Frank backs call for quality
WHUFc.com
Frank McAvennie has backed plans to bring more attacking flair into the West
Ham United side
21.05.2014
West Ham United legend Frank McAvennie has backed the Club's ambition to
sign more exciting attacking players ahead of the 2014/15 Barclays Premier
League season. The Hammers and Scotland centre forward netted 60 goals
during his six seasons at the Boleyn Ground, benefitting greatly from the
creative talents of the likes of Alan Devonshire, Mark Ward and Alan
Dickens. Twenty-five years on and McAvennie agrees with the sentiments of
the Board and manager Sam Allardyce, who have stated that they want West Ham
to play with more verve and flair next term. "I think you know what you're
getting with Big Sam," confirmed the 54-year-old. "I would like personally
to see a bit more quality in the team - a few players who can get the ball
down. "I went to see Bolton when Sam was there and he had players like
Jay-Jay Okocha and all that and those boys could get the ball down play.
They also had other boys who could hit it direct and sometimes you have got
to do that and I like to see them mix and match a bit more. "I'd like to see
Sam bring in a bit of quality."
After three seasons as West Ham manager - and two back in the Barclays
Premier League - McAvennie believes Big Sam now has the opportunity to take
the Club forward and start challenging for a European place. Should that
happen, the Boys of '86 hero expects the Boleyn Ground to be rocking with
excitement.
"If you put on a team on the park that excites the fans, then they will be
behind you," McAvennie confirmed. "The fans like seeing a bit of flair, but
they won't see it go back to the old days because football is different.
"They would like to see some quality in the West Ham team just to mix it up,
because Andy Carroll is a great player, not only heading the ball but with
his feet because he can play. He won't be scared to get it into feet, which
is what I'd like to see West Ham do."
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Argy bargy
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 21st May 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are close to sealing the capture of former Birmingham City forward
Mauro Zarate, according to reports from Argentina. Now 27, Zarate played 18
times for Birmingham City whilst on loan in 2008 when the club was still
owned by West Ham's current owners David Sullivan and David Gold. And
according to the player's bother and agent, the forward - who has also
represented Lazio and Inter in Serie A - is close to sealing a move to West
Ham. Rolando Zarate, who himself briefly represented Barcelona and Real
Madrid during his playing career told Argentinian radio show Velez Y Su
Mundo: "We have almost everything sorted out with West Ham. "Mauro Zarate
and his family's love for Velez is huge, but the club will receive good
financial compensation." Zarate's stock has fallen in recent years after his
loan spell at Milan failed to bear fruit with a proposed permanent move
cancelled. In July 2013 he returned to Vélez Sársfield, the Argentinian club
with whom he started his professional career back in 2004. Whilst at Lazio
he was involved in an unsavoury incident in which he was criticised for
making a fascist salute - before a spokesman later insisted Zarate had no
idea who Adolf Hitler or Benito Mussolini were. The last Argentinian to play
for West Ham was Carlos Tevez, who ended up costing the club some £50million
as a result of contractual irregularities.
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Mauro Zarate closes on return to England
By Paulo Freitas & Graeme Bailey | Last Updated: 21/05/14 9:25am
SSN
Argentine striker Mauro Zarate is closing on a return to England with West
Ham United, according to his brother and agent. Rolando Zarate has revealed
that the striker played his final game for Velez Sarsfield on Tuesday when
he scored twice in their win at San Lorenzo to help them end the campaign in
sixth.
The 27-year-old re-joined Velez - the club where he began his career - last
July from Italian side Lazio, and he has performed well with 18 goals in 28
starts to finish as top scorer in the Argentine top flight. Now former
Birmingham forward Zarate looks set to return to England with long-term
admirers West Ham hoping to clinch a deal. Zarate impressed at St Andrew's
during a loan spell at the end of the 2007/08 season, but he could not help
them stay in the Premier League. His brother Rolando now says a move to
Upton Park is close and told Velez y su mundo: "We have almost everything
sorted out with West Ham, they asked him not to play against San Lorenzo but
he wanted to play." Zarate's brother - himself a former Argentina
international - admitted he was sad to be leaving Velez again. "Mauro Zarate
and his family's love for Velez is huge, but the club receive a good
financial compensation." Sky Sports understands that Zarate is due to arrive
in England this week and, although there is rival interest both in the
Premier League and around Europe, West Ham are in pole position.
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CUTTING THROUGH THE CR*P – A CYNICAL INTERPRETATION OF WHAT OUR OWNERS ARE
PROBABLY THINKING . . .
By Tony McDonald 21 May 2014 at 15:53
West Ham Till I Die
At the risk of adding to a "cesspit of negativity", as Iain Dale refers to
those of us who don't much want to "suck it up and just get on with it" and
depressed though I am, I couldn't let the latest debacle in the club's
recent history pass without comment and some tongue-in-cheek analysis.
For me, the board's decision to start next season with Big Sham still in
charge is one we will all live to regret and is another opportunity to
revamp the club missed. This stay of execution is merely delaying the
inevitable and the problem will be so much harder to address when, as I
suspect, he is finally shown the door before the end of 2014.
In short, what Tuesday's official statement from the club basically
translates to is: 'While we were in the Championship and then trying to get
past the first season back in the Premier League, we couldn't give a
monkey's how the manager did it or what the fans thought about it. Now we've
realised that at this rate, we'll be taking only around 4,000 season ticket
holders to the Olympic Stadium. But we'll wait until he's actually into the
final year of his contract, so we can get rid of him on the cheap'.
For those of you out there who like pictures and few words, perhaps you
might want to leave this page now and react disparagingly without bothering
to read on. For those who want to hang around a while longer, let's attempt
to cut through the crap, delve a bit deeper into the co-owners' statement
and try and read between blurry lines with – yes, OK – a degree of justified
cynicism . . .
(Words which appear below in the lighter font are reproduced from the
statement. Those in bold are my personal interpretation, mere speculation
and have no basis in fact):
West Ham United can confirm that manager Sam Allardyce will lead the Club
into the 2014/15 Barclays Premier League season after constructive talks
with the Club's Board. The Board and Allardyce have held lengthy and
detailed discussions on the Club's direction, values and philosophy and a
positive way forward for next season has been agreed.
Our lawyers have looked very closely at the small print of Sam's fat, juicy
contract – after all, let's not forget, we did make him the 13th highest
paid manager in world football this year – and, much as it pains us to admit
this, we can't quite find a way to sack him and his staff without having to
cough up £5m, which we are naturally very loathe to do. So we're afraid
you'll have to be put up with this rubbish for a bit longer. You see, we
have foolishly allowed our manager and his agent friend to become so
influential over the players we sign and release that we cannot extricate
ourselves from this mess as easily as you may think without causing a
massive upheaval. But don't worry, we've come up with a cunning plan that
will hopefully force him to walk away at relatively little cost to the club.
Oh, and we're praying that there will again be three teams even worse than
us next season.
After listening to feedback from supporters, the Board have insisted on
improvements to the set-up of the playing and backroom staff to ensure the
team provides more entertainment next season.
We know full well that almost 78 per cent of 12,000-plus supporters recently
voted for us to get rid of Sam. Of course we are aware of these facts. But
we're going to totally ignore them and hope that you'll soon forget the
absolute garbage you have been overcharged for this past season (and beyond,
if any of you can remember back that far and put aside for a minute that we
beat Spurs three times last season) and renew your season tickets all the
same. Come on, you suckers are claret and blue through and through, right?
'West Ham Till I Die' and 'Moore Than A Football Club' and all that? Anyway,
we are not totally ignoring the opinions and wishes of you, our loyal
supporters. We always carefully consider all views expressed through the SAB
and you may be surprised to know, we agreed wholeheartedly with their
independent findings, which – surprise, surprise – very much coincide with
our own. Fear not. Although we know absolutely nothing about the actual
playing side of a football club, please believe us when we say we are
totally on Sam's case from now on. We're definitely turning the screws and
calling the shots here. You'll absolutely love what we've got lined up for
your joyous entertainment next season, so be sure to get those season ticket
renewals in quickly and remember that we are all in this together. In the
meantime, we'll continue to encourage our good friends in the media to link
us with a preposterously ludicrous string of world class names who would
never be seen dead at Upton Park. There's nothing quite like a few 'West Ham
are chasing (insert name of any World Cup 2014 player)' tabloid reports to
boost ST sales and loosen the pockets of those gullible fans.
The manager has agreed to recruit a new attacking coach to complement the
existing coaching set-up as well as an overhaul of the Club's scouting and
recruitment operation that will see the Board have a greater involvement in
the players who are signed, as the Board will once again be investing
considerable funds into the Club this summer.
As we readily admit, we have never coached nor managed a football club at
any level, let alone in the Premier League, but you will appreciate that we
are very successful business people in our own right and have the club very
much at heart. We seriously believe that we are expertly qualified to give
our manager, who has 25 years of experience at his job, the best possible
advice when it comes to identifying problems on the field and appointing
important assistant coaching staff. In this respect, we are delighted to say
that our trusted adviser Barry Silkman tells us that we shall shortly expect
to be interviewing Kevin Davies, John Fashanu and Mick Harford for the new
role, with Iain Dowie and John Radford also shortlisted, while Savio and
Maiga insist they still have something to bring to the party on the
attacking front, too. As regards player recruitment and scouting policy, the
manager has kindly agreed to at least consider some players who are not
currently under the Mark Curtis banner. The way we see it, we're in a
win-win situation: by undermining Sam in such an obvious way, we're banking
on him throwing in the towel and walking away. And if our leopard really
does change his spots and starts to produce the kind of scintillating
football we all hope for next season . . . OK, we admit, even we don't
really believe this can or will happen.
The Club have made clear that they want to see progression on the pitch and
at least a top-ten finish as a result. West Ham United Joint-Chairmen David
Sullivan and David Gold said: 'We have a very clear vision of how we want
West Ham United to operate under our joint ownership. Although not everybody
understands the West Ham Way, we do and we respect it as we have been
supporters all our lives. We believe this is about a philosophy that is not
just about the style of play, but the whole ethos that surrounds the Club'.
To be honest, as you already know, we don't really have much of a clue what
the 'West Ham Way' is either – and the man we appointed certainly doesn't.
Sure, we know all about the visionary manager John Greenwood, the White
Horse Whisky Final and didn't we win some old tin trophy about 50 years ago?
(Note: We really must remember to invite those old dinosaurs to a game some
day and show them just how well we like to look after our
never-to-be-forgotten heroes.). With the benefit of hindsight, it probably
would have been a good idea to have made our 'clear vision' and the 'ethos'
of the club crystal clear to the manager before we actually gave him the
job. But, to be honest, we assumed – rightly, as it's turned out – that you
would all keep coming along and paying your hard-earned money anyway,
regardless of how poor the entertainment value has been. You certainly seem
to have fallen for it so far, although one or two of you have been getting a
bit pesky lately, hence this appeasing statement. (By the way, please note
the new signage above the turnstiles at the Boleyn Ground next season. The
entrances for home fans will be clearly marked 'Cattle', 'Sheep' and 'Mugs'.
We continue to welcome you all.) Rest assured, we have now read up on the
club's history and traditions and we have passed this enlightened
information on to our man Sam, too. We're talking ethos, philosophy and
style here. We get it. Allardyce is being ordered to completely change a
playing style that he has stuck to rigidly for his entire managerial career.
Not only that, but we expect him to do it in the space of six weeks when the
squad returns for pre-season, add backroom staff that he doesn't want, and
most probably some players that he hasn't even signed. In other words, we've
set him a near-impossible task.
Sam was asked to give us a detailed presentation on his vision for next
season and during this he assured us that he can deliver that ethos to West
Ham United and we have agreed to support him with the resources that he
needs. We have mapped out a way forward with him that will ensure our
much-deserving fans have more to cheer about next season.
Actually, we all fell asleep during the presentation and the screen we
watched it on wasn't really as tall as it could have been, because the ball
kept disappearing from view. But hey, Sam has promised us he will be working
very closely with the players to ensure even more clean sheets. A ball will
be introduced to coaching sessions on Wednesdays, too, so that should really
help the players to get a feel for things ahead of the weekend's action.
They have also pledged to spend at least 10 minutes per week practicing
set-pieces from now on, although Mark Noble has questioned the whole concept
of the little known term 'practice'. The most positive thing to come out of
our last meeting with Sam was his Wenger-esque vision for achieving an
ambitious target of 35 per cent possession in at least a quarter of our
games next season, which we hope you'll agree is a considerable improvement.
We should also stress, though, that while improvements do need to be made,
Sam deserves credit for the job he has done thus far after securing
promotion in his first year and two respectable Premier League finishes in
the two years thereafter.
We really had to slot this in somewhere, just to keep Sam's legal people
happy, you understand? Didn't want them possibly counter-attacking (probably
not the appropriate phrase where Sam's concerned) with a constructive
dismissal claim, did we? After all, you can only go so far in undermining a
manager.
We have also seen the likes of Mark Noble, James Tomkins and Winston Reid
all make huge progress under his management, which in turn contributed to
our impressive record of 14 clean sheets last season.
OK, so anyone who knows even the slightest thing about the game knows that
Mark is really no more than a journeyman midfielder who passes the ball
sideways and backwards five yards, creates very few chances and scores even
fewer goals (other than penalties). But who else can we crow about? You all
love him because he's 'one of our own' and will always be quick to overlook
his obvious deficiencies. And the way young James performed in extra-time in
Brentwood High Street last season . . . well, if Roy Hodgson won't take him
to Brazil, then it's his and the nation's loss. If we could cash in by
selling both our young English stars and Winston to one of the top six
clubs, we would – but no top Premier League clubs want them anyway.
The truly historic opportunity of a move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016
forms a major part of our five-year strategy to take this Club forward and,
while we have a duty to make sure we stay in the Premier League, we also
want to make sure the performances on the pitch will befit a team playing in
such a world-renowned stadium.
One way or the other, we confidently expect Sam to be gone six or eight
games into next season. Realistically, there's no way he'll put up with his
revised terms of reference or be capable of abandoning his ultra-cautious,
negative, route one approach in favour of the new swashbuckling style we are
demanding from him. Who knows, he may even beat Glenn Roeder's record of
being sacked three games into the new season if our new attacking coach
doesn't produce a few 5-4 cliffhangers for us all to enthral over. Who will
we get in as Sam's replacement? We clearly haven't thought that far ahead
but, obviously, he will be a limited, cheap option, someone no other Premier
League club wanted, and we'll entrust him with the basic brief of keeping us
in the Premier League at all costs. Besides, it won't matter much who we get
in as his replacement or how the team plays – we'll have banked all the
season ticket money by then, whether you turn up or not.
We are absolutely committed to taking West Ham United to new heights and we
want to see the Club continue on an upward trajectory next season.
As Sam constantly reassured us in his detailed presentation, not every ball
aimed at Andy Carroll next season will be 'on an upward trajectory'.
The 2014/15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam
has the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success.
'Passion, experience and determination', we said. Did we say he had vision,
tactical nous and flexibility, makes astute use of substitutions or is
clever transfer market operator who never pays over the top for a player,
too? No, we most certainly did not mention those elusive qualities. See,
we're learning.
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce said: "I look forward to taking the
Club forward and improving the squad for next season to try and achieve the
plans we have set out in our very productive meeting last week."
Sam's legal advisers insisted on us inserting this final paragraph into our
new bullish statement of intent. He was so delighted that we brought the
club's attacking, entertaining ethos to his attention after three years here
at the helm that, as he says, it's like a new awakening for him. Let's face
it, if we do try and exert more influence over player recruitment and poke
our noses in by telling him how to manage and set up his team tactically, he
is bound to throw his toys out of the pram and walk away eventually. If he
and the new attacking coach fail miserably after all our shrewd advice, he
can always blame us and walk away with his proud record as the supreme
advocate of 19th century 'football' in tact. See you soon and don't forget
to renew those season tickets . . .
FINAL THOUGHTS
Some weeks ago, while still counting the days to Big Sham's departure, some
posters on here threw back at me the wearisome and predictable "well, who
else can we get? Who's out there?' line, as if decent football coaches don't
exist beyond Dover. One of the names I put forward as possessing the kind of
calibre and pedigree our board should be looking at was Celta Vigo's Luis
Enrique . . . the same man Barcelona appointed as their new coach just two
days ago. Of course, we couldn't possibly have competed with Barca for
Enrique but you get my drift? I bet the denizens of Camp Nou are looking
forward to the start of the new season a whole lot more than most West Ham
fans are.
Now that all the speculation surrounding BS has subsided, at least
temporarily until our tactical genius returns to the dug-out in August and
we are doomed to another period of torture, let's remember Iain Dale's words
and decide where we stand on the issue of Allardyce. To all of you who renew
season tickets or pay at the gate expecting to see a spectacle, don't come
on here or Twitter whinging and disappointed that nothing has changed.
*Tony McDonald is editor of the long-established retro EX magazine. To find
out more visit www.ex-hammers.com
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HERE WE GO AGAIN; SILLY SEASON AND MAURO ZARATE
By Tony Hanna 21 May 2014 at 13:38
West Ham Till I Die
According to reports from Argentina, the Hammers are close to signing Mauro
Zarate. The forward played 18 times on loan for Birmingham City when David
Gold and David Sullivan were at the club. The Argentinian started his career
at Velez Sarsfield and after spells at Al-Sadd, Birmingham, Lazio and Inter
Milan, he is back at Velez Sarsfield again. The players agent is his
brother, Rolando Zarate, an ex Barcelona and Real Madrid player in his
playing days, and it is he who told an Argentinian radio show "We have
almost everything sorted with West Ham."
Over the next few months we are going to be linked with all and sundry.
Whether the Zarate deal is real or just another agent trying to advertise
his player is just for our speculation. This season's transfer window has
the World Cup to contend with and that will change the whole scenery and the
timing of deals. Despite now being a World game, the WC tournament with 32
Nations from around the globe offers the major domestic leagues a fantastic
opportunity to taste test an array of new and old talent. This is a shop
window of gigantic proportions. However, like any new signings, some will
bear fruit and for every one that succeeds there will be many more flops. In
particular, playing a slow tempo game in the heat of Brazil is a lot
different from playing away at Stoke on a cold and wet December evening.
The flip side is that whilst the tournament is in progress, most players are
not going to want the distraction of signing any new deals, and quite
rightly so. Whilst many will enjoy the opportunity of the "for sale" tag
being pinned on them, it will be somewhat of a waiting game until any
targeted players tournament is over. I see this transfer window as being a
very stop start affair with more stops than starts to be honest. A couple of
seasons ago a mate of man who supports Spurs, yes I know, am I really that
short of friends, but he made a list of all the players that they had been
"linked" with over the course of a transfer window. At the close the list
numbered 174 and not one of them signed for Spurs. Agents agendas, players
agendas, clubs and owners agendas will all be at the forefront and sorting
out what is real or isn't will be impossible.
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Downing on the attack
WHUFC.com
Winger Stewart Downing is looking forward to playing in a more attacking
West Ham United side next season
21.05.2014
Stewart Downing has welcomed the news that West Ham United will play a more
attacking game next season. The England winger, who delivered more accurate
crosses than any other Barclays Premier League player last term, has reacted
positively to a Club Statement outlining plans for a more offensive
approach. With a new attacking coach set to be appointed and the Board
making a commitment to strengthening Sam Allardyce's squad, the Hammers are
making provision for their third season back in the top flight. Downing, for
one, believes the Club can improve both their playing style and results in
2014/15.
"I thoroughly enjoyed my first season with West Ham, where I played
regularly and was made to feel like a valuable member of the team," said the
No23, who arrived from Liverpool in August 2013. "The Gaffer and the players
made me feel welcome and settled from my first day and I felt I played some
good football. Next season, I want to show the West Ham fans my very best.
"Personally, I am very happy that the manager is staying, because he's a big
part of the reason why I came to the Club. He also handled the difficult
challenges presented to him last season really well."
Downing put in 84 accurate crosses in 2013/14 - 18 more than Manchester
City's Samir Nasri, who ranked second - and recorded two assists alongside
his solitary goal against Tottenham Hotspur in the final home game of the
season. With more attacking players set to join the Club, the 29-year-old
hopes to improve all of those statistics next term, helping the team to
consistently play on the front foot and put their opponents under pressure.
"The stats showed that I put in loads of crosses last season and I hope,
with Andy Carroll fit and firing from the start, I can set up plenty of
goals for him and our other strikers next season," he stated. "I was also
delighted to score my first goal in our home win over Tottenham in May -
hopefully it will be the first of many! The way we played that day should be
the platform for us to build on next season, pressing high and forcing the
other team into making mistakes that we can capitalise on.
"As a winger, I am encouraged to hear that we will try to play with a more
attacking style, as that plays to my strengths. However, we must ensure that
this is not at the expense of the hard work and resilience we showed when it
really mattered last season. We need to get the balance right and, when we
do, I am sure we will cause problems for everyone we face. "I am sure Sam
and the owners will be looking at strengthening the squad this summer and
improving what is already a decent team. I am sure we can kick on next
season and, to be honest, I can't wait to get started again!"
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Sam Allardyce should not change West Ham, says Gianfranco Zola
Last Updated: 21/05/14 10:03pm
SSN
Gianfranco Zola says Sam Allardyce should not be under pressure to change
his playing style - and is interested in the vacant Norwich job. Gianfranco
Zola believes West Ham boss Sam Allardyce should not be under pressure to
change his style, and has admitted his interest in the vacant post at
Norwich. Allardyce has been given backing by the West Ham board despite fan
unrest at Upton Park, citing poor performances and defensive football as
reasons to oust the 59-year-old. The board has, however, echoed the worries
of the supporters by demanding more attacking football at the club, as well
as a top-10 finish and a say in transfers. Former Hammers boss Zola
disagrees with the treatment of Allardyce, telling Sky Sports: "Every
manager has his own style, whether you like it or not. "You don't have to
put pressure on the manager to change the style. "It's something that tends
to come from the manager. I wouldn't ask somebody to do something that it
might be a problem for them to do. "It's a very strange request."
Zola, who was sacked by West Ham in May 2010, has been out of work since
resigning as Watford boss last December. Recent speculation has seen the
Italian linked with the vacant post at recently-relegated Norwich, who are
in the hunt for a manager after caretaker boss Neil Adams took over from
Chris Hughton for the last few games of their doomed season. Asked whether
he would like to return to management at Carrow Road, Zola said: "It's a
possibility. It's a very good club. "I like the way it's structured, so
we'll see how it goes. "I'm looking for a team, so hopefully it will come.
"It's been a few months out, and now I'm ready to start again."
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ENTERTAINMENT WILL BE HARD TO ACHIEVE WITH ONLY £20 MILLION
By Sean Whetstone 21 May 2014 at 21:27
West Ham Till I Die
This afternoon I was asked by Daily Mail Sports to give my thoughts about
Sam Allardyce creating entertainment next season on a budget of £20m.
Sam Allardyce has been ordered to entertain the Hammers faithful next
season, and has reportedly been given a £20million budget, together with a
new attacking coach, to achieve this feat. I have great respect for
Allardyce, simply because of what he has done for West Ham; getting us
promoted at the first time of asking and avoiding relegation in our first
two seasons back in the Premier League. But demanding entertaining football
from him might just be a step too far.
Sam is an excellent survivalist who buys experienced survivalist players
based on statistics. The problem is the board and the fans now want more
than this.
We want to be entertained and push for a top eight league position. Some
people outside of West Ham will say we want our cake and to eat it too, but
the chairmen have invested huge personal sums in the signings of Matt
Jarvis, Modibo Maiga, Stewart Downing and Andy Carroll to push the club on
with very little return.
As the impending move to the Olympic Stadium gets closer, we have to be more
ambitious and Premier League survival is no longer a suitable goal.
The suggestion that someone like Paolo Di Canio will join as an attacking
coach to revolutionise us is frankly comical. I couldn't imagine two people
more ill-fitted to work together.
Sam often complains he is stereotyped in the media and his '19th century'
playing style – as Jose Mourinho calls it – is completely misunderstood. I
agree football has moved on from the so called 'West Ham way' of the
sixties, but we want to enjoy watching our football and that rarely happened
for me last season.
When we look at the proposed £20million budget it appears woefully
inadequate to overhaul an entire first team squad, with our only player
under the age of 25 being Ravel Morrison, who was sent out on loan to QPR
last season.
David Sullivan has a reputation for loan deals and a keen eye for bargain.
He rarely pays inflated prices or competes for players other clubs want.
The massive challenge for the West Ham board, who want a tighter reign on
transfer policy, is how they attract quality, flair players to West Ham who
both want to play for the manager and yet still do so on a restricted
budget.
The objectives set out in Tuesday's statement seem difficult to achieve and
appear to be doomed for failure.
A better and more honest statement might have been: 'Sam is staying… just
get over it! Thank you for your support.'
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West Ham target Jack Colback transfer as his Sunderland contract runs out
May 21, 2014 23:16 By James Nursey
The Mirror
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is close to clinching his first summer signing
by snapping up Jack Colback. The Sunderland midfielder,24, is
out-of-contract and has failed to agree terms with the Black Cats. And the
Hammers are now in pole position to beat Swansea to his signature. Colback
made 42 appearances for the Sunderland last season, scoring three goals. He
has been at the Stadium of Light all of his career, but had two spells on
loan with Championship side Ipswich Town early in his career. It will be
another boost to Allardyce after the Upton Park board opted to keep him this
week.
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Obinna's West Ham return imminent
Hereisthecity.com
West Ham United look set to bring back Nigerian marksman Victor Obinna, who
is currently on loan at Serie A side Chievo. Victor Obinna spent the 2010-11
season with West Ham and latest reports suggest the East London side will
turn to the unsettled marksman again. The 27-year-old's big professional
break came at Serie A minnows Chievo where he played between 2005 and 2008
and scored 19 goals in 82 games, although his primary role was in providing
assists. Known for his acrobatic goal celebrations and his relentless
energy, Obinna caught the attention of Inter who signed him but never really
needed another striker. Inter loaned Obinna out to Malaga and then to West
Ham where he acquitted himself well, especially at the start of the season.
Obinna managed the unusual feat of providing four assists in a 4-0 League
Cup win over Manchester City and scored a hat-trick in a 3-2 FA Cup fourth
round win over Nottingham Forest. But the Hammers didn't exercise the option
to sign Obinna permanently in the summer of 2011 and he ended up signing for
Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow. The talented forward has spent the second
half of the season at Chievo on loan and was greeted very warmly by fans at
the Stadio Bentegodi. But a longer term solution needs to be found and that
could be where West Ham step in. According to Talksport.com, West Ham are
preparing to launch a bid to sign Obinna, who is seen as surplus to
requirements in Moscow and a deal could happen very shortly. It is likely
that Obinna would welcome to chance to return to London and he seems to be
looking for a way to leave Lokomotiv this summer. West Ham often struggled
with a lack of striking options last season and Obinna could be an
affordable solution who is a known quantity.
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Argentina striker agrees to West Ham move
Brad Pinard
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
9:45 AM
London24.com
West Ham are on the verge of signing Argentine striker Mauro Zarate,
according to his agent. The 27-year-old has a good reputation in Europe,
although his record shows he isn't the lethal striker Hammers fans may have
been after. Zarate enjoyed a loan spell with Birmingham City back in 2008
and is now set to return to England having played for the likes of Lazio and
Inter since then. West Ham announced yesterday than Sam Allardyce will be
staying on at Upton Park as manager – although co-owners David Gold and
David Sullivan will now have a bigger say in transfers. The club have wasted
no time and Zarate's agent brother Rolando has admitted that a deal is
all-but done with compensation and contracts agreed. "We have almost
everything sorted out with West Ham, they asked him not to play against San
Lorenzo but he wanted to play." "Mauro Zarate and his family's love for
Velez is huge, but the club receive a good financial compensation." Zarate
is not in the Argentina squad for the World Cup this summer – although he
did notch 19 times last season for hometown club Velez.
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West Ham fans voice disappointment at board's decision to retain Sam
Allardyce
Tom Allnutt
Published: 21 May 2014
Updated: 09:21, 21 May 2014
Standard.co.uk
Sam Allardyce's brand of football will never be 'the West Ham Way' and fans
are "disappointed" he will be manager at the start of next season, says the
editor of a prominent Hammers fanzine. The club announced on Tuesday
Allardyce will remain as manager but that he must accept a handful of
"improvements", including a commitment to a more positive style of play. A
statement released by the club said: "After listening to feedback from
supporters, the board have insisted on improvements to the set-up of the
playing and backroom staff to ensure the team provides more entertainment
next season." Allardyce has agreed to hire a new attacking coach and has
been told by joint chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan to aim for "at
least a top-10 finish" - but sceptical supporters remain unconvinced. "Gold
and Sullivan are talking about 'the West Ham Way' but the more you look at
it the more it seems the Allardyce way is never going to be 'the West Ham
Way'," said David Blackmore, editor of The Blowing Bubbles Fanzine. "There
is certainly a lot of disappointment and a feeling the fans haven't been
listened to. "A lot of fans are absorbing it and making notes on what has
been promised so that when it doesn't materialise at the start of the season
they can call the board out on it." He added: "At the moment we don't have
the types of players to be entertaining so I don't see much changing.
"Having a squad that is going to be fit is going to make a difference but I
doubt it will be long past October or November before fans start voicing
their concerns again." West Ham's prospects last season were damaged by a
number of injuries to key players, including club-record signing Andy
Carroll. Allardyce will have "considerable funds" available to strengthen
his squad this summer but the board will have more influence over which
players are brought in. Sullivan and Gold said: "We have a very clear vision
of how we want West Ham United to operate under our joint ownership.
"Although not everybody understands the West Ham Way, we do and we respect
it as we have been supporters all our lives. We believe this is about a
philosophy that is not just about the style of play, but the whole ethos
that surrounds the club."
Allardyce guided the club to promotion from the Championship at the first
attempt in 2012 and secured a 10th-place finish in the team's first year
back in the Premier League. The Hammers failed to progress last season,
however, and spent the majority of the campaign fighting off the threat of
relegation. Three wins over rivals Tottenham and a 13th-place finish in the
table did little to appease disillusioned supporters, who complained about
the team's defensive style of play. In March, the home fans at Upton Park
booed at the final whistle even after the Hammers had beaten Hull 2-1, to
which Allardyce responded by cupping his ears in disbelief. Maintaining
status in the Premier League remains the club's priority, especially given
the significant financial implications of moving to the Olympic Stadium in
2016.
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Wednesday, May 21
Daily WHUFC News - 21st May 2014
Page proud of Academy's season
WHUFC.com
Young defender Lewis Page has made a real impact this term - and hopes for more next year
19.05.2014
Lewis Page rounded off a fine season in the Hammers Academy by being nominated for the Academy Player of the Year award. Although he was beaten to the prize by Josh Cullen, defender Page was still proud of a campaign in which he appeared in close to 20 U18s matches, as well as turning out for the Development Squad on five occasions. With both teams enjoying success this season too, Page will look back on 2013/14 with some satisfaction before building for next season. "It was a very good season," he explained. "We've made a big step in the right direction with the U18s and U21s. "The U18s made it to the Play-Offs and the U21s have had younger players pushing up and doing well at that level. "There's a slight difference in the physicality and the speed of the game between the two levels. There are more tactics involved but I've felt comfortable, helped by my teammates and coaches. "Hopefully I can kick on with the U21s next year and cement my place there again. "Obviously first team is the ultimate aim and hopefully I can take any chances that come my way. "It was a privilege to be at the Player Awards. Just to be nominated as one of the Academy Players of the Year was a great achievement. It was great to share the experience with my teammates too."
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Lycamobile Cup finals flourish
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Kicks U14s and Redbridge U12s reigned supreme in the Lycamobile Cup finals
20.05.2014
The inaugural Lycamobile Cup ended in shootout drama at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday, as West Ham United Kicks saw off St Bonaventure's School 5-4 from the spot to claim the U14s title. A joint initiative of West Ham United Community Sports Trust and Club sponsor Lycamobile, the Lycamobile Cup sought to raise participation through both an U12s and U14s tournament, culminating in the weekend's spectacular finals day. In front of a bumper crowd of friends and family at West Ham United, Redbridge U12s were the day's other victors, as they won by the odd goal in five against their Cumberland School counterparts.
West Ham's Kicks side, meanwhile, squeezed past St Paul's 1-0 in the last four, before playing out a goalless draw in the final and then prevailing on penalties.
All in all, the tournament has seen some 4,500 youngsters play their part, to the delight of Lycamobile Group Chairman, Subaskaran Allirajah. "At Lycamobile we are always looking at ways to make a difference in our local community and the Lycamobile Cup is fantastic testament to that. "We're proud of our work with West Ham United Community Sports Trust in giving back to the local area and we hope the Lycamobile Cup will inspire young people to get more involved in sport." West Ham's Head of Community, Joe Lyons, paid tribute to all involved and was in no doubt that the joint-venture had gone down a storm with participants. He confirmed: "We're delighted with the success of the first Lycamobile Cup and Saturday's finals were a fitting end to that. "The Cup certainly captured the imagination of local youngsters wanting to play at the Boleyn Ground, along with that of their friends and family, too. "It's been fantastic to work alongside Lycamobile on this project and we appreciate their support, as well as that of the Club, in what is a great partnership for the community."
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Sam Allardyce: West Ham United announce manager is staying
BBC.co.uk
Sam Allardyce is to carry on as manager at West Ham United, the Premier League club has announced. The statement on the future of the 59-year-old, in charge since June 2011, ends speculation about Allardyce's role at Upton Park. Allardyce led the Hammers to 13th in the Premier League table, but has faced criticism from some supporters. "The club have made clear that they want to see progression on the pitch," says a club statement. West Ham's announcement follows an end-of-season meeting between Allardyce and the club's board. They considered the former Bolton, Newcastle and Blackburn manager's plans for next season before making the announcement. The statement said that Allardyce has agreed to recruit a new attacking coach "to ensure the team provides more entertainment next season".
It added that the club expects a top 10 finish in the table. The statement continued: "After listening to feedback from supporters, the board have insisted on improvements to the set-up of the playing and backroom staff to ensure the team provides more entertainment next season. "The manager has agreed to recruit a new attacking coach to complement the existing coaching set-up as well as an overhaul of the club's scouting and recruitment operation. "That will see the board have a greater involvement in the players who are signed, as the board will once again be investing considerable funds into the club this summer.
"The club have made clear that they want to see progression on the pitch and at least a top 10 finish as a result."
Allardyce took charge at Upton Park three years ago after the Hammers had been relegated from the Premier League under Avram Grant. He led West Ham to promotion via the Championship play-offs in his first season before securing 10th place in 2012-13. But after a four-match winning run in February, the Hammers finished the 2013-14 campaign with eight defeats in 11 games. Some fans vented their displeasure at Allardyce during the 1-0 defeat by West Brom on 26 April. "We are absolutely committed to taking West Ham United to new heights and we want to see the club continue on an upward trajectory next season," said West Ham joint-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold. "The 2014-15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam has the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success."
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Di Canio in the frame for coaching role
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 20th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
Paolo Di Canio is emerging as one of the fans' favourites to take the new coaching role at West Ham. In a meeting earlier today Sam Allardyce was told he would be retained as the club's manager - partly on condition that he hires a coach dedicated to improving the team's attacking threat. And former Hammer Di Canio, who has previously enjoyed managerial spells at Swindon and Sunderland has immediately been installed as one of the favourites to land the role by supporters keen to see the Italian involved with the club once again. Speaking earlier today, Di Canio revealed that he was ready to return to football eight months after being fired by Sunderland just five games into the 2013/14 Premier League season. And in timely fashion, the 45-year-old revealed that he was a big fan of West Ham's current manager. "He's a manager who's got great experience, and had a long time in Premier League," the Italian told Sky Sports.
"The fans like his style sometimes and sometimes they don't. I don't know why they're so frustrated. You should ask them to be honest. I can only tell you that Sam Allardyce is a good, experienced manager." And with view to returning to the game, Di Canio added: "I'm available, I'm ready. I've had time to think about what's happened in the past and I have a more positive opinion about my philosophy."
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Sam stays - official
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 20th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have released a statement with view to Sam Allardyce's position as manager of the club.
Following lengthy discussions in two board meeting both last week and earlier today, Allardyce has been informed that he is being retained in order to see out the final year of his current contract, which expires next summer.
However some much-needed changes were also being implemented as a result of discussions between the two parties - including the recruitment of a new attacking coach.
David Gold, speaking via whufc.com said: " "We have a very clear vision of how we want West Ham United to operate under our joint ownership. Although not everybody understands the West Ham way, we do and we respect it as we have been supporters all our lives. We believe this is about a philosophy that is not just about the style of play, but the whole ethos that surrounds the Club.
"Sam was asked to give us a detailed presentation on his vision for next season and during this he assured us that he can deliver that ethos to West Ham United and we have agreed to support him with the resources that he needs. We have mapped out a way forward with him that will ensure our much-deserving fans have more to cheer about next season.
"We should also stress, though, that while improvements do need to be made, Sam deserves credit for the job he has done thus far after securing promotion in his first year and two respectable Premier League finishes in the two years thereafter. We have also seen the likes of Mark Noble, James Tomkins and Winston Reid all make huge progress under his management, which in turn contributed to our impressive record of 14 clean sheets last season.
"The truly historic opportunity of a move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016 forms a major part of our five-year strategy to take this Club forward and, while we have a duty to make sure we stay in the Premier League, we also want to make sure the performances on the pitch will befit a team playing in such a world-renowned stadium.
"We are absolutely committed to taking West Ham United to new heights and we want to see the Club continue on an upward trajectory next season. The 2014/15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam has the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success."
Reaction to the news of Allardyce's arrival has been met with disappointment by his detractors and relief from those who believed that given his three-year record, he should be allowed to continue his work at the club.
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Sam Allardyce remains boss at West Ham, who want a top-10 finish
Last Updated: 20/05/14 5:38pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce will still be manager of West Ham next season but the club's board has demanded more attacking football and a top-10 finish in the league.
Despite finishing a respectable 13th in the Premier League table, some reports had suggested the 59-year-old was facing the axe after three years in charge.
He was summoned to a meeting at West Ham co-owner David Sullivan's house in Essex last week where he put forward his case to keep hold of the reins next season. Allardyce clearly impressed the board with his vision and a statement on the club's website revealed the manager had agreed to recruit a new attacking coach, along with an overhaul of the scouting and recruitment operation, although he faces demands for "more entertainment" and a top-10 place in the top flight. "The 2014/15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam has the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success"
On the back of "constructive" and "lengthy and detailed" talks between Allardyce and the board, the club statement on Tuesday afternoon read: "The club's direction, values and philosophy and a positive way forward for next season has been agreed. "After listening to feedback from supporters, the board have insisted on improvements to the set-up of the playing and backroom staff to ensure the team provides more entertainment next season. "The board will once again be investing considerable funds into the club this summer. The club have made clear that they want to see progression on the pitch and at least a top-10 finish as a result."
Allardyce took charge of the Hammers in 2011 and immediately steered them back to the top flight, but some fans have never warmed to his playing style and jeered after their home win over 10-man Hull City in March. After Tuesday's announcement, the former Bolton manager said: "I look forward to taking the club forward and improving the squad for next season to try and achieve the plans we have set out in our very productive meeting last week."
West Ham joint-chairmen David Sullivan and Gold added: "We have a very clear vision of how we want West Ham United to operate under our joint ownership. Although not everybody understands the West Ham Way, we do and we respect it as we have been supporters all our lives. "We believe this is about a philosophy that is not just about the style of play, but the whole ethos that surrounds the club. We have mapped out a way forward with (Sam) that will ensure our much-deserving fans have more to cheer about next season. "We should also stress, though, that while improvements do need to be made, Sam deserves credit for the job he has done thus far after securing promotion in his first year and two respectable Premier League finishes in the two years thereafter. "The truly historic opportunity of a move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016 forms a major part of our five-year strategy to take this club forward and, while we have a duty to make sure we stay in the Premier League, we also want to make sure the performances on the pitch will befit a team playing in such a world-renowned stadium. "We are absolutely committed to taking West Ham United to new heights and we want to see the club continue on an upward trajectory next season. The 2014/15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam has the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success."
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WHAT'S DONE IS DONE - LET'S LOOK TO THE FUTURE & RESTORE SOME EXCITEMENT
By Iain Dale 20 May 2014 at 20:45
West Ham Till I Die
Just as politicians live and die by the choices and decisions they make, so do football club owners. Today's decision to retain the services of Sam Allardyce as our manager is one which may well define our club for some years to come. Unless disaster strikes it is now unthinkable to change manager before the Olympic Stadium move. Assuming we stay up next season, that will guarantee Sam another year in the job, and I imagine one beyond that.
So why did the Board reach this decision, and reach it rather more quickly than we were led to believe they would? No idea to be honest. although it could have had something to do with the fact that all sorts of people were being linked with the manager's job. I suspect (and it is only a suspicion) that this was understandably issued a back me or sack me ultimatum. I certainly would have done in the circumstances. Did they make the decision because they couldn't face paying the £4 million in compensation to Sam and his backroom staff, when in a year's time it will cost nothing? Maybe, but if that really was the reason it's a rather short-sighted one.
i really hope the reason was the one quoted – that Sam has promised to introduce more flair to the team next season and to place more emphasis on the scouting network and youth setup. It's clear that the Board will cast more than a beady over transfer policy and that has to be a good thing. Too many of the permanent and loan signings haven't worked out. No one will ever have a perfect record on signings, but even so, it's difficult to think of any signings in the last twelve months which could be classed as an unqualified success. That needs to change very quickly.
Look, I have deliberately written this without looking at the 600 comments on the last thread. I didn't want to be influenced by what I suspect is a lot of negativity and anger. As soon as I press publish on this blogpost I will scroll through the comments. When I heard the news that Sam was staying my initial reaction was somewhat phlegmatic. I didn't kick the cat. Mainly because I don't have one. I didn't scream. I reacted with a mental shrug of the shoulders. But I feel I ought to be angry. I feel I ought to care more than I do. It goes back to my blogpost where I put into words my frustration at the way West Ham now play. I recounted the fact that if I am watching a game on TV I no longer pump my arms when West Ham score, or make the dogs run round the house because I am screaming with joy. I don't scream, I smile. Weakly. I headlined that blogpost "This, Mr Allardyce is what you have done to me".
Now I live in hope that I can get excited by going to Upton Park again. I really do. But along with thousands of others, I have a decision to make. Am I going to renew my season ticket, one I have held for more than twenty years. My two friends who I go to matches with have already decided not to renew. I don't like to think of myself as a fickle fan. Whatever happens, I am West Ham Till I Die, and if I don't renew it will seem as if I am betraying the club who in many ways have given me so much. But I've now got a house in Norfolk where I go at weekends. A lot more matches are on TV. This season I've been to fewer matches than before, not just because of the style of football, although that put me off the latter matches, but also because my life has changed.
I actually have two season tickets, because you know what, half the fun is enjoying the match with someone else who can join you on that emotional rollercoaster. You hug each other when we score. You berate the referee when he makes a dodgy decision. You share in each other's misery when we lose. You rejoice in every header Andy Carroll wins. You sigh every time we lose the ball. It's a collective experience. It's a tribal experience and it's one I want to know again. I don't want to sit there not caring anymore. And if Sam Allardyce can bring back that feeling I feel he has stolen from me I will be the first to admit it.
And he can do that by making his peace with Ravel Morrison and signing him on a long term contract. He should call Ravel into his office when he gets back from his holiday and say: "Ravel, what's past is past. I want you to stay and I am going to form my team around you." He can't do more than that.
I've said my piece. I am not going to allow this site to be a cesspit of negativity because frankly if it did, I wouldn't want to read it or visit it myself, so why would anyone else.
So let's just remember who we are, what we are and why we support the team we do.
It's time to circle the wagons, suck it up, accept the decision that has been made, and just get on with it. Fine, express your viewpoint, but let's get over it and try to look forward to next season, some exciting new signings and hopefully a more "West Ham" style of play.
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OFFICIAL: SAM ALLARDYCE REMAINS AS MANAGER
By Sean Whetstone 20 May 2014 at 14:32
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham United has confirmed that manager Sam Allardyce will lead the club into the 2014/15 Barclays Premier League season after constructive talks with the Club's Board.
The club have insisted on improvements to the set-up of the playing and backroom staff to ensure the team provides more entertainment next season.
Sam has agreed to recruit a new attacking coach to complement the existing coaching set-up as well as an overhaul of the Club's scouting and recruitment operation that will see the directors have a greater involvement in the players. The club have made clear that they want to see progression on the pitch.
Full Statement:
"West Ham United can confirm that manager Sam Allardyce will lead the Club into the 2014/15 Barclays Premier League season after constructive talks with the Club's Board. The Board and Allardyce have held lengthy and detailed discussions on the Club's direction, values and philosophy and a positive way forward for next season has been agreed. After listening to feedback from supporters, the Board have insisted on improvements to the set-up of the playing and backroom staff to ensure the team provides more entertainment next season. The manager has agreed to recruit a new attacking coach to complement the existing coaching set-up as well as an overhaul of the Club's scouting and recruitment operation that will see the Board have a greater involvement in the players who are signed, as the Board will once again be investing considerable funds into the Club this summer. The Club have made clear that they want to see progression on the pitch and at least a top-ten finish as a result. West Ham United Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold said: We have a very clear vision of how we want West Ham United to operate under our joint ownership. Although not everybody understands the West Ham Way, we do and we respect it as we have been supporters all our lives. We believe this is about a philosophy that is not just about the style of play, but the whole ethos that surrounds the Club. Sam was asked to give us a detailed presentation on his vision for next season and during this he assured us that he can deliver that ethos to West Ham United and we have agreed to support him with the resources that he needs. We have mapped out a way forward with him that will ensure our much-deserving fans have more to cheer about next season. We should also stress, though, that while improvements do need to be made, Sam deserves credit for the job he has done thus far after securing promotion in his first year and two respectable Premier League finishes in the two years thereafter. We have also seen the likes of Mark Noble, James Tomkins and Winston Reid all make huge progress under his management, which in turn contributed to our impressive record of 14 clean sheets last season. "The truly historic opportunity of a move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016 forms a major part of our five-year strategy to take this Club forward and, while we have a duty to make sure we stay in the Premier League, we also want to make sure the performances on the pitch will befit a team playing in such a world-renowned stadium. "We are absolutely committed to taking West Ham United to new heights and we want to see the Club continue on an upward trajectory next season. The 2014/15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam has the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success." West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce said: "I look forward to taking the Club forward and improving the squad for next season to try and achieve the plans we have set out in our very productive meeting last week."
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IS A VICTOR OBINNA RETURN CREDIBLE & SHOULD WE RAID CITEH?
By S J Chandos 20 May 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
Is it credible that West Ham are interested in signing former loanee, Victor Obinna? Fans will remember Obinna's loan period in 2010-11, when his displays and eight goals were one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disastrous campaign. The highlight probably being his excellent all round display in the 4-0 league cup demolition of Man Utd. At the conclusion of that campaign, we were relegated and he subsequently signed a four year contract with Lokomotiv Moscow in a lucrative Bosman deal. However, the Nigerian International spent last season on loan to Italian side, Chievo Verona and now apparently has aspirations to return to the PL. And his name has been linked with a move back to Upton Park. Is this a legitimate interest or is it just an agent 'flying a kite' to drum up interest? I think it is more likely to be the latter.
Of course, it is presently difficult to talk with any certainty about the club's summer transfer activity. Until the management situation is resolved, one way or the other, we are effectively stuck in limbo. Lets just hope that PL rivals have not 'got a jump on us' as result of this self-imposed transfer hiatus. Especially in respect of the better Bosman deals that will be up for grabs this summer. There is no doubt that some decent quality players will be available in the upcoming transfer window. For instance, Man City are planning to make Micah Richards, Jack Rodwell and Scott Sinclair available on loan or permanent deals; whilst Joleon Lescott will also be subject to a Bosman deal. That constitutes City stripping out four of the small English contingent in their current first team squad. Regardless, should we look to the surplus players at City to help strengthen our own squad for the next campaign?
Claret & Hugh reported yesterday evening that their source had indicated that the club were awaiting a response to a job offer made to a potential new manager and a definitive answer was expected within 48 hours. If the mystery person says yes, it is the green light for managerial change; but if its no, then the club will continue with the current set up, albeit with a new approach imposed by the board. All we fans can do is wait, wonder and see what transpires? However, If we have made an offer to an unnamed manager, I personally hope that we have gone for the radical option and sought the services of Ronald Koeman.
And finally, the club yesterday made the latest of their 'Don't miss out on your seat!' website appeals to season ticket holders. Could it be that renewals are not going well, as a significant number of STHs await the outcome of Friday's board meeting before committing their hard earned cash?
S.J Chandos.
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Sullivan: 'Fans protests the most important thing'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 20, 2014 in Whispers
David-Sullivan-001
By Hugh Southon
ClaretandHugh.com
West Ham's co chairman David Sullivan has exclusively revealed to ClaretandHugh that fan protests provoked the inquest into Sam Allardyce's position at Upton Park. Having survived the lengthy quizzing into his future, Sullivan has made it clear that it was the fans reaction which was closest to his heart when considering Allardyce's continuing role as team boss. Speaking to me immediately after the announcement that the 59 year old manager was staying Sullivan – in a question and answer session – made his position clear. I asked: "It's widely believed it was fan protests that were at the bottom of the board's thinking when considering Sam's position – was that the case?" The co-chairman responded: "In fact it was the most important thing. That's why we looked for assurances from the manager and the addition of a striking coach." I then asked: "How are season tickets selling – how worried are you about a fan lashback both generally and at the box office from this decision?" He responded: "They are roughly level with last year, and we have a large list of people waiting for the best seats if any long standing season ticket holders do not renew. "I think supporters realise they need to renew or they'll go to the bottom of the list to get tickets at the Olympic stadium. "That said and done, we do not want to lose a single season ticket holder and we hope they think long and hard if they are thinking of not renewing."
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Five things Sam Allardyce must do to win West Ham fans back
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
8:08 PM
London24
West Ham on Tuesday announced Sam Allardyce would stay on as their manager, but he has been told by the board to produce more entertaining football and aim for a top-10 finish at least.
Here, London24 takes a look at five areas he could focus on to achieve those aims.
SUPPORT FOR CARROLL
The towering striker missed a chunk of the season through injury and, even after returning to fitness, could not improve the Hammer's fortunes as they suffered eight defeats in their last 11 games. As well as hoping Carroll stays fit, Allardyce urgently needs to find a strike partner to help ease the goal burden on the frontman, who only managed two in the Premier League last term. Being left out of the England World Cup squad could be a bonus as it should ensure he returns for pre-season training fresh.
GET WINGERS FIRING
The Hammers have two out-and-out wide men in Matt Jarvis and Stuart Downing, both former England internationals. They should be the ideal duo to provide the service from the flanks for Carroll to thrive on, but went off the boil over the course of the campaign. Allardyce needs to work out how to help both return to form next season and open up his side's most obvious source of goals.
BRING THE BEST OUT OF MORRISON
Ravel Morrison is the sort of attacking, creative midfielder the Hammers desperately need, but fell out of favour and was sent out of loan to QPR. His future at Upton Park is far from certain but, if Allardyce decides to give him another go and can bring the best out of him, it could prove his best piece of business all summer. Failing that, though, Allardyce needs to bring in a playmaker who could make the side tick.
FIND THE RIGHT ATTACKING COACH
Allardyce has agreed to recruit a new attacking coach to help the team adopt a more positive style of play. One candidate could be Les Ferdinand, who played briefly for the club and has been doing a similar job at Tottenham. His future at White Hart Lane is unclear, with the club looking for a new manager following the departure of Tim Sherwood.
GET THE FANS ON SIDE
Allardyce is renowned, fairly or not, as a long-ball merchant for whom results trump style every time. That philosophy did not sit at all well with the West Ham fans and he has been instructed to produce a more entertaining brand of football. A concerted effort to do that, even if it does not bring instant results, would likely be appreciated by the Upton Park faithful.
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West Ham & Newcastle target Almeida set to leave Besiktas
2014-05-20 09:58:04
Turhish-football.com
Hugo Almeida is set to leave Beşiktaş after failing to agree a contract extension with the club. "The deal they put forward was laughable," Almeida said. "They should think about the bigger picture, it's a shame it had to end like this I never wanted to leave these fans." "I made great friends here and would have liked to stay however, I couldn't accept the offer." Almeida is free to speak to other clubs, with his contract set to expire this summer. The Portuguese international has been closely linked with a number of Premier League clubs and has hinted that he would be open to a move to England. "I would be very interested in moving to the Premier League if the right offer came up," Almeida said. "I have always wanted to play in England. It is the best league in the world and the fans are completely crazy about football. "I watch a lot of Premier League football and it is the kind of football I like, with lots of crosses and fighting for everything. "I would really like to play in England." Almeida joined Beşiktaş from Werder Bremen in 2011 on a €2 million transfer fee. The 29-year-old striker has 13 goals and three assists in 31 appearances this season.
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West Ham fans react with fury after Allardyce stays
London24
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
5:45 PM
West Ham fans are "disappointed" the club have decided to stick with Sam Allardyce and feel their views have been ignored by the club's owners, says the editor of a prominent Hammers fanzine. The club announced on Tuesday that Allardyce will remain as manager for the start of next season but that he must accept a handful of "improvements", including a commitment to a more positive style of play. A statement released by the club said: "After listening to feedback from supporters, the board have insisted on improvements to the set-up of the playing and backroom staff to ensure the team provides more entertainment next season."
Allardyce has agreed to hire a new attacking coach and has been told by joint chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan to aim for "at least a top-ten finish" - but sceptical supporters remain unconvinced. "There is certainly a lot of disappointment and a feeling the fans haven't been listened to," said David Blackmore, editor of The Blowing Bubbles Fanzine. "Gold and Sullivan are talking about 'the West Ham Way' but the more you look at it the more it seems the Allardyce way is never going to be 'the West Ham Way'. "A lot of fans are absorbing it and making notes on what has been promised so that when it doesn't materialise at the start of the season they can call the board out on it."
He added: "At the moment we don't have the types of players to be entertaining so I don't see much changing. "Having a squad that is going to be fit is going to make a difference but I doubt it will be long past October or November before fans start voicing their concerns again."
West Ham's prospects last season were damaged by a number of injuries to key players, including club-record signing Andy Carroll. Allardyce will have "considerable funds" available to strengthen his squad this summer but the board will have more influence over which players are brought in. Sullivan and Gold said: "We have a very clear vision of how we want West Ham United to operate under our joint ownership. "Although not everybody understands the West Ham Way, we do and we respect it as we have been supporters all our lives. We believe this is about a philosophy that is not just about the style of play, but the whole ethos that surrounds the club. "Sam was asked to give us a detailed presentation on his vision for next season and during this he assured us that he can deliver that ethos to West Ham United and we have agreed to support him with the resources that he needs. "We have mapped out a way forward with him that will ensure our much-deserving fans have more to cheer about next season."
Allardyce guided the club to promotion from the Championship at the first attempt in 2012 and secured a 10th-place finish in the team's first year back in the Premier League. The Hammers failed to progress last season, however, and spent the majority of the campaign fighting off the threat of relegation. Three wins over rivals Tottenham and a 13th-place finish in the table did little to appease disillusioned supporters, who complained about the team's defensive style of play. In March, the home fans at Upton Park booed at the final whistle even after the Hammers had beaten Hull 2-1, to which Allardyce responded by cupping his ears in disbelief. Maintaining status in the Premier League remains the club's priority, especially given the significant financial implications of moving to the Olympic Stadium in 2016.
The statement concluded: "We are absolutely committed to taking West Ham United to new heights and we want to see the club continue on an upward trajectory next season. "The 2014/15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam has the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success." Allardyce added: "I look forward to taking the club forward and improving the squad for next season to try and achieve the plans we have set out in our very productive meeting last week."
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Five reasons Sam Allardyce kept his job as West Ham manager
Tuesday 20 May 2014 5:40 pm
Metro.co.uk
West Ham have announced that Sam Allardyce is to stay on as manager for a fourth season but why have the board decided to keep him on? Here are five possible reasons:
1) Allardyce has kept West Ham in the Premier League for two seasons running after getting them promoted from the Championship at the first time of asking.
2) Big Sam has never been relegated as a manager and appears to be a specialist at Premier League survival which is vital for the club ahead of the move to the Olympic Stadium.
3) He has one year left on his current contract and has hit every target set by the board.
4) A few additions to the squad could equal a more expansive playing style, especially at home, which may appease the terraces somewhat.
5) The board don't want to have to pay up his contract.
Quite how this show of loyalty will effect season ticket sales and the atmosphere within the Boleyn Ground next season remains to be seen but what is certain is that Allardyce will need new players to adopt the kind of football the fans desire whilst maintaining his usual unremitting surge to safety.
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Exclusive - Ashton: Morrison can save Allardyce from West Ham chop
By Nick Rostron-Pike (@nickrostronpike) | Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Talksport
Dean Ashton believes West Ham were right to keep Sam Allardyce at Upton Park – but has warned the Irons chief to resolve his problems with Ravel Morrison if he wants to keep his job. The Hammers boss, whose position at the Boleyn Ground had been under threat, has been given a stay of execution by co-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan. Morrison has spent the tail end of the season on loan at Championship side QPR, after falling out of favour with Allardyce earlier in the campaign. The former Blackburn man has come under fire numerous times this season from the Upton Park faithful, who have become tired with his negative style of play. And former striker Ashton claims the 59-year-old must make Morrison his key man next season. "There have certainly been signs in the way Morrison has played to show he's a top player," he told Drivetime. "I can understand why he's fallen out of favour with the manager.
"Sam wants players to track back and do the defence side of football. Ravel has struggled with that and wasn't allowed the freedom he needs. "If the club want a different type of football then he's exactly the sort of player West Ham need to accommodate. "He's the type of player that can produce something out of nothing."
And Ashton believes the club were right retain Allardyce's services. "Sam has had some problems, in terms of injuries, and he hasn't had all of his best players fit throughout the season," he added. "When he has, he's got results, but not the style of football fans are looking for. "It's not easy in the Premier League though and he's still getting results, he knows how to do that. "This last decade has been a bit up and down for West Ham. Now they need a bit of stability. "[It's the right decision to keep] Sam and give him another year. They need to keep the club stable in the Premier League."
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The Big Interview - James Collins
WHUFC.com
West Ham United centre-back James Collins reflects on the 2013/14 Barclays Premier League campaign
20.05.2014
James Collins will be looking to the positives as he heads into the summer break. West Ham United turned around a bleak winter position to finish well clear of the Barclays Premier League's drop zone by the season's end and Collins says that uplift in form should not be forgotten. 2013/14 also included a hat-trick of victories over Tottenham Hotspur, which Collins knows pleased the Boleyn Ground crowd.
James, it's a season that had its ups and downs, but three wins against Spurs...
JC: "Beating Tottenham three times is a positive we can take from the season, but we'd have liked to have finished higher in the league, of course.
"Last year, our first back in the Premier League, we finished tenth and had a great season - we weren't far off that in the end this season."
Fourteen clean sheets must be a record you're really proud of...
JC: "The gaffer always sets out to keep a clean sheet and if we keep one, we know we only have to score one goal to win the game.
"Fourteen is nice, we'd like more but we'll take that."
How do your assess your own form this season?
JC: "I'll never say I've been outstanding and I'll never say I've been rubbish, but it's been alright.
"I'd have liked to have played a few more games - I had a fiew niggles throughout the season but that's going to happen at my age."
How impressed have you been with your fellow centre halves?
JC: "The other centre backs have been great - in any team you need confident, strong centre halves and in Winston and Tonks we've certainly got that.
"To see them doing well is great, and that's the same for both goalkeepers."
You've got two outstanding goalkeepers fighting for that No1 jersey?
JC: "Jussi got eight of the clean sheets, then Adrian's come in and carried it on.
"When he came in he didn't speak a lot of English, but he gets involved with the lads and has the banter. That's great and I think he's going to go on and be a top-drawer keeper.
There's a trip to New Zealand to look forward to. How's that going to be?
JC: "New Zealand will be great. It's a long old trip, but we'll deal with it and it's a part of the world I've never seen so I'm looking forward to it.
"Reidy's New Zealand captain, so hopefully he can show us around too!"
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Aston Villa and West Ham to fight for QPR winger
BY JOSH NUGENT ⋅ MAY 21, 2014 ⋅ POST A COMMENT
Footballleagueworld.co.uk
Aston Villa are set to fight with West Ham to secure the signature of QPR winger Shaun Wright-Phillips according to Football Direct News. Former England international Wright-Phillips is available on a free transfer with only a week to run on his contract at QPR. The former Manchester City and Chelsea wideman only made 13 appearances for QPR last season and his exit will be confirmed after their Championship playoff final against Derby on Saturday. Aston Villa are very keen on bringing the winger to Villa Park to provide some experience for their young squad. After a struggling season that saw the Birmingham-based side flirt with relegation to the second tier of English football, Villa boss Paul Lambert is keen for his younger players to learn from some more experienced names.
Despite Aston Villa owner recently putting the club up for sale causing uncertainty over the long-term future of the playing and backroom staff, Lambert has been allowed to press on with his summer transfer business. West Ham are also admirers of Wright-Phillips. They want to bring the 32 year-old to Upton Park and are confident of being able to match his wage demands-something which is a potential stumbling block for Aston Villa.
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HAMMERS EYE OLD BOY
WEST HAM KEEN TO RE-SIGN STRIKE STAR
Written by Alex Hams | Comments(0)
West Ham are considering a move to bring former attacker Victor Obinna back to Upton Park this summer, according to reports from talkSPORT. The Nigerian ace spent the 2010/11 season with the Hammers, smashing in eight goals before returning to Inter Milan. Since heading away to Italy, Obinna has moved to Lokomotiv Moscow but his spell in Russia looks set to come to an end soon. The 27-year-old has found it difficult to settle at his current club, and is rumoured to be ready to follow up a loan move to Chievo from the latter half of last season with a permanent switch to one of Europe's more established leagues. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is desperate to bolster his forward line in the coming months, and is tempted by partnering the pacey Obinna with Andy Carroll.
The African star was a fans' favourite during his brief spell in east London, and a move to bring him back could ease tensions between 'Big Sam' and sections of the Irons' support. The versatile attacker is set to represent Nigeria at the World Cup this summer.
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WHUFC.com
Young defender Lewis Page has made a real impact this term - and hopes for more next year
19.05.2014
Lewis Page rounded off a fine season in the Hammers Academy by being nominated for the Academy Player of the Year award. Although he was beaten to the prize by Josh Cullen, defender Page was still proud of a campaign in which he appeared in close to 20 U18s matches, as well as turning out for the Development Squad on five occasions. With both teams enjoying success this season too, Page will look back on 2013/14 with some satisfaction before building for next season. "It was a very good season," he explained. "We've made a big step in the right direction with the U18s and U21s. "The U18s made it to the Play-Offs and the U21s have had younger players pushing up and doing well at that level. "There's a slight difference in the physicality and the speed of the game between the two levels. There are more tactics involved but I've felt comfortable, helped by my teammates and coaches. "Hopefully I can kick on with the U21s next year and cement my place there again. "Obviously first team is the ultimate aim and hopefully I can take any chances that come my way. "It was a privilege to be at the Player Awards. Just to be nominated as one of the Academy Players of the Year was a great achievement. It was great to share the experience with my teammates too."
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Lycamobile Cup finals flourish
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Kicks U14s and Redbridge U12s reigned supreme in the Lycamobile Cup finals
20.05.2014
The inaugural Lycamobile Cup ended in shootout drama at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday, as West Ham United Kicks saw off St Bonaventure's School 5-4 from the spot to claim the U14s title. A joint initiative of West Ham United Community Sports Trust and Club sponsor Lycamobile, the Lycamobile Cup sought to raise participation through both an U12s and U14s tournament, culminating in the weekend's spectacular finals day. In front of a bumper crowd of friends and family at West Ham United, Redbridge U12s were the day's other victors, as they won by the odd goal in five against their Cumberland School counterparts.
West Ham's Kicks side, meanwhile, squeezed past St Paul's 1-0 in the last four, before playing out a goalless draw in the final and then prevailing on penalties.
All in all, the tournament has seen some 4,500 youngsters play their part, to the delight of Lycamobile Group Chairman, Subaskaran Allirajah. "At Lycamobile we are always looking at ways to make a difference in our local community and the Lycamobile Cup is fantastic testament to that. "We're proud of our work with West Ham United Community Sports Trust in giving back to the local area and we hope the Lycamobile Cup will inspire young people to get more involved in sport." West Ham's Head of Community, Joe Lyons, paid tribute to all involved and was in no doubt that the joint-venture had gone down a storm with participants. He confirmed: "We're delighted with the success of the first Lycamobile Cup and Saturday's finals were a fitting end to that. "The Cup certainly captured the imagination of local youngsters wanting to play at the Boleyn Ground, along with that of their friends and family, too. "It's been fantastic to work alongside Lycamobile on this project and we appreciate their support, as well as that of the Club, in what is a great partnership for the community."
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Sam Allardyce: West Ham United announce manager is staying
BBC.co.uk
Sam Allardyce is to carry on as manager at West Ham United, the Premier League club has announced. The statement on the future of the 59-year-old, in charge since June 2011, ends speculation about Allardyce's role at Upton Park. Allardyce led the Hammers to 13th in the Premier League table, but has faced criticism from some supporters. "The club have made clear that they want to see progression on the pitch," says a club statement. West Ham's announcement follows an end-of-season meeting between Allardyce and the club's board. They considered the former Bolton, Newcastle and Blackburn manager's plans for next season before making the announcement. The statement said that Allardyce has agreed to recruit a new attacking coach "to ensure the team provides more entertainment next season".
It added that the club expects a top 10 finish in the table. The statement continued: "After listening to feedback from supporters, the board have insisted on improvements to the set-up of the playing and backroom staff to ensure the team provides more entertainment next season. "The manager has agreed to recruit a new attacking coach to complement the existing coaching set-up as well as an overhaul of the club's scouting and recruitment operation. "That will see the board have a greater involvement in the players who are signed, as the board will once again be investing considerable funds into the club this summer.
"The club have made clear that they want to see progression on the pitch and at least a top 10 finish as a result."
Allardyce took charge at Upton Park three years ago after the Hammers had been relegated from the Premier League under Avram Grant. He led West Ham to promotion via the Championship play-offs in his first season before securing 10th place in 2012-13. But after a four-match winning run in February, the Hammers finished the 2013-14 campaign with eight defeats in 11 games. Some fans vented their displeasure at Allardyce during the 1-0 defeat by West Brom on 26 April. "We are absolutely committed to taking West Ham United to new heights and we want to see the club continue on an upward trajectory next season," said West Ham joint-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold. "The 2014-15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam has the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success."
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Di Canio in the frame for coaching role
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 20th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
Paolo Di Canio is emerging as one of the fans' favourites to take the new coaching role at West Ham. In a meeting earlier today Sam Allardyce was told he would be retained as the club's manager - partly on condition that he hires a coach dedicated to improving the team's attacking threat. And former Hammer Di Canio, who has previously enjoyed managerial spells at Swindon and Sunderland has immediately been installed as one of the favourites to land the role by supporters keen to see the Italian involved with the club once again. Speaking earlier today, Di Canio revealed that he was ready to return to football eight months after being fired by Sunderland just five games into the 2013/14 Premier League season. And in timely fashion, the 45-year-old revealed that he was a big fan of West Ham's current manager. "He's a manager who's got great experience, and had a long time in Premier League," the Italian told Sky Sports.
"The fans like his style sometimes and sometimes they don't. I don't know why they're so frustrated. You should ask them to be honest. I can only tell you that Sam Allardyce is a good, experienced manager." And with view to returning to the game, Di Canio added: "I'm available, I'm ready. I've had time to think about what's happened in the past and I have a more positive opinion about my philosophy."
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Sam stays - official
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 20th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have released a statement with view to Sam Allardyce's position as manager of the club.
Following lengthy discussions in two board meeting both last week and earlier today, Allardyce has been informed that he is being retained in order to see out the final year of his current contract, which expires next summer.
However some much-needed changes were also being implemented as a result of discussions between the two parties - including the recruitment of a new attacking coach.
David Gold, speaking via whufc.com said: " "We have a very clear vision of how we want West Ham United to operate under our joint ownership. Although not everybody understands the West Ham way, we do and we respect it as we have been supporters all our lives. We believe this is about a philosophy that is not just about the style of play, but the whole ethos that surrounds the Club.
"Sam was asked to give us a detailed presentation on his vision for next season and during this he assured us that he can deliver that ethos to West Ham United and we have agreed to support him with the resources that he needs. We have mapped out a way forward with him that will ensure our much-deserving fans have more to cheer about next season.
"We should also stress, though, that while improvements do need to be made, Sam deserves credit for the job he has done thus far after securing promotion in his first year and two respectable Premier League finishes in the two years thereafter. We have also seen the likes of Mark Noble, James Tomkins and Winston Reid all make huge progress under his management, which in turn contributed to our impressive record of 14 clean sheets last season.
"The truly historic opportunity of a move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016 forms a major part of our five-year strategy to take this Club forward and, while we have a duty to make sure we stay in the Premier League, we also want to make sure the performances on the pitch will befit a team playing in such a world-renowned stadium.
"We are absolutely committed to taking West Ham United to new heights and we want to see the Club continue on an upward trajectory next season. The 2014/15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam has the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success."
Reaction to the news of Allardyce's arrival has been met with disappointment by his detractors and relief from those who believed that given his three-year record, he should be allowed to continue his work at the club.
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Sam Allardyce remains boss at West Ham, who want a top-10 finish
Last Updated: 20/05/14 5:38pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce will still be manager of West Ham next season but the club's board has demanded more attacking football and a top-10 finish in the league.
Despite finishing a respectable 13th in the Premier League table, some reports had suggested the 59-year-old was facing the axe after three years in charge.
He was summoned to a meeting at West Ham co-owner David Sullivan's house in Essex last week where he put forward his case to keep hold of the reins next season. Allardyce clearly impressed the board with his vision and a statement on the club's website revealed the manager had agreed to recruit a new attacking coach, along with an overhaul of the scouting and recruitment operation, although he faces demands for "more entertainment" and a top-10 place in the top flight. "The 2014/15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam has the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success"
On the back of "constructive" and "lengthy and detailed" talks between Allardyce and the board, the club statement on Tuesday afternoon read: "The club's direction, values and philosophy and a positive way forward for next season has been agreed. "After listening to feedback from supporters, the board have insisted on improvements to the set-up of the playing and backroom staff to ensure the team provides more entertainment next season. "The board will once again be investing considerable funds into the club this summer. The club have made clear that they want to see progression on the pitch and at least a top-10 finish as a result."
Allardyce took charge of the Hammers in 2011 and immediately steered them back to the top flight, but some fans have never warmed to his playing style and jeered after their home win over 10-man Hull City in March. After Tuesday's announcement, the former Bolton manager said: "I look forward to taking the club forward and improving the squad for next season to try and achieve the plans we have set out in our very productive meeting last week."
West Ham joint-chairmen David Sullivan and Gold added: "We have a very clear vision of how we want West Ham United to operate under our joint ownership. Although not everybody understands the West Ham Way, we do and we respect it as we have been supporters all our lives. "We believe this is about a philosophy that is not just about the style of play, but the whole ethos that surrounds the club. We have mapped out a way forward with (Sam) that will ensure our much-deserving fans have more to cheer about next season. "We should also stress, though, that while improvements do need to be made, Sam deserves credit for the job he has done thus far after securing promotion in his first year and two respectable Premier League finishes in the two years thereafter. "The truly historic opportunity of a move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016 forms a major part of our five-year strategy to take this club forward and, while we have a duty to make sure we stay in the Premier League, we also want to make sure the performances on the pitch will befit a team playing in such a world-renowned stadium. "We are absolutely committed to taking West Ham United to new heights and we want to see the club continue on an upward trajectory next season. The 2014/15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam has the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success."
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WHAT'S DONE IS DONE - LET'S LOOK TO THE FUTURE & RESTORE SOME EXCITEMENT
By Iain Dale 20 May 2014 at 20:45
West Ham Till I Die
Just as politicians live and die by the choices and decisions they make, so do football club owners. Today's decision to retain the services of Sam Allardyce as our manager is one which may well define our club for some years to come. Unless disaster strikes it is now unthinkable to change manager before the Olympic Stadium move. Assuming we stay up next season, that will guarantee Sam another year in the job, and I imagine one beyond that.
So why did the Board reach this decision, and reach it rather more quickly than we were led to believe they would? No idea to be honest. although it could have had something to do with the fact that all sorts of people were being linked with the manager's job. I suspect (and it is only a suspicion) that this was understandably issued a back me or sack me ultimatum. I certainly would have done in the circumstances. Did they make the decision because they couldn't face paying the £4 million in compensation to Sam and his backroom staff, when in a year's time it will cost nothing? Maybe, but if that really was the reason it's a rather short-sighted one.
i really hope the reason was the one quoted – that Sam has promised to introduce more flair to the team next season and to place more emphasis on the scouting network and youth setup. It's clear that the Board will cast more than a beady over transfer policy and that has to be a good thing. Too many of the permanent and loan signings haven't worked out. No one will ever have a perfect record on signings, but even so, it's difficult to think of any signings in the last twelve months which could be classed as an unqualified success. That needs to change very quickly.
Look, I have deliberately written this without looking at the 600 comments on the last thread. I didn't want to be influenced by what I suspect is a lot of negativity and anger. As soon as I press publish on this blogpost I will scroll through the comments. When I heard the news that Sam was staying my initial reaction was somewhat phlegmatic. I didn't kick the cat. Mainly because I don't have one. I didn't scream. I reacted with a mental shrug of the shoulders. But I feel I ought to be angry. I feel I ought to care more than I do. It goes back to my blogpost where I put into words my frustration at the way West Ham now play. I recounted the fact that if I am watching a game on TV I no longer pump my arms when West Ham score, or make the dogs run round the house because I am screaming with joy. I don't scream, I smile. Weakly. I headlined that blogpost "This, Mr Allardyce is what you have done to me".
Now I live in hope that I can get excited by going to Upton Park again. I really do. But along with thousands of others, I have a decision to make. Am I going to renew my season ticket, one I have held for more than twenty years. My two friends who I go to matches with have already decided not to renew. I don't like to think of myself as a fickle fan. Whatever happens, I am West Ham Till I Die, and if I don't renew it will seem as if I am betraying the club who in many ways have given me so much. But I've now got a house in Norfolk where I go at weekends. A lot more matches are on TV. This season I've been to fewer matches than before, not just because of the style of football, although that put me off the latter matches, but also because my life has changed.
I actually have two season tickets, because you know what, half the fun is enjoying the match with someone else who can join you on that emotional rollercoaster. You hug each other when we score. You berate the referee when he makes a dodgy decision. You share in each other's misery when we lose. You rejoice in every header Andy Carroll wins. You sigh every time we lose the ball. It's a collective experience. It's a tribal experience and it's one I want to know again. I don't want to sit there not caring anymore. And if Sam Allardyce can bring back that feeling I feel he has stolen from me I will be the first to admit it.
And he can do that by making his peace with Ravel Morrison and signing him on a long term contract. He should call Ravel into his office when he gets back from his holiday and say: "Ravel, what's past is past. I want you to stay and I am going to form my team around you." He can't do more than that.
I've said my piece. I am not going to allow this site to be a cesspit of negativity because frankly if it did, I wouldn't want to read it or visit it myself, so why would anyone else.
So let's just remember who we are, what we are and why we support the team we do.
It's time to circle the wagons, suck it up, accept the decision that has been made, and just get on with it. Fine, express your viewpoint, but let's get over it and try to look forward to next season, some exciting new signings and hopefully a more "West Ham" style of play.
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OFFICIAL: SAM ALLARDYCE REMAINS AS MANAGER
By Sean Whetstone 20 May 2014 at 14:32
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham United has confirmed that manager Sam Allardyce will lead the club into the 2014/15 Barclays Premier League season after constructive talks with the Club's Board.
The club have insisted on improvements to the set-up of the playing and backroom staff to ensure the team provides more entertainment next season.
Sam has agreed to recruit a new attacking coach to complement the existing coaching set-up as well as an overhaul of the Club's scouting and recruitment operation that will see the directors have a greater involvement in the players. The club have made clear that they want to see progression on the pitch.
Full Statement:
"West Ham United can confirm that manager Sam Allardyce will lead the Club into the 2014/15 Barclays Premier League season after constructive talks with the Club's Board. The Board and Allardyce have held lengthy and detailed discussions on the Club's direction, values and philosophy and a positive way forward for next season has been agreed. After listening to feedback from supporters, the Board have insisted on improvements to the set-up of the playing and backroom staff to ensure the team provides more entertainment next season. The manager has agreed to recruit a new attacking coach to complement the existing coaching set-up as well as an overhaul of the Club's scouting and recruitment operation that will see the Board have a greater involvement in the players who are signed, as the Board will once again be investing considerable funds into the Club this summer. The Club have made clear that they want to see progression on the pitch and at least a top-ten finish as a result. West Ham United Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold said: We have a very clear vision of how we want West Ham United to operate under our joint ownership. Although not everybody understands the West Ham Way, we do and we respect it as we have been supporters all our lives. We believe this is about a philosophy that is not just about the style of play, but the whole ethos that surrounds the Club. Sam was asked to give us a detailed presentation on his vision for next season and during this he assured us that he can deliver that ethos to West Ham United and we have agreed to support him with the resources that he needs. We have mapped out a way forward with him that will ensure our much-deserving fans have more to cheer about next season. We should also stress, though, that while improvements do need to be made, Sam deserves credit for the job he has done thus far after securing promotion in his first year and two respectable Premier League finishes in the two years thereafter. We have also seen the likes of Mark Noble, James Tomkins and Winston Reid all make huge progress under his management, which in turn contributed to our impressive record of 14 clean sheets last season. "The truly historic opportunity of a move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016 forms a major part of our five-year strategy to take this Club forward and, while we have a duty to make sure we stay in the Premier League, we also want to make sure the performances on the pitch will befit a team playing in such a world-renowned stadium. "We are absolutely committed to taking West Ham United to new heights and we want to see the Club continue on an upward trajectory next season. The 2014/15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam has the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success." West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce said: "I look forward to taking the Club forward and improving the squad for next season to try and achieve the plans we have set out in our very productive meeting last week."
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IS A VICTOR OBINNA RETURN CREDIBLE & SHOULD WE RAID CITEH?
By S J Chandos 20 May 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
Is it credible that West Ham are interested in signing former loanee, Victor Obinna? Fans will remember Obinna's loan period in 2010-11, when his displays and eight goals were one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disastrous campaign. The highlight probably being his excellent all round display in the 4-0 league cup demolition of Man Utd. At the conclusion of that campaign, we were relegated and he subsequently signed a four year contract with Lokomotiv Moscow in a lucrative Bosman deal. However, the Nigerian International spent last season on loan to Italian side, Chievo Verona and now apparently has aspirations to return to the PL. And his name has been linked with a move back to Upton Park. Is this a legitimate interest or is it just an agent 'flying a kite' to drum up interest? I think it is more likely to be the latter.
Of course, it is presently difficult to talk with any certainty about the club's summer transfer activity. Until the management situation is resolved, one way or the other, we are effectively stuck in limbo. Lets just hope that PL rivals have not 'got a jump on us' as result of this self-imposed transfer hiatus. Especially in respect of the better Bosman deals that will be up for grabs this summer. There is no doubt that some decent quality players will be available in the upcoming transfer window. For instance, Man City are planning to make Micah Richards, Jack Rodwell and Scott Sinclair available on loan or permanent deals; whilst Joleon Lescott will also be subject to a Bosman deal. That constitutes City stripping out four of the small English contingent in their current first team squad. Regardless, should we look to the surplus players at City to help strengthen our own squad for the next campaign?
Claret & Hugh reported yesterday evening that their source had indicated that the club were awaiting a response to a job offer made to a potential new manager and a definitive answer was expected within 48 hours. If the mystery person says yes, it is the green light for managerial change; but if its no, then the club will continue with the current set up, albeit with a new approach imposed by the board. All we fans can do is wait, wonder and see what transpires? However, If we have made an offer to an unnamed manager, I personally hope that we have gone for the radical option and sought the services of Ronald Koeman.
And finally, the club yesterday made the latest of their 'Don't miss out on your seat!' website appeals to season ticket holders. Could it be that renewals are not going well, as a significant number of STHs await the outcome of Friday's board meeting before committing their hard earned cash?
S.J Chandos.
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Sullivan: 'Fans protests the most important thing'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 20, 2014 in Whispers
David-Sullivan-001
By Hugh Southon
ClaretandHugh.com
West Ham's co chairman David Sullivan has exclusively revealed to ClaretandHugh that fan protests provoked the inquest into Sam Allardyce's position at Upton Park. Having survived the lengthy quizzing into his future, Sullivan has made it clear that it was the fans reaction which was closest to his heart when considering Allardyce's continuing role as team boss. Speaking to me immediately after the announcement that the 59 year old manager was staying Sullivan – in a question and answer session – made his position clear. I asked: "It's widely believed it was fan protests that were at the bottom of the board's thinking when considering Sam's position – was that the case?" The co-chairman responded: "In fact it was the most important thing. That's why we looked for assurances from the manager and the addition of a striking coach." I then asked: "How are season tickets selling – how worried are you about a fan lashback both generally and at the box office from this decision?" He responded: "They are roughly level with last year, and we have a large list of people waiting for the best seats if any long standing season ticket holders do not renew. "I think supporters realise they need to renew or they'll go to the bottom of the list to get tickets at the Olympic stadium. "That said and done, we do not want to lose a single season ticket holder and we hope they think long and hard if they are thinking of not renewing."
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Five things Sam Allardyce must do to win West Ham fans back
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
8:08 PM
London24
West Ham on Tuesday announced Sam Allardyce would stay on as their manager, but he has been told by the board to produce more entertaining football and aim for a top-10 finish at least.
Here, London24 takes a look at five areas he could focus on to achieve those aims.
SUPPORT FOR CARROLL
The towering striker missed a chunk of the season through injury and, even after returning to fitness, could not improve the Hammer's fortunes as they suffered eight defeats in their last 11 games. As well as hoping Carroll stays fit, Allardyce urgently needs to find a strike partner to help ease the goal burden on the frontman, who only managed two in the Premier League last term. Being left out of the England World Cup squad could be a bonus as it should ensure he returns for pre-season training fresh.
GET WINGERS FIRING
The Hammers have two out-and-out wide men in Matt Jarvis and Stuart Downing, both former England internationals. They should be the ideal duo to provide the service from the flanks for Carroll to thrive on, but went off the boil over the course of the campaign. Allardyce needs to work out how to help both return to form next season and open up his side's most obvious source of goals.
BRING THE BEST OUT OF MORRISON
Ravel Morrison is the sort of attacking, creative midfielder the Hammers desperately need, but fell out of favour and was sent out of loan to QPR. His future at Upton Park is far from certain but, if Allardyce decides to give him another go and can bring the best out of him, it could prove his best piece of business all summer. Failing that, though, Allardyce needs to bring in a playmaker who could make the side tick.
FIND THE RIGHT ATTACKING COACH
Allardyce has agreed to recruit a new attacking coach to help the team adopt a more positive style of play. One candidate could be Les Ferdinand, who played briefly for the club and has been doing a similar job at Tottenham. His future at White Hart Lane is unclear, with the club looking for a new manager following the departure of Tim Sherwood.
GET THE FANS ON SIDE
Allardyce is renowned, fairly or not, as a long-ball merchant for whom results trump style every time. That philosophy did not sit at all well with the West Ham fans and he has been instructed to produce a more entertaining brand of football. A concerted effort to do that, even if it does not bring instant results, would likely be appreciated by the Upton Park faithful.
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West Ham & Newcastle target Almeida set to leave Besiktas
2014-05-20 09:58:04
Turhish-football.com
Hugo Almeida is set to leave Beşiktaş after failing to agree a contract extension with the club. "The deal they put forward was laughable," Almeida said. "They should think about the bigger picture, it's a shame it had to end like this I never wanted to leave these fans." "I made great friends here and would have liked to stay however, I couldn't accept the offer." Almeida is free to speak to other clubs, with his contract set to expire this summer. The Portuguese international has been closely linked with a number of Premier League clubs and has hinted that he would be open to a move to England. "I would be very interested in moving to the Premier League if the right offer came up," Almeida said. "I have always wanted to play in England. It is the best league in the world and the fans are completely crazy about football. "I watch a lot of Premier League football and it is the kind of football I like, with lots of crosses and fighting for everything. "I would really like to play in England." Almeida joined Beşiktaş from Werder Bremen in 2011 on a €2 million transfer fee. The 29-year-old striker has 13 goals and three assists in 31 appearances this season.
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West Ham fans react with fury after Allardyce stays
London24
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
5:45 PM
West Ham fans are "disappointed" the club have decided to stick with Sam Allardyce and feel their views have been ignored by the club's owners, says the editor of a prominent Hammers fanzine. The club announced on Tuesday that Allardyce will remain as manager for the start of next season but that he must accept a handful of "improvements", including a commitment to a more positive style of play. A statement released by the club said: "After listening to feedback from supporters, the board have insisted on improvements to the set-up of the playing and backroom staff to ensure the team provides more entertainment next season."
Allardyce has agreed to hire a new attacking coach and has been told by joint chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan to aim for "at least a top-ten finish" - but sceptical supporters remain unconvinced. "There is certainly a lot of disappointment and a feeling the fans haven't been listened to," said David Blackmore, editor of The Blowing Bubbles Fanzine. "Gold and Sullivan are talking about 'the West Ham Way' but the more you look at it the more it seems the Allardyce way is never going to be 'the West Ham Way'. "A lot of fans are absorbing it and making notes on what has been promised so that when it doesn't materialise at the start of the season they can call the board out on it."
He added: "At the moment we don't have the types of players to be entertaining so I don't see much changing. "Having a squad that is going to be fit is going to make a difference but I doubt it will be long past October or November before fans start voicing their concerns again."
West Ham's prospects last season were damaged by a number of injuries to key players, including club-record signing Andy Carroll. Allardyce will have "considerable funds" available to strengthen his squad this summer but the board will have more influence over which players are brought in. Sullivan and Gold said: "We have a very clear vision of how we want West Ham United to operate under our joint ownership. "Although not everybody understands the West Ham Way, we do and we respect it as we have been supporters all our lives. We believe this is about a philosophy that is not just about the style of play, but the whole ethos that surrounds the club. "Sam was asked to give us a detailed presentation on his vision for next season and during this he assured us that he can deliver that ethos to West Ham United and we have agreed to support him with the resources that he needs. "We have mapped out a way forward with him that will ensure our much-deserving fans have more to cheer about next season."
Allardyce guided the club to promotion from the Championship at the first attempt in 2012 and secured a 10th-place finish in the team's first year back in the Premier League. The Hammers failed to progress last season, however, and spent the majority of the campaign fighting off the threat of relegation. Three wins over rivals Tottenham and a 13th-place finish in the table did little to appease disillusioned supporters, who complained about the team's defensive style of play. In March, the home fans at Upton Park booed at the final whistle even after the Hammers had beaten Hull 2-1, to which Allardyce responded by cupping his ears in disbelief. Maintaining status in the Premier League remains the club's priority, especially given the significant financial implications of moving to the Olympic Stadium in 2016.
The statement concluded: "We are absolutely committed to taking West Ham United to new heights and we want to see the club continue on an upward trajectory next season. "The 2014/15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam has the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success." Allardyce added: "I look forward to taking the club forward and improving the squad for next season to try and achieve the plans we have set out in our very productive meeting last week."
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Five reasons Sam Allardyce kept his job as West Ham manager
Tuesday 20 May 2014 5:40 pm
Metro.co.uk
West Ham have announced that Sam Allardyce is to stay on as manager for a fourth season but why have the board decided to keep him on? Here are five possible reasons:
1) Allardyce has kept West Ham in the Premier League for two seasons running after getting them promoted from the Championship at the first time of asking.
2) Big Sam has never been relegated as a manager and appears to be a specialist at Premier League survival which is vital for the club ahead of the move to the Olympic Stadium.
3) He has one year left on his current contract and has hit every target set by the board.
4) A few additions to the squad could equal a more expansive playing style, especially at home, which may appease the terraces somewhat.
5) The board don't want to have to pay up his contract.
Quite how this show of loyalty will effect season ticket sales and the atmosphere within the Boleyn Ground next season remains to be seen but what is certain is that Allardyce will need new players to adopt the kind of football the fans desire whilst maintaining his usual unremitting surge to safety.
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Exclusive - Ashton: Morrison can save Allardyce from West Ham chop
By Nick Rostron-Pike (@nickrostronpike) | Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Talksport
Dean Ashton believes West Ham were right to keep Sam Allardyce at Upton Park – but has warned the Irons chief to resolve his problems with Ravel Morrison if he wants to keep his job. The Hammers boss, whose position at the Boleyn Ground had been under threat, has been given a stay of execution by co-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan. Morrison has spent the tail end of the season on loan at Championship side QPR, after falling out of favour with Allardyce earlier in the campaign. The former Blackburn man has come under fire numerous times this season from the Upton Park faithful, who have become tired with his negative style of play. And former striker Ashton claims the 59-year-old must make Morrison his key man next season. "There have certainly been signs in the way Morrison has played to show he's a top player," he told Drivetime. "I can understand why he's fallen out of favour with the manager.
"Sam wants players to track back and do the defence side of football. Ravel has struggled with that and wasn't allowed the freedom he needs. "If the club want a different type of football then he's exactly the sort of player West Ham need to accommodate. "He's the type of player that can produce something out of nothing."
And Ashton believes the club were right retain Allardyce's services. "Sam has had some problems, in terms of injuries, and he hasn't had all of his best players fit throughout the season," he added. "When he has, he's got results, but not the style of football fans are looking for. "It's not easy in the Premier League though and he's still getting results, he knows how to do that. "This last decade has been a bit up and down for West Ham. Now they need a bit of stability. "[It's the right decision to keep] Sam and give him another year. They need to keep the club stable in the Premier League."
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The Big Interview - James Collins
WHUFC.com
West Ham United centre-back James Collins reflects on the 2013/14 Barclays Premier League campaign
20.05.2014
James Collins will be looking to the positives as he heads into the summer break. West Ham United turned around a bleak winter position to finish well clear of the Barclays Premier League's drop zone by the season's end and Collins says that uplift in form should not be forgotten. 2013/14 also included a hat-trick of victories over Tottenham Hotspur, which Collins knows pleased the Boleyn Ground crowd.
James, it's a season that had its ups and downs, but three wins against Spurs...
JC: "Beating Tottenham three times is a positive we can take from the season, but we'd have liked to have finished higher in the league, of course.
"Last year, our first back in the Premier League, we finished tenth and had a great season - we weren't far off that in the end this season."
Fourteen clean sheets must be a record you're really proud of...
JC: "The gaffer always sets out to keep a clean sheet and if we keep one, we know we only have to score one goal to win the game.
"Fourteen is nice, we'd like more but we'll take that."
How do your assess your own form this season?
JC: "I'll never say I've been outstanding and I'll never say I've been rubbish, but it's been alright.
"I'd have liked to have played a few more games - I had a fiew niggles throughout the season but that's going to happen at my age."
How impressed have you been with your fellow centre halves?
JC: "The other centre backs have been great - in any team you need confident, strong centre halves and in Winston and Tonks we've certainly got that.
"To see them doing well is great, and that's the same for both goalkeepers."
You've got two outstanding goalkeepers fighting for that No1 jersey?
JC: "Jussi got eight of the clean sheets, then Adrian's come in and carried it on.
"When he came in he didn't speak a lot of English, but he gets involved with the lads and has the banter. That's great and I think he's going to go on and be a top-drawer keeper.
There's a trip to New Zealand to look forward to. How's that going to be?
JC: "New Zealand will be great. It's a long old trip, but we'll deal with it and it's a part of the world I've never seen so I'm looking forward to it.
"Reidy's New Zealand captain, so hopefully he can show us around too!"
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Aston Villa and West Ham to fight for QPR winger
BY JOSH NUGENT ⋅ MAY 21, 2014 ⋅ POST A COMMENT
Footballleagueworld.co.uk
Aston Villa are set to fight with West Ham to secure the signature of QPR winger Shaun Wright-Phillips according to Football Direct News. Former England international Wright-Phillips is available on a free transfer with only a week to run on his contract at QPR. The former Manchester City and Chelsea wideman only made 13 appearances for QPR last season and his exit will be confirmed after their Championship playoff final against Derby on Saturday. Aston Villa are very keen on bringing the winger to Villa Park to provide some experience for their young squad. After a struggling season that saw the Birmingham-based side flirt with relegation to the second tier of English football, Villa boss Paul Lambert is keen for his younger players to learn from some more experienced names.
Despite Aston Villa owner recently putting the club up for sale causing uncertainty over the long-term future of the playing and backroom staff, Lambert has been allowed to press on with his summer transfer business. West Ham are also admirers of Wright-Phillips. They want to bring the 32 year-old to Upton Park and are confident of being able to match his wage demands-something which is a potential stumbling block for Aston Villa.
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HAMMERS EYE OLD BOY
WEST HAM KEEN TO RE-SIGN STRIKE STAR
Written by Alex Hams | Comments(0)
West Ham are considering a move to bring former attacker Victor Obinna back to Upton Park this summer, according to reports from talkSPORT. The Nigerian ace spent the 2010/11 season with the Hammers, smashing in eight goals before returning to Inter Milan. Since heading away to Italy, Obinna has moved to Lokomotiv Moscow but his spell in Russia looks set to come to an end soon. The 27-year-old has found it difficult to settle at his current club, and is rumoured to be ready to follow up a loan move to Chievo from the latter half of last season with a permanent switch to one of Europe's more established leagues. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is desperate to bolster his forward line in the coming months, and is tempted by partnering the pacey Obinna with Andy Carroll.
The African star was a fans' favourite during his brief spell in east London, and a move to bring him back could ease tensions between 'Big Sam' and sections of the Irons' support. The versatile attacker is set to represent Nigeria at the World Cup this summer.
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Tuesday, May 20
Daily WHUFC News - WHUFC Statement
West Ham United statement
WHUFC.com
The West Ham United Board have set out a clear way forward for the Club
under Sam Allardyce
20.05.2014
West Ham United can confirm that manager Sam Allardyce will lead the Club
into the 2014/15 Barclays Premier League season after constructive talks
with the Club's Board. The Board and Allardyce have held lengthy and
detailed discussions on the Club's direction, values and philosophy and a
positive way forward for next season has been agreed.
After listening to feedback from supporters, the Board have insisted on
improvements to the set-up of the playing and backroom staff to ensure the
team provides more entertainment next season.
The manager has agreed to recruit a new attacking coach to complement the
existing coaching set-up as well as an overhaul of the Club's scouting and
recruitment operation that will see the Board have a greater involvement in
the players who are signed, as the Board will once again be investing
considerable funds into the Club this summer. The Club have made clear that
they want to see progression on the pitch and at least a top-ten finish as a
result.
West Ham United Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold said: "We have
a very clear vision of how we want West Ham United to operate under our
joint ownership. Although not everybody understands the West Ham Way, we do
and we respect it as we have been supporters all our lives. We believe this
is about a philosophy that is not just about the style of play, but the
whole ethos that surrounds the Club.
"Sam was asked to give us a detailed presentation on his vision for next
season and during this he assured us that he can deliver that ethos to West
Ham United and we have agreed to support him with the resources that he
needs. We have mapped out a way forward with him that will ensure our
much-deserving fans have more to cheer about next season.
"We should also stress, though, that while improvements do need to be made,
Sam deserves credit for the job he has done thus far after securing
promotion in his first year and two respectable Premier League finishes in
the two years thereafter. We have also seen the likes of Mark Noble, James
Tomkins and Winston Reid all make huge progress under his management, which
in turn contributed to our impressive record of 14 clean sheets last season.
"The truly historic opportunity of a move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016
forms a major part of our five-year strategy to take this Club forward and,
while we have a duty to make sure we stay in the Premier League, we also
want to make sure the performances on the pitch will befit a team playing in
such a world-renowned stadium.
"We are absolutely committed to taking West Ham United to new heights and we
want to see the Club continue on an upward trajectory next season. The
2014/15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam has
the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success."
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce said: "I look forward to taking the
Club forward and improving the squad for next season to try and achieve the
plans we have set out in our very productive meeting last week."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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WHUFC.com
The West Ham United Board have set out a clear way forward for the Club
under Sam Allardyce
20.05.2014
West Ham United can confirm that manager Sam Allardyce will lead the Club
into the 2014/15 Barclays Premier League season after constructive talks
with the Club's Board. The Board and Allardyce have held lengthy and
detailed discussions on the Club's direction, values and philosophy and a
positive way forward for next season has been agreed.
After listening to feedback from supporters, the Board have insisted on
improvements to the set-up of the playing and backroom staff to ensure the
team provides more entertainment next season.
The manager has agreed to recruit a new attacking coach to complement the
existing coaching set-up as well as an overhaul of the Club's scouting and
recruitment operation that will see the Board have a greater involvement in
the players who are signed, as the Board will once again be investing
considerable funds into the Club this summer. The Club have made clear that
they want to see progression on the pitch and at least a top-ten finish as a
result.
West Ham United Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold said: "We have
a very clear vision of how we want West Ham United to operate under our
joint ownership. Although not everybody understands the West Ham Way, we do
and we respect it as we have been supporters all our lives. We believe this
is about a philosophy that is not just about the style of play, but the
whole ethos that surrounds the Club.
"Sam was asked to give us a detailed presentation on his vision for next
season and during this he assured us that he can deliver that ethos to West
Ham United and we have agreed to support him with the resources that he
needs. We have mapped out a way forward with him that will ensure our
much-deserving fans have more to cheer about next season.
"We should also stress, though, that while improvements do need to be made,
Sam deserves credit for the job he has done thus far after securing
promotion in his first year and two respectable Premier League finishes in
the two years thereafter. We have also seen the likes of Mark Noble, James
Tomkins and Winston Reid all make huge progress under his management, which
in turn contributed to our impressive record of 14 clean sheets last season.
"The truly historic opportunity of a move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016
forms a major part of our five-year strategy to take this Club forward and,
while we have a duty to make sure we stay in the Premier League, we also
want to make sure the performances on the pitch will befit a team playing in
such a world-renowned stadium.
"We are absolutely committed to taking West Ham United to new heights and we
want to see the Club continue on an upward trajectory next season. The
2014/15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam has
the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success."
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce said: "I look forward to taking the
Club forward and improving the squad for next season to try and achieve the
plans we have set out in our very productive meeting last week."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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Daily WHUFC News - 20th May 2014
Tonka's pride in defensive record
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins reckons 14 clean sheets are reason enough to be proud of his
season's work
17.05.2014
James Tomkins insists West Ham United can reflect on their defensive record
in the 2013/14 Barclays Premier League with pride. The Hammers' haul of 14
clean sheets was only bettered by five other top-flight clubs, as West Ham
clambered clear of trouble to finish the campaign in 13th spot. The
Basildon-born defender maintains that those shutouts are a fillip for the
whole side, not least with the onset of injuries in the New Year. "I feel
that we've done a good job, in terms of our defensive displays," he told
West Ham TV. "It has been a consistent performance all season really, so all
the lads are really proud of that. "It's not just the back four and the
goalkeeper, it's the whole team. Like I said, the lads are really proud of
that [14 clean sheets] and the manager has made a big thing of it in
meetings. As a defender as well, I'm proud of that."
Tomkins believes that the Club's defensive prowess owes much to the
experience in the ranks, as well as plenty of hard work on the training
pitches. He continued: "You look all along our back line, and the whole
team, you've got a lot of good players and a lot of experience. That's held
us in good stead throughout the year and that experience helps the
defending. "There's discipline, we do a lot of defensive play in training
and that's paid off."
As for his own campaign, the 25-year-old was thrilled to have started 31
league encounters this term, confident that he continues to progress. "I've
been happy with my year, I feel like I've come on again quite a bit," he
confirmed. "I've played quite a lot of games this season. I think it's the
most I've ever played in a season and it was nice to get those under my
belt. "I didn't start at the beginning of the season, so it's nice to play a
massive part. We're in the Premier League and that's the main thing."
For the time being, however, Tomkins is focused on resting up, albeit with
one eye firmly on a pre-season trip to New Zealand. "Once we've obviously
rested the legs, we'll come back to a trip to New Zealand, which will be a
great experience for all of us. "Reidy [Winston Reid] can show us around and
I've heard it's a really nice place. That's what he's saying anyway, so
we're all looking forward to it."
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Moore wax figure unveiled at Boleyn
WHUFC.com
Madame Tussauds' Bobby Moore wax figure was officially launched at the
Boleyn Ground on Monday
19.05.2014
With the 2014 FIFA World Cup nearly upon us, Madame Tussauds London unveiled
a new wax figure of England's only ever World Cup winning-captain, the late,
great Bobby Moore on Monday. The figure, fittingly, was revealed at the
Boleyn Ground, in front of the Bobby Moore Stand, prior to its taking up
permanent residence at Madame Tussauds' London venue from Tuesday 20 May.
The staggeringly lifelike figure shows Moore in jubilant celebration after
famously leading England to victory over West Germany. Smiling triumphantly,
the figure is dressed in vintage England kit and holds aloft a replica of
the Jules Rimet Cup, which has been faithfully replicated by the
attraction's talented studio artists. Champion fundraiser Jonjo Heuerman was
among the competition winners to enjoy a glimpse of the wax figure in this
unique setting and was struck by the astonishing likeness. "It just looks
really realistic to me and that's as close as I'll ever get to seeing him in
real life," he said. "It's really special to me, because obviously I've
never had the chance to see him life-size, or in person, and Monday was the
day! "It's so real! It's amazing how the art work has taken place. It took
four months and it just looks like Bobby."
Meanwhile, West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan said: "It's
fantastic to see Bobby's wax figure beginning its journey at the Boleyn
Ground, where he spent so many wonderful years with us. "I'm sure West Ham
United fans are going to love it and that their support made this happen in
the first place, makes it all the more special. As a Club we will forever
honour Bobby's memory and I look forward to seeing his latest wax figure in
person."
Similarly, Roberta Moore, Bobby Moore's daughter, who is already planning a
trip to Madame Tussauds London to see the figure first hand, commented: "I
remember going to Madame Tussauds with my dad when I was a little girl for
the unveiling of the original wax figure so this has brought back very fond
memories. "Madame Tussauds have really done an amazing job, the new figure
really captures his smile which made me cry! I feel very proud."
The figure's creation was the result of a hotly contested public vote last
year, with Bobby Moore taking more than 90% of a Madame Tussauds London poll
to determine which footballing great should be honoured at the world famous
attraction in time for this year's FIFA World Cup™.
Nicole Fenner, PR Manager at Madame Tussauds London, explained: "We wanted
to create a figure of a footballing legend for this year's competition, but
who that should be opened up huge debate. "We decided to let football fans
decide, and there was overwhelming consensus with Bobby Moore beating other
legends like Ronaldo, Maradona and Pelé with the lion share of votes. It was
a total landslide victory, and we're delighted to be able to introduce him
to football fans this morning on a pitch he knew and loved. Moore
undoubtedly holds a special place in the nation's heart and we can't wait
for fans to meet his figure in the attraction from Tuesday."
The Moore figure will join a host of other sporting personalities including
Olympians, Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis-Hill, and fellow footballing legend,
Pelé. Find out more about the Madame Tussauds London line up here:
www.madametussauds.com/London.
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Tomkins takes WhoScored.com honour
WHUFC.com
Football stats website whoscored.com have calculated James Tomkins to be
their Hammers Player of the Year
19.05.2014
With the season done and dusted, football statistics website WhoScored.com
have taken the opportunity to review West Ham United's Player of the Season
using their unique rating system of every performer that started at least 15
league games. An area that is unlikely to require investment as the Hammers
look to build next year is at centre-back. Manager Sam Allardyce is able to
call upon the likes of James Collins, Winston Reid and James Tomkins in the
position and it is the latter who has impressed most this term. Tomkins
ended the season with a commendable WhoScored.com rating (7.15) that only
Andy Carroll (7.22) bettered, though it's reasonable to suggest that
Tomkins' rating over more league appearances (31 starts to Carroll's 12) is
more impressive. In fact, only midfielders Mark Noble (38) and Kevin Nolan
(33) made more starts than Tomkins (31) in England's top tier for West Ham
this season, with the defender a regular in the Hammers' backline across the
campaign.
This consistency in the back four helped to elevate his status at the club,
with the 25-year-old starting in ten of the 14 games in which West Ham kept
a clean sheet. This saw Tomkins win a number of admirers as the season
progressed, with most fans feeling he is deserving of a regular first-team
spot. Collins and Reid both spent time on the sidelines at separate stages
of the campaign, placing further onus on Tomkins to perform. He did so
excellently, as his average rating suggests and some could suggest he has
earned the tag of first-choice centre-back at the Boleyn Ground. West Ham
undoubtedly perform better with him in the starting XI. The Hammers' win
percentage last season with Tomkins in the starting XI was significantly
better (32.3%) than when he was missing (14.3%).
It is defensively that the Englishman won the plaudits and his displays in
the heart of the backline saw him develop statistically calculated strengths
of 'aerial duels' and 'concentration'. The two WhoScored.com strengths are
crucial assets for any centre-back if they are to repel attacks and Tomkins
is more than capable of using them to his advantage. Furthermore, he has
gained a style of play of 'clears the ball out of defence often', showing
how the defender is able to anticipate danger and alleviate pressure on the
West Ham goal. Tomkins enjoyed an impressive campaign for West Ham and his
age means he is only likely to improve with further playing time next term.
The Hammers have a solid defensive foundation to build on, which will
undoubtedly aid their quest for a top half finish next season.
*WhoScored.com is a website and one of the fastest growing in the sports
industry, specialising in the in-depth analysis of detailed football data.
Follow @WhoScored on Twitter.
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O'Brien looks for more in 2014/15
WHUFC.com
Joey O'Brien will be putting the work in over the summer to prepare for a
better 2014/15 season
19.05.2014
Joey O'Brien is looking to bounce back from an injury-hit 2013/14 by working
hard over the summer and making sure he returns in pre-season fit and ready
to help West Ham United towards a better season. The Irishman missed most of
the second half of the campaign after sustaining a dislocated shoulder at
Chelsea in January, only returning to the starting line-up for the final
game of the season at Manchester City. He was pleased that his teammates
went on to secure Barclays Premier League safety in his absence and has his
eyes on a stronger term next time around. He said: "I was just getting going
again at the end of the season after being out for a while! When it
happened, I said if we got enough points on the board when I was out, I'd
take being injured. "That's how it worked out, and if sustaining the injury
in that game was my little part to play, then I'll take that. "For me, even
though I got injured that day, the highlight was Chelsea away. It was a
massive game and performance and the confidence that gave the team kicked
off the great run which followed. "Everyone was desperate to get something
that day and we did."
O'Brien and his defensive colleagues helped West Ham keep 14 clean sheets in
2013/14 and that is one element of the team's play that they can be
justifiably proud of. He added: "We kept a lot of clean sheets and that was
the base for the season. When the times were tough the defence and clean
sheets kept us going. "Towards the end of the season we were able to build
on that and get enough points on the board. "We want to kick on next season.
I'll be working hard in the summer to try and get back into the team for the
first game of the season."
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Ladies lose final league match
WHUFC.com
Sarah McCrea's double could not prevent West Ham United Ladies from losing
6-2 at Portsmouth on Sunday
19.05.2014
West Ham United Ladies completed a difficult 2013/14 FA Women's Premier
League South season with a 6-2 defeat at Portsmouth on Sunday afternoon. The
Hammers put in a spirited performance at Furze Lane, scoring two late
consolation goals through forward Sarah McCrea, but the loss means West Ham
finish the campaign tenth in the eleven-team table. A mid-season change in
management and a record of just four victories from 20 league matches were
not the return the Ladies had been hoping for after they ended the 2012/13
season in sixth place. That said, winning the Essex FA County Cup for a
third time in their club's history in April did at least give the girls
something to celebrate this term. On Sunday, Portsmouth took the lead after
just 12 minutes when Gemma Hillier was brought down inside the penalty area
and Sarah Kempson despatched the resulting spot-kick. Within three minutes
it was 2-0 as Kempson crossed for Lucy Quinn to convert past Jessica Parlane
in the Hammers goal. After both sides had missed chances to score, Quinn
made it 3-0 on 33 minutes when she stepped up and expertly fired a direct
free-kick past Parlane. Four minutes before the break, the goalkeeper was
again beaten from long range when Nadine Bazan belted Hillier's lay-off into
the net from 25 yards. To complete a miserable first half, Hillier netted
herself a minute before the interval to make the half-time score 5-0 to the
hosts, with West Ham's best chance seeing the lively McCrea denied by
goalkeeper Sadie Blakely. Into the second half and West Ham continued to
battle, with both McCrea and Kelley Blanchflower going close to reducing the
deficit. However, with 16 minutes remaining, Pompey netted a sixth when
Gemma Simmonds chipped over Parlane and into the net.
McCrea's late double restored some pride for the visitors, who now head into
their summer break hoping for better in 2014/15.
Ladies: Parlane, Bottom, Powles, Revell, Sammons (Page 61), Masters,
Lipley-Hiton, Little, McCrea, Blanchflower, Solly
Sub not used: Picton
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'It was looking like Chelsea or Spurs!'
WHUFC.com
Lifetime Achievement Award winner Sir Trevor Brooking has recalled the day
he agreed to join West Ham United
18.05.2014
West Ham United legend Sir Trevor Brooking has revealed that he came close
to joining Chelsea or Tottenham Hotspur as a schoolboy. The Club's second
Lifetime Achievement Award recipient was 15 when he turned out for Ilford
Boys in an English Schools Trophy tie with Oxford in front of the watching
West Ham manager Ron Greenwood. Until then, the young midfielder had not
been approached by the Club he supported as a boy, with an apprenticeship
with one of the Hammers' two London rivals looking far more likely. As it
was, a standout performance in a 3-2 defeat caught the eye of Greenwood, who
immediately dispensed chief scout Wally St Pier to visit the Brookings and
convince the teenager and his family that he should join West Ham. The rest,
as Brooking revealed during an interview at the recent Player Awards in Aid
of the Academy, is history. "I was born in Barking and was a fan," he told
guests. "I went along with my Dad and I can remember the 1957/58 promotion
season with John Dick and Vic Keeble. That was exciting. "I was really lucky
because 1964 was when I was making the decision to join the Club and it was
really bizarre because West Ham didn't come around. It was looking like it
was between Chelsea and Spurs! "I was at grammar school, so I was going to
stay on for another year, but Ron Greenwood then came to watch two boys who
were playing for Ilford Boys one evening and we went out 3-2 to Oxford in
the English Schools Trophy, which was a big competition. "I had a decent
game and Ron told me later that he had told Wally St Pier, the chief scout,
to go and see my family the next day. Ron was the one who spotted me and, to
be fair, I then joined at an unbelievable time for the Club - in 1964 we won
the FA Cup, in 1965 we won the Cup Winners' Cup and in 1966 we won the World
Cup! "It was great for me to learn from players like that. I always remember
making my debut up at Burnley [in August 1967], who were a really strong
side at that time, and the goalscorers were our three World Cup winners,
which was special. "During that period, the people who came through the
youth structure benefitted from the strength of the Academy and that's why
they had such quality."
Having safely signed and made his debut for West Ham, Sir Trevor went on to
make 647 appearances for the Club - third in the all-time list behind Frank
Lampard Sr and another contemporary, Billy Bonds MBE. When asked about his
relationship with his long-time central midfield partner, the 65-year-old
said he was grateful for the protection afforded to him by Bonds. "He was my
best mate at the Club and he is a top, top man," Sir Trevor confirmed. "He
played nearly 800 games and played at the age of 41 or 42, which was
amazing. "Bonzo was my protector because tackling was not my strongest part,
so luckily after we signed him as a full-back we moved him into midfield
and, if anyone kicked me up in the air in the first ten minutes, I used to
look across at Bonzo as if to say 'Look what he is doing to me' and he would
sort my marker out in the next few minutes! I suddenly had a lot more space
for the next 80 minutes, so I owe Bonzo a lot. "We're still good mates and
he is a great man."
Bonds lifted the FA Cup twice during his own long and illustrious career at
the Boleyn Ground - first in 1975 and then in 1980 after Sir Trevor's header
defeated Arsenal 1-0 at Wembley. Unsurprisingly, that moment is one that
sticks out further than any other when the former England international is
asked about his West Ham career. "Everyone remembers the FA Cup goal because
it was such an important moment," he explained. "It's scary to think it was
34 years ago!
"Not a week has gone by in the last 34 years when somebody hasn't reminded
me about the goal. Every time I get into a cab, the driver seems to be an
Arsenal fan and within a minute of me getting in, they say 'It just hit you
on the head didn't it?' "It's been a massive part of my life. I was really,
really lucky because we had just two managers in my 19 years and Ron
Greenwood and John Lyall were absolutely fantastic. They let us go out and
express ourselves and entertain the fans and I had 19 years at the Club and
enjoyed every year of it. I was playing for my team and was allowed to
express myself, so we were very lucky. Ron and John were top quality
coaches."
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Jussi's praise for Adrian
WHUFC.com
Jussi Jaaskelainen has praised goalkeeper Adrian for his fine debut season
with the Hammers
17.05.2014
Jussi Jaaskelainen has been impressed with Adrian's first season in English
football. The No13 took Jaaskelainen's place between the posts in January
with the Finn then unable to displace him. Rather than get downhearted,
Jaaskelainen has supported Adrian all the way and believes the experience of
a tough Barclays Premier League season will stand him in good stead for the
future. "[Losing your place] is part and parcel of football," he said.
"Adrian has done very well, and the only thing I could do is keep working
hard - the main thing is to support everybody in the team. "He has been
playing consistently well and that's the main aim for a goalkeeper. I can't
have too much to be disappointed about. "If you look at the season as a
whole, we started by playing very well but we didn't get the results that we
needed. "When you don't get them, confidence drops and it was a tough season
but we've come through it and hopefully next year will be better."
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Best bets and future West Ham signings at the 2014 World Cup
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 19th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
The World Cup squads are in and excitement for this summer's tournament is
building...
With less than a month to go until the first game kicks off more and more
bets are being placed on the 2014 World Cup odds. Here's some clues to
finding the best punts. Most bets are going to go on the outright winner
market and Brazil may not be the most original selection but they are
extremely solid at 3/1. Only one team other than Brazil has ever won a World
Cup outside their own continent and no European team has ever won the World
Cup in any American continent.
With six of the last seven World Cups going to a team rated just 7/1 or less
by the bookies it seems we are looking for a well fancied South American
team and that only really leaves Brazil or Argentina.
Home advantage will be huge for Brazil who beat world champions Spain 3-0 in
the final of last year's Confederations Cup which was also held in Brazil so
3/1 looks a more than fair price.
Andy Carroll will be hoping to get amongst the goals at the World Cup but
he's only on the standby squad at the moment. Pablo Armero was on loan at
the Hammers from Napoli last season and it will be interesting to see how he
gets on for Colombia.
For many fans though this World Cup isn't going to be a chance to watch
current players, but hopefully it will be an opportunity to look at some
future stars of the West Ham team.
There seems to be no chance of Gonzalo Higuain being seen in a West Ham
shirt, but he can reward punters who back him to be the tournament's top
scorer.
Teams that reach the semi final of the World Cup have a big advantage in
producing Golden Boot winners because they'll play for the full seven
matches, eventually going on to either the final or the third place playoff.
Teams that don't reach the semi finals can only play five matches.
Argentina have probably the easiest run to the semi final with group games
against Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iran and Nigeria and then likely knockout round
games against Switzerland and then Portugal or Belgium.
There are plenty of goals to be had in those games and many will fancy
Lionel Messi to score the lion's share but he scored only one more than
Higuain in qualifying and was outscored by Higuain at the last World Cup (4
goals to nil). With Higuain twice the price of Messi at 25/1 he looks the
value pick.
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NewsNow
Is Moyes our man?
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 17th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
Fresh rumours tonight suggest that David Moyes is close to being named as
the new manager of West Ham United. Moyes, 51, who is the bookies' second
favourite to replace Sam Allardyce behind Sunderland boss Gus Poyet is
understood to have been courted by West Ham with view to replacing current
manager Sam Allardyce. The under-pressure Allardyce's immediate future has
been uncertain since he failed to receive the backing of the entire board at
an end-of-season meeting last Tuesday. A second meeting was scheduled for
two weeks hence, however that is unlikely to take place if the rumours
regarding Moyes prove to be correct with an appointment likely to come
before that date. The former Everton manager was fired by Manchester United
last month less than a year after leaving Goodison Park to join the
then-Premier League champions, who he led to a seventh-place finish.
Enquiries have also been made into the availability of 54-year-old Napoli
boss Rafa Benítez, who led Liverpool to the Champions League title in 2005,
with view to potentially replacing Allardyce.
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BIG SAM TO STAY (PROBABLY)
By Sean Whetstone 19 May 2014 at 18:15
West Ham Till I Die
The longer the ten day cooling off period goes on the more I believe Sam
Allardyce will remain our manager this coming season.
The vibes I am picking up from sources close to club seem to be preparing
fans and staff for a stay of execution for the manager. It could just be a
sense loyalty of those around him but I believe the club are gearing up to
retain Sam Allardyce as their manager. I have no proof of his continued stay
but I have a strong gut feeling he will not be sacked this Friday at a board
meeting.
A poll of 12,392 supporters over 16 West Ham sites taken after a run of four
defeats showed 77.95% wanted to dump Big Sam this summer. Another poll on
Claret and Hugh taken after the 2-0 Spurs win at home showed slightly
different results. The poll completed by 1,031 supporters to enable it to be
statistically accurate showed 50.24% still want him gone this summer while
22.02% what him to see out his last year of his contract, another 14.65% of
those polled saw Sam as a long term manager to take us to the Olympic
Stadium in 2016 and the remaining 13% are undecided and don't know what to
do for the best. This poll shows the fans are still split right down the
middle on this subject with no clear solution.
I understand the daily speculation in papers and websites of Sam's
replacement are widely inaccurate or exaggerated. A senior source close to
the club confirmed there has been no contact with David Moyes or Gus Poyet
who have led the betting markets in recent days as possible replacements.
Many of the other names appears to be wishful thinking of the part of agents
wishing to get their man's name in the frame.
If I was a betting man I would keep my money in my pocket as I am convinced
Sam will remain our manager next season. Time will tel on Friday if my gut
feeling is right on or whether they pull a manager out of the hat.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
STICK OR TWIST PART 2: WHICH MIDFIELDERS SHOULD WE LET GO?
By Iain Dale 19 May 2014 at 08:43
West Ham Till I Die
Jack Collison [£1.5 million] 6 apps
No one wishes Jack Collison had moved forward than me, but the truth is
since his injury he has never been the same player. He has never let down
his teammates but I am afraid now is the time for him to move on and find
success elsewhere. I say this with an incredibly heavy heart and if he stays
and proves me wrong I will be absolutely delighted.
VERDICT: Sell
Mark Noble [£9 million] 38 apps 3 goals
Hammer of the Year and deservedly so. Only a fool would consider Noble
surplus to requirements. He has stepped into the hole left by Scott Parker
and is at the centre of everything creative West Ham achieve. As well as
that he also doubles as an extra defender and is brilliant at breaking up
opposition attacks. How he hasn't broken into the England setup is beyond
me.
VERDICT: Retain
Kevin Nolan [£2.5 million] 33 apps 7 goals
A very up and down season for our captain. Who can forget the two sendings
off, and who can forget his purple patch in February, where it is arguable
that his rise to form saved us from relegation? He always delivers with 7-10
goals a season but his contribution to the team in general is too often not
of a high enough standard. If Allardyce is replaced as manager, I imagine he
would depart. He would go with our good wishes as he is clearly a very good
captain. But can he and Ravel Morrison play in the same team, if 4-3-3 is
played?
VERDICT: SELL
Mo Diame [£3.5 million] 29 apps 4 goals
The enigma's enigma. On his day he is a worldbeater. But too often he
flatters to deceive. He scores some spectacular goals but not enough simple
ones. He has too often been played out of position and deserves to play in
the centre next season in place of Kevin Nolan. But he needs to bring
consistency to his game and do the simple things better. I'd be gutted if we
sold him, but he still has that £3.5 million release clause in his contract,
so I wouldn't be surprised, especially if Everton come sniffing. His true
worth is nearer £10 million.
VERDICT: RETAIN
Alou Diarra [£0.5 million] 1 app
Need I even say anything? OK, he's not been given much of a chance to show
what he can do, and has had some bad injuries, but he clearly has no future
at Upton Park. But can we find a buyer?
VERDICT: SELL
Matt Taylor 16 apps
Came into his own in the latter part of the season and was a key part of our
revival. Has a great shot on him but doesn't let it rip often enough. Should
score more goals. He's out of contract but most people think he's worth
retaining, especially as he can play in three different positions.
VERDICT: RETAIN
Ravel Morrison [£10 million] 12 apps 3 goals
The emergence of Ravel Morrison before Christmas was a truly bright moment
in a dire period. Who will forget his performance against Spurs, and his
goal. I was gutted when he went out on loan to QPR, but he performed really
well, scoring a goal every other game. He is said not to get on with
Allardyce. Whoever is manager next season should tell Morrison that the team
will be formed around him. A new contract must be sorted at all costs.
VERDICT: RETAIN
Joe Cole [Free] 6 apps, 3 goals
Joe is out of contract and is already looking for a new club, which is a
shame, but it just hasn't worked out for him. Three goals in six appearances
is a healthy return but he also made 14 substitute appearances too. It just
hasn't worked.
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STICK OR TWIST PART 1: WHICH DEFENDERS SHOULD WE LET GO?
By Iain Dale 12 May 2014 at 08:39
West Ham Till I Die
Adrian [£4 million] – 20 apps
Judged the buy of last season, it is to most unthinkable that Adrian won't
start next season as our number one. I am still not 100% convinced by him,
as I believe he gets too many simple things wrong. His positional play is a
little inconsistent but it is undeniable that he is a great shot stopper.
Judgement: KEEP
Jussi Jaaskelainen [£0] 18 apps
He only had one really dodgy performance (against Norwich) but once he lost
his place to Adrian just before Christmas he never got it back. A great
number two for next season, he should get another one year deal.
Judgement: KEEP
Joey O'Brien [£1.5 million] 12 apps
Mr dependable, rarely puts a foot wrong, even if he is an unspectacular
player. The great thing about Joey is that he can play in either full back
position and even do a job at centre back if called upon.
Judgement: KEEP
Guy Demel [£2 million] 30 apps + 1 goal
Demel has had a really good season even if he has missed a few games through
injury. He's chipped in with a goal and has looked superb at time in attack.
Perhaps he needs a bit of competition for his place.
Judgement: KEEP
James Tomkins [£8 million] 30 apps
A slightly up and down season which finished better than it started. James
Tomkins, in my view, could be an England player if he applied himself and
improved his positional sense. He couldn't get into the team much in the
first half of the season due to the form of Collins and Reid, but he's done
will since he re-established himself. He looks very comfortable alongside
Reid. It's unthinkable to sell him.
Judgement: KEEP
Winston Reid [£15 million] 18 apps + 1 goal
Would have been a contender for player of the season if he hadn't got
injured and made only 18 starts. Big clubs may well come sniffing over the
summer, but if West Ham are to develop as a club he is precisely the kind of
player we need to keep.
Judgement: KEEP
James Collins [£3 million] 22 apps 1 goal
Despite injuries, a great season for the Ginger Pele. However, are his best
years now behind him? I'd certainly vote to keep him due to the almost
telepathic understanding he seems to enjoy with both Reid and Tomkins.
Judgement: KEEP
Leo Chambers [£0.25m] 3 League Cup apps
A youngster pushing to get in the first team but hasn't yet quite made it.
He's out of contract and it's rumoured he will be let go, which would be a
shame. Give him one more year.
Judgement: KEEP
Dan Potts [0.5m]
Potts broke into the team a couple of years ago and on his debut gave a man
of the match performance. Since then Sam Allardyce hasn't given him much of
a look in, despite injuries to all our left backs. I'm mystified by this and
would like him to have been given a proper chance. He's out of contract. I'd
like to keep him, but I suspect he will be let go.
Judgement: KEEP
George McCartney [FREE] 20 apps
He's never let us down and can play anywhere across the back four, but he's
reaching the twilight of his career now. I'd have no problem in retaining
his services, but I really think we need more of an attacking first choice
left back who can combine with whoever is on the left wing. So I am sorry to
say, but it's a very fond farewell to George. That is unless he is prepared
to stay on a dramatically lower salary.
Judgement: RELEASE
Roger Johnson [FREE]
He played a few games before Winston Reid returned to fitness, but didn't
impress at all. I can't think anyone can really make a case for his
retention.
Judgement: RELEASE
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
IS RONALD KOEMAN IN THE FRAME?
By S J Chandos 18 May 2014 at 13:35
West Ham till I Die
The Sports Mirror has reported that Ronald Koeman, the former Dutch
international and current Feyenoord boss, may have entered the frame to
replace Sam Allardyce at Upton Park. The report further maintains that the
board are also likely to sound out David moyes about the position, while
keeping a watching brief on Gus Poyet's position at Sunderland. The strong
inference of the peice being that the current ten day hiatus is being
utilised to approach potential successors and determine whether the club can
secure a manager who is a clear improvement upon the current incumbent. If
not, then it is still possible that Sam Allardyce could remain in position
for another season, although with radically revised performance indicators
and less independence over the club's transfer strategy.
Amongst Hammers supporters, both David Moyes and Gus Poyet will have their
advocates, but it is the name of Ronald Koeman who is likely to be greeted
with the greatest interest. He has proven experience in European football
management, having also previously been in charge at Ajax, PSV, Eindhoven,
Benfica and Valencia. Moreover, it is believed that Mr Koeman is actively
looking to make a move to the Premier League. And he is a manager that will
both adopt a stylish passing game and place an emphasis upon developing our
Academy products. Things that are self-evidently an high priority for most
Hammers fans. While the recent story in the Sports Mail is most probably
true that West Ham's board have grown increasingly concerned at the damage
to the club's unique reputation, for producing both quality football and
footballers, that has occurred during Mr Allardyce's period of management.
His replacement by Mr Koeman could be seen as an effective antidote on both
scores.
Mr Koeman is most definitely the type of manager that the board should be
looking to in order to facilitate a stylish transition to the Olympic
Stadium and take the club on to the next level or two. Gus Poyet is an
interesting managerial candidate, David Moyes is undoubtedly a save pair of
hands, but it is probably Ronald Koeman, of the three, that really captures
the imagination!
p.s. Kumb have strongly suggested that David Moyes is the board's priority
target, but that they may have also sounded out Rafa Benitez. Many fans,
given the choice, would still prefer to go for Ronald Koeman, if he is
available? But nevertheless, it is very encouraging for the club to be
linked with managers of that calibre.
p.p.s Another manager currently being linked with West Ham is Steve McLaren.
If the managerial change is to be made, then the next appointment has to be
absolutely right! Is Mr McLaren the right appointment? I have my doubts.
S.J. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SILLY SEASON IN FULL SWING AS WEST HAM ARE LINKED WITH THIRTY PLAYERS
By Sean Whetstone 17 May 2014 at 23:05
West Ham Till I Die
The Premier League season finished just seven days ago and the transfer
window officially opened at midnight on the same day as the last kick of a
ball of a league game.
The silly season is now is full swing and despite West Ham being in
managerial limbo for the last 5 days the names West ham players have been
linked keep on rolling in. Thirty players have been linked with West Ham so
far in the popular press & the more credible football websites.
There are four types of football rumours during silly season, those made up
or pure speculation in attempt to fill column inches, next are those rumours
peddled by agents wanting to increase the exposure of their clients to
generate interest for a transfer, then there are those which are exaggerated
or half truths, they often never come to anything and finally those which
are spot on and end up as successful transfers.
The trick is to navigate your way through the silly season without getting
your hopes up too much, many take the sensible approach and not believing
anything and avoiding speculation until it is released on West Ham's
official website or in recent years when young Jack Sullivan is allowed to
tweet it out by his dad.
To fuel the silly season myself, here is the full list of the thirty names
we have been linked with in the last seven days:
Aaron Lennon, Pablo Alvarez, Martin Olsson, Steve Sidwell, Cyril Thereau,
Cheikhou Kouyate ,Gabriele Angella, Alessandro Matri, Robert Snodgrass
Antonio Rudiger, Jack Colback, Rio Ferdinand, Lorenzo Crisetig, Michy
Batshuayi, M'baye Niang, Neil Taylor, Ross McCormack, Phil Bardsley, Demba
Ba
John Terry, Danny Ings, Oscar Cadozo, Rodrigo Lima, Jefferspn Montero, Jake
Livermore, Joleon Lescott, Aaron Creswell, Pierre Michel Lasogga,
Domenico Berardi & Dimitri Payet
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham manager mystery sees Ronald Koeman join Moyes and Poyet in the
frame
May 17, 2014 22:30 By Dave Kidd
The Mirror
Ronald Koeman is in the frame to replace Sam Allardyce as West Ham boss –
although the Hammers board are also likely to sound out David Moyes before
they make any decision. Former Dutch playing legend Koeman, 51, currently
boss at Feyenoord, is believed to be keen to move to the Premier League and
is on the radar of the Hammers' co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold. He
has previously managed Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, Benfica and Valencia. But
Sullivan and Gold are also awaiting developments at Sunderland, where Gus
Poyet's future remains up in the air, and they are also intrigued by the
prospect of luring Moyes to the East End. It is felt that the sacked United
boss could be tempted by the board's long-term vision at West Ham, who will
move into the Olympic Stadium in two years. The Hammers board are determined
to nail down a high-calibre manager before they decide whether to pull the
trigger on Allardyce. If they can't, Big Sam could yet remain in post.
Allardyce looked certain to be sacked at a board meeting on Tuesday, but has
been given a stay of execution.
There have been strong arguments to stick with a man who has never been
relegated from the Premier League – with the club desperate to be in the top
flight before the move to Stratford. Yet, supporters have been on Big Sam's
back, unhappy with his team's style of football, and Koeman would bring back
a pure passing philosophy.
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West Ham United to go head to head with Southampton for signature of French
left-back Kolo
May 18, 2014 22:30 By Alan Nixon
The Mirror
West Ham and Southampton are locked in a signing war for Nice's
£8million-rated left-back Timothée Kolodziejczak. Sam Allardyce has been
given the go-ahead to step in for the young defender who is already a target
for the Saints, who will be looking to replace Luke Shaw. The Hammers are in
the market for a new specialist left-back and have set their sights on
Kolodziejczak, who has been rated as a future International for France. The
former Under-21 cap, who is nicknamed Kolo for short, will be sold and the
Premier League pair are ahead of Marseille and Lyon in the chase. A handful
of other clubs, that also includes Crystal Palace, watched Kolo in what was
likely to be his last appearance for Nice against Guingamp.
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West Ham's Ravel Morrison a transfer target for Swansea after impressive QPR
loan spell
May 17, 2014 23:00 By Tom Hopkinson
The Mirror
Swansea are hoping to land Ravel Morrison from West Ham for a cut-price
£3.75million, writes Tom Hopkinson in the Sunday People. The 21-year-old's
relationship with Hammers boss Sam Allardyce turned sour after a fall-out at
the end of last year and, when Morrison joined QPR on loan in February, Big
Sam vowed he wouldn't play for him again. Now Swansea are making moves to
sign the talented but sometimes troubled youngster. Morrison grew up at
Manchester United, where Sir Alex Ferguson raved about him being the most
gifted kid he had seen. But his erratic behaviour was a real source of
frustration and a skipped training session too many saw Fergie sell him to
Allardyce in January 2012. The attacking midfielder was loaned to QPR in
February and has enjoyed a good spell with Harry Redknapp, helping his team
to next Saturday's Championship Play-off final with Derby.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Premier League clubs on alert as Marseille's Dimitri Payet set for cut price
move
May 17, 2014 11:04 By Alex Richards
The Mirror
Premier League clubs Arsenal, Newcastle and West Ham could be set to do
battle for Marseille winger Dimitri Payet, with the French international set
for a cut-price £6million move. Last summer saw both the Gunners and
Newcastle linked with his signature, while West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has
sent Hammers scouts to watch Payet in recent weeks. Payet only moved to the
Stade Velodrome last summer - costing £12million from Ligue 1 rivals Lille -
but according to L'Equipe, Marseille must recoup £4.8million before June 30.
OM have told incoming boss Marcelo Bielsa that he will have key men Steve
Mandanda, Mathieu Valbuena, Andre Ayew and Nicolas N'Koulou all at his
disposal next season, making Payet their most likely source of income. The
27-year-old has been a regular in Ligue 1 this season, scoring eight goals
from the flanks in 35 matches. However, he has failed to fully convince,
being substituted 21 times in the league and failing to claim a place in Les
Bleus' World Cup squad. As such, given their financial need, OM bosses are
reckoned to believe that he is expendable, and that the former Lille man
will have a list of suitors.
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Liverpool and Newcastle target Mo Diame bargain deal as midfielder plans
West Ham exit
May 19, 2014 22:30 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror
Liverpool and Newcastle are monitoring developments with West Ham's Mo Diame
who looks set to leave the club this summer. The 26-year-old midfielder
revealed last month that he wanted to leave Upton Park for a top-six club
and that Liverpool were interested in him. He said at the time: "Liverpool?
I can't tell you if I will be a Liverpool player next season. But I think my
name is still on their wanted list. "I don't hide it, I'm ambitious and I
want to join a top-six side. I am 26 years old and it's time to take that
step." Diame has a year left on his West Ham contract and has a £3.5million
buyout clause in his contract. The club do want to keep him but do not want
to meet the £80,000-a-week wages he is demanding to stay.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
NewsNow
Should Big Sam get the sack?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 19th May 2014
By: Sean McGuire
As a lifelong West Ham fan I have been glued to the internet the last week
frothing at the mouth at the prospect of Allardyce's ego and backside being
kicked to the curb. It looks like mine and many of my fellow fans' dreams
are going to come true. However I wonder, if we ignore the style of play
that recently led to 77 per cent of Hammers' fans voting for his dismissal,
if Allardyce has done a reasonable job as manager?
Budget
Here's a scary statistic for all of us Allardyce naysayers. If the teams
were ranked by net expenditure in the transfer window for the 2013/14 season
West Ham would be 13th- which is where we just finished!
He's not as impressive as Everton who are 19th in spending but fifth in
points or even his old club Newcastle, last in spending but tenth in points,
although it's no Cardiff who are third in spending and relegated. So it can
be argued that he has done a reasonable job for the financial resources
available to him.
Transfers
Let's take a closer look at how that money was used though. £30-35million
was spent on Jarvis, Carroll, Downing and Maiga - all of whom are attacking
players, yet they have scraped together only four goals between them this
season.
Carroll being injured for most of the season is a mitigating factor but
there's no overlooking the £5million spent on Maiga which has returned a
strike rate of one goal a year - since when he has been given up on and
shipped off to QPR.
Maiga's departure to QPR isn't the only example of Allardyce's constantly
shifting valuation of his players. Previous record signing Jarvis only made
19 league appearances this season with Allardyce frequently preferring to
play Diame. He has been exceptional this season but it seems rampantly
wasteful to have him out of position on the left wing in lieu of Jarvis, who
cost in excess of £7million.
Man management
As rumours began to fly about Allardyce' future, record signing Carroll came
out in support with this: "He has a lot of faith in me, I respect that and
have to give it my all when I go out on to the pitch. His man-management of
me has been great."
Good man-management and getting the most of our record signing are obviously
important characteristics in a manager and it's being said that the sterling
performance against Tottenham was born out of the players' loyalty to their
manager.
His man management doesn't seem as good with every member of the team
however with the constant whispers that he has rubbed up our greatest youth
talent Ravel Morrison the wrong way to the extent that either he goes or the
player does.
While these rumours have been denied, I would say Allardyce can't count on
the player's endorsement to save his job.
Form
The sacking of football managers in the Premier League is often criticised
as reactionary. It's heavily influenced by form, so let's see how Allardyce'
form stands up.
In the last six Premier League games of the season West Ham won one and lost
five (alhough it should be remembered it was a tough last six including
Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham and Man City).
Manager Wins Draws Loss Points
Moyes 3 0 3 9
A.V.B. 2 1 3 7
Hughton 1 1 4 1
Laudrup 1 1 4 4
Mackay 1 1 4 4
Holloway 1 0 5 3
Clarke 0 2 4 2
Meulensteen 0 1 5 1
Di Canio 0 1 4 1
Jol 0 0 6 0
With Allardyce's three points from the last six games he'd be right in the
middle of sacked managers at sixth place. A.V.B. and Moyes may be special
cases but there's no denying he wouldn't look out of place with the sacked
managers based on form.
In Conclusion
So Allardyce appears to have done a fair job in the Premier League with the
resources available. The players have gone to bat for him and perhaps form
can be forgiven given the tough opposition.
However there are cup failures to account for, some of the fans are in open
revolt and the huge transfer kitty he was given to build the squad with was
squandered.
In my opinion, his biggest failure is in the transfer window. Perhaps he
could work well if given a strong director of football? There are already
rumblings that he would have less control over transfers if he does manage
to stay.
Whether or not such systems work is too much to tackle here, but I don't
think Allardyce is half as good as Allardyce thinks he is and his fate is
sealed.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United Compile Three-Man Short List To Replace Manager Sam
Allardyce
by Ron Carne May 19th, 2014
caughtoffside.com
West Ham United have drawn up a three-man short list of possible candidates
to take over from their under-pressure head coach Sam Allardyce in the Upton
Park dugout next season, according to reports in the Sunday Mirror.
The East London club held a board meeting last Tuesday in which it had been
expected that Allardyce would be given his marching orders after a
disappointing last campaign in which the club flirted with relegation from
the Premier League, with the Hammers fan in particular not happy with the
style of football on display at Upton Park.
And with West Ham due to move into the Olympic Stadium on Stratford at the
end of next season, co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan are understood
to be determined to bring on board a new manager who can change the brand of
football at the club, with Feyenoord boss Ronald Koeman, Sunderland manager
Gus Poyet and former Manchester United coach David Moyes all said to
currently be under consideration for the role in the east end of London next
season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons "wait on 'mystery man' response"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 19, 2014 in Whispers
Claretandhugh.info
West Ham United are understood to be awaiting the response of an unnamed
manager to the opportunity of becoming the club's new boss.
At this stage ClaretandHugh has been unable to identify the person concerned
but we have been told by a previously highly trustworthy source that the
club is expecting a response within two days.
And with the board meeting into Sam Allardyce's future scheduled for Friday
the timetable presented to us makes sense.
We have always been entirely honest at ClaretandHugh since we opened for
business six months ago and don't intend to fool our followers with a load
of guesswork now.
But we have been told categorically that an answer is expected within 48
hours and that should it be negative then we can expect Sam to continue in
the job.
However, should that be the case we understand that the board will tell the
manager that he will need to bring in 'flair' players and that the Hammers
of 2014/15 will be expected to play with far more flair than was seen last
season.
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WHUFC.com
James Tomkins reckons 14 clean sheets are reason enough to be proud of his
season's work
17.05.2014
James Tomkins insists West Ham United can reflect on their defensive record
in the 2013/14 Barclays Premier League with pride. The Hammers' haul of 14
clean sheets was only bettered by five other top-flight clubs, as West Ham
clambered clear of trouble to finish the campaign in 13th spot. The
Basildon-born defender maintains that those shutouts are a fillip for the
whole side, not least with the onset of injuries in the New Year. "I feel
that we've done a good job, in terms of our defensive displays," he told
West Ham TV. "It has been a consistent performance all season really, so all
the lads are really proud of that. "It's not just the back four and the
goalkeeper, it's the whole team. Like I said, the lads are really proud of
that [14 clean sheets] and the manager has made a big thing of it in
meetings. As a defender as well, I'm proud of that."
Tomkins believes that the Club's defensive prowess owes much to the
experience in the ranks, as well as plenty of hard work on the training
pitches. He continued: "You look all along our back line, and the whole
team, you've got a lot of good players and a lot of experience. That's held
us in good stead throughout the year and that experience helps the
defending. "There's discipline, we do a lot of defensive play in training
and that's paid off."
As for his own campaign, the 25-year-old was thrilled to have started 31
league encounters this term, confident that he continues to progress. "I've
been happy with my year, I feel like I've come on again quite a bit," he
confirmed. "I've played quite a lot of games this season. I think it's the
most I've ever played in a season and it was nice to get those under my
belt. "I didn't start at the beginning of the season, so it's nice to play a
massive part. We're in the Premier League and that's the main thing."
For the time being, however, Tomkins is focused on resting up, albeit with
one eye firmly on a pre-season trip to New Zealand. "Once we've obviously
rested the legs, we'll come back to a trip to New Zealand, which will be a
great experience for all of us. "Reidy [Winston Reid] can show us around and
I've heard it's a really nice place. That's what he's saying anyway, so
we're all looking forward to it."
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Moore wax figure unveiled at Boleyn
WHUFC.com
Madame Tussauds' Bobby Moore wax figure was officially launched at the
Boleyn Ground on Monday
19.05.2014
With the 2014 FIFA World Cup nearly upon us, Madame Tussauds London unveiled
a new wax figure of England's only ever World Cup winning-captain, the late,
great Bobby Moore on Monday. The figure, fittingly, was revealed at the
Boleyn Ground, in front of the Bobby Moore Stand, prior to its taking up
permanent residence at Madame Tussauds' London venue from Tuesday 20 May.
The staggeringly lifelike figure shows Moore in jubilant celebration after
famously leading England to victory over West Germany. Smiling triumphantly,
the figure is dressed in vintage England kit and holds aloft a replica of
the Jules Rimet Cup, which has been faithfully replicated by the
attraction's talented studio artists. Champion fundraiser Jonjo Heuerman was
among the competition winners to enjoy a glimpse of the wax figure in this
unique setting and was struck by the astonishing likeness. "It just looks
really realistic to me and that's as close as I'll ever get to seeing him in
real life," he said. "It's really special to me, because obviously I've
never had the chance to see him life-size, or in person, and Monday was the
day! "It's so real! It's amazing how the art work has taken place. It took
four months and it just looks like Bobby."
Meanwhile, West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan said: "It's
fantastic to see Bobby's wax figure beginning its journey at the Boleyn
Ground, where he spent so many wonderful years with us. "I'm sure West Ham
United fans are going to love it and that their support made this happen in
the first place, makes it all the more special. As a Club we will forever
honour Bobby's memory and I look forward to seeing his latest wax figure in
person."
Similarly, Roberta Moore, Bobby Moore's daughter, who is already planning a
trip to Madame Tussauds London to see the figure first hand, commented: "I
remember going to Madame Tussauds with my dad when I was a little girl for
the unveiling of the original wax figure so this has brought back very fond
memories. "Madame Tussauds have really done an amazing job, the new figure
really captures his smile which made me cry! I feel very proud."
The figure's creation was the result of a hotly contested public vote last
year, with Bobby Moore taking more than 90% of a Madame Tussauds London poll
to determine which footballing great should be honoured at the world famous
attraction in time for this year's FIFA World Cup™.
Nicole Fenner, PR Manager at Madame Tussauds London, explained: "We wanted
to create a figure of a footballing legend for this year's competition, but
who that should be opened up huge debate. "We decided to let football fans
decide, and there was overwhelming consensus with Bobby Moore beating other
legends like Ronaldo, Maradona and Pelé with the lion share of votes. It was
a total landslide victory, and we're delighted to be able to introduce him
to football fans this morning on a pitch he knew and loved. Moore
undoubtedly holds a special place in the nation's heart and we can't wait
for fans to meet his figure in the attraction from Tuesday."
The Moore figure will join a host of other sporting personalities including
Olympians, Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis-Hill, and fellow footballing legend,
Pelé. Find out more about the Madame Tussauds London line up here:
www.madametussauds.com/London.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tomkins takes WhoScored.com honour
WHUFC.com
Football stats website whoscored.com have calculated James Tomkins to be
their Hammers Player of the Year
19.05.2014
With the season done and dusted, football statistics website WhoScored.com
have taken the opportunity to review West Ham United's Player of the Season
using their unique rating system of every performer that started at least 15
league games. An area that is unlikely to require investment as the Hammers
look to build next year is at centre-back. Manager Sam Allardyce is able to
call upon the likes of James Collins, Winston Reid and James Tomkins in the
position and it is the latter who has impressed most this term. Tomkins
ended the season with a commendable WhoScored.com rating (7.15) that only
Andy Carroll (7.22) bettered, though it's reasonable to suggest that
Tomkins' rating over more league appearances (31 starts to Carroll's 12) is
more impressive. In fact, only midfielders Mark Noble (38) and Kevin Nolan
(33) made more starts than Tomkins (31) in England's top tier for West Ham
this season, with the defender a regular in the Hammers' backline across the
campaign.
This consistency in the back four helped to elevate his status at the club,
with the 25-year-old starting in ten of the 14 games in which West Ham kept
a clean sheet. This saw Tomkins win a number of admirers as the season
progressed, with most fans feeling he is deserving of a regular first-team
spot. Collins and Reid both spent time on the sidelines at separate stages
of the campaign, placing further onus on Tomkins to perform. He did so
excellently, as his average rating suggests and some could suggest he has
earned the tag of first-choice centre-back at the Boleyn Ground. West Ham
undoubtedly perform better with him in the starting XI. The Hammers' win
percentage last season with Tomkins in the starting XI was significantly
better (32.3%) than when he was missing (14.3%).
It is defensively that the Englishman won the plaudits and his displays in
the heart of the backline saw him develop statistically calculated strengths
of 'aerial duels' and 'concentration'. The two WhoScored.com strengths are
crucial assets for any centre-back if they are to repel attacks and Tomkins
is more than capable of using them to his advantage. Furthermore, he has
gained a style of play of 'clears the ball out of defence often', showing
how the defender is able to anticipate danger and alleviate pressure on the
West Ham goal. Tomkins enjoyed an impressive campaign for West Ham and his
age means he is only likely to improve with further playing time next term.
The Hammers have a solid defensive foundation to build on, which will
undoubtedly aid their quest for a top half finish next season.
*WhoScored.com is a website and one of the fastest growing in the sports
industry, specialising in the in-depth analysis of detailed football data.
Follow @WhoScored on Twitter.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
O'Brien looks for more in 2014/15
WHUFC.com
Joey O'Brien will be putting the work in over the summer to prepare for a
better 2014/15 season
19.05.2014
Joey O'Brien is looking to bounce back from an injury-hit 2013/14 by working
hard over the summer and making sure he returns in pre-season fit and ready
to help West Ham United towards a better season. The Irishman missed most of
the second half of the campaign after sustaining a dislocated shoulder at
Chelsea in January, only returning to the starting line-up for the final
game of the season at Manchester City. He was pleased that his teammates
went on to secure Barclays Premier League safety in his absence and has his
eyes on a stronger term next time around. He said: "I was just getting going
again at the end of the season after being out for a while! When it
happened, I said if we got enough points on the board when I was out, I'd
take being injured. "That's how it worked out, and if sustaining the injury
in that game was my little part to play, then I'll take that. "For me, even
though I got injured that day, the highlight was Chelsea away. It was a
massive game and performance and the confidence that gave the team kicked
off the great run which followed. "Everyone was desperate to get something
that day and we did."
O'Brien and his defensive colleagues helped West Ham keep 14 clean sheets in
2013/14 and that is one element of the team's play that they can be
justifiably proud of. He added: "We kept a lot of clean sheets and that was
the base for the season. When the times were tough the defence and clean
sheets kept us going. "Towards the end of the season we were able to build
on that and get enough points on the board. "We want to kick on next season.
I'll be working hard in the summer to try and get back into the team for the
first game of the season."
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Ladies lose final league match
WHUFC.com
Sarah McCrea's double could not prevent West Ham United Ladies from losing
6-2 at Portsmouth on Sunday
19.05.2014
West Ham United Ladies completed a difficult 2013/14 FA Women's Premier
League South season with a 6-2 defeat at Portsmouth on Sunday afternoon. The
Hammers put in a spirited performance at Furze Lane, scoring two late
consolation goals through forward Sarah McCrea, but the loss means West Ham
finish the campaign tenth in the eleven-team table. A mid-season change in
management and a record of just four victories from 20 league matches were
not the return the Ladies had been hoping for after they ended the 2012/13
season in sixth place. That said, winning the Essex FA County Cup for a
third time in their club's history in April did at least give the girls
something to celebrate this term. On Sunday, Portsmouth took the lead after
just 12 minutes when Gemma Hillier was brought down inside the penalty area
and Sarah Kempson despatched the resulting spot-kick. Within three minutes
it was 2-0 as Kempson crossed for Lucy Quinn to convert past Jessica Parlane
in the Hammers goal. After both sides had missed chances to score, Quinn
made it 3-0 on 33 minutes when she stepped up and expertly fired a direct
free-kick past Parlane. Four minutes before the break, the goalkeeper was
again beaten from long range when Nadine Bazan belted Hillier's lay-off into
the net from 25 yards. To complete a miserable first half, Hillier netted
herself a minute before the interval to make the half-time score 5-0 to the
hosts, with West Ham's best chance seeing the lively McCrea denied by
goalkeeper Sadie Blakely. Into the second half and West Ham continued to
battle, with both McCrea and Kelley Blanchflower going close to reducing the
deficit. However, with 16 minutes remaining, Pompey netted a sixth when
Gemma Simmonds chipped over Parlane and into the net.
McCrea's late double restored some pride for the visitors, who now head into
their summer break hoping for better in 2014/15.
Ladies: Parlane, Bottom, Powles, Revell, Sammons (Page 61), Masters,
Lipley-Hiton, Little, McCrea, Blanchflower, Solly
Sub not used: Picton
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'It was looking like Chelsea or Spurs!'
WHUFC.com
Lifetime Achievement Award winner Sir Trevor Brooking has recalled the day
he agreed to join West Ham United
18.05.2014
West Ham United legend Sir Trevor Brooking has revealed that he came close
to joining Chelsea or Tottenham Hotspur as a schoolboy. The Club's second
Lifetime Achievement Award recipient was 15 when he turned out for Ilford
Boys in an English Schools Trophy tie with Oxford in front of the watching
West Ham manager Ron Greenwood. Until then, the young midfielder had not
been approached by the Club he supported as a boy, with an apprenticeship
with one of the Hammers' two London rivals looking far more likely. As it
was, a standout performance in a 3-2 defeat caught the eye of Greenwood, who
immediately dispensed chief scout Wally St Pier to visit the Brookings and
convince the teenager and his family that he should join West Ham. The rest,
as Brooking revealed during an interview at the recent Player Awards in Aid
of the Academy, is history. "I was born in Barking and was a fan," he told
guests. "I went along with my Dad and I can remember the 1957/58 promotion
season with John Dick and Vic Keeble. That was exciting. "I was really lucky
because 1964 was when I was making the decision to join the Club and it was
really bizarre because West Ham didn't come around. It was looking like it
was between Chelsea and Spurs! "I was at grammar school, so I was going to
stay on for another year, but Ron Greenwood then came to watch two boys who
were playing for Ilford Boys one evening and we went out 3-2 to Oxford in
the English Schools Trophy, which was a big competition. "I had a decent
game and Ron told me later that he had told Wally St Pier, the chief scout,
to go and see my family the next day. Ron was the one who spotted me and, to
be fair, I then joined at an unbelievable time for the Club - in 1964 we won
the FA Cup, in 1965 we won the Cup Winners' Cup and in 1966 we won the World
Cup! "It was great for me to learn from players like that. I always remember
making my debut up at Burnley [in August 1967], who were a really strong
side at that time, and the goalscorers were our three World Cup winners,
which was special. "During that period, the people who came through the
youth structure benefitted from the strength of the Academy and that's why
they had such quality."
Having safely signed and made his debut for West Ham, Sir Trevor went on to
make 647 appearances for the Club - third in the all-time list behind Frank
Lampard Sr and another contemporary, Billy Bonds MBE. When asked about his
relationship with his long-time central midfield partner, the 65-year-old
said he was grateful for the protection afforded to him by Bonds. "He was my
best mate at the Club and he is a top, top man," Sir Trevor confirmed. "He
played nearly 800 games and played at the age of 41 or 42, which was
amazing. "Bonzo was my protector because tackling was not my strongest part,
so luckily after we signed him as a full-back we moved him into midfield
and, if anyone kicked me up in the air in the first ten minutes, I used to
look across at Bonzo as if to say 'Look what he is doing to me' and he would
sort my marker out in the next few minutes! I suddenly had a lot more space
for the next 80 minutes, so I owe Bonzo a lot. "We're still good mates and
he is a great man."
Bonds lifted the FA Cup twice during his own long and illustrious career at
the Boleyn Ground - first in 1975 and then in 1980 after Sir Trevor's header
defeated Arsenal 1-0 at Wembley. Unsurprisingly, that moment is one that
sticks out further than any other when the former England international is
asked about his West Ham career. "Everyone remembers the FA Cup goal because
it was such an important moment," he explained. "It's scary to think it was
34 years ago!
"Not a week has gone by in the last 34 years when somebody hasn't reminded
me about the goal. Every time I get into a cab, the driver seems to be an
Arsenal fan and within a minute of me getting in, they say 'It just hit you
on the head didn't it?' "It's been a massive part of my life. I was really,
really lucky because we had just two managers in my 19 years and Ron
Greenwood and John Lyall were absolutely fantastic. They let us go out and
express ourselves and entertain the fans and I had 19 years at the Club and
enjoyed every year of it. I was playing for my team and was allowed to
express myself, so we were very lucky. Ron and John were top quality
coaches."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jussi's praise for Adrian
WHUFC.com
Jussi Jaaskelainen has praised goalkeeper Adrian for his fine debut season
with the Hammers
17.05.2014
Jussi Jaaskelainen has been impressed with Adrian's first season in English
football. The No13 took Jaaskelainen's place between the posts in January
with the Finn then unable to displace him. Rather than get downhearted,
Jaaskelainen has supported Adrian all the way and believes the experience of
a tough Barclays Premier League season will stand him in good stead for the
future. "[Losing your place] is part and parcel of football," he said.
"Adrian has done very well, and the only thing I could do is keep working
hard - the main thing is to support everybody in the team. "He has been
playing consistently well and that's the main aim for a goalkeeper. I can't
have too much to be disappointed about. "If you look at the season as a
whole, we started by playing very well but we didn't get the results that we
needed. "When you don't get them, confidence drops and it was a tough season
but we've come through it and hopefully next year will be better."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Best bets and future West Ham signings at the 2014 World Cup
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 19th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
The World Cup squads are in and excitement for this summer's tournament is
building...
With less than a month to go until the first game kicks off more and more
bets are being placed on the 2014 World Cup odds. Here's some clues to
finding the best punts. Most bets are going to go on the outright winner
market and Brazil may not be the most original selection but they are
extremely solid at 3/1. Only one team other than Brazil has ever won a World
Cup outside their own continent and no European team has ever won the World
Cup in any American continent.
With six of the last seven World Cups going to a team rated just 7/1 or less
by the bookies it seems we are looking for a well fancied South American
team and that only really leaves Brazil or Argentina.
Home advantage will be huge for Brazil who beat world champions Spain 3-0 in
the final of last year's Confederations Cup which was also held in Brazil so
3/1 looks a more than fair price.
Andy Carroll will be hoping to get amongst the goals at the World Cup but
he's only on the standby squad at the moment. Pablo Armero was on loan at
the Hammers from Napoli last season and it will be interesting to see how he
gets on for Colombia.
For many fans though this World Cup isn't going to be a chance to watch
current players, but hopefully it will be an opportunity to look at some
future stars of the West Ham team.
There seems to be no chance of Gonzalo Higuain being seen in a West Ham
shirt, but he can reward punters who back him to be the tournament's top
scorer.
Teams that reach the semi final of the World Cup have a big advantage in
producing Golden Boot winners because they'll play for the full seven
matches, eventually going on to either the final or the third place playoff.
Teams that don't reach the semi finals can only play five matches.
Argentina have probably the easiest run to the semi final with group games
against Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iran and Nigeria and then likely knockout round
games against Switzerland and then Portugal or Belgium.
There are plenty of goals to be had in those games and many will fancy
Lionel Messi to score the lion's share but he scored only one more than
Higuain in qualifying and was outscored by Higuain at the last World Cup (4
goals to nil). With Higuain twice the price of Messi at 25/1 he looks the
value pick.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
NewsNow
Is Moyes our man?
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 17th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
Fresh rumours tonight suggest that David Moyes is close to being named as
the new manager of West Ham United. Moyes, 51, who is the bookies' second
favourite to replace Sam Allardyce behind Sunderland boss Gus Poyet is
understood to have been courted by West Ham with view to replacing current
manager Sam Allardyce. The under-pressure Allardyce's immediate future has
been uncertain since he failed to receive the backing of the entire board at
an end-of-season meeting last Tuesday. A second meeting was scheduled for
two weeks hence, however that is unlikely to take place if the rumours
regarding Moyes prove to be correct with an appointment likely to come
before that date. The former Everton manager was fired by Manchester United
last month less than a year after leaving Goodison Park to join the
then-Premier League champions, who he led to a seventh-place finish.
Enquiries have also been made into the availability of 54-year-old Napoli
boss Rafa Benítez, who led Liverpool to the Champions League title in 2005,
with view to potentially replacing Allardyce.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
BIG SAM TO STAY (PROBABLY)
By Sean Whetstone 19 May 2014 at 18:15
West Ham Till I Die
The longer the ten day cooling off period goes on the more I believe Sam
Allardyce will remain our manager this coming season.
The vibes I am picking up from sources close to club seem to be preparing
fans and staff for a stay of execution for the manager. It could just be a
sense loyalty of those around him but I believe the club are gearing up to
retain Sam Allardyce as their manager. I have no proof of his continued stay
but I have a strong gut feeling he will not be sacked this Friday at a board
meeting.
A poll of 12,392 supporters over 16 West Ham sites taken after a run of four
defeats showed 77.95% wanted to dump Big Sam this summer. Another poll on
Claret and Hugh taken after the 2-0 Spurs win at home showed slightly
different results. The poll completed by 1,031 supporters to enable it to be
statistically accurate showed 50.24% still want him gone this summer while
22.02% what him to see out his last year of his contract, another 14.65% of
those polled saw Sam as a long term manager to take us to the Olympic
Stadium in 2016 and the remaining 13% are undecided and don't know what to
do for the best. This poll shows the fans are still split right down the
middle on this subject with no clear solution.
I understand the daily speculation in papers and websites of Sam's
replacement are widely inaccurate or exaggerated. A senior source close to
the club confirmed there has been no contact with David Moyes or Gus Poyet
who have led the betting markets in recent days as possible replacements.
Many of the other names appears to be wishful thinking of the part of agents
wishing to get their man's name in the frame.
If I was a betting man I would keep my money in my pocket as I am convinced
Sam will remain our manager next season. Time will tel on Friday if my gut
feeling is right on or whether they pull a manager out of the hat.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
STICK OR TWIST PART 2: WHICH MIDFIELDERS SHOULD WE LET GO?
By Iain Dale 19 May 2014 at 08:43
West Ham Till I Die
Jack Collison [£1.5 million] 6 apps
No one wishes Jack Collison had moved forward than me, but the truth is
since his injury he has never been the same player. He has never let down
his teammates but I am afraid now is the time for him to move on and find
success elsewhere. I say this with an incredibly heavy heart and if he stays
and proves me wrong I will be absolutely delighted.
VERDICT: Sell
Mark Noble [£9 million] 38 apps 3 goals
Hammer of the Year and deservedly so. Only a fool would consider Noble
surplus to requirements. He has stepped into the hole left by Scott Parker
and is at the centre of everything creative West Ham achieve. As well as
that he also doubles as an extra defender and is brilliant at breaking up
opposition attacks. How he hasn't broken into the England setup is beyond
me.
VERDICT: Retain
Kevin Nolan [£2.5 million] 33 apps 7 goals
A very up and down season for our captain. Who can forget the two sendings
off, and who can forget his purple patch in February, where it is arguable
that his rise to form saved us from relegation? He always delivers with 7-10
goals a season but his contribution to the team in general is too often not
of a high enough standard. If Allardyce is replaced as manager, I imagine he
would depart. He would go with our good wishes as he is clearly a very good
captain. But can he and Ravel Morrison play in the same team, if 4-3-3 is
played?
VERDICT: SELL
Mo Diame [£3.5 million] 29 apps 4 goals
The enigma's enigma. On his day he is a worldbeater. But too often he
flatters to deceive. He scores some spectacular goals but not enough simple
ones. He has too often been played out of position and deserves to play in
the centre next season in place of Kevin Nolan. But he needs to bring
consistency to his game and do the simple things better. I'd be gutted if we
sold him, but he still has that £3.5 million release clause in his contract,
so I wouldn't be surprised, especially if Everton come sniffing. His true
worth is nearer £10 million.
VERDICT: RETAIN
Alou Diarra [£0.5 million] 1 app
Need I even say anything? OK, he's not been given much of a chance to show
what he can do, and has had some bad injuries, but he clearly has no future
at Upton Park. But can we find a buyer?
VERDICT: SELL
Matt Taylor 16 apps
Came into his own in the latter part of the season and was a key part of our
revival. Has a great shot on him but doesn't let it rip often enough. Should
score more goals. He's out of contract but most people think he's worth
retaining, especially as he can play in three different positions.
VERDICT: RETAIN
Ravel Morrison [£10 million] 12 apps 3 goals
The emergence of Ravel Morrison before Christmas was a truly bright moment
in a dire period. Who will forget his performance against Spurs, and his
goal. I was gutted when he went out on loan to QPR, but he performed really
well, scoring a goal every other game. He is said not to get on with
Allardyce. Whoever is manager next season should tell Morrison that the team
will be formed around him. A new contract must be sorted at all costs.
VERDICT: RETAIN
Joe Cole [Free] 6 apps, 3 goals
Joe is out of contract and is already looking for a new club, which is a
shame, but it just hasn't worked out for him. Three goals in six appearances
is a healthy return but he also made 14 substitute appearances too. It just
hasn't worked.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
STICK OR TWIST PART 1: WHICH DEFENDERS SHOULD WE LET GO?
By Iain Dale 12 May 2014 at 08:39
West Ham Till I Die
Adrian [£4 million] – 20 apps
Judged the buy of last season, it is to most unthinkable that Adrian won't
start next season as our number one. I am still not 100% convinced by him,
as I believe he gets too many simple things wrong. His positional play is a
little inconsistent but it is undeniable that he is a great shot stopper.
Judgement: KEEP
Jussi Jaaskelainen [£0] 18 apps
He only had one really dodgy performance (against Norwich) but once he lost
his place to Adrian just before Christmas he never got it back. A great
number two for next season, he should get another one year deal.
Judgement: KEEP
Joey O'Brien [£1.5 million] 12 apps
Mr dependable, rarely puts a foot wrong, even if he is an unspectacular
player. The great thing about Joey is that he can play in either full back
position and even do a job at centre back if called upon.
Judgement: KEEP
Guy Demel [£2 million] 30 apps + 1 goal
Demel has had a really good season even if he has missed a few games through
injury. He's chipped in with a goal and has looked superb at time in attack.
Perhaps he needs a bit of competition for his place.
Judgement: KEEP
James Tomkins [£8 million] 30 apps
A slightly up and down season which finished better than it started. James
Tomkins, in my view, could be an England player if he applied himself and
improved his positional sense. He couldn't get into the team much in the
first half of the season due to the form of Collins and Reid, but he's done
will since he re-established himself. He looks very comfortable alongside
Reid. It's unthinkable to sell him.
Judgement: KEEP
Winston Reid [£15 million] 18 apps + 1 goal
Would have been a contender for player of the season if he hadn't got
injured and made only 18 starts. Big clubs may well come sniffing over the
summer, but if West Ham are to develop as a club he is precisely the kind of
player we need to keep.
Judgement: KEEP
James Collins [£3 million] 22 apps 1 goal
Despite injuries, a great season for the Ginger Pele. However, are his best
years now behind him? I'd certainly vote to keep him due to the almost
telepathic understanding he seems to enjoy with both Reid and Tomkins.
Judgement: KEEP
Leo Chambers [£0.25m] 3 League Cup apps
A youngster pushing to get in the first team but hasn't yet quite made it.
He's out of contract and it's rumoured he will be let go, which would be a
shame. Give him one more year.
Judgement: KEEP
Dan Potts [0.5m]
Potts broke into the team a couple of years ago and on his debut gave a man
of the match performance. Since then Sam Allardyce hasn't given him much of
a look in, despite injuries to all our left backs. I'm mystified by this and
would like him to have been given a proper chance. He's out of contract. I'd
like to keep him, but I suspect he will be let go.
Judgement: KEEP
George McCartney [FREE] 20 apps
He's never let us down and can play anywhere across the back four, but he's
reaching the twilight of his career now. I'd have no problem in retaining
his services, but I really think we need more of an attacking first choice
left back who can combine with whoever is on the left wing. So I am sorry to
say, but it's a very fond farewell to George. That is unless he is prepared
to stay on a dramatically lower salary.
Judgement: RELEASE
Roger Johnson [FREE]
He played a few games before Winston Reid returned to fitness, but didn't
impress at all. I can't think anyone can really make a case for his
retention.
Judgement: RELEASE
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
IS RONALD KOEMAN IN THE FRAME?
By S J Chandos 18 May 2014 at 13:35
West Ham till I Die
The Sports Mirror has reported that Ronald Koeman, the former Dutch
international and current Feyenoord boss, may have entered the frame to
replace Sam Allardyce at Upton Park. The report further maintains that the
board are also likely to sound out David moyes about the position, while
keeping a watching brief on Gus Poyet's position at Sunderland. The strong
inference of the peice being that the current ten day hiatus is being
utilised to approach potential successors and determine whether the club can
secure a manager who is a clear improvement upon the current incumbent. If
not, then it is still possible that Sam Allardyce could remain in position
for another season, although with radically revised performance indicators
and less independence over the club's transfer strategy.
Amongst Hammers supporters, both David Moyes and Gus Poyet will have their
advocates, but it is the name of Ronald Koeman who is likely to be greeted
with the greatest interest. He has proven experience in European football
management, having also previously been in charge at Ajax, PSV, Eindhoven,
Benfica and Valencia. Moreover, it is believed that Mr Koeman is actively
looking to make a move to the Premier League. And he is a manager that will
both adopt a stylish passing game and place an emphasis upon developing our
Academy products. Things that are self-evidently an high priority for most
Hammers fans. While the recent story in the Sports Mail is most probably
true that West Ham's board have grown increasingly concerned at the damage
to the club's unique reputation, for producing both quality football and
footballers, that has occurred during Mr Allardyce's period of management.
His replacement by Mr Koeman could be seen as an effective antidote on both
scores.
Mr Koeman is most definitely the type of manager that the board should be
looking to in order to facilitate a stylish transition to the Olympic
Stadium and take the club on to the next level or two. Gus Poyet is an
interesting managerial candidate, David Moyes is undoubtedly a save pair of
hands, but it is probably Ronald Koeman, of the three, that really captures
the imagination!
p.s. Kumb have strongly suggested that David Moyes is the board's priority
target, but that they may have also sounded out Rafa Benitez. Many fans,
given the choice, would still prefer to go for Ronald Koeman, if he is
available? But nevertheless, it is very encouraging for the club to be
linked with managers of that calibre.
p.p.s Another manager currently being linked with West Ham is Steve McLaren.
If the managerial change is to be made, then the next appointment has to be
absolutely right! Is Mr McLaren the right appointment? I have my doubts.
S.J. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SILLY SEASON IN FULL SWING AS WEST HAM ARE LINKED WITH THIRTY PLAYERS
By Sean Whetstone 17 May 2014 at 23:05
West Ham Till I Die
The Premier League season finished just seven days ago and the transfer
window officially opened at midnight on the same day as the last kick of a
ball of a league game.
The silly season is now is full swing and despite West Ham being in
managerial limbo for the last 5 days the names West ham players have been
linked keep on rolling in. Thirty players have been linked with West Ham so
far in the popular press & the more credible football websites.
There are four types of football rumours during silly season, those made up
or pure speculation in attempt to fill column inches, next are those rumours
peddled by agents wanting to increase the exposure of their clients to
generate interest for a transfer, then there are those which are exaggerated
or half truths, they often never come to anything and finally those which
are spot on and end up as successful transfers.
The trick is to navigate your way through the silly season without getting
your hopes up too much, many take the sensible approach and not believing
anything and avoiding speculation until it is released on West Ham's
official website or in recent years when young Jack Sullivan is allowed to
tweet it out by his dad.
To fuel the silly season myself, here is the full list of the thirty names
we have been linked with in the last seven days:
Aaron Lennon, Pablo Alvarez, Martin Olsson, Steve Sidwell, Cyril Thereau,
Cheikhou Kouyate ,Gabriele Angella, Alessandro Matri, Robert Snodgrass
Antonio Rudiger, Jack Colback, Rio Ferdinand, Lorenzo Crisetig, Michy
Batshuayi, M'baye Niang, Neil Taylor, Ross McCormack, Phil Bardsley, Demba
Ba
John Terry, Danny Ings, Oscar Cadozo, Rodrigo Lima, Jefferspn Montero, Jake
Livermore, Joleon Lescott, Aaron Creswell, Pierre Michel Lasogga,
Domenico Berardi & Dimitri Payet
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham manager mystery sees Ronald Koeman join Moyes and Poyet in the
frame
May 17, 2014 22:30 By Dave Kidd
The Mirror
Ronald Koeman is in the frame to replace Sam Allardyce as West Ham boss –
although the Hammers board are also likely to sound out David Moyes before
they make any decision. Former Dutch playing legend Koeman, 51, currently
boss at Feyenoord, is believed to be keen to move to the Premier League and
is on the radar of the Hammers' co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold. He
has previously managed Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, Benfica and Valencia. But
Sullivan and Gold are also awaiting developments at Sunderland, where Gus
Poyet's future remains up in the air, and they are also intrigued by the
prospect of luring Moyes to the East End. It is felt that the sacked United
boss could be tempted by the board's long-term vision at West Ham, who will
move into the Olympic Stadium in two years. The Hammers board are determined
to nail down a high-calibre manager before they decide whether to pull the
trigger on Allardyce. If they can't, Big Sam could yet remain in post.
Allardyce looked certain to be sacked at a board meeting on Tuesday, but has
been given a stay of execution.
There have been strong arguments to stick with a man who has never been
relegated from the Premier League – with the club desperate to be in the top
flight before the move to Stratford. Yet, supporters have been on Big Sam's
back, unhappy with his team's style of football, and Koeman would bring back
a pure passing philosophy.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United to go head to head with Southampton for signature of French
left-back Kolo
May 18, 2014 22:30 By Alan Nixon
The Mirror
West Ham and Southampton are locked in a signing war for Nice's
£8million-rated left-back Timothée Kolodziejczak. Sam Allardyce has been
given the go-ahead to step in for the young defender who is already a target
for the Saints, who will be looking to replace Luke Shaw. The Hammers are in
the market for a new specialist left-back and have set their sights on
Kolodziejczak, who has been rated as a future International for France. The
former Under-21 cap, who is nicknamed Kolo for short, will be sold and the
Premier League pair are ahead of Marseille and Lyon in the chase. A handful
of other clubs, that also includes Crystal Palace, watched Kolo in what was
likely to be his last appearance for Nice against Guingamp.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Ravel Morrison a transfer target for Swansea after impressive QPR
loan spell
May 17, 2014 23:00 By Tom Hopkinson
The Mirror
Swansea are hoping to land Ravel Morrison from West Ham for a cut-price
£3.75million, writes Tom Hopkinson in the Sunday People. The 21-year-old's
relationship with Hammers boss Sam Allardyce turned sour after a fall-out at
the end of last year and, when Morrison joined QPR on loan in February, Big
Sam vowed he wouldn't play for him again. Now Swansea are making moves to
sign the talented but sometimes troubled youngster. Morrison grew up at
Manchester United, where Sir Alex Ferguson raved about him being the most
gifted kid he had seen. But his erratic behaviour was a real source of
frustration and a skipped training session too many saw Fergie sell him to
Allardyce in January 2012. The attacking midfielder was loaned to QPR in
February and has enjoyed a good spell with Harry Redknapp, helping his team
to next Saturday's Championship Play-off final with Derby.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Premier League clubs on alert as Marseille's Dimitri Payet set for cut price
move
May 17, 2014 11:04 By Alex Richards
The Mirror
Premier League clubs Arsenal, Newcastle and West Ham could be set to do
battle for Marseille winger Dimitri Payet, with the French international set
for a cut-price £6million move. Last summer saw both the Gunners and
Newcastle linked with his signature, while West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has
sent Hammers scouts to watch Payet in recent weeks. Payet only moved to the
Stade Velodrome last summer - costing £12million from Ligue 1 rivals Lille -
but according to L'Equipe, Marseille must recoup £4.8million before June 30.
OM have told incoming boss Marcelo Bielsa that he will have key men Steve
Mandanda, Mathieu Valbuena, Andre Ayew and Nicolas N'Koulou all at his
disposal next season, making Payet their most likely source of income. The
27-year-old has been a regular in Ligue 1 this season, scoring eight goals
from the flanks in 35 matches. However, he has failed to fully convince,
being substituted 21 times in the league and failing to claim a place in Les
Bleus' World Cup squad. As such, given their financial need, OM bosses are
reckoned to believe that he is expendable, and that the former Lille man
will have a list of suitors.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Liverpool and Newcastle target Mo Diame bargain deal as midfielder plans
West Ham exit
May 19, 2014 22:30 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror
Liverpool and Newcastle are monitoring developments with West Ham's Mo Diame
who looks set to leave the club this summer. The 26-year-old midfielder
revealed last month that he wanted to leave Upton Park for a top-six club
and that Liverpool were interested in him. He said at the time: "Liverpool?
I can't tell you if I will be a Liverpool player next season. But I think my
name is still on their wanted list. "I don't hide it, I'm ambitious and I
want to join a top-six side. I am 26 years old and it's time to take that
step." Diame has a year left on his West Ham contract and has a £3.5million
buyout clause in his contract. The club do want to keep him but do not want
to meet the £80,000-a-week wages he is demanding to stay.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
NewsNow
Should Big Sam get the sack?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 19th May 2014
By: Sean McGuire
As a lifelong West Ham fan I have been glued to the internet the last week
frothing at the mouth at the prospect of Allardyce's ego and backside being
kicked to the curb. It looks like mine and many of my fellow fans' dreams
are going to come true. However I wonder, if we ignore the style of play
that recently led to 77 per cent of Hammers' fans voting for his dismissal,
if Allardyce has done a reasonable job as manager?
Budget
Here's a scary statistic for all of us Allardyce naysayers. If the teams
were ranked by net expenditure in the transfer window for the 2013/14 season
West Ham would be 13th- which is where we just finished!
He's not as impressive as Everton who are 19th in spending but fifth in
points or even his old club Newcastle, last in spending but tenth in points,
although it's no Cardiff who are third in spending and relegated. So it can
be argued that he has done a reasonable job for the financial resources
available to him.
Transfers
Let's take a closer look at how that money was used though. £30-35million
was spent on Jarvis, Carroll, Downing and Maiga - all of whom are attacking
players, yet they have scraped together only four goals between them this
season.
Carroll being injured for most of the season is a mitigating factor but
there's no overlooking the £5million spent on Maiga which has returned a
strike rate of one goal a year - since when he has been given up on and
shipped off to QPR.
Maiga's departure to QPR isn't the only example of Allardyce's constantly
shifting valuation of his players. Previous record signing Jarvis only made
19 league appearances this season with Allardyce frequently preferring to
play Diame. He has been exceptional this season but it seems rampantly
wasteful to have him out of position on the left wing in lieu of Jarvis, who
cost in excess of £7million.
Man management
As rumours began to fly about Allardyce' future, record signing Carroll came
out in support with this: "He has a lot of faith in me, I respect that and
have to give it my all when I go out on to the pitch. His man-management of
me has been great."
Good man-management and getting the most of our record signing are obviously
important characteristics in a manager and it's being said that the sterling
performance against Tottenham was born out of the players' loyalty to their
manager.
His man management doesn't seem as good with every member of the team
however with the constant whispers that he has rubbed up our greatest youth
talent Ravel Morrison the wrong way to the extent that either he goes or the
player does.
While these rumours have been denied, I would say Allardyce can't count on
the player's endorsement to save his job.
Form
The sacking of football managers in the Premier League is often criticised
as reactionary. It's heavily influenced by form, so let's see how Allardyce'
form stands up.
In the last six Premier League games of the season West Ham won one and lost
five (alhough it should be remembered it was a tough last six including
Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham and Man City).
Manager Wins Draws Loss Points
Moyes 3 0 3 9
A.V.B. 2 1 3 7
Hughton 1 1 4 1
Laudrup 1 1 4 4
Mackay 1 1 4 4
Holloway 1 0 5 3
Clarke 0 2 4 2
Meulensteen 0 1 5 1
Di Canio 0 1 4 1
Jol 0 0 6 0
With Allardyce's three points from the last six games he'd be right in the
middle of sacked managers at sixth place. A.V.B. and Moyes may be special
cases but there's no denying he wouldn't look out of place with the sacked
managers based on form.
In Conclusion
So Allardyce appears to have done a fair job in the Premier League with the
resources available. The players have gone to bat for him and perhaps form
can be forgiven given the tough opposition.
However there are cup failures to account for, some of the fans are in open
revolt and the huge transfer kitty he was given to build the squad with was
squandered.
In my opinion, his biggest failure is in the transfer window. Perhaps he
could work well if given a strong director of football? There are already
rumblings that he would have less control over transfers if he does manage
to stay.
Whether or not such systems work is too much to tackle here, but I don't
think Allardyce is half as good as Allardyce thinks he is and his fate is
sealed.
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West Ham United Compile Three-Man Short List To Replace Manager Sam
Allardyce
by Ron Carne May 19th, 2014
caughtoffside.com
West Ham United have drawn up a three-man short list of possible candidates
to take over from their under-pressure head coach Sam Allardyce in the Upton
Park dugout next season, according to reports in the Sunday Mirror.
The East London club held a board meeting last Tuesday in which it had been
expected that Allardyce would be given his marching orders after a
disappointing last campaign in which the club flirted with relegation from
the Premier League, with the Hammers fan in particular not happy with the
style of football on display at Upton Park.
And with West Ham due to move into the Olympic Stadium on Stratford at the
end of next season, co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan are understood
to be determined to bring on board a new manager who can change the brand of
football at the club, with Feyenoord boss Ronald Koeman, Sunderland manager
Gus Poyet and former Manchester United coach David Moyes all said to
currently be under consideration for the role in the east end of London next
season.
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Irons "wait on 'mystery man' response"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 19, 2014 in Whispers
Claretandhugh.info
West Ham United are understood to be awaiting the response of an unnamed
manager to the opportunity of becoming the club's new boss.
At this stage ClaretandHugh has been unable to identify the person concerned
but we have been told by a previously highly trustworthy source that the
club is expecting a response within two days.
And with the board meeting into Sam Allardyce's future scheduled for Friday
the timetable presented to us makes sense.
We have always been entirely honest at ClaretandHugh since we opened for
business six months ago and don't intend to fool our followers with a load
of guesswork now.
But we have been told categorically that an answer is expected within 48
hours and that should it be negative then we can expect Sam to continue in
the job.
However, should that be the case we understand that the board will tell the
manager that he will need to bring in 'flair' players and that the Hammers
of 2014/15 will be expected to play with far more flair than was seen last
season.
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