a penalty, so I'm always happy to
step up to the spot."
With West Ham United Ladies already in the Isthmian League Cup final and
earning a spot in the FA WPL Plate this past weekend, there is the
possibility of silverware before the end of the campaign for Austin and her
teammates. And, of course, there is also the chance of taking more
penalties! Austin adds: "It would be awesome if we could win some
silverware. Trophies are everything in football and to have that
accomplishment with this team would be incredible. "There could maybe be
some more penalties as well, which is always exciting! If it comes to a
shootout, you can guarantee I'll be one of the first names on the list. The
team can definitely rely on me!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham want life bans for London Stadium pitch invaders
BBC.co.uk
West Ham will seek life football bans for fans who invaded the pitch during
Saturday's 3-0 defeat to Burnley. There were four separate pitch invasions
at London Stadium, along with protests against the club's board. Co-owners
David Sullivan and David Gold were forced to leave the directors' box for
their own safety, with Sullivan struck on the head by a coin. The club say
they are working to identify supporters involved and want the courts to
issue banning orders. "Any individual found guilty will be banned from
attending any West Ham United fixture, home and away, for life and the club
will request the courts serve a banning order to prevent these individuals
attending any football matches in the future," a statement released on
Wednesday read. On Monday, a leading supporters' group announced it will
vote this month on whether to reinstate plans for a protest march against
the owners. London Stadium's Safety Advisory Group (SAG) will hold an
emergency meeting on Thursday to discuss the crowd trouble. The SAG - which
includes representatives from the club, police, Newham council, stadium
owners and operators - has the power to restrict the capacity of the ground
or even close it to paying spectators completely.
Although playing behind closed doors is thought to be highly unlikely,
security procedures for the match, which had a number of pitch invasions and
angry scenes in the stands that resulted in children having to get shelter
in the Burnley dugout and co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold leave the
directors' box for their own safety, will come under intense scrutiny.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan described the scenes as "disgraceful". The Football
Association has opened its own inquiry and the Premier League also expressed
concern at the situation. As West Ham are not due to play at home again
until they meet Southampton in a crucial match at the bottom of the league
on 31 March, the SAG does have the option to delay a decision to ensure any
recommendations can be implemented. West Ham have sold 57,000 tickets for
the game.
A growing number of fans have expressed their fury at what they perceive as
"lies" told by Sullivan, Gold and West Ham vice-chairwoman Karren Brady
about the potential benefits of the historic move to London Stadium from
Upton Park in 2016. The supporter attempting to plant a corner flag on the
centre spot on Saturday was re-enacting a scene from Upton Park in 1992 when
supporters successfully fought against the imposition of a controversial
bond scheme, which would have made fans pay for the right to buy a season
ticket.
Although no-one at the club is happy with their present position in the
Premier League - three points and two places off the relegation zone with
eight games remaining - or their form under new manager David Moyes - one
win in five games and 14 goals conceded - it is understood the club's
hierarchy still believe the move to the venue for the 2012 Olympic Games
will have a positive long-term impact.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Multiple bans for loyal fans
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 14th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have released another statement relating to the angry scenes
witnessed at the Olympic Stadium last weekend.
Furious fans who had been denied the opportunity to take part in a peaceful
protest march opted instead to air their grievances with the club's owners
inside the stadium, leading to David Sullivan and David Gold leaving their
seats midway through the second half.
And the club confirmed today that their investigation into the incident
continues, whilst insisting that they will ban, for life, any supporter who
entered the field of play or is proven to have thrown objects towards the
Directors' Box.
"West Ham United are committed to taking decisive and positive action with
the primary focus of ensuring London Stadium is a safe, comfortable and
secure environment for supporters attending future matches," read the
statement published on whufc.com
"Following the incidents which marred the second half of the Premier League
fixture with Burnley on Saturday 10 March, the Club is conducting a full and
thorough investigation, and has attended a series of emergency meetings with
London Stadium stakeholders.
"The Club is working in close conjunction with the Metropolitan Police to
identify those individuals, who entered the pitch during the second half,
and with stadium operator LS185, using London Stadium's high-quality CCTV
footage, to identify those who threw missiles, both of which are specific
offences under the Football (Offences) Act 1991.
"Any individual found guilty will be banned from attending any West Ham
United fixture, home and away, for life and the Club will request the courts
serve a banning order to prevent these individuals attending any football
matches in the future."
The club also confirmed that they will be heading a meeting of the Safety
Advisory Group later this week, in which the incident will be discussed
further.
"Senior Club representatives will take a full and leading role at an
emergency meeting of the core Safety Advisory Group (SAG) at London Stadium
on Thursday," added the statement.
"There, West Ham United will be joined by representatives from LS185,
certifying authority Newham Council, the Sports Ground Safety Authority, the
Metropolitan Police, E20 and the London Legacy Development Corporation
(LLDC).
"The Club will make clear that its primary concern is for the safety and
comfort of its supporters on matchdays and, to that end, will lead
discussions centred on the safety management plans put in place and the
policing and stewarding for future fixtures at London Stadium, the first of
which will be the Premier League visit of Southampton on Saturday 31 March."
Meanwhile an image of the supporter who carried a corner flag onto the field
of play during Saturday's game is being used to promote one of the protests
planned by supporters later this month.
61-year-old Paul Colborne, who has attended home matches for the last 49
years carried the flag towards the centre circle before holding it aloft - a
shot that is being seen by many as the defining image of the current round
of anti-Board protests.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Director of Football candidates who could spark a radical overhaul West
Ham
West Ham are reportedly ready to make sweeping changes in the summer
Football London
It's something that a fair few West Ham fans have been clamouring for and it
appears they might get their wish this summer as the Hammers look to recruit
a Director of Football. According to reports, the club already has an
experienced person in mind for the role and will approach that person to
fill in once the season is finished and the club are, hopefully, still a
Premier League team. Co-chairman David Sullivan revealed last month he would
be taking a step back from being the chief transfer negotiator for West Ham.
It was he, along with former director of player recruitment Tony Henry and
either Slaven Bilic or David Moyes that would identify transfer targets and
attempt to bring them to the club. Henry was fired in disgrace in February
over claims he said the club would not sign any more African players, while
Sullivan's negotiating tactics have come under fire after failed moves for
William Carvalho and Leander Dendoncker - two defensive midfield players the
club desperately needed then and now. Sullivan appears to have now decided
the time is right for him to step back, with this summer proving absolutely
crucial if the club remain in the Premier League to spark a radical overhaul
at the club after two extremely testing seasons since moving to the stadium.
So, who are the potential candidates that could revolutionise a club
struggling to adapt to new surroundings, having issues on and off the pitch
and hopefully get the team up the right end of the table once again?
Luis Campos
A highly-regarded talent spotter, Campos is currently sporting director at
Lille in France but was a huge driving force behind the recent success of AS
Monaco and was a scout for Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid. The Monaco side
Campos helped put together was sensational as he spearheaded the signings of
Joao Moutinho, James Rodriguez, Bernardo Silva, Djibril Sidibe, Benjamin
Mendy and Tiemoue Bakayoko and bringing through Kylian Mbappe and Thomas
Lemar. Chelsea have been linked with swooping for Campos but if West Ham
were to beat them to it, he could work wonders and is considered one of the
best in Europe at his job.
Andoni Zubizarreta
The former Spanish goalkeeper is currently at Marseille as sporting director
and held the same role at Barcelona between 2010 and 2015 before he was
sacked for making "transfer mistakes" - that might not sit well with West
Ham fans reading this but many feel he was made a scapegoat for Barca's
issues back in 2015. The Spaniard is currently battling with questions over
Marseille's signing of Kostas Mitroglu and letting go Bafetimbi Gomis, who
is tearing up the Turkish League this season, but he is still held in high
regard for the job he did at the Nou Camp before he was eventually let go.
Marcel Brands
The PSV man has taken the club from being mid-table mediocrity to title
challengers in recent seasons in the Eredivisie. Brands has taken a strong
interest in PSV's academy, recruiting talented young players and bringing
them through, such as Santiago Arias and Hirving Loano. He has been linked
with moves to both Everton and Chelsea and is one of the most sought-after
properties for DoF/Sporting Director roles in Europe.
Marc Overmars
The former Arsenal winger is currently director of football at Ajax and is
credited with helping steer the club to the Europa League final last season
along with manager Peter Bosz, where they were eventually beaten by
Manchester United. Under Overmars' watch, the likes of Matthijs de Ligt and
Justin Kluivert have come through the ranks, while he has been credited with
making the move for Hakim Ziyech. Arsenal however are reportedly favourites
to recruit Overmars should he leave Holland.
Christian Heidel
The German, currently at Schalke, has a track record of basically getting
things right, which is something that should be listened to when West Ham
are looking for their new director of football. It was Heidel who convinced
Jurgen Klopp to retire from the game and take up a role in management and
join Mainz, who he got promoted into the Bundesliga. Not content with Klopp,
Heidel then asked Thomas Tuchel to do the same job after Mainz were
relegated and Klopp went to Borussia Dortmund and got it right again as the
German side were promoted once again. He's now cementing himself as one of
the best directors in the game at Schalke and would be a real coup for the
Hammers if they brought him in.
Damien Comolli
Comolli will be well known to Premier League fans having taken on director
of football roles at both Tottenham and Liverpool, being hit and miss at
both. Comolli brought Luis Suarez, Jordan Henderson and Raul Meireles to
Anfield but also signed the likes of Andy Carroll for a huge fee and Charlie
Adam. He had several disagreements with former Spurs manager Martin Jol over
transfer strategy though he did have some hits in North London, bringing
Gareth Bale to the club from Southampton and also Luka Modric and Dimitar
Berbatov. Experienced and fluent in a number of langauges, Comolli wouldn't
be a surprising appointment given how he knows the Premier League
especially.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mark Noble calls on West Ham fans to unite following one of his 'toughest
days' in east London
JACK ROSSER
ES Sport
Mark Noble has admitted Saturday's game against Burnley was one of his
toughest days at West Ham as pitch invasions and protests created scenes
unlike any seen in the Premier League before. Four pitch invaders as well as
thousands of protesters in the stands at London Stadium on Saturday widened
the chasm that already existed between the club and fans, with the lasting
image that of captain Noble wrestling a pitch invader to the floor. The club
have vowed to hand out lifetime bans to those who entered the pitch at
London Stadium, as well as to those who threw missiles after co-owner David
Sullivan was reportedly struck by a coin. Noble, though, hopes the chaotic
scenes during the Burnley game are the last of the fans' anger and has
called on them to rally behind the team ahead of the Premier League run-in.
"To be honest, as I said after the game, I see that we have two options -
either we crumble and fold and give up or we come together, train hard and
I'm hoping that the anger that the fans showed at the weekend is out now and
they'll get behind us for the final five home games," Noble said in a direct
address to West Ham fans. "We obviously don't want to see [what we saw on
Saturday] because we don't want my club, the club I love, to be dragged
through the papers as it has been, but with football and the way it is now,
it's a results business and we need to win games. "It was one of my toughest
days at West Ham, because I'm as passionate as the fans and I want West Ham
to do well. I've said this before, that I want everyone to be happy, but
sometimes it's not quite like that. "You can't show your emotions like that,
by running on the pitch." He added: "The way our club has always been, we're
a really passionate bunch of people, but at times we show a bit of class and
that wasn't the case on Saturday. "We need them, full-stop, and we can't do
it without them. When West Ham fans are on song, there is no-one better.
When you see the away games, Premier League clubs don't take half as many
fans as we take to away games, so it's a massive club with a passionate
bunch of people and I've said 'show that passion, get behind the team and
we'll try and do something in the summer'." The Hammers are continuing their
investigation into Saturday's events ahead of their next home game against
Southampton on March 31.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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