Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan blogs for whufc.com on the hardships of the past season, and his
hopes for the new one
15.05.2014
Hi everyone,
It's been one of those seasons but it's great to know that we'll be back in
the top flight next year, which has been the gaffer's main priority.
Now that we know we are going to be in the Premier League I'm convinced that
there's only one way that we're going to go and that's to get better and
better as the years go on.
This year's been really difficult with injuries, obviously a few suspensions
as well along the way, but it's nice to be able to put this season to bed
now and look forward to next season. I really think that given the backing
in the post season and then pre-season that we can push on next year and do
the business.
The highlights from this season have been beating Tottenham three times,
that's always great. Coming back from what was a difficult few weeks for
myself and scoring those goals in the three or four games in February that
made sure we got the points on the board is great to look back on.
I think that over the course of the whole season everyone will look back at
it and think we've had to work really hard.
If we didn't have the squad we have, or the lads we've got here then I don't
think we'd have survived and I don't think many other teams would have
survived with everything that's been thrown at us.
It's credit to the gaffer and all the boys for making sure that we are here
now and for making sure that we're going to enjoy another great year in the
Premier League next season. We're going to be a lot better and I'm sure that
we'll be in and around that top ten.
To round off the season the players enjoyed a fantastic Player Awards
evening and it's great that we're able to interact with the Club's
supporters.
It also gives you the chance to find out their opinions because it's easy on
a Saturday afternoon for people to give you a bit of stick but the awards is
their night and it's about the boys enjoying it and interacting with the
people who care the most.
I look forward to seeing you all again next season!
Kev
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Ex-Hammers triumph in charity match
WHUFC.com
The annual Great Ormond Street Children's Charity match saw a host of
Hammers legends return to the Boleyn
16.05.2014
A team of West Ham United greats rolled back the years to defeat a Great
Ormond Street Children's Charity 8-2 on Friday evening. More than 1,000 fans
turned out to watch the likes of Dean Ashton, Steve Potts, Alan Dickens and
Rob Lee pull on their boots and turn on the style at the Boleyn Ground.
Their opponents were a team comprising ordinary footballers representing the
world famous Central London Children's Hospital, with a post-match charity
raffle raising thousands for the most worthy of causes. Organised by
Football For Fans, the match saw Ashton lead the line alongside Iain Dowie,
with the pair combining to score two goals each as the Ex West Ham United XI
roared into a 5-1 lead within half-an-hour.
Ashton was delighted to return to the stadium he graced with such class
during his playing days. "It is for a great cause and that's why we are here
and for me personally it's great to get back out there and enjoy playing at
such a great place," said the former West Ham and England striker.
Great Ormond Street Lee also hit the target before Frank McAvennie arrived
from the substitutes' bench to find the back of the net from the penalty
spot to loud cheers from the stands.
Fan favourite Jimmy Walker lined up between the sticks for the veterans, who
also fielded George Parris, Don Hutchison, Lee Bowyer, Stuart Slater, Kevin
Keen,Kenny Brown, Paul and Martin Allen and were managed by Julian Dicks
and Alan Devonshire.
Midfielder 'Mad Dog' Allen was equally pleased to pull on his kit again for
a worthy cause: "It's a great charity supported by everybody and I was lucky
to be invited when you see the faces down in our dressing room! I was here
for the KUMB awards dinner just a few nights ago at East Ham Working Men's
Club where I enjoyed some pie and mash and my pre-match meal was also pie
and mash, which is not too good for the diet!"
Great Ormond Street
McAvennie, who has spent the past week holding his popular pitch events at
the Boleyn Ground, also spoke warmly of turning out for the Chidren's
Hospital, adding: "It's all good. I started my pitch events ten years ago
and we did one day, but it's taken off and it's brilliant. West Ham have
been great to me and the fans have turned out to support the event, and
they've turned out again to support Great Ormond Street, like they do every
year. "It would have been different class to have played with all these lads
during my career!"
The final word went to Walker, the 2005 Championship Play-Off final winner
who became a terrace favourite for his fine goalkeeping and entertaining
Programme column 'Walker's World'. "It's great to be back, brilliant. There
are some proper legends here who have played hundreds of games for the Club
and it's also great that there are a couple of lads who I played alongside
too. They've all put a bit of timber on, which I'm happy about, especially
because a few of them have put some timber on!"
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Winter World Cup causes stadium dilemma
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 16th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United face a potential stadium problem with the news that the 2022
Qatar World Cup will almost certainly be moved to the winter.
West Ham, who move into their new, rented home at the Olympic Stadium in
little more than two years from now have an agreement in place that allows
them use of the stadium during the traditional football season - ie from
August to May.
However a winter World Cup would almost certainly result in a minimum
two-month break for the Premier League - meaning West Ham will have to make
special arrangements with site owners to use the venue outside that
established window or face the prospect of playing some home games in the
2022/23 season at a neutral venue.
Speaking about the proposals to move the 2022 World Cup Finals to winter in
an interview with RTS, FIFA President Sepp Blatter said: "The technical
report indicated clearly that it was too hot in summer, but despite that the
executive committee decided, with quite a big majority, that the tournament
would be in Qatar."
Although due to be mostly complete in time for next summer's Rugby World Cup
Finals, West Ham United will move into the Olympic Stadium in the summer of
2016, after it is transformed into a 54,000-capacity UEFA Category 4 venue.
The club are paying just £25million of the £175million conversion costs,
with the remainder being picked up by Newham Council (£40million), the LLDC
(£20million) and the taxpayer (some £90million). That's in addition to the
£537million alrady spent on building the stadium.
The Hammers will pay just £2million per annum to rent the stadium.
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West Ham captain Kevin Nolan says Sam Allardyce right for club
Last Updated: 16/05/14 11:14pm
SSN
West Ham United captain Kevin Nolan insists Sam Allardyce is the right
person to guide the Hammers up the Premier League next season.
Allardyce signed a new two-year contract 12 months ago but speculation is
rife the club's owners could be in the market for a change at the helm.
The Hammers finished 13th on 40 points and Nolan, who came to prominence
under Allardyce during their time at Bolton Wanderers, believes West Ham are
fortunate to have such a professional manager. "It's been one of those
seasons but it's great to know that we'll be back in the top flight next
year, which has been the gaffer's main priority," he told the club's
website. "Now that we know we are going to be in the Premier League I'm
convinced that there's only one way that we're going to go and that's to get
better and better as the years go on. "This year's been really difficult
with injuries, obviously a few suspensions as well along the way, but it's
nice to be able to put this season to bed now and look forward to next
season. "I really think that given the backing in the post season and then
pre-season that we can push on next year and do the business. "If we didn't
have the squad we have, or the lads we've got here then I don't think we'd
have survived and I don't think many other teams would have survived with
everything that's been thrown at us. "It's credit to the gaffer and all the
boys for making sure that we are here now and for making sure that we're
going to enjoy another great year in the Premier League next season. "We're
going to be a lot better and I'm sure that we'll be in and around that top
10."
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NO PARKING AT THE OLYMPIC STADIUM PLEASE
By Sean Whetstone 16 May 2014 at 18:35
West Ham Till I Die
The LLDC have a documented strategy to discourage West Ham fans from parking
close to the Olympic Stadium when we move there in two years time.
The Olympic stadium itself has just 257 car parking places of which 49 are
reserved for disabled badge holders and 39 for VIP's. A further 25 are
dedicated to athletics..
There are a number of local off-street car parks near to the Olympic stadium
venue that will have parking management strategies to ensure that the
short-stay parking needs of shoppers and other customers are accommodated
whilst the longer-stay parking demands on match days are restricted. Each of
these smaller car parks will restricted a maximum stay of two hours before
facing a financial penalty and possible towing away as a deterrent.
A number of areas have been also highlighted as potential sites that may
encourage unofficial, or pirate car parking during match days. These are
areas of land that are privately owned. They believe many of these areas
identified areas will undergo redevelopment and any remaining areas will
face planning restrictions to prevent illegal parking.
Westfield Stratford City shopping centre has a total of 4,997 parking
spaces.
The report says it will be necessary to ensure that the use of Westfield car
parking is discouraged for spectators on match days. They acknowledge that
some spectators will make use of the shopping centre as well as the stadium,
either by shopping (or drinking/eating) before or after the event, or by
sharing a car with someone who uses the shopping centre whilst they visit
the stadium.
They want to give sufficient discouragement to spectators to ensure
significant numbers do not use the Westfield car parks on event days whilst
allowing Westfield customers to make use of the car parks on event days
without financial penalty.
To achieve this, drivers will be able to re-programme their parking token
during the period of the match so it will subsequently allow them to depart
without incurring increased charges. This will be facilitated by the
provision of "event day" token machines provided across each level of
shopping and retail. Those who have attended the stadium event will be
unable to re-programme their token as this facility will only be available
whilst the event is on. The spectators will face punitive parking charges on
departure if they have not re-programmed their token during the period that
the event is on. The re-programming facility will be made available from ten
minutes after the beginning of
an match (Start + 10) to visitors to Westfield who have existing parking
tokens. Any driver who arrived earlier than ten minutes after the beginning
on a match (Start + 10) and intends on departing the car park any time
between ten minutes prior to the end of a match (End – 10) and two hours
after the end on a match (End + 120) will be told that they must
re-programme their token using the machines available during the event
period to avoid significantly higher exit charges.
If you want to park in Westfield on match days you obviously need to bring a
wife, husband, partner or friend and leave them with your credit card to do
the shopping while you watch the match in the Olympic Stadium.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, May 17
Friday, May 16
Daily WHUFC News - 16th May 2014
Freddie drops in on former team
WHUFC.com
Ex-West Ham United striker Frederic Kanoute was a guest at last Sunday's Man
City match
15.05.2014
Former West Ham United striker Frederic Kanoute dropped in to watch his old
side when they travelled to the Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City
last Sunday. The Malian striker, now 36, was at the game as a guest of
Citizens midfielder Yaya Toure, and was delighted to combine the trip with
seeing the Hammers in action. Kanoute scored 29 Premier League goals in 84
appearances for West Ham before moving on to Tottenham Hotspur in 2003, and
although he has since played for Sevilla and Beijing Guoan, he will always
hold the Club close to his heart.
He said: "I was here to see my ex-team. I was invited to the game by my
friend Yaya Toure and I was happy to see the game. "I watch the games at
home sometimes, whenever I can. I still have a very close relationship
personally with West Ham because I will always be grateful for the way they
treated me when I arrived in England, back in 2000. It's always a pleasure
to see them.
"There's still some people here from my time at the club, like Pete Williams
the kit man and Mark Noble. I played with Joe Cole back in the day, too. It
has changed a lot, but it's always good to see them. "They've had two solid
years since returning to the Premier League and I think from here they have
to build it up and hopefully they can reach a higher position in the next
couple of years."
For Kanoute himself, he is now focused on his career after football
following his retirement at the end of 2013 after a spell in China.
He explained: "I stopped playing a few months ago, and now I've set up my
own management company - 12 Management.
"Part of the reason I was at the Etihad on Sunday was that I was doing the
official launch in England.
"I've started working on something else - sometimes I miss football a bit,
but I have to do something else now."
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WEST HAM ACADEMY TO JOIN A NEW LEAGUE 3?
By Sean Whetstone 15 May 2014 at 08:51
West Ham Till I Die
FA Chairman Greg Dyke unveiled proposals last week to increase the
proportion of English players in the Premier League from 32 per cent to 45
per cent by 2022 and the number playing regularly from 66 currently to 90 by
that date.
He plans to create a new 'League 3' in 2016-17 consisting of 10 Premier
League B teams plus 10 other clubs coming from the Conference. He says the
B-team squads should have no more than 25 players, with 19 of these under
21. Twenty of the twenty five should qualify under the homegrown rule and no
non-european players will be allowed.
He wants the Premier League clubs should fund a 'significant' financial
settlement to clubs in the lower divisions to ensure they do not lose out
financially from the proposed reorganisation. He also proposed a cap on two
non-EU players per Premier League squad, no players on overseas visas
allowed to play below the Premier League, nor loaned to any other club in
England.
Under the proposals clubs will be allowed to form 'strategic loan
partnerships' with up to two lower league clubs, loaning them up to eight
players — all of whom would need to be under the age of 22 and homegrown.
Increase the number of homegrown players in squads so that 13 out of the 25
players are homegrown by 2021, with at least four of these having come
through the club's youth system
Do you agree with these proposals? Do you think these proposals could help
our own West ham Academy restore to its former glory and success in
producing West Ham first teamers and England internationals?
The West Ham academy U18's finished second this season behind Spurs in the
South Group but lost 2-1 to Man City U18 leaders of the North group in the
play off semi final last week.In the U21's Premier League Table we finished
9th with Chelsea U21's pipping Liverpool U21's to the title.
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WEST HAM TURNOVER SOARS TO OVER £111M
By Sean Whetstone 15 May 2014 at 14:03
West Ham Till I Die
The premier league have confirmed West ham United will receive £73,207,049
from TV income this season under the terms of the new broadcast rights deal.
That puts West Ham 12th in the money league this season despite finishing
13th. West ham received a merit payment of £9.9m for finishing 13th as each
league place earns £1,236,083 per place. They also received a massive £52m
as an equal share that every other premier league club received. The £52m
payment is made up of £21,631,444 from Sky/BT Sports for the domestic TV
rights, £26,295,817 for overseas TV rights and a further £4,270,850 from
premier league central commercial sponsorship funds.
When you add this TV Income to the estimated £18m in ticket sales, £14m in
commercial activities and £6m in retail sales it means we should receive
around £111m in income this season up from just under £90m last season
including a £10.5m loan from the chairman.
Although West Ham's financial year finishes on the 31st May we won't get to
see the actual accounts until January 2015 but it could improve if west ham
have improved retail and commercial sales this season.
It will be interesting what we do with extra £21m of income over the summer
transfer window and the coming season.
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West Ham's Joe Cole eyed for transfer to MLS after leaving Hammers for
second time
May 14, 2014 22:30 By Darren Witcoop
The Mirror
Joe Cole is being eyed by Major League Soccer chiefs after leaving boyhood
club West Ham for a second time. The American league is identifying big-name
players ahead of next year's expansion plans. And Cole – a free agent after
being shown the door at Upton Park – is believed to interest MLS
Commissioner Don Garber. Former England winger Cole, 32, could earn a bumper
final payday in the States as one of the league's designated players. But
Cole is in no hurry to relocate his young family and hinted he wants to stay
in the Premier League. He said: "At my age and where I am in my career, I
want to enjoy my football. "Finances are not important. I'm doing my
coaching badges and will start my B-Licence. And I still want to play at the
highest level."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Ex-West Ham United striker Frederic Kanoute was a guest at last Sunday's Man
City match
15.05.2014
Former West Ham United striker Frederic Kanoute dropped in to watch his old
side when they travelled to the Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City
last Sunday. The Malian striker, now 36, was at the game as a guest of
Citizens midfielder Yaya Toure, and was delighted to combine the trip with
seeing the Hammers in action. Kanoute scored 29 Premier League goals in 84
appearances for West Ham before moving on to Tottenham Hotspur in 2003, and
although he has since played for Sevilla and Beijing Guoan, he will always
hold the Club close to his heart.
He said: "I was here to see my ex-team. I was invited to the game by my
friend Yaya Toure and I was happy to see the game. "I watch the games at
home sometimes, whenever I can. I still have a very close relationship
personally with West Ham because I will always be grateful for the way they
treated me when I arrived in England, back in 2000. It's always a pleasure
to see them.
"There's still some people here from my time at the club, like Pete Williams
the kit man and Mark Noble. I played with Joe Cole back in the day, too. It
has changed a lot, but it's always good to see them. "They've had two solid
years since returning to the Premier League and I think from here they have
to build it up and hopefully they can reach a higher position in the next
couple of years."
For Kanoute himself, he is now focused on his career after football
following his retirement at the end of 2013 after a spell in China.
He explained: "I stopped playing a few months ago, and now I've set up my
own management company - 12 Management.
"Part of the reason I was at the Etihad on Sunday was that I was doing the
official launch in England.
"I've started working on something else - sometimes I miss football a bit,
but I have to do something else now."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM ACADEMY TO JOIN A NEW LEAGUE 3?
By Sean Whetstone 15 May 2014 at 08:51
West Ham Till I Die
FA Chairman Greg Dyke unveiled proposals last week to increase the
proportion of English players in the Premier League from 32 per cent to 45
per cent by 2022 and the number playing regularly from 66 currently to 90 by
that date.
He plans to create a new 'League 3' in 2016-17 consisting of 10 Premier
League B teams plus 10 other clubs coming from the Conference. He says the
B-team squads should have no more than 25 players, with 19 of these under
21. Twenty of the twenty five should qualify under the homegrown rule and no
non-european players will be allowed.
He wants the Premier League clubs should fund a 'significant' financial
settlement to clubs in the lower divisions to ensure they do not lose out
financially from the proposed reorganisation. He also proposed a cap on two
non-EU players per Premier League squad, no players on overseas visas
allowed to play below the Premier League, nor loaned to any other club in
England.
Under the proposals clubs will be allowed to form 'strategic loan
partnerships' with up to two lower league clubs, loaning them up to eight
players — all of whom would need to be under the age of 22 and homegrown.
Increase the number of homegrown players in squads so that 13 out of the 25
players are homegrown by 2021, with at least four of these having come
through the club's youth system
Do you agree with these proposals? Do you think these proposals could help
our own West ham Academy restore to its former glory and success in
producing West Ham first teamers and England internationals?
The West Ham academy U18's finished second this season behind Spurs in the
South Group but lost 2-1 to Man City U18 leaders of the North group in the
play off semi final last week.In the U21's Premier League Table we finished
9th with Chelsea U21's pipping Liverpool U21's to the title.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM TURNOVER SOARS TO OVER £111M
By Sean Whetstone 15 May 2014 at 14:03
West Ham Till I Die
The premier league have confirmed West ham United will receive £73,207,049
from TV income this season under the terms of the new broadcast rights deal.
That puts West Ham 12th in the money league this season despite finishing
13th. West ham received a merit payment of £9.9m for finishing 13th as each
league place earns £1,236,083 per place. They also received a massive £52m
as an equal share that every other premier league club received. The £52m
payment is made up of £21,631,444 from Sky/BT Sports for the domestic TV
rights, £26,295,817 for overseas TV rights and a further £4,270,850 from
premier league central commercial sponsorship funds.
When you add this TV Income to the estimated £18m in ticket sales, £14m in
commercial activities and £6m in retail sales it means we should receive
around £111m in income this season up from just under £90m last season
including a £10.5m loan from the chairman.
Although West Ham's financial year finishes on the 31st May we won't get to
see the actual accounts until January 2015 but it could improve if west ham
have improved retail and commercial sales this season.
It will be interesting what we do with extra £21m of income over the summer
transfer window and the coming season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Joe Cole eyed for transfer to MLS after leaving Hammers for
second time
May 14, 2014 22:30 By Darren Witcoop
The Mirror
Joe Cole is being eyed by Major League Soccer chiefs after leaving boyhood
club West Ham for a second time. The American league is identifying big-name
players ahead of next year's expansion plans. And Cole – a free agent after
being shown the door at Upton Park – is believed to interest MLS
Commissioner Don Garber. Former England winger Cole, 32, could earn a bumper
final payday in the States as one of the league's designated players. But
Cole is in no hurry to relocate his young family and hinted he wants to stay
in the Premier League. He said: "At my age and where I am in my career, I
want to enjoy my football. "Finances are not important. I'm doing my
coaching badges and will start my B-Licence. And I still want to play at the
highest level."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, May 15
Daily WHUFC News - 15th May 2014
Nocerino thanks fans for support
WHUFc.com
Antonio Nocerino has thanked West Ham United fans for their support during his loan spell in east London
14.05.2014
Antonio Nocerino has thanked West Ham United fans for their support during his loan spell in east London. The Italy international spent four months with the Hammers on loan from Serie A club AC Milan, making ten Barclays Premier League appearances and impressing with his technique, work-rate and commitment. While Nocerino admitted he would like to have spent more time on the pitch in a West Ham shirt, that did not prevent him from striking up a rapport with the Claret and Blue Army. "Now the season has finished and my loan has ended, I would like to make a personal message to the fans and to everyone who works at the Club to say 'Thank you' to everybody for the splendid four months I have spent here," said the No47. "I was really happy and settled at West Ham and in London and I got to know some great people. "Above all, I have had the honour of playing for a historic English Premier League club."
Naples-born Nocerino has now returned to Italy with his wife and two children, with a third set to be born later this year, but he has remained in contact with his recent team-mates through text message and social media. The 29-year-old was quick to congratulate goalkeeper Adrian on the Spaniard's three trophies at the recent Player Awards - an illustration of the close relationships he struck up during his stay at the Boleyn Ground. Indeed, his only regret is that he did not spend more time on the pitch in a West Ham shirt. "I am sorry only that the fans didn't get to see all of my qualities on the pitch," he continued. "I am very happy for the fact that, from the first day I have been here, the fans have shown me affection and kindness. "What I can say is that West Ham will have one more fan following my time at the Club. Thanks to everyone and good luck for next season."
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Macca making pre-season plans
WHUFC.com
Assistant boss Neil McDonald says West Ham United's players will be looking after themselves this summer
14.05.2014
Neil McDonald says West Ham United's players and staff will be raring to go when they return for pre-season training on 3 July. The assistant manager will try to take a short break from the daily rigours of working in the Barclays Premier League following a gruelling ten-month campaign. However, McDonald will also be kept busy during the summer preparing for pre-season training and scouting potential new signings all over the world, including at the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil. "You do try to have a little bit of time with your families and a little bit of a break from the pressures we are under, but the phone is always on in case we need to go and watch a player," said Macca. "The World Cup is also on, so we will all be trying to watch different games and different personnel, so it will be a busy summer, but a relaxing summer at the same time."
As the man charged with planning and conducting many of West Ham's first-team training sessions, the assistant boss is always thinking up new drills and games to keep the players fit, sharp and focused. With that in mind, Macca will have his notepad and pen out over the next few weeks, preparing for the return of the squad in seven weeks' time. "That is one of my major responsibilities and we want them to come back after their break with big smiles on their faces," he continued. "We always tweak the sessions so they don't know what is round the corner, whether that be sending them on longer runs, giving them longer with the ball or doing different exercises just to stimulate them when they first come in to get them to the level we want them before they start playing games."
The pre-season schedule will begin with a day of testing at Chadwell Heath followed by a week-long training camp. There, the players will be put through a series of double and triple-session days to get them back into tip-top shape ahead of their opening pre-season match. "We have to put the conditioning work in during that week, although we do also send them away with individual programmes for during the summer. "They will have a couple of weeks doing nothing and getting some rest, then we will get them doing a little bit of running to get their body composition up. We also encourage them to eat well and look after themselves in general. "Over the last couple of years, they have been really good when they have first come in and their standard of fitness has been good so we could get some work into them to push them even further."
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The Big Interview - Carlton Cole
WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole gives his verdict on West Ham United's achievements over the course of the 2013/14 season
14.05.2014
Like the majority of football fans Carlton Cole is already looking forward to the beginning of the 2014/15 campaign, just days after West Ham United's final game of the Barclays Premier League season against Manchester City. The striker weighed in with six goals after re-joining the Hammers in October 2013 to help the Club finish 13th in the table, thus securing another season of top flight football at the Boleyn Ground. Cole was a free agent last summer but is pleased to know where his future lies as he heads into the off season. The frontman also told West Ham TV of his desire to hit the ground running when the players return for pre-season training.
Carlton, looking back on the season as a whole, how would you sum it up from a team perspective as well as a personal point of view?
"From a West Ham view we didn't start too well, had some bad injuries and obviously got hit up front with Andy Carroll. Modibo Maiga tried his best to fill the gap but needed reinforcements going forward. We defended really well but just wasn't capitalising on finishing games off so that did hamper our season up until Christmas. We started winning a few more games that should have been in the bag and we went through a good period and a good patch which the boys put a lot of effort into. It's been kind of topsy turvy. "When we got some of our so called first team players back we started getting a bit of momentum and then it just didn't go the way it was supposed to go. You can never fault anyone because everyone did try their hardest to get the results, but sometimes we didn't get the rub of the green. For me personally, I was happy that I came back obviously. I notched a few goals and if I'd had a few more minutes I probably could have got top goalscorer again but it didn't work out that way. I knew what my role was when I came back, but hopefully next season I will get more chances because I really do want to play and score goals."
This season you came into it late, but do you feel that with a full pre-season under your belt next season you'll be able to hit the ground running?
"We're going to start next season with at least two fit strikers. Obviously we need reinforcements and we've got Modibo coming back as well, so we'll see how that goes with everyone getting a good pre-season under their belts and trying to perform to the best of their abilities. We should be, from an attacking point of view, all guns blazing. We've got to play to the manager's style of play and capitalise on any challenges he puts in front of us. If we get things right before then and the preparation that should be good, hopefully we can do better next season."
You've been at the Club for a long time now, does it feel good to be at a Club where you feel special?
"It will be my eighth season. I don't want to be feeling like part of the furniture, I still want to improve. I still want to improve, score goals and achieve more with the Club. That's what my main goal is, to help out in any way possible like I did when I came back this season. I tried to help get our best form back and I think I was in the team when we had our best run of form. Because I know the place and I know I fit in easily which is a bonus point for the Club and myself."
What will you be getting up to on your holidays?
"I've got some plans for next season regarding my charities and a few bits and bobs I've been doing off the field. I'm going to be relaxing, but I've got to keep ticking over through the summer, stay under weight and then come back next season raring to go."
How excited are you by the prospect of heading to New Zealand in pre-season?
"New Zealand's going to be a really exciting tour and hopefully we can give them a good show and give a good account of ourselves. You never know how many people out there love football and they'll want to see some entertaining stuff. They all look at the Premier League so it will be good for the people out there who like football to see us in the flesh."
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Jarvo goes back to school
WHUFC.com
Matt Jarvis returned to his old school this week to open an exciting new leisure facility
14.05.2014
Matt Jarvis went back to school on Tuesday when the West Ham United winger visited George Abbot School in Guildford. The pacey wide man was on hand to unveil a new floodlit 3G all-weather training pitch under the gaze of several proud onlookers. Amongst the assembled gathering were parents Linda Cairns and Julie Dickson who were responsible for the bid to attain a £122,500 grant from Sport England's Inspired Facilities Programme. The fantastic new pitch also owes much to the fundraising effort from parents, pupils and the Parent Teacher Association. Like Jarvis, the rest of the Hammers squad would be impressed with the new facilities which will accommodate all of the school's pupils and also a new Sixth Form league. Use of the pitch will not be restricted to the school however, with the facilities open to the wider community on evenings and weekends and has already hosted Guildford Saints FC.
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Hammers heroes set for Friday
WHUFC.com
The Boleyn Ground will host a charity match with many former favourites on show on Friday
13.05.2014
A bumper night at the Boleyn Ground is in store on Friday night with a team of Hammers legends taking to the pitch in aid of charity. Kick-off is 7.30pm for a game that will see a star-studded lineup full of West Ham United greats taking on a team that will represent Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity.
The ex-Hammers squad includes Dean Ashton, Allen McKnight, Kenny Brown, Don Hutchison, Stuart Slater, Lee Bowyer, Ian Pearce, Paul Allen, George Parris, Rob Lee, Steve Potts, Martin Allen, Iain Dowie, Frank McAvennie, Steve Lomas, Mark Robson and Alan Dickens. Julian Dicks will manage the GOSHCC team and this year the ex-West Ham team will be managed by Alan Devonshire.
Admission is £5 adults and free to children under 16 (when accompanied by an adutl) and there are a limited number of hospitality packages available. For further details, please contact Jeff Garner via e-mail jeff@footballforfans.co.uk or mobile 07941 877570.
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2013/14 KUMB.com Awards: the winners
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 14th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
The Knees up Mother Brown team popped over to the Boleyn Ground last week to interview some of the winners of the KUMB Awards. Accepting awards were Mark Noble (Player of the Year), Adrian (Best Signing), Joey O'Brien (Most Memorable Match), Danny Potts (on behalf of Dylan Tombides for Young Player of the Year) and Ricardo Vaz Te (on behalf of Ravel Morrison for Goal of the Season).
KUMB.com Player of the Year: Mark Noble
KUMB.com Young Player of the Year : Danny Potts (on behalf of Dylan Tombides)
KUMB.com Best Signing of the Season : Adrian San Miguel del Castillo
KUMB.com Most Memorable Match : Joey O'Brien
KUMB.com Goal of the Season : Ricardo Vaz Te (on behalf of Ravel Morrison)
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West Ham table offer for Stuttgart defender Antonio Rudiger
Last Updated: 14/05/14 4:13pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands that West Ham United have tabled an offer for Stuttgart defender Antonio Rudiger. With 51 goals conceded in 38 games this season, reinforcements at the back are being sought at Upton Park. It has not taken long for Rudiger to be identified as a top target and for an approach to be made.
A product of Stuttgart's academy system, the 21-year-old has enjoyed a standout 2013/14 campaign and earned a first senior international cap for Germany in a 0-0 draw with Poland on Wednesday. His talents have now been noted by a number of sides, with West Ham believed to be heading a queue which includes Newcastle United and Schalke. A £5million bid is believed to have been put to Stuttgart, with £2m worth of add-ons included in an effort to sweeten the deal.
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West Ham owner David Sullivan forced to remove 'Fat Sam Out' banner from outside mansion
May 14, 2014 14:18 By Ben Burrows
The Mirror
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has been forced to remove a "Fat Sam Out" banner from outside his mansion. A section of Hammers fans have grown more and more vocal in the protestations against boss Sam Allardyce in recent weeks. And the board's decision to give him a stay of execution at a meeting on Tuesday sparked one group to take matters into their own hands. Season ticket holder Steven Garner, alongside two friends, posted the message outside Sullivan's Essex home. "We travelled from Hemel Hempstead on Tuesday night to put the banner up after we heard Sam wasn't going to be sacked," he told the Telegraph. "It was a peaceful protest, we didn't mean any harm, we just wanted to get our point across. "Sam got West Ham up and gave us some stability, but the football is terrible. I can't watch it any more. I don't expect us to win every week or play in the Champions League, but I do want to watch good football, be entertained and see the players giving it their all for the shirt. "Hopefully, the banner will help Mr Sullivan realise that Sam has got to go."
The Hammers stayed up relatively comfortably but a dismal run of only three wins since February saw fans grow increasingly restless.
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West Ham keen on Norwich winger Robert Snodgrass
BY BENJAMIN WILLS ⋅ MAY 14, 2014 ⋅ POST A COMMENT
Footballleagueworld.co.uk
Robert Snodgrass is attracting attention following Norwich's relegation from the Premiership. The Scotland International has been on the radar of West Ham United for a while and appears to be available for around £3 million. Snodgrass, 26, has a hernia problem which may affect his medical should the two clubs be able to agree terms. The winger has scored six goals in 29 games this season but despite this, the Canaries were relegated to the Championship having only amassed 33 points. West Ham's latest target has 15 caps for Scotland and has scored three goals for his country. Snodgrass arrived in England when he signed for Leeds United in 2008 from Stirling Albion. He would go on to score 35 goals in 168 games for the Yorkshire club before moving onto Norwich where he has scored 12 in 68 league games.
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West Ham United are reportedly interested in Inter Milan's young midfielder Lorenzo Crisetig
11:00am Wednesday 14th May 2014 in News
East London and West Essex Guardian Series
West Ham United are targeting a move for Italian midfielder Lorenzo Crisetig, according to Tutto Mercato. The Irons are among several club interested in the 21-year-old, who has spent past two seasons on loan at Serie B club Crotone. An Italian Under-21 international, Crisetig has made 50 starts in the last two seasons for the Rossoblu. Crisetig is currently co-owned by Inter and Parma and had been tipped to be a surprise inclusion in Cesar Prandelli's World Cup squad.
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WHUFc.com
Antonio Nocerino has thanked West Ham United fans for their support during his loan spell in east London
14.05.2014
Antonio Nocerino has thanked West Ham United fans for their support during his loan spell in east London. The Italy international spent four months with the Hammers on loan from Serie A club AC Milan, making ten Barclays Premier League appearances and impressing with his technique, work-rate and commitment. While Nocerino admitted he would like to have spent more time on the pitch in a West Ham shirt, that did not prevent him from striking up a rapport with the Claret and Blue Army. "Now the season has finished and my loan has ended, I would like to make a personal message to the fans and to everyone who works at the Club to say 'Thank you' to everybody for the splendid four months I have spent here," said the No47. "I was really happy and settled at West Ham and in London and I got to know some great people. "Above all, I have had the honour of playing for a historic English Premier League club."
Naples-born Nocerino has now returned to Italy with his wife and two children, with a third set to be born later this year, but he has remained in contact with his recent team-mates through text message and social media. The 29-year-old was quick to congratulate goalkeeper Adrian on the Spaniard's three trophies at the recent Player Awards - an illustration of the close relationships he struck up during his stay at the Boleyn Ground. Indeed, his only regret is that he did not spend more time on the pitch in a West Ham shirt. "I am sorry only that the fans didn't get to see all of my qualities on the pitch," he continued. "I am very happy for the fact that, from the first day I have been here, the fans have shown me affection and kindness. "What I can say is that West Ham will have one more fan following my time at the Club. Thanks to everyone and good luck for next season."
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Macca making pre-season plans
WHUFC.com
Assistant boss Neil McDonald says West Ham United's players will be looking after themselves this summer
14.05.2014
Neil McDonald says West Ham United's players and staff will be raring to go when they return for pre-season training on 3 July. The assistant manager will try to take a short break from the daily rigours of working in the Barclays Premier League following a gruelling ten-month campaign. However, McDonald will also be kept busy during the summer preparing for pre-season training and scouting potential new signings all over the world, including at the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil. "You do try to have a little bit of time with your families and a little bit of a break from the pressures we are under, but the phone is always on in case we need to go and watch a player," said Macca. "The World Cup is also on, so we will all be trying to watch different games and different personnel, so it will be a busy summer, but a relaxing summer at the same time."
As the man charged with planning and conducting many of West Ham's first-team training sessions, the assistant boss is always thinking up new drills and games to keep the players fit, sharp and focused. With that in mind, Macca will have his notepad and pen out over the next few weeks, preparing for the return of the squad in seven weeks' time. "That is one of my major responsibilities and we want them to come back after their break with big smiles on their faces," he continued. "We always tweak the sessions so they don't know what is round the corner, whether that be sending them on longer runs, giving them longer with the ball or doing different exercises just to stimulate them when they first come in to get them to the level we want them before they start playing games."
The pre-season schedule will begin with a day of testing at Chadwell Heath followed by a week-long training camp. There, the players will be put through a series of double and triple-session days to get them back into tip-top shape ahead of their opening pre-season match. "We have to put the conditioning work in during that week, although we do also send them away with individual programmes for during the summer. "They will have a couple of weeks doing nothing and getting some rest, then we will get them doing a little bit of running to get their body composition up. We also encourage them to eat well and look after themselves in general. "Over the last couple of years, they have been really good when they have first come in and their standard of fitness has been good so we could get some work into them to push them even further."
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The Big Interview - Carlton Cole
WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole gives his verdict on West Ham United's achievements over the course of the 2013/14 season
14.05.2014
Like the majority of football fans Carlton Cole is already looking forward to the beginning of the 2014/15 campaign, just days after West Ham United's final game of the Barclays Premier League season against Manchester City. The striker weighed in with six goals after re-joining the Hammers in October 2013 to help the Club finish 13th in the table, thus securing another season of top flight football at the Boleyn Ground. Cole was a free agent last summer but is pleased to know where his future lies as he heads into the off season. The frontman also told West Ham TV of his desire to hit the ground running when the players return for pre-season training.
Carlton, looking back on the season as a whole, how would you sum it up from a team perspective as well as a personal point of view?
"From a West Ham view we didn't start too well, had some bad injuries and obviously got hit up front with Andy Carroll. Modibo Maiga tried his best to fill the gap but needed reinforcements going forward. We defended really well but just wasn't capitalising on finishing games off so that did hamper our season up until Christmas. We started winning a few more games that should have been in the bag and we went through a good period and a good patch which the boys put a lot of effort into. It's been kind of topsy turvy. "When we got some of our so called first team players back we started getting a bit of momentum and then it just didn't go the way it was supposed to go. You can never fault anyone because everyone did try their hardest to get the results, but sometimes we didn't get the rub of the green. For me personally, I was happy that I came back obviously. I notched a few goals and if I'd had a few more minutes I probably could have got top goalscorer again but it didn't work out that way. I knew what my role was when I came back, but hopefully next season I will get more chances because I really do want to play and score goals."
This season you came into it late, but do you feel that with a full pre-season under your belt next season you'll be able to hit the ground running?
"We're going to start next season with at least two fit strikers. Obviously we need reinforcements and we've got Modibo coming back as well, so we'll see how that goes with everyone getting a good pre-season under their belts and trying to perform to the best of their abilities. We should be, from an attacking point of view, all guns blazing. We've got to play to the manager's style of play and capitalise on any challenges he puts in front of us. If we get things right before then and the preparation that should be good, hopefully we can do better next season."
You've been at the Club for a long time now, does it feel good to be at a Club where you feel special?
"It will be my eighth season. I don't want to be feeling like part of the furniture, I still want to improve. I still want to improve, score goals and achieve more with the Club. That's what my main goal is, to help out in any way possible like I did when I came back this season. I tried to help get our best form back and I think I was in the team when we had our best run of form. Because I know the place and I know I fit in easily which is a bonus point for the Club and myself."
What will you be getting up to on your holidays?
"I've got some plans for next season regarding my charities and a few bits and bobs I've been doing off the field. I'm going to be relaxing, but I've got to keep ticking over through the summer, stay under weight and then come back next season raring to go."
How excited are you by the prospect of heading to New Zealand in pre-season?
"New Zealand's going to be a really exciting tour and hopefully we can give them a good show and give a good account of ourselves. You never know how many people out there love football and they'll want to see some entertaining stuff. They all look at the Premier League so it will be good for the people out there who like football to see us in the flesh."
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Jarvo goes back to school
WHUFC.com
Matt Jarvis returned to his old school this week to open an exciting new leisure facility
14.05.2014
Matt Jarvis went back to school on Tuesday when the West Ham United winger visited George Abbot School in Guildford. The pacey wide man was on hand to unveil a new floodlit 3G all-weather training pitch under the gaze of several proud onlookers. Amongst the assembled gathering were parents Linda Cairns and Julie Dickson who were responsible for the bid to attain a £122,500 grant from Sport England's Inspired Facilities Programme. The fantastic new pitch also owes much to the fundraising effort from parents, pupils and the Parent Teacher Association. Like Jarvis, the rest of the Hammers squad would be impressed with the new facilities which will accommodate all of the school's pupils and also a new Sixth Form league. Use of the pitch will not be restricted to the school however, with the facilities open to the wider community on evenings and weekends and has already hosted Guildford Saints FC.
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Hammers heroes set for Friday
WHUFC.com
The Boleyn Ground will host a charity match with many former favourites on show on Friday
13.05.2014
A bumper night at the Boleyn Ground is in store on Friday night with a team of Hammers legends taking to the pitch in aid of charity. Kick-off is 7.30pm for a game that will see a star-studded lineup full of West Ham United greats taking on a team that will represent Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity.
The ex-Hammers squad includes Dean Ashton, Allen McKnight, Kenny Brown, Don Hutchison, Stuart Slater, Lee Bowyer, Ian Pearce, Paul Allen, George Parris, Rob Lee, Steve Potts, Martin Allen, Iain Dowie, Frank McAvennie, Steve Lomas, Mark Robson and Alan Dickens. Julian Dicks will manage the GOSHCC team and this year the ex-West Ham team will be managed by Alan Devonshire.
Admission is £5 adults and free to children under 16 (when accompanied by an adutl) and there are a limited number of hospitality packages available. For further details, please contact Jeff Garner via e-mail jeff@footballforfans.co.uk or mobile 07941 877570.
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2013/14 KUMB.com Awards: the winners
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 14th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
The Knees up Mother Brown team popped over to the Boleyn Ground last week to interview some of the winners of the KUMB Awards. Accepting awards were Mark Noble (Player of the Year), Adrian (Best Signing), Joey O'Brien (Most Memorable Match), Danny Potts (on behalf of Dylan Tombides for Young Player of the Year) and Ricardo Vaz Te (on behalf of Ravel Morrison for Goal of the Season).
KUMB.com Player of the Year: Mark Noble
KUMB.com Young Player of the Year : Danny Potts (on behalf of Dylan Tombides)
KUMB.com Best Signing of the Season : Adrian San Miguel del Castillo
KUMB.com Most Memorable Match : Joey O'Brien
KUMB.com Goal of the Season : Ricardo Vaz Te (on behalf of Ravel Morrison)
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West Ham table offer for Stuttgart defender Antonio Rudiger
Last Updated: 14/05/14 4:13pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands that West Ham United have tabled an offer for Stuttgart defender Antonio Rudiger. With 51 goals conceded in 38 games this season, reinforcements at the back are being sought at Upton Park. It has not taken long for Rudiger to be identified as a top target and for an approach to be made.
A product of Stuttgart's academy system, the 21-year-old has enjoyed a standout 2013/14 campaign and earned a first senior international cap for Germany in a 0-0 draw with Poland on Wednesday. His talents have now been noted by a number of sides, with West Ham believed to be heading a queue which includes Newcastle United and Schalke. A £5million bid is believed to have been put to Stuttgart, with £2m worth of add-ons included in an effort to sweeten the deal.
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West Ham owner David Sullivan forced to remove 'Fat Sam Out' banner from outside mansion
May 14, 2014 14:18 By Ben Burrows
The Mirror
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has been forced to remove a "Fat Sam Out" banner from outside his mansion. A section of Hammers fans have grown more and more vocal in the protestations against boss Sam Allardyce in recent weeks. And the board's decision to give him a stay of execution at a meeting on Tuesday sparked one group to take matters into their own hands. Season ticket holder Steven Garner, alongside two friends, posted the message outside Sullivan's Essex home. "We travelled from Hemel Hempstead on Tuesday night to put the banner up after we heard Sam wasn't going to be sacked," he told the Telegraph. "It was a peaceful protest, we didn't mean any harm, we just wanted to get our point across. "Sam got West Ham up and gave us some stability, but the football is terrible. I can't watch it any more. I don't expect us to win every week or play in the Champions League, but I do want to watch good football, be entertained and see the players giving it their all for the shirt. "Hopefully, the banner will help Mr Sullivan realise that Sam has got to go."
The Hammers stayed up relatively comfortably but a dismal run of only three wins since February saw fans grow increasingly restless.
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West Ham keen on Norwich winger Robert Snodgrass
BY BENJAMIN WILLS ⋅ MAY 14, 2014 ⋅ POST A COMMENT
Footballleagueworld.co.uk
Robert Snodgrass is attracting attention following Norwich's relegation from the Premiership. The Scotland International has been on the radar of West Ham United for a while and appears to be available for around £3 million. Snodgrass, 26, has a hernia problem which may affect his medical should the two clubs be able to agree terms. The winger has scored six goals in 29 games this season but despite this, the Canaries were relegated to the Championship having only amassed 33 points. West Ham's latest target has 15 caps for Scotland and has scored three goals for his country. Snodgrass arrived in England when he signed for Leeds United in 2008 from Stirling Albion. He would go on to score 35 goals in 168 games for the Yorkshire club before moving onto Norwich where he has scored 12 in 68 league games.
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West Ham United are reportedly interested in Inter Milan's young midfielder Lorenzo Crisetig
11:00am Wednesday 14th May 2014 in News
East London and West Essex Guardian Series
West Ham United are targeting a move for Italian midfielder Lorenzo Crisetig, according to Tutto Mercato. The Irons are among several club interested in the 21-year-old, who has spent past two seasons on loan at Serie B club Crotone. An Italian Under-21 international, Crisetig has made 50 starts in the last two seasons for the Rossoblu. Crisetig is currently co-owned by Inter and Parma and had been tipped to be a surprise inclusion in Cesar Prandelli's World Cup squad.
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Wednesday, May 14
Daily WHUFC News - 14th May 2015
'We were solid and disciplined'
WHUFC.com
Matt Taylor took heart from a resilient West Ham United showing at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday
13.05.2014
Matt Taylor felt lesser sides would have crumbled in the face of a rampant Manchester City on Sunday. Though the Barclays Premier League champions prevailed 2-0, Taylor rightly took heart from the way West Ham United acquitted themselves. The Hammers midfielder maintained that there was no disgrace whatever in coming out second best to the Citizens, the best team in the land. "I thought we were solid and disciplined throughout the game," he told whufc.com. "Manchester City move the ball so well and it's difficult with the interchanging of positions to try and combat that. To be honest, I don't think we can be disappointed in the way that we played. "We've come to the winners of the Premier League, their home ground, and didn't in any way shape or form do ourselves any harm. "I believe, and it has shown over the season, that they're the best team. I think you'd have seen lesser teams, who probably didn't have a huge amount to play for other than pride, crumble. But we didn't do that, we stuck with it."
Philosophical in his assessment of Sunday, Taylor thought that Samir Nasri's strike was particularly harsh on the visitors. He continued: "It's difficult physically when the other team have the majority of possession, but you have to accept that you're coming to Manchester City. "The manager set us up in a way to combat that, but the first goal's from 25 yards and it's flown in. You'd argue that you'd rather he take a shot from there than inside of our box, but it was difficult to get close to them, because their movement is just exceptional and their one and two-touch passing is great. "You understand that the atmosphere is always going to be intimidating. They win the game, they win the Premier League and it's arguably the best league in the world. You have to accept that as a player, you have to be brave and try to get on the ball, which I thought we did second half. But ultimately we just weren't good enough on the day." "We came here earlier in the season with a depleted team and got well and truly beaten. This time we gave a good account of ourselves."
Elsewhere, Taylor made sure to pay tribute to West Ham's travelling army, even though he was unable to do so at the final whistle. And with the season now over, the 32-year-old is looking forward to a rest, albeit a brief one. "One thing I must say is I was just a bit disappointed that we weren't able to go over and clap our fans for the support they've given us this season away from home, because of the pitch invasion," he explained. "Hopefully they'll appreciate that.
"It'll be nice to get a bit of rest, not too much, but let the body recharge for a couple of weeks and then get back to doing some exercise."
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Supporter of the Season
WHUFC.com
Supporter of the Season Danny Gray enjoyed a great night out at West Ham United's 2013/14 Player Awards
13.05.2014
West Ham United's Supporter of the Season Danny Gray enjoyed a fantastic night out at the Club's 2013/14 Player Awards in aid of the Academy. Gray has attended every home and away match since 1974, travelling overnight on coaches to and from games and impressing his fellow supporters with his commitment and loyalty to the Claret and Blue Army. The Supporter of the Season, sponsored by Alpari FX, was nominated for the award by fellow fan Michael Pocock, who met Gray at a pre-season friendly at Torquay United in 1996. Gray was naturally delighted to be recognised by his fellow fans and be invited to spend an evening in the company of the first-team squad at the Player Awards. "I feel very humble about it," he said. "I'm not really one who puts myself forward for things, or is comfortable in the limelight, as it were. West Ham is my life. I go to every game home and away, so when I heard that Michael had nominated me and that I was the successful candidate. It was fantastic and for the Player Awards, it was a great occasion. I'm just so pleased. "For league games, I haven't missed one home or away since 1976, which was Newcastle away in March. As for cup games, without being too boring with statistics, it's 1974 away to Tranmere Rovers or Hereford United. At home, it's 1970 against Hull City in the League Cup and 1972 against Luton Town in the FA Cup. The last home league game I missed was a 2-2 draw against Tottenham in 1972, so it goes back a long way. "I remember when I went to every game for five or ten years and it just keeps going, I don't know where the years have gone. Here I am in 2014 and I will still keep going. It's what I do, I couldn't envisage not being at West Ham when they play."
When asked to name the favourite game of his West Ham supporting career, Gray picked out the 3-1 European Cup Winners' Cup semi-final second leg win over Eintracht Frankfurt in April 1976. "Going back to the rare times we were in Europe, against Eintracht Frankfurt, the atmosphere that night at the Boleyn Ground, when we overturned a 2-1 first-leg deficit with a 3-1 victory, was absolutely unbelievable. So that's one that stands out. Obviously there were lots of games in the 1985/86 season, when we finished out highest position or third. "There have been lots of highs and lows, ups and downs, over the years, but that's what following a football team is all about really."
Friend and fellow fan Pocock was proud to see Gray recognised by the Club he has given so much to over the previous four decades. "I read it in the Programme that they were looking for nominees for a Supporter of the Season and I thought to myself, this man has not missed a game since 1976, so he needs to be recognised by the Club and by fellow fans as well. "I'm chuffed for Danny as well and I'm chuffed myself. It's nice to nominate someone and see them get the recognition that he deserves. "There are a lot of people like Danny, perhaps not with as good a record, I must admit, but he doesn't do it because it's a record, he does it because he wants to support the Club. There are a lot of fans out there and it's good that the Club appreciate what the fans do. "He's not Supporter of the Season, he's the Supporter of Four Decades. It's a phenomenal record. I nominated Danny because I know him really well and he's there every week. Wherever it is, it doesn't matter, Danny will get the time off work and make sure he's there. He's a true gent and a smashing bloke."
The Supporter of the Month and Supporter of the Season awards will be presented again in 2014/15. A winner for each month will be selected by random prize draw with the overall West Ham United Supporter of the Season, chosen by a notable panel, announced at the final home game of the season. The winner will be the supporter that the judges feel has best demonstrated amazing commitment to the Club. The monthly winners will be announced on the Official Website and will receive a special day with West Ham United, receiving two tickets to the Carlsberg Legends Lounge and meeting one of their favourite West Ham players.
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New Zealand tickets to go on sale
WHUFC.com
Tickets for West Ham United's Football United Tour of New Zealand are to go on sale soon!
13.05.2014
Tickets for West Ham United's Football United Tour of New Zealand will go on sale soon! The Football United Tour will see West Ham play two games in the Pacific Ocean nation against Hyundai A-League sides Wellington Phoenix and Sydney FC as part of a four-team tournament that also includes fellow Barclays Premier League side Newcastle United. The Hammers will face the Phoenix at Eden Park on Wednesday 23 July at 7.30pm, before they travel to Wellington for a fixture against Sydney FC at the 34,500-capacity Westpac Stadium on Saturday 26 July. The kick-off time for the second fixture has yet to be confirmed. The pre-season trip will be a special one for West Ham, who will join Newcastle in being the first leading English clubs to visit New Zealand since Everton in 1986, and in particular for the Hammers' New Zealand national team captain Winston Reid. Tickets for both fixtures will go on General Sale on Monday 19 May at 9am New Zealand time (10pm on Sunday 18 May UK time). Ticket prices start from $35 (£18) for Adults and $16 (£8.20) for Children for each fixture and will be available here.
A special pre-sale for West Ham supporters will begin on Friday 16 May (New Zealand time). Details of this pre-sale will be confirmed later this week.
For further information about the Football United Tour, please click here.
Wellington Phoenix
Founded: 2007
Best A-League finish: Third (2009/10)
Head coach: Ernie Merrick
Website: wellingtonphoenix.com
Who are they?
Founded in March 2007 following the dissolution of the New Zealand Knights, Wellington Phoenix entered the A-League later the same year, becoming the first expansion club in the league's history. The name for the new club was picked from a shortlist of six, picked from 250 names suggested by the public, and represents the 'fresh start' for football made in the city with the club's birth. In 2009/10, under the guidance of future New Zealand manager Ricki Herbert, Wellington Phoenix became the first ever New Zealand side to reach the A-League play-offs, defeating Perth Glory and Newcastle Jets to reach the Preliminary final, where they were beaten by Sydney FC. The Nix, as they are nicknamed, reached the play-offs again in 2011 and 2012. Wellington Phoenix also provided five members of New Zealand's 2010 FIFA World Cup squad - winger Leo Bertos, goalkeeper Mark Paston, defenders Ben Sigmund and Tony Lochhead and midfielder Tim Brown.
High profile players
Barbados international midfielder Paul Ifill was born in Brighton and played more than 350 career games for Millwall, Sheffield United and Crystal Palace. While he may not yet be known to West Ham supporters, Costa Rica winger Kenny Cunningham could line up against England at the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil.
Sydney FC
Founded: 2004
Best A-League finish: Grand Finals winners (2005/06, 2009/10)
Manager: Graham Arnold
Website: sydneyfc.com.au
Who are they?
The A-League's inaugural champions in 2005/06, Sydney FC were one of the league's founder members and are considered to be one of its most successful clubs. Under the management of former Germany international Pierre Littbarski and with former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke leading the attack, the Sky Blues defeated the Central Coast Mariners 1-0 in the Grand Final in 2006. That same season, Sydney FC were also crowned Oceania champions after beating Auckland City of New Zealand, AS Pirae of French Polynesia and AS Magenta of New Caledonia. Ex-Middlesbrough and Brazil star Juninho, former Sheffield Wednesday playmaker Benito Carbone and one-time Coventry City and Australia striker John Aloisi added star power during the seasons following Sydney's opening-year success, but the club would have to wait four years for a second title. That arrived in 2010, when they defeated Melbourne Victory 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the Grand Final. In recent seasons, Sydney FC have failed to challenge for the title, but have continued to attract big crowds due in large part to the presence of former Juventus and Italy superstar Alessandro Del Piero in their squad.
High profile players
Australia midfielder Nick Carle played nearly 100 games for Bristol City and Crystal Palace between 2008 and 2010.
Midfielder Ali Abbas Al-Hilfi has been capped nine times by Iraq and was part of the squad which won the AFC Asian Cup in 2007.
Forward Ranko Despotovic has been capped four times at senior level by Serbia and has played professionally in Romania, Spain and Japan.
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Joey makes bittersweet return
WHUFC.com
Groom-to-be Joey O'Brien admitted to mixed emotions after making his return from injury at Manchester City
12.05.2014
Joey O'Brien will marry his fiancee in his home city of Dublin later this month, but before he makes his way up the aisle, the full-back made a welcome return to the West Ham United first team. The right-back was back in the starting XI for the 2-0 Barclays Premier League defeat at champions Manchester City, a little more than three months after he suffered a dislocated shoulder in the vital goalless draw at Chelsea. While the Irishman could not help the Hammers to keep another clean sheet against another of the country's top sides, he was pleased to make his comeback before the end of an ultimately satisfactory 2013/14 campaign. "It was good to come back into the team," O'Brien confirmed. "I dislocated my shoulder against Chelsea, so it was great to get a game before the end of the season. "I had done all the rehab so it was great to come back and play, but at the end of the day we lost and it's not about losing games because there is no sentiment in football. You want to win every game, so to end with a loss leaves a bad taste in the mouth. "Of course they were getting ready for a celebration but we had our own game to play and wanted to finish on a high and finish as high up the league as we could - that was the name of the day for us," said the No17. "The game plan was to keep it tight and get into half-time at nil-all. Then, as the game went on, they would have got more edgy and, if it had got to 70 minutes at nil-all, they would have not have been throwing people forwards here, there and everywhere and might have been worried that could have got one. "If that had been the case, we could have gone for the win and it could have been a different day."
As it was, West Ham were beaten at the Etihad Stadium, but they were far from disgraced by Manuel Pellegrini's title winners. Indeed, it took a long-range strike from Samir Nasri that snuck past Adrian and a scrambled goal from Vincent Kompany to end the Londoners' brave resistance. For O'Brien, the disappointment of a final-day defeat was tempered by the achievement of climbing out of a seemingly desolate position inside the relegation zone on New Year's Day, when West Ham had gathered just 15 points from their opening 20 fixtures. "Over the last couple of years we've been in the Premier League and last year we finshed tenth. This year, we've finished 13th and had some tough times as a team, but as a squad and coaching staff we stuck together and we won seven of our last 15 games, which is a good ratio. "In that sense, we finished on a high after having a bad time in December and January. I'm sure then, if you'd offered the fans playing Manchester City already being safe, they would have taken it."
Now a long and physically and mentally draining season is over, O'Brien and his team-mates have a few weeks to recharge their batteries before becoming the first Barclays Premier League club to return for pre-season training on 3 July. While his colleagues are spending time relaxing with their families at home and abroad, the popular full-back has no time to rest. Instead, he has a big job on his hands preparing for his wedding to his girlfriend of five years, Joanne Martin.
"Hopefully I'll have something to celebrate in a couple of weeks, as long as she turns up, at least!" laughed O'Brien, who will spend his stag weekend at the Barcelona versus Atletico Madrid Spanish title decider. "I'm getting married in a couple of weeks and, please God, it all goes well and we have a fantastic day."
Everyone at West Ham United would like to wish Joey and Joanne a very special wedding day and best wishes for their married lives together.
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Rav set for Wembley date
WHUFC.com
Ravel Morrison's loan club Queens Park Rangers have reached the Championship Play-Off Final
13.05.2014
Ravel Morrison took a step closer to promotion with his loan club Queens Park Rangers on Monday night as the west Londoners defeated Wigan Athletic in the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off semi-final. Following a 0-0 draw at the DW Stadium in the first leg, Wigan took an early lead through James Perch as they grasped the initiative at Loftus Road. But after Morrison was introduced in the 69th minute, the home side turned the game on its head to seal their Wembley place. Charlie Austin levelled matters up with a 73rd minute spot kick, before the same man earned a 2-1 aggregate victory with a winner in the sixth minute of extra time. Where there was joy for Morrison, there was only despair for another Hammers loanee, as Jack Collison was an unused substitute on the night for Wigan. Rangers will now face Derby County in the Play-Off final, with a place in the Barclays Premier League at stake.
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No sack for Sam - yet
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 13th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce will not be fired by West Ham United today, as widely reported elsewhere in recent days. A Board meeting is reported to have ended with plans to meet again in a fortnight's time in order to review the situation, although Allardyce's position is still believed to be in the balance. David Sullivan is thought to favour a change whilst Karren Brady and fellow co-owner David Gold continue to support the 59-year-old, who became the manager of West Ham United three years ago this month. We'll bring you more news on Big Sam's situation as it happens.
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Noble: Tomkins should have gone to Brazil
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 13th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
Mark Noble believes that team mate James Tomkins should have been selected in the 23-man England squad destined for the World Cup Finals in Brazil this summer. Noble, who many feel should have been involved with the travelling party himself following another excellent season at the heart of the Hammers midfield insisted than the Basildon-born defender would not have looked out of place in the tournament, which starts in a month's time. "I voted for Tonks [as Player of the Year] because he's had a solid season," said Noble during filming for tonight's KUMB Readers' Awards show. "I know there's a lot of stuff been said about the injuries for the centre half places but if it was down to me, he'd be my choice to go to the World Cup. "I think he's been brilliant this year and he was probably just behind me for the Hammer of the Year award. I think he's a top player."
Noble's nomination was echoed by Irish defender Joey O'Brien, who revealed that his Player of the Year vote also went to the 25-year-old defender. "Mark Noble's had a great season as well but Tonks got himself into the team and has been an outstanding performer," O'Brien told KUMB.
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Noble bang up for it
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 13th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
Ricardo Vaz Te was rudely interrupted by a team mate whilst making his nomination for KUMB Player of the Year last week. Vaz Te burst into a fit of giggles during filming when team mate Mark Noble - who the Portuguese forward had nominated as his Player of the Year - interrupted proceedings, as you can see in the video below. The 2013/14 KUMB Readers' Awards - featuring Frank McAvennie, Martin Allen, Jeremy Nicholas plus the KUMB Podcast team - take place at the East Ham Working Men's Club this evening. Limited tickets will be available on the door until 7:15pm; the show commences at 7:30pm.
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Curtis question key to Allardyce future
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 13th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce's continued involvement with controversial agent Mark Curtis is top of the agenda at today's board meeting, KUMB has learned. Whilst the team's style of football, Allardyce's distribution of available transfer funds and fan dissatisfaction are also points set to be raised at today's meeting between the Board and manager it is Curtis' association with the club that remains the Board's greatest concern. KUMB has learned that Curtis, a key ally of Allardyce's for several years recently informed a fellow agent that no transfers would take place at West Ham without being sanctioned by him first. Co-owner David Sullivan was subsequently informed of this conversation which is said to have led to him insisting on having personal involvement in any future transfers, as recently revealed in the wider press. Curtis, who you may read more about here now represents a number of players at West Ham including Kevin Nolan, James Tomkins and Allardyce himself.
And the agent's insistence that Ravel Morrison drop his current representative Nick Rubery in order to join his stable last Christmas led indirectly to the 21-year-old playmaker's half-season loan to Queens Park Rangers. Morrison, who is set to feature for the Rs at Wembley in the Championship play-off final next week is believed to have reacted angrily to the suggestion of replacing long-term representative and friend Rubery, which is said to have led to him falling out with Allardyce and leaving West Ham.
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Going for a Song
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 13th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are hoping to persuade Barcelona midfielder Alex Song to trade in the Nou Camp for the Boleyn Ground. The 26-year-old is set to leave Barca this summer two years after moving from Arsenal in a £16million switch. And despite the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham having already been linked with the Cameroon international, the Hammers are hoping to bring Song to east London this summer. The 6'1" defensive midfielder - who, incidentally, has a son called 'Nolan' - started his career in France with Bastia, who he joined as a youth in 2001. Having been handed a pro contract in 2004 at the age of 16, Song secured a £1million move to Arsenal two seasons later having made just 32 appearances for the French club. After making his Premiership debut against Everton in September 2005, he went on to make 145 appearances for the Gunners before joining Spanish giants Barcelona in August 2012. During his first season at the Nou Camp, Song made 29 appearances, scoring just the once. This season he has featured on 22 occasions for Barca, including three Champions League starts. However when asked about his future in March, Song revealed that his preference would be a move back to the UK. "If I leave Barcelona it will be to return to the Premier League," he said. "I will return to England one day, that's for sure." Key to Song's arrival at West Ham could be the departure of Mo Diame, who continues to be linked with a move to Everton where Roberto Martinez - who worked alongside the West Ham midfielder at Wigan - is the current manager.
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Speculation about Sam Allardyce's future intensifies as he meets owners
Last Updated: 13/05/14 4:05pm
The Mirror
Sky Sports sources understand that Sam Allardyce is holding a meeting with West Ham's owners, amidst growing speculation about the manager's future.
Reports have suggested Allardyce is facing the sack after a difficult season, with the Hammers leaving it until the closing weeks to secure their Premier League status. Despite criticism from a section of the fans, Allardyce was satisfied with the club's 13th place finish, but it remains to be seen if owners David Gold and David Sullivan share this view. Allardyce took charge of the Hammers in 2011 and immediately steered them back to the top-flight, but supporters have not warmed to his playing style and jeered a home win over Hull City in March. The 59-year-old former Bolton boss responded defiantly to questions at the weekend, pointing to his long managerial record as proof of his success. "If you are a manager, this is the highest level in the world," he said. "I have competed at this level for many, many years. There's only Arsene Wenger has competed at this level longer than me. "I know how to manage in this league and I know how to turn teams into better teams than when you first take them over, so there you go."
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Sam Allardyce avoids West Ham sack for now, but could yet depart this summer
May 13, 2014 15:34 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce will NOT be sacked today by West Ham. The under-fire Upton Park boss instead faces an agonising wait of up to ten days to learn his fate.
The Hammers will then hold another board meeting to inform Allardyce of their final decision. The club's top brass are undecided on his future. They believe it is too big a call to make too quickly and want to ensure they are making the right move. Allardyce held talks with the club's owners, David Gold and David Sullivan, today in the wake of a disappointing season. At that meeting, the 59-year-old - who has a year left on his contract - put forward his case to keep his job. Fans want Allardyce out after a season of what they describe as poor football and negative tactics. But the board - who understand the supporters' position - also appreciate the fact that Allardyce has led them up into the top flight and kept them there for two seasons.
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Mark Noble named KUMB.com Player of the Year
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 13th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
Mark Noble was the biggest winner on a busy night as the KUMB Awards went live for the first time at East Ham Working Men's Club tonight.
Noble, who was named as Hammer of the Year earlier in the month was voted as the KUMB readers' Player of the Year - just one of 12 winners on a night which also featured Frank McAvennie, Martin Allen - and his dog - and Jeremy Nicholas.
Spanish goalkeeper Adrian was named Signing of the Season, whilst Ravel Morrison took the award for Goal of the Season for his wonderful solo effort at White Hart Lane in the 3-0 win over Tottenham.
Dylan Tombides earned the biggest cheers of the night for winning the Young Player of the Year and Most Missed awards, and Matt Taylor was a popular winner in the Most Improved Player category.
You voted the 3-0 win at Tottenham as your Most Memorable Match of the season whilst cheating Chico Flores was a clear winner as Hackett of the Year.
Our style of football narrowly topped the Greatest Disappointment category; Alou Diarra took the Worst Player gong and Mladen Petric Worst Signing.
Finally, Ian Bishop was named as the KUMB Podcast Guest of the Year - you may listen to his winning performance from one of our February shows here.
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Joe Cole has left West Ham and plans to find new club
Last Updated: 14/05/14 12:00am
SSN
Former England midfielder Joe Cole has confirmed that he has left West Ham following the expiration of his contract. The 32-year-old was given an 18-month deal in January of last year but he has not featured much during the 2013/14 campaign. Cole scored in a 3-3 draw against West Brom in December but that was the last Premier League match he started. However, he plans to continue playing and told talkSPORT: "I'm a free agent now and I'm looking for a new club. "My relationship with West Ham is great, but obviously it didn't work towards the end of this season and I didn't play enough. "So, I'm just going to take my time over the summer and find the right fit. "At this stage of my career, finances are not important for me. I want to enjoy my football, I want to compete and I just want to play more." Cole is a graduate of the West Ham academy and is considered one of the most talented players of his generation. He joined Chelsea in 2003 and won three Premier League titles during a spell in which he became an England regular, and he has represented his country 56 times at senior level. Injuries led to him slipping down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge and a move to Liverpool in 2010 failed to re-ignite his career but he had a successful loan stint with Lille before re-joining the Hammers.
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Sam Allardyce waits to discover if he has West Ham future
Last Updated: 13/05/14 7:15pm
SSN
Sky sources understand Sam Allardyce's position as manager of West Ham United will be confirmed one way or the other by May 23. Allardyce was summoned to a meeting at West Ham co-owner David Sullivan's house in Essex on Tuesday where it is understood he was asked to put forward his case to remain in charge of the club next season. The meeting, which lasted approximately two hours, was also attended by the club's chief executive Karren Brady and co-owner David Gold. Allardyce's views were understood to have been noted by the West Ham owners, who will first convene a board meeting before deciding on whether he will remain in charge next season. "I have competed at this level for many, many years. There's only Arsene Wenger has competed at this level longer than me." That board meeting is expected to take place in the next seven to 10 days and the club are understood to have set a deadline of May 23 to decide on Allardyce's future. Reports had suggested the 59-year-old was facing the sack after a difficult season, with the Hammers leaving it until the closing weeks to secure their Premier League status. Despite criticism from a section of the fans, Allardyce was satisfied with the club's 13th place finish, but it remains to be seen if West Ham's board also share this view. Allardyce took charge of the Hammers in 2011 and immediately steered them back to the top-flight, but some supporters have never warmed to his playing style and jeered after their home win over 10-man Hull City in March. The former Bolton boss responded defiantly to questions at the weekend, pointing to his long managerial record as proof of his success. "If you are a manager, this is the highest level in the world," he said. "I have competed at this level for many, many years. There's only Arsene Wenger has competed at this level longer than me. "I know how to manage in this league and I know how to turn teams into better teams than when you first take them over, so there you go."
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JOINING UP THE DOTS...
By Iain Dale 13 May 2014 at 21:37
West Ham Till I Die
Ring ring, went the phone at the radio station. "Hi, it's xxxx xxxxxxxxxxx's office here. Just checking that Miss Brady can see xxxx next week as you suggested?" Somewhat mystified, the person who answered the phone asked: "Sorry, Miss Brady?" "Yes," came the reply. "At West Ham."
That conversation took place a couple of days ago between the secretary of a rather famous manager and someone who she thought was Karen Brady's assistant. It wasn't.
Now call me old fashioned but could this be the reason that we now have to wait ten days until Sam's fate is determined? Could it be that West Ham want a ready made replacement lined up, and the manager mentioned above could be it.
I'm not naming him because I don't want to jeopardise anything. I well remember that Martin O'Neill was named as a replacement for Avram Grant and it never happened because he was furious it had leaked out. Suffice to say, though, that if this particular manager was recruited, I doubt whether many West Ham fans would oppose it. He has a stellar track record in this country and overseas.
Yes, I know I'm a tease. But I've been called worse.
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SOME ALTERNATIVE TALKING POINTS ON D-DAY!
By S J Chandos 13 May 2014 at 12:30
West Ham Till I Die
We all know what the burning issue is today, the West Ham future (or otherwise) of Sam Allardyce. At the time of writing, it appears that the available indicators are ominious, but obviously we must await confirmation of the outcome of today's board meeting. I suppose It is not completely beyond the bounds of possibility that Mr Allardyce could be granted a reprieve if he reassures the board on certain key fundamental issues. Time, as always, is the ultimate determinant, but as Vico maintained, the basis of all truth is probability! On which side does the balance of probabilities lie in this instance?
If the axe falls, West Ham may very well not be the only club wielding it today. Apparently, there are also decisions imminent at Norwich City, Spurs and Sunderland. While, yersterday, the first close season managerial casualty was registered, with the quick fire demise of Pepe Mel at WBA. In Mel's case, one can only speculate on what the WBA board expected of him. He was brought in relatively late in the season, had to largely work with the existing squad, needed to quickly adjust to the very different demands of the PL and, yet, achieved his ultimate target of successfully staving off relegation. Yes, results were not great, but surely he should have been given the chance to bring in his own players and establish his own playing style and ideas. Only then could he be judged fairly. Now obviously, there may be issues of which I am unaware, but it does appear to be a harsh sacking. Patience seems to be an ever diminishing factor in PL football, as the dire consequences of relegation force clubs towards more desperate managerial solutions. Just look at the 'carry on' a Fulham this session, as they got through three managers in the course of the campaign. While Cardiff City were surely the architects of their own PL downfall in prematurely dispensing with Malky McKay's services. And was the decision to replace Chris Hughton with Norwich City's youth coach really a sensible decision?
So, Roy Hodgson's initial World Cup Squad has been announced and there was no surprise as far as Andy Carroll was concerned. With his season disrupted by injury, did he really stand much of a chance of inclusion in the 23 man squad? He is on standby, but all thing being equal his England focus must inevitably now shift to the 2016 European Championship qualifiers and Finals. Another Hammers player that I also feel sorry for, in respect of England non-selection, is Mark Noble. He has had an excellent season and yet was not included in any of last season's squads. Ok, Hodgson may ultimately decide that others better merit WC selection, but surely his fine form should earn him a chance at that level. Otherwise, the inescapable conclusion is that he will never be selected regardless of how well he plays for his club. Perhaps it is time for Noble to accept that it is not going to happen with England at full international level and instead opt for representing the Republic of Ireland, via his Irish grandparent(s). At least that way he would stand a far better chance of playing regular international football.
Finally, congratulations to Man City fans on clinching the PL title. I hope that they truly enjoy the success, after all they have endured some really dire times in the not too distant past. But they have always staunchly supported their club, even when playing in the lower tiers of English football. And that is admirable. On the subject of City, I do find recent reports interesting that they have breached the EUFA FFP rules and can expect to have action taken against them prior to next season's CL competition. If so, does that increase the probability that they will also eventually be in breach of the PL FFP rules as well in 2015? If they are, what might be the possible consequences of that?
SJ. Chandos.
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West Ham delay Allardyce sack decision - and make transfer bid for Stuttgart's Antonio Rudiger instead
May 13, 2014 22:30 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror
West Ham have made a £7million bid for powerful Stuttgart defender Antonio Rudiger – despite uncertainty over their own manager Sam Allardyce's future.
The Hammers want to beat teams such as Newcastle to the centre-back, who is regarded as one of the best young players in the Bundesliga. The bid breaks down to £5m plus £2m in bonuses, depending on performances. Rudiger, who turned 21 in March, has three years left on his contract but is understood to be keen to play in the Premier League. Whether that will be under Allardyce still remains to be seen. The 59-year-old received a ten-day stay of execution on Tuesday, with the club unwilling to rush into a decision over his future. They feel it is too big an issue for that, and want to work through it as thoroughly as possible before reaching a conclusion. Another board meeting will be held on Friday week - May 23 - at which Allardyce will finally learn his fate. Big Sam met with club chiefs on Tuesday to discuss a range of issues after a season in which fans have angrily called for his dismissal and hit out at what they describe as negative, one-dimensional football. Many supporters have threatened not to renew their season tickets if Allardyce stays. The club, however, appreciate the job he has done in leading West Ham to promotion and keeping the club in the top flight for the last two seasons. Among the issues discussed at the meeting was an attacking coach as the club look to improve the style of play next season.
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Angella wanted by West Ham and Southampton
BY BENJAMIN WILLS ⋅ MAY 14, 2014 ⋅
FootballLeagueWorld.co.uk
Watford defender Gabriele Angella is attracting the eye of Premier League sides West Ham United and Southampton. Italian Angella, 25, arrived at Vicarage Road in 2013 and was one of many to join the Hornets from Udinese – a club owned by the Pozzo family who bought Watford in 2012. The Florence born centre back only missed one game this season and has picked up a reputation as a goal scoring defender, having found the back of the net eight times for Guiseppe Sanino's side this campaign. Angella signed a lengthy five year deal last Summer but a move to the top flight may be too hard to turn down. He has played in Italy's top division, making 20 appearances for Udinese between 2010 and 2013, scoring four goals during that period, but in 2013 he found himself at Serie B side Reggina on loan where he played 19 matches, netting just the once. West Ham have had well documented defensive problems due to seemingly endless injuries, so much so that the club had to loan Roger Johnson from League 1 Wolverhampton Wanderers. While Southampton have highly rated full backs in Luke Shaw and Nathaniel Clyne, central defence is a problem with Jos Hooiveld scoring three own goals in the 2012/13 season.
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WHUFC.com
Matt Taylor took heart from a resilient West Ham United showing at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday
13.05.2014
Matt Taylor felt lesser sides would have crumbled in the face of a rampant Manchester City on Sunday. Though the Barclays Premier League champions prevailed 2-0, Taylor rightly took heart from the way West Ham United acquitted themselves. The Hammers midfielder maintained that there was no disgrace whatever in coming out second best to the Citizens, the best team in the land. "I thought we were solid and disciplined throughout the game," he told whufc.com. "Manchester City move the ball so well and it's difficult with the interchanging of positions to try and combat that. To be honest, I don't think we can be disappointed in the way that we played. "We've come to the winners of the Premier League, their home ground, and didn't in any way shape or form do ourselves any harm. "I believe, and it has shown over the season, that they're the best team. I think you'd have seen lesser teams, who probably didn't have a huge amount to play for other than pride, crumble. But we didn't do that, we stuck with it."
Philosophical in his assessment of Sunday, Taylor thought that Samir Nasri's strike was particularly harsh on the visitors. He continued: "It's difficult physically when the other team have the majority of possession, but you have to accept that you're coming to Manchester City. "The manager set us up in a way to combat that, but the first goal's from 25 yards and it's flown in. You'd argue that you'd rather he take a shot from there than inside of our box, but it was difficult to get close to them, because their movement is just exceptional and their one and two-touch passing is great. "You understand that the atmosphere is always going to be intimidating. They win the game, they win the Premier League and it's arguably the best league in the world. You have to accept that as a player, you have to be brave and try to get on the ball, which I thought we did second half. But ultimately we just weren't good enough on the day." "We came here earlier in the season with a depleted team and got well and truly beaten. This time we gave a good account of ourselves."
Elsewhere, Taylor made sure to pay tribute to West Ham's travelling army, even though he was unable to do so at the final whistle. And with the season now over, the 32-year-old is looking forward to a rest, albeit a brief one. "One thing I must say is I was just a bit disappointed that we weren't able to go over and clap our fans for the support they've given us this season away from home, because of the pitch invasion," he explained. "Hopefully they'll appreciate that.
"It'll be nice to get a bit of rest, not too much, but let the body recharge for a couple of weeks and then get back to doing some exercise."
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Supporter of the Season
WHUFC.com
Supporter of the Season Danny Gray enjoyed a great night out at West Ham United's 2013/14 Player Awards
13.05.2014
West Ham United's Supporter of the Season Danny Gray enjoyed a fantastic night out at the Club's 2013/14 Player Awards in aid of the Academy. Gray has attended every home and away match since 1974, travelling overnight on coaches to and from games and impressing his fellow supporters with his commitment and loyalty to the Claret and Blue Army. The Supporter of the Season, sponsored by Alpari FX, was nominated for the award by fellow fan Michael Pocock, who met Gray at a pre-season friendly at Torquay United in 1996. Gray was naturally delighted to be recognised by his fellow fans and be invited to spend an evening in the company of the first-team squad at the Player Awards. "I feel very humble about it," he said. "I'm not really one who puts myself forward for things, or is comfortable in the limelight, as it were. West Ham is my life. I go to every game home and away, so when I heard that Michael had nominated me and that I was the successful candidate. It was fantastic and for the Player Awards, it was a great occasion. I'm just so pleased. "For league games, I haven't missed one home or away since 1976, which was Newcastle away in March. As for cup games, without being too boring with statistics, it's 1974 away to Tranmere Rovers or Hereford United. At home, it's 1970 against Hull City in the League Cup and 1972 against Luton Town in the FA Cup. The last home league game I missed was a 2-2 draw against Tottenham in 1972, so it goes back a long way. "I remember when I went to every game for five or ten years and it just keeps going, I don't know where the years have gone. Here I am in 2014 and I will still keep going. It's what I do, I couldn't envisage not being at West Ham when they play."
When asked to name the favourite game of his West Ham supporting career, Gray picked out the 3-1 European Cup Winners' Cup semi-final second leg win over Eintracht Frankfurt in April 1976. "Going back to the rare times we were in Europe, against Eintracht Frankfurt, the atmosphere that night at the Boleyn Ground, when we overturned a 2-1 first-leg deficit with a 3-1 victory, was absolutely unbelievable. So that's one that stands out. Obviously there were lots of games in the 1985/86 season, when we finished out highest position or third. "There have been lots of highs and lows, ups and downs, over the years, but that's what following a football team is all about really."
Friend and fellow fan Pocock was proud to see Gray recognised by the Club he has given so much to over the previous four decades. "I read it in the Programme that they were looking for nominees for a Supporter of the Season and I thought to myself, this man has not missed a game since 1976, so he needs to be recognised by the Club and by fellow fans as well. "I'm chuffed for Danny as well and I'm chuffed myself. It's nice to nominate someone and see them get the recognition that he deserves. "There are a lot of people like Danny, perhaps not with as good a record, I must admit, but he doesn't do it because it's a record, he does it because he wants to support the Club. There are a lot of fans out there and it's good that the Club appreciate what the fans do. "He's not Supporter of the Season, he's the Supporter of Four Decades. It's a phenomenal record. I nominated Danny because I know him really well and he's there every week. Wherever it is, it doesn't matter, Danny will get the time off work and make sure he's there. He's a true gent and a smashing bloke."
The Supporter of the Month and Supporter of the Season awards will be presented again in 2014/15. A winner for each month will be selected by random prize draw with the overall West Ham United Supporter of the Season, chosen by a notable panel, announced at the final home game of the season. The winner will be the supporter that the judges feel has best demonstrated amazing commitment to the Club. The monthly winners will be announced on the Official Website and will receive a special day with West Ham United, receiving two tickets to the Carlsberg Legends Lounge and meeting one of their favourite West Ham players.
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New Zealand tickets to go on sale
WHUFC.com
Tickets for West Ham United's Football United Tour of New Zealand are to go on sale soon!
13.05.2014
Tickets for West Ham United's Football United Tour of New Zealand will go on sale soon! The Football United Tour will see West Ham play two games in the Pacific Ocean nation against Hyundai A-League sides Wellington Phoenix and Sydney FC as part of a four-team tournament that also includes fellow Barclays Premier League side Newcastle United. The Hammers will face the Phoenix at Eden Park on Wednesday 23 July at 7.30pm, before they travel to Wellington for a fixture against Sydney FC at the 34,500-capacity Westpac Stadium on Saturday 26 July. The kick-off time for the second fixture has yet to be confirmed. The pre-season trip will be a special one for West Ham, who will join Newcastle in being the first leading English clubs to visit New Zealand since Everton in 1986, and in particular for the Hammers' New Zealand national team captain Winston Reid. Tickets for both fixtures will go on General Sale on Monday 19 May at 9am New Zealand time (10pm on Sunday 18 May UK time). Ticket prices start from $35 (£18) for Adults and $16 (£8.20) for Children for each fixture and will be available here.
A special pre-sale for West Ham supporters will begin on Friday 16 May (New Zealand time). Details of this pre-sale will be confirmed later this week.
For further information about the Football United Tour, please click here.
Wellington Phoenix
Founded: 2007
Best A-League finish: Third (2009/10)
Head coach: Ernie Merrick
Website: wellingtonphoenix.com
Who are they?
Founded in March 2007 following the dissolution of the New Zealand Knights, Wellington Phoenix entered the A-League later the same year, becoming the first expansion club in the league's history. The name for the new club was picked from a shortlist of six, picked from 250 names suggested by the public, and represents the 'fresh start' for football made in the city with the club's birth. In 2009/10, under the guidance of future New Zealand manager Ricki Herbert, Wellington Phoenix became the first ever New Zealand side to reach the A-League play-offs, defeating Perth Glory and Newcastle Jets to reach the Preliminary final, where they were beaten by Sydney FC. The Nix, as they are nicknamed, reached the play-offs again in 2011 and 2012. Wellington Phoenix also provided five members of New Zealand's 2010 FIFA World Cup squad - winger Leo Bertos, goalkeeper Mark Paston, defenders Ben Sigmund and Tony Lochhead and midfielder Tim Brown.
High profile players
Barbados international midfielder Paul Ifill was born in Brighton and played more than 350 career games for Millwall, Sheffield United and Crystal Palace. While he may not yet be known to West Ham supporters, Costa Rica winger Kenny Cunningham could line up against England at the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil.
Sydney FC
Founded: 2004
Best A-League finish: Grand Finals winners (2005/06, 2009/10)
Manager: Graham Arnold
Website: sydneyfc.com.au
Who are they?
The A-League's inaugural champions in 2005/06, Sydney FC were one of the league's founder members and are considered to be one of its most successful clubs. Under the management of former Germany international Pierre Littbarski and with former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke leading the attack, the Sky Blues defeated the Central Coast Mariners 1-0 in the Grand Final in 2006. That same season, Sydney FC were also crowned Oceania champions after beating Auckland City of New Zealand, AS Pirae of French Polynesia and AS Magenta of New Caledonia. Ex-Middlesbrough and Brazil star Juninho, former Sheffield Wednesday playmaker Benito Carbone and one-time Coventry City and Australia striker John Aloisi added star power during the seasons following Sydney's opening-year success, but the club would have to wait four years for a second title. That arrived in 2010, when they defeated Melbourne Victory 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the Grand Final. In recent seasons, Sydney FC have failed to challenge for the title, but have continued to attract big crowds due in large part to the presence of former Juventus and Italy superstar Alessandro Del Piero in their squad.
High profile players
Australia midfielder Nick Carle played nearly 100 games for Bristol City and Crystal Palace between 2008 and 2010.
Midfielder Ali Abbas Al-Hilfi has been capped nine times by Iraq and was part of the squad which won the AFC Asian Cup in 2007.
Forward Ranko Despotovic has been capped four times at senior level by Serbia and has played professionally in Romania, Spain and Japan.
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Joey makes bittersweet return
WHUFC.com
Groom-to-be Joey O'Brien admitted to mixed emotions after making his return from injury at Manchester City
12.05.2014
Joey O'Brien will marry his fiancee in his home city of Dublin later this month, but before he makes his way up the aisle, the full-back made a welcome return to the West Ham United first team. The right-back was back in the starting XI for the 2-0 Barclays Premier League defeat at champions Manchester City, a little more than three months after he suffered a dislocated shoulder in the vital goalless draw at Chelsea. While the Irishman could not help the Hammers to keep another clean sheet against another of the country's top sides, he was pleased to make his comeback before the end of an ultimately satisfactory 2013/14 campaign. "It was good to come back into the team," O'Brien confirmed. "I dislocated my shoulder against Chelsea, so it was great to get a game before the end of the season. "I had done all the rehab so it was great to come back and play, but at the end of the day we lost and it's not about losing games because there is no sentiment in football. You want to win every game, so to end with a loss leaves a bad taste in the mouth. "Of course they were getting ready for a celebration but we had our own game to play and wanted to finish on a high and finish as high up the league as we could - that was the name of the day for us," said the No17. "The game plan was to keep it tight and get into half-time at nil-all. Then, as the game went on, they would have got more edgy and, if it had got to 70 minutes at nil-all, they would have not have been throwing people forwards here, there and everywhere and might have been worried that could have got one. "If that had been the case, we could have gone for the win and it could have been a different day."
As it was, West Ham were beaten at the Etihad Stadium, but they were far from disgraced by Manuel Pellegrini's title winners. Indeed, it took a long-range strike from Samir Nasri that snuck past Adrian and a scrambled goal from Vincent Kompany to end the Londoners' brave resistance. For O'Brien, the disappointment of a final-day defeat was tempered by the achievement of climbing out of a seemingly desolate position inside the relegation zone on New Year's Day, when West Ham had gathered just 15 points from their opening 20 fixtures. "Over the last couple of years we've been in the Premier League and last year we finshed tenth. This year, we've finished 13th and had some tough times as a team, but as a squad and coaching staff we stuck together and we won seven of our last 15 games, which is a good ratio. "In that sense, we finished on a high after having a bad time in December and January. I'm sure then, if you'd offered the fans playing Manchester City already being safe, they would have taken it."
Now a long and physically and mentally draining season is over, O'Brien and his team-mates have a few weeks to recharge their batteries before becoming the first Barclays Premier League club to return for pre-season training on 3 July. While his colleagues are spending time relaxing with their families at home and abroad, the popular full-back has no time to rest. Instead, he has a big job on his hands preparing for his wedding to his girlfriend of five years, Joanne Martin.
"Hopefully I'll have something to celebrate in a couple of weeks, as long as she turns up, at least!" laughed O'Brien, who will spend his stag weekend at the Barcelona versus Atletico Madrid Spanish title decider. "I'm getting married in a couple of weeks and, please God, it all goes well and we have a fantastic day."
Everyone at West Ham United would like to wish Joey and Joanne a very special wedding day and best wishes for their married lives together.
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Rav set for Wembley date
WHUFC.com
Ravel Morrison's loan club Queens Park Rangers have reached the Championship Play-Off Final
13.05.2014
Ravel Morrison took a step closer to promotion with his loan club Queens Park Rangers on Monday night as the west Londoners defeated Wigan Athletic in the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off semi-final. Following a 0-0 draw at the DW Stadium in the first leg, Wigan took an early lead through James Perch as they grasped the initiative at Loftus Road. But after Morrison was introduced in the 69th minute, the home side turned the game on its head to seal their Wembley place. Charlie Austin levelled matters up with a 73rd minute spot kick, before the same man earned a 2-1 aggregate victory with a winner in the sixth minute of extra time. Where there was joy for Morrison, there was only despair for another Hammers loanee, as Jack Collison was an unused substitute on the night for Wigan. Rangers will now face Derby County in the Play-Off final, with a place in the Barclays Premier League at stake.
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No sack for Sam - yet
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 13th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce will not be fired by West Ham United today, as widely reported elsewhere in recent days. A Board meeting is reported to have ended with plans to meet again in a fortnight's time in order to review the situation, although Allardyce's position is still believed to be in the balance. David Sullivan is thought to favour a change whilst Karren Brady and fellow co-owner David Gold continue to support the 59-year-old, who became the manager of West Ham United three years ago this month. We'll bring you more news on Big Sam's situation as it happens.
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Noble: Tomkins should have gone to Brazil
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 13th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
Mark Noble believes that team mate James Tomkins should have been selected in the 23-man England squad destined for the World Cup Finals in Brazil this summer. Noble, who many feel should have been involved with the travelling party himself following another excellent season at the heart of the Hammers midfield insisted than the Basildon-born defender would not have looked out of place in the tournament, which starts in a month's time. "I voted for Tonks [as Player of the Year] because he's had a solid season," said Noble during filming for tonight's KUMB Readers' Awards show. "I know there's a lot of stuff been said about the injuries for the centre half places but if it was down to me, he'd be my choice to go to the World Cup. "I think he's been brilliant this year and he was probably just behind me for the Hammer of the Year award. I think he's a top player."
Noble's nomination was echoed by Irish defender Joey O'Brien, who revealed that his Player of the Year vote also went to the 25-year-old defender. "Mark Noble's had a great season as well but Tonks got himself into the team and has been an outstanding performer," O'Brien told KUMB.
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Noble bang up for it
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 13th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
Ricardo Vaz Te was rudely interrupted by a team mate whilst making his nomination for KUMB Player of the Year last week. Vaz Te burst into a fit of giggles during filming when team mate Mark Noble - who the Portuguese forward had nominated as his Player of the Year - interrupted proceedings, as you can see in the video below. The 2013/14 KUMB Readers' Awards - featuring Frank McAvennie, Martin Allen, Jeremy Nicholas plus the KUMB Podcast team - take place at the East Ham Working Men's Club this evening. Limited tickets will be available on the door until 7:15pm; the show commences at 7:30pm.
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Curtis question key to Allardyce future
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 13th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce's continued involvement with controversial agent Mark Curtis is top of the agenda at today's board meeting, KUMB has learned. Whilst the team's style of football, Allardyce's distribution of available transfer funds and fan dissatisfaction are also points set to be raised at today's meeting between the Board and manager it is Curtis' association with the club that remains the Board's greatest concern. KUMB has learned that Curtis, a key ally of Allardyce's for several years recently informed a fellow agent that no transfers would take place at West Ham without being sanctioned by him first. Co-owner David Sullivan was subsequently informed of this conversation which is said to have led to him insisting on having personal involvement in any future transfers, as recently revealed in the wider press. Curtis, who you may read more about here now represents a number of players at West Ham including Kevin Nolan, James Tomkins and Allardyce himself.
And the agent's insistence that Ravel Morrison drop his current representative Nick Rubery in order to join his stable last Christmas led indirectly to the 21-year-old playmaker's half-season loan to Queens Park Rangers. Morrison, who is set to feature for the Rs at Wembley in the Championship play-off final next week is believed to have reacted angrily to the suggestion of replacing long-term representative and friend Rubery, which is said to have led to him falling out with Allardyce and leaving West Ham.
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Going for a Song
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 13th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are hoping to persuade Barcelona midfielder Alex Song to trade in the Nou Camp for the Boleyn Ground. The 26-year-old is set to leave Barca this summer two years after moving from Arsenal in a £16million switch. And despite the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham having already been linked with the Cameroon international, the Hammers are hoping to bring Song to east London this summer. The 6'1" defensive midfielder - who, incidentally, has a son called 'Nolan' - started his career in France with Bastia, who he joined as a youth in 2001. Having been handed a pro contract in 2004 at the age of 16, Song secured a £1million move to Arsenal two seasons later having made just 32 appearances for the French club. After making his Premiership debut against Everton in September 2005, he went on to make 145 appearances for the Gunners before joining Spanish giants Barcelona in August 2012. During his first season at the Nou Camp, Song made 29 appearances, scoring just the once. This season he has featured on 22 occasions for Barca, including three Champions League starts. However when asked about his future in March, Song revealed that his preference would be a move back to the UK. "If I leave Barcelona it will be to return to the Premier League," he said. "I will return to England one day, that's for sure." Key to Song's arrival at West Ham could be the departure of Mo Diame, who continues to be linked with a move to Everton where Roberto Martinez - who worked alongside the West Ham midfielder at Wigan - is the current manager.
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Speculation about Sam Allardyce's future intensifies as he meets owners
Last Updated: 13/05/14 4:05pm
The Mirror
Sky Sports sources understand that Sam Allardyce is holding a meeting with West Ham's owners, amidst growing speculation about the manager's future.
Reports have suggested Allardyce is facing the sack after a difficult season, with the Hammers leaving it until the closing weeks to secure their Premier League status. Despite criticism from a section of the fans, Allardyce was satisfied with the club's 13th place finish, but it remains to be seen if owners David Gold and David Sullivan share this view. Allardyce took charge of the Hammers in 2011 and immediately steered them back to the top-flight, but supporters have not warmed to his playing style and jeered a home win over Hull City in March. The 59-year-old former Bolton boss responded defiantly to questions at the weekend, pointing to his long managerial record as proof of his success. "If you are a manager, this is the highest level in the world," he said. "I have competed at this level for many, many years. There's only Arsene Wenger has competed at this level longer than me. "I know how to manage in this league and I know how to turn teams into better teams than when you first take them over, so there you go."
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Sam Allardyce avoids West Ham sack for now, but could yet depart this summer
May 13, 2014 15:34 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce will NOT be sacked today by West Ham. The under-fire Upton Park boss instead faces an agonising wait of up to ten days to learn his fate.
The Hammers will then hold another board meeting to inform Allardyce of their final decision. The club's top brass are undecided on his future. They believe it is too big a call to make too quickly and want to ensure they are making the right move. Allardyce held talks with the club's owners, David Gold and David Sullivan, today in the wake of a disappointing season. At that meeting, the 59-year-old - who has a year left on his contract - put forward his case to keep his job. Fans want Allardyce out after a season of what they describe as poor football and negative tactics. But the board - who understand the supporters' position - also appreciate the fact that Allardyce has led them up into the top flight and kept them there for two seasons.
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Mark Noble named KUMB.com Player of the Year
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 13th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
Mark Noble was the biggest winner on a busy night as the KUMB Awards went live for the first time at East Ham Working Men's Club tonight.
Noble, who was named as Hammer of the Year earlier in the month was voted as the KUMB readers' Player of the Year - just one of 12 winners on a night which also featured Frank McAvennie, Martin Allen - and his dog - and Jeremy Nicholas.
Spanish goalkeeper Adrian was named Signing of the Season, whilst Ravel Morrison took the award for Goal of the Season for his wonderful solo effort at White Hart Lane in the 3-0 win over Tottenham.
Dylan Tombides earned the biggest cheers of the night for winning the Young Player of the Year and Most Missed awards, and Matt Taylor was a popular winner in the Most Improved Player category.
You voted the 3-0 win at Tottenham as your Most Memorable Match of the season whilst cheating Chico Flores was a clear winner as Hackett of the Year.
Our style of football narrowly topped the Greatest Disappointment category; Alou Diarra took the Worst Player gong and Mladen Petric Worst Signing.
Finally, Ian Bishop was named as the KUMB Podcast Guest of the Year - you may listen to his winning performance from one of our February shows here.
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Joe Cole has left West Ham and plans to find new club
Last Updated: 14/05/14 12:00am
SSN
Former England midfielder Joe Cole has confirmed that he has left West Ham following the expiration of his contract. The 32-year-old was given an 18-month deal in January of last year but he has not featured much during the 2013/14 campaign. Cole scored in a 3-3 draw against West Brom in December but that was the last Premier League match he started. However, he plans to continue playing and told talkSPORT: "I'm a free agent now and I'm looking for a new club. "My relationship with West Ham is great, but obviously it didn't work towards the end of this season and I didn't play enough. "So, I'm just going to take my time over the summer and find the right fit. "At this stage of my career, finances are not important for me. I want to enjoy my football, I want to compete and I just want to play more." Cole is a graduate of the West Ham academy and is considered one of the most talented players of his generation. He joined Chelsea in 2003 and won three Premier League titles during a spell in which he became an England regular, and he has represented his country 56 times at senior level. Injuries led to him slipping down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge and a move to Liverpool in 2010 failed to re-ignite his career but he had a successful loan stint with Lille before re-joining the Hammers.
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Sam Allardyce waits to discover if he has West Ham future
Last Updated: 13/05/14 7:15pm
SSN
Sky sources understand Sam Allardyce's position as manager of West Ham United will be confirmed one way or the other by May 23. Allardyce was summoned to a meeting at West Ham co-owner David Sullivan's house in Essex on Tuesday where it is understood he was asked to put forward his case to remain in charge of the club next season. The meeting, which lasted approximately two hours, was also attended by the club's chief executive Karren Brady and co-owner David Gold. Allardyce's views were understood to have been noted by the West Ham owners, who will first convene a board meeting before deciding on whether he will remain in charge next season. "I have competed at this level for many, many years. There's only Arsene Wenger has competed at this level longer than me." That board meeting is expected to take place in the next seven to 10 days and the club are understood to have set a deadline of May 23 to decide on Allardyce's future. Reports had suggested the 59-year-old was facing the sack after a difficult season, with the Hammers leaving it until the closing weeks to secure their Premier League status. Despite criticism from a section of the fans, Allardyce was satisfied with the club's 13th place finish, but it remains to be seen if West Ham's board also share this view. Allardyce took charge of the Hammers in 2011 and immediately steered them back to the top-flight, but some supporters have never warmed to his playing style and jeered after their home win over 10-man Hull City in March. The former Bolton boss responded defiantly to questions at the weekend, pointing to his long managerial record as proof of his success. "If you are a manager, this is the highest level in the world," he said. "I have competed at this level for many, many years. There's only Arsene Wenger has competed at this level longer than me. "I know how to manage in this league and I know how to turn teams into better teams than when you first take them over, so there you go."
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JOINING UP THE DOTS...
By Iain Dale 13 May 2014 at 21:37
West Ham Till I Die
Ring ring, went the phone at the radio station. "Hi, it's xxxx xxxxxxxxxxx's office here. Just checking that Miss Brady can see xxxx next week as you suggested?" Somewhat mystified, the person who answered the phone asked: "Sorry, Miss Brady?" "Yes," came the reply. "At West Ham."
That conversation took place a couple of days ago between the secretary of a rather famous manager and someone who she thought was Karen Brady's assistant. It wasn't.
Now call me old fashioned but could this be the reason that we now have to wait ten days until Sam's fate is determined? Could it be that West Ham want a ready made replacement lined up, and the manager mentioned above could be it.
I'm not naming him because I don't want to jeopardise anything. I well remember that Martin O'Neill was named as a replacement for Avram Grant and it never happened because he was furious it had leaked out. Suffice to say, though, that if this particular manager was recruited, I doubt whether many West Ham fans would oppose it. He has a stellar track record in this country and overseas.
Yes, I know I'm a tease. But I've been called worse.
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SOME ALTERNATIVE TALKING POINTS ON D-DAY!
By S J Chandos 13 May 2014 at 12:30
West Ham Till I Die
We all know what the burning issue is today, the West Ham future (or otherwise) of Sam Allardyce. At the time of writing, it appears that the available indicators are ominious, but obviously we must await confirmation of the outcome of today's board meeting. I suppose It is not completely beyond the bounds of possibility that Mr Allardyce could be granted a reprieve if he reassures the board on certain key fundamental issues. Time, as always, is the ultimate determinant, but as Vico maintained, the basis of all truth is probability! On which side does the balance of probabilities lie in this instance?
If the axe falls, West Ham may very well not be the only club wielding it today. Apparently, there are also decisions imminent at Norwich City, Spurs and Sunderland. While, yersterday, the first close season managerial casualty was registered, with the quick fire demise of Pepe Mel at WBA. In Mel's case, one can only speculate on what the WBA board expected of him. He was brought in relatively late in the season, had to largely work with the existing squad, needed to quickly adjust to the very different demands of the PL and, yet, achieved his ultimate target of successfully staving off relegation. Yes, results were not great, but surely he should have been given the chance to bring in his own players and establish his own playing style and ideas. Only then could he be judged fairly. Now obviously, there may be issues of which I am unaware, but it does appear to be a harsh sacking. Patience seems to be an ever diminishing factor in PL football, as the dire consequences of relegation force clubs towards more desperate managerial solutions. Just look at the 'carry on' a Fulham this session, as they got through three managers in the course of the campaign. While Cardiff City were surely the architects of their own PL downfall in prematurely dispensing with Malky McKay's services. And was the decision to replace Chris Hughton with Norwich City's youth coach really a sensible decision?
So, Roy Hodgson's initial World Cup Squad has been announced and there was no surprise as far as Andy Carroll was concerned. With his season disrupted by injury, did he really stand much of a chance of inclusion in the 23 man squad? He is on standby, but all thing being equal his England focus must inevitably now shift to the 2016 European Championship qualifiers and Finals. Another Hammers player that I also feel sorry for, in respect of England non-selection, is Mark Noble. He has had an excellent season and yet was not included in any of last season's squads. Ok, Hodgson may ultimately decide that others better merit WC selection, but surely his fine form should earn him a chance at that level. Otherwise, the inescapable conclusion is that he will never be selected regardless of how well he plays for his club. Perhaps it is time for Noble to accept that it is not going to happen with England at full international level and instead opt for representing the Republic of Ireland, via his Irish grandparent(s). At least that way he would stand a far better chance of playing regular international football.
Finally, congratulations to Man City fans on clinching the PL title. I hope that they truly enjoy the success, after all they have endured some really dire times in the not too distant past. But they have always staunchly supported their club, even when playing in the lower tiers of English football. And that is admirable. On the subject of City, I do find recent reports interesting that they have breached the EUFA FFP rules and can expect to have action taken against them prior to next season's CL competition. If so, does that increase the probability that they will also eventually be in breach of the PL FFP rules as well in 2015? If they are, what might be the possible consequences of that?
SJ. Chandos.
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West Ham delay Allardyce sack decision - and make transfer bid for Stuttgart's Antonio Rudiger instead
May 13, 2014 22:30 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror
West Ham have made a £7million bid for powerful Stuttgart defender Antonio Rudiger – despite uncertainty over their own manager Sam Allardyce's future.
The Hammers want to beat teams such as Newcastle to the centre-back, who is regarded as one of the best young players in the Bundesliga. The bid breaks down to £5m plus £2m in bonuses, depending on performances. Rudiger, who turned 21 in March, has three years left on his contract but is understood to be keen to play in the Premier League. Whether that will be under Allardyce still remains to be seen. The 59-year-old received a ten-day stay of execution on Tuesday, with the club unwilling to rush into a decision over his future. They feel it is too big an issue for that, and want to work through it as thoroughly as possible before reaching a conclusion. Another board meeting will be held on Friday week - May 23 - at which Allardyce will finally learn his fate. Big Sam met with club chiefs on Tuesday to discuss a range of issues after a season in which fans have angrily called for his dismissal and hit out at what they describe as negative, one-dimensional football. Many supporters have threatened not to renew their season tickets if Allardyce stays. The club, however, appreciate the job he has done in leading West Ham to promotion and keeping the club in the top flight for the last two seasons. Among the issues discussed at the meeting was an attacking coach as the club look to improve the style of play next season.
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Angella wanted by West Ham and Southampton
BY BENJAMIN WILLS ⋅ MAY 14, 2014 ⋅
FootballLeagueWorld.co.uk
Watford defender Gabriele Angella is attracting the eye of Premier League sides West Ham United and Southampton. Italian Angella, 25, arrived at Vicarage Road in 2013 and was one of many to join the Hornets from Udinese – a club owned by the Pozzo family who bought Watford in 2012. The Florence born centre back only missed one game this season and has picked up a reputation as a goal scoring defender, having found the back of the net eight times for Guiseppe Sanino's side this campaign. Angella signed a lengthy five year deal last Summer but a move to the top flight may be too hard to turn down. He has played in Italy's top division, making 20 appearances for Udinese between 2010 and 2013, scoring four goals during that period, but in 2013 he found himself at Serie B side Reggina on loan where he played 19 matches, netting just the once. West Ham have had well documented defensive problems due to seemingly endless injuries, so much so that the club had to loan Roger Johnson from League 1 Wolverhampton Wanderers. While Southampton have highly rated full backs in Luke Shaw and Nathaniel Clyne, central defence is a problem with Jos Hooiveld scoring three own goals in the 2012/13 season.
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Tuesday, May 13
Daily WHUFC News - 13th May 2014
Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce reflects on another rollercoaster season for West Ham United
12.05.2014
Sam Allardyce says he is pleased with the way his West Ham United side
safely steered themselves away from the situation they found themselves in
at the turn of the year. Saturday's defeat to Champions Manchester City
wrapped up the 2013/14 season, but it was the vital victories that preceded
its finale which provided the West Ham United manager with his best moments
from the season. Last Saturday's 2-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur took
the Hammers to the safety of 40 points and an eventual 13th place finish.
"We were in no real threat of relegation for a while," Big Sam said. "We
pulled ourselves out of the bottom three and finished 13th this year. We've
got 14 clean sheets and if we'd converted a few more of them into wins we'd
be on 46 points. "Overall the season has been very up and down. The way it
panned out in the end was about right, our points total being roughly where
you'd expect to finish. However, we've really done the best part of our
season in the last 15 games. "In the last 15 games we've won seven of those
so we've nearly got a 50 per cent win rate from those fixtures. To achieve
that after where we were in January is a pretty good job."
Despite the strong finish, the season has not always been plain sailing as
the Hammers went through a difficult run of results at the turn of the year.
Big Sam believes that next season should prove more straightforward for a
side that will be kicking off their third consecutive campaign in the
Barclays Premier League.
"The lads have withstood the pressure and we're established in the Premier
League for the second season in a row. "In statistic terms, the third year
should get better but that depends on how much you can improve your squad
with new players. In three years you've had the opportunity to improve your
squad and we can ask for a bit more from the players so we will hopefully
finish in a better position next season."
City secured their second Premier League title as their
expensively-assembled squad provided a performance worthy of Champions. Big
Sam admitted the better side had won, although he felt his team had suffered
at the hands of some bad defending and misfortune. "The real sickener for me
was letting that goal in just before half time so we went in 1-0 down at the
break. We should have kept it as tight as we did in the first half at the
start of the second half, but we gave a goal away from a corner. "City are a
fantastic side with quality players and they had them all out in the team on
Saturday. It was always going to be a difficult task but we tried to do as
best as we possibly could."
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Loan round-up
WHUFC.com
George Moncur finshed his loan spell at Partick Thistle with a goal at the
weekend
12.05.2014
George Moncur ended his loan spell at Scottish Premiership side Partick
Thistle with a bang, notching in the Jags' 3-2 defeat to Ross County on
Saturday. Hammers youngster Moncur has had to wait for his chance at
Firhill, and helped his team come from 2-0 down to draw level, before James
Craigen's late own goal proved decisive in the visitors' favour. Moncur was
a 67th minute substitute at the weekend, and his strike means his loan comes
to a conclusion with one goal from his two Partick appearances.
Back in England, Hammers loanees Jack Collison and Ravel Morrison faced each
other in Friday night's first leg of the Sky Bet Championship play-off
semi-final between Wigan Athletic and Queens Park Rangers. Collison was an
unused sub for the Latics, while Morrison played 77 minutes for QPR as the
pair drew 0-0. The second leg takes place at Loftus Road on Monday evening.
Meanwhile, Sean Maguire was an unused substitute as Sligo Rovers lifted the
Setanta Sports Cup with a 1-0 victory over Dundalk in the final.
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Noble points to Man City positives
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble felt West Ham United had cause for optimism after Sunday's season
finale
12.05.2014
Mark Noble commended a spirited West Ham United display at the Etihad
Stadium on Sunday, despite going down 2-0 to newly-crowned Barclays Premier
League champions Manchester City. The Hammers frustrated their fluent hosts
for some 39 minutes, before Samir Nasri's fine low strike flew in via the
right hand of Adrian and the inside of a post. Once David Silva had seen his
effort, on the stroke of half-time, thud back off the bar, City all but
settled matters five minutes after the restart, when skipper Vincent Kompany
fired Nasri's corner home from close range. Reflecting on the season finale,
Noble felt the Hammers had done themselves, not forgetting the occasion,
justice. "We didn't want to come here and just roll over, though everyone
was expecting us to," he confirmed. "We knew we were going to have to
defend. We watched Villa come here on Wednesday and they defended
brilliantly for 60 minutes. But the quality City have is incredible and they
always seem to score at home, as they did again on Sunday. "So we knew what
it was going to be like, they do that to every team that comes here. It was
a fantastic atmosphere and I thought we defended well for half-an-hour, 40
minutes. "They scored a goal out of nowhere and then it's their game to
lose. It was an uphill battle against a team, at home, that only had to draw
to win the league. They've got some of the best players in the world and
that's why they've won the league."
While City celebrate a second title in three seasons, West Ham are now
looking forward to a third successive campaign in the top flight, no mean
feat, says the Hammer of the Year. He continued: "It has been tough but
we've finished 13th now and we were second from bottom in December. This is
the best league in the world and it is credit to the lads and to everyone
involved that we've got ourselves out of that position. "It was a tight
league and a tough league this season and a couple of results pushed you
right up the table. We managed to win four in February and then against Hull
City and Sunderland, which confirmed our safety. To beat Spurs in the last
home game of the season finished it off nicely. "It was looking a bit
worrying for a while, but now it's safe and we're looking forward to next
season."
Finally, Noble, as he typically does, reserved a special mention for the
Hammers' travelling army, who made their presence felt at a jubilant Etihad
Stadium.
"We come to expect that from our fans, we don't expect anything else," he
explained. "They come away and can be heard at every away game, no matter
where you are. That's a credit to them and we can't thank them enough."
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Hammers make NZ recce
WHUFc.com
West Ham United officials have visited New Zealand ahead of the Club's
pre-season tour in July
12.05.2014
West Ham United club secretary Andrew Pincher and fitness coach Eamon Swift
visited New Zealand on a reconaissance mission ahead of the Club's
pre-season tour in July. Pincher and Swift made a flying visit to Auckland
and Wellington ahead of the Hammers' Football United Tour, which will see
the first team take on A-League clubs Wellington Phoenix and Sydney FC on 23
and 26 July respectively. The duo checked out the hotels, training
facilities and stadia which West Ham will use during their nine-day stay in
New Zealand this summer. Swift, pictured, was also keen to calculate the
effects the 11,400-mile trip would have on the players to enable him and his
colleagues to plan their training schedule accordingly. "The issues they
will have to deal with are fatigue, jet lag and lack of sleep," he
confirmed. "We will have to see how hard we can push them, bearing in mind
we're not sure how they are going to recover from the journey."
Having dropped in at the country's biggest stadium, 50,000-capacity Eden
Park in Auckland, Pincher and Swift flew south to Wellington, where they
were impressed by the 34,500-capacity Westpac Stadium. "It's a great modern
stadium and similar to some of the stadiums back home," said Swift, who has
travelled all over Europe and the Middle East in his role with the Club.
Pincher, whose role on the reconaissance trip was of a more administrative
nature, said the reaction to West Ham's impending visit had been hugely
positive in New Zealand and the surrounding region. "It's not easy for our
UK fans to get to but we've got fans in New Zealand, Australia and Asia so
it'll be great for them," said Pincher. "It's exciting, it's different, and
the facilities are first-class."
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AC rues season end
WHUFc.com
A fit Andy Carroll would rather be playing regular football than going away
on his summer holidays
12.05.2014
Whether or not Andy Carroll goes to the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals with
England, the West Ham United forward cannot wait to return to the pitch.
Having been named as one of seven standby players by England manager Roy
Hodgson, the No9 has jetted off on his holidays knowing only injury to one
of his fellow strikers will see him go to Brazil. After missing the opening
half of the 2013/14 season due to a serious foot problem, Carroll played
just 16 times last term, leaving his appetite for competitive football
unfulfilled and the player counting down the days until pre-season training
kicks-off on 3 July. "It has been a long season for me," he admitted. "When
I was going through all the recovery work to get back from injury, I had to
wait what seemed a long time for my chance to be back. "What with not being
able to come back until the last part of the season to play, I still feel
fresh now and I would be pretty happy if there were still a few games to
play, I must admit. "But it is the end of the season so I will have to wait
a bit. It will be just as important to re-charge the batteries and then I
just want to kick on and be raring to go from pre-season."
While the season just ended proved frustrating for Carroll and his
team-mates for a variety of reasons - injuries, suspensions, missed chances,
disappointing cup exits - the centre forward insisted there were still
plenty of positives to take from the way West Ham climbed out of relegation
trouble in the New Year.
"It has been a tough season in many ways, of course," he conceded. "But we
had a talk after the match and we spoke about how we won 60 per cent of our
last phase of games of the last part of the season so that was a good thing
to touch on and it means we take that on to the next year. "We came through
the tough times when players were injured, many at the same time, which
meant a lot of the lads were playing out of position when we didn't have the
numbers, but we came through it together. "We said as soon as we got those
players back, we could get better and we did that. We got ourselves out of
trouble and we knew we could be pushing more once we had everyone back. "We
kept together, the manager, players and staff, and I think that showed as we
got ourselves safe and we want to push on now. "There was the relegation
fight which we got sucked into for a bit but we were determined that, once
we were stronger, we could get out of it and we did that."
Having secured their safety by defeating local rivals Tottenham Hotspur in
their final home game, West Ham completed the campaign with a 2-0 defeat at
Barclays Premier League champions Manchester City. Yet again, the Claret and
Blue Army sold out the away section at the Eithad Stadium and the Big Man
said every member of the squad was appreciative of the support they have
received throughout a rollercoaster season. "It is always disappointing to
lose any game, but we knew facing Manchester City would be tough especially
as they were going for the title and were in prime position to do that, so
well done to them. "We were determined to finish as strongly as we could and
I think that showed in our win over Tottenham Hotspur in our final home
match of the season and for the fans. It was the result that definitely
secured our safety in the league and we were determined to do that. "The
fans were out in their numbers again for our last match of the season. There
has been frustration for them but their support was still strong and we all
appreciate that."
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Potts philosophical over Play-Off loss
WHUFC.com
Academy boss Steve Potts gives his assessment of the U18s' Play-Off defeat
to Manchester City
12.05.2014
West Ham United Under-18s were defeated 2-1 in a dramatic Barclays Under-18
Premier League Play-Off Semi-Final at Manchester City on Saturday. The
Hammers' hopes of an appearance in the final looked good when Jordan Brown
finished into an empty net in the opening 10 minutes, before the hosts
grabbed victory in the closing 10 minutes through captain Ashley
Smith-Brown's deflected effort and Kean Bryan's penalty. Despite coming out
of the game with a defeat, U18 boss Steve Potts felt that that his side
performed to the best of their abilities. "I couldn't have asked for more
from the lads," admitted Potts. "At the start of the game, we were playing
some excellent football and were by far the better team. We went a goal in
front and then could have had a penalty, but then they got back into the
game in the last 15 minutes of the first half like you expect them to. They
had a few opportunities but didn't exactly cut us open. We also had a great
chance at the end of the first half when Jamie Harney's header was cleared
off the line where we could have got the second goal.
"In the second half, we came out pretty strong again and I know they did
have a lot of possession after that but it was a case of whether we could
defend properly to keep them out and when we had the ball, could we hold
onto it and work it well to have a pop at them, which we did once or twice.
"We held on till the last 10 minutes when they were having a lot of the
possession and they managed to get a deflected goal and a penalty.
"I really couldn't have asked for more effort from the boys and I'm just
gutted for them. They've been excellent all year and they showed their
qualities again in this game but it just wasn't enough in the end."
Considering that the Hammers finished their Southern Group with 13 points
fewer than the Northern Group winners, Potts feels that his side could have
shocked the hosts with their first half performance, although it was nothing
out of the ordinary in his opinion.
"Maybe we shocked them in the first half by the way we were playing, but it
didn't surprise me as I know what these lads are capable of," continued
Potts. "We were the much better team in the first half and the lads can take
a lot of encouragement from that.
"Ideally you want to be taking the game to them for the whole 90 minutes and
take all your chances but let's not underestimate what a great team
Manchester City are. They finished at the top of the Northern Group quite
easily so we were always up against one of the best teams in the country and
we nearly got the result."
The game was filled with a number of questionable decisions, including
striker Brown not being awarded a penalty in the first half for a foul and
the referee awarding a dubious penalty for the Citizens in the 88th minute.
Potts admits that he felt both were penalties, but the referee should have
dealt with the winning penalty at the end better.
"I thought they were both penalties. Jordan went over in the first half and
I thought it was a clear penalty. He got away from his marker and in between
two bodies and was taken down when he was ready to get a shot in.
"For theirs, I think there was a handball from our player but what happened
with the referee was that he consulted his assistant, who didn't give it,
and then gave the penalty. That was the dubious part about the penalty. If
he had pointing to the spot straight away then we would have thought that it
was fair enough because there was a handball but he wasn't quite sure what
to do and he gave the penalty."
The defeat to Manchester City brings the Academy's season to an end and
Potts feels that his side can take a number of positives out of their
performances throughout the year.
"There has been plenty of positives this season, this game included. The
middle part of the season was fantastic for us when we went of the long run
of results. At the start of the season we were playing really well but were
not getting the results, but like I said, it picked up for the middle part
of the year.
"More recently we have been playing well with some mixed results at times
but we got to second in the table and I think we deserved our shot at
Manchester City in the Play-Offs.
"We have played some excellent football and plenty of positives but we
didn't quite get what we wanted against Man City."
After the match, Irish defender Jamie Harney acknowledged that the Academy
could have defended better, but believed that the club deserved to take a
result out of the game.
"It was very, very difficult for the lads to take," conceded Harney. "As a
team I thought we defended superbly throughout the game and coming up to the
last 10 minutes I really thought we were going to win it!
"A couple of refereeing decisions really cost us in the game but overall we
have to congratulate Manchester City. We also have to congratulate ourselves
on a good season but it was a tough result to take at the end of the day.
"In the first 30 minutes, I thought we were playing outstanding football and
I feel that Man City were shocked at the way we came out the blocks. Josh
Cullen did really well to close down the keeper for the first goal and
Jordan finished well and again, I felt a few penalties could have come our
way. I even had a header myself cleared off the line so in the first half I
think we did really well. In the second half though, Man City were dominant
throughout.
"I think we should have realised that with ten minutes to go, we were too
open at the back when they were breaking forward on us and we should have
just kept our back line nice and solid. One of their players got past
someone and went to put the ball in and I just went for the ball as a last
ditch attempt to win it and unfortunately I've got a touch on it and it's
gone in. It's one of those moments when you've got to put your hands up and
admit that we could have defended it much better.
"As a team, I thought we have been outstanding all season; bar the Youth
Cup. We have played well and got results against most of the big clubs in
the league and felt we really deserved this opportunity."
On a personal level, Harney is pleased with his performances and development
throughout this campaign but is already looking to better himself next
season.
"For myself, I feel like I've had a good, solid season," continued Harney.
"I've pushed myself up to the Development Squad and feel that I've shown
that I can play at that level.
"Hopefully I can come back next year and see where I am, push on and maybe
even force my way into a first team appearance at some point. All I can do
is keep playing as well as I can and I'm really happy at the moment."
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Taylor explains 'ghost punch'
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 12th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
Matt Taylor has explained the reason for his bizarre collapse on the field
during Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Manchester City. Earlier today a Vine in which
Taylor can be seen collapsing - as if "punched by a ghost", according to
Hammers youngster Blair Turgott - went viral. In the short video, the
Hammers midfielder falls to his knees before remonstrating with match
official Martin Atkinson, leading to much speculation as to what was
occurring. However the mystery was solved ealier this evening when Taylor
took to Twitter to explain. " I was just replicating the dive from Negredo
that won them a free kick!" he revealed.
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Andy Carroll out of World Cup squad
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 12th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
Andy Carroll has failed to make the cut for the England World Cup squad
taking part in the World Cup Finals in Brazil this summer. The Hammers
striker is out of the squad having been overlooked by England manager Roy
Hodgson in favour of Southampton veteran Rickie Lambert. However 25-year-old
Carroll has been named as one of seven players on a 'standby' list, which
includes two ex-Hammers in Michael Carrick and Jermain Defoe. "It's great to
see Andy Carroll back playing but it was a choice between two players and I
didn't think there was room for both," said Hodgson this afternoon. "The
fact he played for Southampton had no effect, but Lambert had been with us
throughout qualifying campaign." The very first West Ham player to represent
West Ham at a World Cup Finals was Bobby Moore in 1962. A then 21-year-old
Harry Hooper was included in the 1954 squad but the striker failed to
feature. In all, 12 Hammers have been selected for England's World Cup
squads since the nation took part in their first competition back in 1950.
The full England squad for 2014 is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Joe Hart (Manchester City), Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion),
Fraser Forster (Celtic)
Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka
(Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Man Utd), Luke Shaw
(Southampton), Chris Smalling (Man Utd)
Midfielders: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Ross Barkley (Everton), Jordan
Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Southampton), Frank Lampard (Chelsea),
James Milner (Manchester City), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Raheem
Sterling (Liverpool), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)
Forwards: Rickie Lambert (Southampton), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United),
Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United)
Standby: Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Andy Carroll (West Ham
United), Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Jermain Defoe (Toronto FC), Jon
Flanagan (Liverpool), John Ruddy (Norwich City), John Stones (Everton)
Hammers to have represented England at the World Cup
2010 (South Africa): Robert Green; Matthew Upson.
2006 (Germany): None.
2002 (South Korea): Trevor Sinclair; Joe Cole; David James.
1998 (France): Rio Ferdinand.
1990 (Italy): None.
1986 (Mexico): Alvin Martin.
1982 (Spain): Trevor Brooking.
1970 (Mexico): Bobby Moore; Geoff Hurst.
1966 (England): Bobby Moore; Geoff Hurst; Martin Peters.
1962 (Chile): Bobby Moore.
1958 (Sweden): None.
1954 (Switzerland): Harry Hooper.
1950 (Brazil): None.
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Allardyce: we've turned it around
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 12th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce believes a relatively successful second half of the 2013/14
campaign has given the Hammers a springboard from which to prepare for next
season. Allardyce, speaking after the 2-0 defeat at Manchester City was
naturally disappointed at the reversal - in which the Hammers failed to
produce a single shot on target - but believes that the upturn in form since
Christmas will stand the squad in good stead for the 2014/15 campaign, which
kicks off in August. "In 2014 we have turned it around," he said. "We've won
seven of our 15 games and if you tot that up over a full season, you can see
what sort of season we would have had - and that's similar to last year. "We
know one thing we're short of and which we've missed out on this year, apart
from having to suffered from all the injuries which cost us results, is
scoring goals. We didn't create many chances on Sunday, but when we have
created chances we have not converted enough of them. "Our focus is to be as
good as we were defensively this season and to create more chances and be
more clinical in front of goal. When we do that, we are fine, but on too
many occasions we have suffered the negative effect of not turning our
chances into goals. "Two or three more one-nil wins and we'd have matched
the 46 points we got last season, so it's very small margins of improvement
that we need to do better."
And on the game itself, which was won through courtesy of goals from Samir
Nasri and Vincent Kompany either side of the break, Allardyce admitted that
his team had perhapsd been playing within themselves. "We didn't really
cause them too many problems, which was a little disappointing," he
summised. "We defended well but then wasted a lot of good possession with
our final ball and didn't create chances. "To be fair, we weren't expecting
many, but we were expecting a little better. The sickener was just after
half-time when they got a goal off a corner which, when you look at it, was
extremely lucky from Manchester City's point of view. "It was always going
to be hard work to come back from that against such a great team. The lads
put their best efforts in and tried as hard as they could but we finished
the season not quite as high as we wanted to. "For us [now], it's about
re-grouping for next season and getting ready for pre-season training."
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West Ham midfielder Mark Noble proud of performances
Last Updated: 12/05/14 2:10pm
SSN
Mark Noble believes West Ham's players should be proud of their performances
over the second half of the season. On New Year's Day, the Hammers were
second from bottom in the Premier League table and three points from safety.
But by May, they had moved six places up the standings to 13th to finish
seven points clear of the relegation zone. Starting with a goalless draw
against Chelsea on January 29, Sam Allardyce's side went on a run of six
wins and one draw in 10 games to secure their Premier League status for
another season. And Noble admitted: "It was a tight league and a couple of
results can push you up the table. "We managed to win four in February, then
beat Hull at home and Sunderland away to confirm our safety. "To beat Spurs
in the last home game of the season finished it off nicely. "It has been
tough but we have finished 13th and we were second from bottom in December.
"It is a credit to the lads and everyone involved in the club that we got
ourselves out of that and ended up 13th."
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Premier League rivals target Swansea defender Neil Taylor
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo | Last Updated: 12/05/14
11:32am
SSN
Sky Sports understands a host of Premier League clubs are weighing up a move
for Swansea defender Neil Taylor. Taylor, who was the subject of bids from
Fulham and West Ham in the January transfer window, is considering his
future at Swansea after struggling to hold down a regular starting place
this season.
The news has alerted a number of Swansea's Premier League rivals to Taylor's
possible availability this summer with the left-back establishing himself as
one of the best left-backs in the country before he broke his ankle in
September 2012. Ben Davies emerged as first-choice left-back for Swansea
during Taylor's enforced absence and he has forced Taylor to play second
fiddle at the Liberty Stadium since his return to fitness. Taylor, who has
started 18 games this season, is keen to be playing regular first-team
football and is expected to discuss his future with Swansea boss Garry Monk
this summer. The 25-year-old has no shortage of admirers in the Premier
League with the likes of Tottenham, Southampton, West Ham and Hull City all
actively monitoring Taylor's situation at Swansea. Taylor, who played for
Great Britain in the 2012 London Olympics, has two years to run on his
current deal and Swansea are bracing themselves for interest in the Wales
international during the summer transfer window.
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West Ham's Joey O'Brien misses Republic end-of-season friendlies
Last Updated: 12/05/14 7:33pm
SSN
West Ham defender Joey O'Brien has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland
squad for their end-of-season matches. O'Brien was included in the
provisional 32-man party for the games against Turkey, Italy, Costa Rica and
Portugal when manager Martin O'Neill named it last week. However, he will
now not join up and will concentrate instead on his own fitness programme
ahead of the 2014/15 campaign. O'Brien missed much of the second half of
last season with a shoulder injury sustained in January, only returning in
the middle of April and finally making his first-team return on Sunday as
Manchester City took the Premier League title with a win over the Hammers. A
spokesman for the Football Association of Ireland said: "Following
discussions between FAI and West Ham's medical teams, Joey O'Brien has been
released from Martin O'Neill's provisional squad to manage his off season
medical programme." O'Brien will not be replaced in the initial party for
the clashes with Turkey in Dublin on May 25, Italy at Craven Cottage on May
31, Costa Rica in Philadelphia on June 6 and the Portugal in New Jersey on
June 10.
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West Ham manager Sam Allardyce to discover his fate on Tuesday as
speculation increases
May 12, 2014 22:30 By David Anderson, Darren Lewis
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce will discover his West Ham fate on Tuesday. The Hammers boss
faces the prospect of being the second manager to lose his job in the
end-of-season bloodletting after West Brom fired Pepe Mel on Monday
afternoon. Big Sam will meet with owners David Gold and David Sullivan to
learn his fate following a season marked by angry fans demanding his exit.
Captain Kevin Nolan has pleaded with the club to keep him on but a fan poll,
forwarded to Sullivan recently, revealed that 77 per cent of supporters want
Allardyce out of the club. Allardyce, who steered the club into the top
flight from the Championship and kept them up last season, saved them from
relegation once again this term. The campaign, however, has been marked by
widespread fan anger at what supporters perceive negative, one-dimensional
football from the Hammers boss. At times this season that frustration has
been shared by senior figures within the club. Yet Nolan believes Allardyce
is angry that the man who has worked so hard for the club is facing the
sack. The midfielder said: "At the end of the day he deserves more respect
than he has received. I'm disappointed there is all this talk, but that's
the life of a football manager. "It's crazy, but that's the world of
football these days. He's got a thick skin and he's got a meeting with the
chairman this week to discuss where we go in the future. "All the lads are
hoping it's only paper talk and that we can look forward to another season
in the Premier League."
Nolan claims all the players want Allardyce to stay and dismissed the
opposition from fans, claiming his critics in the stands are a vocal
minority. He added: "I'd be very disappointed if he lost his job. All the
boys would be very disappointed because of what he's done this year to make
sure this club remains in this league again," said the midfielder. "Before
he came, we were in the Championship and the club was in a real bad state.
Not just on the outside, but inside.
"That's what he does. He builds from the foundations up and he's starting
to build something here. "He's got the vision and if we all get behind him,
chairman, myself, players, the fans, then this club will have a successful
future. "You have to remember it's a minority of fans who do all the
shouting and sometimes they shout loudest."
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WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce reflects on another rollercoaster season for West Ham United
12.05.2014
Sam Allardyce says he is pleased with the way his West Ham United side
safely steered themselves away from the situation they found themselves in
at the turn of the year. Saturday's defeat to Champions Manchester City
wrapped up the 2013/14 season, but it was the vital victories that preceded
its finale which provided the West Ham United manager with his best moments
from the season. Last Saturday's 2-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur took
the Hammers to the safety of 40 points and an eventual 13th place finish.
"We were in no real threat of relegation for a while," Big Sam said. "We
pulled ourselves out of the bottom three and finished 13th this year. We've
got 14 clean sheets and if we'd converted a few more of them into wins we'd
be on 46 points. "Overall the season has been very up and down. The way it
panned out in the end was about right, our points total being roughly where
you'd expect to finish. However, we've really done the best part of our
season in the last 15 games. "In the last 15 games we've won seven of those
so we've nearly got a 50 per cent win rate from those fixtures. To achieve
that after where we were in January is a pretty good job."
Despite the strong finish, the season has not always been plain sailing as
the Hammers went through a difficult run of results at the turn of the year.
Big Sam believes that next season should prove more straightforward for a
side that will be kicking off their third consecutive campaign in the
Barclays Premier League.
"The lads have withstood the pressure and we're established in the Premier
League for the second season in a row. "In statistic terms, the third year
should get better but that depends on how much you can improve your squad
with new players. In three years you've had the opportunity to improve your
squad and we can ask for a bit more from the players so we will hopefully
finish in a better position next season."
City secured their second Premier League title as their
expensively-assembled squad provided a performance worthy of Champions. Big
Sam admitted the better side had won, although he felt his team had suffered
at the hands of some bad defending and misfortune. "The real sickener for me
was letting that goal in just before half time so we went in 1-0 down at the
break. We should have kept it as tight as we did in the first half at the
start of the second half, but we gave a goal away from a corner. "City are a
fantastic side with quality players and they had them all out in the team on
Saturday. It was always going to be a difficult task but we tried to do as
best as we possibly could."
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Loan round-up
WHUFC.com
George Moncur finshed his loan spell at Partick Thistle with a goal at the
weekend
12.05.2014
George Moncur ended his loan spell at Scottish Premiership side Partick
Thistle with a bang, notching in the Jags' 3-2 defeat to Ross County on
Saturday. Hammers youngster Moncur has had to wait for his chance at
Firhill, and helped his team come from 2-0 down to draw level, before James
Craigen's late own goal proved decisive in the visitors' favour. Moncur was
a 67th minute substitute at the weekend, and his strike means his loan comes
to a conclusion with one goal from his two Partick appearances.
Back in England, Hammers loanees Jack Collison and Ravel Morrison faced each
other in Friday night's first leg of the Sky Bet Championship play-off
semi-final between Wigan Athletic and Queens Park Rangers. Collison was an
unused sub for the Latics, while Morrison played 77 minutes for QPR as the
pair drew 0-0. The second leg takes place at Loftus Road on Monday evening.
Meanwhile, Sean Maguire was an unused substitute as Sligo Rovers lifted the
Setanta Sports Cup with a 1-0 victory over Dundalk in the final.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble points to Man City positives
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble felt West Ham United had cause for optimism after Sunday's season
finale
12.05.2014
Mark Noble commended a spirited West Ham United display at the Etihad
Stadium on Sunday, despite going down 2-0 to newly-crowned Barclays Premier
League champions Manchester City. The Hammers frustrated their fluent hosts
for some 39 minutes, before Samir Nasri's fine low strike flew in via the
right hand of Adrian and the inside of a post. Once David Silva had seen his
effort, on the stroke of half-time, thud back off the bar, City all but
settled matters five minutes after the restart, when skipper Vincent Kompany
fired Nasri's corner home from close range. Reflecting on the season finale,
Noble felt the Hammers had done themselves, not forgetting the occasion,
justice. "We didn't want to come here and just roll over, though everyone
was expecting us to," he confirmed. "We knew we were going to have to
defend. We watched Villa come here on Wednesday and they defended
brilliantly for 60 minutes. But the quality City have is incredible and they
always seem to score at home, as they did again on Sunday. "So we knew what
it was going to be like, they do that to every team that comes here. It was
a fantastic atmosphere and I thought we defended well for half-an-hour, 40
minutes. "They scored a goal out of nowhere and then it's their game to
lose. It was an uphill battle against a team, at home, that only had to draw
to win the league. They've got some of the best players in the world and
that's why they've won the league."
While City celebrate a second title in three seasons, West Ham are now
looking forward to a third successive campaign in the top flight, no mean
feat, says the Hammer of the Year. He continued: "It has been tough but
we've finished 13th now and we were second from bottom in December. This is
the best league in the world and it is credit to the lads and to everyone
involved that we've got ourselves out of that position. "It was a tight
league and a tough league this season and a couple of results pushed you
right up the table. We managed to win four in February and then against Hull
City and Sunderland, which confirmed our safety. To beat Spurs in the last
home game of the season finished it off nicely. "It was looking a bit
worrying for a while, but now it's safe and we're looking forward to next
season."
Finally, Noble, as he typically does, reserved a special mention for the
Hammers' travelling army, who made their presence felt at a jubilant Etihad
Stadium.
"We come to expect that from our fans, we don't expect anything else," he
explained. "They come away and can be heard at every away game, no matter
where you are. That's a credit to them and we can't thank them enough."
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Hammers make NZ recce
WHUFc.com
West Ham United officials have visited New Zealand ahead of the Club's
pre-season tour in July
12.05.2014
West Ham United club secretary Andrew Pincher and fitness coach Eamon Swift
visited New Zealand on a reconaissance mission ahead of the Club's
pre-season tour in July. Pincher and Swift made a flying visit to Auckland
and Wellington ahead of the Hammers' Football United Tour, which will see
the first team take on A-League clubs Wellington Phoenix and Sydney FC on 23
and 26 July respectively. The duo checked out the hotels, training
facilities and stadia which West Ham will use during their nine-day stay in
New Zealand this summer. Swift, pictured, was also keen to calculate the
effects the 11,400-mile trip would have on the players to enable him and his
colleagues to plan their training schedule accordingly. "The issues they
will have to deal with are fatigue, jet lag and lack of sleep," he
confirmed. "We will have to see how hard we can push them, bearing in mind
we're not sure how they are going to recover from the journey."
Having dropped in at the country's biggest stadium, 50,000-capacity Eden
Park in Auckland, Pincher and Swift flew south to Wellington, where they
were impressed by the 34,500-capacity Westpac Stadium. "It's a great modern
stadium and similar to some of the stadiums back home," said Swift, who has
travelled all over Europe and the Middle East in his role with the Club.
Pincher, whose role on the reconaissance trip was of a more administrative
nature, said the reaction to West Ham's impending visit had been hugely
positive in New Zealand and the surrounding region. "It's not easy for our
UK fans to get to but we've got fans in New Zealand, Australia and Asia so
it'll be great for them," said Pincher. "It's exciting, it's different, and
the facilities are first-class."
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AC rues season end
WHUFc.com
A fit Andy Carroll would rather be playing regular football than going away
on his summer holidays
12.05.2014
Whether or not Andy Carroll goes to the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals with
England, the West Ham United forward cannot wait to return to the pitch.
Having been named as one of seven standby players by England manager Roy
Hodgson, the No9 has jetted off on his holidays knowing only injury to one
of his fellow strikers will see him go to Brazil. After missing the opening
half of the 2013/14 season due to a serious foot problem, Carroll played
just 16 times last term, leaving his appetite for competitive football
unfulfilled and the player counting down the days until pre-season training
kicks-off on 3 July. "It has been a long season for me," he admitted. "When
I was going through all the recovery work to get back from injury, I had to
wait what seemed a long time for my chance to be back. "What with not being
able to come back until the last part of the season to play, I still feel
fresh now and I would be pretty happy if there were still a few games to
play, I must admit. "But it is the end of the season so I will have to wait
a bit. It will be just as important to re-charge the batteries and then I
just want to kick on and be raring to go from pre-season."
While the season just ended proved frustrating for Carroll and his
team-mates for a variety of reasons - injuries, suspensions, missed chances,
disappointing cup exits - the centre forward insisted there were still
plenty of positives to take from the way West Ham climbed out of relegation
trouble in the New Year.
"It has been a tough season in many ways, of course," he conceded. "But we
had a talk after the match and we spoke about how we won 60 per cent of our
last phase of games of the last part of the season so that was a good thing
to touch on and it means we take that on to the next year. "We came through
the tough times when players were injured, many at the same time, which
meant a lot of the lads were playing out of position when we didn't have the
numbers, but we came through it together. "We said as soon as we got those
players back, we could get better and we did that. We got ourselves out of
trouble and we knew we could be pushing more once we had everyone back. "We
kept together, the manager, players and staff, and I think that showed as we
got ourselves safe and we want to push on now. "There was the relegation
fight which we got sucked into for a bit but we were determined that, once
we were stronger, we could get out of it and we did that."
Having secured their safety by defeating local rivals Tottenham Hotspur in
their final home game, West Ham completed the campaign with a 2-0 defeat at
Barclays Premier League champions Manchester City. Yet again, the Claret and
Blue Army sold out the away section at the Eithad Stadium and the Big Man
said every member of the squad was appreciative of the support they have
received throughout a rollercoaster season. "It is always disappointing to
lose any game, but we knew facing Manchester City would be tough especially
as they were going for the title and were in prime position to do that, so
well done to them. "We were determined to finish as strongly as we could and
I think that showed in our win over Tottenham Hotspur in our final home
match of the season and for the fans. It was the result that definitely
secured our safety in the league and we were determined to do that. "The
fans were out in their numbers again for our last match of the season. There
has been frustration for them but their support was still strong and we all
appreciate that."
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Potts philosophical over Play-Off loss
WHUFC.com
Academy boss Steve Potts gives his assessment of the U18s' Play-Off defeat
to Manchester City
12.05.2014
West Ham United Under-18s were defeated 2-1 in a dramatic Barclays Under-18
Premier League Play-Off Semi-Final at Manchester City on Saturday. The
Hammers' hopes of an appearance in the final looked good when Jordan Brown
finished into an empty net in the opening 10 minutes, before the hosts
grabbed victory in the closing 10 minutes through captain Ashley
Smith-Brown's deflected effort and Kean Bryan's penalty. Despite coming out
of the game with a defeat, U18 boss Steve Potts felt that that his side
performed to the best of their abilities. "I couldn't have asked for more
from the lads," admitted Potts. "At the start of the game, we were playing
some excellent football and were by far the better team. We went a goal in
front and then could have had a penalty, but then they got back into the
game in the last 15 minutes of the first half like you expect them to. They
had a few opportunities but didn't exactly cut us open. We also had a great
chance at the end of the first half when Jamie Harney's header was cleared
off the line where we could have got the second goal.
"In the second half, we came out pretty strong again and I know they did
have a lot of possession after that but it was a case of whether we could
defend properly to keep them out and when we had the ball, could we hold
onto it and work it well to have a pop at them, which we did once or twice.
"We held on till the last 10 minutes when they were having a lot of the
possession and they managed to get a deflected goal and a penalty.
"I really couldn't have asked for more effort from the boys and I'm just
gutted for them. They've been excellent all year and they showed their
qualities again in this game but it just wasn't enough in the end."
Considering that the Hammers finished their Southern Group with 13 points
fewer than the Northern Group winners, Potts feels that his side could have
shocked the hosts with their first half performance, although it was nothing
out of the ordinary in his opinion.
"Maybe we shocked them in the first half by the way we were playing, but it
didn't surprise me as I know what these lads are capable of," continued
Potts. "We were the much better team in the first half and the lads can take
a lot of encouragement from that.
"Ideally you want to be taking the game to them for the whole 90 minutes and
take all your chances but let's not underestimate what a great team
Manchester City are. They finished at the top of the Northern Group quite
easily so we were always up against one of the best teams in the country and
we nearly got the result."
The game was filled with a number of questionable decisions, including
striker Brown not being awarded a penalty in the first half for a foul and
the referee awarding a dubious penalty for the Citizens in the 88th minute.
Potts admits that he felt both were penalties, but the referee should have
dealt with the winning penalty at the end better.
"I thought they were both penalties. Jordan went over in the first half and
I thought it was a clear penalty. He got away from his marker and in between
two bodies and was taken down when he was ready to get a shot in.
"For theirs, I think there was a handball from our player but what happened
with the referee was that he consulted his assistant, who didn't give it,
and then gave the penalty. That was the dubious part about the penalty. If
he had pointing to the spot straight away then we would have thought that it
was fair enough because there was a handball but he wasn't quite sure what
to do and he gave the penalty."
The defeat to Manchester City brings the Academy's season to an end and
Potts feels that his side can take a number of positives out of their
performances throughout the year.
"There has been plenty of positives this season, this game included. The
middle part of the season was fantastic for us when we went of the long run
of results. At the start of the season we were playing really well but were
not getting the results, but like I said, it picked up for the middle part
of the year.
"More recently we have been playing well with some mixed results at times
but we got to second in the table and I think we deserved our shot at
Manchester City in the Play-Offs.
"We have played some excellent football and plenty of positives but we
didn't quite get what we wanted against Man City."
After the match, Irish defender Jamie Harney acknowledged that the Academy
could have defended better, but believed that the club deserved to take a
result out of the game.
"It was very, very difficult for the lads to take," conceded Harney. "As a
team I thought we defended superbly throughout the game and coming up to the
last 10 minutes I really thought we were going to win it!
"A couple of refereeing decisions really cost us in the game but overall we
have to congratulate Manchester City. We also have to congratulate ourselves
on a good season but it was a tough result to take at the end of the day.
"In the first 30 minutes, I thought we were playing outstanding football and
I feel that Man City were shocked at the way we came out the blocks. Josh
Cullen did really well to close down the keeper for the first goal and
Jordan finished well and again, I felt a few penalties could have come our
way. I even had a header myself cleared off the line so in the first half I
think we did really well. In the second half though, Man City were dominant
throughout.
"I think we should have realised that with ten minutes to go, we were too
open at the back when they were breaking forward on us and we should have
just kept our back line nice and solid. One of their players got past
someone and went to put the ball in and I just went for the ball as a last
ditch attempt to win it and unfortunately I've got a touch on it and it's
gone in. It's one of those moments when you've got to put your hands up and
admit that we could have defended it much better.
"As a team, I thought we have been outstanding all season; bar the Youth
Cup. We have played well and got results against most of the big clubs in
the league and felt we really deserved this opportunity."
On a personal level, Harney is pleased with his performances and development
throughout this campaign but is already looking to better himself next
season.
"For myself, I feel like I've had a good, solid season," continued Harney.
"I've pushed myself up to the Development Squad and feel that I've shown
that I can play at that level.
"Hopefully I can come back next year and see where I am, push on and maybe
even force my way into a first team appearance at some point. All I can do
is keep playing as well as I can and I'm really happy at the moment."
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Taylor explains 'ghost punch'
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 12th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
Matt Taylor has explained the reason for his bizarre collapse on the field
during Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Manchester City. Earlier today a Vine in which
Taylor can be seen collapsing - as if "punched by a ghost", according to
Hammers youngster Blair Turgott - went viral. In the short video, the
Hammers midfielder falls to his knees before remonstrating with match
official Martin Atkinson, leading to much speculation as to what was
occurring. However the mystery was solved ealier this evening when Taylor
took to Twitter to explain. " I was just replicating the dive from Negredo
that won them a free kick!" he revealed.
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Andy Carroll out of World Cup squad
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 12th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
Andy Carroll has failed to make the cut for the England World Cup squad
taking part in the World Cup Finals in Brazil this summer. The Hammers
striker is out of the squad having been overlooked by England manager Roy
Hodgson in favour of Southampton veteran Rickie Lambert. However 25-year-old
Carroll has been named as one of seven players on a 'standby' list, which
includes two ex-Hammers in Michael Carrick and Jermain Defoe. "It's great to
see Andy Carroll back playing but it was a choice between two players and I
didn't think there was room for both," said Hodgson this afternoon. "The
fact he played for Southampton had no effect, but Lambert had been with us
throughout qualifying campaign." The very first West Ham player to represent
West Ham at a World Cup Finals was Bobby Moore in 1962. A then 21-year-old
Harry Hooper was included in the 1954 squad but the striker failed to
feature. In all, 12 Hammers have been selected for England's World Cup
squads since the nation took part in their first competition back in 1950.
The full England squad for 2014 is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Joe Hart (Manchester City), Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion),
Fraser Forster (Celtic)
Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka
(Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Man Utd), Luke Shaw
(Southampton), Chris Smalling (Man Utd)
Midfielders: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Ross Barkley (Everton), Jordan
Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Southampton), Frank Lampard (Chelsea),
James Milner (Manchester City), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Raheem
Sterling (Liverpool), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)
Forwards: Rickie Lambert (Southampton), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United),
Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United)
Standby: Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Andy Carroll (West Ham
United), Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Jermain Defoe (Toronto FC), Jon
Flanagan (Liverpool), John Ruddy (Norwich City), John Stones (Everton)
Hammers to have represented England at the World Cup
2010 (South Africa): Robert Green; Matthew Upson.
2006 (Germany): None.
2002 (South Korea): Trevor Sinclair; Joe Cole; David James.
1998 (France): Rio Ferdinand.
1990 (Italy): None.
1986 (Mexico): Alvin Martin.
1982 (Spain): Trevor Brooking.
1970 (Mexico): Bobby Moore; Geoff Hurst.
1966 (England): Bobby Moore; Geoff Hurst; Martin Peters.
1962 (Chile): Bobby Moore.
1958 (Sweden): None.
1954 (Switzerland): Harry Hooper.
1950 (Brazil): None.
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Allardyce: we've turned it around
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 12th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce believes a relatively successful second half of the 2013/14
campaign has given the Hammers a springboard from which to prepare for next
season. Allardyce, speaking after the 2-0 defeat at Manchester City was
naturally disappointed at the reversal - in which the Hammers failed to
produce a single shot on target - but believes that the upturn in form since
Christmas will stand the squad in good stead for the 2014/15 campaign, which
kicks off in August. "In 2014 we have turned it around," he said. "We've won
seven of our 15 games and if you tot that up over a full season, you can see
what sort of season we would have had - and that's similar to last year. "We
know one thing we're short of and which we've missed out on this year, apart
from having to suffered from all the injuries which cost us results, is
scoring goals. We didn't create many chances on Sunday, but when we have
created chances we have not converted enough of them. "Our focus is to be as
good as we were defensively this season and to create more chances and be
more clinical in front of goal. When we do that, we are fine, but on too
many occasions we have suffered the negative effect of not turning our
chances into goals. "Two or three more one-nil wins and we'd have matched
the 46 points we got last season, so it's very small margins of improvement
that we need to do better."
And on the game itself, which was won through courtesy of goals from Samir
Nasri and Vincent Kompany either side of the break, Allardyce admitted that
his team had perhapsd been playing within themselves. "We didn't really
cause them too many problems, which was a little disappointing," he
summised. "We defended well but then wasted a lot of good possession with
our final ball and didn't create chances. "To be fair, we weren't expecting
many, but we were expecting a little better. The sickener was just after
half-time when they got a goal off a corner which, when you look at it, was
extremely lucky from Manchester City's point of view. "It was always going
to be hard work to come back from that against such a great team. The lads
put their best efforts in and tried as hard as they could but we finished
the season not quite as high as we wanted to. "For us [now], it's about
re-grouping for next season and getting ready for pre-season training."
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West Ham midfielder Mark Noble proud of performances
Last Updated: 12/05/14 2:10pm
SSN
Mark Noble believes West Ham's players should be proud of their performances
over the second half of the season. On New Year's Day, the Hammers were
second from bottom in the Premier League table and three points from safety.
But by May, they had moved six places up the standings to 13th to finish
seven points clear of the relegation zone. Starting with a goalless draw
against Chelsea on January 29, Sam Allardyce's side went on a run of six
wins and one draw in 10 games to secure their Premier League status for
another season. And Noble admitted: "It was a tight league and a couple of
results can push you up the table. "We managed to win four in February, then
beat Hull at home and Sunderland away to confirm our safety. "To beat Spurs
in the last home game of the season finished it off nicely. "It has been
tough but we have finished 13th and we were second from bottom in December.
"It is a credit to the lads and everyone involved in the club that we got
ourselves out of that and ended up 13th."
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Premier League rivals target Swansea defender Neil Taylor
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo | Last Updated: 12/05/14
11:32am
SSN
Sky Sports understands a host of Premier League clubs are weighing up a move
for Swansea defender Neil Taylor. Taylor, who was the subject of bids from
Fulham and West Ham in the January transfer window, is considering his
future at Swansea after struggling to hold down a regular starting place
this season.
The news has alerted a number of Swansea's Premier League rivals to Taylor's
possible availability this summer with the left-back establishing himself as
one of the best left-backs in the country before he broke his ankle in
September 2012. Ben Davies emerged as first-choice left-back for Swansea
during Taylor's enforced absence and he has forced Taylor to play second
fiddle at the Liberty Stadium since his return to fitness. Taylor, who has
started 18 games this season, is keen to be playing regular first-team
football and is expected to discuss his future with Swansea boss Garry Monk
this summer. The 25-year-old has no shortage of admirers in the Premier
League with the likes of Tottenham, Southampton, West Ham and Hull City all
actively monitoring Taylor's situation at Swansea. Taylor, who played for
Great Britain in the 2012 London Olympics, has two years to run on his
current deal and Swansea are bracing themselves for interest in the Wales
international during the summer transfer window.
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West Ham's Joey O'Brien misses Republic end-of-season friendlies
Last Updated: 12/05/14 7:33pm
SSN
West Ham defender Joey O'Brien has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland
squad for their end-of-season matches. O'Brien was included in the
provisional 32-man party for the games against Turkey, Italy, Costa Rica and
Portugal when manager Martin O'Neill named it last week. However, he will
now not join up and will concentrate instead on his own fitness programme
ahead of the 2014/15 campaign. O'Brien missed much of the second half of
last season with a shoulder injury sustained in January, only returning in
the middle of April and finally making his first-team return on Sunday as
Manchester City took the Premier League title with a win over the Hammers. A
spokesman for the Football Association of Ireland said: "Following
discussions between FAI and West Ham's medical teams, Joey O'Brien has been
released from Martin O'Neill's provisional squad to manage his off season
medical programme." O'Brien will not be replaced in the initial party for
the clashes with Turkey in Dublin on May 25, Italy at Craven Cottage on May
31, Costa Rica in Philadelphia on June 6 and the Portugal in New Jersey on
June 10.
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West Ham manager Sam Allardyce to discover his fate on Tuesday as
speculation increases
May 12, 2014 22:30 By David Anderson, Darren Lewis
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce will discover his West Ham fate on Tuesday. The Hammers boss
faces the prospect of being the second manager to lose his job in the
end-of-season bloodletting after West Brom fired Pepe Mel on Monday
afternoon. Big Sam will meet with owners David Gold and David Sullivan to
learn his fate following a season marked by angry fans demanding his exit.
Captain Kevin Nolan has pleaded with the club to keep him on but a fan poll,
forwarded to Sullivan recently, revealed that 77 per cent of supporters want
Allardyce out of the club. Allardyce, who steered the club into the top
flight from the Championship and kept them up last season, saved them from
relegation once again this term. The campaign, however, has been marked by
widespread fan anger at what supporters perceive negative, one-dimensional
football from the Hammers boss. At times this season that frustration has
been shared by senior figures within the club. Yet Nolan believes Allardyce
is angry that the man who has worked so hard for the club is facing the
sack. The midfielder said: "At the end of the day he deserves more respect
than he has received. I'm disappointed there is all this talk, but that's
the life of a football manager. "It's crazy, but that's the world of
football these days. He's got a thick skin and he's got a meeting with the
chairman this week to discuss where we go in the future. "All the lads are
hoping it's only paper talk and that we can look forward to another season
in the Premier League."
Nolan claims all the players want Allardyce to stay and dismissed the
opposition from fans, claiming his critics in the stands are a vocal
minority. He added: "I'd be very disappointed if he lost his job. All the
boys would be very disappointed because of what he's done this year to make
sure this club remains in this league again," said the midfielder. "Before
he came, we were in the Championship and the club was in a real bad state.
Not just on the outside, but inside.
"That's what he does. He builds from the foundations up and he's starting
to build something here. "He's got the vision and if we all get behind him,
chairman, myself, players, the fans, then this club will have a successful
future. "You have to remember it's a minority of fans who do all the
shouting and sometimes they shout loudest."
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