Daily WHUFC News - 12th February 2014

Late blast fires Hammers to victory
WHUFC.com
West Ham United scored twice in the final six minutes to defeat Norwich City
on Tuesday night
11.02.2014

West Ham United 2-0 Norwich City
Barclays Premier League

West Ham United moved up to tenth in the Barclays Premier League as two late
goals fired them to a third straight win on Tuesday night. James Collins and
Mohamed Diame struck to see off a determined Norwich City side and secure
another vital three points. The clean sheet was West Ham's fourth in a row -
the first time they have achieved such a feat in the Premier League era -
and this one owed much to goalkeeper Adrian. The Spaniard denied Gary Hooper
three times en route to victory, as the Hammers punished the visitors for
their profligacy. Sam Allardyce named an unchanged side from the eleven who
defeated Aston Villa on Saturday, but it was the visitors who were quickest
out of the blocks on a chilly Boleyn Ground night. Hooper had a ninth minute
chance to strike when Nathan Redmond tricked his way past Guy Demel and
stood up a cross for the former Celtic striker, who headed downwards and
towards the corner, forcing a sprawling stop from Adrian. Hooper spurned an
even better opportunity nine minutes later, shooting at Adrian after Robert
Snodgrass' fine pass fed him through on goal. Norwich were forcing all of
the early chances and they broke quickly from a Hammers corner on 23
minutes, with only a superb saving tackle from James Tomkins denying Bradley
Johnson after Robert Snodgrass played the ball square. Three minutes later
Mark Noble looked to bend a shot goalwards, but could not direct it far away
enough from John Ruddy in the Norwich goal. West Ham grew in strength as the
half wore on and began to force the Canaries onto the back foot, but it was
Norwich who had the final chance before the break, as Alex Tettey committed
Collins to a block when opting to pass out wide rather than shoot, allowing
him a free run into the box to collect the return ball from Hooper and shoot
first time. Adrian reacted well to push the ball behind for a corner.
Just as at Villa, the Hammers introduced Marco Borriello for Carlton Cole at
the break as they looked to up the ante. They were reliant on another fine
save from Adrian midway through the half though, as Johnson's lovely pass
took Hooper beyond George McCartney, but once again the No13 stood firm to
prevent Hooper from opening the scoring. Redmond then tried his luck from
outside the area with 73 minutes on the clock, but dragged his right-footed
effort wide of the mark. For all Norwich's chances, the Hammers had a great
opportunity to open the scoring themselves 13 minutes from the end when
Kevin Nolan prodded through to Diame, and the No21 looked for the opposite
corner, only for Ruddy to pull off a fine save. The breakthrough finally
arrived with only six minutes left to play, and it went the Hammers' way
after they won a free kick down the left hand side. Mark Noble played the
ball short to Diame on the touchline, and he took a touch before delivering
a wickedly inswinging cross which Collins beat Ruddy to, glancing the ball
into the unguarded net. As Norwich left gaps as they looked for a route back
into the contest, Diame sealed it at the death when he picked up possession
inside his own half, drove clear of the Norwich defence, and netted with the
help of a deflection off Russell Martin.

West Ham United: Adrian; Demel, Collins, Tomkins, McCartney; Nolan, Noble,
Taylor (Nocerino 77); Jarvis (Diame 61), C.Cole (Borriello 46), Downing
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Reid, Armero, Collison
Goals: Collins 84, Diame 90+4
Booked: Nocerino

Norwich City: Ruddy; Martin, Yobo, Bassong, Olsson; Tettey (van Wolfswinkel
86), Johnson; Redmond (Pilkington 81), Fer, Snodgrass; Hooper (Elmander 76)
Subs: Bunn, Whittaker, van Wolfswinkel, Hoolahan, Garrido
Booked: Olsson, Johnson, Pilkington

Referee: Michael Oliver
Attendance: 31,153

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'We seem to be turning the corner'
WHUFC.com
James Collins believes West Ham United are on the right track ahead of
Norwich City's visit
11.02.2014

James Collins believes West Ham United are 'turning the corner' as they
prepare to tackle Norwich City on Tuesday evening. The Hammers sat 19th
following their New Year's Day defeat at Fulham, but a run of three wins and
a draw in five matches have lifted Sam Allardyce's side out of the bottom
three. A heroic goalless draw at Chelsea was followed by successive 2-0 wins
over Swansea City and at Aston Villa. Those results mean West Ham kick-off
their clash with the Canaries 15th and with a near full squad available,
save for the absence of Andy Carroll through suspension and Ricardo Vaz Te,
Joey O'Brien and Ravel Morrison through injury. "We were always confident
things would improve," said Collins. "You try not to make excuses about
things like injuries and decisions, but they were going against us. "We seem
to be turning the corner. We've got three massive results on the bounce,
which has turned our season."

Collins was at his best again in Saturday's victory at former club Aston
Villa, making a team-high 22 clearances and two interceptions as West Ham
recorded their 12th clean sheet of the season. While Carroll missed that
match and will serve the second match of his three-game ban against Norwich,
Collins said the likes of Carlton Cole, Marco Borriello and Kevin Nolan have
made up for his absence in the attacking third. Captain Nolan, in
particular, has been in fantastic form, scoring four goals in the recent
wins over Swansea and Villa. "We were confident we could win at Villa Park,"
Collins confirmed. "We got a good draw at Chelsea and beat Swansea. Losing
Andy was a bit of a blow, but Carlton did well and Marco came on at
half-time and also did well, so we're delighted.
"We knew if we could get Kev scoring, he will be massive for us. He got two
against Swansea and two again on Saturday, so if he can carry on scoring
until the end of the season, I'm sure we'll be fine."

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Bonds 'looking forward' to OS move
WHUFC.com
Billy Bonds MBE says West Ham United's Olympic Stadium move is a big moment'
in Hammers history
11.02.2014

West Ham United legend Billy Bonds MBE has hailed the move to the Olympic
Stadium as a 'massive landmark' in the Club's history. Bonds, who made a
record 793 appearances for West Ham between 1967 and 1988, said the
announcement of the sale of the Boleyn Ground took the Club a step closer to
their new home in Stratford. Speaking to www.claretandhugh.info, the
two-times FA Cup winning captain pointed to the success other big Barclays
Premier League clubs had enjoyed since moving to their own new stadia. "This
is a big moment in the Club's history," said the four-times Hammer of the
Year, who was the inaugural recipient of the Club's Lifetime Achievement
Award in 2013. "We are moving into a great new stadium and, although I know
some older fans are upset and hurting, I think this is a time to look
forward and get on with it. "The younger ones will be relishing it and so
they should - it's a massive landmark in the Club's history."

Bonds played nearly 400 competitive matches at the Boleyn Ground before
taking charge of more than 100 more as West Ham manager between 1990 and
1994. During his 25 year-plus association with the famous stadium, the
67-year-old celebrated four promotions, endured three relegations, scored a
memorable hat-trick against Chelsea, thundered into hundreds of tackles and
rampaged up and down the pitch on thousands of occasions. While he will
always cherish his memories of West Ham's home of 110 years, Bonds says the
Club has to take the opportunities offered by a move to the 54,000-capacity
Olympic Stadium. "I had the greatest days of my life at the Boleyn - all my
great memories are there - I had wonderful days there but we all have to
move on," he insisted. "Many of the grounds I played on - Manchester City
and Arsenal for example - are not there anymore. It's called progress. We
have to move on now and trust the people in charge with our future."

While he is looking forward to a bright future for the Club he loves, Bonds
was also reassured by the decision to sell the Boleyn Ground to
award-winning local London developer Galliard Group. 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. Among the proposals are one for a beautiful central
landscaped garden, which would be named the Bobby Moore Memorial Garden,
providing a fitting tribute to Bonds' long-time team-mate and friend. "We
should always honour the past - we must never forget it - and I understand
there will be a centrepiece called the Bobby Moore Garden, plus a statue.
"That's nice, but for me personally I don't need a statue to remember Bob. I
was fortunate to know him as a friend and player at a very young age and
those memories will be in my mind forever.
"All those memories are upstairs in my head and that is good enough for me."

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Olympic Stadium time-lapse
WHUFC.com
whufc.com brings supporters the very latest footage of the Olympic Stadium's
redevelopment
11.02.2014

As the Hammers' future home continues to take shape, West Ham United are
delighted to unveil previously unseen time-lapse footage of the Olympic
Stadium's conversion. With the very latest pictures from the ArcelorMittal
Orbit and inside the Stadium bowl, supporters can watch as lead contractor
Balfour Beatty make preparations for the arena's magnificent new roof.*
With the existing roof to be dismantled over a period of four months, the
process, which began in November, firstly saw the lighting panels come down.

Temporary cables were strung across the field of play, thereby linking
opposite towers to one another. Those cables form a spider's web-like
structure to maintain the stability of the towers once the circumferential
cables are disconnected. Following the installation of this cable net, the
floodlights were removed in pairs. Each pair of lighting towers was lifted
and lowered to the ground using crawler cranes with 600 tonnes lifting
capacity. The lamps were then removed and the towers dismantled. Balfour
Beatty is carrying out the work using specialist company Pfeifer. A team of
around 20 abseilers erected all the temporary cables and removed the
floodlights. With the lighting towers down, attention has since turned to
the ceremonies' tripods, which are fixed on to the compression ring - the
outer circle of steel that runs around the top. They supported cables which
connect across the venue to allow scenery and staging for the opening
ceremony to 'fly' across the 'skyzone'. Balfour Beatty are now to embark on
taking down the fabric of the roof and gradually lower the existing
cable-net structure, which will mark the completion of the roof's
dismantling. Thereafter, construction of the new roof, twice the size of the
original, can begin in earnest in spring of this year. Measuring 84 metres
at its deepest point, the world's longest cantilevered roof will cover every
single seat. This will be the first of many time-lapse videos featured here
on whufc.com over the coming months, enabling West Ham United supporters to
keep right up to date with the Stadium's exciting transition.

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Big Sam happy with three in a row
WHUFC.com
The manager was delighted to see his West Ham United side make it a
hat-trick of important victories
12.02.2014

Sam Allardyce was all smiles as West Ham United chalked up a third straight
Barclays Premier League win by beating Norwich City on Tuesday. The Hammers
rode their luck and were saved by goalkeeper Adrian on at least three
occasions before two late goals from James Collins and Mohamed Diame secured
victory over the Canaries at the Boleyn Ground - lifting Big Sam's side into
the top half of the table. Speaking to West Ham TV, Big Sam hailed his team
for achieving a hat-trick of top-flight wins for the first time since spring
2007 and their fourth top division clean sheet in succession for the first
time since 1985! "It's a massive turnaround for us all," he said. "This was
a really hard-fought game between two teams going at it head-to-head, both
wanting to win to try and ease that pressure on them being close to the
bottom. "In the end, as you always need to do, if you can take a chance then
you can win it, and Ginge did that for us. Apart from his really good
performance at the back again, with James Tomkins, he has got the winner for
us in terms of starting the process of a win. I think Ginge would stick his
head in a fire if he thought he could get us a few points or a clean sheet!
That's the attitude you need to have in this league - tough and brave and
with ability and desire. You need all of those aspects to deliver at this
level. "You may think Mo Diame's [94th-minute] goal was irrelevant but it
wasn't, because as everybody says it only takes a second to score a goal.
When Mo went from one end of the field to the other with the ability that
he's got and got a deserved deflection, anything could have happened if we
didn't score. Norwich had got six players up and if John Ruddy had knocked
the ball down the middle, anything could have happened. "It was a really
hard-earned victory for us and another magnificent clean sheet. To get that
clean sheet, our goalkeeper Adrian made three outstanding saves, which he
hadn't had to do recently because he hasn't been stretched in terms of
making those type of saves. He made them at critical times for us and that
gave us the opportunity to get the win. "When you win as late as we did, it
sends everybody home happy and relieved and very grateful that we've got
another three points. "Tenth in the league now, but it doesn't mean an awful
lot because there aren't many points between tenth and third from bottom, so
hopefully we'll continue onwards and upwards with Southampton in ten or
eleven days time."

West Ham have found different ways to win in recent weeks, stifling
possession-hungry Swansea City, dominating Aston Villa and now sneaking past
Norwich in a game that could have gone either way. "It's very important to
have a strong squad. We had Mo Diame back and he has contributed by making
and scoring a goal and he could even have got one earlier but for an
unbelievable save from Ruddy. "Having the options to come on, like the two
Italians [Antonio Nocerino and Marco Borriello] and Pablo Armero, who we
haven't seen yet, is brilliant. It's difficult for me to change the team
because we keep winning, so they have to be more patient. "I'm pleased for
everybody and the squad of players we have, seeing smiles on their faces
instead of the heads between their knees as we saw over Christmas. It's
great to see their heads up and smiling and really enjoying their football
again. "At the moment we're the team in form, picking up points left, right
and centre. It's really pleasing because the games are starting to run out
now. Our form at this stage is very important, and even more important are
the results we're getting as well."

Big Sam and his squad will now pack their bags for a four-day warm-weather
training camp at the Dubai Sports City in the United Arab Emirates. The
manager has taken his players away in each of the last two years at around
this time of year - both times resulting in improved physical and mental
fitness levels on their return to action. "It's already benefited us now,
because once the lads knew the trip was booked four or five weeks ago, it
has been part of our turnaround. It was something for them to look forward
to, to strive for and to know that they are going to do what I've done every
year for the last 14 years.
"The critical need for it for every player we have is there for them to get
a bit of sun on their back, do a little bit of light training and ease the
pressure on the mind, soul and body. They will come back refreshed. "We've
already had a massive response because they've been looking forward to it so
much, and now they can look forward to it even more because of what they've
just achieved. When we get back, we'll be ready to go again. "It's about the
data, rather than results. You judge it on whether they are re-energised and
doing more than before they went, and all my data has proven over the last
14 years that the answer to that is 'Yes'."

Finally, the manager was delighted to welcome former undisputed world
heavyweight boxing champion and lifelong Hammers fan Lennox Lewis to the
dressing room prior to kick-off against Norwich. "I could hardly get my arm
round him when I was having a photo taken! I got my own photo taken as
meeting a world champion is something a bit special. He seemed a nice guy,
was only born down the road and is a big West Ham fan, so it is always great
to see him."

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West Ham 2 Norwich 0
11 February 2014
Last updated at 22:07
By Marc Higginson
BBC Sport

West Ham moved four points clear of the relegation zone thanks to late goals
from James Collins and Mohamed Diame against Norwich. Collins headed home
Diame's left-wing cross in the 84th minute, before the midfielder sealed a
third successive win with a late breakaway goal. Norwich trio Gary Hooper,
Robert Snodgrass and Alex Tettey were all denied by Adrian in the first
half. And the Hammers made them pay with two goals which lifted them up to
10th. After starting last weekend's round of fixtures 18th in the Premier
League, the result continues a rapid but deserved rise up the table for Sam
Allardyce's vastly-improved side, who have kept 13 clean sheets in the top
flight this season. Since holding Chelsea to a draw at Stamford Bridge on 29
January, they have beaten Swansea, Aston Villa and Norwich - all by a 2-0
scoreline. West Ham have kept four consecutive clean sheets in the top
flight for the first time since December 1985. They enjoyed some good
fortune against the Canaries, with Adrian their hero for the first 80
minutes of the contest. The Spanish goalkeeper made a fine save low to his
left from Hooper's header, before denying Snodgrass when the Norwich
midfielder was put clean through on goal. Both chances were created by
19-year-old winger Nathan Redmond, who was causing problems with his pace on
the counter. James Tomkins made a superb tackle to deny Bradley Johnson
while, at the other end, John Ruddy dealt easily with straightforward
efforts on goal from Matt Jarvis, Mark Noble and Kevin Nolan. As the first
half drew to a close, Adrian made arguably his best save of the match when
he turned away Tettey's shot following Hooper's pass. West Ham improved
after the break, slowly winning the midfield battle as Norwich's raids down
the flanks became less frequent - Hooper spurning another good chance to
open the scoring. Substitute Diame should have done better when played in by
Nolan but Ruddy made a fine save, while Joseph Yobo lifted a shot over the
bar after Adrian had failed to collect a corner. As the game opened up in
the final 10 minutes, West Ham took the lead when Collins evaded his marker
and beat Ruddy to Diame's high ball from a short free-kick to bury a header
into the back of the net. With Norwich pushing forward for an equaliser,
Diame ensured a flattering margin of victory by breaking away from his own
half before beating Ruddy with the aid of a deflection.

Norwich manager Chris Hughton: "I am very, very frustrated. When you come
here, you know you'll be up against a direct and physical game and you have
to match them. "For nearly all the game we were able to do that but you rely
on getting a little release by scoring goals. "It is a bit too familiar,
creating chances and not putting them away. We put more pressure on
ourselves."

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Sam Allardyce: West Ham boss praises defensive solidity
BBC.co.uk

Sam Allardyce praised West Ham's defensive solidity as his side recorded
their 13th clean sheet of the season - the most in the Premier League - in
their 2-0 victory over Norwich. A fourth shut-out in a row helped the
Hammers move up to 10th in the table. "To keep clean sheets in 50% of our
games is the sort of record you normally get when you are going to finish in
the top six," said Allardyce. "We had 11 clean sheets last year and finished
10th and we've got 13 now."

Late goals from James Collins and Mohamed Diame helped West Ham pick up
their third successive 2-0 victory, but the Londoners were made to work hard
for their victory by the Canaries. Goalkeeper Adrian made fine saves from
Gary Hooper, Robert Snodgrass and Alex Tettey to keep his side in the
contest and ultimately help move them four points clear of the relegation
zone. "There was nothing between the teams today apart from the fact we were
the ones who took our chances when they came our way," said Allardyce. "Our
goalkeeper made some outstanding saves when needed to keep it at 0-0 and our
patience paid off. "Three wins on the trot is a brilliant ask from the
players and a brilliant response to what we wanted to do and what we knew we
were capable of."
West Ham now have an 11-day break until they return to action with the visit
of Southampton to Upton Park on 22 February.

Keeping it tight
West Ham have kept four consecutive clean sheets in the top flight for the
first time since December 1985. And Allardyce, 59. says he will be taking
his players away for a short break ahead of that clash against the Saints.
"We're going to go away for some warm-weather training, which is important
at this stage of the season," said the former Bolton, Newcastle and
Blackburn manager. "Players feel good with a bit of sunshine on their backs
and they can get their minds rested and become physically rested. "I've been
doing it for the last 13-14 years now and I know by the data I have
collected over that time how important it is to get these players away.
"That's why we've been fighting for many years for us to have a break like
the rest of Europe. "I always religiously fit one in because it's the right
thing to do irrespective of where you are in the league and what you are
doing in terms of form."

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West Ham Utd 2-0 Norwich City
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 11th February 2014
By: Staff Writer

West Ham are back in the top half of the Premier League after an amazing
couple of weeks culminated with a 2-0 win against fellow strugglers Norwich
at the Boleyn Ground tonight. Late goals from James Collins and substitute
Mo Diame gave United their third successive win in the Premier League for
the first time in seven years as they weathered a Canaries storm before
striking at the death in this evening's vital encounter. And a third
successive 2-0 win - following those against Swansea and Aston Villa - has
catapulted West Ham away from the danger zone and into the upper half of the
Premier League for the first time since last September. Although it was
smiles all round at the final whistle for Sam Allardyce and his squad, they
had goalkeeper Adrian to thank - again - for keeping them in the game with a
string of top-class saves prior to scoring the two late goals. The Spanish
'keeper, who has only been considered first choice ahead of Jussi
Jasskelainen since Christmas foiled Norwich time and time again as West
Ham's defence was frequently breached by clever, incisive passing from the
visitors.

Robert Snodgrass was the first to falter in front of goal when his 18th
minute strike was smothered by the advancing stopper. Team mate Alex Tettey
was left frustrated in first half injury time by an equally-superb stop.
Gary Hooper was next to be denied, twice, after the break; firstly when
shooting straight at the 'keeper with the goal at his mercy and then by
Adrian's feet as the Spaniard spread himself as the Loughton-born striker
found himself clean through on goal.
Adrian could do little when he watched Joseph Yobo volley onto the roof of
the net with the goal gaping after West Ham had failed to deal with a corner
with just 12 minutes of normal time left. Perhaps sensing their chance of
winning had gone, Norwich boss Chris Hughton hauled off their best
performer, the dangerous Nathan Redmond - and West Ham took full advantage.

Without the threat of the former Birmingham winger to worry about, West Ham
were able to push higher up and jeers of frustration from the crowd soon
turned to cheers of joy when James Collins rose highest to meet a Mo Diame
cross from the left wing and open the scoring with six minutes left to play.
Though joy was soon replaced by nail-biting tension as the Hammers sat back
in order to defend their slender advantage, all concern was finally
dispelled in the fourth minute of injury time when Diame - who'd previously
missed a far easier chance, forcing a great save out of John Ruddy - pounced
on a loose ball deep in West Ham territory.

Running the entire length of the Norwich half unopposed, the midfielder - a
61st-minute replacement for Matt Jarvis - found the back of the net via a
wicked deflection that left Ruddy completely wrong-footed. 2-0, game over.
That two goal winning margin was perhaps more than the Hammers deserved and
more than a little harsh on a Norwich side who, on this showing, should have
enough to beat the drop, but it gives Allardyce and his squad breathing
space at the bottom for the first time in some considerable time. West Ham's
tally of 28 points - 10 of which have come from the last four fixtures, a
run that began with the goalless draw at Chelsea - takes them four points
clear of the relegation zone with Southampton next up. The two meet here at
the Boleyn 11 days from now, before which Allardyce will take his squad for
some warm-weather training in Dubai. Which will no doubt prove far more
enjoyable than it would just a fortnight ago, when the Hammers were
languishing in the bottom three with just 18 points on the board.

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Sam unconvinced by Morrison injury
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 11th February 2014
By: Staff Writer

Sam Allardyce has finally broken his silence over the Ravel Morrison affair.
Rumours regarding the youngster's fitness and availability have been filling
the pages of the KUMB Forum for several months - since when Allardyce has
refused to comment on the situation bar to stress that Morrison has been
carrying an injury. However Allardyce, for one, is far from convinced that
the midfielder is genuinely carrying an injury. "Listening to our medical
staff, there is no problem that he can carry on - not at all," Allardyce
said. "He says he feels it occasionally. Instead of gritting your teeth and
getting on with it, he's not the type. Lots and lots of players throughout
the country will be playing with a similar type of injury that the medical
team say 'you can carry on, it's not a problem'. "Some come, rise to the
occasion and then don't realise how far they have risen, then all of a
sudden when they start realising where they have gone that can be a little
bit of a problem". "You have a lot of other players that are challenging his
position and doing a better job than him. I'm always disappointed if no one
gives me selection problems. I like the fact that you have to see how
players deal with being left out - are they going to be professional or
unprofessional about it?" Morrison, who is still West Ham's top goalscorer
this season looks set to complete a move to Championship Club QPR on loan
within the next 48 hours.

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A new home
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 11th February 2014
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United have released a time-lapse video detailing Phase One of the
project to convert the Olympic Stadium into a home fit for football.

In little more than two years from now West Ham will move across the Borough
of Newham from Upton Park to Stratford, ending a 109-year association with
the former. Meanwhile work on the £430million construction that hosted the
2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games is already well under way.

As the video - shot from the top of the nearly Orbit structure -
illustrates, the first significant change in the stadium's appearance was
the removal of the 14 huge lighting towers, each of which hovered 230ft
above ground level before being lowered. A team of 20 abseilers were drafted
in to assist with the removal, which was overseen by lead contractor Balfour
Beatty and Pfeifer.

The next phase in the conversion is the removal of the existing roof in
order to make way for a £41million replacement twice its size. Work on the
new structure, said to be the longest example of its kind (cantilevered) is
set to commence in Spring of this year.

Once the roof has been fitted, Balfour Beatty - who were recently awarded
the entire £154million contract to convert the 80,000-capacity stadium into
a 54,000-capacity UEFA Category 4 venue - will oversee the remaining
upgrades to the arena including spectator and hospitality facilities plus
additional, external enhancements.

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West Ham United beat Norwich City 2-0 at Upton Park
By Ben Hampshire | @BH92. Last Updated: 11/02/14 11:26pm
SSN

West Ham scored twice in the final six minutes as they picked up a crucial
2-0 victory over Norwich City at Upton Park on Tuesday evening. The Hammers
recorded a third successive top flight win for the first time in seven years
as they beat their fellow strugglers to move into 10th after a fiercely
contested affair.

Best of the Match

Man of the Match: Mohamed Diame. Provided West Ham with the added impetus
and creativity before setting up the first goal and scoring the second.
Goal of the Match: A quickly taken set-piece allowed Mohamed Diame to
provide James Collins with an inch-perfect pass
Save of the Match: Three fine first half efforts from Adrian. Kept West Ham
in the game when Norwich were in the ascendancy.
Talking Point: Are Norwich heading deep into the relegation mire? Is this
run enough to save West Ham?

Mohamed Diame created the first goal of the match with a precision flat
cross from the left wing, which found centre-back James Collins in the
middle of the box and he bravely headed beyond John Ruddy. With Norwich
committing all their men to attack, Diame sealed victory for the Hammers
when he raced through the Norwich half unchallenged before sliding beyond
Ruddy for the second.

After a sedate start it was Norwich, and striker Gary Hooper, who passed up
a number of gilt-edged chances to secure the three points, with Hammers
goalkeeper Adrian again in top form. Robert Snodgrass and Alex Tettey also
found the Spaniard in the way as they looked to secure a third away league
win of the campaign, with West Ham rarely able to trouble Ruddy in the
Canaries' goal.

Sam Allardyce's side were lacking the spearhead of Andy Carroll and only
Diame truly tested Ruddy before the England goalkeeper went missing for
Collins' late show. Hooper, whose first league goal for Norwich came in
their 3-1 win over the Hammers back in November, came close to opening the
scoring on nine minutes as his header from Nathan Redmond's cross forced
Adrian to push the ball away and it was cleared behind for a corner to the
visitors.

Allardyce praises Adrian

It was Adrian who once again came to West Ham's rescue as Snodgrass timed a
forward run to perfection and was found by the busy Redmond. But the
Scotland winger took a heavy touch, giving the goalkeeper time to narrow the
angle and keep out the resulting shot. The Norwich defence then almost paid
for their collective inability to clear the ball as Matt Jarvis curled an
effort towards goal but it proved simple for Ruddy to collect. The
slow-starting Hammers were reduced to looking for spectacular ways to beat
Ruddy and it was Mark Noble who was next to send a long-range effort
straight at the England man.

As the half wore on the hosts started to enjoy more sustained pressure on
the Norwich goal as Stewart Downing fired over before delivering a teasing
cross that was well cleared by Norwich skipper Sebastien Bassong. Adrian was
again on hand to keep the scores level, this time pushing Tettey's shot
behind for a corner as the visitors worked their way through the West Ham
backline. Hooper spurned another chance to open the scoring early in the
second half, this time collecting Tettey's speculative effort but only
managing to roll a tame effort into the gloves of Adrian when free on the
edge of the penalty area. The former Celtic striker was the man who looked
most likely to provide a winning goal for the visitors but he was thwarted
by Adrian yet again as he shot from an acute angle after being picked out by
Johnson. Ruddy made a great save moments later as Kevin Nolan slipped the
ball through to substitute Diame, whose low effort was turned behind by the
Norwich goalkeeper.

West Ham, on the ropes for much of the contest, then came out fighting at
the death as a short free-kick to Diame was crossed towards Collins and,
with Ruddy rushing out and getting nowhere near the ball, the Wales defender
steered the ball home to put West Ham ahead. As Chris Hughton's side
searched in vain for a dramatic, and deserved, equaliser, Diame was freed
into a barren Norwich half and turned the ball home courtesy of a heavy
deflection to send the home fans into raptures at the final whistle.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce delighted with West Ham's rich vein of form
By Ben Hampshire | @BH92 | Last Updated: 11/02/14 11:17pm
SSN

Sam Allardyce is delighted with West Ham United's form as they recorded a
third successive Premier League win for the first time in seven years,
beating Norwich 2-0 on Tuesday night. West Ham were teetering on the brink
of the relegation zone going into the game, level on points with their
opponents, but victory sees them rocket up to 10th in the top flight
standings. Allardyce was made to sweat for the three points as West Ham left
it until the final six minutes to break the deadlock. Substitute Mohamed
Diame provided a precision cross for James Collins to head home his first
Premier League goal in six years. With Norwich committing all their men to
attack, Diame doubled the tally in added time, racing the length of the
field before slotting beyond John Ruddy, with the aid of a deflection. "We
are delighted in the end because it was a hell of a game Norwich gave us
tonight," Allardyce told Sky Sports. "It was a really hard fought game but I
think in the end our goalkeeper has kept us in the game and then the set
pieces have put us on the right track. "Obviously when you score that late
on it's difficult for the opposition to come back and when they throw
everybody forward, Mo Diame was able to finish it off for us." West Ham are
now unbeaten in four and Allardyce admits the mood in the dressing room is
one of elation.

Great mood

"It was a great end to a great run of fixtures for us," he added. "We have a
few days now where we can regroup, there is a lot of tired legs but not so
many tired minds. "We are in a great mood at the moment and this is a really
big and hard-earned three points for us." Another clean sheet for Adrian in
the West Ham goal further underlined their defensive authority, which has
seen them keep sides goalless in half of their fixtures this term. Goals
have been hard to come by for the Hammers, but their recent upturn in form
has impressed Allardyce as both defence and attack click into place.
"Thirteen is an unbelievable figure when you've been struggling in the
league," he said. "It's all been about not enough goals but now we've
started to score and for us it's about getting both ends right now. "We've
always had it defensively right apart from when we had a group of injuries
to the central defenders and full-backs but now the defenders are back." He
added: "We are defending extremely well and we are starting to take our
chances. "We didn't have many tonight so it's nice to see us taking them
when we don't have many."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
James Collins believes West Ham have turned corner after Norwich win
By Ben Hampshire | @BH92 | Last Updated: 11/02/14 11:43pm
SSN

Goalscorer James Collins claims the West Ham dressing room is over the moon
after beating Norwich 2-0 in the Premier League on Tuesday. The talismanic
centre-back latched onto the end of precision cross from Mohamed Diame to
head beyond a helpless John Ruddy in the 84th minute. Minutes later Diame
added a goal of his own as West Ham sealed a crucial victory which saw them
elevated to 10th in the Premier League table. Victory over Norwich leaves
West Ham unbeaten in their last four top flight outings and with 13 clean
sheets, records which Collins believes have boosted team morale. "I couldn't
tell you how long it's been since I scored," he told Sky Sports. "It's been
a tough three quarters of the season and we've turned a corner now, it's a
good place to be." "We are delighted, obviously, it takes us up the league
and with teams taking points off each other, the dressing room is over the
moon. "It's been a tough three quarters of the season and we've turned a
corner now, it's a good place to be."

Collins' header, which came deep into the second half, was his first Premier
League goal in six years the defender was relieved to see the deadlock
broken.
"It was about time to be honest," he said. "It didn't look like it was going
to happen. It seemed like one of those games where nothing quite went right
for both teams. "They had a lot of chances, Adrian kept us in the game on
three occasions and to pop up with the header is always nice." With the game
goalless and the clock edging towards full time, the Upton Park crowd made
sure their voices were heard and Collins claims the tension was clearly felt
on the field. "We were confident it would come but you are a little bit
nervous," he admitted. "I think we get a few moans off the crowd for taking
the quick free kick but then [Mohamed] Diame puts the cross in. "I think
that [the quick free kick] is why I scored because I wasn't quite ready to
take it."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rene Meulensteen gives up pursuit of West Ham's Ravel Morrison
Last Updated: 11/02/14 4:19pm
SSN

Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen has admitted defeat in his bid to lure West
Ham's Ravel Morrison to Craven Cottage. The Hammers striker appears surplus
to requirements under Sam Allardyce following the return of Andy Carroll,
and Morrison is widely expected to be loaned to Championship
promotion-chasers QPR. Rangers boss Harry Redknapp revealed he is hoping to
recruit the former Manchester United forward for the remainder of the
season, and QPR would be favourites to sign Morrison outright if they return
to the Premier League. The Hammers rejected a bid for Morrison from Fulham
in January and then accused the west London club of making an illegal
approach. Meulensteen insisted Morrison wanted to join Fulham when speaking
after his side's 3-0 FA Cup replay victory over Norwich on January 15,
sparking West Ham's grievance. "There's not very much we can do at this
time, and what other clubs do we can't affect," said Meulensteen. "The only
thing I can affect is what we're doing at Fulham." Fulham host Liverpool on
Wednesday night with confidence substantially higher after snatching a 2-2
draw at Manchester United on Sunday. Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge have
been in devastating form this season, and Meulensteen believes trying to
shut down the Reds strikers will be one of the biggest challenges of the
season. He said: "How do you stop them? They've had an incredible season,
the pace and the penetration, the variety and the unpredictability in the
way they can all score goals. "So it has to be all hands on deck for us to
make sure that we defend in a good, compact manner, that we keep
communicating, don't leave gaps for them to get through and play through.
"But the defensive performance from Sunday was definitely a massive
improvement, and we can build on that."

Meulensteen still holds veteran Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard in high
esteem and added: "In my opinion he is a top player, definitely. Brendan is
looking at the players available and where he will best slot in as well. "If
Lucas would be fit, then probably Lucas would play a bit deeper and Gerrard
a bit freer.
"But he probably thinks Gerrard is the best to play the deeper role now, it
suits him, he's got the range of passing to do it, so he's still a very
important player for Liverpool."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 2-0 Norwich: James Collins and Mo Diame send Hammers flying up the
table
Feb 11, 2014 22:08 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror

Even Sam Allardyce must still be wondering how he has pulled this off. Think
daylight robbery or smash and grab. Even Dick Turpin used to wear a mask.
Norwich should have been home and hosed by the time West Ham scored their
two late goals to pinch all three points. They had a string of sitters
saved, however, as the Hammers' keeper Adrian produced an outstanding
display to mark his fourth clean sheet in a row. Then, with fomer
heavyweight champ Lennox Lewis looking on, James Collins and Mo Diame
produced the sucker punch to leave Chris Hughton and his Canaries crushed.
Never mind a bottle of the Man of the Match champagne, West Ham should send
Adrian a crate of the stuff. They have now racked up three Premier League
wins in a row for the first time since 2007. Their winter of discontent
looks to be drawing to an end with the club now up to tenth in the Premier
League. And all this of course is taking place with Andy Carroll suspended.
Suddenly all that talk about the Hammers' owners being clueless to stick
with Big Sam looks a world away. With the sale of Upton Park agreed and the
Olympic Stadium beckoning it is now an increasingly safe bet that West Ham
will have Premier League football to take there. Allardyce said afterwards:
"I'm delighted. It was a hell of a game Norwich gave us and a hard-earned
win - 13 points from six games is a terrific run of form considering where
we were and the troule we were in. "Even tenth might not be out of trouble -
we have to continue and get more results. "Our goalkeeper kept us in the
game and we scored late, when it is hard for anybody to come back into it.
But its a great end to an important run of fixtures. If Norwich continue
like that, they will have no problems."

Hughton will take little comfort from Allardyce's words. The Canaries sit
16th, one point off the relegation places because their players could not
finish. The powers that be at Carrow Road can moan in private all they like
and put their manager under pressure but what on earth is he supposed to do
when men like Gary Hooper and Robert Snodgrass couldn't finish their dinner
right now? Hooper should have buried his ninth-minute header from Nathan
Redmond's cross.
Instead, Adrian was able to get down low to his left to push it to safety.
Snodgrass raced clear in the 19th minute, but was worried out of it by
Adrian, who then produced a one-handed save when the Scot looked certain to
score. In the dying minutes of the first half, the Spaniard was at it again,
flinging himself to his right to keep out a close-range drive from
midfielder Alexander Tettey. And in the second half there was even more. The
Seville-born stopper first kept out Hooper's low shot that had been heading
for the bottom right corner. He then saved Sebastien Bassong's late header.
It was a wastefulness that Norwich would come to regret as, with six minutes
left, Diame crossed from the left and Collins headed home. Then, as the
visitors poured forward in search of a equaliser, Diame raced away to send a
low shot - deflected off midfielder Bradley Johnson - into the bottom
corner. Hughton was furious. And rightly so. "I am very, very frustrated."
he said afterwards, "It is a bit too familiar, creating chances and not
putting them away. "Their first goal is a ball we dealt with all game and on
that one occasion we didn't. When you don't get the lead you think you
deserve you are always under pressure. "It's the first goal that hurt us and
the missed chances."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
We are in a scoring mood', says Sam Allardyce after West Ham see off Norwich
for third straight win
Feb 11, 2014 23:32 By Darren Lewis The Mirror

Sam Allardyce saw his West Ham side surge into the top half of the table
with a win over Norwich - then warned: "We are in a scoring mood". James
Collins and Mo Diame struck late to give the east Londoners their second win
in a row without suspended star striker Andy Carroll, who watched from a
private box.
The victory was also the first time in seven years that the Hammers have won
three on the spin in the Premier League. They have also kept 13 clean sheets
- the highest number in the top flight. Big Sam said afterwards: "We are in
a scoring mood. And because we are so good at keeping clean sheets our
scoring mood is producing win after win. "Our destiny has always been in our
own hands. There have always been enough points for us to keep out of
trouble. The patient way for us had been to wait for our injured players to
come back. "Then obviously you've got our new additions. They may not have
played that much but they are good characters. "The lads have been lifted by
them and there is a confident squad of players now that believes each time
we go out we are going to get the victory."

Allardyce will now take his players on a sunshine break in Dubai later this
week ahead of their next game against Southampton on February 22. Norwich
boss Chris Hughton, meanwhile, was annoyed after Collins' opener - from a
routine cross - left the Canaries chasing the game. Hughton said: "I'm never
one to apportion blame but it's the type of ball we dealt with very well all
game. When you play West Ham you have to deal with a lot of them and we did
it well.
"No doubt the better chances fell to us. There was so much good about our
performance."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com



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Daily WHUFC News - 11th February 2014

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

iPHONE APP I TWITTER I FACEBOOK I PODCAST I INSTAGRAM I YOUTUBE

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

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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?"

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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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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."

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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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