Norwich City match preview
WHUFC.com
All the important pre-match information ahead of the game against Norwich
City
10.02.2014
WEST HAM UNITED v NORWICH CITY
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
TUESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2014
KICK-OFF: 7.45PM
REFEREE: MICHAEL OLIVER
FULL AUDIO AND TEXT COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV
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Introduction
• West Ham United return to the Boleyn Ground to face Norwich City in the
Barclays Premier League on Tuesday night having recorded back-to-back wins
for the first time since the Club was promoted back to the top- light in
2012.
• Consecutive 2-0 wins over Swansea City and Aston Villa have moved the
Hammers up to 15th place in the league, one position above the Canaries by
virtue of a superior goal difference.
• The win against the Villans means the Hammers are now three games without
defeat in the Premier League, with a 0-0 draw at Chelsea also contributing
to the run which has seen Sam Allardyce's side take seven points from a
possible nine.
• On Tuesday night the home side will be looking to record just their second
victory at the Boleyn Ground in 2014.
• Norwich City arrive in east London having drawn 0-0 with Manchester City
at Carrow Road at the weekend.
• The Canaries have gone three matches without a win in the Premier League,
their last success coming against Hull City in a 1-0 win on 18 January.
• Chris Hughton's side will be looking to win on their travels for the first
time in four matches since they overcame West Bromwich Albion in December
2013.
Team news
West Ham United
• Andy Carroll serves the second match of his three-game ban on Tuesday
night, following his red card versus Swansea City.
• Joey O'Brien is the Hammers' only long-term injury casualty with the
full-back having undergone an operation on the shoulder he dislocated
against Chelsea.
• Joe Cole (calf) and Mohamed Diame (gashed leg) missed the trip to
Birmingham but could be fit for the visit of Norwich.
Norwich City
• The Canaries are waiting on the fitness of Robert Snodgrass, after he
missed Saturday's game against Manchester City with a groin injury.
• Gary Hooper will be fit after picking up a kick to the foot in the same
game, but Jonas Gutierrez is out.
Last time out
Aston Villa 0-2 West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
8 February 2014
West Ham United: Adrian, McCartney, Collins, Tomkins, Demel, Noble, Nolan
(Nocerino 68), Taylor, Jarvis (Reid 74), Downing, C Cole (Borriello 45)
Subs not used: Jaaskelainen, Armero, Collison, Johnson
Goals: Nolan 46, 48
Norwich City 0-0 Manchester City
Barclays Premier League
8 February 2014
Norwich City: Ruddy, Martin, Olsson, Tettey, Yobo, Bassong. Redmond,
Johnson, Hooper (van Wolfswinkel 68), Fer, Pilkington (Whittaker 93)
Subs not used: Bunn, Hoolahan, Murphy, Becchio, Garrido
Previous meeting
West Ham United failed to take advantage of a dominant first half at Norwich
City as the Canaries recovered from a one-goal deficit to triumph 3-1. The
Hammers bossed proceedings and took the lead through Ravel Morrison. But
after handing Gary Hooper a gift-wrapped leveller from the spot after the
break, Norwich grew in strength and won the game with two goals inside the
final 18 minutes.
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Demel, Collins, Tomkins, Rat, Collison (C
Cole 74), Noble (Jarvis 87), Morrison, Nolan, J Cole (Diame 72), Downing
Subs not used: Adrian, McCartney, Maiga, O'Brien
Goal: Morrison 32
Norwich City: Ruddy, Martin, Olsson, Howson, Turner, R Bennett, Snodgrass,
Fer, Hooper (Johnson 87), Elmander, Pilkington (Redmond 33)
Subs not used: Whittaker, Bassong, Bunn, Becchio, Hoolahan
Goals: Hooper pen 54, Snodgrass 72, Fer 90
Last six meetings
(Premier League unless stated)
9 November 2013 - Norwich City 3-1 West Ham United
1 January 2013 - West Ham United 2-1 Norwich City
15 September 2012 - Norwich City 0-0 West Ham United
7 January 2006 - Norwich City 1-2 West Ham United (FA Cup)
8 January 2005 - West Ham United 1-0 Norwich City (FA Cup)
21 February 2004 - Norwich City 1-1 West Ham United (Division One)
Overall record v Norwich City (Premier League, Football League, FA Cup and
League Cup) W 18 D 15 L 16
Ten-year record
West Ham United
2012/13 Premier League 10th (46 points)
2011/12 Championship 3rd (86 points - promoted to Premier League via
Play-Offs)
2010/11 Premier League 20th (33 points)
2009/10 Premier League 17th (35 points)
2008/09 Premier League 9th (51 points)
2007/08 Premier League 10th (49 points)
2006/07 Premier League 15th (41 points)
2005/06 Premier League 9th (55 points)
2004/05 Championship 6th (73 points - promoted to Premier League via
Play-Offs)
2003/04 Championship 4th (74 points)
Norwich City
2012/13 Premier League 11th (44 points)
2011/12 Premier League 12th (47 points)
2010/11 Championship 2nd (84 points - promoted to Premier League)
2009/10 League One 1st (95 points - promoted to Championship)
2008/09 Championship 22nd (46 points - relegated to League One)
2007/08 Championship 17th (55 points)
2006/07 Championship 16th (57 points)
2005/06 Championship 9th (62 points)
2004/05 Premier League 19th (33 points - relegated to Championship)
2003/04 Championship 1st (94 points - promoted to Premier League)
Background
• West Ham United have met Norwich City on 73 occasions. The Hammers have
taken the spoils in 29 meetings whilst the Canaries have won 24 times with
20 games ending as draws.
• The first ever meeting between the two teams ended in a 1-0 Norwich win at
Newmarket Road on 7 October 1905 in the Southern League Division One.
• When West Ham first played host to Norwich at the Boleyn Ground on 10
February 1906 they ran riot putting six goals past their opponents whilst
conceding only once.
• The Hammers' most recent home encounter with Norwich City ended in a 2-1
Barclays Premier League win on 1 January 2013 courtesy of goals from Mark
Noble and Joey O'Brien.
Referee
• The referee for Tuesday's match is Michael Oliver.
• Oliver was introduced to refereeing by his father, Clive, at the age of
14. He quickly rose through the ranks and was promoted to the National List
of referees in 2007.
• In 2007 he became the youngest referee to officiate at Wembley Stadium
when he took charge of the 2007 Conference play-off final. He also went on
to become the youngest fourth official for a Barclays Premier League match.
• The Oliver family enjoyed a referring double in 2009 when his father took
charge of the 2009 League Two Play-Off final a day before he took charge of
the League One play-off final.
• In August 2010 he was promoted to the Select Group of referees and soon
became the youngest-ever Barclays Premier League referee when he took charge
of Birmingham City versus Blackburn Rovers on 21 August 2010.
• Oliver has taken charge of the Hammers on two occasions so far this
season, in a 3-1 defeat at the Boleyn Ground against Manchester City on 19
October and a 4-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on 7 December 2013.
General information
• The weather forecast for Tuesday night is dry with temperatures around 5C
(41F).
• Tickets are still available for the clash against the Canaries, and can be
purchased at www.whufcboxoffice.com
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Big Sam on: Norwich City
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce spoke to the media ahead of Tuesday's
game against Norwich
10.02.2014
Sam Allardyce says the Hammers will not be resting on their laurels as they
go for a third straight Barclays Premier League win on Tuesday night.
Saturday's triumph over Aston Villa gave them back-to-back top flight
successes for the first time since promotion in 2012 and the gaffer is
quickly eyeing another three-point haul when Norwich City visit the Boleyn
Ground.
How big is this game on Tuesday night?
SA: "Every game recently has been massive in terms of trying to get the team
in a better position in the league. I think that at the moment we're in a
fantastic vein of form and results, helped by the squad coming together more
and staying fit. We do still have a few injuries, but I'm glad to say that
Joe Cole and Mo Diame are back in the squad for Tuesday night's game. "That
increases the size of the squad, and Marco Borriello and Antonio Nocerino
have settled in great too. I think that we've got a good squad of players to
look at and give fierce competition. Good confidence is coming back to the
team and we're winning football matches which is the most important thing.
At this stage of the football season it's not how you win them, it's just
make sure you win them as best as you possibly can. If you can do that by
being brilliant on the ball and playing with a lot of flair, fine, but if
you can't you've got to dig in and hold the opposition up, because on some
occasions they're that much better than you and you have to choose the right
way forward for each game. "For Tuesday night against Norwich, we've just
got to maintain first and foremost our defensive stability and not get
carried away about opening ourselves up to Norwich thinking that we can go
and win this game without doing that defensive responsiblity, which has been
our backbone this season. If we do that then we'll have a great chance of
taking another three points."
Talking about that defensive stability, you've got more clean sheets than
anyone else in the Premier League. That's an amazing statistic...
SA: "Yes, and it's one that should have borne more fruit. But unfortunately
there's another reverse statistic in that we've played nine matches in which
we haven't scored a goal. Our goal record has been far too low this season
in terms of where we set our targets from. On the balance of clean sheets
and then goals scored, it's a huge difference and if we married that
difference up better we'd be in the top half of the table now, just by
scoring maybe three or four more goals at the right time. "We are scoring
goals at the moment, we're not going to keep clean sheets in every single
game, but certainly twelve clean sheets and nobody else bettering that at
the moment is a fantastic base to build from."
It's amazingly tight at the bottom of the table, if you win against Norwich
you could go up to tenth...
SA: "It's been like that nearly all season now. I think that certainly after
the first five or six games from the bottom to tenth has been the smallest
point margin than I've seen before. Generally at this stage of the season
it's normally getting down to about six or seven teams, maximum, fighting to
stay away from the bottom three. [This season] It can still be ten and I
think everybody's picking points up, everybody's picking points up against
teams that they're not expected to at times. Nobody expected us to get any
points at Chelsea with our 19th century football, but Norwich against
Manchester City did very similar at home, then Fulham did even more so
against Manchester United on Sunday to get a point. "You've got to make sure
that what's most important to you is to get the result no matter who you're
playing against and if you fall into the trap of trying to open up and play
against teams like that you'll fall foul to the opposition manager saying
'what a good game, and what a good team you are' but you've been beaten 3-0,
like Chelsea did to Newcastle on Saturday."
One of big plus points recently has been the form of Kevin Nolan and the way
he has bounced back from the red cards. He said that you had words with him
after those red cards and how it focused his mind and helped him to come
back. What did you have to say to him?
SA: "That's between me and Kevin, the conversations when you come into my
office are private and confidential between me and that person, and nobody
else. Those conversations only happen on rare occasions for me, when I feel
necessary to divulge as far as we divulged, knowing that your experience is
telling you to say something and find something out that could help the
player at that particular time. "I'm glad that Kevin is producing the goals
because my pressure was that people were saying that he should no longer be
captain, but my ultimate decision was that knowing how he works with the
players as he does, and knowing the respect he has from his fellow
professionals, that would have been the wrong thing to do."
Ravel Morrison wasn't in the squad at the weekend - there have been a few
rumours that he might be loaned to a Championship club. Is there any truth
in that?
SA: "At the moment Ravel's still complaining about the problem that's he had
from before Christmas, that he's got a rumbling groin problem. At the end of
the day he's going to have to decide whether he goes for the hernia
operation or not. The answer keeps being no, he doesn't need it, so what we
have to do is get him back training and get him back in the squad. "I
haven't heard any rumours any other way regarding Ravel, but he certainly
needs to get back training with the squad, and what he's got to realise is
that now everybody's fit there's severe competition here, especially with
the new players as well. That severe competition brings pressure on the
players that are playing in the first team, knowing that if they perform
poorly they could lose their place and that's certainly the case with the
size of the squad at the moment, which is good and healthy."
When you look back at the season, might you regard the Chelsea result, 19th
century football or not, as the catalyst you needed?
SA: "I felt it was a great result at the time, I felt it was a great
performance at the time, and yet again since then we've carried it on and
only time will tell. I thought the kicker for us this season would have been
when we won 3-0 at Tottenham. Because of the lack of front men available at
the time, we played without a striker, but we managed to win 3-0 and I
thought we'd go on from there, but unfortunately we didn't. The Chelsea
result has moved us forward in terms of having a couple of wins and now it's
a big challenge to maintain the level of performance and try to get another
win on Tuesday. If you're in and around the bottom three and you can get
three wins on the trot, it's some achievement with the pressure the players
are under. We've got a great chance to do that on Tuesday."
Do you think the fact you were upset by the Andy Carroll situation helped
galvanise the team?
SA: "It did on Saturday. Carlton and Marco played a dual role, in that they
had 45 minutes apiece, which is what I talked to them about before the game
and told them to go out and give us your best 45 minutes and help the team
try and win. Both made a contribution on Saturday and they have to continue
to do that. For me, what about this? Andy Carroll gets over his suspension,
West Ham haven't lost a game and won most of them, and Andy Carroll has to
sit on the bench. That would be nice."
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West Ham v Norwich
KO 19:45
10 February 2014
Last updated at 12:42
By John Roder
Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Tuesday, 11 February
TEAM NEWS
Norwich are awaiting news of whether Robert Snodgrass will be fit to play
after missing the match against Manchester City with a groin injury.
Gary Hooper has overcome a kick to the foot suffered in that match, but
Jonas Gutierrez is out.
West Ham will again be without the suspended Andy Carroll, who serves the
second of his three-match ban. Joe Cole and Mohamed Diame are available
after missing the win over Aston Villa through injury.
MATCH PREVIEW
This is a huge match for both these sides, as they look to move away from
the relegation zone. West Ham and Norwich both have 25 points, with the
Hammers in 15th - just above the Canaries on goal difference. West Ham,
thanks to Kevin Nolan, have won their last two matches, and the victory at
Aston Villa on Saturday took them out of the bottom five for the first time
since December. Nolan, with six goals, is their top scorer this season, and
with Carroll absent, the skipper will again shoulder much responsibility. "I
have talked a lot recently about the effect a change of manager has had at
clubs like Crystal Palace and Sunderland this season so I should say the
same about how the Hammers and Canaries have benefited from sticking with
theirs. "Everybody was talking about how close Sam Allardyce was to getting
the sack after West Ham's nightmare spell over Christmas and the New Year
but the Hammers' owners just brushed all that away and gave him some new
players instead."
The win at Villa Park was notable for another clean sheet. Despite their
league position West Ham have 12 clean sheets in their 25 Premier League
matches, the best record in the top division. However, when they go behind,
they lose. They've conceded the opening goal on eight occasions, and lost
all eight.
Norwich will be hoping that they can just score, and given the above
statistic, score first. A return of four goals in their last nine Premier
League matches is a worry, even though at the other end they have kept three
clean sheets in their last four.
If that suggests a goalless draw, think again. I was at Carrow Road for
Match of the Day back in November when Norwich beat West Ham 3-1. It was a
terrific performance from Norwich, who came into that match off the back of
a 7-0 thrashing at Manchester City. This weekend it was a much better
performance against the same opponents as they became only the fourth team
to stop City scoring in the league this season. I would guess both managers
would be using the word momentum in the build-up to Tuesday's encounter.
Victory for either could see the winners put a significant gap between
themselves and the bottom three, depending on other results. Defeat, coupled
with other scores going against them, may just leave the losers in the
relegation zone.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Both clubs have an identical record of six wins, seven draws and 12 defeats
from their 25 matches this season.
Norwich have only won on four of their 24 visits to Upton Park and their
last victory came back in 1987.
However, they have only lost one of their last nine league matches against
West Ham.
This is the 50th meeting between the sides. Norwich have won 16 times, West
Ham 18 and there have been 15 draws.
West Ham United
In their last 10 Premier League games at home, West Ham have either kept a
clean sheet (four times) or conceded exactly three goals (six times).
They have won back-to-back league games for the first time since April 2012.
Kevin Nolan has scored four goals in his last two games, having scored just
two in the previous 21. On Saturday, he became the first West Ham player to
score twice in a top-flight fixture at Aston Villa since Geoff Hurst in
1967.
West Ham have kept three consecutive Premier League clean sheets for the
first time since March 2009.
They have scored just three goals following a cross this season in the
league - less than any other team.
Norwich City
Norwich have now kept nine clean sheets in the Premier League this season,
the second best of sides in the bottom half behind West Ham.
They have won just one of their last 10 league matches, but have drawn five
of those.
Only Crystal Palace (18) have scored fewer goals than Norwich have this
season (19).
Chris Hughton has made 60 substitutions in league games this season but not
one of those changes has resulted in a goal or an assist.
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West Ham agree Upton Park sale deal with Galliard Group
BBC.co.uk
West Ham have agreed to sell Upton Park to London developer the Galliard
Group once they have completed their move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016.
The Hammers said they chose the group for its "close links to the
community". Vice-chairman Karren Brady said the deal demonstrated the club
had kept its promise to regenerate two areas of east London through its
stadium move. The developer plans to build new homes on the site as well as
retail and leisure facilities by 2018. It has also been in talks with the
family of former West Ham and England captain Bobby Moore about the
possibility of placing a landscaped garden named in his honour at the centre
of the site, as well as a statue of him. In a statement, Moore's daughter
Roberta Moore said: "I have always believed that there should be some form
of permanent West Ham United presence at the Boleyn Ground site after the
team leave and I'm really pleased that the centre point of the development
is planned to be named in honour of my father."
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Ravel Morrison: QPR want to sign West Ham midfielder on loan
BBC.co.uk
Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp says he is keen to sign West Ham
midfielder Ravel Morrison on loan. "I think he wants to come to us,"
Redknapp told Sky Sports after QPR lost 1-0 at Derby in the Championship on
Monday. "He is a great talent. He can open doors, make the difference. If
[West Ham boss] Sam Allardyce wants to loan him, we are here." Morrison, 21,
joined the Hammers from Manchester United in January 2012. Earlier on
Monday, Allardyce said Morrison needed to return to fitness before a
decision could be made on his future. "Ravel is still complaining about the
problem that's he had from before Christmas - that he's got a rumbling groin
problem," said the former Bolton and Newcastle manager. "He's going to have
to decide whether to go for the hernia operation or not. "The answer keeps
being no, he doesn't need it, so what we have to do is get him back training
and get him back in the squad. "What he's got to realise is that, now
everybody's fit, there's severe competition here, especially with the new
players as well. "That severe competition brings pressure on the players
that are playing in the first team, knowing that if they perform poorly they
could lose their place."
Morrison, who was linked with a move to Fulham in the January transfer
window, has struggled for first-team action in recent weeks, with his most
recent Premier League start coming against former club Manchester United on
21 December. Since then, Morrison has started the FA Cup and Capital One Cup
defeats by Nottingham Forest and Manchester City respectively, and came on
as a substitute in the league defeat by Newcastle.
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Boleyn Ground sold
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th February 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have announced the sale of the Boleyn Ground to a local
property group. The Club announced this morning that the team's home for the
last 109 years had been sold to the Loughton-based property developer
Galliard Group. "Following a competitive bidding process, West Ham United
selected Galliard Group as the purchaser for the site ahead of a number of
other national and international companies," a statement posted on whufc.com
this morning read. "The Club was impressed with Galliard Group's links to
the local community and their commitment to honouring the history of the
Hammers at the Boleyn Ground as part of their proposed development." The
club's CEO Karren Brady added: ""We opted to reach an agreement with
Galliard because they are a local London developer and employer with origins
in east London. "We know they are committed to working closely with the
local community and Newham Council on proposals to transform the site into a
residential and retail village, which will benefit the local community and
east London's regional economy.
"In addition, and most importantly for us, we can see that Galliard are
passionate about working with West Ham United to engage their supporters to
help deliver a fitting legacy that will honour the tradition of the famous
ground. "We are confident that West Ham United fans will be excited about
their vision and the way they plan to respect more than 100 years of West
Ham history at Upton Park."
KUMB.com understands that West Ham turned down more lucrative bids in order
to go with the Essex-based Galliard Group, who will turn the site into a
predominantly residential area - dispelling myths that the ground would be
replaced by a supermarket or place of worship. In addition to the homes, the
Group - who were heavily involved with the Emirates Stadium - are planning
to preserve the Club's memorial garden, currently situated on Green Street,
whilst a lasting legacy to Bobby Moore and other heroes of the past is
planned for the centre of the new development.
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West Ham's Kevin Nolan upset with FA treatment of Andy Carroll
Last Updated: 10/02/14 8:02am
SSN
West Ham captain Kevin Nolan has criticised the Football Association for its
stance over Andy Carroll's controversial red card against Swansea. Carroll
was sent off after being deemed to have struck Chico Flores with his forearm
and the Hammers took the matter to an independent tribunal on Friday after
their appeal was turned down. But their hopes justice would be served were
again rejected, meaning Carroll has to serve his three-match ban, which
began with their 2-0 win over Aston Villa over the weekend. That still
rankles with Nolan, who scored both goals at Villa Park, and he believes the
FA was wrong not to overturn the original decision made by referee Howard
Webb. "We have nothing against the FA, they've just got to get it right,"
said Nolan, who admitted the injustice the Hammers are feeling fuelled their
performance on Saturday. "When people get things wrong, we expect them to
hold up their hands and say, 'yeah, I got it wrong' and move on, like we all
have to do. "We were disappointed with the outcome. We thought it was an
injustice. I felt really sorry for Andy." "We have to hold our hands up as
footballers when we get it wrong and take the stick that comes with it. I
think they had a chance to redeem themselves and they haven't taken it. "We
were disappointed with the outcome. We thought it was an injustice. Andy is
also frustrated, he's a good mate of mine and I felt really sorry for him.
"We've got to forget about Andy for the next couple of weeks now. He has to
work hard and get himself ready because if we keep winning games it's going
to be hard for him to get back into the team."
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James Tomkins says West Ham are in determined mood
Last Updated: 10/02/14 10:47pm
SSN
James Tomkins insists West Ham cannot relax, despite moving out of the
relegation zone over the weekend. The Hammers claimed a 2-0 triumph over
Aston Villa, which boosted their survival hopes. But Tomkins admits that
they are not thinking they are safe just yet. "It is certainly not the time
to sit back," he told the Newham Recorder. "We need to carry on from the win
against West Ham because we all know if you lose a couple of games, you are
dragged right into the trouble again. "We are hoping to keep this run going
and Norwich is a winnable game, no disrespect to them, but it is a game we
can win. "The lads are so confident at the minute. We won our last home game
and don't forget about the Chelsea game which was massive as well, and then
beating Villa, so we are confident going into Tuesday, but we will need our
whole squad because there are likely to be some tired legs after the Villa
match."
Their win over Villa was West Ham's first back to back win in the Premier
League since they returned to the top-flight. "The manager always made a
point of telling us when we had won a game about the importance of back to
back wins, but this time he kept it a bit more low key, so perhaps that was
the difference," he said. "It is something to be proud of from Saturday, but
it is just a case of trying to keep it going now. That is two, but can we
make it three?"
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce calls for reform at the FA
Last Updated: 10/02/14 4:11pm
SSN
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has called for the Football
Association to change the disciplinary process, which he claims is flawed.
He is still furious that Andy Carroll is having to serve a three-match ban
after receiving a red card in the 2-0 Premier League home win over Swansea
on 1 February. An independent tribunal upheld the FA's decision to reject
the Hammers' appeal against Carroll's sanction after he had tangled with
Chico Flores. Carroll sat out the win at Aston Villa on Saturday and
Allardyce will again be without the totemic striker for the midweek game
against Norwich City. Allardyce told Sky Sports News: "I'm upset about the
injustice after, as well as the original decision. I think we've been dealt
a total injustice in the game of football. "We've done all we possibly could
to avert that injustice but we have to accept it unfortunately. My only hope
is that the referees' system becomes better because that is obviously flawed
in this situation. "I think that the disciplinary hearing can be looked at
and become better after that injustice. Of course after we went to the FA
and the tribunal scenario, I don't know the outcome of that because I wasn't
involved. "Hopefully if I am, maybe they will help to get a better system in
place because things like that decision should not happen in the
professional game as they happen for me."
West Ham have climbed to 15th in the league on the back of a seven-point
haul from the last three games and Allardyce is happy to be able to bolster
his squad for Norwich on Tuesday. "First and foremost, we have to maintain
our defensive stability and if we do that, we'll have a great chance of
gaining another three points," he added. "I'm pleased to report that Mo
Diame and Joe Cole are back in the squad for this one too. We're in a rich
vein of form at the minute which has been helped by players coming back into
the squad. "Every game recently has been massive in terms of trying to get
the team in a better position in the league."
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West Ham agree deal to sell Boleyn Ground to London developer Galliard Group
Last Updated: 10/02/14 6:00pm
SSN
West Ham have agreed a deal to sell their current ground at Upton Park to
London developer Galliard Group, once they have completed their move to the
Olympic Stadium in 2016. Galliard Group were selected as the purchaser for
the site ahead of a number of other national and international companies.
They impressed the club with their links to the local community and their
commitment to honouring the history of the Hammers at the Boleyn Ground -
their home since 1904 - as part of the proposed development. Galliard's
proposals aim to provide new homes and retail and leisure facilities,
complete with underground parking. They also plan to undertake discussions
with the family of Bobby Moore regarding the proposed development of a
central landscaped garden, which would be named the Bobby Moore Memorial
Garden. Fans and local residents are also set to be invited to enter a poll
to name each building after a legendary player or an historic event at the
club. West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady told the club's official website:
"We opted to reach an agreement with Galliard because they are a local
London developer and employer with origins in east London. Galliard are
passionate about working with West Ham United to engage supporters to help
deliver a fitting legacy that will honour the tradition of the famous
ground." "We know they are committed to working closely with the local
community and Newham Council on proposals to transform the site into a
residential and retail village, which will benefit the local community and
east London's regional economy. "The deal demonstrates that we have been
true to our word by securing the regeneration of two areas of east London
through our move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016. "In addition, and most
importantly for us, we can see that Galliard are passionate about working
with West Ham United to engage supporters to help deliver a fitting legacy
that will honour the tradition of the famous ground. "We are confident that
West Ham United fans will be excited about their vision and the way they
plan to respect more than 100 years of West Ham history at Upton Park."
There are also plans for a statue of Moore and further artwork to
commemorate the history of West Ham. Moore's daughter Roberta Moore said: "I
have always believed that there should be some form of permanent West Ham
United presence at the Boleyn Ground site after the team leave and I'm
really pleased that the centre point of the development is planned to be
named in honour of my father. "Hopefully the new sculptures and buildings
being proposed will also help ensure that a lasting legacy to the Club, my
father and his team-mates is left at Upton Park."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ravel Morrison QPR loan link played down by Sam Allardyce
Last Updated: 10/02/14 3:01pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has played down reports linking Hammers
midfielder Ravel Morrison with a loan move to QPR. Rangers are said to be
interested in bringing Morrison to Loftus Road on a temporary basis but
Allardyce is just concentrating on getting the 21-year-old back to full
fitness. Morrison has been struggling with a groin complaint since December
and has only been on the fringes of the Hammers' first team in recent weeks
after making an impressive start to the season. "At the moment, Rav is still
complaining about the problem that he had before Christmas to say he has got
these rumbling groin problems," said Allardyce. "At the end of the day, he
is going to have to decide if he goes for the hernia operation or not, and
the answer keeps being no - he doesn't need it. "What we have got to do is
get him back training and back in the squad. I haven't heard any rumours any
other way in terms of what is happening with Rav."
With captain Kevin Nolan scoring four goals in his last two games, coupled
with the loan signing of Italy international Antonio Nocerino, Allardyce
conceded former Manchester United youngster Morrison faces a battle to get
back into the first-team picture. "He certainly needs to get back and train
with the squad," he added. "He has to realise now everybody is fit there is
severe competition here, especially with the new players as well. "That
severe competition brings pressure on the players that are playing in the
first team, knowing that if they perform poorly they could lose their place,
which is certainly the case at the moment with the size of the squad - which
is good and healthy."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
BOLEYN GROUND SOLD
By Sean Whetstone 10 Feb 2014 at 12:23
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham United have confirmed that Essex based developer Galliard Group has
reached an agreement to purchase the Boleyn Ground Football Stadium once the
Club completes its move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016. Galliard homes have
their head quarters in Loughton, Essex.
The club said in an official statement "Following a competitive bidding
process, West Ham United selected Galliard Group as the purchaser for the
site ahead of a number of other national and international companies. The
Club was impressed with Galliard Group's links to the local community and
their commitment to honouring the history of the Hammers at the Boleyn
Ground as part of their proposed development." The full statement can be
found HERE
Under proposals being considered, fans and local residents would be invited
to enter a poll to name each building after a legendary player or an
historic event at the Club. Galliard's proposals seek to provide new homes
with ground floor retail and leisure facilities, complete with underground
parking. Galliard also plan to undertake discussions with the family of
Bobby Moore regarding the proposed development of a central landscaped
garden, which would be named the Bobby Moore Memorial Garden, providing a f
tribute to the legacy of West ham. Galliard have commissioned world-renowned
sculptress, Frances Siegelman, to create a statue of Bobby Moore and other
artwork celebrating the heritage of West Ham, which would be located in the
gardens and grounds of the new village. Under the plans, the current West
Ham memorial garden by the front entrance to the grounds would also be
retained, protected and incorporated into the new development.
The rumour that a supermarket and affordable residential flats were planned
appears unfounded. In the May 2012 West Ham accounts the value of Boleyn
ground is listed at just over £71m but this is not it's true value, this is
just the value of the replacement cost as a football stadium or the possible
value if there was a market for 35,000 seat football stadiums which there is
not. The true re-sale value depends on planning permission from Newham
council but we know the council are keen to regenerate the area in a similar
way that happened around canning town. Some valuations range from £25m to
£45m but it will depend on market conditions and what planning permission
will be granted for the land.
Arsenal converted its former stadium Highbury into 711 flats and raised
£157m from property sales but a development in East London is unlikely to
get anywhere near that.
According to property valuation site Zoopla the average property price in
E13 is £236,301 while the average property price in N5 is £778,862.
It is not known whether West ham have sold the land outright or whether the
price will be set once planning permission has been granted in a risk and
reward type contract.
Another option could be a joint venture were we provide the land for the
developer to build on which we then receive an agreed percentage of the
profits.
The club plan to use the proceeds of the the Sale of the Boleyn Ground to
pay the £15m contribution for the Olympic Stadium conversion with any excess
used to pay for stadium migration costs and paying down the debt.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Frustrated West Ham boss Sam Allardyce to let Ravel Morrison go on loan to
the Championship
Feb 10, 2014 22:30 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce has waved Ravel Morrison off to the Championship, suggesting
the midfielder lacks the heart for West Ham's relegation fight. Morrison,
20, is set to join either QPR, Leicester or Derby on loan on Tuesday after
all three clubs made approaches to the Hammers. The England Under-21 star -
currently battling a niggling groin problem - had been tipped to gatecrash
Roy Hodgson's England squad for the World Cup earlier this season. But he
has been left on the bench by Big Sam in recent weeks with his last
appearance coming in the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City on January 21. Now
Allardyce has claimed many other players would have pushed themselves
through the pain barrier that he sees Morrison as being unable to go
through. Allardyce said: "At the moment Rav is still complaining about the
problem that he has before - these rumbling groin problems. "He has to
realise now everybody is fit there is severe competition here.
"Lots and lots of players throughout the country will be playing with a
similar type of injury with the medical team saying: 'You can carry on, it's
not a problem.'"
Pushed on the playmaker, Big Sam let slip that Morrison had already left and
would not be in the squad for Tuesday night's game against Norwich. He said:
"Stop talking about Ravel. He's not fit. He's not here in the squad."
Meanwhile Allardyce has shown solidarity with Norwich counterpart Chris
Hughton after Canaries supremo David McNally claimed: "I would prefer death
rather than relegation." Big Sam said: "If he thinks it's hard on him he
should sit in our chairs. His position is far more amenable than ours. We're
the ones that get sacked, not them. I can understand what he is saying, but
it's much worse than us. "None of us want relegation on our CV.
Responsibility has to be accepted by everyone."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Joe Cole and Mohamed Diame back in West Ham squad for tomorrow's trip to
Norwich
Feb 10, 2014 14:19 By Simon Austin
The Mirror
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce welcomes Joe Cole and Mohamed Diame back into
his squad to face Norwich at Upton Park. Cole returns is from a groin
problem with Diame (knee) also back in contention, although Joey O'Brien
(shoulder) and Ravel Morrison (groin) are absent. The Hammers will again be
without the suspended Andy Carroll though, as the striker still has two
matches remaining on his ban. They were unsuccessful in their appeal against
his red card against Swansea. His absence means Carlton Cole and Marco
Borriello are both pushing for starts. West Ham are looking for their fourth
clean sheet on the bounce.
Provisional squad: Adrian, Jaaskelainen, Demel, Tomkins, McCartney, Collins,
Johnson, Reid, Armero, Noble, Nocerino, Diame, Taylor, Nolan, J Cole,
Downing, Jarvis, Borriello, Vaz Te, C Cole.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kevin Nolan as much of a threat as Andy Carroll for West Ham, says Norwich
boss Chris Hughton
Feb 10, 2014 16:24 By Simon Austin
The Mirror
Norwich manager Chris Hughton thinks West Ham captain Kevin Nolan could pose
as much of a threat as Andy Carroll when the two relegation battlers meet at
Upton Park on Tuesday. The Hammers are without Carroll, who is serving the
second of a three-game ban. But Nolan has scored four goals in his last two
games to pull his side up to 15th in the table. "What West Ham have shown is
that when they have looked for a goalscorer or a bit of inspiration, then
Kevin Nolan has come up trumps," said Hughton, whose team are only two
points above the relegation zone. "That is the type of individual he is.
West Ham are in good form at the moment and are a very competitive side and
can get the ball quickly."
Hughton's side will have taken heart from their 0-0 draw against Manchester
City at Carrow Road on Saturday. "We are in a better place after the Man
City game," admitted Hughton, whose position has been under scrutiny
following just one win from 10 league matches. "That is a result of not only
a sprinted and resolute performance, but also that we finished the match
strongly. "West Ham is a big game because it is against one of the teams who
are around us, and we are conscious about that. "We have to show the
qualities and spirits which we showed against Man City." Hughton, 55, had
two seasons as a player at West Ham when he left Tottenham in 1990.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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Tuesday, February 11
Monday, February 10
Daily WHUFC News - Boleyn Ground
West Ham United statement
WHUFC.com
West Ham United agree the sale of the Boleyn Ground to local developer
Galliard Group
10.02.2014
West Ham United can confirm that Award-Winning local London developer
Galliard Group has reached an agreement to purchase the Boleyn Ground
Football Stadium once the Club completes its move to the Olympic Stadium in
2016. Following a competitive bidding process, West Ham United selected
Galliard Group as the purchaser for the site ahead of a number of other
national and international companies. The Club was impressed with Galliard
Group's links to the local community and their commitment to honouring the
history of the Hammers at the Boleyn Ground as part of their proposed
development.
West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "We opted to reach an
agreement with Galliard because they are a local London developer and
employer with origins in east London. We know they are committed to working
closely with the local community and Newham Council on proposals to
transform the site into a residential and retail village, which will benefit
the local community and east London's regional economy. The deal
demonstrates that we have been true to our word by securing the regeneration
of two areas of east London through our move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016.
"In addition, and most importantly for us, we can see that Galliard are
passionate about working with West Ham United to engage their supporters to
help deliver a fitting legacy that will honour the tradition of the famous
ground. We are confident that West Ham United fans will be excited about
their vision and the way they plan to respect more than 100 years of West
Ham history at Upton Park."
Stephen Conway, Chairman and Chief Executive of Galliard Group, said:
"Galliard is one of London's most successful regeneration specialists and
has a proven track record in stadium land regeneration. Working closely with
West Ham and Newham Council, Galliard now plan to undertake extensive
consultation with local residents and businesses and the West Ham United
Supporter Advisory Board in order to create a future for the site, which is
respectful of the cultural and economic diversity of the local area."
Galliard Group is committed to an open and wide ranging consultation on its
plans for the iconic site, including full engagement with Newham Council, as
the relevant planning authority, as well as with local residents and
businesses. Sir Robin Wales, Mayor of Newham, said: "We have always
maintained that West Ham United's relocation to Stratford had the potential
to deliver an Olympic Legacy beyond Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park as a key
part of the comprehensive regeneration of Green Street and Upton Park. The
prospect of much needed homes, jobs and community spaces for this area is an
exciting one."
Galliard's proposals seek to provide new homes and both complementary and
innovative ground floor retail and leisure facilities, complete with
underground parking. Galliard also plan to undertake discussions with the
family of Bobby Moore regarding the proposed development of a beautiful
central landscaped garden, which would be named the Bobby Moore Memorial
Garden, providing a fitting tribute to the legacy of West Ham United at the
iconic site. Under proposals also being considered, fans and local residents
would be invited to enter a poll to name each building after a legendary
player or an historic event at the Club.
In addition, Galliard have commissioned world-renowned sculptress, Frances
Siegelman, to create a statue of Bobby Moore and other artwork celebrating
the heritage of the Football Club, which would be located in the gardens and
grounds of the new village. Under the plans, the current West Ham memorial
garden by the front entrance to the grounds would also be retained,
protected and incorporated into the new development.
Bobby Moore's daughter, Roberta Moore, is pleased that there will be a
lasting tribute to West Ham United on Green Street. She said: "I have always
believed that there should be some form of permanent West Ham United
presence at the Boleyn Ground site after the team leave and I'm really
pleased that the centre point of the development is planned to be named in
honour of my father. Hopefully the new sculptures and buildings being
proposed will also help ensure that a lasting legacy to the Club, my father
and his team-mates is left at Upton Park."
The new village, which will have a construction programme of some 30 months,
has an anticipated completion date of late 2018.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Roberta Moore hails Boleyn plans
WHUFC.com
Plans to protect West Ham United's legacy have been praised by the daughter
of Bobby Moore
10.02.2014
Roberta Moore, daughter of West Ham United and England's legendary captain,
Bobby, is pleased to see that the Club's presence at the Boleyn Ground is
being protected as part of the new development.
Galliard Group have plans to name the central area of the development after
Roberta's father and the site will have new sculptures and works of art
dedicated to West Ham's most famous players and games. "The move away from
the Boleyn Ground is always going to be a sensitive and emotive topic for
West Ham United and its fans and it is one with which I empathise and
totally understand," Roberta said. "That's why I was pleased to learn about
Galliard Homes' plans to recognise the Club's contribution to the history of
Upton Park. "I have always believed that there should be some form of
permanent West Ham United presence at the Boleyn Ground site after the team
leave and I'm really pleased that they plan to name the centre point of the
development in honour of my father."
Galliard Group's plans would see a central open space named 'The Bobby Moore
Memorial Gardens' become the focal point of the development. Roberta hopes
that it will serve as a permanent reminder of the Hammers' time at the
Boleyn Ground. "I would love to see the Bobby Moore Memorial Gardens become
a place that Hammers fans can visit to share their memories of watching the
team at the Boleyn Ground. "Hopefully the new sculptures and buildings being
proposed will also help ensure that a lasting legacy to the Club, my father
and his team-mates are left at the site."
Development on the new site will begin after West Ham United have made the
short trip to make the Olympic Stadium its new home in 2016. While Roberta
admits it will be an emotional time for everyone connected with the Club,
she is looking forward to what the move can do for West Ham. "The Upton Park
area will always have a special place in West Ham United fans' hearts but
time moves on and I am excited about the move to West Ham's new home in
2016. I know my father would have been very proud about calling such a venue
as the Olympic Stadium West Ham United's home."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Boleyn Ground Q+A
WHUFC.com
Your questions answered about the sale of the Boleyn Ground to local
developer Galliard Group
10.02.2014
Why did West Ham United choose to partner with Galliard Group?
Galliard Group is a local company that understands and respects the Club's
history and tradition. There were better offers on the table from more
aggressive developers but these were rejected as the Club wanted to leave
the right legacy for fans and the local community. Galliard Group has proven
sports ground regeneration skills, having delivered a substantial part of
the residential housing at the new Emirates Stadium development. They are
also committed to servicing the needs of the local community and they plan
to liaise closely with West Ham and the London Borough of Newham to
undertake community and stakeholder consultation with fans, local residents
and local business. The London Borough of Newham have previously identified
the need for more homes, jobs and community spaces in that local area .
During the construction period, the new development will create hundreds of
jobs on site, with additional employment created in any on-site commercial
facilities agreed after consultation, which will mean that the new future
for the site will play a huge part in the regeneration of the Upton Park
area. The London Borough of Newham have previously expressed a desire for
more high-quality housing in the local area and Galliard's proposal matches
that criteria.
What will be at the site to commemorate West Ham's history?
We were impressed with Galliard Group's commitment to honouring the legacy
of West Ham United at the site. They have plans to name the key buildings at
the new site after West Ham United legends, decided through polls and
competitions with fans and the local community.
Subject to approval and consultation, they also plan to name the central
area of the development after West Ham legend Bobby Moore and will be
looking to create sculptures and works of art to remember famous players and
moments from West Ham's history. These will all be created in conjunction
with the players' families and fans.
What will happen to the remembrance garden?
One of the most important aspects for West Ham in the negotiations with
potential partners was the plans for the Memorial Gardens. We are pleased
that Galliard Group plan to leave the Memorial Garden as it is so relatives
and friends of loved ones can continue to come and pay their respects at the
site.
Will the commemorative bricks be coming?
Yes. All of the names and messages on the commemorative bricks currently in
place at the Boleyn Ground will be transferred to the Olympic Stadium. The
Club also have plans to offer fans the chance to place new bricks at West
Ham's new home
What else will be coming with West Ham to the Olympic Stadium?
The Club are in discussions with the Supporter Advisory Board about what
they want the Club to take to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Those
discussions are ongoing but the key parts of the Club's history are likely
to travel alongside items like the commemorative plaques for Club legends
and the West Ham Pals Battalion from the First World War.
Will local residents and traders be consulted?
Yes, Galliard Group are renowned for their consultation with local
residents. They pride themselves on their engagement with the local
community and will hold regular meetings and distribute a regular newsletter
to local residents and businesses
What if I'm interested in buying one of the properties?
No properties will be released for sale until consultation is undertaken and
planning is provided for properties to be built on the site. Only once this
is done will Galliard Group look at selling properties on the site. Galliard
Group are signatories to the House Builders Federation pledge that all of
their London properties are offered for sale to Londoners/UK buyers first,
before being marketed/sold overseas.
If you have any further questions that are not covered here, please email
yourosquestions@westhamunited.co.uk and we will endeavour to answer as many
as we can via whufc.com
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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WHUFC.com
West Ham United agree the sale of the Boleyn Ground to local developer
Galliard Group
10.02.2014
West Ham United can confirm that Award-Winning local London developer
Galliard Group has reached an agreement to purchase the Boleyn Ground
Football Stadium once the Club completes its move to the Olympic Stadium in
2016. Following a competitive bidding process, West Ham United selected
Galliard Group as the purchaser for the site ahead of a number of other
national and international companies. The Club was impressed with Galliard
Group's links to the local community and their commitment to honouring the
history of the Hammers at the Boleyn Ground as part of their proposed
development.
West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "We opted to reach an
agreement with Galliard because they are a local London developer and
employer with origins in east London. We know they are committed to working
closely with the local community and Newham Council on proposals to
transform the site into a residential and retail village, which will benefit
the local community and east London's regional economy. The deal
demonstrates that we have been true to our word by securing the regeneration
of two areas of east London through our move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016.
"In addition, and most importantly for us, we can see that Galliard are
passionate about working with West Ham United to engage their supporters to
help deliver a fitting legacy that will honour the tradition of the famous
ground. We are confident that West Ham United fans will be excited about
their vision and the way they plan to respect more than 100 years of West
Ham history at Upton Park."
Stephen Conway, Chairman and Chief Executive of Galliard Group, said:
"Galliard is one of London's most successful regeneration specialists and
has a proven track record in stadium land regeneration. Working closely with
West Ham and Newham Council, Galliard now plan to undertake extensive
consultation with local residents and businesses and the West Ham United
Supporter Advisory Board in order to create a future for the site, which is
respectful of the cultural and economic diversity of the local area."
Galliard Group is committed to an open and wide ranging consultation on its
plans for the iconic site, including full engagement with Newham Council, as
the relevant planning authority, as well as with local residents and
businesses. Sir Robin Wales, Mayor of Newham, said: "We have always
maintained that West Ham United's relocation to Stratford had the potential
to deliver an Olympic Legacy beyond Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park as a key
part of the comprehensive regeneration of Green Street and Upton Park. The
prospect of much needed homes, jobs and community spaces for this area is an
exciting one."
Galliard's proposals seek to provide new homes and both complementary and
innovative ground floor retail and leisure facilities, complete with
underground parking. Galliard also plan to undertake discussions with the
family of Bobby Moore regarding the proposed development of a beautiful
central landscaped garden, which would be named the Bobby Moore Memorial
Garden, providing a fitting tribute to the legacy of West Ham United at the
iconic site. Under proposals also being considered, fans and local residents
would be invited to enter a poll to name each building after a legendary
player or an historic event at the Club.
In addition, Galliard have commissioned world-renowned sculptress, Frances
Siegelman, to create a statue of Bobby Moore and other artwork celebrating
the heritage of the Football Club, which would be located in the gardens and
grounds of the new village. Under the plans, the current West Ham memorial
garden by the front entrance to the grounds would also be retained,
protected and incorporated into the new development.
Bobby Moore's daughter, Roberta Moore, is pleased that there will be a
lasting tribute to West Ham United on Green Street. She said: "I have always
believed that there should be some form of permanent West Ham United
presence at the Boleyn Ground site after the team leave and I'm really
pleased that the centre point of the development is planned to be named in
honour of my father. Hopefully the new sculptures and buildings being
proposed will also help ensure that a lasting legacy to the Club, my father
and his team-mates is left at Upton Park."
The new village, which will have a construction programme of some 30 months,
has an anticipated completion date of late 2018.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Roberta Moore hails Boleyn plans
WHUFC.com
Plans to protect West Ham United's legacy have been praised by the daughter
of Bobby Moore
10.02.2014
Roberta Moore, daughter of West Ham United and England's legendary captain,
Bobby, is pleased to see that the Club's presence at the Boleyn Ground is
being protected as part of the new development.
Galliard Group have plans to name the central area of the development after
Roberta's father and the site will have new sculptures and works of art
dedicated to West Ham's most famous players and games. "The move away from
the Boleyn Ground is always going to be a sensitive and emotive topic for
West Ham United and its fans and it is one with which I empathise and
totally understand," Roberta said. "That's why I was pleased to learn about
Galliard Homes' plans to recognise the Club's contribution to the history of
Upton Park. "I have always believed that there should be some form of
permanent West Ham United presence at the Boleyn Ground site after the team
leave and I'm really pleased that they plan to name the centre point of the
development in honour of my father."
Galliard Group's plans would see a central open space named 'The Bobby Moore
Memorial Gardens' become the focal point of the development. Roberta hopes
that it will serve as a permanent reminder of the Hammers' time at the
Boleyn Ground. "I would love to see the Bobby Moore Memorial Gardens become
a place that Hammers fans can visit to share their memories of watching the
team at the Boleyn Ground. "Hopefully the new sculptures and buildings being
proposed will also help ensure that a lasting legacy to the Club, my father
and his team-mates are left at the site."
Development on the new site will begin after West Ham United have made the
short trip to make the Olympic Stadium its new home in 2016. While Roberta
admits it will be an emotional time for everyone connected with the Club,
she is looking forward to what the move can do for West Ham. "The Upton Park
area will always have a special place in West Ham United fans' hearts but
time moves on and I am excited about the move to West Ham's new home in
2016. I know my father would have been very proud about calling such a venue
as the Olympic Stadium West Ham United's home."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Boleyn Ground Q+A
WHUFC.com
Your questions answered about the sale of the Boleyn Ground to local
developer Galliard Group
10.02.2014
Why did West Ham United choose to partner with Galliard Group?
Galliard Group is a local company that understands and respects the Club's
history and tradition. There were better offers on the table from more
aggressive developers but these were rejected as the Club wanted to leave
the right legacy for fans and the local community. Galliard Group has proven
sports ground regeneration skills, having delivered a substantial part of
the residential housing at the new Emirates Stadium development. They are
also committed to servicing the needs of the local community and they plan
to liaise closely with West Ham and the London Borough of Newham to
undertake community and stakeholder consultation with fans, local residents
and local business. The London Borough of Newham have previously identified
the need for more homes, jobs and community spaces in that local area .
During the construction period, the new development will create hundreds of
jobs on site, with additional employment created in any on-site commercial
facilities agreed after consultation, which will mean that the new future
for the site will play a huge part in the regeneration of the Upton Park
area. The London Borough of Newham have previously expressed a desire for
more high-quality housing in the local area and Galliard's proposal matches
that criteria.
What will be at the site to commemorate West Ham's history?
We were impressed with Galliard Group's commitment to honouring the legacy
of West Ham United at the site. They have plans to name the key buildings at
the new site after West Ham United legends, decided through polls and
competitions with fans and the local community.
Subject to approval and consultation, they also plan to name the central
area of the development after West Ham legend Bobby Moore and will be
looking to create sculptures and works of art to remember famous players and
moments from West Ham's history. These will all be created in conjunction
with the players' families and fans.
What will happen to the remembrance garden?
One of the most important aspects for West Ham in the negotiations with
potential partners was the plans for the Memorial Gardens. We are pleased
that Galliard Group plan to leave the Memorial Garden as it is so relatives
and friends of loved ones can continue to come and pay their respects at the
site.
Will the commemorative bricks be coming?
Yes. All of the names and messages on the commemorative bricks currently in
place at the Boleyn Ground will be transferred to the Olympic Stadium. The
Club also have plans to offer fans the chance to place new bricks at West
Ham's new home
What else will be coming with West Ham to the Olympic Stadium?
The Club are in discussions with the Supporter Advisory Board about what
they want the Club to take to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Those
discussions are ongoing but the key parts of the Club's history are likely
to travel alongside items like the commemorative plaques for Club legends
and the West Ham Pals Battalion from the First World War.
Will local residents and traders be consulted?
Yes, Galliard Group are renowned for their consultation with local
residents. They pride themselves on their engagement with the local
community and will hold regular meetings and distribute a regular newsletter
to local residents and businesses
What if I'm interested in buying one of the properties?
No properties will be released for sale until consultation is undertaken and
planning is provided for properties to be built on the site. Only once this
is done will Galliard Group look at selling properties on the site. Galliard
Group are signatories to the House Builders Federation pledge that all of
their London properties are offered for sale to Londoners/UK buyers first,
before being marketed/sold overseas.
If you have any further questions that are not covered here, please email
yourosquestions@westhamunited.co.uk and we will endeavour to answer as many
as we can via whufc.com
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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Daily WHUFC News - 10th February 2014
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RAVEL MORRISON CLOSE TO WEST HAM LOAN EXIT?
By Iain Dale 9 Feb 2014 at 17:56
West Ham Till I Die
I understand that Ravel Morrison is very likely to join a championship club
on loan for the rest of the season in the coming week. The promising
midfielder, who turned twenty-one this week, was missing from the squad this
weekend prompting speculation as to his whereabouts.
The loan window for the Football League clubs re-opened on 8th February. You
can be sure Harry Redknapp and QPR will be at the front of the queue to take
the youngster's services on loan along with a number of other top
championship clubs chasing Premier League promotion.
I wonder whether that will be the last we see of Ravel Morrison in a West
ham shirt or whether he will return in the summer. My instinct is that we
may have seen the last of him, which is a great pity. No one can say the
club haven't made every effort to tame him, but sometimes you just have to
cut your losses – or probable profits in this case.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Match-winner Kevin Nolan pleased to repay West Ham after 'stupid' red cards
Evening Standard
Published: 09 February 2014 Updated: 17:17, 09 February 2014
Kevin Nolan feels he has finally started to make amends to West Ham
following his recent red-card shame. After Nolan was sent off for the second
time in four matches for recklessly lashing out at Fulham's Fernando
Amorebieta in a 2-1 defeat on New Year's Day, furious boss Sam Allardyce
threatened to strip the 30-year-old of the captaincy. As well as serving a
four-match ban, in addition to the three that followed his dismissal for a
lunge at Jordan Henderson in a 4-1 humbling at Anfield on December 7, it is
understood Allardyce fined the midfielder a fortnight's wages, understood to
be £100,000. Whatever words were exchanged between Nolan and Allardyce after
the game at Craven Cottage, the latter must have been suitably placated as
he has continued as skipper, reverting from hot head to captain fantastic
again. After his match-winning brace defeated Swansea last weekend, Nolan
repeated the feat in a 2-0 win at Aston Villa on Saturday, bagging his
double in the first three minutes of the second half, to banish lingering
memories of his two moments of madness. "I've worked with the gaffer since I
was 17 years old and I can't thank him enough for everything he's done for
me, especially over the last month when it's been really tough," Nolan told
the club's official website. "I really knew when that happened on New Year's
Day that the lads and the gaffer had my back, and I was overwhelmed by it.
"The last couple of weeks, with the goals, that's my little way of trying to
give a bit back for the support they've given me. "If I can keep chipping
away and get a few more goals then hopefully that'll be a little way of
paying back the stupidity that I suffered over the last month."
Back-to-back wins have enabled the Hammers to climb out of the bottom three
of the Barclays Premier League ahead of another crunch relegation clash at
home to Norwich on Tuesday. Appreciating the importance of the latest
success as West Ham fight for top-flight survival, Nolan added: "The most
important goals for me are the ones that win you games. "I'm just delighted
I've been able to get a couple which have got us on the road to three points
with another fantastic clean sheet. "I have had chances over the season, but
it just hasn't been falling right for me but now I feel confident and I'm
really looking forward to games. "The camaraderie that's been shown over the
season to be able to stay in there has been brilliant. On Saturday again
you've seen the togetherness and everything we're about. "It's not over yet,
we know it's going to be a big battle to the end of the season, but it's one
we're all looking forward to."
There was a minor scare when Nolan limped off with a groin problem in the
68th minute, but he has insisted he will be "fine" to tackle the Canaries.
With Nolan back in form, his presence is vital as West Ham attempt to
further prove they can live without striker Andy Carroll. The England
forward will serve the second of a three-match ban after the Hammers twice
failed to overturn the red card he received in the game with Swansea. As
Allardyce noted, the brace from Nolan "showed we don't have to have an Andy
Carroll to score goals".
With a platform beneath them courtesy of the wins, Allardyce knows now is
the time to continue building. "It's back-to-back wins for us, which at this
stage of the season has taken a lot of pressure off us," said Allardyce. "We
got another clean sheet - 12 now for the season - and things are looking a
lot better with 10 points from the last five games. "Now we have to try and
improve, to make sure we finish with more points than games played. "We've
played 25 games with 25 points, so let's try and better that total on
Tuesday when we play Norwich."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham fighting relegation AND injustice claims Kevin Nolan after his
goals beat Aston Villa
Feb 09, 2014 22:30 By James Nursey
The Mirror
Kevin Nolan reckons West Ham's burning sense of "injustice" at Andy
Carroll's ban is galvanising their survival bid. Skipper Nolan, 31, was
again the hero with two more goals as the Londoners beat Aston Villa 2-0 to
make it back-to-back victories. The midfielder also scored twice in the
Hammers' win over Swansea last week, a match marred by Carroll's straight
red by referee Howard Webb for his infamous tangle with Chico Flores. West
Ham's legal bid to get the FA to take the case to arbitration failed as well
as their appeal, and Carroll will also miss Tuesday's home game with Norwich
and the visit of Southampton on February 22. But fired-up Nolan delivered in
the striker's absence at Villa Park with a quick-fire brace after the break.
Nolan, who expects to be fit to face the Canaries despite being subbed 20
minutes from time with a groin twinge, said: "We thought it was an injustice
and we were disappointed with the outcome. We have nothing against the FA.
They've just got to get it right. "When people get things wrong, we expect
them to hold up their hands and say, 'Yeah, I got it wrong' and move on.
Like we all have to do. "They had a chance to redeem themselves and they
haven't. Andy's frustrated because he feels it's an injustice and I felt
really sorry for him. But it was a case of sticking together. It's something
we have been doing all season long. We knew, as a group, that we were going
to get a bit of flak. "There's a togetherness in this team which is making
it much easier to keep clean sheets and win games. We have got to forget
about Andy for the next couple of weeks now. He has to work hard and get
himself ready because, if we keep winning games, it's going to be hard for
him to get back into the team."
Nolan struck after the restart with two clinical finishes in three minutes
for manager Sam Allardyce. But Villa rallied, hitting the woodwork twice,
and the visitors had to be resolute at the back to secure victory with their
latest shut-out. Nolan, who has six goals this term, added: "To have 12
clean sheets just shows that it's been goals we have been missing this
season. Now I've started to chip in with a couple. It's easy saying, 'Oh, he
gets 10 or 12 a season'. My goals that matter to me are the ones that ensure
we have got a point or three from matches. "I'm just crossing fingers we
don't get any more injuries or suspensions because I'm confident we can
start pushing on and getting back to where we feel we belong, in and about
that top 10."
Villa were poor as Paul Lambert's side badly missed injured centre-back and
skipper Ron Vlaar, who may return at Cardiff on Tuesday. But they were
boosted by the lively display of winger Marc Albrighton who came off the
bench to provide some quality crosses and also hit the post. Ex-England
Under-21 ace Albrighton, 24, is set to be out of contract and Lambert said:
"He was excellent. He was the bonus. He put some terrific balls into the box
and was unlucky not to score. "When he is like that, and in that type of
form, then he is certainly a good player. I thought he gave us a lift, he
took the game by the scruff of the neck."
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RAVEL MORRISON CLOSE TO WEST HAM LOAN EXIT?
By Iain Dale 9 Feb 2014 at 17:56
West Ham Till I Die
I understand that Ravel Morrison is very likely to join a championship club
on loan for the rest of the season in the coming week. The promising
midfielder, who turned twenty-one this week, was missing from the squad this
weekend prompting speculation as to his whereabouts.
The loan window for the Football League clubs re-opened on 8th February. You
can be sure Harry Redknapp and QPR will be at the front of the queue to take
the youngster's services on loan along with a number of other top
championship clubs chasing Premier League promotion.
I wonder whether that will be the last we see of Ravel Morrison in a West
ham shirt or whether he will return in the summer. My instinct is that we
may have seen the last of him, which is a great pity. No one can say the
club haven't made every effort to tame him, but sometimes you just have to
cut your losses – or probable profits in this case.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Match-winner Kevin Nolan pleased to repay West Ham after 'stupid' red cards
Evening Standard
Published: 09 February 2014 Updated: 17:17, 09 February 2014
Kevin Nolan feels he has finally started to make amends to West Ham
following his recent red-card shame. After Nolan was sent off for the second
time in four matches for recklessly lashing out at Fulham's Fernando
Amorebieta in a 2-1 defeat on New Year's Day, furious boss Sam Allardyce
threatened to strip the 30-year-old of the captaincy. As well as serving a
four-match ban, in addition to the three that followed his dismissal for a
lunge at Jordan Henderson in a 4-1 humbling at Anfield on December 7, it is
understood Allardyce fined the midfielder a fortnight's wages, understood to
be £100,000. Whatever words were exchanged between Nolan and Allardyce after
the game at Craven Cottage, the latter must have been suitably placated as
he has continued as skipper, reverting from hot head to captain fantastic
again. After his match-winning brace defeated Swansea last weekend, Nolan
repeated the feat in a 2-0 win at Aston Villa on Saturday, bagging his
double in the first three minutes of the second half, to banish lingering
memories of his two moments of madness. "I've worked with the gaffer since I
was 17 years old and I can't thank him enough for everything he's done for
me, especially over the last month when it's been really tough," Nolan told
the club's official website. "I really knew when that happened on New Year's
Day that the lads and the gaffer had my back, and I was overwhelmed by it.
"The last couple of weeks, with the goals, that's my little way of trying to
give a bit back for the support they've given me. "If I can keep chipping
away and get a few more goals then hopefully that'll be a little way of
paying back the stupidity that I suffered over the last month."
Back-to-back wins have enabled the Hammers to climb out of the bottom three
of the Barclays Premier League ahead of another crunch relegation clash at
home to Norwich on Tuesday. Appreciating the importance of the latest
success as West Ham fight for top-flight survival, Nolan added: "The most
important goals for me are the ones that win you games. "I'm just delighted
I've been able to get a couple which have got us on the road to three points
with another fantastic clean sheet. "I have had chances over the season, but
it just hasn't been falling right for me but now I feel confident and I'm
really looking forward to games. "The camaraderie that's been shown over the
season to be able to stay in there has been brilliant. On Saturday again
you've seen the togetherness and everything we're about. "It's not over yet,
we know it's going to be a big battle to the end of the season, but it's one
we're all looking forward to."
There was a minor scare when Nolan limped off with a groin problem in the
68th minute, but he has insisted he will be "fine" to tackle the Canaries.
With Nolan back in form, his presence is vital as West Ham attempt to
further prove they can live without striker Andy Carroll. The England
forward will serve the second of a three-match ban after the Hammers twice
failed to overturn the red card he received in the game with Swansea. As
Allardyce noted, the brace from Nolan "showed we don't have to have an Andy
Carroll to score goals".
With a platform beneath them courtesy of the wins, Allardyce knows now is
the time to continue building. "It's back-to-back wins for us, which at this
stage of the season has taken a lot of pressure off us," said Allardyce. "We
got another clean sheet - 12 now for the season - and things are looking a
lot better with 10 points from the last five games. "Now we have to try and
improve, to make sure we finish with more points than games played. "We've
played 25 games with 25 points, so let's try and better that total on
Tuesday when we play Norwich."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham fighting relegation AND injustice claims Kevin Nolan after his
goals beat Aston Villa
Feb 09, 2014 22:30 By James Nursey
The Mirror
Kevin Nolan reckons West Ham's burning sense of "injustice" at Andy
Carroll's ban is galvanising their survival bid. Skipper Nolan, 31, was
again the hero with two more goals as the Londoners beat Aston Villa 2-0 to
make it back-to-back victories. The midfielder also scored twice in the
Hammers' win over Swansea last week, a match marred by Carroll's straight
red by referee Howard Webb for his infamous tangle with Chico Flores. West
Ham's legal bid to get the FA to take the case to arbitration failed as well
as their appeal, and Carroll will also miss Tuesday's home game with Norwich
and the visit of Southampton on February 22. But fired-up Nolan delivered in
the striker's absence at Villa Park with a quick-fire brace after the break.
Nolan, who expects to be fit to face the Canaries despite being subbed 20
minutes from time with a groin twinge, said: "We thought it was an injustice
and we were disappointed with the outcome. We have nothing against the FA.
They've just got to get it right. "When people get things wrong, we expect
them to hold up their hands and say, 'Yeah, I got it wrong' and move on.
Like we all have to do. "They had a chance to redeem themselves and they
haven't. Andy's frustrated because he feels it's an injustice and I felt
really sorry for him. But it was a case of sticking together. It's something
we have been doing all season long. We knew, as a group, that we were going
to get a bit of flak. "There's a togetherness in this team which is making
it much easier to keep clean sheets and win games. We have got to forget
about Andy for the next couple of weeks now. He has to work hard and get
himself ready because, if we keep winning games, it's going to be hard for
him to get back into the team."
Nolan struck after the restart with two clinical finishes in three minutes
for manager Sam Allardyce. But Villa rallied, hitting the woodwork twice,
and the visitors had to be resolute at the back to secure victory with their
latest shut-out. Nolan, who has six goals this term, added: "To have 12
clean sheets just shows that it's been goals we have been missing this
season. Now I've started to chip in with a couple. It's easy saying, 'Oh, he
gets 10 or 12 a season'. My goals that matter to me are the ones that ensure
we have got a point or three from matches. "I'm just crossing fingers we
don't get any more injuries or suspensions because I'm confident we can
start pushing on and getting back to where we feel we belong, in and about
that top 10."
Villa were poor as Paul Lambert's side badly missed injured centre-back and
skipper Ron Vlaar, who may return at Cardiff on Tuesday. But they were
boosted by the lively display of winger Marc Albrighton who came off the
bench to provide some quality crosses and also hit the post. Ex-England
Under-21 ace Albrighton, 24, is set to be out of contract and Lambert said:
"He was excellent. He was the bonus. He put some terrific balls into the box
and was unlucky not to score. "When he is like that, and in that type of
form, then he is certainly a good player. I thought he gave us a lift, he
took the game by the scruff of the neck."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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Sunday, February 9
Daily WHUFC News - 9th February 2014
Quickfire Nolan double downs Villa
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan scored twice as the Hammers defeated Aston Villa 2-0 on Saturday
08.02.2014
Aston Villa 0-2 West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United moved out of the Barclays Premier League bottom three as two
goals inside the opening 177 seconds of the second half sent them to victory
at Aston Villa on Saturday. After notching twice in last week's victory over
Swansea City, captain Kevin Nolan was at it again with another brace in
double-quick time. He notched his first just 18 seconds into the second
period, then profited from a Fabian Delph error to make it two just a couple
of minutes later. A 12th clean sheet - the most in the top flight this
season - meant Villa could not find a way back despite building up the
pressure towards the end of the game.
Adrian was rarely called into action, although the woodwork did save the
visitors twice en route to a precious three points. Missing Andy Carroll
after an Independent Tribunal upheld his three-match ban following the No9's
dismissal against Swansea last week, Carlton Cole was given the nod up front
by manager Sam Allardyce. The blustery conditions did not make things easy
for either side with neither able to build up a head of steam in the early
exchanges.
With 14 minutes on the clock former Villa man Stewart Downing looked to
silence the home boo-boys as he cut inside from the right and went for goal,
but fired over the top. Villa's first real opportunity arrived six minutes
later when they broke from a Hammers corner and Andreas Weimann looked to
feed Gabby Agbonlahor, but his touch was heavy and the ball run away for a
goal kick. The Hammers then produced a spell of pressure, with Matt Jarvis
twice racing clear down the left, only to be denied by last ditch tackles
from Ciaran Clark and Nathan Baker. Downing also wasted a great chance when
Jarvis picked him out with a low ball across the box, but Ryan Bertrand
applied enough pressure to ensure the winger could not make contact. West
Ham were looking the more likely scorers, but Ashley Westwood slammed a
volley wide on 42 minutes after Leandro Bacuna's cross fell invitingly for
him. The scoresheet remained blank as the half-time whistle blew, but it
would not stay that way for long as the Hammers made a whirlwind start to
the second period.
Marco Borriello was introduced from the bench, and just 18 seconds after the
restart the Hammers were celebrating the opening goal. After establishing
possession high up the pitch from kick-off, Downing laid square for Nolan,
whose clever flick deflected off a defender and left Brad Guzan helpless. It
got even better for the away side just two minutes later when Delph was
guilty of dwelling on possession for too long on the edge of the box, and
Nolan pounced to rob him and slot past the exposed Guzan. Villa responded by
introducing Marc Albrighton from the bench on 56 minutes and he had an
instant impact, clipping a ball into the box which only just evaded
Benteke's run. The wideman was a whisker away from reducing the arrears
himself midway through the half when his thunderbolt from range thudded
against the post and hit Adrian's back before flying wide. Villa hit the
woodwork for a second time five minutes later when Albrighton crossed for
Benteke, whose looping header had Adrian scrambling across his goal and
struck the top of the bar. The home side were knocking at the door but were
unable to break through a Hammers defence which by now included three centre
halves with Winston Reid making an appearance from the bench, Benteke tried
his luck with an acrobatic overhead kick which whistled over the crossbar as
time ticked down and the Hammers stood firm to record a vital three points
and make it back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time since
promotion in 2012.
Aston Villa: Guzan; Lowton (Albrighton 56), Baker, Clark, Bertrand (Bennett
73); Bacuna, Westwood, Delph; Weimann (Holt 71), Benteke, Agbonlahor
Subs: Steer, El Ahmadi, Helenius, Sylla
West Ham United: Adrian; Demel, Collins, Tomkins, McCartney; Nolan (Nocerino
68), Noble, Taylor; Downing, C.Cole (Borriello 46), Jarvis (Reid 74)
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Armero, Collison, Johnson
Goals: Nolan 46, Nolan 49
Booked: Collins, Taylor
Referee: Mike Dean
Attendance: 36,261 (3,030 away)
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Adrian aims to keep it clean
WHUFC.com
Goalkeeper Adrian is not resting after keeping his fourth clean sheet in
five Barclays Premier League matches
08.02.2014
Adrian is in the mood for more clean sheets and more victories after
Saturday's 2-0 Barclays Premier League win at Aston Villa. The West Ham
United goalkeeper was in unbeatable form for the third away game in
succession as the Hammers made it four clean sheets in five matches. While
his defenders ensured he faced just one shot on target - after allowing none
against Swansea the previous weekend - Adrian was in commanding form
whenever called into action. The two times he was beaten, the woodwork came
to the Spaniard's deserved rescue from Marc Albrighton and Christian
Benteke, while Kevin Nolan's two smartly-taken second-half goals ensured
back to back Barclays Premier League wins for the first time in nearly three
years. "It's unbelievable!" said the No13, who is fast becoming a cult hero
among the Claret and Blue Army. "It's another three points and another clean
sheet. That's three away matches with a clean sheet now and that's the way
we have to go forward. "It was very important to win again and for us to
keep another clean sheet."
After a busy night at Chelsea, where West Ham drew 0-0 despite the Blues
unleashing an amazing 39 shots - eight on target - Adrian was protected well
by his outfield colleagues for the second away match in succession. "For me,
this is perfect! As a goalkeeper, you rely on the other players for help and
at Villa I didn't have to make too many saves. It's important because the
team defends very, very well. "The whole team is defending well. Every
player is doing his job and this is important. If you have a good defence,
then you can have chances to win the game, and we're doing that."
For Adrian, his patience has been rewarded. After waiting for his chance as
Jussi Jaaskelainen started the season in impressive form, the 27-year-old
has come into the side and made a starting place his own with a succession
of assured performances. "I am really happy. Every time I play and finish
the match, I hear my name being sung by the supporters, which is
unbelievable. "I've only been here for six months, so for this to happen and
for the West Ham fans to do this is spectacular. For me, the fans have been
amazing."
Now, Adrian is targeting a fifth clean sheet in six matches and another
important Barclays Premier League victory when Norwich City visit the Boleyn
Ground on Tuesday evening. Although he already knows no match in this
division will be easy, the former Real Betis Balompie favourite is adamant
West Ham can go into the game with confidence after picking up ten points
from a possible 15. "I am only thinking about the next match in my head. We
have another big game on Tuesday because now we have got out of the bottom
three and the West Ham fans are happy at the moment. "We have to keep them
happy by winning again."
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Big Sam hails match-winner Nolan
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce hailed Kevin Nolan after Saturday's 2-0 Barclays Premier
League win at Aston Villa
08.02.2014
Sam Allardyce hailed match-winner Kevin Nolan after West Ham United
continued their fine run with a 2-0 win at Aston Villa. After dominating a
goalless opening half, Nolan scored twice in the space of four minute at the
start of the second period to fire the Hammers to their first back-to-back
wins since their return to the Barclays Premier League. With the team
defending superbly throughout, the manager was also able to celebrate a
record-setting 12th clean sheet in 25 league games, and seventh in 13 on the
road. The victory lifted West Ham out of the relegation zone and, with
Norwich City to visit the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday evening, Big Sam is now
targeting three in a row. "It was absolutely brilliant from the players," he
confirmed. "Our first-half performance gave us a huge amount of
encouragement with the way that we started the game and the way we continued
to break down Aston Villa's defence. "The disappointing thing, which I said
to the players at half-time, was 'You can't keep going like this without
scoring, otherwise you might pay a heavy penalty. For all the good work you
have done, you haven't put the ball in the back of the net so make sure, if
you do get a chance, put it in the back of the net'. "On their first-half
performance, I think Villa were there for the taking and Kevin Nolan put it
away in the first few minutes of the second half with two superbly-taken
goals.
"I think the arrival of the two Italians helped. If you get the right
service to Marco Borriello, I think we've got a talented player on our
hands. Carlton Cole did a really good job and was constantly fouled by Aston
Villa's centre-halves, but didn't get a lot of protection from the referee.
He caused lots of problems.
"Our wide men got in behind Villa's defence on a consistent basis and it was
just the goals that were missing, then Kevin came up with the goods. That's
four goals in two games and that's pretty sweet for him and us all. "We got
another clean sheet, which was great for the defensive back line that coped
with all the long balls Villa pumped down the middle in the second half. We
defended superbly well."
The manager said Nolan yet again illustrated his talent for coolly finishing
chances when other players might panic and miss. The captain's first goal
was a neat flick from Stewart Downing's low cross just 18 seconds after the
break. The second, three minutes later, saw Nolan rob Fabian Delph before
rolling the ball past goalkeeper Brad Guzan. "He passes the ball into the
net. He is composed and is not up tight. I thought Matt Taylor was going to
get a third too, but his shot was cleared off the line at the far post.
"Kevin's ultimate strength has always been in the opposition penalty area.
He is a top-class Premier League player, always has been, and he has proved
that again."
While Nolan will take the headlines, West Ham as a whole showed they could
win without the suspended Andy Carroll. The striker started a three-match
ban following his controversial sending-off against Swansea City, but his
absence was not felt thanks to the form of Cole and strong debutant
Borriello in attack. "Kevin has scored without Andy, as well!" enthused the
manager. "I think we put in eleven or 12 crosses and on at least three
occasions, we had a player running at their goal to try and score. Even
without Andy we were a threat. "When Villa came on strong in the second half
and threw caution to the wind, we went five at the back. They put Grant Holt
on and we put Winston Reid on so we could handle all their big aerial power,
and we defended the last 20 or 25 minutes or so of all their long balls
pumped into the penalty area. "It was a thoroughly professional performance
in the last 25 minutes and a very good performance in the first 50."
For the manager, a run of ten points out of 15, three straight clean sheets
on the road and back to back league victories were all rewards for the
patience he has shown during an injury-ravaged season. "People kept saying
we weren't doing this and that and I kept telling them why and now I have
proved that I was right - that once the team came back from injuries, they
would get better in terms of performances and results. "Ten points out of
the last five games is a pretty good spell at the moment and Tuesday is on
its way against Norwich at home, and can we continue it as long as we can?
"While we are out of the bottom three, we are not satisfied because we have
only got 25 points from 25 games and we need more points than games on the
board as quick as we can."
Finally, when asked for his highlight of a memorable day at a stormy Villa
Park, the manager pinpointed the performance of his in-form skipper. "Kevin
has scored two critical goals at a period of time when we had similar
chances in the first half but missed them all. When we needed him most, he's
put the game to bed for us and that tops the lot for me. "The rest of the
lads did well and he did the hardest bit, the bit he is paid for, and he's
done his captain's bit too, to get us a very precious three points."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nolan thrilled to repay Hammers
WHUFC.com
West Ham skipper Kevin Nolan was delighted to help the team secure another
three points on Saturday
09.02.2014
Back-to-back Barclays Premier League wins and back-to-back two-goal hauls
gave West Ham United skipper Kevin Nolan double the reason for celebration
at Aston Villa on Saturday. His quickfire brace, scored within the opening
three minutes of the second period at Villa Park, secured the first
consecutive top flight league wins for the Hammers since March 2011 and
hauled them out of the bottom three. It also gave the No4 the opportunity to
repay the faith shown in him after a difficult winter, which has seen him
sent off on two occasions, and he was delighted with the positive impact he
made. He explained: "It's the first time we've got back to back wins since
we've been back in the Premier League and we're delighed because it's been a
tough old season with all the injuries and suspensions. You're seeing now
what we're all about. "When we've got everyone fit and when we've got
everyone playing we're going to get results everywhere. I think this is the
start of a good run between now and the end of the season and if I can keep
chipping away and get a few more goals then hopefully that'll be a little
way of paying back the stupidity that I suffered over the last month. "I'm
feeling really good. Eamon Swift [fitness coach] worked tirelessly with me
and Monte [Mathew Monte-Colombo, strength & conditioning coach] in the gym
too. I worked my socks off because I wanted to show that when I got back in
the team I was bang at it. I knew that I could give the team goals once I
was back in it. "I've worked with the gaffer since I was 17 years old and I
can't thank him enough for everything he's done for me, especially over the
last month when it's been really tough. "I really knew when that happened on
New Year's Day that the lads and the gaffer had my back and I was
overwhelmed by it. "The last couple of weeks, with the goals, that's my
little way of trying to give a bit back for the support they've given me."
Another clean sheet - the Hammers' twelfth of the campaign - meant Villa
could not find a route back into the contest once Nolan had given them a
mountain to climb and once more he had praise for the defensive effort. He
said: "It was a great start to the second half and it gives you something to
hang on to. We've been good away from home this season and with the clean
sheets it just needed someone to put the ball in the back of the net. "I
have had chances over the season, but it just hasn't been falling right for
me but now I feel confident and I'm really looking forward to games. "The
camaraderie that's been shown over the season to be able to stay in there
has been brilliant. On Saturday again you've seen the togetherness and
everything we're about. "It's not over yet, we know it's going to be a big
battle to the end of the season but it's one we're all looking forward to."
Nolan has a habit of notching important goals and the two at Villa Park were
no different. He continued: "The most important goals for me are the ones
that win you games, and I'm just delighted that I've been able to get a
copule which have got us on the road to three points with another fantastic
clean sheet.
"For the first I've got Stewie on the ball and then I made a couple of runs.
He's twisted and turned and found me fantastically well and I got a bit of
luck, which I think was well deserved after some of the chances which we had
in the first half. "The second one I just saw an opportunity to jump on him
[Fabian Delph] and knock it away, get it out of my feet early and I fancy
myself every time when I'm one-on-one with the keeper so I was delighted to
see it rattle the back of the net."
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On this day - 9 February
WHUFC.com
The Hammers ran riot with eight goals on this day in 1929
09.02.2014
Classic match
West Ham United 8-2 Leeds United
Division One
9 February 1929
There were goals galore at the Boleyn Ground on this day 85 years ago as the
Hammers ran riot against Leeds United. The visitors from Yorkshire netted
twice themselves, but it was to no avail as West Ham smashed eight past
their beleaguered goalkeeper. Vic Watson's personal tally ran to six, while
Tommy Yews and Vivian Gibbins also got in on the act. The win lifted the
Hammers to 16th in the Division One table, and they would go on to finish
one place lower in 17th.
Complete record - 9 February
2008 West Ham United 1-1 Birmingham City (Premier League)
2002 Bolton Wanderers 1-0 West Ham United (Premier League)
1994 West Ham United 1-0 Notts County (FA Cup)
1993 West Ham United 3-1 Peterborough United (Division One)
1987 West Ham United 4-0 Sheffield United (FA Cup)
1980 West Ham United 2-1 Queens Park Rangers (Division Two)
1974 Leicester City 0-1 West Ham United (Division One)
1957 West Ham United 3-2 Sheffield United (Division Two)
1952 Coventry City 1-2 West Ham United (Division Two)
1935 Plymouth Argyle 0-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1929 West Ham United 8-2 Leeds United (Division One)
1924 West Ham United 0-0 Tottenham Hotspur (Division One)
Played 12, Won 9, Drawn 2, Lost 1, Scored 25, Conceded 9
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Aston Villa 0 West Ham 2
8 February 2014
Last updated at 17:24
By Mandeep Sanghera
BBC Sport
West Ham moved out of the relegation zone as Kevin Nolan scored twice for
the second game on the trot to steer the Hammers to victory at Aston Villa.
Stewart Downing bamboozled Ryan Bertrand before crossing for Nolan to deftly
flick the visitors in front. Two minutes later Nolan dispossessed a hesitant
Fabian Delph before sliding a low shot past keeper Brad Guzan. In response,
Villa struck the woodwork through a long range Marc Albrighton shot and
Christian Benteke header. The home side improved after the introduction of
winger Albrighton but could not prevent an eighth home defeat of the season.
West Ham had failed in their determined efforts to overturn Andy Carroll's
red card from the win over Swansea last week, but they shrugged off the
striker's absence to register a third win from their past five Premier
League outings. The Hammers have improved as players have returned from
injury, while Nolan coming back into the side following a four-game ban has
also proved influential. The visitors were unfortunate not to be ahead by
half-time having had the better of the exchanges in the opening period.
"Kevin Nolan is the West Ham hero for the second game running. Villa created
a few chances in the second half but it came at a time when you knew they
would have more of the game. When it was 0-0 West Ham were the better side."
Former Villa winger Downing failed to connect with a low Matt Jarvis cross
to the far post, while Matt Taylor had an angled shot saved by Guzan. Jarvis
was then sent clean through on the Villa goal but, under pressure from
defender Nathan Baker, the West Ham winger sent his shot wide. Villa
struggled to muster a threat until late in the first half when Hammers
defender George McCartney's clearing header fell to Ashley Westwood and he
powered a strike just wide.
The visitors were undeterred after the break and finally earned a reward for
their efforts when Downing jinked his way past left-back Bertrand and
crossed for Nolan to produce a clever finish. Nolan, who scored twice
against Swansea, extended his side's lead as he robbed Delph just outside
the area before steering in a shot. West Ham then allowed Villa to dominate
possession and almost paid the price. Albrighton, an influential second-half
substitute, saw his 25-yard shot hit the post, while Villa forward Benteke
hit the bar with a header and went close with an acrobatic overhead kick.
West Ham held on for their 12th clean sheet of the league campaign, the most
in the top flight so far this season.
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce: "It was a thoroughly professional
performance in the second half. In the first half in terms of attacking
play, we were excellent but couldn't find a goal. "Kevin came up with the
goods again. That is four in two games and he showed he doesn't need Andy
Carroll to score.
"It is a fantastic win at this stage of the season. For us to put
back-to-back wins together is very important and really does build your
confidence."
Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert: "Whether Andy Carroll was playing or not, we
knew it was going to be a difficult game. The two goals we lost were really
poor.
"There are a lot of teams in there [fighting for survival]. There is no
panic, you just need to try to win more games than not. "You cannot concede
two goals like that and expect to win a game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Aston Villa 0-2 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 8th February 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are up to a nosebleed-inducing 14th place in the Premier League
after securing a vital 2-0 win at Villa Park this afternoon.
And Kevin Nolan is the toast of the East End (and surrounding counties) for
the second successive weekend, after the captain grabbed another two-goal
haul as the Hammers secured a third clean sheet in 10 days.
West Ham's rock-solid defence was responsible for a string of clean sheets
at the beginning of the season but a succession of injuries left Sam
Allardyce having to field a different back four every week, which coincided
with a sharp increase in the 'goals conceded' column.
However that poor spell appears to have been the exception rather than the
rule since the likes of James Tomkins, James Collins and Winston Reid
returned to full fitness - from which the clean sheets have once again
emerged.
With Chelsea and Swansea having already been kept at bay West Ham were
looking to make it a hat-trick. That they did, whilst Nolan's two goals -
scored within the first four minutes of the second half - ensured
back-to-back wins for the first time this season (exclude the opening day
win against Cardiff which followed victory against Reading in the final game
of 2012/13, that is).
Although the win was comfortable enough in the end, West Ham really should
have won by a greater margin but failed to make the most of a number of
chances in the opening half, with Matt Jarvis and Stewart Downing enjoying
the freedom of Villa Park on the flanks.
James Tomkins threatened early on when he nodded a Downing corner narrowly
wide whilst under pressure whilst Carlton Cole wriggled though on goal just
four minutes later before wasting the opportunity.
But West Ham's best chance of the half fell to Downing midway through the
half; the winger somehow managed to completely miss a perfectly weighted
centre from Matt Jarvis, who had been set free by a clever defence-splitting
pass from Mark Noble, with the goal gaping in front of him.
Jarvis himself had a couple of chances as Villa's creaking defence was
opened up time and time again but Brad Guzan, in the Villa goal was equal to
anything the former Wolves wide man threw at him. At the other end Adrian
enjoyed a quiet half with only Ashley Westwood's volley in the closing
stages - which the midfielder fired inches wide of Adrian's post - causing
any concern.
No doubt urged to start making the most of any chances that befell them,
West Ham came out of the blocks on fire - and were in front with 90 seconds
of the restart.
Former Villa player Downing, wide right having been supplied by Matt Taylor
teased his marker before lifting the ball into the six-yard box where a
lurking Kevin Nolan produced the most impudent of back-flicks to divert the
ball into the net.
And Nolan, rejuvenated since his enforced Christmas break was on hand to
smash home his second goal of the afternoon a minute later. Indecision on
the edge of the penalty area by Villa's Fabian Delph allowed Nolan to steal
in and fire the ball beyond a shocked Brad Guzan in the Villa goal.
With a comfortable lead in the bag West Ham, unsurprisingly perhaps given
their predicament, shut up shop thereafter - something to which Villa,
bereft of invention and ideas, had no answer to.
Still, Christian Benteke, a shadow of the player who was attracting envious
glances from the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool last year managed to glance
a header on to the bar whilst the Hammers finally got some good luck when
Marc Albrighton's effort rebounded off the post, onto a diving Adrian's
trailing foot and over the bar.
The clean sheet was West Ham's 13th of the campaign - that's more than any
other Premier League club so far this season. Importantly, United have
managed to start scoring at the other end too and for as long as that
remains the case, relegation really shouldn't be an issue - with or without
Andy Carroll.
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Chico's a cheat, says Brady
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 8th February 2014
By: Staff Writer
Karren Brady has added to a growing list of those condemning Swansea
defender Chico Flores. Since the Spanish centre half feigned injury in order
to earn West Ham's Andy Carroll a red card last weekend, a number of
pundits, journalists and other people within the game have hit out at both
Flores' cheating and the FA's inability to act accordingly. And Brady was
holding nothing back when, speaking via her tabloid column, she said: "Andy
Carroll is red-carded for what amounts to accidentally disturbing the
ponytail of an opponent. "Swansea's Chico Flores clutches his face and rolls
around body-popping on the floor like he's been shot. It's one of the worst
cases of bad sportsmanship I have seen in 20 years."
And in the wake of West Ham's failure to have Carroll's subsequent
three-match ban overturned, she added: "Swansea can pick Chico Flores who
pretended that he had suffered what appeared to be at least brain damage
when his ponytail got 'air' brushed by Andy's arm. "I had brain surgery in
2006 - and even then I didn't roll around four times."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Kevin Nolan scores two quick-fire goals in win at Aston Villa
Last Updated: 08/02/14 7:16pm
SSN
A quick-fire second-half brace from Kevin Nolan helped West Ham climb out of
the drop zone thanks to a 2-0 victory at Aston Villa. Some brilliant
improvisation from the midfielder helped the Hammers break the deadlock just
18 seconds into the second half. He then seized on a mistake from Fabian
Delph just two minutes and 43 seconds later to score his fourth goal in two
Premier League appearances as well as his seventh top flight goal against
Villa to seal all three points.
Best of the match:
Man of the match: Kevin Nolan - The West Ham skipper notched two quick-fire
goals before going off with a groin injury.
Goal of the match: A delightful flick from Nolan helped the Hammers break
the deadlock just 18 seconds into the second-half.
Moment of the match: Marc Albrighton's howitzer from 30 yards thumped
against the post.
Misses of the match: Stewart Downing missed his kick right in front of goal
and then Matt Jarvis drove his sliding right-footer wide of Brad Guzan's
near post.
Stat of the match: Nolan has now scored seven top flight goals against
Villa, more than against any other opponent.
Talking point: Have West Ham dragged Aston Villa into the relegation dog
fight?
Facing three key matches against relegation rivals without Andy Carroll's
imposing presence, West Ham boss Sam Allardyce feared the worst. Against
Villa, he need not have worried, not given the club's abysmal home record
this season, and in particular with the talismanic Nolan riding to his
rescue. In Villa's last home match they had come from 2-0 down inside nine
minutes to defeat local rivals West Brom 4-3, but looking bereft of ideas on
this occasion there was simply no way back. Certainly, it was too much for
the home fans to expect another feast of football, especially when you
consider, the West Brom game aside, Villa have mustered a miserable eight
goals in their other 12 league home games.
More enterprising
Instead, it was the visitors who were the more enterprising as Villa failed
again to sparkle in front of their own supporters and provide them with some
warmth on a bitter and windy afternoon. All bar one of the better chances in
the opening 45 minutes fell the way of West Ham, the best of which involved
Matt Jarvis.
It was his third-minute corner that was glanced wide by James Tomkins before
two chances followed just before the half-hour mark. The first saw Jarvis
strike one shot into the side-netting, although Ciaran Clark deserved credit
for getting a foot in that helped it on its way. The second saw Jarvis
seemingly clean through, but this time Nathan Baker nipped at his heels,
resulting in the attacker's effort ending up inches wide. As for Villa,
their first-half highlight involved Ashley Westwood firing in a 16-yard
volley that flashed just beyond the right-hand post. Following the break
Nolan then took centre stage, initially after a few seconds, albeit courtesy
of Stewart Downing's industry as he turned Ryan Bertrand inside out before
delivering a low ball into the heart of the area. Nolan, though, was still
artful enough to produce a cheeky flick with the inside of his right foot
that took a deflection off Clark, wrong-footing Brad Guzan.
For the second goal all the hard work was from Nolan as he robbed a
dithering Delph just outside the area before taking the ball on into the box
and stroking it crisply past Guzan. Two goals down, Villa finally woke up,
instigated by the 56th-minute arrival of Marc Albrighton for Matt Lowton.
With his first touch, a delightful cross in towards Christian Benteke, the
Belgian striker was inches away from steering it home. Albrighton then
rattled a post from 30 yards with a thunderous strike that clipped the
flying Adrian's right leg on the rebound. On another day it might have
ricocheted in, but this time it flew over the net. Benteke then hit the
crossbar with a header, conjured an overhead kick that flashed over and
produced another header that was wide, but it was all too little too late
for Villa as Carroll-less West Ham were left singing all the way back to
London.
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce hails Kevin Nolan impact
Last Updated: 08/02/14 9:38pm
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce hailed the impact of Kevin Nolan after the
midfielder scored both goals in the 2-0 win at Aston Villa. A quick-fire
brace just after the break secured the points for the Hammers as Allardyce's
side made it back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time this
season. West Ham squandered a number of first-half opportunities but their
31-year-old captain flicked them ahead just 18 seconds into the second-half
before seizing upon a Fabian Delph error to double the lead. The win sees
Allardyce's men move two points clear of the bottom three and he says the
result was deserved due to the number of chances they created. "It was
really sweet for Kevin to score two goals just after half time because I was
bitterly disappointed we weren't winning at half time," he told Sky Sports.
"We could've really put the game out of sight of Aston Villa had we done
better in front of goal or in the final third the amount of times we got in
behind their defence and in wide positions, getting corners and crosses into
the box. "Not finding the net was something I was hoping we weren't going to
regret today and Kevin started the second half with two outstanding finishes
and he's the reason we're sat here with three points, a well-deserved three
points. "Then there was some outstanding defending after that when Villa
threw three up the middle and we put our three centre halves in there and we
just defended correctly. All the long balls into the box from Villa's
display were masterfully dealt with."
Nolan's double took his tally for the campaign up to six and subsequently
made him the Hammers' top scorer, much to the delight of Allardyce. "He's up
there again," he said. "He was leading goalscorer last season and he's
pulling away from Carlton (Cole) with five now which is nice to see. "Our
goalscorers have started scoring on a regular basis. It really has been a
missing link throughout the whole of the season never mind the injuries to
the defenders in December.
"Aston Villa have been going pretty well themselves just recently and been
scoring quite often so it's a terrific performance and a terrific result for
us."
Speaking of an injury picked up by Nolan, Allardyce said: "Kevin came off
with only a slight groin so I don't think it's going to be too much of a
problem and even more enjoyable, we kept 11 on the field today." The result
also meant that West Ham have now kept the most Premier League clean sheets
so far this season. Allardyce said: "Considering the position we are in the
league, we'd normally have 12 clean sheets and we'd be sitting in the
top-half generally.
"But our season has been not scoring chances created and if we'd have done
that better, we wouldn't have been in such a desperate position through
December into January but we're beginning to pull away from that position."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Victory over Villa 'massive' for West Ham, says James Collins
Last Updated: 08/02/14 8:31pm
SSN
West Ham defender James Collins said their 2-0 victory at Aston Villa is
"massive" for the club. Kevin Nolan scored both the goals as the Hammers
chalked up a rare away victory, and maintain his own fine goal-scoring form
- that's four goals in the last two games for the midfielder. Saturday's win
sees Sam Allardyce's men move two points clear of the Premier League's
bottom three. Centre-back Collins said: "We just came here to play our game
and get three points which is massive for West Ham. Villa tried to play
their football but unfortunately it didn't work for them today. "We were
confident, we got a good draw at Chelsea and then we played very well at
home last week. Losing Andy Carroll was a blow but Marco (Borriello) coming
on at half-time changed the game really so we are delighted. "We knew if we
could get Kev scoring - he got two again today after getting two last week -
he's massive for us and if he can carry on scoring between now and the end
of the season, then I'm sure we'll be fine. "We can (get ourselves out of
trouble). It sounds funny but we were always confident. You try not to make
excuses about injuries and decisions and stuff but they were going against
us and now we seem to have turned a corner. "We've had three massive results
on the bounce which has turned around our season."
Asked if his former club Villa can avoid the drop too, he added: "I'm sure
they can. They are a massive club and they've got some big players -
obviously the boys up front, if they can score the goals then there home
form is going to be big. "I'm sure they can turn it around and hopefully
they can stay up."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Guy Demel thrilled with West Ham's 2-0 victory at Aston Villa
Last Updated: 08/02/14 7:57pm
SSN
Guy Demel was delighted with West Ham's display after they stretched their
unbeaten run to four games with a 2-0 win at Aston Villa. Kevin Nolan scored
twice for the second game on the trot to secure the win and Demel believes
thay have hit form at just the right time. "We knew if we stuck to the
tactics that we had been working on during the week we may have the chance
to win," he told Sky Sports News. "Although it wasn't easy, the win was
expected "We had some chances first half but we didn't put the ball in the
back of the net so at half-time the manager said just keep doing the same
thing and you will score.
"He (Nolan) was really happy. It's really important to have him in that type
of form. He's really important for us and he played brilliantly today.
"Everybody is smiling now. We are in good form and we have to keep going.
"We're not out of trouble yet but we are going to try and keep up this form
and getting a result at home against Norwich (next game) of course will be
important."
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West Ham vice-chairman Karen Brady slams Swansea defender Chico Flores
following Andy Carroll incident
Feb 08, 2014 14:51 By Liam Prenderville
The Mirror
West Ham United's vice-chairman Karen Brady has blasted Chico Flores for his
behaviour in Andy Carroll's red card last weekend. The England international
was given his marching orders in his side's 2-0 win over Swansea for
striking Flores, although replays showed the Spaniard had over-reacted. The
Hammers appealed the decision but an arbitration hearing yesterday decided
Carroll would serve the three-match ban. And Brady has backed Sam
Allardyce's comments on Flores and berated the defender for his behaviour.
She told the Sun: "No offence strikes deeper at the heart of football than
feigning injury in a deliberate attempt to get someone sent off. "Chico
Flores clutches his face and rolls around bodypopping on the floor like he's
been shot. It's one of the worst cases of bad sportsmanship i have seen in
20 years. "Despite our efforts for justice, we will be without Andy for
three matches. "Yet Swansea can pick Chico Flores who pretended that he had
suffered brain damage when his ponytail got 'air' brushed by Andy's arm."
Such was Flores' role in the incident, the Football Association have been
told to crack down on players who simulate injury. The Independent
Commission that rejected Carroll's appeal have made the demand having
already expressed their disgust at the Swans' defender's behaviour.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham star Andy Carroll's World Cup dreams virtually over thanks to THAT
red-card ban
Feb 08, 2014 22:30 By Dean Jones
The Mirror
Andy Carroll's controversial three-match ban has wrecked his chances of
going to the World Cup, writes Dean Jones of the Sunday People. The West Ham
striker will not play again this month following his red card in the
Hammers' 2-0 win over Swansea on Saturday last week. That robs Carroll of
the chance to prove his fitness ahead of England's friendly against Denmark
on March 5, when Roy Hodgson will experiment for the last time ahead of the
finals in Brazil.
Carroll has not played for the Three Lions since October 2012, but boss
Hodgson and his backroom team have been keeping a close eye on the
25-year-old since he returned from injury. He had an outside chance of being
called up to the squad for the Wembley friendly, but there have already been
concerns over his match fitness and a lack of playing time in the build-up
to the fixture means he is almost certain to miss out. The Denmark encounter
is the last time Hodgson will look at fringe players before the finals in
the summer. And that means Carroll, already devastated by the fact his
dismissal by Howard Webb was upheld by an arbitration panel, will have to
come to terms with the fact he is unlikely to be considered for Brazil.
Carroll was a key figure for Hodgson at Euro 2012 but his last outing in an
England shirt was against San Marino 16 months ago. He will now have to rely
on other strikers ahead of him picking up injuries.
Southampton's Rickie Lambert has emerged as the main man in the mould of
Carroll since making his England debut against Scotland in August.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Dunn on West Ham: Andy Carroll red-card row saw Hammers' owners stay as
classy as ever
Feb 08, 2014 22:3012
OPINION BY ANDYDUNN
David Gold and David Sullivan's desperation to avoid having the striker who
can save their club from relegation banned was truly nauseating
Whether posing in front of a personalised helicopter or boasting about
earning 10 grand in a 20-second phone call, you can always rely on West
Ham's owners to stay classy. Whether it's David Gold and his trusty chopper
or David Sullivan on the phone to his stockbroker while showing a journalist
around his sprawling, ever-so-tasteful Essex mansion, you can always rely on
West Ham's owners to stay classy. And sure enough, after being on the
receiving end of a soft red card, they stayed classy. The bleating and
whining – thankfully culminating in an arbitration panel dismissing West
Ham's case – was almost as pathetic as Chico Flores' amateur-dramatics. A
club that should have been buoyed by a couple of decent results suddenly
looked desperate again, embarrassingly reliant on the big man up top. There
are times when that desperation to stay in the Premier League is truly
nauseating, when it leads to the fundamental erosion of principle. And the
principle in the Andy Carroll case was collectivity. Whether you think the
law is an ass or not, you all signed up to the law.
Collectivity is what the success of the Premier League is based on. Would
West Ham, Gold and Sullivan be banking £70million this season if Manchester
United decided to thumb a nose at collectivity and opt out of a general TV
deal?
Forget all the backtracking guff from Gold about the club being denied
'procedural fairness'. The same procedure was followed for Carroll as it
was for every other case of its kind: Man gets red card, club appeals,
review shows referee had not made an obvious error. Get on with it - just as
every other club before West Ham has done.
And the Hammers would have got on with it had the frequently-waved wallets
of Gold and Sullivan not been haunted by the spectre of relegation.And boy,
it is a spectre.
So desperate was this club to avoid it in 2006-07, they used an
'illegally-owned' player to help them stay up. Indeed, Carlos Tevez scored
the winner against a Manchester United team that took the afternoon off on
the final day of the season.
Getty ImagesWest Ham United v Swansea City - Premier LeagueOne-man banned:
Carroll suspension fight tells you what the club think of his team-mates
West Ham were fined £5.5m for breaching third party ownership rules, but no
points were deducted and Sheffield United – now facing relegation to the
fourth tier of English football – went down, having finished three points
adrift of the Upton Park club.
West Ham know a thing or two about fairness, then.
I'm sure they think it is fair that hundreds of millions of pounds worth of
taxpayers' money has been and is being spent on a state-of-the-art stadium
for the club owned by helicopter man and mansion man.
And you know what? The bottom line is that Howard Webb's decision to dismiss
Carroll was not unfair. Very harsh, maybe – the harshness exacerbated by the
shameful antics of Flores - but entirely justifiable by the laws of the
game.
Gold had a chance to fly his 'copter to the high moral ground, to use the
perceived injustice as motivation for the rest of an expensively-assembled
squad.
Instead, he sent in the suits to challenge a system all 20 Premier League
clubs consented to and sent a message to his players and manager that they
are pretty useless without the big man up top.
Classy.
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WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan scored twice as the Hammers defeated Aston Villa 2-0 on Saturday
08.02.2014
Aston Villa 0-2 West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United moved out of the Barclays Premier League bottom three as two
goals inside the opening 177 seconds of the second half sent them to victory
at Aston Villa on Saturday. After notching twice in last week's victory over
Swansea City, captain Kevin Nolan was at it again with another brace in
double-quick time. He notched his first just 18 seconds into the second
period, then profited from a Fabian Delph error to make it two just a couple
of minutes later. A 12th clean sheet - the most in the top flight this
season - meant Villa could not find a way back despite building up the
pressure towards the end of the game.
Adrian was rarely called into action, although the woodwork did save the
visitors twice en route to a precious three points. Missing Andy Carroll
after an Independent Tribunal upheld his three-match ban following the No9's
dismissal against Swansea last week, Carlton Cole was given the nod up front
by manager Sam Allardyce. The blustery conditions did not make things easy
for either side with neither able to build up a head of steam in the early
exchanges.
With 14 minutes on the clock former Villa man Stewart Downing looked to
silence the home boo-boys as he cut inside from the right and went for goal,
but fired over the top. Villa's first real opportunity arrived six minutes
later when they broke from a Hammers corner and Andreas Weimann looked to
feed Gabby Agbonlahor, but his touch was heavy and the ball run away for a
goal kick. The Hammers then produced a spell of pressure, with Matt Jarvis
twice racing clear down the left, only to be denied by last ditch tackles
from Ciaran Clark and Nathan Baker. Downing also wasted a great chance when
Jarvis picked him out with a low ball across the box, but Ryan Bertrand
applied enough pressure to ensure the winger could not make contact. West
Ham were looking the more likely scorers, but Ashley Westwood slammed a
volley wide on 42 minutes after Leandro Bacuna's cross fell invitingly for
him. The scoresheet remained blank as the half-time whistle blew, but it
would not stay that way for long as the Hammers made a whirlwind start to
the second period.
Marco Borriello was introduced from the bench, and just 18 seconds after the
restart the Hammers were celebrating the opening goal. After establishing
possession high up the pitch from kick-off, Downing laid square for Nolan,
whose clever flick deflected off a defender and left Brad Guzan helpless. It
got even better for the away side just two minutes later when Delph was
guilty of dwelling on possession for too long on the edge of the box, and
Nolan pounced to rob him and slot past the exposed Guzan. Villa responded by
introducing Marc Albrighton from the bench on 56 minutes and he had an
instant impact, clipping a ball into the box which only just evaded
Benteke's run. The wideman was a whisker away from reducing the arrears
himself midway through the half when his thunderbolt from range thudded
against the post and hit Adrian's back before flying wide. Villa hit the
woodwork for a second time five minutes later when Albrighton crossed for
Benteke, whose looping header had Adrian scrambling across his goal and
struck the top of the bar. The home side were knocking at the door but were
unable to break through a Hammers defence which by now included three centre
halves with Winston Reid making an appearance from the bench, Benteke tried
his luck with an acrobatic overhead kick which whistled over the crossbar as
time ticked down and the Hammers stood firm to record a vital three points
and make it back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time since
promotion in 2012.
Aston Villa: Guzan; Lowton (Albrighton 56), Baker, Clark, Bertrand (Bennett
73); Bacuna, Westwood, Delph; Weimann (Holt 71), Benteke, Agbonlahor
Subs: Steer, El Ahmadi, Helenius, Sylla
West Ham United: Adrian; Demel, Collins, Tomkins, McCartney; Nolan (Nocerino
68), Noble, Taylor; Downing, C.Cole (Borriello 46), Jarvis (Reid 74)
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Armero, Collison, Johnson
Goals: Nolan 46, Nolan 49
Booked: Collins, Taylor
Referee: Mike Dean
Attendance: 36,261 (3,030 away)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Adrian aims to keep it clean
WHUFC.com
Goalkeeper Adrian is not resting after keeping his fourth clean sheet in
five Barclays Premier League matches
08.02.2014
Adrian is in the mood for more clean sheets and more victories after
Saturday's 2-0 Barclays Premier League win at Aston Villa. The West Ham
United goalkeeper was in unbeatable form for the third away game in
succession as the Hammers made it four clean sheets in five matches. While
his defenders ensured he faced just one shot on target - after allowing none
against Swansea the previous weekend - Adrian was in commanding form
whenever called into action. The two times he was beaten, the woodwork came
to the Spaniard's deserved rescue from Marc Albrighton and Christian
Benteke, while Kevin Nolan's two smartly-taken second-half goals ensured
back to back Barclays Premier League wins for the first time in nearly three
years. "It's unbelievable!" said the No13, who is fast becoming a cult hero
among the Claret and Blue Army. "It's another three points and another clean
sheet. That's three away matches with a clean sheet now and that's the way
we have to go forward. "It was very important to win again and for us to
keep another clean sheet."
After a busy night at Chelsea, where West Ham drew 0-0 despite the Blues
unleashing an amazing 39 shots - eight on target - Adrian was protected well
by his outfield colleagues for the second away match in succession. "For me,
this is perfect! As a goalkeeper, you rely on the other players for help and
at Villa I didn't have to make too many saves. It's important because the
team defends very, very well. "The whole team is defending well. Every
player is doing his job and this is important. If you have a good defence,
then you can have chances to win the game, and we're doing that."
For Adrian, his patience has been rewarded. After waiting for his chance as
Jussi Jaaskelainen started the season in impressive form, the 27-year-old
has come into the side and made a starting place his own with a succession
of assured performances. "I am really happy. Every time I play and finish
the match, I hear my name being sung by the supporters, which is
unbelievable. "I've only been here for six months, so for this to happen and
for the West Ham fans to do this is spectacular. For me, the fans have been
amazing."
Now, Adrian is targeting a fifth clean sheet in six matches and another
important Barclays Premier League victory when Norwich City visit the Boleyn
Ground on Tuesday evening. Although he already knows no match in this
division will be easy, the former Real Betis Balompie favourite is adamant
West Ham can go into the game with confidence after picking up ten points
from a possible 15. "I am only thinking about the next match in my head. We
have another big game on Tuesday because now we have got out of the bottom
three and the West Ham fans are happy at the moment. "We have to keep them
happy by winning again."
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Big Sam hails match-winner Nolan
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce hailed Kevin Nolan after Saturday's 2-0 Barclays Premier
League win at Aston Villa
08.02.2014
Sam Allardyce hailed match-winner Kevin Nolan after West Ham United
continued their fine run with a 2-0 win at Aston Villa. After dominating a
goalless opening half, Nolan scored twice in the space of four minute at the
start of the second period to fire the Hammers to their first back-to-back
wins since their return to the Barclays Premier League. With the team
defending superbly throughout, the manager was also able to celebrate a
record-setting 12th clean sheet in 25 league games, and seventh in 13 on the
road. The victory lifted West Ham out of the relegation zone and, with
Norwich City to visit the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday evening, Big Sam is now
targeting three in a row. "It was absolutely brilliant from the players," he
confirmed. "Our first-half performance gave us a huge amount of
encouragement with the way that we started the game and the way we continued
to break down Aston Villa's defence. "The disappointing thing, which I said
to the players at half-time, was 'You can't keep going like this without
scoring, otherwise you might pay a heavy penalty. For all the good work you
have done, you haven't put the ball in the back of the net so make sure, if
you do get a chance, put it in the back of the net'. "On their first-half
performance, I think Villa were there for the taking and Kevin Nolan put it
away in the first few minutes of the second half with two superbly-taken
goals.
"I think the arrival of the two Italians helped. If you get the right
service to Marco Borriello, I think we've got a talented player on our
hands. Carlton Cole did a really good job and was constantly fouled by Aston
Villa's centre-halves, but didn't get a lot of protection from the referee.
He caused lots of problems.
"Our wide men got in behind Villa's defence on a consistent basis and it was
just the goals that were missing, then Kevin came up with the goods. That's
four goals in two games and that's pretty sweet for him and us all. "We got
another clean sheet, which was great for the defensive back line that coped
with all the long balls Villa pumped down the middle in the second half. We
defended superbly well."
The manager said Nolan yet again illustrated his talent for coolly finishing
chances when other players might panic and miss. The captain's first goal
was a neat flick from Stewart Downing's low cross just 18 seconds after the
break. The second, three minutes later, saw Nolan rob Fabian Delph before
rolling the ball past goalkeeper Brad Guzan. "He passes the ball into the
net. He is composed and is not up tight. I thought Matt Taylor was going to
get a third too, but his shot was cleared off the line at the far post.
"Kevin's ultimate strength has always been in the opposition penalty area.
He is a top-class Premier League player, always has been, and he has proved
that again."
While Nolan will take the headlines, West Ham as a whole showed they could
win without the suspended Andy Carroll. The striker started a three-match
ban following his controversial sending-off against Swansea City, but his
absence was not felt thanks to the form of Cole and strong debutant
Borriello in attack. "Kevin has scored without Andy, as well!" enthused the
manager. "I think we put in eleven or 12 crosses and on at least three
occasions, we had a player running at their goal to try and score. Even
without Andy we were a threat. "When Villa came on strong in the second half
and threw caution to the wind, we went five at the back. They put Grant Holt
on and we put Winston Reid on so we could handle all their big aerial power,
and we defended the last 20 or 25 minutes or so of all their long balls
pumped into the penalty area. "It was a thoroughly professional performance
in the last 25 minutes and a very good performance in the first 50."
For the manager, a run of ten points out of 15, three straight clean sheets
on the road and back to back league victories were all rewards for the
patience he has shown during an injury-ravaged season. "People kept saying
we weren't doing this and that and I kept telling them why and now I have
proved that I was right - that once the team came back from injuries, they
would get better in terms of performances and results. "Ten points out of
the last five games is a pretty good spell at the moment and Tuesday is on
its way against Norwich at home, and can we continue it as long as we can?
"While we are out of the bottom three, we are not satisfied because we have
only got 25 points from 25 games and we need more points than games on the
board as quick as we can."
Finally, when asked for his highlight of a memorable day at a stormy Villa
Park, the manager pinpointed the performance of his in-form skipper. "Kevin
has scored two critical goals at a period of time when we had similar
chances in the first half but missed them all. When we needed him most, he's
put the game to bed for us and that tops the lot for me. "The rest of the
lads did well and he did the hardest bit, the bit he is paid for, and he's
done his captain's bit too, to get us a very precious three points."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nolan thrilled to repay Hammers
WHUFC.com
West Ham skipper Kevin Nolan was delighted to help the team secure another
three points on Saturday
09.02.2014
Back-to-back Barclays Premier League wins and back-to-back two-goal hauls
gave West Ham United skipper Kevin Nolan double the reason for celebration
at Aston Villa on Saturday. His quickfire brace, scored within the opening
three minutes of the second period at Villa Park, secured the first
consecutive top flight league wins for the Hammers since March 2011 and
hauled them out of the bottom three. It also gave the No4 the opportunity to
repay the faith shown in him after a difficult winter, which has seen him
sent off on two occasions, and he was delighted with the positive impact he
made. He explained: "It's the first time we've got back to back wins since
we've been back in the Premier League and we're delighed because it's been a
tough old season with all the injuries and suspensions. You're seeing now
what we're all about. "When we've got everyone fit and when we've got
everyone playing we're going to get results everywhere. I think this is the
start of a good run between now and the end of the season and if I can keep
chipping away and get a few more goals then hopefully that'll be a little
way of paying back the stupidity that I suffered over the last month. "I'm
feeling really good. Eamon Swift [fitness coach] worked tirelessly with me
and Monte [Mathew Monte-Colombo, strength & conditioning coach] in the gym
too. I worked my socks off because I wanted to show that when I got back in
the team I was bang at it. I knew that I could give the team goals once I
was back in it. "I've worked with the gaffer since I was 17 years old and I
can't thank him enough for everything he's done for me, especially over the
last month when it's been really tough. "I really knew when that happened on
New Year's Day that the lads and the gaffer had my back and I was
overwhelmed by it. "The last couple of weeks, with the goals, that's my
little way of trying to give a bit back for the support they've given me."
Another clean sheet - the Hammers' twelfth of the campaign - meant Villa
could not find a route back into the contest once Nolan had given them a
mountain to climb and once more he had praise for the defensive effort. He
said: "It was a great start to the second half and it gives you something to
hang on to. We've been good away from home this season and with the clean
sheets it just needed someone to put the ball in the back of the net. "I
have had chances over the season, but it just hasn't been falling right for
me but now I feel confident and I'm really looking forward to games. "The
camaraderie that's been shown over the season to be able to stay in there
has been brilliant. On Saturday again you've seen the togetherness and
everything we're about. "It's not over yet, we know it's going to be a big
battle to the end of the season but it's one we're all looking forward to."
Nolan has a habit of notching important goals and the two at Villa Park were
no different. He continued: "The most important goals for me are the ones
that win you games, and I'm just delighted that I've been able to get a
copule which have got us on the road to three points with another fantastic
clean sheet.
"For the first I've got Stewie on the ball and then I made a couple of runs.
He's twisted and turned and found me fantastically well and I got a bit of
luck, which I think was well deserved after some of the chances which we had
in the first half. "The second one I just saw an opportunity to jump on him
[Fabian Delph] and knock it away, get it out of my feet early and I fancy
myself every time when I'm one-on-one with the keeper so I was delighted to
see it rattle the back of the net."
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On this day - 9 February
WHUFC.com
The Hammers ran riot with eight goals on this day in 1929
09.02.2014
Classic match
West Ham United 8-2 Leeds United
Division One
9 February 1929
There were goals galore at the Boleyn Ground on this day 85 years ago as the
Hammers ran riot against Leeds United. The visitors from Yorkshire netted
twice themselves, but it was to no avail as West Ham smashed eight past
their beleaguered goalkeeper. Vic Watson's personal tally ran to six, while
Tommy Yews and Vivian Gibbins also got in on the act. The win lifted the
Hammers to 16th in the Division One table, and they would go on to finish
one place lower in 17th.
Complete record - 9 February
2008 West Ham United 1-1 Birmingham City (Premier League)
2002 Bolton Wanderers 1-0 West Ham United (Premier League)
1994 West Ham United 1-0 Notts County (FA Cup)
1993 West Ham United 3-1 Peterborough United (Division One)
1987 West Ham United 4-0 Sheffield United (FA Cup)
1980 West Ham United 2-1 Queens Park Rangers (Division Two)
1974 Leicester City 0-1 West Ham United (Division One)
1957 West Ham United 3-2 Sheffield United (Division Two)
1952 Coventry City 1-2 West Ham United (Division Two)
1935 Plymouth Argyle 0-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1929 West Ham United 8-2 Leeds United (Division One)
1924 West Ham United 0-0 Tottenham Hotspur (Division One)
Played 12, Won 9, Drawn 2, Lost 1, Scored 25, Conceded 9
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Aston Villa 0 West Ham 2
8 February 2014
Last updated at 17:24
By Mandeep Sanghera
BBC Sport
West Ham moved out of the relegation zone as Kevin Nolan scored twice for
the second game on the trot to steer the Hammers to victory at Aston Villa.
Stewart Downing bamboozled Ryan Bertrand before crossing for Nolan to deftly
flick the visitors in front. Two minutes later Nolan dispossessed a hesitant
Fabian Delph before sliding a low shot past keeper Brad Guzan. In response,
Villa struck the woodwork through a long range Marc Albrighton shot and
Christian Benteke header. The home side improved after the introduction of
winger Albrighton but could not prevent an eighth home defeat of the season.
West Ham had failed in their determined efforts to overturn Andy Carroll's
red card from the win over Swansea last week, but they shrugged off the
striker's absence to register a third win from their past five Premier
League outings. The Hammers have improved as players have returned from
injury, while Nolan coming back into the side following a four-game ban has
also proved influential. The visitors were unfortunate not to be ahead by
half-time having had the better of the exchanges in the opening period.
"Kevin Nolan is the West Ham hero for the second game running. Villa created
a few chances in the second half but it came at a time when you knew they
would have more of the game. When it was 0-0 West Ham were the better side."
Former Villa winger Downing failed to connect with a low Matt Jarvis cross
to the far post, while Matt Taylor had an angled shot saved by Guzan. Jarvis
was then sent clean through on the Villa goal but, under pressure from
defender Nathan Baker, the West Ham winger sent his shot wide. Villa
struggled to muster a threat until late in the first half when Hammers
defender George McCartney's clearing header fell to Ashley Westwood and he
powered a strike just wide.
The visitors were undeterred after the break and finally earned a reward for
their efforts when Downing jinked his way past left-back Bertrand and
crossed for Nolan to produce a clever finish. Nolan, who scored twice
against Swansea, extended his side's lead as he robbed Delph just outside
the area before steering in a shot. West Ham then allowed Villa to dominate
possession and almost paid the price. Albrighton, an influential second-half
substitute, saw his 25-yard shot hit the post, while Villa forward Benteke
hit the bar with a header and went close with an acrobatic overhead kick.
West Ham held on for their 12th clean sheet of the league campaign, the most
in the top flight so far this season.
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce: "It was a thoroughly professional
performance in the second half. In the first half in terms of attacking
play, we were excellent but couldn't find a goal. "Kevin came up with the
goods again. That is four in two games and he showed he doesn't need Andy
Carroll to score.
"It is a fantastic win at this stage of the season. For us to put
back-to-back wins together is very important and really does build your
confidence."
Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert: "Whether Andy Carroll was playing or not, we
knew it was going to be a difficult game. The two goals we lost were really
poor.
"There are a lot of teams in there [fighting for survival]. There is no
panic, you just need to try to win more games than not. "You cannot concede
two goals like that and expect to win a game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Aston Villa 0-2 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 8th February 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are up to a nosebleed-inducing 14th place in the Premier League
after securing a vital 2-0 win at Villa Park this afternoon.
And Kevin Nolan is the toast of the East End (and surrounding counties) for
the second successive weekend, after the captain grabbed another two-goal
haul as the Hammers secured a third clean sheet in 10 days.
West Ham's rock-solid defence was responsible for a string of clean sheets
at the beginning of the season but a succession of injuries left Sam
Allardyce having to field a different back four every week, which coincided
with a sharp increase in the 'goals conceded' column.
However that poor spell appears to have been the exception rather than the
rule since the likes of James Tomkins, James Collins and Winston Reid
returned to full fitness - from which the clean sheets have once again
emerged.
With Chelsea and Swansea having already been kept at bay West Ham were
looking to make it a hat-trick. That they did, whilst Nolan's two goals -
scored within the first four minutes of the second half - ensured
back-to-back wins for the first time this season (exclude the opening day
win against Cardiff which followed victory against Reading in the final game
of 2012/13, that is).
Although the win was comfortable enough in the end, West Ham really should
have won by a greater margin but failed to make the most of a number of
chances in the opening half, with Matt Jarvis and Stewart Downing enjoying
the freedom of Villa Park on the flanks.
James Tomkins threatened early on when he nodded a Downing corner narrowly
wide whilst under pressure whilst Carlton Cole wriggled though on goal just
four minutes later before wasting the opportunity.
But West Ham's best chance of the half fell to Downing midway through the
half; the winger somehow managed to completely miss a perfectly weighted
centre from Matt Jarvis, who had been set free by a clever defence-splitting
pass from Mark Noble, with the goal gaping in front of him.
Jarvis himself had a couple of chances as Villa's creaking defence was
opened up time and time again but Brad Guzan, in the Villa goal was equal to
anything the former Wolves wide man threw at him. At the other end Adrian
enjoyed a quiet half with only Ashley Westwood's volley in the closing
stages - which the midfielder fired inches wide of Adrian's post - causing
any concern.
No doubt urged to start making the most of any chances that befell them,
West Ham came out of the blocks on fire - and were in front with 90 seconds
of the restart.
Former Villa player Downing, wide right having been supplied by Matt Taylor
teased his marker before lifting the ball into the six-yard box where a
lurking Kevin Nolan produced the most impudent of back-flicks to divert the
ball into the net.
And Nolan, rejuvenated since his enforced Christmas break was on hand to
smash home his second goal of the afternoon a minute later. Indecision on
the edge of the penalty area by Villa's Fabian Delph allowed Nolan to steal
in and fire the ball beyond a shocked Brad Guzan in the Villa goal.
With a comfortable lead in the bag West Ham, unsurprisingly perhaps given
their predicament, shut up shop thereafter - something to which Villa,
bereft of invention and ideas, had no answer to.
Still, Christian Benteke, a shadow of the player who was attracting envious
glances from the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool last year managed to glance
a header on to the bar whilst the Hammers finally got some good luck when
Marc Albrighton's effort rebounded off the post, onto a diving Adrian's
trailing foot and over the bar.
The clean sheet was West Ham's 13th of the campaign - that's more than any
other Premier League club so far this season. Importantly, United have
managed to start scoring at the other end too and for as long as that
remains the case, relegation really shouldn't be an issue - with or without
Andy Carroll.
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Chico's a cheat, says Brady
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 8th February 2014
By: Staff Writer
Karren Brady has added to a growing list of those condemning Swansea
defender Chico Flores. Since the Spanish centre half feigned injury in order
to earn West Ham's Andy Carroll a red card last weekend, a number of
pundits, journalists and other people within the game have hit out at both
Flores' cheating and the FA's inability to act accordingly. And Brady was
holding nothing back when, speaking via her tabloid column, she said: "Andy
Carroll is red-carded for what amounts to accidentally disturbing the
ponytail of an opponent. "Swansea's Chico Flores clutches his face and rolls
around body-popping on the floor like he's been shot. It's one of the worst
cases of bad sportsmanship I have seen in 20 years."
And in the wake of West Ham's failure to have Carroll's subsequent
three-match ban overturned, she added: "Swansea can pick Chico Flores who
pretended that he had suffered what appeared to be at least brain damage
when his ponytail got 'air' brushed by Andy's arm. "I had brain surgery in
2006 - and even then I didn't roll around four times."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Kevin Nolan scores two quick-fire goals in win at Aston Villa
Last Updated: 08/02/14 7:16pm
SSN
A quick-fire second-half brace from Kevin Nolan helped West Ham climb out of
the drop zone thanks to a 2-0 victory at Aston Villa. Some brilliant
improvisation from the midfielder helped the Hammers break the deadlock just
18 seconds into the second half. He then seized on a mistake from Fabian
Delph just two minutes and 43 seconds later to score his fourth goal in two
Premier League appearances as well as his seventh top flight goal against
Villa to seal all three points.
Best of the match:
Man of the match: Kevin Nolan - The West Ham skipper notched two quick-fire
goals before going off with a groin injury.
Goal of the match: A delightful flick from Nolan helped the Hammers break
the deadlock just 18 seconds into the second-half.
Moment of the match: Marc Albrighton's howitzer from 30 yards thumped
against the post.
Misses of the match: Stewart Downing missed his kick right in front of goal
and then Matt Jarvis drove his sliding right-footer wide of Brad Guzan's
near post.
Stat of the match: Nolan has now scored seven top flight goals against
Villa, more than against any other opponent.
Talking point: Have West Ham dragged Aston Villa into the relegation dog
fight?
Facing three key matches against relegation rivals without Andy Carroll's
imposing presence, West Ham boss Sam Allardyce feared the worst. Against
Villa, he need not have worried, not given the club's abysmal home record
this season, and in particular with the talismanic Nolan riding to his
rescue. In Villa's last home match they had come from 2-0 down inside nine
minutes to defeat local rivals West Brom 4-3, but looking bereft of ideas on
this occasion there was simply no way back. Certainly, it was too much for
the home fans to expect another feast of football, especially when you
consider, the West Brom game aside, Villa have mustered a miserable eight
goals in their other 12 league home games.
More enterprising
Instead, it was the visitors who were the more enterprising as Villa failed
again to sparkle in front of their own supporters and provide them with some
warmth on a bitter and windy afternoon. All bar one of the better chances in
the opening 45 minutes fell the way of West Ham, the best of which involved
Matt Jarvis.
It was his third-minute corner that was glanced wide by James Tomkins before
two chances followed just before the half-hour mark. The first saw Jarvis
strike one shot into the side-netting, although Ciaran Clark deserved credit
for getting a foot in that helped it on its way. The second saw Jarvis
seemingly clean through, but this time Nathan Baker nipped at his heels,
resulting in the attacker's effort ending up inches wide. As for Villa,
their first-half highlight involved Ashley Westwood firing in a 16-yard
volley that flashed just beyond the right-hand post. Following the break
Nolan then took centre stage, initially after a few seconds, albeit courtesy
of Stewart Downing's industry as he turned Ryan Bertrand inside out before
delivering a low ball into the heart of the area. Nolan, though, was still
artful enough to produce a cheeky flick with the inside of his right foot
that took a deflection off Clark, wrong-footing Brad Guzan.
For the second goal all the hard work was from Nolan as he robbed a
dithering Delph just outside the area before taking the ball on into the box
and stroking it crisply past Guzan. Two goals down, Villa finally woke up,
instigated by the 56th-minute arrival of Marc Albrighton for Matt Lowton.
With his first touch, a delightful cross in towards Christian Benteke, the
Belgian striker was inches away from steering it home. Albrighton then
rattled a post from 30 yards with a thunderous strike that clipped the
flying Adrian's right leg on the rebound. On another day it might have
ricocheted in, but this time it flew over the net. Benteke then hit the
crossbar with a header, conjured an overhead kick that flashed over and
produced another header that was wide, but it was all too little too late
for Villa as Carroll-less West Ham were left singing all the way back to
London.
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce hails Kevin Nolan impact
Last Updated: 08/02/14 9:38pm
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce hailed the impact of Kevin Nolan after the
midfielder scored both goals in the 2-0 win at Aston Villa. A quick-fire
brace just after the break secured the points for the Hammers as Allardyce's
side made it back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time this
season. West Ham squandered a number of first-half opportunities but their
31-year-old captain flicked them ahead just 18 seconds into the second-half
before seizing upon a Fabian Delph error to double the lead. The win sees
Allardyce's men move two points clear of the bottom three and he says the
result was deserved due to the number of chances they created. "It was
really sweet for Kevin to score two goals just after half time because I was
bitterly disappointed we weren't winning at half time," he told Sky Sports.
"We could've really put the game out of sight of Aston Villa had we done
better in front of goal or in the final third the amount of times we got in
behind their defence and in wide positions, getting corners and crosses into
the box. "Not finding the net was something I was hoping we weren't going to
regret today and Kevin started the second half with two outstanding finishes
and he's the reason we're sat here with three points, a well-deserved three
points. "Then there was some outstanding defending after that when Villa
threw three up the middle and we put our three centre halves in there and we
just defended correctly. All the long balls into the box from Villa's
display were masterfully dealt with."
Nolan's double took his tally for the campaign up to six and subsequently
made him the Hammers' top scorer, much to the delight of Allardyce. "He's up
there again," he said. "He was leading goalscorer last season and he's
pulling away from Carlton (Cole) with five now which is nice to see. "Our
goalscorers have started scoring on a regular basis. It really has been a
missing link throughout the whole of the season never mind the injuries to
the defenders in December.
"Aston Villa have been going pretty well themselves just recently and been
scoring quite often so it's a terrific performance and a terrific result for
us."
Speaking of an injury picked up by Nolan, Allardyce said: "Kevin came off
with only a slight groin so I don't think it's going to be too much of a
problem and even more enjoyable, we kept 11 on the field today." The result
also meant that West Ham have now kept the most Premier League clean sheets
so far this season. Allardyce said: "Considering the position we are in the
league, we'd normally have 12 clean sheets and we'd be sitting in the
top-half generally.
"But our season has been not scoring chances created and if we'd have done
that better, we wouldn't have been in such a desperate position through
December into January but we're beginning to pull away from that position."
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Victory over Villa 'massive' for West Ham, says James Collins
Last Updated: 08/02/14 8:31pm
SSN
West Ham defender James Collins said their 2-0 victory at Aston Villa is
"massive" for the club. Kevin Nolan scored both the goals as the Hammers
chalked up a rare away victory, and maintain his own fine goal-scoring form
- that's four goals in the last two games for the midfielder. Saturday's win
sees Sam Allardyce's men move two points clear of the Premier League's
bottom three. Centre-back Collins said: "We just came here to play our game
and get three points which is massive for West Ham. Villa tried to play
their football but unfortunately it didn't work for them today. "We were
confident, we got a good draw at Chelsea and then we played very well at
home last week. Losing Andy Carroll was a blow but Marco (Borriello) coming
on at half-time changed the game really so we are delighted. "We knew if we
could get Kev scoring - he got two again today after getting two last week -
he's massive for us and if he can carry on scoring between now and the end
of the season, then I'm sure we'll be fine. "We can (get ourselves out of
trouble). It sounds funny but we were always confident. You try not to make
excuses about injuries and decisions and stuff but they were going against
us and now we seem to have turned a corner. "We've had three massive results
on the bounce which has turned around our season."
Asked if his former club Villa can avoid the drop too, he added: "I'm sure
they can. They are a massive club and they've got some big players -
obviously the boys up front, if they can score the goals then there home
form is going to be big. "I'm sure they can turn it around and hopefully
they can stay up."
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Guy Demel thrilled with West Ham's 2-0 victory at Aston Villa
Last Updated: 08/02/14 7:57pm
SSN
Guy Demel was delighted with West Ham's display after they stretched their
unbeaten run to four games with a 2-0 win at Aston Villa. Kevin Nolan scored
twice for the second game on the trot to secure the win and Demel believes
thay have hit form at just the right time. "We knew if we stuck to the
tactics that we had been working on during the week we may have the chance
to win," he told Sky Sports News. "Although it wasn't easy, the win was
expected "We had some chances first half but we didn't put the ball in the
back of the net so at half-time the manager said just keep doing the same
thing and you will score.
"He (Nolan) was really happy. It's really important to have him in that type
of form. He's really important for us and he played brilliantly today.
"Everybody is smiling now. We are in good form and we have to keep going.
"We're not out of trouble yet but we are going to try and keep up this form
and getting a result at home against Norwich (next game) of course will be
important."
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West Ham vice-chairman Karen Brady slams Swansea defender Chico Flores
following Andy Carroll incident
Feb 08, 2014 14:51 By Liam Prenderville
The Mirror
West Ham United's vice-chairman Karen Brady has blasted Chico Flores for his
behaviour in Andy Carroll's red card last weekend. The England international
was given his marching orders in his side's 2-0 win over Swansea for
striking Flores, although replays showed the Spaniard had over-reacted. The
Hammers appealed the decision but an arbitration hearing yesterday decided
Carroll would serve the three-match ban. And Brady has backed Sam
Allardyce's comments on Flores and berated the defender for his behaviour.
She told the Sun: "No offence strikes deeper at the heart of football than
feigning injury in a deliberate attempt to get someone sent off. "Chico
Flores clutches his face and rolls around bodypopping on the floor like he's
been shot. It's one of the worst cases of bad sportsmanship i have seen in
20 years. "Despite our efforts for justice, we will be without Andy for
three matches. "Yet Swansea can pick Chico Flores who pretended that he had
suffered brain damage when his ponytail got 'air' brushed by Andy's arm."
Such was Flores' role in the incident, the Football Association have been
told to crack down on players who simulate injury. The Independent
Commission that rejected Carroll's appeal have made the demand having
already expressed their disgust at the Swans' defender's behaviour.
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West Ham star Andy Carroll's World Cup dreams virtually over thanks to THAT
red-card ban
Feb 08, 2014 22:30 By Dean Jones
The Mirror
Andy Carroll's controversial three-match ban has wrecked his chances of
going to the World Cup, writes Dean Jones of the Sunday People. The West Ham
striker will not play again this month following his red card in the
Hammers' 2-0 win over Swansea on Saturday last week. That robs Carroll of
the chance to prove his fitness ahead of England's friendly against Denmark
on March 5, when Roy Hodgson will experiment for the last time ahead of the
finals in Brazil.
Carroll has not played for the Three Lions since October 2012, but boss
Hodgson and his backroom team have been keeping a close eye on the
25-year-old since he returned from injury. He had an outside chance of being
called up to the squad for the Wembley friendly, but there have already been
concerns over his match fitness and a lack of playing time in the build-up
to the fixture means he is almost certain to miss out. The Denmark encounter
is the last time Hodgson will look at fringe players before the finals in
the summer. And that means Carroll, already devastated by the fact his
dismissal by Howard Webb was upheld by an arbitration panel, will have to
come to terms with the fact he is unlikely to be considered for Brazil.
Carroll was a key figure for Hodgson at Euro 2012 but his last outing in an
England shirt was against San Marino 16 months ago. He will now have to rely
on other strikers ahead of him picking up injuries.
Southampton's Rickie Lambert has emerged as the main man in the mould of
Carroll since making his England debut against Scotland in August.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Dunn on West Ham: Andy Carroll red-card row saw Hammers' owners stay as
classy as ever
Feb 08, 2014 22:3012
OPINION BY ANDYDUNN
David Gold and David Sullivan's desperation to avoid having the striker who
can save their club from relegation banned was truly nauseating
Whether posing in front of a personalised helicopter or boasting about
earning 10 grand in a 20-second phone call, you can always rely on West
Ham's owners to stay classy. Whether it's David Gold and his trusty chopper
or David Sullivan on the phone to his stockbroker while showing a journalist
around his sprawling, ever-so-tasteful Essex mansion, you can always rely on
West Ham's owners to stay classy. And sure enough, after being on the
receiving end of a soft red card, they stayed classy. The bleating and
whining – thankfully culminating in an arbitration panel dismissing West
Ham's case – was almost as pathetic as Chico Flores' amateur-dramatics. A
club that should have been buoyed by a couple of decent results suddenly
looked desperate again, embarrassingly reliant on the big man up top. There
are times when that desperation to stay in the Premier League is truly
nauseating, when it leads to the fundamental erosion of principle. And the
principle in the Andy Carroll case was collectivity. Whether you think the
law is an ass or not, you all signed up to the law.
Collectivity is what the success of the Premier League is based on. Would
West Ham, Gold and Sullivan be banking £70million this season if Manchester
United decided to thumb a nose at collectivity and opt out of a general TV
deal?
Forget all the backtracking guff from Gold about the club being denied
'procedural fairness'. The same procedure was followed for Carroll as it
was for every other case of its kind: Man gets red card, club appeals,
review shows referee had not made an obvious error. Get on with it - just as
every other club before West Ham has done.
And the Hammers would have got on with it had the frequently-waved wallets
of Gold and Sullivan not been haunted by the spectre of relegation.And boy,
it is a spectre.
So desperate was this club to avoid it in 2006-07, they used an
'illegally-owned' player to help them stay up. Indeed, Carlos Tevez scored
the winner against a Manchester United team that took the afternoon off on
the final day of the season.
Getty ImagesWest Ham United v Swansea City - Premier LeagueOne-man banned:
Carroll suspension fight tells you what the club think of his team-mates
West Ham were fined £5.5m for breaching third party ownership rules, but no
points were deducted and Sheffield United – now facing relegation to the
fourth tier of English football – went down, having finished three points
adrift of the Upton Park club.
West Ham know a thing or two about fairness, then.
I'm sure they think it is fair that hundreds of millions of pounds worth of
taxpayers' money has been and is being spent on a state-of-the-art stadium
for the club owned by helicopter man and mansion man.
And you know what? The bottom line is that Howard Webb's decision to dismiss
Carroll was not unfair. Very harsh, maybe – the harshness exacerbated by the
shameful antics of Flores - but entirely justifiable by the laws of the
game.
Gold had a chance to fly his 'copter to the high moral ground, to use the
perceived injustice as motivation for the rest of an expensively-assembled
squad.
Instead, he sent in the suits to challenge a system all 20 Premier League
clubs consented to and sent a message to his players and manager that they
are pretty useless without the big man up top.
Classy.
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