Deano back at the Boleyn
WHUFC.com
Dean Ashton speaks exclusively to West Ham TV, on only his second return to
the Boleyn Ground
27.01.2013
Former West Ham United striker Dean Ashton was back at the Boleyn Ground, as
he joined up with BBC's Football Focus team prior to the 1-1 draw with
Queens Park Rangers. Ashton, who made 56 appearances for the Hammers between
2006 and 2008, gave an exclusive interview to West Ham TV, upon only his
second return to the club since his retirement due to an ankle injury in
2009. It proved a poignant afternoon for the hugely popular figure, whose
goals so nearly fired the Hammers to FA Cup triumph in 2006. "It's nice to
come back, it's always a special place for me," he told West Ham TV. "The
crowd have been fantastic to me, when I was playing and also since I
finished. That's great for me and it makes me feel good, obviously."
After hearing his name ring around the Boleyn Ground during a half-time
interview, Ashton was reminded of exactly what he's missing. "That's what
you miss from when you're playing - playing in front of all the fans and
getting their reactions when you score and when you play well." For
exclusive access to the interview, in which Ashton discusses West Ham's
prospects in the Barclays Premier League, as well as his own future in the
game, login or subscribe to West Ham TV using the link below. We've also got
behind the scenes footage of Football Focus at the Boleyn Ground, including
a chat with legendary broadcaster John Motson.
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Vaz Te's boots raise 1,700 pounds!
WHUFC.com
Ricardo Vaz Te's Championship Play-Off final boots have raised welcome cash
for the Bobby Moore Fund
19.01.2013
A West Ham United supporter has raised £1,700 for the Bobby Moore Fund for
Cancer Research UK by winning an auction to sign a unique piece of Hammers
memorabilia. Ricardo Vaz Te kindly donated the purple and orange size 9 1/2
Adidas Adizero TRX boots he was wearing when he fired West Ham back into the
Barclays Premier League at Wembley in May 2012. The Hammers No12 scored a
dramatic late winner to clinch a thrilling 2-1 npower Championship Play-Off
final victory over Blackpool - and now one lucky fan has won the chance to
own the boots that scored that historic goal by successfully bidding £1,700
in an online auction! A total of 57 bids were made for the historic boots,
which also scored West Ham's Goal of the Season against Brighton and Hove
Albion in April 2012. "I wore these boots all last season, so they scored
more than 20 goals and are very special to me," said Vaz Te before the
auction began. "Believe it or not, a friend of mine bought me the boots from
a sports shop because I did not have an endorsement deal at the start of
last season, so they really are my lucky boots! "However, I know the Bobby
Moore Fund is a very important cause and does a lot of fantastic work, so I
felt it was right that I put the boots up for auction to raise as much money
as possible for the charity. "So many people's lives are touched by cancer,
so any work that is done to try to find ways to prevent and cure it is
extremely valuable, so whatever money we can raise by selling the boots will
be put to good use in this area."
The £1,700 raised will go to the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research, with
the club targeting to raise £50,000 for the charity founded in memory of the
late, great West Ham and England captain this season. So far, thanks to a
personal donation of £10,000 from Joint-Chairman David Sullivan and
significant contributions from the club's Principal Partner SBOBET and
manager Sam Allardyce, the club has raised more than £20,000 towards this
total. Two home fixtures have also been designated as Bobby Moore Fund
Awareness Matches - the Barclays Premier League visits of Tottenham Hotspur
and Manchester United on 25 February and 9 March 2013 respectively. The
Spurs fixture will mark 20 years since Moore's tragic and untimely passing
and the club is planning a fitting tribute to the great defender, including
a special 100-page commemorative Official Programme.
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West Ham poised for double swoop
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 27th January 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United are on the verge of signing fomer Middlesbrough defender
Emanuel Pogatetz on loan for the rest of the season. The Austrian
international, now 30, will join the Irons for the remainder of the 2012/13
campaign with view to a permanent contract according to reports. German
media have revealed that Pogatetz, who played at the Riverside between 2005
and 2010 has travelled to London in order to rubber-stamp his move to east
London. Currently with Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg, Pogatetz - also known as
'Mad Dog' - has also been linked with Aston Villa and Fulham in recent days
although according to reports from Germany has opted to join Sam Allardyce's
squad instead.
The Hammers boss is also hoping to clinch a second signing with the capture
of Stephen Warnock from Aston Villa. The 31-year-old former England
international has fallen out of favour at Villa Park and looks set to join
Pogatetz at the Boleyn Ground on a free transfer imminently. West Ham, who
placed a third bid for Blackburn left-back Martin Olsson on Friday have
turned to Warnock having become increasingly disillusioned with their search
for a replacement for George McCartney, who is sidelined for several weeks.
The former Liverpool and Blackburn player is said to be earning in the
region of £40,000 per week at Villa, but is yet to make a single appearance
for the relegation-threatened club this season. He spent the first half of
the campaign on loan with Bolton in the Championship.
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Kevin Nolan reveals West Ham were called to 7am meeting after Arsenal loss
Last Updated: January 26, 2013 12:30pm
SSN
West Ham captain Kevin Nolan has revealed manager Sam Allardyce called a 7am
meeting the morning after the 5-1 loss at Arsenal in order to put the defeat
behind them. Allardyce's side conceded four goals in 10 minutes as the
Gunners ran riot in the second half to extend the Hammers' winless run to
five matches.
"It was totally unacceptable for us with the standards we have set
ourselves," Nolan told the club's official website. "The gaffer wasn't happy
and rightly so - so he asked for us to come in at 7am the next morning on
the Thursday. "There were no complaints from any of us - we all need a kick
up the backside every now and then and we take it all on board. "The gaffer
and all of us wanted to put this result and what happened to bed straight
away, and it was good that we came in early and got into looking at what
went wrong together as a group."
Midfielder Mohamed Diame, who joined West Ham last summer from Wigan but has
been linked with a move away from the club this transfer window, was late
for the meeting. Nolan added: "We all had to wait for him before we could
start and when he arrived, we all gave him stick for not only being late and
keeping us all waiting, but we said we thought he had left us without saying
goodbye." West Ham's next game is away at Fulham in the Premier League on
Wednesday 30 January.
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Turkish side Kasimpasa have made an enquiry for West Ham striker Carlton
Cole
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
January 26, 2013 1:28pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands Turkish side Kasimpasa have made an enquiry for West
Ham striker Carlton Cole. Cole's future at West Ham has been the subject of
speculation this month with his contract due to expire at the end of the
season. The forward is yet to be offered a new deal by the Premier League
club and they could try to sell him now rather than risk losing him for
nothing in the summer. West Ham have brought in two strikers on loan this
month in Marouane Chamakh and Wellington Paulista, and with Andy Carroll set
to return from injury, Cole could find himself pushed well down the pecking
order at Upton Park.
The news has alerted a number of teams at home and abroad to his possible
availability before the close of the transfer window. Kasimpasa have
expressed an interest and they are thought to be locked in talks with the
Hammers in trying to agree a fee for the former Chelsea man. West Ham are
thought to be willing to sell for a fee in the region of £3million and
Kasimpasa's Turkish rivals Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are believed to be
keeping a watching brief on the situation. A number of Premier League clubs
are also keeping tabs on Cole and could move for him before the transfer
window slams shut next Thursday.
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Arsenal have snubbed enquiries from several sides to take Carl Jenkinson on
loan
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
January 26, 2013 1:27pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands Arsenal have rejected enquiries from several Premier
League clubs to take Carl Jenkinson on loan. The likes of Stoke, West Ham,
Wigan and Southampton are all thought to have asked about the availability
of the right-back on loan for the rest of the season. However, Arsenal boss
Arsene Wenger has rebuffed the offers for Jenkinson as he feels he could be
needed for the remainder of the campaign. Jenkinson started the season as
first-choice due to an injury to Bacary Sagna and he impressed for the
Gunners which resulted in him winning a call-up to the England squad. The
former Charlton man is highly-regarded at Emirates Stadium and he was
rewarded with a new deal before Christmas.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Now it is Stephen Warnock in the Frame, as Diame's Unnamed Friends Inform us
that ...... !
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
After being linked with Martin Olsson (Blackburn Rovers), Emilio Izaguirre
(Celic) and Henri Bedimo (Montpellier), it is now being reported that West
Ham may be considering bringing in Stephen Warnock (Villa) on a free
transfer move. Apparently, the club are meeting with Warnock on Sunday to
negotiate a deal. There is also interest from Championship clubs, but West
Ham are in pole position to land the player.
It is more than possible that we could see two left-backs join the club in
this window, as Sam Allardyce has previously stated that he needs a couple
of acquisitions to provide adequate cover in that position, while, there are
also rumours that West Ham, along with Stoke City, could be interested in
taking Arsenal's Carl Jenkinson on loan. I am not sure about this. After
all, Jenkinson is a right-back and with Demel, O'Brien and Spence covering
that position, it is not so much of a priority.
Elsewhere, Mirror Sport are really pushing the boat out on the Diame to
Arsenal story. They have given it a new focus by quoting some unnamed
'friends' of Diame, who have confirmed that Diame would love to join Arsenal
in this transfer window. And based upon that, the Mirror feels confident in
stating that Diame wants to join Arsenal! He may well want to sign for
Arsenal - no doubt many players would, but whether he gets the chance is
another matter. In addition, they have linked the story to the disciplinary
action (1 week's wages) allegedly taken due to Diame arriving late at the
training ground for the 7am Arsenal post-mortem. And to round it all off
nicely, it is also authoritatively stated in the article that Sam Allardyce
has given up all hope of retaining Diame's services. How do they know what
Allardyce is thinking? Perhaps they have had a discreet word with one of Sam
Allardyce's best pals on the quiet!
This Mo Diame release clause issue has been an annoying distraction. I for
one will be glad when it is over one way or the other. Hopefully, Diame's
public statement about wanting to stay at the club best reflects the
player's intentions. We will see, come the 1 February 2013, what exactly is
the factual wheat amidst the speculative chaff. If I was in Diame's position
I would stay with West Ham until the summer and review my options then. He
is playing regularly at West Ham and an equally good second half of the
season can only improve his prospects and future options. But Diame may well
not see it like that, so lets see what transpires.
And finally, it appears that our Republic of Ireland international keeper,
Stephen Henderson, has returned to the club. He was on the bench against
Arsenal and it will be interesting to see whether Henderson goes back on
loan to Ipswich Town or spends the remainder of the season at West Ham. It
may be that the club decide to stick with Jussi, Henderson and Spiegel, this
season, and focuses their attention upon strengthening in other, more
pressing areas. While, we can also confirm that any interest that West Ham
had in Nicolas Anelka is over, at least for the time being. Anelka has just
signed a six month contract with Serie A leaders Juventus, with the option
of a further one season contract if the move proves succesfull.
I am not sure if that is good or bad news from our perspective. Still, never
mind, we still have Wellington Paulista waiting in the wings. Could Paulista
be a Hammers cult hero in the making? I do not know, but he does appear to
be a bit of a character and someone who gives 100% on the pitch, both
characteristics that endear players to the Hammers faithful. We shall see.
SJ. Chandos.
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Fine idea: Mohamed Diame up for Arsenal move as he lands in West Ham's
dog-house
The Mirror
26 Jan 2013 23:00
EXCLUSIVE by Dean Jones & Steve Bates
Mohamed Diame has told pals he would love to join Arsenal this week, writes
the Sunday People. The 25-year-old West Ham midfielder has been fined a
week's wages by boss Sam Allardyce for turning up late for a team meeting on
Thursday. Every other player was on time for the 7am session to watch a
rerun of Hammers' horror show in the 5-1 defeat to Arsenal. Allardyce seems
to have given up the fight to keep his star man, with Arsenal set to trigger
a £3.5million release clause. Spurs could also make a late bid, but West Ham
will want to bring in a replacement before Diame – signed from Wigan last
June – goes anywhere.
Hooray Henri: Hammers eye Montpellier star
EXCLUSIVE by Alan Nixon
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is making a £2million bid for Montpellier's
Cameroon left-back Henri Bedimo, writes the Sunday People. Allardyce wants
to make Henri a Hammer before the deadline and his agents have opened talks
with the French club's president. Bedimo, 28, wants to move to the Premier
League while he is still at the peak of his powers, especially after seeing
Montpellier's better players leave the club so soon after winning the French
title.
Big Sam wants to recruit a new left-back after failing to land Sweden star
Martin Olsson from Blackburn, with the Hammers bidding a similar sum for the
24-year-old. Bedimo may cost more than Allardyce wants to pay, but sources
close to the deal are optimistic that it can be rushed through.
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Cash out: Aston Villa loaning big-money flops Alan Hutton and Stephen
Warnock
The Mirror
27 Jan 2013 22:30
Aston Villa have agreed to ship out flops Alan Hutton to Real Mallorca and
Stephen Warnock to West Ham. The pair of big-earning Villa full-backs were
made to train with the kids when boss Paul Lambert took over last summer.
Hutton and Warnock were then bombed out on loan to Nottingham Forest and
Bolton respectively. Despite returning to Villa, the club are now sending
right-back Hutton, 28, to Real Mallorca and left-back Warnock, 31, to West
Ham this week.
Their exits will ease Villa's wage bill as both collect over £40,000 a week.
But Lambert's youthful first team is struggling and there have been calls to
recall the duo to use their experience.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, January 28
Saturday, January 26
Daily WHUFC News - 26th January 2013
Captain's Blog
WHUFC.com
West Ham United skipper Kevin Nolan reveals that the manager demanded an
early start to put things right
25.01.2013
Hello to everyone.
First of all, I would like to say what great news it is that Pottsy is all
OK following what happened to him at Arsenal on Wednesday. We were all
concerned and were kept informed during the night as to how he was doing. We
all sent him messages and it was great to get his text back to say he was OK
early the next morning. I am sure you will all join me in wishing him well
in his recovery and Pottsy, we are all looking forward to seeing you back
around the place soon!
It goes without saying that we were all really upset and disappointed with
the result at the Emirates.
The fact was that, before those 12 minutes or so at the start of the second
half, we were doing really well and then we were hit with the four goals.
It was totally unacceptable for us with the standards we have set ourselves
and I want, on behalf of all the lads, to apologise to our fans and want
them to know that we will be looking to put things right again.
The gaffer wasn't happy and rightly so - so he asked for us to come in at
7am the next morning on the Thursday. I think he would have had us in later
on Wednesday night if he could, but he told us to be in at this time the
next day at the training ground and there were no complaints from any of us
- we all need a kick up the backside every now and then and we take it all
on board.
The gaffer and all of us wanted to put this result and what happened to bed
straight away and it was good that we came in early and got into looking at
what went wrong together as a group. It is one of the best things about the
group of players we have here, that we are strong as a unit together whether
things are going right or wrong. We have some strong characters in the group
and we all went through everything together - we listened to what the gaffer
had to say, then we all discussed it all as a group.
Having played under the gaffer for some time and having known him now for
several years, I have had a few 7am meetings to attend following a bad
result! There has always been a positive response afterwards. He let us know
how he felt. He wants us to be getting the right results and performances
that he and the coaches prepare us to achieve before every game and so do
we. So we have all taken it on board and on the chin. The outcome is that we
are looking forward to putting it right against Fulham next week. We have no
match this weekend but will be in over the weekend to train and are already
preparing for the Fulham game.
It has been the same since I got here, that we stick together no matter
what. We knew that, this season, we would hit a sticky patch and what gets
us through is sticking together and putting it right together. That is what
we will continue to do. I know that all of you, our fans, get disappointed
and upset when things go wrong and we don't get the right result. We do as
well. We know how much it all means and all we ask is that you stick with us
as we look to make things right. I say every week how fantastic our support
is and there is no better feeling than hearing all of you backing us. When
you have just had a bad result and are looking to put it right, there is
nothing better than having all of you cheering us on.
I would like to finish on a slightly more light-hearted note. Mo Diame was a
bit late for the 7am meeting that the gaffer called, which does happen with
players from time to time! We all had to wait for him before we could start
and when he arrived, we all gave him stick for not only being late and
keeping us all waiting, but we said we thought he had left us without saying
goodbye! As everyone knows, there is a lot of speculation in the media about
Mo, so we thought we would give him more stick about that! To be fair to
him, he took all the banter really well and joined in as part of the group
as we discussed everything from the match and looked ahead.
We are now focusing on next Wednesday's match at Fulham and are determined
to get the result for you - a result that sees us pick up important points
to help us finish the season as high as we can, taking another step further
to where this club should be.
Come on you Irons!
Kevin Nolan
Captain
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Mac making progress
WHUFC.com
George McCartney has stepped up his rehabilitation after a period
recuperating in his home city
26.01.2013
A welcome face was back around West Ham United's training ground this week
in the shape of George McCartney. The Northern Irish defender has been out
of action since mid-December after picking up a knee ligament injury in
training. McCartney underwent surgery on his meniscal and lateral ligaments
and is now recovering well. As part of his treatment to recover from the
injury, McCartney went back home to his native Belfast for a short period
but is now back at Chadwell Heath and is making good progress with the
support of the club's medical team, "It has been five weeks now since I got
injured," confirmed the left-back. "After undergoing surgery, I had some of
that time back home in Northern Ireland receiving treatment there. "I saw
the surgeon on Wednesday and he was happy with how it is going, so that was
great news for me. He said he was pleased with the progress, so it is a big
boost. "Now that I am back here and everyone is happy with how I am doing.
Hopefully that means I can press on a bit further with the work I am doing
in the next few weeks."
McCartney - last season's Player's Player of the Year - returned to Hammers
on a permanent basis, last summer after being on loan from Sunderland during
the previous campaign. He played his part in helping West Ham get promoted
to the Barclays Premier League at the first time of asking last season and
was a regular in Sam Allardyce's side until he suffered the knee injury last
month. The popular No3 confessed it has been hard watching rather than
playing. "I am not a good watcher, so it has been hard watching from the
sidelines. You just want to be out there doing your bit for the team. But I
am happy to be back around everyone and just want to push on now more to get
back from the injury."
While he will not be able to contribute immediately, McCartney has backed
his team-mates to turn around their recent run of indifferent results and
make a closing push for the top half of the Barclays Premier League table.
"We have had up and down results of late, but the belief is there and we are
capable of doing what we need to do - to be safe and then look to still push
on and finish as high as we can. "We had a great start which has seen us in
good stead and now we have to look to do more of the same to finish the
season in the same way."
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Have the Hammers Targeted Emilio Izaguirre?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
There are reports this morning that West Ham's search for defensive
reinforcements has now switched to Celtic's Honduran left-back, Emilio
Izaguirre. It is thought that West Ham have proposed an initial loan
agreement, with the option of a £4m permanent switch in the summer. The
major complication is Celtic's continued involvement in this season's
Champions League competition and a forthcoming tie against Serie A leaders,
Juventus. Would Celtic allow any of their best players leave whilst still in
Champions League contention?
On the plus side, the former SPL player of the year has experienced
something of a dip in form this season and it could be that he is now ready
for a new challenge. Certainly, Izaguirre is known to fancy testing himself
in the EPL. The key issue remains whether Celtic will resist any moves that
potentially weaken their squad in January and if, they are open to a deal,
they are will accept initial loan move?
West Ham are obviously lining up a number of options at left-back.
Accordingly, there were reports yesterday that West Ham have had a
£1.75million bid rejected for Montpellier defender Henri Bedimo. It will
interesting to see whether West Ham go back with an improved bid? While
there has been no apparent progress in the move for Blackburn Rover's Martin
Olsson. There has also been no recent news on the move for Rovers keeper,
Paul Robinson, nor the recruitment of extra cover at centre-back. The latter
becoming all the more urgent with the recent injury to Winston Reid.
There are, however. new reports that West Ham are on the verge of accepting
a £2.5m bid for Carlton Cole from Turkish side, Kasimpasa. Who knows if
there is any truth in this rumour? However, what we do know is that Carlton
Cole is currently in the final year of his contract and there has been no
indication that the club are about to offer a new deal. If this is the case,
then this would seem an appropriate juncture to accept an offer for the
player, before he becomes a free agent in the summer. Whether Carlton Cole
will be open to moving to the Turkish League is another matter. Based on
previous behaviour, he is likely to resist the move and stay at the club,
either in the hope of securing a new deal or, alternatively, running down
his contract and negotiating a lucrative Bosman move.
Finally, it appears that Sam Allardyce laid down the law after the very
disappointing 5-1 defeat to Arsenal. He allegedly ordered the first team
squad to report for training at 7am on the Thursday morning to watch the
performance, run through the match performance statistics and give them a
collective dressing down. This was followed by a 9am training session.
Hopefully, the desire to avoid further 7am briefing/training sessions will
provide a massive extra incentive for an improved display against Fulham
next week!
All in all, it is probably just as well that the club have a break this
Saturday, for the 4th Round of the FA Cup. It will give Allardyce and his
coaches extra time to regroup and put extra work in with the players on the
training ground; as well as giving players like Andy Carroll a few extra
days to prepare for a potential return from injury. It would certainly be
good to see Carroll play some part in the Fulham match, next Wednesday.
We need a positive reponse against Fulham to stop the rot and get the club's
season back on track. On the whole, this squad have responded positively to
the prior set backs this season. And it is important that is the case, once
again, next Wednesday at Fulham and also at home to Swansea, the following
Saturday.
SJ. Chandos.
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Turks dig Cole: West Ham close to agreeing fee for Carlton with Istanbul's
Kasimpasa
The Mirror
25 Jan 2013 22:30
John Powell
West Ham are close to agreeing a £2.5million fee with Turkish club Kasimpasa
for Carlton Cole. The 29-year-old striker, whose contract expires in the
summer, has slipped down the pecking order at Upton Park this month,
following the arrivals of loanees Wellington Paulista and Marouane Chamakh
from Cruzeiro and Arsenal respectively. Also, England striker Andy Carroll,
who's been borrowed from Liverpool for the season, is also set to return to
the squad soon following an injury lay-off. The Hammers have not offered
Cole a new deal following the breakdown of talks at the start at the season.
Ambitious Kasimpasa were promoted to the Turkish top flight at the end of
last season. The Istanbul side boast former Manchester City keeper Andreas
Isaakson in their squad.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United skipper Kevin Nolan reveals that the manager demanded an
early start to put things right
25.01.2013
Hello to everyone.
First of all, I would like to say what great news it is that Pottsy is all
OK following what happened to him at Arsenal on Wednesday. We were all
concerned and were kept informed during the night as to how he was doing. We
all sent him messages and it was great to get his text back to say he was OK
early the next morning. I am sure you will all join me in wishing him well
in his recovery and Pottsy, we are all looking forward to seeing you back
around the place soon!
It goes without saying that we were all really upset and disappointed with
the result at the Emirates.
The fact was that, before those 12 minutes or so at the start of the second
half, we were doing really well and then we were hit with the four goals.
It was totally unacceptable for us with the standards we have set ourselves
and I want, on behalf of all the lads, to apologise to our fans and want
them to know that we will be looking to put things right again.
The gaffer wasn't happy and rightly so - so he asked for us to come in at
7am the next morning on the Thursday. I think he would have had us in later
on Wednesday night if he could, but he told us to be in at this time the
next day at the training ground and there were no complaints from any of us
- we all need a kick up the backside every now and then and we take it all
on board.
The gaffer and all of us wanted to put this result and what happened to bed
straight away and it was good that we came in early and got into looking at
what went wrong together as a group. It is one of the best things about the
group of players we have here, that we are strong as a unit together whether
things are going right or wrong. We have some strong characters in the group
and we all went through everything together - we listened to what the gaffer
had to say, then we all discussed it all as a group.
Having played under the gaffer for some time and having known him now for
several years, I have had a few 7am meetings to attend following a bad
result! There has always been a positive response afterwards. He let us know
how he felt. He wants us to be getting the right results and performances
that he and the coaches prepare us to achieve before every game and so do
we. So we have all taken it on board and on the chin. The outcome is that we
are looking forward to putting it right against Fulham next week. We have no
match this weekend but will be in over the weekend to train and are already
preparing for the Fulham game.
It has been the same since I got here, that we stick together no matter
what. We knew that, this season, we would hit a sticky patch and what gets
us through is sticking together and putting it right together. That is what
we will continue to do. I know that all of you, our fans, get disappointed
and upset when things go wrong and we don't get the right result. We do as
well. We know how much it all means and all we ask is that you stick with us
as we look to make things right. I say every week how fantastic our support
is and there is no better feeling than hearing all of you backing us. When
you have just had a bad result and are looking to put it right, there is
nothing better than having all of you cheering us on.
I would like to finish on a slightly more light-hearted note. Mo Diame was a
bit late for the 7am meeting that the gaffer called, which does happen with
players from time to time! We all had to wait for him before we could start
and when he arrived, we all gave him stick for not only being late and
keeping us all waiting, but we said we thought he had left us without saying
goodbye! As everyone knows, there is a lot of speculation in the media about
Mo, so we thought we would give him more stick about that! To be fair to
him, he took all the banter really well and joined in as part of the group
as we discussed everything from the match and looked ahead.
We are now focusing on next Wednesday's match at Fulham and are determined
to get the result for you - a result that sees us pick up important points
to help us finish the season as high as we can, taking another step further
to where this club should be.
Come on you Irons!
Kevin Nolan
Captain
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Mac making progress
WHUFC.com
George McCartney has stepped up his rehabilitation after a period
recuperating in his home city
26.01.2013
A welcome face was back around West Ham United's training ground this week
in the shape of George McCartney. The Northern Irish defender has been out
of action since mid-December after picking up a knee ligament injury in
training. McCartney underwent surgery on his meniscal and lateral ligaments
and is now recovering well. As part of his treatment to recover from the
injury, McCartney went back home to his native Belfast for a short period
but is now back at Chadwell Heath and is making good progress with the
support of the club's medical team, "It has been five weeks now since I got
injured," confirmed the left-back. "After undergoing surgery, I had some of
that time back home in Northern Ireland receiving treatment there. "I saw
the surgeon on Wednesday and he was happy with how it is going, so that was
great news for me. He said he was pleased with the progress, so it is a big
boost. "Now that I am back here and everyone is happy with how I am doing.
Hopefully that means I can press on a bit further with the work I am doing
in the next few weeks."
McCartney - last season's Player's Player of the Year - returned to Hammers
on a permanent basis, last summer after being on loan from Sunderland during
the previous campaign. He played his part in helping West Ham get promoted
to the Barclays Premier League at the first time of asking last season and
was a regular in Sam Allardyce's side until he suffered the knee injury last
month. The popular No3 confessed it has been hard watching rather than
playing. "I am not a good watcher, so it has been hard watching from the
sidelines. You just want to be out there doing your bit for the team. But I
am happy to be back around everyone and just want to push on now more to get
back from the injury."
While he will not be able to contribute immediately, McCartney has backed
his team-mates to turn around their recent run of indifferent results and
make a closing push for the top half of the Barclays Premier League table.
"We have had up and down results of late, but the belief is there and we are
capable of doing what we need to do - to be safe and then look to still push
on and finish as high as we can. "We had a great start which has seen us in
good stead and now we have to look to do more of the same to finish the
season in the same way."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Have the Hammers Targeted Emilio Izaguirre?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
There are reports this morning that West Ham's search for defensive
reinforcements has now switched to Celtic's Honduran left-back, Emilio
Izaguirre. It is thought that West Ham have proposed an initial loan
agreement, with the option of a £4m permanent switch in the summer. The
major complication is Celtic's continued involvement in this season's
Champions League competition and a forthcoming tie against Serie A leaders,
Juventus. Would Celtic allow any of their best players leave whilst still in
Champions League contention?
On the plus side, the former SPL player of the year has experienced
something of a dip in form this season and it could be that he is now ready
for a new challenge. Certainly, Izaguirre is known to fancy testing himself
in the EPL. The key issue remains whether Celtic will resist any moves that
potentially weaken their squad in January and if, they are open to a deal,
they are will accept initial loan move?
West Ham are obviously lining up a number of options at left-back.
Accordingly, there were reports yesterday that West Ham have had a
£1.75million bid rejected for Montpellier defender Henri Bedimo. It will
interesting to see whether West Ham go back with an improved bid? While
there has been no apparent progress in the move for Blackburn Rover's Martin
Olsson. There has also been no recent news on the move for Rovers keeper,
Paul Robinson, nor the recruitment of extra cover at centre-back. The latter
becoming all the more urgent with the recent injury to Winston Reid.
There are, however. new reports that West Ham are on the verge of accepting
a £2.5m bid for Carlton Cole from Turkish side, Kasimpasa. Who knows if
there is any truth in this rumour? However, what we do know is that Carlton
Cole is currently in the final year of his contract and there has been no
indication that the club are about to offer a new deal. If this is the case,
then this would seem an appropriate juncture to accept an offer for the
player, before he becomes a free agent in the summer. Whether Carlton Cole
will be open to moving to the Turkish League is another matter. Based on
previous behaviour, he is likely to resist the move and stay at the club,
either in the hope of securing a new deal or, alternatively, running down
his contract and negotiating a lucrative Bosman move.
Finally, it appears that Sam Allardyce laid down the law after the very
disappointing 5-1 defeat to Arsenal. He allegedly ordered the first team
squad to report for training at 7am on the Thursday morning to watch the
performance, run through the match performance statistics and give them a
collective dressing down. This was followed by a 9am training session.
Hopefully, the desire to avoid further 7am briefing/training sessions will
provide a massive extra incentive for an improved display against Fulham
next week!
All in all, it is probably just as well that the club have a break this
Saturday, for the 4th Round of the FA Cup. It will give Allardyce and his
coaches extra time to regroup and put extra work in with the players on the
training ground; as well as giving players like Andy Carroll a few extra
days to prepare for a potential return from injury. It would certainly be
good to see Carroll play some part in the Fulham match, next Wednesday.
We need a positive reponse against Fulham to stop the rot and get the club's
season back on track. On the whole, this squad have responded positively to
the prior set backs this season. And it is important that is the case, once
again, next Wednesday at Fulham and also at home to Swansea, the following
Saturday.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Turks dig Cole: West Ham close to agreeing fee for Carlton with Istanbul's
Kasimpasa
The Mirror
25 Jan 2013 22:30
John Powell
West Ham are close to agreeing a £2.5million fee with Turkish club Kasimpasa
for Carlton Cole. The 29-year-old striker, whose contract expires in the
summer, has slipped down the pecking order at Upton Park this month,
following the arrivals of loanees Wellington Paulista and Marouane Chamakh
from Cruzeiro and Arsenal respectively. Also, England striker Andy Carroll,
who's been borrowed from Liverpool for the season, is also set to return to
the squad soon following an injury lay-off. The Hammers have not offered
Cole a new deal following the breakdown of talks at the start at the season.
Ambitious Kasimpasa were promoted to the Turkish top flight at the end of
last season. The Istanbul side boast former Manchester City keeper Andreas
Isaakson in their squad.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, January 25
Daily WHUFC News - 25th January 2013
Potts heads home
WHUFC.com
Dan Potts has been discharged from hospital after being hurt at Arsenal on
Wednesday evening
24.01.2013
West Ham United can confirm that Dan Potts has now left hospital and will
spending the next few days resting. Potts was taken to hospital by ambulance
after being hurt after falling heavily following an accidential aerial
collision with Arsenal right-back Bacary Sagna during Wednesday's 5-1
Barclays Premier League defeat at the Emirates Stadium.
The Hammers left-back was attended to immediately by the club's medical
staff and on-site pitch rescue team before being secured and stretchered to
a waiting ambulance. The 18-year-old spent Wednesday evening in hospital and
underwent further scans and tests which came back positively onThursday.
The young defender has personally thanked fans and everyone who has sent in
messages of support, saying: "A big thank you to everyone for their support
and messages. Hopefully I am looking to feeling better over the next few
days."
There will be a period of rest for Potts before he is allowed to start light
work back in the gym. Potts has enjoyed a fine 18 months with the club since
making his senior debut against Barnsley in December 2011 at the age of 17.
The former youth-team captain has totalled ten first-team appearances, been
on loan at Colchester United and made his debut for England at Under-19
level. The club would also like to thank the London Ambulance Service, the
on-site pitch rescue team and everyone at Arsenal who helped in making sure
Potts was taken to hospital as quickly as possible.
Further updates will be published on whufc.com and on twitter
@whufc_official as and when it is appropriate.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diame sets it straight
WHUFC.com
Momo Diame has stated his desire to stay at West Ham United
24.01.2013
Momo Diame has sought to clarify his position with West Ham United following
a recent report in the media. The Senegal international joined the club last
summer and has played a key part in the Hammers' solid start to life back in
the Barclays Premier League. The energetic midfielder, who returned from
nearly seven weeks out with a hamstring injury in last week's FA Cup game at
Manchester United, confirmed he would like to stay with the club.
"I know there are people out there saying things about me but I have spoken
with the manager and told him that I want to stay here," Diame said. "I know
the club want to keep me too so I will continue to give my best for them. I
knew when I signed that West Ham were going to make their mark on the
Premier League. Since I came here I am enjoying every game I play on the
pitch. I think I made a good choice because I'm very happy at this club."
Speaking after Wednesday night's game with Arsenal, West Ham United manager
Sam Allardyce also reaffirmed that Wednesday's press report was both
misleading and unsettling. "I don't think there's anything in the story,"
Allardyce said. "For me, it's just about agents being disruptive. Mo Diame
has not been to me and said he is unhappy in any way. "We've had no bids
from any of the clubs that have been rumoured in the report. He's our player
and hopefully come 1 February he will still be our player. "Players become
unhappy by rumours that are spread. In the build-up to the transfer window,
I spoke about the one thing that can upset your players is speculation that
people want them. They think it could be the club talking about them in the
press but it isn't. All I can say is that there have been no bids from clubs
that I've seen in the press like Arsenal or Tottenham for Mo Diame."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'We have got to pick ourselves up'
WHUFC.com
West Ham United No10 Jack Collison says the players are determined to bounce
back from defeat at Arsenal
24.01.2013
Jack Collison admitted Wednesday's 5-1 Barclays Premier League defeat at
Arsenal had taken the shine off his first goal in eight months. The No10
fired West Ham United into a first-half lead at the Emirates Stadium,
scoring the Hammers' first away goal since 25 November and his first since
bagging a brace in the npower Championship Play-Off semi-final first-leg
victory at Cardiff City last May. Since then, Collison has endured a
difficult period managing a long-standing knee problem that ruled him out of
action from the Play-Off final until mid-December. Therefore, scoring at the
stadium where he made his West Ham debut on New Year's Day 2008 should have
been a cause for joy. Unfortunately, Lukas Podolski's equaliser and four
goals in ten minutes just after half-time put paid to Collison's hopes of
celebrating a welcome victory in north London. "It was very disappointing,
especially after we had applied ourselves so well in the first half," the
Wales international told West Ham TV. "It was ten minutes of madness that
has cost us and obviously, against a team like Arsenal, you are going to get
punished because they have got quality throughout. "It's disappointing but
we will pick ourselves up and go again at Fulham. "The gaffer drummed into
us all week that if we were organised, we would get our chances, which we
did. As I said, it was just a disappointing ten minutes and against a team
like Arsenal you are going to get punished, which we did. "At the end of the
day, that was not good enough from us. We know that. As a whole team,
collectively and as individuals, we know we have got to defend better.
Especially away from home, we have got to pick ourselves up."
While it was a night to for almost everyone of a claret and blue persuasion
- not least the 2,800 vociferous travelling fans who made the trip to the
Emirates - Collison was naturally pleased to have broken his duck for the
season. On scoring with a rasping left-foot half-volley, the 24-year-old ran
to the away bench, where he embraced the club's head of sports science and
sports medicine Andy Rolls. "It's been a long hard road and it was nice to
get the goal, but obviously it is disappointing that it meant nothing at the
end of the day. The loss and the manner in which we lost have taken the
shine off what could have been a great night. "Rollsy knows me inside out
now. He has been working with me for three years now and I've seen a bit
more of him than I would have liked! Not just him but the whole medical team
have been fantastic with me and got me back playing again, so I wanted to
share it with them because it meant a lot and it's nice to repay them."
With a free weekend ahead after being knocked out of the FA Cup, West Ham
will spend their time on the training pitch putting right what went horribly
wrong at Arsenal. The Hammers have a full week to prepare for next
Wednesday's trip to Fulham - the club they would have hosted if they had
reached the FA Cup fourth round - and Collison insisted he and his
team-mates would be looking for an improvement in both performance and
result at Craven Cottage. "You can look at it both ways. We'll go away now
and we've got a good chance to get some solid training in and work on the
areas we've got to improve on. We'll be raring to go at Fulham so we'll look
forward to that one."
One player who will not be involved at Fulham is left-back Dan Potts, who
was stretchered off after suffering concussion at Arsenal. The teenager
spent Wednesday night in hospital and is likely to be out of action for a
few weeks, at least. Fellow Academy graduate Collison said the players
naturally wish the No33 a quick return. "Our thoughts are with Pottsy. He
has been magnificent over the last few weeks and it's great to see him get
his chance at somewhere like Arsenal. For someone so young, it's
disappointing, so our thoughts are with him and we wish him a speedy
recovery."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mohamed Diame 'very happy' at West Ham despite Arsenal link
BBC.co.uk
West Ham midfielder Mohamed Diame says he wants to stay at the club despite
being linked with a move elsewhere. Arsenal are among the clubs reported to
be interested in signing the 24-year-old Senegal international. But he
said: "I know there are people out there saying things about me but I have
spoken with the manager and told him I want to stay here. "I know the club
want to keep me too so I will continue to give my best for them. I'm very
happy at this club."
Mohamed Diame's career
West Ham 2012-present (19 games, two goals)
Wigan 2009-2012 (103 games, seven goals)
Rayo Vallecano 2008-2009
Linares 2007-2009
Lens 2003-2007
Clairefontaine academy 2000-2003
Diame arrived in England when Wigan signed him from Rayo Vallecano on a
three-year deal in 2009. He scored seven goals in 103 games before joining
West Ham last summer on a three-year contract that reportedly includes a
£3.5m buyout clause. "I knew when I signed that West Ham were going to make
their mark on the Premier League," Diame said of the Hammers, who were
promoted from the Championship via the play-offs last season. "Since I came
here I am enjoying every game I play on the pitch."
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce added: "Mo Diame has not been to me and said he
is unhappy in any way. "We've had no bids from any of the clubs that have
been rumoured in the papers. He's our player and hopefully come 1 February
he will still be our player. "Players become unhappy by rumours that are
spread. In the build-up to the transfer window, I spoke about the one thing
that can upset your players is speculation that people want them. "They
think it could be the club talking about them in the press but it isn't. All
I can say is that there have been no bids from clubs that I've seen in the
press like Arsenal or Tottenham for Mo Diame."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Dan Potts out of hospital after "positive" tests
BBC.co.uk
West Ham defender Dan Potts has left hospital and returned home to rest
after suffering suspected concussion in Wednesday's 5-1 defeat by Arsenal.
Potts, 18, spent the night under observation after appearing to suffer a
clash of heads and falling to the ground before being carried off. A
statement on the West Ham website said tests carried out on the teenager had
"come back positive". "I am looking to be feeling better over the next few
days," said Potts. "A big thank you to everyone for their support and
messages." Potts replaced midfielder Jack Collison in the 62nd minute and 10
minutes later he appeared to clash heads with Arsenal's Bacary Sagna before
landing awkwardly.
He was treated on the pitch for around 10 minutes before being taken from
the field on a stretcher, in a neck brace, receiving gas and covered in an
emergency blanket. "There will be a period of rest for Potts before he is
allowed to start light work back in the gym," added the West Ham statement.
"The club would also like to thank the London Ambulance Service, the on-site
pitch rescue team and everyone at Arsenal who helped in making sure Potts
was taken to hospital as quickly as possible. "The 18-year-old spent
Wednesday evening in hospital and underwent further scans and tests which
came back positively on Thursday."
Manager Sam Allardyce had expressed his concern over Potts' injury after the
games. "The clash of heads initially knocked him out and he hit the floor as
a dead weight and I think that is what the problem was," added the fromer
Newcastle, Blackburn and Bolton boss. "He hadn't spoken when he came off the
field. He spoke about some things that they asked him on the pitch but they
were not the correct answers so that is how we knew he was concussed. He was
communicating but was obviously confused. "Hopefully it is just concussion.
Because he lost consciousness it is a minimum of two weeks, I think, before
he can play again."
Potts came through West Ham's youth system before making his senior debut in
December 2011 - a 1-0 victory against Barnsley. Earlier this season he had a
spell on loan at Colchester, playing five games for the League One club.
Potts is the son of former West Ham defender Steve, who made almost 400
appearances for the club between 1985 and 2002.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diame denies departure rumours
KUMb.com
Filed: Thursday, 24th January 2013
By: Staff Writer
Mo Diame had denied reports that he wants to leave West Ham United. The
Daily Mail claimed earlier this week that the 25-year-old midfielder wanted
to activate the £3.5million minimum fee release clause in his current
contract in order to leave east London. However Diame, speaking via the
club's website, refuted the newspaper's claims by insisting that he has no
intention of leaving West Ham during the current transfer window. "I know
there are people out there saying things about me but I have spoken with the
manager and told him that I want to stay here," he said. "I know the club
want to keep me too so I will continue to give my best for them. "I knew
when I signed that West Ham were going to make their mark on the Premier
League. Since I came here I am enjoying every game I play on the pitch. I
think I made a good choice because I'm very happy at this club."
Diame - who was a second half substitute in last night's 5-1 thrashing at
Arsenal, one of the clubs said to be interested in acquiring his services -
is currently considering a new contract offer from West Ham that would take
his weekly wage from £40k to £50k. And Sam Allardyce, who is determined to
keep possibly his best signing of pre-season, believes that agent
interference is the root cause of this week's 'disruptive' stories. "I don't
think there's anything in the story," he said. "Mo has not been to me and
said he is unhappy in any way. We've had no bids from any clubs, he's our
player and hopefully come February 1st he will still be our player."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham midfielder Mohamed Diame claims he is fully committed to club
Last Updated: January 24, 2013 1:15pm
SSN
Mohamed Diame has sought to bring an end to speculation surrounding his
future by committing himself to West Ham United. The combative midfielder
only moved to Upton Park last summer, with the Hammers snapping him up as a
free agent when his contract with Wigan came to an end. That deal looks like
being one of the bargains of the season, with Diame having starred for Sam
Allardyce's side after settling quickly in the capital. Once the transfer
window swung open, it was suggested that he could be targeted by Arsenal,
with there said to be a clause in his contract which could be triggered at
any time. Diame has, however, attempted to shrug off the constant rumours by
insisting that he has never expressed a desire to move on. He told West
Ham's official website: "I know there are people out there saying things
about me but I have spoken with the manager and told him that I want to stay
here. "I know the club want to keep me too so I will continue to give my
best for them. "I knew when I signed that West Ham were going to make their
mark on the Premier League. Since I came here I am enjoying every game I
play on the pitch. "I think I made a good choice because I'm very happy at
this club."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Young West Ham defender Dan Potts has been cleared to return home from
hospital
Last Updated: January 24, 2013 7:45pm
SSN
West Ham have announced that defender Dan Potts has left hospital after
suffering a head injury during the defeat at Arsenal on Wednesday. The
18-year-old left-back was briefly knocked out when he collided with Bacary
Sagna and he was attended to on the field for 10 minutes before being
stretchered off. Potts spent the night in hospital before undergoing a
series of scans and tests, which thankfully did not reveal any serious
problems. A statement on the West Ham statement read: "We can confirm that
Dan Potts has now left hospital and will be spending the next few days
resting. "The young defender said: "A big thank you to everyone for their
support and messages. Hopefully I am looking forward to feeling better over
the next few days."
"There will be a period of rest for Potts before he is allowed to start
light work back in the gym. "West Ham would like to thank the London
Ambulance Service, the on-site pitch rescue team and everyone at Arsenal who
helped in making sure Potts was taken to hospital as quickly as possible."
The promising youngster has been making rapid progress through the ranks at
West Ham and the former youth team captain has now made 10 first team
appearances, having been given a debut against Barnsley in December 2011. He
has also spent time on loan at Colchester and been capped by England at U19
level.
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Diame is going nowhere
The Sun
Picture: RICHARD PELHAM
Published: 6 hrs ago
MOHAMED DIAME insists he has no desire to walk away from West Ham. Diame,
25, was rumoured to be unhappy with life in East London despite only joining
the Hammers from Wigan last summer. But the midfielder, who has a
£3.5million release clause in his contract, has moved to put an end to the
speculation. He said: "I know there are people out there saying things about
me, but I have spoken with the manager and told him that I want to stay
here. "I know the club want to keep me too, so I will continue to give my
best for them. "I knew when I signed that West Ham were going to make their
mark on the Premier League.
"Since I came here I am enjoying every game I play on the pitch. I think I
made a good choice because I am very happy at this club."
Speaking after last night's 5-1 drubbing at Arsenal, West Ham boss Sam
Allardyce reiterated his desire to keep Diame. He said: "For me, it's just
about agents being disruptive. Diame has not been to me and said he is
unhappy in any way. "We have had no bids from any of the clubs that have
been rumoured in the papers. "He is our player and hopefully come February 1
he will still be our player. "Players become unhappy by rumours that are
spread. In the build-up to the transfer window, I spoke about the one thing
that can upset your players is speculation that people want them. "They
think it could be the club talking about them in the Press, but it isn't.
"All I can say is that there have been no bids from clubs."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Iron will: Arsenal target Mohamed Diame insists he is 'very happy' to stay
at West Ham
The Mirror
24 Jan 2013 14:35
Scott Heavey
West Ham midfielder Mohamed Diame has played down speculation linking him
with a January move by claiming he is 'very happy' at Upton Park. The
25-year-old is believed to have a £3.5million get out clause in his
contract, which has alerted several Premier League clubs. Arsenal have been
repeatedly linked with the tough tackling midfielder, who returned from
injury to come on during last night's 5-1 defeat to the Gunners. However,
the Senegal player insists he is focused on West Ham. Speaking to the club's
official website, www.whufc.com, Diame said: "I know there are people out
there saying things about me, but I have spoken with the manager and told
him that I want to stay here. "I know the club want to keep me too, so I
will continue to give my best for them. "I knew when I signed that West Ham
were going to make their mark on the Premier League. "Since I came here I am
enjoying every game I play on the pitch. I think I made a good choice
because I am very happy at this club."
West Ham insist no formal bid has been lodged for Diame, and they would not
welcome one. Speaking after last night's match, Irons boss Sam Allardyce
said: "For me, it's just about agents being disruptive. Mo Diame has not
been to me and said he is unhappy in any way. "We have had no bids from any
of the clubs that have been rumoured in the papers. "He is our player and
hopefully come 1 February he will still be our player. "Players become
unhappy by rumours that are spread. In the build-up to the transfer window,
I spoke about the one thing that can upset your players is speculation that
people want them. They think it could be the club talking about them in the
press but it isn't. "All I can say is that there have been no bids from
clubs that I've seen in the press like Arsenal or Tottenham for Mo Diame."
* WEST HAM defender Daniel Potts has been released from hospital following
the head injury he suffered at Arsenal. The teenager suffered concussion
following a heavy fall after an aerial collision with Bacary Sagna. Potts
underwent further scans and tests on Thursday, which came back positively.
He will now have a period of rest before being allowed to resume light
training in the gym. The 18-year-old has expressed his gratitude for the
messages of support he has received, including one from FIFA president Sepp
Blatter, who tweeted: "Best wishes & quick recovery to @DanPotts03.
Concussion in football is a big issue that FIFA is taking very seriously."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diame Staying, as West Ham Face a Dual Challenge!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
The club website has posted an article in which Mo Diame denies recent
rumours and confirms that he is happy at West Ham and wishes to stay. Yet,
this is still not enough to discourage continued speculation in the press.
The latest is that Spurs are looking to lodge a £3.5m bid to activate the
release clause and begin negotiations with the Senegalese international.
This folows on from the numerous reports this week that Arsenal are in hot
pursuit of Diame.
All we can do is take Mo Diame's statement at face value and hope that he is
still a West Ham player come 1 February 2013. Of course, what would settle
the matter is if Diame signed the new, improved contract on offer. However,
maybe Diame's intention is to continue at the cub for the remainder of the
season and review his options in the summer. If so, it is unlikey he would
sign the new contract and would continue on his existing deal, £3.5m release
clause and all. Of course, we would all like to see Diame sign the new
contract, and settle his medium-long-term future, but the immediate priority
is that he stays until the summer. Hopefully, a new deal can be negotiated
at that conjecture, but the fact is that it is far preferable to secure a
replacement in the summer, rather now in the January window and in the midst
of a mid-season dip in results.
I could not attend the match at the Emirates due to other commitments.
However, I certainly satisfied with the state affairs at half-time. The
exclusion of Joe Cole, Mo Diame and Matt Jarvis from the starting line up
certainly caused me some pre-match concern, but the fact that we had been
competitive seemed to justify the decision. However, we were then just blown
away by 10 minutes of devastating football that ripped our defence apart and
saw us conceed 4 goals in quick fire succession. And a solid inital
performance degenerated in to a 5-1 trashing!
It was hugely disappointing, although defeat at the Emirates was not exactly
unexpected. It was that encouraging first 45 minutes that unoubtedly raised
our hopes and ambitions, only to then have them cruelly dashed in such a
manner. Still, the game is in the record books now and the squad need to
pick themselves up and put in a good 90 minute performance at Fulham. There
is widespread talk of a gradual slide in to a difficult second half of the
season. I can well understand such fears, but it is up to the manager and
squad to re-group and elevate the threat.
To do that, we need to take a minimum of 4 points from the Fulham and
Swansea matches. I know that many fans will not fancy us to do that in the
aftermath of the heavy Emirates defeat. But he point is that the squad need
to bounce back like they have hitherto done after most prior defeats this
season. We have a decent record at Craven Cottage and it looks like a match
where we could get a result. The match might see Andy Carroll figure from
bench and, hopefully, the trio of Joe Cole, Mo Diame and Matt Jarvis will
start. Swansea is going to be a tough home fixture, but if we can play with
the intensity and commitment shown against QPR, then we can make home
advantage tell.
One of the most worrying aspects of the Arsenal defeat was the injuries to
Potts and Reid. It could mean that we are now seriously depleted in defence
and the necessity for defensive reinforcements has grown acute.
Unfortunately, there appears to be a lack of transfer funds for permanent
signings. consequently, we are looking for loans deals and other clubs,
certainly in England, currently appear unwilling to to strike deals on that
basis. The latest report is that Chelsea have rejected two alleged
approaches to take promising left-back, Ryan Bertrand on loan for the
remainder of the season.
It has also been reported, once again, that Blackburn Rovers have told Paul
Robinson that he is surplus to requirements and can leave. So, that is one
potential deal that could materialise in this window. The move for Martin
Olsson appears to be stalled on Rovers' valuation of the player. Recent
reports have suggested that Harry Redknapp is now interested and could
submit a c.£4m bid for Olsson's services. Whether Olsson fancies a move to
QPR and another probable relegation is questionable?
West Ham face a dual challenge at this key juncture in the season. They must
regroup and ensure that they break the 30 point mark as soon as possible. At
th same time,they also need to pull some 'transfer rabbits' out of the hat
before the forthcoming 31st January 2013 deadline. No doubt the club are
busy on both the training ground and the telephone/fax machine striving to
achieve both!
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dan says ta to fans
The Sun
Last Updated: 25th January 2013
DAN POTTS thanked well-wishers last night on his release from hospital after
a head-injury scare. West Ham defender Potts, 18, was knocked out cold
following an accidental clash with Arsenal's Bacary Sagna in the 5-1 defeat
at the Emirates on Wednesday. He spent the night in hospital being treated
for concussion and underwent further tests yesterday. The England Under-19
full-back, son of former Hammers star Steve, will now rest before resuming
light training in the gym. Potts said: "A big thank you to everyone for
their support and messages. "Hopefully I am looking to feeling better over
the next few days."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Dan Potts has been discharged from hospital after being hurt at Arsenal on
Wednesday evening
24.01.2013
West Ham United can confirm that Dan Potts has now left hospital and will
spending the next few days resting. Potts was taken to hospital by ambulance
after being hurt after falling heavily following an accidential aerial
collision with Arsenal right-back Bacary Sagna during Wednesday's 5-1
Barclays Premier League defeat at the Emirates Stadium.
The Hammers left-back was attended to immediately by the club's medical
staff and on-site pitch rescue team before being secured and stretchered to
a waiting ambulance. The 18-year-old spent Wednesday evening in hospital and
underwent further scans and tests which came back positively onThursday.
The young defender has personally thanked fans and everyone who has sent in
messages of support, saying: "A big thank you to everyone for their support
and messages. Hopefully I am looking to feeling better over the next few
days."
There will be a period of rest for Potts before he is allowed to start light
work back in the gym. Potts has enjoyed a fine 18 months with the club since
making his senior debut against Barnsley in December 2011 at the age of 17.
The former youth-team captain has totalled ten first-team appearances, been
on loan at Colchester United and made his debut for England at Under-19
level. The club would also like to thank the London Ambulance Service, the
on-site pitch rescue team and everyone at Arsenal who helped in making sure
Potts was taken to hospital as quickly as possible.
Further updates will be published on whufc.com and on twitter
@whufc_official as and when it is appropriate.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diame sets it straight
WHUFC.com
Momo Diame has stated his desire to stay at West Ham United
24.01.2013
Momo Diame has sought to clarify his position with West Ham United following
a recent report in the media. The Senegal international joined the club last
summer and has played a key part in the Hammers' solid start to life back in
the Barclays Premier League. The energetic midfielder, who returned from
nearly seven weeks out with a hamstring injury in last week's FA Cup game at
Manchester United, confirmed he would like to stay with the club.
"I know there are people out there saying things about me but I have spoken
with the manager and told him that I want to stay here," Diame said. "I know
the club want to keep me too so I will continue to give my best for them. I
knew when I signed that West Ham were going to make their mark on the
Premier League. Since I came here I am enjoying every game I play on the
pitch. I think I made a good choice because I'm very happy at this club."
Speaking after Wednesday night's game with Arsenal, West Ham United manager
Sam Allardyce also reaffirmed that Wednesday's press report was both
misleading and unsettling. "I don't think there's anything in the story,"
Allardyce said. "For me, it's just about agents being disruptive. Mo Diame
has not been to me and said he is unhappy in any way. "We've had no bids
from any of the clubs that have been rumoured in the report. He's our player
and hopefully come 1 February he will still be our player. "Players become
unhappy by rumours that are spread. In the build-up to the transfer window,
I spoke about the one thing that can upset your players is speculation that
people want them. They think it could be the club talking about them in the
press but it isn't. All I can say is that there have been no bids from clubs
that I've seen in the press like Arsenal or Tottenham for Mo Diame."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'We have got to pick ourselves up'
WHUFC.com
West Ham United No10 Jack Collison says the players are determined to bounce
back from defeat at Arsenal
24.01.2013
Jack Collison admitted Wednesday's 5-1 Barclays Premier League defeat at
Arsenal had taken the shine off his first goal in eight months. The No10
fired West Ham United into a first-half lead at the Emirates Stadium,
scoring the Hammers' first away goal since 25 November and his first since
bagging a brace in the npower Championship Play-Off semi-final first-leg
victory at Cardiff City last May. Since then, Collison has endured a
difficult period managing a long-standing knee problem that ruled him out of
action from the Play-Off final until mid-December. Therefore, scoring at the
stadium where he made his West Ham debut on New Year's Day 2008 should have
been a cause for joy. Unfortunately, Lukas Podolski's equaliser and four
goals in ten minutes just after half-time put paid to Collison's hopes of
celebrating a welcome victory in north London. "It was very disappointing,
especially after we had applied ourselves so well in the first half," the
Wales international told West Ham TV. "It was ten minutes of madness that
has cost us and obviously, against a team like Arsenal, you are going to get
punished because they have got quality throughout. "It's disappointing but
we will pick ourselves up and go again at Fulham. "The gaffer drummed into
us all week that if we were organised, we would get our chances, which we
did. As I said, it was just a disappointing ten minutes and against a team
like Arsenal you are going to get punished, which we did. "At the end of the
day, that was not good enough from us. We know that. As a whole team,
collectively and as individuals, we know we have got to defend better.
Especially away from home, we have got to pick ourselves up."
While it was a night to for almost everyone of a claret and blue persuasion
- not least the 2,800 vociferous travelling fans who made the trip to the
Emirates - Collison was naturally pleased to have broken his duck for the
season. On scoring with a rasping left-foot half-volley, the 24-year-old ran
to the away bench, where he embraced the club's head of sports science and
sports medicine Andy Rolls. "It's been a long hard road and it was nice to
get the goal, but obviously it is disappointing that it meant nothing at the
end of the day. The loss and the manner in which we lost have taken the
shine off what could have been a great night. "Rollsy knows me inside out
now. He has been working with me for three years now and I've seen a bit
more of him than I would have liked! Not just him but the whole medical team
have been fantastic with me and got me back playing again, so I wanted to
share it with them because it meant a lot and it's nice to repay them."
With a free weekend ahead after being knocked out of the FA Cup, West Ham
will spend their time on the training pitch putting right what went horribly
wrong at Arsenal. The Hammers have a full week to prepare for next
Wednesday's trip to Fulham - the club they would have hosted if they had
reached the FA Cup fourth round - and Collison insisted he and his
team-mates would be looking for an improvement in both performance and
result at Craven Cottage. "You can look at it both ways. We'll go away now
and we've got a good chance to get some solid training in and work on the
areas we've got to improve on. We'll be raring to go at Fulham so we'll look
forward to that one."
One player who will not be involved at Fulham is left-back Dan Potts, who
was stretchered off after suffering concussion at Arsenal. The teenager
spent Wednesday night in hospital and is likely to be out of action for a
few weeks, at least. Fellow Academy graduate Collison said the players
naturally wish the No33 a quick return. "Our thoughts are with Pottsy. He
has been magnificent over the last few weeks and it's great to see him get
his chance at somewhere like Arsenal. For someone so young, it's
disappointing, so our thoughts are with him and we wish him a speedy
recovery."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mohamed Diame 'very happy' at West Ham despite Arsenal link
BBC.co.uk
West Ham midfielder Mohamed Diame says he wants to stay at the club despite
being linked with a move elsewhere. Arsenal are among the clubs reported to
be interested in signing the 24-year-old Senegal international. But he
said: "I know there are people out there saying things about me but I have
spoken with the manager and told him I want to stay here. "I know the club
want to keep me too so I will continue to give my best for them. I'm very
happy at this club."
Mohamed Diame's career
West Ham 2012-present (19 games, two goals)
Wigan 2009-2012 (103 games, seven goals)
Rayo Vallecano 2008-2009
Linares 2007-2009
Lens 2003-2007
Clairefontaine academy 2000-2003
Diame arrived in England when Wigan signed him from Rayo Vallecano on a
three-year deal in 2009. He scored seven goals in 103 games before joining
West Ham last summer on a three-year contract that reportedly includes a
£3.5m buyout clause. "I knew when I signed that West Ham were going to make
their mark on the Premier League," Diame said of the Hammers, who were
promoted from the Championship via the play-offs last season. "Since I came
here I am enjoying every game I play on the pitch."
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce added: "Mo Diame has not been to me and said he
is unhappy in any way. "We've had no bids from any of the clubs that have
been rumoured in the papers. He's our player and hopefully come 1 February
he will still be our player. "Players become unhappy by rumours that are
spread. In the build-up to the transfer window, I spoke about the one thing
that can upset your players is speculation that people want them. "They
think it could be the club talking about them in the press but it isn't. All
I can say is that there have been no bids from clubs that I've seen in the
press like Arsenal or Tottenham for Mo Diame."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Dan Potts out of hospital after "positive" tests
BBC.co.uk
West Ham defender Dan Potts has left hospital and returned home to rest
after suffering suspected concussion in Wednesday's 5-1 defeat by Arsenal.
Potts, 18, spent the night under observation after appearing to suffer a
clash of heads and falling to the ground before being carried off. A
statement on the West Ham website said tests carried out on the teenager had
"come back positive". "I am looking to be feeling better over the next few
days," said Potts. "A big thank you to everyone for their support and
messages." Potts replaced midfielder Jack Collison in the 62nd minute and 10
minutes later he appeared to clash heads with Arsenal's Bacary Sagna before
landing awkwardly.
He was treated on the pitch for around 10 minutes before being taken from
the field on a stretcher, in a neck brace, receiving gas and covered in an
emergency blanket. "There will be a period of rest for Potts before he is
allowed to start light work back in the gym," added the West Ham statement.
"The club would also like to thank the London Ambulance Service, the on-site
pitch rescue team and everyone at Arsenal who helped in making sure Potts
was taken to hospital as quickly as possible. "The 18-year-old spent
Wednesday evening in hospital and underwent further scans and tests which
came back positively on Thursday."
Manager Sam Allardyce had expressed his concern over Potts' injury after the
games. "The clash of heads initially knocked him out and he hit the floor as
a dead weight and I think that is what the problem was," added the fromer
Newcastle, Blackburn and Bolton boss. "He hadn't spoken when he came off the
field. He spoke about some things that they asked him on the pitch but they
were not the correct answers so that is how we knew he was concussed. He was
communicating but was obviously confused. "Hopefully it is just concussion.
Because he lost consciousness it is a minimum of two weeks, I think, before
he can play again."
Potts came through West Ham's youth system before making his senior debut in
December 2011 - a 1-0 victory against Barnsley. Earlier this season he had a
spell on loan at Colchester, playing five games for the League One club.
Potts is the son of former West Ham defender Steve, who made almost 400
appearances for the club between 1985 and 2002.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diame denies departure rumours
KUMb.com
Filed: Thursday, 24th January 2013
By: Staff Writer
Mo Diame had denied reports that he wants to leave West Ham United. The
Daily Mail claimed earlier this week that the 25-year-old midfielder wanted
to activate the £3.5million minimum fee release clause in his current
contract in order to leave east London. However Diame, speaking via the
club's website, refuted the newspaper's claims by insisting that he has no
intention of leaving West Ham during the current transfer window. "I know
there are people out there saying things about me but I have spoken with the
manager and told him that I want to stay here," he said. "I know the club
want to keep me too so I will continue to give my best for them. "I knew
when I signed that West Ham were going to make their mark on the Premier
League. Since I came here I am enjoying every game I play on the pitch. I
think I made a good choice because I'm very happy at this club."
Diame - who was a second half substitute in last night's 5-1 thrashing at
Arsenal, one of the clubs said to be interested in acquiring his services -
is currently considering a new contract offer from West Ham that would take
his weekly wage from £40k to £50k. And Sam Allardyce, who is determined to
keep possibly his best signing of pre-season, believes that agent
interference is the root cause of this week's 'disruptive' stories. "I don't
think there's anything in the story," he said. "Mo has not been to me and
said he is unhappy in any way. We've had no bids from any clubs, he's our
player and hopefully come February 1st he will still be our player."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham midfielder Mohamed Diame claims he is fully committed to club
Last Updated: January 24, 2013 1:15pm
SSN
Mohamed Diame has sought to bring an end to speculation surrounding his
future by committing himself to West Ham United. The combative midfielder
only moved to Upton Park last summer, with the Hammers snapping him up as a
free agent when his contract with Wigan came to an end. That deal looks like
being one of the bargains of the season, with Diame having starred for Sam
Allardyce's side after settling quickly in the capital. Once the transfer
window swung open, it was suggested that he could be targeted by Arsenal,
with there said to be a clause in his contract which could be triggered at
any time. Diame has, however, attempted to shrug off the constant rumours by
insisting that he has never expressed a desire to move on. He told West
Ham's official website: "I know there are people out there saying things
about me but I have spoken with the manager and told him that I want to stay
here. "I know the club want to keep me too so I will continue to give my
best for them. "I knew when I signed that West Ham were going to make their
mark on the Premier League. Since I came here I am enjoying every game I
play on the pitch. "I think I made a good choice because I'm very happy at
this club."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Young West Ham defender Dan Potts has been cleared to return home from
hospital
Last Updated: January 24, 2013 7:45pm
SSN
West Ham have announced that defender Dan Potts has left hospital after
suffering a head injury during the defeat at Arsenal on Wednesday. The
18-year-old left-back was briefly knocked out when he collided with Bacary
Sagna and he was attended to on the field for 10 minutes before being
stretchered off. Potts spent the night in hospital before undergoing a
series of scans and tests, which thankfully did not reveal any serious
problems. A statement on the West Ham statement read: "We can confirm that
Dan Potts has now left hospital and will be spending the next few days
resting. "The young defender said: "A big thank you to everyone for their
support and messages. Hopefully I am looking forward to feeling better over
the next few days."
"There will be a period of rest for Potts before he is allowed to start
light work back in the gym. "West Ham would like to thank the London
Ambulance Service, the on-site pitch rescue team and everyone at Arsenal who
helped in making sure Potts was taken to hospital as quickly as possible."
The promising youngster has been making rapid progress through the ranks at
West Ham and the former youth team captain has now made 10 first team
appearances, having been given a debut against Barnsley in December 2011. He
has also spent time on loan at Colchester and been capped by England at U19
level.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diame is going nowhere
The Sun
Picture: RICHARD PELHAM
Published: 6 hrs ago
MOHAMED DIAME insists he has no desire to walk away from West Ham. Diame,
25, was rumoured to be unhappy with life in East London despite only joining
the Hammers from Wigan last summer. But the midfielder, who has a
£3.5million release clause in his contract, has moved to put an end to the
speculation. He said: "I know there are people out there saying things about
me, but I have spoken with the manager and told him that I want to stay
here. "I know the club want to keep me too, so I will continue to give my
best for them. "I knew when I signed that West Ham were going to make their
mark on the Premier League.
"Since I came here I am enjoying every game I play on the pitch. I think I
made a good choice because I am very happy at this club."
Speaking after last night's 5-1 drubbing at Arsenal, West Ham boss Sam
Allardyce reiterated his desire to keep Diame. He said: "For me, it's just
about agents being disruptive. Diame has not been to me and said he is
unhappy in any way. "We have had no bids from any of the clubs that have
been rumoured in the papers. "He is our player and hopefully come February 1
he will still be our player. "Players become unhappy by rumours that are
spread. In the build-up to the transfer window, I spoke about the one thing
that can upset your players is speculation that people want them. "They
think it could be the club talking about them in the Press, but it isn't.
"All I can say is that there have been no bids from clubs."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Iron will: Arsenal target Mohamed Diame insists he is 'very happy' to stay
at West Ham
The Mirror
24 Jan 2013 14:35
Scott Heavey
West Ham midfielder Mohamed Diame has played down speculation linking him
with a January move by claiming he is 'very happy' at Upton Park. The
25-year-old is believed to have a £3.5million get out clause in his
contract, which has alerted several Premier League clubs. Arsenal have been
repeatedly linked with the tough tackling midfielder, who returned from
injury to come on during last night's 5-1 defeat to the Gunners. However,
the Senegal player insists he is focused on West Ham. Speaking to the club's
official website, www.whufc.com, Diame said: "I know there are people out
there saying things about me, but I have spoken with the manager and told
him that I want to stay here. "I know the club want to keep me too, so I
will continue to give my best for them. "I knew when I signed that West Ham
were going to make their mark on the Premier League. "Since I came here I am
enjoying every game I play on the pitch. I think I made a good choice
because I am very happy at this club."
West Ham insist no formal bid has been lodged for Diame, and they would not
welcome one. Speaking after last night's match, Irons boss Sam Allardyce
said: "For me, it's just about agents being disruptive. Mo Diame has not
been to me and said he is unhappy in any way. "We have had no bids from any
of the clubs that have been rumoured in the papers. "He is our player and
hopefully come 1 February he will still be our player. "Players become
unhappy by rumours that are spread. In the build-up to the transfer window,
I spoke about the one thing that can upset your players is speculation that
people want them. They think it could be the club talking about them in the
press but it isn't. "All I can say is that there have been no bids from
clubs that I've seen in the press like Arsenal or Tottenham for Mo Diame."
* WEST HAM defender Daniel Potts has been released from hospital following
the head injury he suffered at Arsenal. The teenager suffered concussion
following a heavy fall after an aerial collision with Bacary Sagna. Potts
underwent further scans and tests on Thursday, which came back positively.
He will now have a period of rest before being allowed to resume light
training in the gym. The 18-year-old has expressed his gratitude for the
messages of support he has received, including one from FIFA president Sepp
Blatter, who tweeted: "Best wishes & quick recovery to @DanPotts03.
Concussion in football is a big issue that FIFA is taking very seriously."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diame Staying, as West Ham Face a Dual Challenge!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
The club website has posted an article in which Mo Diame denies recent
rumours and confirms that he is happy at West Ham and wishes to stay. Yet,
this is still not enough to discourage continued speculation in the press.
The latest is that Spurs are looking to lodge a £3.5m bid to activate the
release clause and begin negotiations with the Senegalese international.
This folows on from the numerous reports this week that Arsenal are in hot
pursuit of Diame.
All we can do is take Mo Diame's statement at face value and hope that he is
still a West Ham player come 1 February 2013. Of course, what would settle
the matter is if Diame signed the new, improved contract on offer. However,
maybe Diame's intention is to continue at the cub for the remainder of the
season and review his options in the summer. If so, it is unlikey he would
sign the new contract and would continue on his existing deal, £3.5m release
clause and all. Of course, we would all like to see Diame sign the new
contract, and settle his medium-long-term future, but the immediate priority
is that he stays until the summer. Hopefully, a new deal can be negotiated
at that conjecture, but the fact is that it is far preferable to secure a
replacement in the summer, rather now in the January window and in the midst
of a mid-season dip in results.
I could not attend the match at the Emirates due to other commitments.
However, I certainly satisfied with the state affairs at half-time. The
exclusion of Joe Cole, Mo Diame and Matt Jarvis from the starting line up
certainly caused me some pre-match concern, but the fact that we had been
competitive seemed to justify the decision. However, we were then just blown
away by 10 minutes of devastating football that ripped our defence apart and
saw us conceed 4 goals in quick fire succession. And a solid inital
performance degenerated in to a 5-1 trashing!
It was hugely disappointing, although defeat at the Emirates was not exactly
unexpected. It was that encouraging first 45 minutes that unoubtedly raised
our hopes and ambitions, only to then have them cruelly dashed in such a
manner. Still, the game is in the record books now and the squad need to
pick themselves up and put in a good 90 minute performance at Fulham. There
is widespread talk of a gradual slide in to a difficult second half of the
season. I can well understand such fears, but it is up to the manager and
squad to re-group and elevate the threat.
To do that, we need to take a minimum of 4 points from the Fulham and
Swansea matches. I know that many fans will not fancy us to do that in the
aftermath of the heavy Emirates defeat. But he point is that the squad need
to bounce back like they have hitherto done after most prior defeats this
season. We have a decent record at Craven Cottage and it looks like a match
where we could get a result. The match might see Andy Carroll figure from
bench and, hopefully, the trio of Joe Cole, Mo Diame and Matt Jarvis will
start. Swansea is going to be a tough home fixture, but if we can play with
the intensity and commitment shown against QPR, then we can make home
advantage tell.
One of the most worrying aspects of the Arsenal defeat was the injuries to
Potts and Reid. It could mean that we are now seriously depleted in defence
and the necessity for defensive reinforcements has grown acute.
Unfortunately, there appears to be a lack of transfer funds for permanent
signings. consequently, we are looking for loans deals and other clubs,
certainly in England, currently appear unwilling to to strike deals on that
basis. The latest report is that Chelsea have rejected two alleged
approaches to take promising left-back, Ryan Bertrand on loan for the
remainder of the season.
It has also been reported, once again, that Blackburn Rovers have told Paul
Robinson that he is surplus to requirements and can leave. So, that is one
potential deal that could materialise in this window. The move for Martin
Olsson appears to be stalled on Rovers' valuation of the player. Recent
reports have suggested that Harry Redknapp is now interested and could
submit a c.£4m bid for Olsson's services. Whether Olsson fancies a move to
QPR and another probable relegation is questionable?
West Ham face a dual challenge at this key juncture in the season. They must
regroup and ensure that they break the 30 point mark as soon as possible. At
th same time,they also need to pull some 'transfer rabbits' out of the hat
before the forthcoming 31st January 2013 deadline. No doubt the club are
busy on both the training ground and the telephone/fax machine striving to
achieve both!
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dan says ta to fans
The Sun
Last Updated: 25th January 2013
DAN POTTS thanked well-wishers last night on his release from hospital after
a head-injury scare. West Ham defender Potts, 18, was knocked out cold
following an accidental clash with Arsenal's Bacary Sagna in the 5-1 defeat
at the Emirates on Wednesday. He spent the night in hospital being treated
for concussion and underwent further tests yesterday. The England Under-19
full-back, son of former Hammers star Steve, will now rest before resuming
light training in the gym. Potts said: "A big thank you to everyone for
their support and messages. "Hopefully I am looking to feeling better over
the next few days."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, January 24
Daily WHUFC News - 24th January 2013
Demel seals new Hammers deal
WHUFC.com
Ivory Coast full-back Guy Demel agrees a new deal to keep him at the club
until 2015
23.01.2013
West Ham United are delighted to confirm that defender Guy Demel has
committed his future to the Hammers with a deal that will see him prolong
his stay at the Boleyn Ground until the summer of 2015. Though injuries
tainted his first season with the club, Demel started each of West Ham's
final seven outings, as Sam Allardyce's side clinched promotion back to the
Barclays Premier League. That momentum has seen the right-back feature 17
times this term and it seems he is thoroughly enjoying his football in east
London. "It's really good for me and I'm really happy to have a new deal
with West Ham," he told West Ham TV. "I've had a good year this season, and
even last year was good, despite the fact that I was injured for so long and
struggled a bit. I'm happy to be at West Ham and in the team. The lads are
really good with me as are the people working for the club. I hope I will
stay that long to play in the new stadium as well.
"Last year was kind of difficult because when I signed, I had pre-season,
and then unfortunately I got injured really quickly and it was hard to come
back afterwards. "But right now I feel good. I had a pre-season, we worked
hard and I have to thank the medical staff for the job they have done with
me. I feel good and I'm quite happy with what I'm doing right now, but I
know that I can do even more."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam 'stunned' by Arsenal setback
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce admitted a ten-minute second-half spell had cost his side dear
at the Emirates Stadium
23.01.2013
Sam Allardyce admitted a slow start to the second half had cost his West Ham
United side dear in their 5-1 Barclays Premier League defeat at Arsenal on
Wednesday. The Hammers weathered an early Gunners storm before taking the
lead through Jack Collison's 18th-minute shot - his first of the season.
However, Lukas Podolski equalised within four minutes with an
equally-impressive left-foot shot. West Ham re-grouped and were only denied
a half-time lead when Carlton Cole's shot was cleared off the line by Jack
Wilshere. The opening ten minutes of the second half was a different story,
however, as Podolski laid on three of Arsenal's four goals during an amazing
blitz. Olivier Giroud scored Arsenal's second and fifth either side smart
finishes from Santi Cazorla and Theo Walcott as the home side ripped the
Hammers to shreds with wave after wave of lightning attacks. The visitors'
misery was compounded by the loss of young defender Dan Potts to concussion,
with the teenager receiving ten minutes of treatment on the pitch before
being stretchered off and taken by ambulance to hospital. Big Sam admitted
the horror show immediately after the break had undone all the hard work
done before the break.
"We nearly made it 2-1 to us when Carlton Cole nipped in behind the Arsenal
and I thought he was going to get that one in the back of the net," said the
manager. "He beat the keeper but they managed to clear it off the line. "I'm
just stunned by what happened at the start of the second half because we
were so comfortable from a defensive point of view. Arsenal were having a
huge amount of possession, as you expect from them here, but their chances
were few and far between. Podiolski had to hit an unbelievable shot to score
and the only other chance, Joey O'Brien cleared off the line. "From nearly
going in 2-1 up, we came out for the second half and didn't start very well.
Walcott got straight down the right-hand side from the kick-off, which we
didn't let him do in the entire first half, and that put us under pressure.
"Another thing happened that I never expected was them scoring from a
corner. That lifted Arsenal and they got to their brilliant best and we
couldn't live with them for ten minutes, and in that ten minutes they scored
four goals. "At the end of the day, when their players were flying like they
were, you have got to be good in terms of your resilience at that time and
we couldn't find the resilience to cope with their brilliance. They were on
top form for that particular spell and were clinical in their finishing.
Because they were clinical is why they scored the goals they did and won so
comfortably."
One positive was the sight of Collison scoring his first goal since last
season's Play-Off semi-final first-leg victory at Cardiff City in May 2012.
On scoring, the No10 raced to celebrate with Head of Sports Medicine Andy
Rolls, who oversaw the midfielder's return to action last month after six
months on the sidelines.
"It was a very good goal, too, a left-foot volley from the edge of the box
after a corner. It put us a goal in front, and it is a while since that has
happened away from home but we couldn't hold on to that too long."
The manager also confirmed that Potts would stay in hospital overnight for
observation after suffering his second concussion in the space of a little
more than six months. The left-back also spent a night in hospital after
suffering mild concussion following a clash of heads in a pre-season match
at Southend United last July. "Dan Potts has got a severe concussion. We
hope that is all it is. He has gone off to hospital and will be under
observation at the hospital for however long to get him round and get him
home."
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Arsenal 5 West Ham 1
23 January 2013
By Gary Rose
BBC Sport
Arsenal produced a scintillating attacking display to record a first league
win of 2013 in emphatic fashion with victory against West Ham. But an
entertaining game was marred by an injury to West Ham's Dan Potts. Jack
Collison volleyed West Ham ahead but Lukas Podolski equalised from distance
as Arsenal took control. Olivier Giroud poked in and Santi Cazorla's
back-heel made it 3-1. Theo Walcott then fired in from a counter before
Giroud side-footed home. There was concern for West Ham towards the end of
the second half when 18-year-old substitute Potts needed lengthy treatment
on the pitch before he was stretchered off. Back in April 2007, West Ham
became the first side to beat Arsenal at Emirates Stadium when a solitary
Bobby Zamora strike gave them a 1-0 victory. For a brief spell, it looked as
though a repeat of that scoreline might have been on the cards when the
Hammers took an 18th minute lead courtesy of a fine strike by Collison. A
corner was only cleared as far as the edge of the Arsenal area where
Collison charged in to smash a half-volley beyond a stranded Wojciech
Szczesny.
Barely four minutes later an equally stunning strike from Podolski drew
Arsenal level as Jack Wilshere found the German in space around 25 yards
from goal and he drove the ball into the bottom-right corner of Jussi
Jaaskelainen's goal. Play continued to swing from one end to the other after
that and a tremendous burst of pace from Theo Walcott should have brought
Arsenal's second, but his cross was cleared by James Tomkins. Arsenal were
piling on the pressure and had another great opportunity midway through the
half when a lovely move ended with Podolski prodding a shot towards goal but
Joey O'Brien was well placed to clear off the line. Aaron Ramsey then did
likewise at the other end of the pitch when the Welshman lashed Carlton
Cole's goalbound effort away to safety after the West Ham striker had peeled
away from the Arsenal defence. Barely two minutes into the second half and
Arsenal were ahead. Walcott sent a corner towards the near post and Giroud
ghosted in to stab a volley into the net. From then on Arsenal were rampant
and for the next 10 minutes almost every attack resulted in a goal. First,
Giroud and Podolski combined to set up Cazorla, who cheekily back-heeled the
ball beyond Jaaskelainen and just one minute later Walcott was picked out at
the far post by Podoloski's low cross and he rifled the ball home. A stunned
West Ham conceded a fifth just before the hour when Giroud poked in from
Wilshere's ball.
Much to West Ham's undoubted relief, the pace of the game settled down after
that, although Arsenal often looked capable of adding another goal whenever
they attacked. There was a break in play midway through the second half when
Potts took a heavy knock and needed treatment for 10 minutes before he was
stretched off the pitch. By that stage, West Ham had used all their
substitutes, meaning they had to play the remainder of the match with 10
men.
Due to the earlier injury to Potts, 12 minutes of injury time were needed
after the 90 minutes were up and unsurprisingly Arsenal dominated with the
man advantage. Substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain saw a shot blocked, before
Cazorla's effort was tipped wide by Jaaskelainen, but no further goals were
forthcoming before the final whistle.
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Sam Allardyce denies Football Association misconduct charge
BBC.co.uk
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has denied a Football Association misconduct
charge over his comments to the media following his side's 1-0 FA Cup defeat
to Manchester United. Allardyce said the decision to deny his side a penalty
at Old Trafford, but award one to Sir Alex Ferguson's side, was down to home
advantage. Wayne Rooney missed the second-half spot-kick but Allardyce was
angered at the decision to award it. He has requested a personal hearing.
The FA confirmed in a statement: "West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has
denied an FA charge of misconduct in relation to media comments. "It is
alleged Allardyce questioned the integrity of the match referee and/or match
officials in general, and/or implied that the match referee and/or match
officials in general were motivated by bias; and/or brought the game into
disrepute. "Allardyce has requested a personal hearing, the date of which
will be set in due course."
West Ham were denied a penalty when the ball struck defender Rafael's arm,
before the hosts were awarded one when Jordan Spence handled late on.
"You see it time and time again at Old Trafford," Allardyce said at the end
of the match. "There's no doubt about the difference between Rafael's
handball and Jordan Spence's. Spence plays for West Ham and the away team,
while Rafael plays for the home side at Old Trafford."
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Potts rushed to hospital
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 23rd January 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United defender Danny Potts has been taken straight to hospital
after taking a blow during tonight's Premier League clash with Arsenal. The
19-year-old left back had been on the field for just seven minutes, having
replaced West Ham's goalscorer Jack Collison before taking what appeared to
be an elbow to the face by an Arsenal player. Although there was nothing to
suggest that it was anything other than accidental, Potts was left crumpled
in a heap and remained on the ground for a further nine minutes as concerned
medical staff attended to him. Thereafter, the son of former Hammer Steve
Potts was taken straight from the field into a waiting ambulance - a period
during which he remained unconscious the entire time. Although Potts is
reported to have gained consciousness, he is still being taken to hospital
for tests and treatment. We'll bring you more news as it is announced. West
Ham, down to ten men having used all their substitutes are currently losing
5-1.
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Allardyce denies misconduct charge
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 23rd January 2013
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce has denied an FA misconduct charge relating to comments he
made about Phil Dowd following West Ham United's FA Cup exit at Old
Trafford.
Referee Dowd failed to award West Ham a blatant penalty before awarding the
home side a spot kick in almost identical circumstances later in the game -
a situation that left Allardyce raging after the final whistle. Choosing his
words carefully during an interview with ITV, Allardyce said: "There's no
doubt whatsoever about the difference between Rafael's hand ball and Jordan
Spence's. Jordan Spence plays for West Ham away at Man United and Rafael
plays at home at Old Trafford. It's got to be that simple when you see it."
Those comments were enough for the FA to hit the Hammers boss with a
misconduct charge - one which Allardyce has now denied. As a result, he has
requested a personal hearing with the FA. A short staement on the FA's
website read: "It is alleged Allardyce questioned the integrity of the match
referee and/or match officials in general, and/or implied that the match
referee and/or match officials in general were motivated by bias; and/or
brought the game into disrepute in contravention of Rule E3(1)."
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New deal for Demel
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 23rd January 2013
By: Staff Writer
Full-back Guy Demel has signed a new contract with West Ham United. The
31-year-old former Hamburg SV defender intially signed a two-year contract
with an option for a further year in August 2011. And West Ham confirmed
this morning that they have opted to enforce that option which means the
French-born former Ivorian international will now remain at the club until
the summer of 2014. Speaking to westham.tv, Demel said: "It's really good
for me and I'm really happy to have a new deal with West Ham. I've had a
good year this season, and even last year was good, despite the fact that I
was injured for so long and struggled a bit. "I'm happy to be at West Ham
and in the team. The lads are really good with me as are the people working
for the club. I hope I will stay that long to play in the new stadium as
well. "Last year was kind of difficult because when I signed, I had
pre-season, and then unfortunately I got injured really quickly and it was
hard to come back afterwards. But right now I feel good. "I had a
pre-season, we worked hard and I have to thank the medical staff for the job
they have done with me. I'm quite happy with what I'm doing right now, but I
know that I can do even more."
News of Demel's extended contract comes hot on the heels of fellow
right-back Joey O'Brien's decision to sign an new deal with the club last
week.
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Paris Saint Germain youngster Adrian Rabiot is wanted by a number English
clubs
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @graemebailey. Last Updated: January 23,
2013 6:08pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands a number of Premier League clubs are keeping tabs on
Paris Saint Germain starlet Adrien Rabiot. The 17-year-old midfielder has
already made his senior debut for PSG as he was promoted to the first-team
squad by coach Carlo Ancelotti this summer. The player's progress has not
gone unnoticed across the Channel, and it is believed a number of clubs are
keeping tabs on his situation. The French Under-19 international is
understood to be keen to secure more first-team football and that could be
available to him England - whether that be on loan or a permanent deal. The
likes of West Brom, West Ham and Newcastle are being linked with a move for
the player, who spent time with Manchester City as a youth.
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Olivier Giroud nets brace as Arsenal thump West Ham 5-1
Last Updated: January 23, 2013 10:10pm
SSN
Olivier Giroud netted a brace as Arsenal scored four goals in 10 second-half
minutes to inspire a 5-1 thumping of West Ham in Wednesday evening's Premier
League London derby.
Two superb long-range shots in the first half at Emirates Stadium saw the
Hammers take the lead through Jack Collison in the aftermath of a corner
before Lukas Podolski responded in kind to level the scores before the break
with a powerful drive from 25 yards.
Arsenal then burst into life early in the second half, with Giroud's double
sandwiching strikes from Santi Cazorla and Theo Walcott to send Arsene
Wenger's men cruising to an emphatic win which cements their spot in sixth
place to give their UEFA Champions League hopes a welcome boost.
The first half-chance of the evening fell to West Ham in the eighth minute
when Ricardo Vaz Te got his head to Guy Demel's ball in but could not direct
his shot towards goal, then Arsenal responded as Cazorla tried his luck with
a long-range effort that was always rising.
The breakthrough came after 16 minutes and went the Hammers' way despite a
spell of Arsenal pressure. There was a hairy moment for Wojciech Szczesny as
Matthew Taylor's volleyed effort landed on the roof of his net and West Ham
earned two corners in quick succession. The second was poorly dealt with by
Giroud, allowing Collison to blast home a sizzling strike from the edge of
the box.
It took Arsenal barely four minutes to respond as Podolski came back with a
long-range effort of his own. The Germany international pounced on a deft
pass from Jack Wilshere to hammer the ball into the net from 25 yards and
level the scores at 1-1.
Podolski came close again after some brilliant build-up play from the hosts;
Giroud slipping him through on goal and the winger skilfully avoiding James
Tomkins' challenge only to see his shot cleared off the line by Joey
O'Brien.
At the other end, the Hammers were denied a huge chance to go ahead when
Aaron Ramsey slid in with a crucial last-ditch block to see off Carlton
Cole's flick over Szczesny.
Arsenal hinted at what turned out to be a sensational second half early on
after the restart when Walcott nearly forced an own goal from Tomkins, then
moments later Giroud had stretched the Gunners' lead with his first of the
night, greeting a corner with a precise left-footed shot to leave
Jaaskelainen with no chance.
That strike triggered an Arsenal onslaught that spanned 10 exhilarating
minutes. Cazorla followed up Giroud's goal as he deftly backheeled in from
close range after a lovely one-two between Giroud and Podolski. The German
was then involved again as he charged down the right to feed Walcott with a
pinpoint cross and the winger made no mistake slotting home.
Giroud added his second after some more good work from Podolski, once again
released by Wilshere in midfield, as he poked home the winger's cross to
leave West Ham floundering at 5-1 down.
Allardyce made changes as he attempted damage control, introducing Alou
Diarra and Dan Potts in a double swap, while Podolski and Giroud made way
for Andre Santos and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after dynamic displays which
earned them warm farewells from the Emirates home crowd. There was more bad
news for the Hammers soon after those changes as Potts went to ground after
an unfortunate collision and required lengthy treatment on the pitch before
eventually being stretchered off to applause from all around the ground.
That exit left the atmosphere understandably subdued and while Arsenal could
not recapture their goalscoring sparkle of the early minutes of the opening
half, they continued to look comfortable as 12 minutes of stoppage time were
added as a result of Potts' injury. Oxlade-Chamberlain was denied by a brave
charge from Jaaskelainen as the minutes trickled down and Cazorla had two
chances to stretch Arsenal's lead further in the dying minutes but West Ham
managed to hold off any more humiliation.
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West Ham's Dan Potts to stay in hospital for observation after injury
BBC.co.uk
West Ham defender Dan Potts will spend the night in hospital after suffering
suspected concussion in Wednesday's 5-1 defeat by Arsenal, Hammers manager
Sam Allardyce confirmed. Potts, 18, appeared to suffer a clash of heads in
the second half and was carried off the pitch after a lengthy spell of
treatment.
"Hopefully it is concussion and nothing more than that," said Allardyce. "He
had not regained consciousness by the time he was taken off."
Dan Potts factfile
Born: 13 April, 1994
West Ham (2011-present) nine appearances
Colchester (2012-13, loan) five appearances
Potts replaced Jack Collison in the 62nd minute and 10 minutes later he
appeared to clash heads with Bacary Sagna before landing awkwardly. He was
treated on the pitch for around 10 minutes, and Allardyce confirmed Potts
was speaking before he was taken off the pitch. He added: "The clash of
heads initially knocked him out and he hit the floor as a dead weight and I
think that is what the problem was. "He hadn't spoken when he came off the
field. He spoke about some things that they asked him on the pitch but they
were not the correct answers so that is how we knew he was concussed. He was
communicating but was obviously confused. "He is in observation tonight but
you don't know with these things, only X-rays will tell if anything else is
wrong, but hopefully it is just concussion. "We will do everything in our
power to make sure he has a quick recovery."
Potts came through West Ham's youth system before making his senior debut in
December 2011 - a 1-0 victory against Barnsley. Earlier this season he had a
spell on loan at Colchester, playing five games for the League One club.
Potts is the son of former West Ham defender Steve, who made almost 400
appearances for the club between 1985 and 2002.
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Potts to remain in hospital 'for observation'
KUMb.com
Filed: Thursday, 24th January 2013
By: Staff Writer
Danny Potts will remain in hospital overnight after he was left unconscious
for more than 15 minutes following a collision with Arsenal defender Bacary
Sagna.
The second half substitute was stretchered off having received medical
attention on the pitch for nine minutes in the second half of tonight's game
at the Emirates, which United lost 5-1. Fortunately, he appears to escaped
serious injury - as explained by Sam Allardyce tonight. "Dan Potts has got a
severe concussion," he told the press. "We hope that is all it is. "When
you hit the floor like that it might be a problem; he hit the floor as a
dead weight. He was out for a few seconds and he wasn't fully conscious when
he came off. We were concerned at how long it took. "He has gone off to
hospital and will be under observation for however long [necessary] to get
him round and get him home."
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West Ham manager Sam Allardyce hopes Dan Potts' head injury is not serious
Last Updated: January 24, 2013 12:15am
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says teenage defender Dan Potts will be kept
in hospital under observation overnight after suffering a head injury in the
5-1 defeat to Arsenal. There was a lengthy lull in play in the second half
of the Premier League clash as substitute Potts received treatment on the
pitch after a collision left him unconscious on the ground, with 12 minutes'
injury time subsequently added. Allardyce says the 18-year-old will be kept
under observation after being stretchered from the pitch and taken to
hospital. He told Sky Sports: "He's not good. He's been taken to hospital to
keep him under observation.
"Hopefully it's just a concussion and nothing more than that. Hopefully it's
no more severe than that. "Obviously he didn't really know where he was. He
had a bad bang on the head to start with and landed with his head hitting
the ground."
Turning his attention to the disappointing result at Emirates Stadium,
Allardyce admitted West Ham were undone by a scintillating 10 minutes from
Arsenal in the second half during which they scored four goals. The manager
said: "Unfortunately for us there was 10 minutes of brilliance from Arsenal
that we couldn't compete with and that 10 minutes of brilliance brought four
very good goals and that was the game done and dusted. "After that for us it
was really about making sure we didn't concede any more than that."
Allardyce added: "Those 10 minutes they blew us out of the water and you
have to hold your hands up - they were brilliant. "It's one of those things
when you come here. You hope you can play your very best but when Arsenal
are on their best form it's very difficult to get a result."
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Sam Allardyce denies reports of Mohamed Diame contract dispute at West Ham
Last Updated: January 23, 2013 11:31pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce expects Mohamed Diame's contract situation to
be resolved and has rubbished reports of a dispute over his deal. Reports
surfaced on Tuesday suggesting the tough-tackling midfielder, who has been
linked with an Arsenal move, was unhappy with West Ham for trying to renege
on the alleged £3.5million release clause in his contract. Diame, who
arrived at Upton Park last summer, is yet to agree fresh terms with the
Hammers as they strive to keep him at the club. However, Allardyce believes
the situation can be resolved and has denied talk of a dispute over his
buyout clause. Asked if a solution could be found over the midfielder, who
was a substitute in Wednesday's 5-1 defeat at Arsenal, Allardyce told Sky
Sports: "I would've thought so.
"I don't think the story today that the Mail put out is right. It's just
disruptive agents as always."
Allardyce admits West Ham's own transfer ambitions this month have become
more desperate following injuries to Winston Reid and Danny Potts in the
defeat at Emirates Stadium, with the defenders making early exits with a
groin injury and concussion respectively. Potts' problem appeared
particularly serious after he received lengthy treatment on the pitch at
Emirates Stadium before being stretchered off and taken to hospital. The
manager said: "It really is difficult to secure the player that we're
looking for. Price and quality has to go together for us. "If the price is
right and the player's not good enough we have to say no, and if the
player's good enough but the price is too big we have to say no. "It's an
unfortunate situation that we find ourselves in. I'm not trying to put the
owners under pressure here at all whatsoever, it's just a fact of life. "We
have to keep trying to find the defending side of it particularly because we
took Winston Reid off with a groin today. "We can stand an injury anywhere
else on the pitch other than another defender, and now we've ended up with
two injured; Reid with a groin and young Danny off with concussion. "It gets
even more desperate that we find a solution in the transfer market."
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Hammer horror: Potts facing lengthy lay-off following clash of heads and
brain scan
The Mirror
23 Jan 2013 23:19
West Ham substitute Danny Potts underwent a brain scan after being rushed to
hospital following a horror collision. Potts was stretchered off, needed
oxygen and was then taken to the nearby Whittington Hospital after a clash
of heads with Arsenal's Bacary Sagna during the Gunners' 5-1 win on
Wednesday.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce revealed Potts was conscious but could not talk
or respond properly to questions after the terrifying incident on the pitch
which led to a long delay and referee Andre Marriner having to add 12
minutes of injury time. Allardyce said: "Potts has gone straight to hospital
with concussion, he was unable to give the correct answers to the questions.
When you hit the floor like that it might be a problem, hopefully he will
make a speedy recovery.
"As he lost consciousness, it is a minimum of two weeks, I think, before he
can play again. He hit the floor as a dead weight. He was able to answer
questions, but not in the right way. "They have protected his neck. He was
out for a few seconds. He was not fully conscious when he came off. "We were
concerned at how long it took. They have to make sure they protect the spine
the right way getting them on the stretcher; that's why it took the time it
did." Potts suffered a concussion injury in pre-season but West Ham are
hoping that he will make a full recovery. His absence reduced Hammers to 10
men as Allardyce had already used all three substitutes.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Ivory Coast full-back Guy Demel agrees a new deal to keep him at the club
until 2015
23.01.2013
West Ham United are delighted to confirm that defender Guy Demel has
committed his future to the Hammers with a deal that will see him prolong
his stay at the Boleyn Ground until the summer of 2015. Though injuries
tainted his first season with the club, Demel started each of West Ham's
final seven outings, as Sam Allardyce's side clinched promotion back to the
Barclays Premier League. That momentum has seen the right-back feature 17
times this term and it seems he is thoroughly enjoying his football in east
London. "It's really good for me and I'm really happy to have a new deal
with West Ham," he told West Ham TV. "I've had a good year this season, and
even last year was good, despite the fact that I was injured for so long and
struggled a bit. I'm happy to be at West Ham and in the team. The lads are
really good with me as are the people working for the club. I hope I will
stay that long to play in the new stadium as well.
"Last year was kind of difficult because when I signed, I had pre-season,
and then unfortunately I got injured really quickly and it was hard to come
back afterwards. "But right now I feel good. I had a pre-season, we worked
hard and I have to thank the medical staff for the job they have done with
me. I feel good and I'm quite happy with what I'm doing right now, but I
know that I can do even more."
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Big Sam 'stunned' by Arsenal setback
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce admitted a ten-minute second-half spell had cost his side dear
at the Emirates Stadium
23.01.2013
Sam Allardyce admitted a slow start to the second half had cost his West Ham
United side dear in their 5-1 Barclays Premier League defeat at Arsenal on
Wednesday. The Hammers weathered an early Gunners storm before taking the
lead through Jack Collison's 18th-minute shot - his first of the season.
However, Lukas Podolski equalised within four minutes with an
equally-impressive left-foot shot. West Ham re-grouped and were only denied
a half-time lead when Carlton Cole's shot was cleared off the line by Jack
Wilshere. The opening ten minutes of the second half was a different story,
however, as Podolski laid on three of Arsenal's four goals during an amazing
blitz. Olivier Giroud scored Arsenal's second and fifth either side smart
finishes from Santi Cazorla and Theo Walcott as the home side ripped the
Hammers to shreds with wave after wave of lightning attacks. The visitors'
misery was compounded by the loss of young defender Dan Potts to concussion,
with the teenager receiving ten minutes of treatment on the pitch before
being stretchered off and taken by ambulance to hospital. Big Sam admitted
the horror show immediately after the break had undone all the hard work
done before the break.
"We nearly made it 2-1 to us when Carlton Cole nipped in behind the Arsenal
and I thought he was going to get that one in the back of the net," said the
manager. "He beat the keeper but they managed to clear it off the line. "I'm
just stunned by what happened at the start of the second half because we
were so comfortable from a defensive point of view. Arsenal were having a
huge amount of possession, as you expect from them here, but their chances
were few and far between. Podiolski had to hit an unbelievable shot to score
and the only other chance, Joey O'Brien cleared off the line. "From nearly
going in 2-1 up, we came out for the second half and didn't start very well.
Walcott got straight down the right-hand side from the kick-off, which we
didn't let him do in the entire first half, and that put us under pressure.
"Another thing happened that I never expected was them scoring from a
corner. That lifted Arsenal and they got to their brilliant best and we
couldn't live with them for ten minutes, and in that ten minutes they scored
four goals. "At the end of the day, when their players were flying like they
were, you have got to be good in terms of your resilience at that time and
we couldn't find the resilience to cope with their brilliance. They were on
top form for that particular spell and were clinical in their finishing.
Because they were clinical is why they scored the goals they did and won so
comfortably."
One positive was the sight of Collison scoring his first goal since last
season's Play-Off semi-final first-leg victory at Cardiff City in May 2012.
On scoring, the No10 raced to celebrate with Head of Sports Medicine Andy
Rolls, who oversaw the midfielder's return to action last month after six
months on the sidelines.
"It was a very good goal, too, a left-foot volley from the edge of the box
after a corner. It put us a goal in front, and it is a while since that has
happened away from home but we couldn't hold on to that too long."
The manager also confirmed that Potts would stay in hospital overnight for
observation after suffering his second concussion in the space of a little
more than six months. The left-back also spent a night in hospital after
suffering mild concussion following a clash of heads in a pre-season match
at Southend United last July. "Dan Potts has got a severe concussion. We
hope that is all it is. He has gone off to hospital and will be under
observation at the hospital for however long to get him round and get him
home."
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Arsenal 5 West Ham 1
23 January 2013
By Gary Rose
BBC Sport
Arsenal produced a scintillating attacking display to record a first league
win of 2013 in emphatic fashion with victory against West Ham. But an
entertaining game was marred by an injury to West Ham's Dan Potts. Jack
Collison volleyed West Ham ahead but Lukas Podolski equalised from distance
as Arsenal took control. Olivier Giroud poked in and Santi Cazorla's
back-heel made it 3-1. Theo Walcott then fired in from a counter before
Giroud side-footed home. There was concern for West Ham towards the end of
the second half when 18-year-old substitute Potts needed lengthy treatment
on the pitch before he was stretchered off. Back in April 2007, West Ham
became the first side to beat Arsenal at Emirates Stadium when a solitary
Bobby Zamora strike gave them a 1-0 victory. For a brief spell, it looked as
though a repeat of that scoreline might have been on the cards when the
Hammers took an 18th minute lead courtesy of a fine strike by Collison. A
corner was only cleared as far as the edge of the Arsenal area where
Collison charged in to smash a half-volley beyond a stranded Wojciech
Szczesny.
Barely four minutes later an equally stunning strike from Podolski drew
Arsenal level as Jack Wilshere found the German in space around 25 yards
from goal and he drove the ball into the bottom-right corner of Jussi
Jaaskelainen's goal. Play continued to swing from one end to the other after
that and a tremendous burst of pace from Theo Walcott should have brought
Arsenal's second, but his cross was cleared by James Tomkins. Arsenal were
piling on the pressure and had another great opportunity midway through the
half when a lovely move ended with Podolski prodding a shot towards goal but
Joey O'Brien was well placed to clear off the line. Aaron Ramsey then did
likewise at the other end of the pitch when the Welshman lashed Carlton
Cole's goalbound effort away to safety after the West Ham striker had peeled
away from the Arsenal defence. Barely two minutes into the second half and
Arsenal were ahead. Walcott sent a corner towards the near post and Giroud
ghosted in to stab a volley into the net. From then on Arsenal were rampant
and for the next 10 minutes almost every attack resulted in a goal. First,
Giroud and Podolski combined to set up Cazorla, who cheekily back-heeled the
ball beyond Jaaskelainen and just one minute later Walcott was picked out at
the far post by Podoloski's low cross and he rifled the ball home. A stunned
West Ham conceded a fifth just before the hour when Giroud poked in from
Wilshere's ball.
Much to West Ham's undoubted relief, the pace of the game settled down after
that, although Arsenal often looked capable of adding another goal whenever
they attacked. There was a break in play midway through the second half when
Potts took a heavy knock and needed treatment for 10 minutes before he was
stretched off the pitch. By that stage, West Ham had used all their
substitutes, meaning they had to play the remainder of the match with 10
men.
Due to the earlier injury to Potts, 12 minutes of injury time were needed
after the 90 minutes were up and unsurprisingly Arsenal dominated with the
man advantage. Substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain saw a shot blocked, before
Cazorla's effort was tipped wide by Jaaskelainen, but no further goals were
forthcoming before the final whistle.
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Sam Allardyce denies Football Association misconduct charge
BBC.co.uk
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has denied a Football Association misconduct
charge over his comments to the media following his side's 1-0 FA Cup defeat
to Manchester United. Allardyce said the decision to deny his side a penalty
at Old Trafford, but award one to Sir Alex Ferguson's side, was down to home
advantage. Wayne Rooney missed the second-half spot-kick but Allardyce was
angered at the decision to award it. He has requested a personal hearing.
The FA confirmed in a statement: "West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has
denied an FA charge of misconduct in relation to media comments. "It is
alleged Allardyce questioned the integrity of the match referee and/or match
officials in general, and/or implied that the match referee and/or match
officials in general were motivated by bias; and/or brought the game into
disrepute. "Allardyce has requested a personal hearing, the date of which
will be set in due course."
West Ham were denied a penalty when the ball struck defender Rafael's arm,
before the hosts were awarded one when Jordan Spence handled late on.
"You see it time and time again at Old Trafford," Allardyce said at the end
of the match. "There's no doubt about the difference between Rafael's
handball and Jordan Spence's. Spence plays for West Ham and the away team,
while Rafael plays for the home side at Old Trafford."
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Potts rushed to hospital
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 23rd January 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United defender Danny Potts has been taken straight to hospital
after taking a blow during tonight's Premier League clash with Arsenal. The
19-year-old left back had been on the field for just seven minutes, having
replaced West Ham's goalscorer Jack Collison before taking what appeared to
be an elbow to the face by an Arsenal player. Although there was nothing to
suggest that it was anything other than accidental, Potts was left crumpled
in a heap and remained on the ground for a further nine minutes as concerned
medical staff attended to him. Thereafter, the son of former Hammer Steve
Potts was taken straight from the field into a waiting ambulance - a period
during which he remained unconscious the entire time. Although Potts is
reported to have gained consciousness, he is still being taken to hospital
for tests and treatment. We'll bring you more news as it is announced. West
Ham, down to ten men having used all their substitutes are currently losing
5-1.
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Allardyce denies misconduct charge
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 23rd January 2013
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce has denied an FA misconduct charge relating to comments he
made about Phil Dowd following West Ham United's FA Cup exit at Old
Trafford.
Referee Dowd failed to award West Ham a blatant penalty before awarding the
home side a spot kick in almost identical circumstances later in the game -
a situation that left Allardyce raging after the final whistle. Choosing his
words carefully during an interview with ITV, Allardyce said: "There's no
doubt whatsoever about the difference between Rafael's hand ball and Jordan
Spence's. Jordan Spence plays for West Ham away at Man United and Rafael
plays at home at Old Trafford. It's got to be that simple when you see it."
Those comments were enough for the FA to hit the Hammers boss with a
misconduct charge - one which Allardyce has now denied. As a result, he has
requested a personal hearing with the FA. A short staement on the FA's
website read: "It is alleged Allardyce questioned the integrity of the match
referee and/or match officials in general, and/or implied that the match
referee and/or match officials in general were motivated by bias; and/or
brought the game into disrepute in contravention of Rule E3(1)."
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New deal for Demel
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 23rd January 2013
By: Staff Writer
Full-back Guy Demel has signed a new contract with West Ham United. The
31-year-old former Hamburg SV defender intially signed a two-year contract
with an option for a further year in August 2011. And West Ham confirmed
this morning that they have opted to enforce that option which means the
French-born former Ivorian international will now remain at the club until
the summer of 2014. Speaking to westham.tv, Demel said: "It's really good
for me and I'm really happy to have a new deal with West Ham. I've had a
good year this season, and even last year was good, despite the fact that I
was injured for so long and struggled a bit. "I'm happy to be at West Ham
and in the team. The lads are really good with me as are the people working
for the club. I hope I will stay that long to play in the new stadium as
well. "Last year was kind of difficult because when I signed, I had
pre-season, and then unfortunately I got injured really quickly and it was
hard to come back afterwards. But right now I feel good. "I had a
pre-season, we worked hard and I have to thank the medical staff for the job
they have done with me. I'm quite happy with what I'm doing right now, but I
know that I can do even more."
News of Demel's extended contract comes hot on the heels of fellow
right-back Joey O'Brien's decision to sign an new deal with the club last
week.
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Paris Saint Germain youngster Adrian Rabiot is wanted by a number English
clubs
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @graemebailey. Last Updated: January 23,
2013 6:08pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands a number of Premier League clubs are keeping tabs on
Paris Saint Germain starlet Adrien Rabiot. The 17-year-old midfielder has
already made his senior debut for PSG as he was promoted to the first-team
squad by coach Carlo Ancelotti this summer. The player's progress has not
gone unnoticed across the Channel, and it is believed a number of clubs are
keeping tabs on his situation. The French Under-19 international is
understood to be keen to secure more first-team football and that could be
available to him England - whether that be on loan or a permanent deal. The
likes of West Brom, West Ham and Newcastle are being linked with a move for
the player, who spent time with Manchester City as a youth.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Olivier Giroud nets brace as Arsenal thump West Ham 5-1
Last Updated: January 23, 2013 10:10pm
SSN
Olivier Giroud netted a brace as Arsenal scored four goals in 10 second-half
minutes to inspire a 5-1 thumping of West Ham in Wednesday evening's Premier
League London derby.
Two superb long-range shots in the first half at Emirates Stadium saw the
Hammers take the lead through Jack Collison in the aftermath of a corner
before Lukas Podolski responded in kind to level the scores before the break
with a powerful drive from 25 yards.
Arsenal then burst into life early in the second half, with Giroud's double
sandwiching strikes from Santi Cazorla and Theo Walcott to send Arsene
Wenger's men cruising to an emphatic win which cements their spot in sixth
place to give their UEFA Champions League hopes a welcome boost.
The first half-chance of the evening fell to West Ham in the eighth minute
when Ricardo Vaz Te got his head to Guy Demel's ball in but could not direct
his shot towards goal, then Arsenal responded as Cazorla tried his luck with
a long-range effort that was always rising.
The breakthrough came after 16 minutes and went the Hammers' way despite a
spell of Arsenal pressure. There was a hairy moment for Wojciech Szczesny as
Matthew Taylor's volleyed effort landed on the roof of his net and West Ham
earned two corners in quick succession. The second was poorly dealt with by
Giroud, allowing Collison to blast home a sizzling strike from the edge of
the box.
It took Arsenal barely four minutes to respond as Podolski came back with a
long-range effort of his own. The Germany international pounced on a deft
pass from Jack Wilshere to hammer the ball into the net from 25 yards and
level the scores at 1-1.
Podolski came close again after some brilliant build-up play from the hosts;
Giroud slipping him through on goal and the winger skilfully avoiding James
Tomkins' challenge only to see his shot cleared off the line by Joey
O'Brien.
At the other end, the Hammers were denied a huge chance to go ahead when
Aaron Ramsey slid in with a crucial last-ditch block to see off Carlton
Cole's flick over Szczesny.
Arsenal hinted at what turned out to be a sensational second half early on
after the restart when Walcott nearly forced an own goal from Tomkins, then
moments later Giroud had stretched the Gunners' lead with his first of the
night, greeting a corner with a precise left-footed shot to leave
Jaaskelainen with no chance.
That strike triggered an Arsenal onslaught that spanned 10 exhilarating
minutes. Cazorla followed up Giroud's goal as he deftly backheeled in from
close range after a lovely one-two between Giroud and Podolski. The German
was then involved again as he charged down the right to feed Walcott with a
pinpoint cross and the winger made no mistake slotting home.
Giroud added his second after some more good work from Podolski, once again
released by Wilshere in midfield, as he poked home the winger's cross to
leave West Ham floundering at 5-1 down.
Allardyce made changes as he attempted damage control, introducing Alou
Diarra and Dan Potts in a double swap, while Podolski and Giroud made way
for Andre Santos and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after dynamic displays which
earned them warm farewells from the Emirates home crowd. There was more bad
news for the Hammers soon after those changes as Potts went to ground after
an unfortunate collision and required lengthy treatment on the pitch before
eventually being stretchered off to applause from all around the ground.
That exit left the atmosphere understandably subdued and while Arsenal could
not recapture their goalscoring sparkle of the early minutes of the opening
half, they continued to look comfortable as 12 minutes of stoppage time were
added as a result of Potts' injury. Oxlade-Chamberlain was denied by a brave
charge from Jaaskelainen as the minutes trickled down and Cazorla had two
chances to stretch Arsenal's lead further in the dying minutes but West Ham
managed to hold off any more humiliation.
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West Ham's Dan Potts to stay in hospital for observation after injury
BBC.co.uk
West Ham defender Dan Potts will spend the night in hospital after suffering
suspected concussion in Wednesday's 5-1 defeat by Arsenal, Hammers manager
Sam Allardyce confirmed. Potts, 18, appeared to suffer a clash of heads in
the second half and was carried off the pitch after a lengthy spell of
treatment.
"Hopefully it is concussion and nothing more than that," said Allardyce. "He
had not regained consciousness by the time he was taken off."
Dan Potts factfile
Born: 13 April, 1994
West Ham (2011-present) nine appearances
Colchester (2012-13, loan) five appearances
Potts replaced Jack Collison in the 62nd minute and 10 minutes later he
appeared to clash heads with Bacary Sagna before landing awkwardly. He was
treated on the pitch for around 10 minutes, and Allardyce confirmed Potts
was speaking before he was taken off the pitch. He added: "The clash of
heads initially knocked him out and he hit the floor as a dead weight and I
think that is what the problem was. "He hadn't spoken when he came off the
field. He spoke about some things that they asked him on the pitch but they
were not the correct answers so that is how we knew he was concussed. He was
communicating but was obviously confused. "He is in observation tonight but
you don't know with these things, only X-rays will tell if anything else is
wrong, but hopefully it is just concussion. "We will do everything in our
power to make sure he has a quick recovery."
Potts came through West Ham's youth system before making his senior debut in
December 2011 - a 1-0 victory against Barnsley. Earlier this season he had a
spell on loan at Colchester, playing five games for the League One club.
Potts is the son of former West Ham defender Steve, who made almost 400
appearances for the club between 1985 and 2002.
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Potts to remain in hospital 'for observation'
KUMb.com
Filed: Thursday, 24th January 2013
By: Staff Writer
Danny Potts will remain in hospital overnight after he was left unconscious
for more than 15 minutes following a collision with Arsenal defender Bacary
Sagna.
The second half substitute was stretchered off having received medical
attention on the pitch for nine minutes in the second half of tonight's game
at the Emirates, which United lost 5-1. Fortunately, he appears to escaped
serious injury - as explained by Sam Allardyce tonight. "Dan Potts has got a
severe concussion," he told the press. "We hope that is all it is. "When
you hit the floor like that it might be a problem; he hit the floor as a
dead weight. He was out for a few seconds and he wasn't fully conscious when
he came off. We were concerned at how long it took. "He has gone off to
hospital and will be under observation for however long [necessary] to get
him round and get him home."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce hopes Dan Potts' head injury is not serious
Last Updated: January 24, 2013 12:15am
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says teenage defender Dan Potts will be kept
in hospital under observation overnight after suffering a head injury in the
5-1 defeat to Arsenal. There was a lengthy lull in play in the second half
of the Premier League clash as substitute Potts received treatment on the
pitch after a collision left him unconscious on the ground, with 12 minutes'
injury time subsequently added. Allardyce says the 18-year-old will be kept
under observation after being stretchered from the pitch and taken to
hospital. He told Sky Sports: "He's not good. He's been taken to hospital to
keep him under observation.
"Hopefully it's just a concussion and nothing more than that. Hopefully it's
no more severe than that. "Obviously he didn't really know where he was. He
had a bad bang on the head to start with and landed with his head hitting
the ground."
Turning his attention to the disappointing result at Emirates Stadium,
Allardyce admitted West Ham were undone by a scintillating 10 minutes from
Arsenal in the second half during which they scored four goals. The manager
said: "Unfortunately for us there was 10 minutes of brilliance from Arsenal
that we couldn't compete with and that 10 minutes of brilliance brought four
very good goals and that was the game done and dusted. "After that for us it
was really about making sure we didn't concede any more than that."
Allardyce added: "Those 10 minutes they blew us out of the water and you
have to hold your hands up - they were brilliant. "It's one of those things
when you come here. You hope you can play your very best but when Arsenal
are on their best form it's very difficult to get a result."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce denies reports of Mohamed Diame contract dispute at West Ham
Last Updated: January 23, 2013 11:31pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce expects Mohamed Diame's contract situation to
be resolved and has rubbished reports of a dispute over his deal. Reports
surfaced on Tuesday suggesting the tough-tackling midfielder, who has been
linked with an Arsenal move, was unhappy with West Ham for trying to renege
on the alleged £3.5million release clause in his contract. Diame, who
arrived at Upton Park last summer, is yet to agree fresh terms with the
Hammers as they strive to keep him at the club. However, Allardyce believes
the situation can be resolved and has denied talk of a dispute over his
buyout clause. Asked if a solution could be found over the midfielder, who
was a substitute in Wednesday's 5-1 defeat at Arsenal, Allardyce told Sky
Sports: "I would've thought so.
"I don't think the story today that the Mail put out is right. It's just
disruptive agents as always."
Allardyce admits West Ham's own transfer ambitions this month have become
more desperate following injuries to Winston Reid and Danny Potts in the
defeat at Emirates Stadium, with the defenders making early exits with a
groin injury and concussion respectively. Potts' problem appeared
particularly serious after he received lengthy treatment on the pitch at
Emirates Stadium before being stretchered off and taken to hospital. The
manager said: "It really is difficult to secure the player that we're
looking for. Price and quality has to go together for us. "If the price is
right and the player's not good enough we have to say no, and if the
player's good enough but the price is too big we have to say no. "It's an
unfortunate situation that we find ourselves in. I'm not trying to put the
owners under pressure here at all whatsoever, it's just a fact of life. "We
have to keep trying to find the defending side of it particularly because we
took Winston Reid off with a groin today. "We can stand an injury anywhere
else on the pitch other than another defender, and now we've ended up with
two injured; Reid with a groin and young Danny off with concussion. "It gets
even more desperate that we find a solution in the transfer market."
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Hammer horror: Potts facing lengthy lay-off following clash of heads and
brain scan
The Mirror
23 Jan 2013 23:19
West Ham substitute Danny Potts underwent a brain scan after being rushed to
hospital following a horror collision. Potts was stretchered off, needed
oxygen and was then taken to the nearby Whittington Hospital after a clash
of heads with Arsenal's Bacary Sagna during the Gunners' 5-1 win on
Wednesday.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce revealed Potts was conscious but could not talk
or respond properly to questions after the terrifying incident on the pitch
which led to a long delay and referee Andre Marriner having to add 12
minutes of injury time. Allardyce said: "Potts has gone straight to hospital
with concussion, he was unable to give the correct answers to the questions.
When you hit the floor like that it might be a problem, hopefully he will
make a speedy recovery.
"As he lost consciousness, it is a minimum of two weeks, I think, before he
can play again. He hit the floor as a dead weight. He was able to answer
questions, but not in the right way. "They have protected his neck. He was
out for a few seconds. He was not fully conscious when he came off. "We were
concerned at how long it took. They have to make sure they protect the spine
the right way getting them on the stretcher; that's why it took the time it
did." Potts suffered a concussion injury in pre-season but West Ham are
hoping that he will make a full recovery. His absence reduced Hammers to 10
men as Allardyce had already used all three substitutes.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, January 23
Daily WHUFC News - 23rd January 2013
Big Sam on: Arsenal
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce spoke to the press ahead of West Ham United's trip to the
Emirates Stadium
22.01.2013
Sam Allardyce intends to take a leaf out of Chelsea's book as he plots a
positive result against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday
evening. The Gunners conceded twice inside the opening 17 minutes at
Stamford Bridge on Sunday, a slow start which saw them fall to a second
successive Barclays Premier League defeat. Though Arsenal are, no doubt, a
different proposition at home, Big Sam reckons the Blues' tactical approach
could prove similarly effective for his West Ham side in the rearranged
fixture from Boxing Day.
Sam, could you start with team news for Arsenal?
SA: "There are one or two knocks and bruises without anything major in terms
of injuries. But obviously with the game coming around quite quickly, we'll
assess those on Wednesday and make a decision on whether it's right to risk
them or leave them out and put someone else in the squad. There are no other
injuries to the team from Saturday, which is pretty good. We're still a
little short of defensive cover, everywhere else is looking fine now, even
though we're obviously still waiting for Andy Carroll and George McCartney
to recover as quickly as possible, and James Collins to get back in the
squad."
How close is Wellington Paulista to making his debut?
SA: "He's just had five weeks off in his break to the season. So, he's going
through what we'd normally go through at the July stage, which is pre-season
work. It's about sustaining and maintaining a fitness level which is good
enough to cope with playing in the Premier League. So he's not there for a
week or two yet."
Do you wish this game had been played on Boxing Day?
SA: "I'll tell you after Wednesday night! If we get a performance and a
result on Wednesday night, then we'll be very happy that we're playing the
game this week. I think, generally, everyone wanted to play on Boxing Day.
Everybody loves to play on Boxing Day and everybody looks forward to it.
There's a tradition in this country.
You've had a few frustrating results of late, do you feel like you need a
positive performance at Arsenal?
SA: "We had more than a positive performance on Saturday. We had the best
performance we've produced this season. There was an outstanding performance
of a complete domination of one team, who have been in the Barclays Premier
League longer than us. They had little or no attacks at our goal, they did
manage to score, but on the break, which was a fault from our defenders
sadly. But because of our lack of finishing quality we didn't win 4-1 or
5-1, which we should have done. We're kicking ourselves on that one, but it
certainly was the best performance we've produced this season. The sad thing
is we didn't win."
Is this a good time to be playing Arsenal?
SA: "I don't know, I think whatever Arsenal team is out there at the
Emirates it's always going to be very tough to play against them. We've got
to try and frustrate them in terms of not letting them get into that nice
free-flowing football that they like to play. I saw how well Chelsea
disrupted them in the first half on Sunday, and how they went about the
task. "Even though they were playing at home, they went about the task of
stopping Arsenal playing, and then exposing some of the spaces that Arsenal
left when Chelsea did so well at closing them down and then pinching the
ball back off them. And obviously the quality of the finishing then was the
reason why they got into a comfortable lead. That will be the order of the
day for us, about making sure we don't make life easy for Arsenal when
they're in possession. That's them at their best, that's their strength and
if we allow them to do that, they can run you ragged. So if we can do that,
and that frustrates them and the crowd we've got a chance. We'll get a
chance to get at their defence and a chance to score against them.
"Which means we're going to have to get a whole lot better at accepting our
chances if we are to get something at the Emirates, because that has been
our weakest link at the moment. It's been one of the massive
disappointments over the last few weeks the fact we've not been able to
finish several chances that we've been creating home and away. Hopefully
that will turn on Wednesday, it will certainly have to if we're going to get
anything out of the game."
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Henderson gets international call
WHUFC.com
The Dublin-born goalkeeper is bidding to make his first appearance at full
international level
21.01.2013
Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Stephen Henderson heads a list of five West
Ham United players to receive international call-ups. The 24-year-old
stopper, who has previously earned eight U21 caps, has been named in a
provisional 25-man squad for Republic of Ireland's friendly with Poland next
month. Giovanni Trapattoni's side are set to take on Poland at the Aviva
Stadium on 6 February, before critical FIFA World Cup 2014 qualifiers in
Sweden and then at home to Austria. Henderson, whose loan spell at Ipswich
Town was curtailed due to an ankle injury, is yet to make his senior
international bow. Meanwhile, Academy graduates Dan Potts and Blair Turgott
are both included in the England U19 squad to face Denmark at Doncaster's
Keepmoat stadium on Tuesday 5 February.
Head coach Noel Blake has selected an 18-man squad for the friendly, in
preparation for May's European Under-19 Championship qualification campaign.
England's young guns will compete against Belgium, Georgia and Scotland as
they bid to book their place at this summer's finals in Lithuania. Potts,
who turns 19 in April, has made five starts for the Hammers' first team this
season, while Turgott continues to make an impression at Npower League Two
side Bradford City. Finally, development squad players Kieran Sadlier and
January recruit Sean Maguire feature in the Republic of Ireland U19 squad
for their forthcoming friendlies against Czech Republic. The Irish pair are
due to meet the Czechs twice in the space of just three days in February, as
they step up their preparation for the UEFA Championships elite qualifying
round in June.
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Arsenal v West Ham
KO 19:45
22 January 2013
BBC.co.uk
TEAM NEWS
Arsenal welcome back Lukas Podolski and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, both of
whom missed Sunday's defeat at Chelsea through illness. However, the Gunners
are short of midfield options, with Abou Diaby doubtful (thigh) and Francis
Coquelin (hamstring) ruled out.
West Ham have no fresh injury concerns, but Arsenal loanee Marouane Chamakh
is ineligible to face his parent club. James Collins is again expected to
miss out because of a hamstring problem.
MATCH PREVIEW
Arsene Wenger admits he is worried by the inconsistent form that has left
Arsenal seven points adrift of a Champions League spot. After back-to-back
defeats to Manchester City and Chelsea, the Frenchman concedes that his side
just "do not win the big games". The Gunners have indeed won only once
against a side currently above them in the table. That means it is doubly
important they develop a ruthless streak against clubs in the bottom half.
Arsenal have 34 points from 22 league matches - their lowest at this stage
under Arsene Wenger. "The position we are in now is a bit backs to the wall
because we have to respond," Wenger admits. "I'm confident we will, but the
team was very down after the Chelsea game."
West Ham became the first visiting team to win at the Emirates Stadium in
2007 but have enjoyed little luck against the Gunners since then. Mohamed
Diame gave the Hammers an early lead when the sides met in October, but
Arsenal hit back to win 3-1, extending their unbeaten run against West Ham
to 10 league and cup games. Diame is reported to have a £3.5m release clause
in his contract, and has emerged as a possible transfer target for Arsenal,
with Wenger this week praising his "great presence" and ability to "drive
the midfield". Hammers boss Sam Allardyce would be loathe to lose the
Senegalese international, and has played down the chances of him leaving.
"You are always worried about losing players but we have not had a bid from
Arsenal for Diame," Allardyce insists. "I can't see where he would fit into
their side."
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 10 league and cup games against West Ham,
winning eight of those matches.
The last five Premier League games between the sides have produced four
penalties.
Arsenal
Theo Walcott has scored or assisted five of Arsenal's last six league goals,
and has netted in 11 of his last 15 league and cup games for the Gunners.
Arsenal have yet to lose a league game in which they took the lead this
season, winning seven times and drawing twice.
The Gunners could lose three successive league games for the first time in
12 months.
West Ham United
The Hammers have claimed eight points from the last 30 available, and have
lost four of their previous five away league games (D1, L4).
Sam Allardyce's men have scored five away goals this season, fewer than any
other Premier League side. Their last goal on the road was scored by Andy
Carroll at Tottenham on 25 November.
They have only kept one clean sheet in their last 11 league games.
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These boots were made for winning
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 22nd January 2013
By: Staff Writer
On 19th May 2012 Ricardo Vaz Te scored the goal that took West Ham United
back to the Premier League - and now you can own a piece of history by
bidding for the boots worn by Vaz Te against Blackpool at Wembley on that
very day. The Portuguese forward has kindly donated his Adidas Adizero boots
- with which he scored the 87th-minute winning goal - so that they may be
auctioned on behalf of the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK. "I wore
these boots all last season, they scored more than 20 goals and are very
special to me," he said. "A friend of mine bought me the boots from a sports
shop because I did not have an endorsement deal at the start of last season,
so they really are my lucky boots! "However, I know the Bobby Moore Fund is
a very important cause and does a lot of fantastic work, so I felt it was
right that I put the boots up for auction to raise as much money as possible
for the charity. "So many people's lives are touched by cancer, so any work
that is done to try to find ways to prevent and cure it is extremely
valuable, so whatever money we can raise by selling the boots will be put to
good use in this area. At the same time, one West Ham fan will own a pair of
very special boots!"
The auction for Vaz Te's boots runs until midday on Saturday, 26th Janury.
You may place a bid by visiting the auction page on eBay. All proceeds from
the auction will go to the Bobby Moore Fund. Next month marks the 20th
anniversary of the death of West Ham and England legend Moore, who died from
bowel cancer aged just 53. The Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK will
be marking the anniversary with their own programme of events, details of
which we hope to bring you here on KUMB.com shortly.
Meanwhile, West Ham United FC will be marking the occasion with a 100-page
commemorative match day programme for the game against Tottenham on 25th
February, whilst that and the home fixture with Manchester United on 9th
March have been designated as Bobby Moore Fund awareness matches.
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West Ham set for Irish tour
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 23rd January 2013
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce is set to return to the home of his first managerial position
when he takes his West Ham squad on a summer mini-tour of Ireland. The Cork
Evening Echo has revealed that United have agreed to take part in two
pre-season friendlies in Ireland this July against Cork and Limerick, where
Allardyce cut his managerial teeth in the early 1990s. The Hammers, who will
base themselves at the luxurious, five-star Fota Island Hotel in Cork, face
Limerick on Sunday, July 7th before facing Cork City at Turners Cross on
Tuesday, 9th July. Last summer saw West Ham open their pre-season programme
with a week in Austria, during which they were beaten 3-1 by Austria Wien.
Following a string of friendlies back in England, the Irons returned to the
European mainland for a mini-tour of Germany and matches against Dynamo
Dresden (0-3) and Energie Cottbus (2-2).
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Diame wants out
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 23rd January 2013
By: Staff Writer
Mo Diame is ready to leave West Ham - just six months after joining the
club. According to a story in this morning's Daily Mail, Diame wants the
opportunity to speak with a number of potential suitors - including
tonight's Premier League opponents Arsenal - who have made their interest in
the 25-year-old known.
Despite West Ham's best efforts, the midfielder - who it is claimed, sees
his future away from Upton Park - has steadfastly refused to sign new,
improved terms which would replace the paltry £3.5million release fee clause
in his current contract. But in a twist, it is also claimed that the
Senegalese international is now threatening to report West Ham to FIFA for
refusing to allow other clubs, who are willing to meet the minimum fee
release clause, to speak with him.
West Ham, who are yet to respond, are understood to have given Diame until
tomorrow (Thursday) to make a final decision with regards to signing a new
contract - presumably so they made find an adequate replacement before the
transfer deadline on January 31st if necessary.
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Why Asian fans don't watch live football
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 23rd January 2013
By: Saqib Khan
A brief introduction: I am in my late thirties, was brought up in Ilford and
have supported Liverpool - mainly from my sofa - since the early '80s
because they were the glory team and my immigrant father (from Pakistan)
followed no particular team. I went to watch football matches the moment I
was on my own at university and past the age of being prevented to travel by
a fearful mum, scared by the hooliganism she saw on TV at the time.
I have been going to Anfield every other season or so since my early
twenties. Now I'm settled in Wanstead with my family and am going to be here
for the long haul.
When it came to raising my young son, I wanted to have an enduring, shared
interest that would give us both time and space to develop a real
relationship. It made so much sense to raise him to follow a London team and
I made the decision for us to actively support West Ham United (more than
I'd ever supported Liverpool) by becoming Academy members. By the time this
season is done, I'll have been to eight home games in 12/13.
I think when there are so many Asians and East Europeans on West Ham's
doorstep, it would be a mistake not to actively target them with
introductory offers in the hope of hooking them into the fold. I've spent in
excess of £500 this year already and still have at least two more games to
go to, taking into account business travel commitments. As time goes on,
that yearly spend will only increase with another child on the way and,
quite likely, more frequent attendance in the coming seasons.
The introductory offers that might attract new fans make financial sense and
West Ham United, to their credit, are doing more than most Premier League
clubs are (other than those in parts of the country where the local economy
is really at rock-bottom).
I've read how a few people on the KUMB.com Forum wonder and presume why
Asians don't follow West Ham at Upton Park in any great number. Here is my
tuppence:
Immigrant parents having a 'save' rather than 'spend' mentality
Many of the first generation immigrants like my father also sent money back
home to support extended families. Leisure spend was - and still is for many
- deemed a luxury. Our cultural relationship with money was about building
security and not frittering it away on intangibles. My father for example
worked near seven-day weeks and apart from going to Pakistan in an emergency
when his parents died, went through the 11-year period of 1986-1997 without
a holiday. I'm not sure that I, as a born and bred Brit, could now go more
than a year without one.
A legacy from a time when Asians often feared feeling out of place or worse
- be made to feel unwelcome
Prior to this season, I'd been to 19 football matches in total yet I still
googled 'Asians at West Ham' and found this forum thread and read all the
posts before feeling comfortable in committing to West Ham United. There was
a fear that it might be a dicier club for an Asian to follow than Arsenal or
Spurs (Chelsea was NEVER an option).
Asians tend to have more family commitments on a weekly basis
Looking around at most of my married Asian friends, we often meet with both
partner's families every week, that generally takes away one day in the
weekend and one night in the week. Taking an afternoon for football puts
time with immediate family (wife and kids) even more at a premium. Luckily,
my wife sees it as me giving her a chance for a much needed break from
looking after our son when I take him with me and he loves it too. If
however, she was to feel that we needed to be spending together what's left
of the weekend not consumed by extended families as so many of my mate's
weekends are, then would be a different story.
No historical tradition of going to the footy
Asians in general have not been taken to the football by their dad or
grandad like most of my (white English) university mates were. So those that
are going are starting their own traditions that in time, through
generations will multiply, but is in generational terms, still in its
infancy.
As for West Ham, only those who wish to go regularly are likely to get off
the glory-train
As the majority of Asians in the area came in the late '60s, '70s and early
'80s, Manchester United and Liverpool have a big stronghold within the
community. As their children have grown, they've continued following those
teams and their children are doing the same because it doesn't make a
difference where a team is in the country if you only ever watch them on TV.
Even those who might go to the odd game once a season don't mind making a
once-in-a-blue-moon trip to Anfield or Old Trafford and following them on
Sky the rest of the time.
It's those that want to go regularly and are aware of the football and its
presence in the greater community and want to really be a part of all that,
that are re-thinking their allegiances. I'm more than a little embarrassed
now of ever having supported anyone other than my local West Ham who I'm
prouder to call my club than I ever was to follow Liverpool remotely. I love
the fact that regardless of whether it's Upton Park or Stratford, that
taking my kid(s) for a midweek evening game after work will be a normal
thing without the crappy hassle of an eight-hour round trip.
A minor point, but still one worth making: no breakout Asian football star
yet
Yes, there is the odd person with an Asian connection – only Michael Chopra
and Zesh Rehman come to mind; hardly household names. A big star might have
the same attention that lead to Irishmen in the '70s supporting Arsenal with
Jennings, Brady and O'Leary in the team.
After being born and bred here, I want for me and my family to be rooted and
invested in our local community (I'm a member of my local Wanstead Society).
Ive set up not just my home but also my new business in Wanstead - employing
local people - and supporting our local team is just an extension of that.
I just hope drawing attention to some of the factors above make people
understand it's more than a simple yes/no, like/dislike thing about Asians
going or wanting to go to watch football.
I understand the sentiment with those fed up at segmenting fans into
ethnicities and feel that on match day, we are all simply West Ham fans.
However, to those tired of such discussions, please bear with the others as
I think there is a genuine desire to try and understand why such a large
local demographic might not be engaged with West Ham and what can be done to
increase participation - especially when we might have another 20,000 seats
to fill in a few years.
Journalists who want to believe it's mainly because of some inherent racial
indifference from clubs may be missing the point. The truth is there are
quicker wins to be made from Sky and other corporates than the slow,
long-term recruitment of new fans with a much longer pay-off of return on
investment - and it's a lack of real insight into the underlying factors of
non-attendance of the Asian communities.
My apologies to have gone on so long - but I wanted this to be a considered
answer from a fan with an insight (though not the only one) into the Asian
community on football.
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Shooting the messenger
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 22nd January 2013
By: Paul Walker
So Big Sam has been 'done' by the FA for misconduct, isn't that a surprise?
And once again they have shot the messenger rather than tried to tackle the
real problem.
And that, as everyone knows, is that Manchester United and Fergie get the
best of debatable decisions at Old Trafford. Be it possible offside goals,
dodgy penalties or players who should be red carded and are not - and that's
just against us last week in the FA Cup replay - everything seems to go
their way.
It has been going on for years, and it's getting worse. And I have always
maintained, having spent 15 years of my working life attending matches at
Old Trafford, that there is an orchestrated intimidation at the place, with
that cunning old Scot pulling all the strings.
Now I don't believe that Sam suggested that referee Phil Dowd was biased.
Our manager was pointing out that the intimidating atmosphere at Old
Trafford makes it hard for officials to make calm, correct decisions. And
situations like last week happened regularly.
The place is a howling cauldron at times, and that has got worse as the
stadium has got bigger and Fergie has become virtually untouchable. He
doesn't care about fines and touchline bans, he's only bothered about doing
everything possible to keep Manchester United at the forefront of English
football.
And he is succeeding.
And while all this is going on, the softies from the FA are frightened to
death about taking on the biggest club in the land. They seem to do
everything they can NOT to haul Fergie up before the disciplinary committee.
While at the same time hitting everyone else with all sorts of dubious
charges.
Sam had seen two near identical penalty decisions go Man United's way.
Firstly Rafael handled twice in the box at one end and nothing was given,
while soon after Jordan Spence - trying to pull his hand away - was
penalised when a cross hit his hand.
Then there was that shocking late tackle by Paul Scholes on Matt Taylor. It
was high, late, studs up and into the ankle. It was by far the worst of
recent tackles of late that have seen other players sent off. But not
Scholes, just a booking, and Dowd even looked like he called him "Scholsey"!
What bit of 'tackle likely to cause harm to an opponent' did Dowd not
understand?
But then Scholes is the best midfielder of his generation. Well we keep
being told that, by the OT machine. I'd take Steven Gerrard and Frank
Lampard any day.
Sam was right. One penalty decision went in favour of Manchester United, and
the other went against the visiting team. Nobody was surprised, it goes on
all the time. Sam was not doubting Dowd's honesty, he was underlining how
tough it is to officiate at OT under such circumstances, people will make
mistakes under that sort of pressure.
Sam is a big mate of Fergie's and has spent much of his managerial and
playing career in the Manchester area. He would know only too well just how
orchestrated the intimidation of visiting teams and officials really is.
And, of course, Fergie gets away with transgressions almost on a weekly
basis without being taken to task by the weak, frightened men at the FA.
Three times now in a matter of weeks, Fergie has committed offences that
would see other managers charged. And his attack on linesman Simon Beck at
Spurs on Sunday, could well have backed the FA into a corner.
The most recent offence in my book saw Fergie not only complain that the
official 'gave us nothing all day' but he dragged up an incident of a couple
of seasons ago when the same official allowed a debatable offside goal for
Didier Drogba at OT that went a long way to seeing Chelsea take the title at
Man United's expense.
Firstly, I am amazed Fergie could remember specific linesmen like that. Even
Alan Curbishley on TV on Monday said as much. But that is Fergie, he
harbours grudges. And is not a man to cross ,as I have found to my cost, but
I'll come to that later.
Fergie, at the back of his mind, remembered the official. And then by
mentioning a past incident clearly implied that the man was biased against
Man United. It was a far worse offence than Sam's.
Fergie lives a charmed life on such occasions, and that's because I believe
the FA are well aware that careers can be severely damaged by taking on
Manchester United. I recall Alfi Haaland's career being ended by that
horrendous Roy Keane tackle back in 2001, because of something out of turn
the Norwegian had once said to the Man United hard man.
And then there was the career of referee Andy D'Urso, following his own
run-in with Keane. It has taken the Essex official a very long time to come
back from that one. I always felt that if D'Urso had stood his ground back
in 2000 and not back-pedalled like he did while being chased by Keane and
his gang, he would have done referees a real service.
If D'Urso had stood still and let players run into him or manhandle him,
even knocked him to the ground, the FA would have been able to make a real
stand against intimidation of referees, and maybe we wouldn't have the
nonsense that goes on now when they are slagged off routinely after every
match.
But now the FA have a problem. They have charged Sam, surely Fergie should
also be up for something even worse.
A few weeks back Ferguson attacked Swansea captain Ashley Williams after the
ball had been kicked back at Robin Van Persie's head. Now Fergie knew before
he went off on his rant claiming that Williams should be hammered by the FA
and how he could have killed the Dutchman, that nothing further could be
done because the referee that day had seen the incident, dealt with it and
booked Williams. But that didn't stop Ferguson's character assassination.
Then there was the infamous Newcastle match and his clash with Alan Pardew.
Whatever the merits of that match and the Mike Dean decision that annoyed
Ferguson, Man United and their manager went way over the top.
I will accept that Ferguson and Dean could have an animated man-to-man chat
as they walked off at the break down the touchline. But that should have
been it.
What happened then was way over the top. Ferguson was still berating the
officials as they walked back for the second half, and continued to hound a
linesman during the match from way outside his technical area.
That official was caught trying to do his job while distracted and fending
off Fergie's rant. That alone was worthy of a charge, as Pardew pointed out.
But nothing has happened.
That vast technical area at OT is Fergie's kingdom. It is full of ground
staff, TV men, juniors, various admin staff, players not involved in the
game, substitutes, and a whole army of technical people.
Just watch it next time. Mike Phelan stands leaning against the back wall,
various kitmen and medical staff all have an opinion and Fergie is the
puppet master. It all adds to intense pressure on the fourth official and
linesman, not to mention the referee.
Now the OT fans cannot hear what is being said, but they take their lead
from the antics of their manager, and that just cranks up the atmosphere
even further. I always thought that only one person can be standing in the
technical area at any one time, it's a pity that rule wasn't enforced
properly.
Referees must dread working there. They get abused and got at by all sorts
of Man U people, particularly in that walk back to the players' tunnel. And
have you ever noticed that the substitutes are always sent out to warm-up to
the right of the dug-out and behind the linesman, who gets an ear bashing
from them. I watched it for years and nobody ever stopped them. It's
organisation and manipulation on a grand scale.
So that's three incidents involving Fergie in a matter of weeks. I suppose I
can get away with saying such things now, I don't think Fergie can get me
anymore.
He banned me twice from his press conferences in my time working in
Manchester, not for anything I did, more what my London office - handily
placed I did mention out of the firing line - did. Once we carried a column
when it was suggested Fergie would be in charge of the club when he was 65.
Wouldn't happen, would it?
The column was amusing, but the art department came up with a cartoon
drawing of what Fergie might look like at 65. Red faced, boozers nose, all
spitting venom and ranting. Pretty accurate, I would say, in hindsight...
Fergie took the hump and banned me for six months.
Then there was the time I was asked to produce three big features telling
his life story one summer, but through the words of people who had worked
with him. Alex McLeish was one, Bryan Robson another. They were all gushing
about him.
So at his first pre-season press conference I walked happily in only to be
hit by a barrage of abuse and swearing. I was banned again for three months.
It seems my paper had omitted to tell me they wanted to used the features as
a 'spoiler' because the rights to Fergie's own autobiography had been sold
to one of our rivals.
So I know how much damage Fergie and Manchester United can do to individuals
who cross them. That's why there is such a grovelling group of bum-licking
journalists who now work in Manchester and fear for their every move.
Sadly the FA seem sometimes to also try not to cross the old fella, or his
club. It means that our manager gets charged with misconduct for telling the
truth and Fergie keeps getting away with murder.
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce frustrated by defender hunt
Last Updated: January 22, 2013 5:11pm
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce admits he is struggling to bring in the
defensive reinforcements he believes his side needs this month. Injuries to
a number of players mean the Hammers boss is on the lookout for new
defenders in January but he has been frustrated as moves for Dnipro's Samuel
Inkoom and Nancy defender Massadio Haidara failed to materialise. With his
quota of domestic loans taken up by strikers Marouane Chamakh and Andy
Carroll, Allardyce is looking abroad for potential recruits. "We're not
making as good progress as I would have liked," said Allardyce. "It has been
hugely frustrating. We've been trying in the whole of the window to try and
bring in a defender, but not been able to clinch a deal yet. "That is
probably because we have been looking for a short-term deal in loans, as in
terms of not permanent deals. I think at this stage of the window everybody
wants to, if they are going to release a player, let him go on a permanent
basis, not on a short-term loan basis. "I think that will probably change as
the window gets closer to closing and hopefully we will be more successful
in our plight to get a defender in at that stage."
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce will hold talks with Alou Diarra on his future
Last Updated: January 22, 2013 11:50am
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce plans to hold talks with Alou Diarra after the
midfielder indicated his unhappiness at the club in an interview. The
31-year-old, who has struggled with injury since arriving from Marseille in
the summer, has been quoted in L'Equipe, saying: "I have wasted my time".
And Allardyce has hinted he would prefer the France international to knuckle
down and try to win a regular starting spot in the team. "He is obviously
clear, without telling me, that he is not happy with the situation, which is
understandable," Alladyce said. "You get this all the time as a manager when
you bring a player of his experience and calibre over from France. "It
hasn't quite worked out and he feels a little disgruntled in terms of
playing more, this or that. "It is a fact of life, whereas I look at the
situation and play what I consider the best team and because of Alou's
long-standing injury he has found it hard to adjust to what is needed in the
Premier League. "If he is unhappy, he just has to tell me what he wants to
do and we'll see how we go from there. We'll have that discussion and we'll
make a decision after that on the future of Alou."
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The 'End Game' of the Diame Saga Approaches!
By S J Chandos About 2 hours ago 3 comments
West Ham Till I Die
Will Mo Diame leave the club this January? If the press are to be believed
it is largely a formality, with Arsenal due to swoop with a £3.5m bid after
our Wednesday evening match at the Emirates. Others have sought to spice
things up further by claiming that Arsenal could have late compeition from
Spurs and Newcastle Utd. The latest reports have Diame threatening to report
West Ham to FIFA if the club attempt to obstruct him talking to clubs that
offer the magic £3.5m 'trigger' fee. While in some quarters, it has been
reported that West Ham have set a Thursday deadline for Diame to accept the
alleged new contract offer of £60,000 a week!
It could all be speculation, who knows? What we do know is that Diame has
been offered an improved contract, which has not yet been accepted. If Diame
does leave, after just six months, it will be both a blow and a very great
pity for West Ham. Diame has been outstandng for us this season and has
provided a drive and energy that has transformed our midfield unit. It is an
axiom that if you aim to build a squad capable of challenging for honours
then you need to keep your best players and add quality to improve the mix.
However, if Diame wants to speak to other clubs then, in reality, there is
very little that we can do to prevent it. If Arsenal want Diame, they will
think nothing of offering £3.5m for a player whose real value is undoubtedly
much higher. All we can do is identify a suitable replacement. Although that
is likely to cost significantly more than £3.5m, unless there is another
release clause around that we can exploit or a Bosman deal available.
All we supporters can do is watch developments and hope that Mo Diame is
still a West Ham player come 1 February 2013. Losing him could have an
adverse impact upon our season. Unless Sam Allardyce can find a replacement
of similar quality? No doubt the midfield targets have been identfied and
the bids lined up. So, lets wait and see what transpires, one way or the
other?
Elsewhere, Sam Allardyce has voiced frustration at the difficulties
experienced in bringing in new defenders. The Olsson deal has seemingly
stalled and loan deals for various foreign targets have apparently been
unsuccessful. So, regardless of 'getting out of the blocks' quickly, in this
transfer window, it is still likely that some of our deals could still go to
the wire on deadline day. Did we really think that all the major business
would be done early and our club would have minimal involvement in the
transfer deadline day deals.
Oh well, who wants to be disinterested observers on transfer deadline day
anyway!
Finally, Sam Allardyce has claimed in reports, that beating Wenger's Arsenal
has always given him extra satisfaction. Well, lets hope that he is an
appropriately satisified manager at tomorrow evening's post-match press
conference! Arsenal are obviously the hot favourites at the Emirates, but
can we go there and get a draw? Not likely, but then we have had some
unlikely results at Highbury and the Emirates in the past. So, here's hoping
for the best!
SJ. Chandos.
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Diarra Discontent!
By S J Chandos
West Ham till I Die
There are reports in the press today that Alou Diarra has some pretty harsh
things to say about his situation at the club. He is quoted in the French
press as stating that he was misled in joining West Ham, there is litle
communication between him and the Manager and his time at the club has been
'a waste of time.'
In the interview, he admits that he is not unhappy financially at the club,
but he argues that he made the move to play and not enter semi-retirement.
There is talk of him being misled by promises made prior to signing for the
club, but the gist of his discontent seems to be that he is not an automatic
first team selection! Firstly, no one should be an automatic selection,
slection should be based upon the triple considerations of ftness, form and
tactical considerations. Regardless, how could he play, when he was out
injured for three months? Diarra only become available for selection in
December and he has played since his return. Diarra played very well in the
two FA Cup ties against Man Utd. Is not the best way forward is to knuckle
down and win a regular starting place on merit rather than some sort of
perceived entitlement! One understands that at 31 years of age, regular
football is a priority for Diarra, but surely he should give it the rest of
the season before seeking a move: especially as he was out injured for a
sustained period!
Sam Allardyce has since reponded at his pre-Arsenal match press conference
and it appears that there will be urgent talks with Diarra to try to resolve
the issue. Presumably, if those talks are not fruitful, then Diarra could
potentially leave in the January window. There has been reported interest,
from Spanish club Espanyol, in taking Diarra on loan. Could that prove to be
Diarra's route out of the club?
SJ. Chandos.
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Alou? Goodbye
Big Sam hits back
Published: 11 hrs ago
The Sun
SAM ALLARDYCE has told unhappy Alou Diarra: If you don't like it here, then
leave! Diarra last night launched an amazing attack on West Ham, accusing
the club of "lies" and claiming his move from Marseille had been a waste of
time. The France star signed a three-year deal in the summer but is already
desperate to quit the Hammers. Allardyce insists the first time he heard
about Diarra's personal hell was when he read about it in the papers this
morning. But the Upton Park boss said: "If he is unhappy, he just has to
tell me what he wants to do and we'll see how we go from there. "At the
moment, yes, he has contributed well but he's frustrated and he obviously
wants to play more. "We'll have those discussions and we'll make a decision
after that on the future of Alou."
Big Sam added: "He is obviously clear, without telling me, that he is not
happy with the situation, which is understandable. "You get this all the
time as a manager when you bring a player of his experience and calibre over
from France. "It hasn't quite worked out and he feels a little disgruntled
in terms of playing more, this or that. "It is a fact of life, whereas I
look at the situation and play what I consider the best team and because of
Alou's long-standing injury he has found it hard to adjust to what is needed
in the Premier League."
Diarra has just played twice in the Premier League since his switch from
France. And the midfielder had last night claimed he had been duped into
moving to East London. He added: "They sent an officer who landed at
Marseilles in a private jet and promised me the moon. The speech was
attractive. "It was England, London, West Ham, a popular club with a true
identity. It was an opportunity to settle in the Premier League. I did not
ask, I trusted. "After a few weeks, I realised that there were a lot of
lies. This agent has fooled me. Some people have made money on my back.
"Admittedly, I have three year contract but I'm not unhappy financially, but
I came to play, not to take an early retirement. "I am positively at
breaking point."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Trial run: Mohamed Diame can earn Arsenal move by helping West Ham beat them
The Mirror
22 Jan 2013 22:32
Richard Heathcote
West Ham's Mohamed Diame has got 90 minutes against Arsenal on Wednesday
night to earn himself a winter-window switch to the Gunners. Diame fears
Hammers are trying to block a dream move to the Emirates by playing
hardball, even though there's £3.5million buyout clause written into his
contract.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger confirmed his admiration for Diame in the
build-up to Wednesday's match, and the battle surrounding the Senegal
midfielder is likely to take centre stage as the two teams meet. Diame, 25,
has been offered a new contract by West Ham with better terms if he agrees
to drop the buy-out clause and they are desperately trying to stop him
leaving. But Diame is determined to go this month if a club meets the clause
- even if it turns ugly and he has to take legal advice. It leaves Diame
knowing the battle for his signature is hotting up as he prepares to face
one of the interested clubs. When asked about the player on Tuesday, Wenger
said: "He has a great presence in the games. I've seen him in games where
he's had a big impact, for example against Chelsea where he had a big impact
where he came on. "They have many players who can be dangerous, but he can
drive the midfield." Wenger refused to be drawn on the names of transfer
targets, but it is clear he rates Diame. No club has yet to match the
buy-out clause, but it is believed Arsenal have made enquiries even though
there are some concerns about whether Diame is the right. So Wednesday's
match will give him the perfect opportunity to prove himself. Wenger has
admitted that he need to strengthen his midfield and Diame fits the bill in
that regard. The Arsenal manager has claimed he would like to sign two
players in January, but fears the right ones might not be available.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are set to make a last-ditch push for Barcelona's
David Villa, who now appears to be their most likely striker target for the
winter window. Barca have insisted he is not for sale but Villa is believed
to want to leave this month in search of regular football after losing his
guaranteed first team place Wenger has a habit of leaving it late in
transfer windows and there is still a feeling Arsenal may yet be able to
persuade Barcelona to sell - especially as they have done a lot of business
with the Spanish giants, after selling them Cesc Fabregas and Alex Song.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam: It's no shock the Gunners are struggling
By VIKKI ORVICE
The Sun
SAM ALLARDYCE says Arsenal have landed themselves in trouble by flogging off
their best players. The West Ham boss takes his team to the Emirates tonight
aiming to win away to the Gunners for the first time in his managerial
career. He faces a side who have suffered back-to-back losses in the Premier
League with defeats to Manchester City and Chelsea. Arsenal — in sixth place
— are already 22 points behind table-topping Manchester United. But
Allardyce, who has drawn three and lost five of his eight trips to Arsenal
as a manager, believes the Gunners cannot be shocked after selling
top-scorer Robin van Persie to United in the summer. Stars like Cesc
Fabregas and Samir Nasri have also gone. And Big Sam said: "It's not
surprising because I don't know where you go and buy a player of Van
Persie's quality unless you're going to pay more than £24million. "Everybody
says it's great business in terms of his age but it's not really great
business for Arsene Wenger when he can't replace the goals that he's lost.
"When you sell your best players, which is not normally expected of Arsenal,
then it is difficult to replace them. "There is no doubt the players who
have come in are very good but are they better than the ones they have sold?
"It's a big ask, even for Arsene with his huge recruitment policy, to
replace those players immediately. "They have suffered with their level of
results. "The football is still very good but when you lose that many goals
— particularly from Van Persie — and miss more chances than they did before,
they won't get as good results. "I'm sure Arsene is frustrated because he's
been the best manager Arsenal have ever had. "When you build the club and
then cannot sustain that, it becomes very frustrating for any manager. "They
are still one of the top sides but they are just going through a period of
transition with the amount of players they have lost.
"They played Chelsea on Sunday and we played 24 hours earlier on Saturday,
which gives us a slight advantage physically because they've had less time
to recover. "We also hope the disappointment of their 2-1 defeat against
Chelsea means there might be a little lack of confidence. "If that's the
case then we might have a chance of getting a result. "If Arsenal are on top
form, then Arsenal will beat us, no matter how well we play." Allardyce has
never seen eye-to-eye with Wenger from the days he managed Bolton. The West
Ham chief said: "We had some tussles. Whenever we beat Arsenal, if we
weren't labelled 'long ball' then it would be 'physical'. "It was
frustrating but it used to make me really enjoy the fact we beat an Arsenal
side which included players like Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira. "It was
about finding a chink in their armour and exposing it. "When you do that to
top teams and beat them then their manager is not going to be very happy.
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Maiga fit to face Ghana
Ghanaweb.com
West Ham striker Modibo Maiga will feature for Mali in a Group B match
against Ghana Thursday after recovering from a thigh injury. Maiga missed
the opening group game against Niger, which Mali won 1-0 last weekend
through a late Seydou Keita goal. "Maiga is fully fit and will play against
Ghana. It's a big boost for us," team manager Amadou Cisse told AFP in this
Indian Ocean city. However, the Mali official said Lens midfielder Samba Sow
has not recovered from an illness that sidelined him for the Niger game.
Mali top the group with three points, ahead of Ghana and the Democratic
Republic of Congo, who have one point each after a thrilling 2-2 draw. Group
winners and runners-up qualify for the quarter-finals.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
EXCLUSIVE: Diame threatens to report West Ham over dirty tactics to avoid
release fee being activated
By SAMI MOKBEL
PUBLISHED: 22:55, 22 January 2013 | UPDATED: 02:22, 23 January 2013
Daily Mail
Mohamed Diame is threatening to report West Ham to FIFA over fears the club
are trying to renege on his £3.5million release clause. The tough-tackling
midfielder, who is interesting a number of Premier League sides, is free to
leave Upton Park if a club matches the stipulated fee. But Diame suspects
West Ham are ignoring the agreement as they continue with their attempts to
keep him at Upton Park. However, Sportsmail understands the midfielder is
willing to take heavy action against his employers if they do not abide by
the contractual agreement. Arsenal, Newcastle and Tottenham have all shown a
strong interest in the former Wigan man. But the Hammers are trying to sign
Diame to a new contract in an bid to get rid of the release clause. So far
the powerhouse midfielder is refusing to sign a new deal, knowing he is a
target for a number of bigger clubs. West Ham want any bid formalised and in
writing before allowing Diame to speak to prospective employers. However,
the 25-year-old believes his current employers are using unfair tactics to
spoil a potential move. The alarm bells started ringing for Diame last month
when the club announced he would miss three months with a hamstring injury
picked up in the defeat to Liverpool on December 9. However, just 24 hours
later Diame revealed he hoped to be fit for early January, significantly
less than three months. Had Diame missed three months, he would not have
been such an attractive signing given he would not be available until March.
Arsenal are understood to have lodged their interest in Diame with West Ham
officials. And Gunners manager Arsene Wenger will ran the rule over the
Senegal international in Wednesday's Premier League clash at the Emirates
Stadium. Speaking about Diame, Wenger said: 'He has a great presence in the
games, I have seen him have a big impact.'
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce spoke to the press ahead of West Ham United's trip to the
Emirates Stadium
22.01.2013
Sam Allardyce intends to take a leaf out of Chelsea's book as he plots a
positive result against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday
evening. The Gunners conceded twice inside the opening 17 minutes at
Stamford Bridge on Sunday, a slow start which saw them fall to a second
successive Barclays Premier League defeat. Though Arsenal are, no doubt, a
different proposition at home, Big Sam reckons the Blues' tactical approach
could prove similarly effective for his West Ham side in the rearranged
fixture from Boxing Day.
Sam, could you start with team news for Arsenal?
SA: "There are one or two knocks and bruises without anything major in terms
of injuries. But obviously with the game coming around quite quickly, we'll
assess those on Wednesday and make a decision on whether it's right to risk
them or leave them out and put someone else in the squad. There are no other
injuries to the team from Saturday, which is pretty good. We're still a
little short of defensive cover, everywhere else is looking fine now, even
though we're obviously still waiting for Andy Carroll and George McCartney
to recover as quickly as possible, and James Collins to get back in the
squad."
How close is Wellington Paulista to making his debut?
SA: "He's just had five weeks off in his break to the season. So, he's going
through what we'd normally go through at the July stage, which is pre-season
work. It's about sustaining and maintaining a fitness level which is good
enough to cope with playing in the Premier League. So he's not there for a
week or two yet."
Do you wish this game had been played on Boxing Day?
SA: "I'll tell you after Wednesday night! If we get a performance and a
result on Wednesday night, then we'll be very happy that we're playing the
game this week. I think, generally, everyone wanted to play on Boxing Day.
Everybody loves to play on Boxing Day and everybody looks forward to it.
There's a tradition in this country.
You've had a few frustrating results of late, do you feel like you need a
positive performance at Arsenal?
SA: "We had more than a positive performance on Saturday. We had the best
performance we've produced this season. There was an outstanding performance
of a complete domination of one team, who have been in the Barclays Premier
League longer than us. They had little or no attacks at our goal, they did
manage to score, but on the break, which was a fault from our defenders
sadly. But because of our lack of finishing quality we didn't win 4-1 or
5-1, which we should have done. We're kicking ourselves on that one, but it
certainly was the best performance we've produced this season. The sad thing
is we didn't win."
Is this a good time to be playing Arsenal?
SA: "I don't know, I think whatever Arsenal team is out there at the
Emirates it's always going to be very tough to play against them. We've got
to try and frustrate them in terms of not letting them get into that nice
free-flowing football that they like to play. I saw how well Chelsea
disrupted them in the first half on Sunday, and how they went about the
task. "Even though they were playing at home, they went about the task of
stopping Arsenal playing, and then exposing some of the spaces that Arsenal
left when Chelsea did so well at closing them down and then pinching the
ball back off them. And obviously the quality of the finishing then was the
reason why they got into a comfortable lead. That will be the order of the
day for us, about making sure we don't make life easy for Arsenal when
they're in possession. That's them at their best, that's their strength and
if we allow them to do that, they can run you ragged. So if we can do that,
and that frustrates them and the crowd we've got a chance. We'll get a
chance to get at their defence and a chance to score against them.
"Which means we're going to have to get a whole lot better at accepting our
chances if we are to get something at the Emirates, because that has been
our weakest link at the moment. It's been one of the massive
disappointments over the last few weeks the fact we've not been able to
finish several chances that we've been creating home and away. Hopefully
that will turn on Wednesday, it will certainly have to if we're going to get
anything out of the game."
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Henderson gets international call
WHUFC.com
The Dublin-born goalkeeper is bidding to make his first appearance at full
international level
21.01.2013
Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Stephen Henderson heads a list of five West
Ham United players to receive international call-ups. The 24-year-old
stopper, who has previously earned eight U21 caps, has been named in a
provisional 25-man squad for Republic of Ireland's friendly with Poland next
month. Giovanni Trapattoni's side are set to take on Poland at the Aviva
Stadium on 6 February, before critical FIFA World Cup 2014 qualifiers in
Sweden and then at home to Austria. Henderson, whose loan spell at Ipswich
Town was curtailed due to an ankle injury, is yet to make his senior
international bow. Meanwhile, Academy graduates Dan Potts and Blair Turgott
are both included in the England U19 squad to face Denmark at Doncaster's
Keepmoat stadium on Tuesday 5 February.
Head coach Noel Blake has selected an 18-man squad for the friendly, in
preparation for May's European Under-19 Championship qualification campaign.
England's young guns will compete against Belgium, Georgia and Scotland as
they bid to book their place at this summer's finals in Lithuania. Potts,
who turns 19 in April, has made five starts for the Hammers' first team this
season, while Turgott continues to make an impression at Npower League Two
side Bradford City. Finally, development squad players Kieran Sadlier and
January recruit Sean Maguire feature in the Republic of Ireland U19 squad
for their forthcoming friendlies against Czech Republic. The Irish pair are
due to meet the Czechs twice in the space of just three days in February, as
they step up their preparation for the UEFA Championships elite qualifying
round in June.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsenal v West Ham
KO 19:45
22 January 2013
BBC.co.uk
TEAM NEWS
Arsenal welcome back Lukas Podolski and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, both of
whom missed Sunday's defeat at Chelsea through illness. However, the Gunners
are short of midfield options, with Abou Diaby doubtful (thigh) and Francis
Coquelin (hamstring) ruled out.
West Ham have no fresh injury concerns, but Arsenal loanee Marouane Chamakh
is ineligible to face his parent club. James Collins is again expected to
miss out because of a hamstring problem.
MATCH PREVIEW
Arsene Wenger admits he is worried by the inconsistent form that has left
Arsenal seven points adrift of a Champions League spot. After back-to-back
defeats to Manchester City and Chelsea, the Frenchman concedes that his side
just "do not win the big games". The Gunners have indeed won only once
against a side currently above them in the table. That means it is doubly
important they develop a ruthless streak against clubs in the bottom half.
Arsenal have 34 points from 22 league matches - their lowest at this stage
under Arsene Wenger. "The position we are in now is a bit backs to the wall
because we have to respond," Wenger admits. "I'm confident we will, but the
team was very down after the Chelsea game."
West Ham became the first visiting team to win at the Emirates Stadium in
2007 but have enjoyed little luck against the Gunners since then. Mohamed
Diame gave the Hammers an early lead when the sides met in October, but
Arsenal hit back to win 3-1, extending their unbeaten run against West Ham
to 10 league and cup games. Diame is reported to have a £3.5m release clause
in his contract, and has emerged as a possible transfer target for Arsenal,
with Wenger this week praising his "great presence" and ability to "drive
the midfield". Hammers boss Sam Allardyce would be loathe to lose the
Senegalese international, and has played down the chances of him leaving.
"You are always worried about losing players but we have not had a bid from
Arsenal for Diame," Allardyce insists. "I can't see where he would fit into
their side."
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 10 league and cup games against West Ham,
winning eight of those matches.
The last five Premier League games between the sides have produced four
penalties.
Arsenal
Theo Walcott has scored or assisted five of Arsenal's last six league goals,
and has netted in 11 of his last 15 league and cup games for the Gunners.
Arsenal have yet to lose a league game in which they took the lead this
season, winning seven times and drawing twice.
The Gunners could lose three successive league games for the first time in
12 months.
West Ham United
The Hammers have claimed eight points from the last 30 available, and have
lost four of their previous five away league games (D1, L4).
Sam Allardyce's men have scored five away goals this season, fewer than any
other Premier League side. Their last goal on the road was scored by Andy
Carroll at Tottenham on 25 November.
They have only kept one clean sheet in their last 11 league games.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
These boots were made for winning
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 22nd January 2013
By: Staff Writer
On 19th May 2012 Ricardo Vaz Te scored the goal that took West Ham United
back to the Premier League - and now you can own a piece of history by
bidding for the boots worn by Vaz Te against Blackpool at Wembley on that
very day. The Portuguese forward has kindly donated his Adidas Adizero boots
- with which he scored the 87th-minute winning goal - so that they may be
auctioned on behalf of the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK. "I wore
these boots all last season, they scored more than 20 goals and are very
special to me," he said. "A friend of mine bought me the boots from a sports
shop because I did not have an endorsement deal at the start of last season,
so they really are my lucky boots! "However, I know the Bobby Moore Fund is
a very important cause and does a lot of fantastic work, so I felt it was
right that I put the boots up for auction to raise as much money as possible
for the charity. "So many people's lives are touched by cancer, so any work
that is done to try to find ways to prevent and cure it is extremely
valuable, so whatever money we can raise by selling the boots will be put to
good use in this area. At the same time, one West Ham fan will own a pair of
very special boots!"
The auction for Vaz Te's boots runs until midday on Saturday, 26th Janury.
You may place a bid by visiting the auction page on eBay. All proceeds from
the auction will go to the Bobby Moore Fund. Next month marks the 20th
anniversary of the death of West Ham and England legend Moore, who died from
bowel cancer aged just 53. The Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK will
be marking the anniversary with their own programme of events, details of
which we hope to bring you here on KUMB.com shortly.
Meanwhile, West Ham United FC will be marking the occasion with a 100-page
commemorative match day programme for the game against Tottenham on 25th
February, whilst that and the home fixture with Manchester United on 9th
March have been designated as Bobby Moore Fund awareness matches.
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West Ham set for Irish tour
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 23rd January 2013
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce is set to return to the home of his first managerial position
when he takes his West Ham squad on a summer mini-tour of Ireland. The Cork
Evening Echo has revealed that United have agreed to take part in two
pre-season friendlies in Ireland this July against Cork and Limerick, where
Allardyce cut his managerial teeth in the early 1990s. The Hammers, who will
base themselves at the luxurious, five-star Fota Island Hotel in Cork, face
Limerick on Sunday, July 7th before facing Cork City at Turners Cross on
Tuesday, 9th July. Last summer saw West Ham open their pre-season programme
with a week in Austria, during which they were beaten 3-1 by Austria Wien.
Following a string of friendlies back in England, the Irons returned to the
European mainland for a mini-tour of Germany and matches against Dynamo
Dresden (0-3) and Energie Cottbus (2-2).
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Diame wants out
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 23rd January 2013
By: Staff Writer
Mo Diame is ready to leave West Ham - just six months after joining the
club. According to a story in this morning's Daily Mail, Diame wants the
opportunity to speak with a number of potential suitors - including
tonight's Premier League opponents Arsenal - who have made their interest in
the 25-year-old known.
Despite West Ham's best efforts, the midfielder - who it is claimed, sees
his future away from Upton Park - has steadfastly refused to sign new,
improved terms which would replace the paltry £3.5million release fee clause
in his current contract. But in a twist, it is also claimed that the
Senegalese international is now threatening to report West Ham to FIFA for
refusing to allow other clubs, who are willing to meet the minimum fee
release clause, to speak with him.
West Ham, who are yet to respond, are understood to have given Diame until
tomorrow (Thursday) to make a final decision with regards to signing a new
contract - presumably so they made find an adequate replacement before the
transfer deadline on January 31st if necessary.
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Why Asian fans don't watch live football
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 23rd January 2013
By: Saqib Khan
A brief introduction: I am in my late thirties, was brought up in Ilford and
have supported Liverpool - mainly from my sofa - since the early '80s
because they were the glory team and my immigrant father (from Pakistan)
followed no particular team. I went to watch football matches the moment I
was on my own at university and past the age of being prevented to travel by
a fearful mum, scared by the hooliganism she saw on TV at the time.
I have been going to Anfield every other season or so since my early
twenties. Now I'm settled in Wanstead with my family and am going to be here
for the long haul.
When it came to raising my young son, I wanted to have an enduring, shared
interest that would give us both time and space to develop a real
relationship. It made so much sense to raise him to follow a London team and
I made the decision for us to actively support West Ham United (more than
I'd ever supported Liverpool) by becoming Academy members. By the time this
season is done, I'll have been to eight home games in 12/13.
I think when there are so many Asians and East Europeans on West Ham's
doorstep, it would be a mistake not to actively target them with
introductory offers in the hope of hooking them into the fold. I've spent in
excess of £500 this year already and still have at least two more games to
go to, taking into account business travel commitments. As time goes on,
that yearly spend will only increase with another child on the way and,
quite likely, more frequent attendance in the coming seasons.
The introductory offers that might attract new fans make financial sense and
West Ham United, to their credit, are doing more than most Premier League
clubs are (other than those in parts of the country where the local economy
is really at rock-bottom).
I've read how a few people on the KUMB.com Forum wonder and presume why
Asians don't follow West Ham at Upton Park in any great number. Here is my
tuppence:
Immigrant parents having a 'save' rather than 'spend' mentality
Many of the first generation immigrants like my father also sent money back
home to support extended families. Leisure spend was - and still is for many
- deemed a luxury. Our cultural relationship with money was about building
security and not frittering it away on intangibles. My father for example
worked near seven-day weeks and apart from going to Pakistan in an emergency
when his parents died, went through the 11-year period of 1986-1997 without
a holiday. I'm not sure that I, as a born and bred Brit, could now go more
than a year without one.
A legacy from a time when Asians often feared feeling out of place or worse
- be made to feel unwelcome
Prior to this season, I'd been to 19 football matches in total yet I still
googled 'Asians at West Ham' and found this forum thread and read all the
posts before feeling comfortable in committing to West Ham United. There was
a fear that it might be a dicier club for an Asian to follow than Arsenal or
Spurs (Chelsea was NEVER an option).
Asians tend to have more family commitments on a weekly basis
Looking around at most of my married Asian friends, we often meet with both
partner's families every week, that generally takes away one day in the
weekend and one night in the week. Taking an afternoon for football puts
time with immediate family (wife and kids) even more at a premium. Luckily,
my wife sees it as me giving her a chance for a much needed break from
looking after our son when I take him with me and he loves it too. If
however, she was to feel that we needed to be spending together what's left
of the weekend not consumed by extended families as so many of my mate's
weekends are, then would be a different story.
No historical tradition of going to the footy
Asians in general have not been taken to the football by their dad or
grandad like most of my (white English) university mates were. So those that
are going are starting their own traditions that in time, through
generations will multiply, but is in generational terms, still in its
infancy.
As for West Ham, only those who wish to go regularly are likely to get off
the glory-train
As the majority of Asians in the area came in the late '60s, '70s and early
'80s, Manchester United and Liverpool have a big stronghold within the
community. As their children have grown, they've continued following those
teams and their children are doing the same because it doesn't make a
difference where a team is in the country if you only ever watch them on TV.
Even those who might go to the odd game once a season don't mind making a
once-in-a-blue-moon trip to Anfield or Old Trafford and following them on
Sky the rest of the time.
It's those that want to go regularly and are aware of the football and its
presence in the greater community and want to really be a part of all that,
that are re-thinking their allegiances. I'm more than a little embarrassed
now of ever having supported anyone other than my local West Ham who I'm
prouder to call my club than I ever was to follow Liverpool remotely. I love
the fact that regardless of whether it's Upton Park or Stratford, that
taking my kid(s) for a midweek evening game after work will be a normal
thing without the crappy hassle of an eight-hour round trip.
A minor point, but still one worth making: no breakout Asian football star
yet
Yes, there is the odd person with an Asian connection – only Michael Chopra
and Zesh Rehman come to mind; hardly household names. A big star might have
the same attention that lead to Irishmen in the '70s supporting Arsenal with
Jennings, Brady and O'Leary in the team.
After being born and bred here, I want for me and my family to be rooted and
invested in our local community (I'm a member of my local Wanstead Society).
Ive set up not just my home but also my new business in Wanstead - employing
local people - and supporting our local team is just an extension of that.
I just hope drawing attention to some of the factors above make people
understand it's more than a simple yes/no, like/dislike thing about Asians
going or wanting to go to watch football.
I understand the sentiment with those fed up at segmenting fans into
ethnicities and feel that on match day, we are all simply West Ham fans.
However, to those tired of such discussions, please bear with the others as
I think there is a genuine desire to try and understand why such a large
local demographic might not be engaged with West Ham and what can be done to
increase participation - especially when we might have another 20,000 seats
to fill in a few years.
Journalists who want to believe it's mainly because of some inherent racial
indifference from clubs may be missing the point. The truth is there are
quicker wins to be made from Sky and other corporates than the slow,
long-term recruitment of new fans with a much longer pay-off of return on
investment - and it's a lack of real insight into the underlying factors of
non-attendance of the Asian communities.
My apologies to have gone on so long - but I wanted this to be a considered
answer from a fan with an insight (though not the only one) into the Asian
community on football.
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Shooting the messenger
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 22nd January 2013
By: Paul Walker
So Big Sam has been 'done' by the FA for misconduct, isn't that a surprise?
And once again they have shot the messenger rather than tried to tackle the
real problem.
And that, as everyone knows, is that Manchester United and Fergie get the
best of debatable decisions at Old Trafford. Be it possible offside goals,
dodgy penalties or players who should be red carded and are not - and that's
just against us last week in the FA Cup replay - everything seems to go
their way.
It has been going on for years, and it's getting worse. And I have always
maintained, having spent 15 years of my working life attending matches at
Old Trafford, that there is an orchestrated intimidation at the place, with
that cunning old Scot pulling all the strings.
Now I don't believe that Sam suggested that referee Phil Dowd was biased.
Our manager was pointing out that the intimidating atmosphere at Old
Trafford makes it hard for officials to make calm, correct decisions. And
situations like last week happened regularly.
The place is a howling cauldron at times, and that has got worse as the
stadium has got bigger and Fergie has become virtually untouchable. He
doesn't care about fines and touchline bans, he's only bothered about doing
everything possible to keep Manchester United at the forefront of English
football.
And he is succeeding.
And while all this is going on, the softies from the FA are frightened to
death about taking on the biggest club in the land. They seem to do
everything they can NOT to haul Fergie up before the disciplinary committee.
While at the same time hitting everyone else with all sorts of dubious
charges.
Sam had seen two near identical penalty decisions go Man United's way.
Firstly Rafael handled twice in the box at one end and nothing was given,
while soon after Jordan Spence - trying to pull his hand away - was
penalised when a cross hit his hand.
Then there was that shocking late tackle by Paul Scholes on Matt Taylor. It
was high, late, studs up and into the ankle. It was by far the worst of
recent tackles of late that have seen other players sent off. But not
Scholes, just a booking, and Dowd even looked like he called him "Scholsey"!
What bit of 'tackle likely to cause harm to an opponent' did Dowd not
understand?
But then Scholes is the best midfielder of his generation. Well we keep
being told that, by the OT machine. I'd take Steven Gerrard and Frank
Lampard any day.
Sam was right. One penalty decision went in favour of Manchester United, and
the other went against the visiting team. Nobody was surprised, it goes on
all the time. Sam was not doubting Dowd's honesty, he was underlining how
tough it is to officiate at OT under such circumstances, people will make
mistakes under that sort of pressure.
Sam is a big mate of Fergie's and has spent much of his managerial and
playing career in the Manchester area. He would know only too well just how
orchestrated the intimidation of visiting teams and officials really is.
And, of course, Fergie gets away with transgressions almost on a weekly
basis without being taken to task by the weak, frightened men at the FA.
Three times now in a matter of weeks, Fergie has committed offences that
would see other managers charged. And his attack on linesman Simon Beck at
Spurs on Sunday, could well have backed the FA into a corner.
The most recent offence in my book saw Fergie not only complain that the
official 'gave us nothing all day' but he dragged up an incident of a couple
of seasons ago when the same official allowed a debatable offside goal for
Didier Drogba at OT that went a long way to seeing Chelsea take the title at
Man United's expense.
Firstly, I am amazed Fergie could remember specific linesmen like that. Even
Alan Curbishley on TV on Monday said as much. But that is Fergie, he
harbours grudges. And is not a man to cross ,as I have found to my cost, but
I'll come to that later.
Fergie, at the back of his mind, remembered the official. And then by
mentioning a past incident clearly implied that the man was biased against
Man United. It was a far worse offence than Sam's.
Fergie lives a charmed life on such occasions, and that's because I believe
the FA are well aware that careers can be severely damaged by taking on
Manchester United. I recall Alfi Haaland's career being ended by that
horrendous Roy Keane tackle back in 2001, because of something out of turn
the Norwegian had once said to the Man United hard man.
And then there was the career of referee Andy D'Urso, following his own
run-in with Keane. It has taken the Essex official a very long time to come
back from that one. I always felt that if D'Urso had stood his ground back
in 2000 and not back-pedalled like he did while being chased by Keane and
his gang, he would have done referees a real service.
If D'Urso had stood still and let players run into him or manhandle him,
even knocked him to the ground, the FA would have been able to make a real
stand against intimidation of referees, and maybe we wouldn't have the
nonsense that goes on now when they are slagged off routinely after every
match.
But now the FA have a problem. They have charged Sam, surely Fergie should
also be up for something even worse.
A few weeks back Ferguson attacked Swansea captain Ashley Williams after the
ball had been kicked back at Robin Van Persie's head. Now Fergie knew before
he went off on his rant claiming that Williams should be hammered by the FA
and how he could have killed the Dutchman, that nothing further could be
done because the referee that day had seen the incident, dealt with it and
booked Williams. But that didn't stop Ferguson's character assassination.
Then there was the infamous Newcastle match and his clash with Alan Pardew.
Whatever the merits of that match and the Mike Dean decision that annoyed
Ferguson, Man United and their manager went way over the top.
I will accept that Ferguson and Dean could have an animated man-to-man chat
as they walked off at the break down the touchline. But that should have
been it.
What happened then was way over the top. Ferguson was still berating the
officials as they walked back for the second half, and continued to hound a
linesman during the match from way outside his technical area.
That official was caught trying to do his job while distracted and fending
off Fergie's rant. That alone was worthy of a charge, as Pardew pointed out.
But nothing has happened.
That vast technical area at OT is Fergie's kingdom. It is full of ground
staff, TV men, juniors, various admin staff, players not involved in the
game, substitutes, and a whole army of technical people.
Just watch it next time. Mike Phelan stands leaning against the back wall,
various kitmen and medical staff all have an opinion and Fergie is the
puppet master. It all adds to intense pressure on the fourth official and
linesman, not to mention the referee.
Now the OT fans cannot hear what is being said, but they take their lead
from the antics of their manager, and that just cranks up the atmosphere
even further. I always thought that only one person can be standing in the
technical area at any one time, it's a pity that rule wasn't enforced
properly.
Referees must dread working there. They get abused and got at by all sorts
of Man U people, particularly in that walk back to the players' tunnel. And
have you ever noticed that the substitutes are always sent out to warm-up to
the right of the dug-out and behind the linesman, who gets an ear bashing
from them. I watched it for years and nobody ever stopped them. It's
organisation and manipulation on a grand scale.
So that's three incidents involving Fergie in a matter of weeks. I suppose I
can get away with saying such things now, I don't think Fergie can get me
anymore.
He banned me twice from his press conferences in my time working in
Manchester, not for anything I did, more what my London office - handily
placed I did mention out of the firing line - did. Once we carried a column
when it was suggested Fergie would be in charge of the club when he was 65.
Wouldn't happen, would it?
The column was amusing, but the art department came up with a cartoon
drawing of what Fergie might look like at 65. Red faced, boozers nose, all
spitting venom and ranting. Pretty accurate, I would say, in hindsight...
Fergie took the hump and banned me for six months.
Then there was the time I was asked to produce three big features telling
his life story one summer, but through the words of people who had worked
with him. Alex McLeish was one, Bryan Robson another. They were all gushing
about him.
So at his first pre-season press conference I walked happily in only to be
hit by a barrage of abuse and swearing. I was banned again for three months.
It seems my paper had omitted to tell me they wanted to used the features as
a 'spoiler' because the rights to Fergie's own autobiography had been sold
to one of our rivals.
So I know how much damage Fergie and Manchester United can do to individuals
who cross them. That's why there is such a grovelling group of bum-licking
journalists who now work in Manchester and fear for their every move.
Sadly the FA seem sometimes to also try not to cross the old fella, or his
club. It means that our manager gets charged with misconduct for telling the
truth and Fergie keeps getting away with murder.
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce frustrated by defender hunt
Last Updated: January 22, 2013 5:11pm
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce admits he is struggling to bring in the
defensive reinforcements he believes his side needs this month. Injuries to
a number of players mean the Hammers boss is on the lookout for new
defenders in January but he has been frustrated as moves for Dnipro's Samuel
Inkoom and Nancy defender Massadio Haidara failed to materialise. With his
quota of domestic loans taken up by strikers Marouane Chamakh and Andy
Carroll, Allardyce is looking abroad for potential recruits. "We're not
making as good progress as I would have liked," said Allardyce. "It has been
hugely frustrating. We've been trying in the whole of the window to try and
bring in a defender, but not been able to clinch a deal yet. "That is
probably because we have been looking for a short-term deal in loans, as in
terms of not permanent deals. I think at this stage of the window everybody
wants to, if they are going to release a player, let him go on a permanent
basis, not on a short-term loan basis. "I think that will probably change as
the window gets closer to closing and hopefully we will be more successful
in our plight to get a defender in at that stage."
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce will hold talks with Alou Diarra on his future
Last Updated: January 22, 2013 11:50am
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce plans to hold talks with Alou Diarra after the
midfielder indicated his unhappiness at the club in an interview. The
31-year-old, who has struggled with injury since arriving from Marseille in
the summer, has been quoted in L'Equipe, saying: "I have wasted my time".
And Allardyce has hinted he would prefer the France international to knuckle
down and try to win a regular starting spot in the team. "He is obviously
clear, without telling me, that he is not happy with the situation, which is
understandable," Alladyce said. "You get this all the time as a manager when
you bring a player of his experience and calibre over from France. "It
hasn't quite worked out and he feels a little disgruntled in terms of
playing more, this or that. "It is a fact of life, whereas I look at the
situation and play what I consider the best team and because of Alou's
long-standing injury he has found it hard to adjust to what is needed in the
Premier League. "If he is unhappy, he just has to tell me what he wants to
do and we'll see how we go from there. We'll have that discussion and we'll
make a decision after that on the future of Alou."
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The 'End Game' of the Diame Saga Approaches!
By S J Chandos About 2 hours ago 3 comments
West Ham Till I Die
Will Mo Diame leave the club this January? If the press are to be believed
it is largely a formality, with Arsenal due to swoop with a £3.5m bid after
our Wednesday evening match at the Emirates. Others have sought to spice
things up further by claiming that Arsenal could have late compeition from
Spurs and Newcastle Utd. The latest reports have Diame threatening to report
West Ham to FIFA if the club attempt to obstruct him talking to clubs that
offer the magic £3.5m 'trigger' fee. While in some quarters, it has been
reported that West Ham have set a Thursday deadline for Diame to accept the
alleged new contract offer of £60,000 a week!
It could all be speculation, who knows? What we do know is that Diame has
been offered an improved contract, which has not yet been accepted. If Diame
does leave, after just six months, it will be both a blow and a very great
pity for West Ham. Diame has been outstandng for us this season and has
provided a drive and energy that has transformed our midfield unit. It is an
axiom that if you aim to build a squad capable of challenging for honours
then you need to keep your best players and add quality to improve the mix.
However, if Diame wants to speak to other clubs then, in reality, there is
very little that we can do to prevent it. If Arsenal want Diame, they will
think nothing of offering £3.5m for a player whose real value is undoubtedly
much higher. All we can do is identify a suitable replacement. Although that
is likely to cost significantly more than £3.5m, unless there is another
release clause around that we can exploit or a Bosman deal available.
All we supporters can do is watch developments and hope that Mo Diame is
still a West Ham player come 1 February 2013. Losing him could have an
adverse impact upon our season. Unless Sam Allardyce can find a replacement
of similar quality? No doubt the midfield targets have been identfied and
the bids lined up. So, lets wait and see what transpires, one way or the
other?
Elsewhere, Sam Allardyce has voiced frustration at the difficulties
experienced in bringing in new defenders. The Olsson deal has seemingly
stalled and loan deals for various foreign targets have apparently been
unsuccessful. So, regardless of 'getting out of the blocks' quickly, in this
transfer window, it is still likely that some of our deals could still go to
the wire on deadline day. Did we really think that all the major business
would be done early and our club would have minimal involvement in the
transfer deadline day deals.
Oh well, who wants to be disinterested observers on transfer deadline day
anyway!
Finally, Sam Allardyce has claimed in reports, that beating Wenger's Arsenal
has always given him extra satisfaction. Well, lets hope that he is an
appropriately satisified manager at tomorrow evening's post-match press
conference! Arsenal are obviously the hot favourites at the Emirates, but
can we go there and get a draw? Not likely, but then we have had some
unlikely results at Highbury and the Emirates in the past. So, here's hoping
for the best!
SJ. Chandos.
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Diarra Discontent!
By S J Chandos
West Ham till I Die
There are reports in the press today that Alou Diarra has some pretty harsh
things to say about his situation at the club. He is quoted in the French
press as stating that he was misled in joining West Ham, there is litle
communication between him and the Manager and his time at the club has been
'a waste of time.'
In the interview, he admits that he is not unhappy financially at the club,
but he argues that he made the move to play and not enter semi-retirement.
There is talk of him being misled by promises made prior to signing for the
club, but the gist of his discontent seems to be that he is not an automatic
first team selection! Firstly, no one should be an automatic selection,
slection should be based upon the triple considerations of ftness, form and
tactical considerations. Regardless, how could he play, when he was out
injured for three months? Diarra only become available for selection in
December and he has played since his return. Diarra played very well in the
two FA Cup ties against Man Utd. Is not the best way forward is to knuckle
down and win a regular starting place on merit rather than some sort of
perceived entitlement! One understands that at 31 years of age, regular
football is a priority for Diarra, but surely he should give it the rest of
the season before seeking a move: especially as he was out injured for a
sustained period!
Sam Allardyce has since reponded at his pre-Arsenal match press conference
and it appears that there will be urgent talks with Diarra to try to resolve
the issue. Presumably, if those talks are not fruitful, then Diarra could
potentially leave in the January window. There has been reported interest,
from Spanish club Espanyol, in taking Diarra on loan. Could that prove to be
Diarra's route out of the club?
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Alou? Goodbye
Big Sam hits back
Published: 11 hrs ago
The Sun
SAM ALLARDYCE has told unhappy Alou Diarra: If you don't like it here, then
leave! Diarra last night launched an amazing attack on West Ham, accusing
the club of "lies" and claiming his move from Marseille had been a waste of
time. The France star signed a three-year deal in the summer but is already
desperate to quit the Hammers. Allardyce insists the first time he heard
about Diarra's personal hell was when he read about it in the papers this
morning. But the Upton Park boss said: "If he is unhappy, he just has to
tell me what he wants to do and we'll see how we go from there. "At the
moment, yes, he has contributed well but he's frustrated and he obviously
wants to play more. "We'll have those discussions and we'll make a decision
after that on the future of Alou."
Big Sam added: "He is obviously clear, without telling me, that he is not
happy with the situation, which is understandable. "You get this all the
time as a manager when you bring a player of his experience and calibre over
from France. "It hasn't quite worked out and he feels a little disgruntled
in terms of playing more, this or that. "It is a fact of life, whereas I
look at the situation and play what I consider the best team and because of
Alou's long-standing injury he has found it hard to adjust to what is needed
in the Premier League."
Diarra has just played twice in the Premier League since his switch from
France. And the midfielder had last night claimed he had been duped into
moving to East London. He added: "They sent an officer who landed at
Marseilles in a private jet and promised me the moon. The speech was
attractive. "It was England, London, West Ham, a popular club with a true
identity. It was an opportunity to settle in the Premier League. I did not
ask, I trusted. "After a few weeks, I realised that there were a lot of
lies. This agent has fooled me. Some people have made money on my back.
"Admittedly, I have three year contract but I'm not unhappy financially, but
I came to play, not to take an early retirement. "I am positively at
breaking point."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Trial run: Mohamed Diame can earn Arsenal move by helping West Ham beat them
The Mirror
22 Jan 2013 22:32
Richard Heathcote
West Ham's Mohamed Diame has got 90 minutes against Arsenal on Wednesday
night to earn himself a winter-window switch to the Gunners. Diame fears
Hammers are trying to block a dream move to the Emirates by playing
hardball, even though there's £3.5million buyout clause written into his
contract.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger confirmed his admiration for Diame in the
build-up to Wednesday's match, and the battle surrounding the Senegal
midfielder is likely to take centre stage as the two teams meet. Diame, 25,
has been offered a new contract by West Ham with better terms if he agrees
to drop the buy-out clause and they are desperately trying to stop him
leaving. But Diame is determined to go this month if a club meets the clause
- even if it turns ugly and he has to take legal advice. It leaves Diame
knowing the battle for his signature is hotting up as he prepares to face
one of the interested clubs. When asked about the player on Tuesday, Wenger
said: "He has a great presence in the games. I've seen him in games where
he's had a big impact, for example against Chelsea where he had a big impact
where he came on. "They have many players who can be dangerous, but he can
drive the midfield." Wenger refused to be drawn on the names of transfer
targets, but it is clear he rates Diame. No club has yet to match the
buy-out clause, but it is believed Arsenal have made enquiries even though
there are some concerns about whether Diame is the right. So Wednesday's
match will give him the perfect opportunity to prove himself. Wenger has
admitted that he need to strengthen his midfield and Diame fits the bill in
that regard. The Arsenal manager has claimed he would like to sign two
players in January, but fears the right ones might not be available.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are set to make a last-ditch push for Barcelona's
David Villa, who now appears to be their most likely striker target for the
winter window. Barca have insisted he is not for sale but Villa is believed
to want to leave this month in search of regular football after losing his
guaranteed first team place Wenger has a habit of leaving it late in
transfer windows and there is still a feeling Arsenal may yet be able to
persuade Barcelona to sell - especially as they have done a lot of business
with the Spanish giants, after selling them Cesc Fabregas and Alex Song.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam: It's no shock the Gunners are struggling
By VIKKI ORVICE
The Sun
SAM ALLARDYCE says Arsenal have landed themselves in trouble by flogging off
their best players. The West Ham boss takes his team to the Emirates tonight
aiming to win away to the Gunners for the first time in his managerial
career. He faces a side who have suffered back-to-back losses in the Premier
League with defeats to Manchester City and Chelsea. Arsenal — in sixth place
— are already 22 points behind table-topping Manchester United. But
Allardyce, who has drawn three and lost five of his eight trips to Arsenal
as a manager, believes the Gunners cannot be shocked after selling
top-scorer Robin van Persie to United in the summer. Stars like Cesc
Fabregas and Samir Nasri have also gone. And Big Sam said: "It's not
surprising because I don't know where you go and buy a player of Van
Persie's quality unless you're going to pay more than £24million. "Everybody
says it's great business in terms of his age but it's not really great
business for Arsene Wenger when he can't replace the goals that he's lost.
"When you sell your best players, which is not normally expected of Arsenal,
then it is difficult to replace them. "There is no doubt the players who
have come in are very good but are they better than the ones they have sold?
"It's a big ask, even for Arsene with his huge recruitment policy, to
replace those players immediately. "They have suffered with their level of
results. "The football is still very good but when you lose that many goals
— particularly from Van Persie — and miss more chances than they did before,
they won't get as good results. "I'm sure Arsene is frustrated because he's
been the best manager Arsenal have ever had. "When you build the club and
then cannot sustain that, it becomes very frustrating for any manager. "They
are still one of the top sides but they are just going through a period of
transition with the amount of players they have lost.
"They played Chelsea on Sunday and we played 24 hours earlier on Saturday,
which gives us a slight advantage physically because they've had less time
to recover. "We also hope the disappointment of their 2-1 defeat against
Chelsea means there might be a little lack of confidence. "If that's the
case then we might have a chance of getting a result. "If Arsenal are on top
form, then Arsenal will beat us, no matter how well we play." Allardyce has
never seen eye-to-eye with Wenger from the days he managed Bolton. The West
Ham chief said: "We had some tussles. Whenever we beat Arsenal, if we
weren't labelled 'long ball' then it would be 'physical'. "It was
frustrating but it used to make me really enjoy the fact we beat an Arsenal
side which included players like Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira. "It was
about finding a chink in their armour and exposing it. "When you do that to
top teams and beat them then their manager is not going to be very happy.
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Maiga fit to face Ghana
Ghanaweb.com
West Ham striker Modibo Maiga will feature for Mali in a Group B match
against Ghana Thursday after recovering from a thigh injury. Maiga missed
the opening group game against Niger, which Mali won 1-0 last weekend
through a late Seydou Keita goal. "Maiga is fully fit and will play against
Ghana. It's a big boost for us," team manager Amadou Cisse told AFP in this
Indian Ocean city. However, the Mali official said Lens midfielder Samba Sow
has not recovered from an illness that sidelined him for the Niger game.
Mali top the group with three points, ahead of Ghana and the Democratic
Republic of Congo, who have one point each after a thrilling 2-2 draw. Group
winners and runners-up qualify for the quarter-finals.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
EXCLUSIVE: Diame threatens to report West Ham over dirty tactics to avoid
release fee being activated
By SAMI MOKBEL
PUBLISHED: 22:55, 22 January 2013 | UPDATED: 02:22, 23 January 2013
Daily Mail
Mohamed Diame is threatening to report West Ham to FIFA over fears the club
are trying to renege on his £3.5million release clause. The tough-tackling
midfielder, who is interesting a number of Premier League sides, is free to
leave Upton Park if a club matches the stipulated fee. But Diame suspects
West Ham are ignoring the agreement as they continue with their attempts to
keep him at Upton Park. However, Sportsmail understands the midfielder is
willing to take heavy action against his employers if they do not abide by
the contractual agreement. Arsenal, Newcastle and Tottenham have all shown a
strong interest in the former Wigan man. But the Hammers are trying to sign
Diame to a new contract in an bid to get rid of the release clause. So far
the powerhouse midfielder is refusing to sign a new deal, knowing he is a
target for a number of bigger clubs. West Ham want any bid formalised and in
writing before allowing Diame to speak to prospective employers. However,
the 25-year-old believes his current employers are using unfair tactics to
spoil a potential move. The alarm bells started ringing for Diame last month
when the club announced he would miss three months with a hamstring injury
picked up in the defeat to Liverpool on December 9. However, just 24 hours
later Diame revealed he hoped to be fit for early January, significantly
less than three months. Had Diame missed three months, he would not have
been such an attractive signing given he would not be available until March.
Arsenal are understood to have lodged their interest in Diame with West Ham
officials. And Gunners manager Arsene Wenger will ran the rule over the
Senegal international in Wednesday's Premier League clash at the Emirates
Stadium. Speaking about Diame, Wenger said: 'He has a great presence in the
games, I have seen him have a big impact.'
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