Preview: Swansea City
WHUFC.com
Everything you need to know about the Hammers' trip to the Liberty Stadium
09.01.2015
SWANSEA CITY v WEST HAM UNITED
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
THE LIBERTY STADIUM
SATURDAY 10 JANUARY 2015
KICK-OFF: 3.00PM
REFEREE: MIKE DEAN
In brief
West Ham United travel to Swansea City on Saturday 10 January looking to
complete their first double of the season, having beaten the Swans 3-1 at
the Boleyn Ground in early December.
However, Garry Monks' men are certainly no pushovers, particularly at home
where they have won six games, including victories of Arsenal, Aston Villa
and West Bromwich Albion. The Welsh outfit are currently ninth in the
Premier League table with 29 points from 20 games.
Swansea's main danger man, Wilfried Bony, is unavailable as he is on
international duty with the Ivory Coast as his imminent £30 million move to
Manchester City is being finalised.
Sam Allardyce's men have enjoyed a strong first half to their league
campaign as they look to fulfil their aim of finishing in the top half of
the Premier League. They currently sit in seventh with 32 points from 20
games.
Who are they?
Formed in 1912 as Swansea Town, The Swans adopted the name Swansea City when
the town was granted City status in 1969. Having almost gone out of business
in 1985 following consecutive relegations, the directors managed to salvage
the club. They continued to slip through the Football League to the fourth
division yet their fortunes changed in 2005 with a move away from Vetch
Field to the Liberty Stadium. The Swans have enjoyed several promotions in a
decade and are now an established Premier League team. Praised for their
possession-based style of football, their recent success was capped off by
winning the League Cup in 2012/13, subsequently qualifying for the Europa
League the following year.
Team news
West Ham United
Top goal scorer Diafra Sakho is injured with a recurrence of a back problem
sustained against West Bromwich Albion on New Year's Day.
Andy Carroll is back in the squad after missing the FA Cup tie with Everton.
Cheikou Kouyate is away on International duty as Senegal prepare for their
African Cup of Nations campaign. Aside from that, Sam Allardyce has a full
squad to pick from.
Swansea City
Garry Monk will have to do without Jefferson Montero (hamstring) as well as
Wilfried Bony and Ki Sung-Yeung (both international duty).
JonJo Shelvey is suspended after being charged with violent conduct
following an incident with Liverpool's Emre Can.
Referee
Saturday's referee is Mike Dean. The experienced referee has been involved
in top flight football for 15 years, taking charge of 350 matches in that
time. This season, Dean has been in charge of two West Ham games. The 3-1
home defeat by Southampton and the Hammers' 1-0 victory over Newcastle
United. The Assistant Referees are Stuart Burt and Edward Smart while James
Adcock is Saturday's Fourth Official.
Statistics
(2014/15 season - Barclays Premier League only)
Matches refereed: 10
Yellow cards shown: 27
Red cards shown: 3
Penalties awarded: 0
One to watch
West Ham United
Central defender James Collins put in a commanding performance against
Everton, capping it off with an excellent goal which almost gave the Hammers
an away victory. The Welsh International will be looking to continue his
form against the Swans.
Swansea City
With Wilfried Bony's departure imminent, the impetus to fill his
considerable shoes falls on Bafetimbi Gomis. The French striker has already
scored four goals this season, most recently a brace against Tranmere Rovers
in the FA Cup third round.
Tickets
Tickets for this game have sold out.
Tickets for the Hammers' next home game against Everton in the FA Cup Third
Round replay are available here.
Travel
For all your travel information on how to get to the Liberty Stadium, please
click here.
Weather
Temperature at kick off is forecast to be a sunny 6C (42.8F) with a high
chance of rain in the second half.
Last meeting
Swansea City 0-0 West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
27 October 2013
West Ham picked up a hard-earned point on the road with a turgid goalless
draw at Swansea. The Hammers' dead-ball threat troubled their hosts all
afternoon, with Angel Rangel hooking a long Razvan Rat free-kick off the
line while Guy Demel and Kevin Nolan also had good chances. Jussi
Jaaskelainen made two point-blank stops to deny Chico Flores and Wilfried
Bony at the other end, and the hosts also had a late penalty appeal for
handball against Joe Cole turned down as Swansea were left frustrated as the
game finished 0-0.
Swansea City: Vorm, Taylor, Chico Flores, Williams, Rangel, Britton, Dyer,
Routledge (Hernandez 61), de Guzman, Michu, Alvaro Vazquez (Bony 66)
Subs not used: Tremmel, Amat, Tiendalli, Canas, Pozuelo
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Reid, Tomkins, Rat, Demel, Nolan, Morrison (J
Cole 78), Noble, Diame (C Cole 64), Downing, Vaz Te (Jarvis 34)
Subs not used: Adrian, O'Brien, Taylor, Maiga
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Macca on: Swansea City
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald spoke to the media on Friday morning ahead of Saturday's trip
to Swansea
09.01.2015
Neil McDonald faced the press on Friday morning to preview Saturday's
Barclays Premier League trip to Swansea City. The assistant manager stood in
for Sam Allardyce, who was feeling under the weather with a chest infection,
and provided an update on Diafra Sakho's fitness, along with the rest of the
team news.
Neil, what is the situation with Diafra Sakho, Senegal are clearly not happy
at the moment?
NMc: "He's injured at the moment. We've been in constant contact with the
Senegalese management team on his injury. Since he came back from playing
with Senegal he's been uncomfortable but he's got through the games and then
he got injured against West Brom. There's no way he can fly, he's probably
going to miss the Africa Cup of Nations because of his injury, and we're
going to miss him too."
They are talking about a lack of respect, what do you make of that?
NMc: "I think we have respected them by giving them regular updates on his
injury and keeping in constant contact. We've asked them to come across and
assess him. He's had scans at the club, not to back it up but to prove that
he is injured. All we can do is give them as much information as we have. I
think lack of respect may have been taken out of context as Cheikhou Kouyate
has gone. We're not trying to stop anyone from representing their country,
the lad's injured."
Is there some rule about him being unable to play until the end of the
Africa Cup of Nations?
NMc: "I'm not 100 percent sure what that situation is. I believe they have
announced the squad and Diafra's not in it. We're not sure how long he is
going to be out for anyway."
Winston Reid, has there been any confirmation of him staying?
NMc: "He's here until the end of the season, we want him to stay until the
end of the season. It's a players prerogative if he wants to leave when his
contract is up. He's weighing up his options, we've been talking to him for
a long time. He's playing very, very well so it's not affecting his
performances, which is great. We'll continue to have a dialogue with him and
see what happens."
Sam Allardyce has said that if a big offer came in then you might consider
it?
NMc: "We need him here until the end of the season to try and push on and
get up the league as high as we can. He's been an important member of the
team."
One player who will be with you is Alex Song who has just retired from
international football, that is pretty good news for you?
NMc: "It's great news. He wants to concentrate on his club football. He's
represented his country with distinction, in a few World Cups as well as
other competitions. It's sad when someone retires but he's thinking about
his long term future domestically, and we look forward to having him at the
club at least until the end of the season.
West Ham have had a great first half of the season. Swansea have had a
pretty good start too haven't they?
NMc: "They have. They play some really good football. We've already beaten
them once. I think the stats said we out passed them. We're playing some
good football as well, we're looking forward to the game. They've got a
couple of players missing too I believe so it will be an interesting
contest."
One of those who will be missing is Wilfried Bony, you'll relieved you're
not coming up against him?
NMc: "Yes, he's a great player, he's scored some great goals. He'll be a big
miss for them for sure."
Entering the second half of the season, what are the aims, have they changed
at all?
NMc: "Well, they have to change don't they? We've got 32 points on the board
now, so we'll set our sights a little bit higher if we can. The aim at the
start of the season was always top ten but I'm sure we can improve on that."
This season you're not looking at the 40 points presumably?
NMc: "Everyone looks to get the 40 points as quickly as possible and then
the pressure's off I suppose. Now we're in the position we are, we want to
make the most of it."
Andy Carroll missed the FA Cup game, he cut his finger making a sandwich, is
he alright for Swansea?
NMc: "Hopefully him cutting his finger won't keep him out of Swansea's
game!"
You've got a good record against Swansea recently, what is it about your
style that matches up well against Swansea?
NMc: "I think we're much more compact this season. We've got a lot more pace
in the side so we hit teams on the break harder. We've already beaten them
so that helps psychologically which is good for us and we're all looking
forward to it."
What team news is there for tomorrow?
NMc: "Everyone is fit apart from Diafra obviously, and Cheik has gone but
apart from that we have a full squad. We've got a busy schedule ahead with
the replay so we'll probably make a few changes on Saturday and Tuesday."
How does the FA Cup feature in the plan for the season?
NMc: "It's right up there. When you have a lot of points, why not push for
the FA Cup? We almost beat Everton away and we'll certainly be going all
guns to win on Tuesday."
There's been a couple of reports Diego Poyet might be going out on loan, is
that a possibility?
NMc: "I think with the fixtures that we've got I don't think anyone will be
leaving. The games are coming thick and fast so we need everyone on board."
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Noble targets winning return
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble was happy to be back in the team on Tuesday but now he wants
three points
09.01.2015
Mark Noble was happy to be back in action, but admitted West Ham United had
missed a golden opportunity to reach the FA Cup fourth round.
The Hammer of the Year returned to Sam Allardyce's starting XI for Tuesday's
1-1 third-round draw at Everton - a game that saw Romelu Lukaku score a
minute into added-time to cancel out James Collins' 56th-minute opener. The
midfielder, playing for just the second time since injuring his heel in the
Hammers' Barclays Premier League defeat at the same ground in November, had
mixed emotions when West Ham TV caught up with him after the game.
"Obviously you can't give Lukaku two touches in the box," he conceded with
typical honesty. "Overall I thought the lads were brilliant and played
really well, and probably didn't get what we deserved away at Everton. "It
felt really good to be out there again. I really enjoyed it, even though we
didn't get the result we wanted from the game. I saw a lot of the ball and I
thought we played really well on the night. "It's another game next Tuesday
night after we go to Swansea on Saturday. It's a home game and we're playing
well at home at the minute, so we're looking forward to it."
With Cheikhou Kouyate away at the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal, Noble
has a chance to reclaim his starting position over the next few weeks, and
the No16 is determined to take it. Next up on West Ham's fixture list is a
trip to South Wales to take on Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium on
Saturday. The Swans will be without leading goalscorer Wilfried Bony, who is
at the same tournament with Ivory Coast, while midfielder Ki Sung-yueng is
at the Asia Cup with South Korea. Noble believes West Ham can take full
advantage and pick up another Barclays Premier League victory. "I am sure we
have got a big enough squad to deal with any absences. We've got some top
players and we went to Everton and played really well against a very good
team. "We have got a good chance next Tuesday night when we play them again,
but the big game for us now is Swansea away on Saturday. "I think they've
got a couple of players away as well, so it'll be a good time to go and play
them."
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Swansea v West Ham
KO 15:00
9 January 2015
By Martin Fisher
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Liberty Stadium Date: Saturday, 10 January
TEAM NEWS
Swansea will be without top scorer Wilfried Bony and Ki Sung-Yueng, who are
both away on international duty. Jonjo Shelvey is banned and Jefferson
Montero is still out with a hamstring injury, but new signings Nelson
Oliveira and Matt Grimes are available.
West Ham striker Diafra Sakho is ruled out with the back injury which forced
him to miss the Africa Cup of Nations. Cheikhou Kouyate is away with
Senegal, but Alex Song is available after retiring from international
football.
MATCH PREVIEW
When the big clubs come knocking for your star striker, it's difficult to
keep the door locked - especially if they arrive armed with promises of
silverware, whopping wages for the player and a sackful of cash to test your
resolve. It now appears certain that Wilfried Bony will join champions
Manchester City during the January transfer window for a fee in the region
of £30m, representing a staggering profit of £18m on a player who's only
been in the Premier League for 18 months. "Wilfried Bony is away at the
Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast but Manchester City's interest might
mean that is the future for Swansea anyway. Swansea's back-up striker
Bafetimbi Gomis strikes me as the sort of player who needs a lot of chances
to put one away but I am sure manager Garry Monk will be happy to have £30m
or so to spend if Bony does leave."
His record of 34 goals in just 70 appearances speaks volumes and, while
manager Garry Monk would love him to stay, he's realistic enough to accept
the inevitable, take the cash and move on. Of course, Bony has already gone
to the Africa Cup of Nations with the Ivory Coast. In all probability he's
kicked a ball for the last time for Swansea. Monk hopes he has a ready-made
replacement within his squad in Bafetimbi Gomis, and you can expect any
interest in the former France international from the likes of Crystal Palace
to be quickly rebuffed.
It's only five weeks since Bony gave Swansea an early lead at the Boleyn
Ground but West Ham came back impressively to win 3-1, with Andy Carroll
scoring twice. Carroll usually features strongly in this fixture. Last year
he set up two goals before being sent off after a tangle with Chico Flores,
and the season before he scored the winner. Small wonder, then, that Monk
expects the Geordie to be a prominent figure again and sees finding a way of
keeping him quiet as crucial to his plans for success. Both clubs' form has
been a little mixed of late, but with each residing within the top half of
the table, there's little chance of either being sucked into a relegation
scrap.
Instead, goals in the New Year will be similar in South Wales and the East
End - to finish in the top 10 and have a genuine crack at the FA Cup.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
West Ham are unbeaten in their last four meetings with Swansea (W3, D1).
The Hammers have failed to score at the Liberty Stadium on their two
previous visits (D1, L1).
Swansea City
Swansea have lost just one of their last seven league games at home (W4,
D2).
Garry Monk's side have dropped a league-high 16 points from winning
positions, including in the reverse fixture against the Hammers in early
December.
Only Chelsea (three) have conceded fewer home goals than Swansea's seven
this season.
Swansea are the only team yet to score from a corner in this season's
Premier League.
Ashley Williams will make his 300th appearance for the club.
West Ham
West Ham have won just once in their last five league games away from home
(D2, L2).
The Hammers have kept four clean sheets this season - only Everton and
Leicester have kept fewer, with three.
Sam Allardyce's team have scored 14 headed goals this season, the most in
the top flight.
Goalkeeper Adrian has made the second-highest number of saves this season
(76) in the Premier League, just behind QPR's Robert Green (79).
Andy Carroll is one short of 50 Premier League appearances for West Ham.
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A dozen clubs - and still only 23
KUMb.com
Filed: Friday, 9th January 2015
By: Staff Writer
Frank Nouble completed a move to his 12th league club earlier today when he
signed a six-month contract with Coventry City. Nouble, 23, spent three
years at West Ham between 2009 and 2012 having joined from Chelsea. However
much of that time was spent on loan, with the Lewisham-born forward making
no less than SEVEN loan moves during his time at the Boleyn. Wolves took
Nouble on a free transfer upon his release from West Ham, but he made just
one start - in the Capital One Cup - during his time at Molyneux, from where
he moved to Portman Road - for a nominal fee - in January 2013. After a
season-and-a-half with the Tractor Boys, Nouble was (literally) sent to
Coventry in September 2014 on a four-month loan. Upon the completion of
that, Nouble was released by Ipswich - allowing him to join the Sky Blues on
a permanent basis.
In the bank, Frank - Nouble's 12 clubs
2009-2009: Chelsea
2009-2012: West Ham United
February 2010: West Brom (one month loan)
March 2010: Swindon (three month loan)
September 2010: Swansea (one month loan)
January 2011: Barnsley (two month loan)
March 2011: Charlton (one month loan)
September 2011: Gillingham (three month loan)
March 2012: Barnsley (one onth loan)
2012-2013: Wolves
2013-2014: Ipswich Town
September 2014: Coventry City (half-season loan)
2015-: Coventry City
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Sam shoots back in 'Sully special' row
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 9th January 2015
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce has warned David Sullivan that his policy of signing untried
players could damage the club's growth in the long-term. Last week Sullivan
claimed that he was behind the signings of Diafra Sakho and Mauro Zarate,
adding that he could have signed in-form Swansea striker Wilfried Bony - who
is being linked with a £30million transfer window move to Manchester City -
for just £8million in the summer of 2013, instead of Andy Carroll.
Responding to Sullivan's comments in his Standard column today, Allardyce
insisted that although the deal was possible, it would have not made sense
given the club's financial situation. "David Sullivan has said recently that
he could have signed him for £8m but that I wanted Andy Carroll," he said.
"My recollection was that, yes, we knew about Bony but we all agreed to go
for Carroll — with the caveat that if the deal didn't work out for any
reason, we would switch to Bony. "Whatever anyone says now, at the time a
bid for Bony, unproven in English football, would have represented a bigger
risk than Andy, an established Premier League player. The likelihood of
achieving success, had we signed Bony, was far less than with Carroll.
"Hindsight is a wonderful thing but, at the time, we were looking at these
two possibilities. In my experience over more than two decades in football
management, you always have to minimise the risk."
And whilst admitting that Diafra Sakho had proved an enormous success,
Allardyce maintained that a club could not survive on a long-term policy of
signing inexperienced players from abroad. "David likes a gamble, which is
no problem at all, and when it pays off it's great," he added. "If you keep
going down that route though, you end up with more failures than successes.
"It's particularly rewarding when one of those gambles pays off for
everyone, but it's difficult to see how you can keep doing it without
threatening the club's growth. Diafra Sakho could prove to be a one-in-a-
million signing. "I'm certainly not into picking an argument with him
[Sullivan] for what he said in a recent interview, but I think it is right
to put across my point of view. "The bottom line though is that we're all
working together to make this great football club even better and, up to
now, it has all been moving in the right direction, so we must be doing
something successfully. "As far as Bony is concerned, I wish him well
wherever he plays - but there are many we have looked at and decided against
signing who have gone elsewhere and not been a success."
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce: Why we decided against signing Wilfried Bony
Evening Standard
SAM ALLARDYCE
Published: 09 January 2015 Updated: 15:20, 09 January 2015
The first big transfer of this January could be Wilfried Bony's £30million
move from Swansea to Manchester City. Bony is a player who could have come
to us a couple of seasons back. David Sullivan has said recently that he
could have signed him for £8m but that I wanted Andy Carroll. My
recollection was that, yes, we knew about Bony but we all agreed to go for
Carroll — with the caveat that if the deal didn't work out for any reason,
we would switch to Bony. Whatever anyone says now, at the time a bid for
Bony, unproven in English football, would have represented a bigger risk
than Andy, an established Premier League player. The likelihood of achieving
success, had we signed Bony, was far less than with Carroll. Hindsight is a
wonderful thing but, at the time, we were looking at these two
possibilities.
In my experience over more than two decades in football management, you
always have to minimise the risk. David likes a gamble, which is no problem
at all, and when it pays off it's great. If you keep going down that route,
though, you end up with more failures than successes.
It's particularly rewarding when one of those gambles pays off for everyone,
but it's difficult to see how you can keep doing it without threatening the
club's growth.
Admittedly, the £8m-£10m player represents a risk that you are going to have
to take more often than in the past because there are far fewer top players
around.
Diafra Sakho, at a lot less than that sum, could prove to be a one-in-a-
million signing. Likewise Enner Valencia and Cheikhou Kouyate have made
bright, encouraging starts.
We've been outstanding with our recruitment success rate this season but
that doesn't automatically mean it's going to be the same next summer.
We'd love it to be the case but realistically it's unlikely that future
signings will have quite the same impact on improving the team as last
summer's intake, although we live in hope.
As far as Bony is concerned, I wish him well wherever he plays but for one
player we could have signed, who then went somewhere else and did well,
there are many we have looked at and decided against signing, who have gone
elsewhere and not been a success.
Recruitment is a really difficult area. Often, when you are debating whether
or not to try and sign a player from abroad, you're working with very
limited knowledge, unlike someone from this country who you've seen or had
watched on a consistent basis.
Statistics are important but you should never ever rely on those alone.
Watching countless DVDs is all well and good but it can never replace seeing
the players yourself.
As I said, David loves a gamble — and I'm sure he will be up for a few more
along the way.
I'm certainly not into picking an argument with him for what he said in a
recent interview, but I think it is right to put across my point of view.
The bottom line, though, is that we're all working together to make this
great football club even better and, up to now, it has all been moving in
the right direction, so we must be doing something successfully.
Mauro wanted to play more, so I simply had to let him go
It's early days in the transfer window and everything is relatively quiet.
To be honest, that's how things should carry on here at West Ham for the
rest of the month. One departure has seen Mauro Zarate move on loan to
Queens Park Rangers, provoking some questions as to why now, when we have
Diafra Sakho and Andy Carroll out injured? The answer, quite simply, is that
Mauro wanted to go, he wanted to play more football. His chances here had
been limited and it came to the situation where he didn't want to stay here.
If he had remained, in that frame of mind, it would have been difficult to
have got the best out of him, so it was the right thing for everyone that he
went out on loan to try and play more often somewhere else. Let's see what
happens. It will be interesting to see whether he comes back a different
player. We still have four strikers. Andy is near to a return, Diafra's back
injury is still being assessed, while Enner Valencia and Carlton Cole are
fighting fit. As far as Winston Reid is concerned, there is still a chance
he will stay, although my instincts tell me he probably won't. The reality
is that if he doesn't quite get what he wants he will stay, but if another
club meets his demands, he won't. I would be very surprised, though, if he
left the club this month, for three reasons. Firstly, we're doing well in
the Premier League and just one reason why we want to finish as high as we
can is that there is £1.2million per place in the final table at stake. Then
there is the issue of finding a suitable replacement, which is almost
impossible at this time of the season. Finally, even if we did find one, the
cost of signing him would be far greater than the sum we would receive for
someone who is out of contract next summer.
We're up for the Cup ... but first we must stop that man Lukaku
We almost made it into the next round of the FA Cup on Tuesday night before
that man Romelu Lukaku scored Everton's injury-time equaliser. That's four
goals he has managed in as many games against us. Whether he's just come
back from injury or in the middle of a lean spell, he invariably scores
against us. We'll just have to try harder to break that sequence at the
Boleyn Ground in next Tuesday's replay. One thing is for sure, though.
Despite the challenge of having three games in eight days, we're going to
give this replay our best shot. What would be the point of going to Everton,
working so hard and coming so close to a victory if we just gave it up now?
What a waste of time and energy that would be. I know it comes just after a
tough game at Swansea tomorrow, but we will be putting out the strongest
team possible for the replay which, as in the first game, is bound to be be
tight. We're hoping for a big crowd and a top atmosphere. I know attendances
have been down for some games and it becomes an extra financial burden for
the fans, but I hope the FA Cup still holds some football magic for most
supporters. There are some critics who haven't agreed with the changes in
the Cup format, particularly that the semi-finals are now played at Wembley.
For me, I would love the opportunity to take West Ham to Wembley for the
semis. Wouldn't Hammers fans rather go there than all the way to somewhere
like Old Trafford?
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West Ham insist Senegal striker Diafra Sakho's injury is genuine
Last Updated: 09/01/15 1:59pm
SSN
West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald says the back injury which has
forced striker Diafra Sakho out of the Africa Cup of Nations is genuine.
Senegal Football Federation president Augustin Senghor has accused the club
of a "lack of respect" over Sakho's withdrawal, complaining the decision was
left until "the last minute". Senghor said he would consult FIFA and the
Football Association in a bid to prevent the player from appearing for West
Ham during the tournament, which gets under way on January 17 with the final
on February 8.
West Ham assistant boss Neil McDonald says they have given all the
information about Diafra Sakho's injury to Senegal officials
"We've been in constant contact with the Senegal federation," said McDonald.
"There's no way he can fly, he's obviously injured and he's going to miss
the Africa Cup of Nations because of his injury and we're going to miss him
because he's injured. "We've been respectful, we've given them information
and kept in constant contact with them. He's injured. "We've asked them to
come across and assess him. We've had independent scans done and scans from
the club. "We're not trying to stop anyone from going to represent their
country."
Sakho missed Senegal's final qualifier for the tournament with a back
injury, with Hammers boss Sam Allardyce describing the treatment he received
for it while on international duty as "outrageous". The 25-year-old
subsequently missed three Premier League fixtures.
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Swansea start life without Wilfried Bony at home to West Ham
Last Updated: 09/01/15 4:26pm
SSN
Swansea striker Bafetimbi Gomis has big boots to fill in place of Wilfried
Bony. Two teams on the crest of a Premier League wave meet at the Liberty
Stadium as Swansea City host West Ham United on Saturday. Both sides are
enjoying their best ever opening half to a Premier League season and a
similar points haul between now and May would set up top-eight finishes.
This is West Ham's best record after 20 Premier League matches, the haul of
32 points being level with their 1998-99 effort but with a better goal
difference (+7 to +1), while Swansea's haul of 29 points from 20 matches is
their highest in their four years in the Premier League. Swansea manager
Garry Monk said his team failed to compete in the 3-1 defeat at West Ham
earlier this season, when two headers from Andy Carroll and a late goal from
Diafra Sakho settled the game. Wilfried Bony had given the visitors an early
lead but he is unavailable for selection this week as he is on Africa Cup of
Nations duty with the Ivory Coast for at least the next three weeks and is
also in talks with Manchester City over a big-money transfer. Bafetimbi
Gomis is likely to start in Bony's place and he will be looking to improve a
goalscoring record of just one goal in 17 Premier League appearances.
Team news
Ki Sung-yueng, like Bony, is unavailable for Swansea due to international
commitments with South Korea in the Asian Cup while Jonjo Shelvey
(suspension) and Jefferson Montero (hamstring) remain on the sidelines. West
Ham manager Sam Allardyce gives an injury update.
West Ham striker Sakho is ruled out with the back injury which forced him to
miss the Africa Cup of Nations but Alex Song is available for selection
after retiring from international football.
Opta stats
West Ham have kept just one clean sheet in their last seven Premier League
matches.
West Ham assistant boss Neil McDonald says they have given all the
information about Diafra Sakho's injury to Senegal officials
In Swansea's last 34 Premier League games at Liberty Stadium they have only
won back-to-back games three times.
Wayne Routledge received Swansea's fifth red of the season in their last
game, the most shown to a team in the division.
Merson's prediction:
I like West Ham, they are a decent team. It will be interesting to see how
Swansea cope without Bony but Gomis doesn't look too bad a replacement.
There isn't anything between these two teams; they are about level with each
other. West Ham gave them a bit of a lesson at Upton Park in the
corresponding fixture. West Ham's one disappointing result this season came
against Arsenal, where they probably expected to at least get a draw that
day. Two evenly matched teams here and I can't split them.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1
West Ham are 4/7 to win or draw at the Liberty Stadium.
Betting
West Ham are without a win in three so home advantage makes Swansea the 5/4
favourites. Six wins from 10 at the Liberty isn't a bad return for the
hosts, but the Hammers are unbeaten in four against the Swans – they're 4/7
to keep that trend rolling with either a win or a draw on Saturday.
Meanwhile, betting has been suspended on Bony joining Manchester City, and,
with the Ivorian on international duty for the time being, Gomis is
Swansea's shortest priced forward at 5/4 to score anytime and 9/2 favourite
to score first.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Why success does not sit well with West Ham United fans
Jacob Steinberg
Friday 9 January 2015 14.38 GMT
The Guardian
A strange thing happened this week. Usually when I say I support West Ham
United, people smile sympathetically, pat me on the back and tell me with
forced cheeriness to keep my chin up. Then they look away, unable to meet my
gaze for a moment longer, or comprehend the ineffable sadness of my
situation.
Those with no interest in football have a slightly different approach. They
regard me with a mixture of horrified fascination and amusement, in the way
the Boggs family peered at Edward Scissorhands when he sat at the dinner
table for the first time, and always ask the same questions. Why West Ham?
Why not someone good? What position are they anyway? Fourteenth? In the
Premier League? Well done to you!
This week, however, the response changed when I admitted I support West Ham.
Instead of finding myself on the end of a heartfelt hug from a stranger, I
was agreeing with his assertion that I must be very happy indeed. "Yes," I
replied, my voice a little uncertain. "I suppose I am – happy."
Surely I am not the only West Ham fan troubled by the idea of happiness,
even though it has been a long time coming. Look through the crowd at Upton
Park and you will see facial expressions that have been set to perma-frown
after years of watching teams led by managerial titans such as Glenn Roeder
and Avram Grant. I have been in the away end when we were 2-0 down to
Rotherham United on a freezing December afternoon and a man who looked like
Peter Griffin spent the entire game venting his fury at Alan Pardew. I have
seen two relegations and a Neil Shipperley winner against us in the play-off
final.
We travelled to Cardiff in a limousine that day, the driver left the engine
on during the match and the battery was flat when we returned. At least the
Crystal Palace supporters had a good laugh at our expense.
My fondest memory of last season was not the three wins over Tottenham
Hotspur or Sam Allardyce out-tacticking José Mourinho, but a stoic though
doomed 70-yard run by James Tomkins during a dismal 0-0 draw with
Sunderland. It yielded a throw-in and Tomkins received a standing ovation; I
swear I saw someone throw claret and blue confetti in the air.
Now West Ham are playing good football and challenging for Europe I am
supposed to be happy but I am uncomfortable. Football supporters are not
meant to enjoy themselves, it is not part of their DNA. They are in their
element when they are moaning, because there is nothing to sink your teeth
into when your team play well, it is much better if they spend 90 minutes
displaying the imagination of a wet towel. Then you can whinge for hours in
the pub afterwards.
That anger is always bubbling away under the surface and it re-emerged when
West Ham drew 1-1 with West Bromwich Albion on New Year's Day. It was a
gloriously unfair reaction, but that cacophony of boos was music to my ears.
Finally, after all the ironic chants about playing Barcelona that greeted
West Ham's ascent into the top four, Upton Park sounded like Upton Park
again. It was our first chance to have a good boo since August and it was
cleansing – any doctor will tell you it is not healthy for a supporter to
keep that bottled up.
Stoke City's supporters appreciate the value of booing; nothing is off
limits. They booed Diego Costa from the whistle when they hosted Chelsea
last month, even though his offence was not obvious.
Football grounds are one of the few places where it is socially acceptable
to boo – you could try it in a restaurant, but you would probably be asked
to leave, and I promise I will cry if you boo this Funny Column. A search
for "football supporters booing" throws up 408,000 results on Google. Here
are some of the stories on the first page: Arsène Wenger booed by Arsenal
fans while boarding train; Cardiff fans entitled to boo – Slade; The Adam le
Fondre booing debate. Who knew it was possible to be that furious about Le
Fondre?
By now, you have probably been treated to Arsenal Fan TV, a YouTube show in
which Arsenal fans are interviewed by a jovial man called Robbie. The star
is undoubtedly Angry Claude, powered solely by his own rage at Arsenal's
inertia to the extent that Wenger's refusal to buy a defender may be a way
of trolling him.
The bane of Claude's life is the hopelessly optimistic Ty, who appears to
have been dragged through the Arsenal club shop by Taz. I am Team Claude. If
you tried to pull the wool over his eyes after an Arsenal defeat, he would
destroy it with his heat vision.
He would understand when I say that West Ham's attempt to make the jump to
the next level will end badly and that while the Olympic Stadium will look
resplendent on the outside, inside it will resemble the preposterous tiny
house that Homer Simpson built for Ned Flanders, which got smaller and
smaller from room to room. One tap and it will all come crumbling down.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
No return for Ravel Morrison at West Ham says Hammers assistant boss Neil
McDonald
Jan 09, 2015 11:46 By Neil McLeman
The Mirror
The wayward England under-21 international is the only Hammers player who is
available this month with McDonald concluding his career at Upton Park is
over
Ravel Morrison is finished at West Ham and is the only player available for
sale this month. The former Manchester United star, who moved to Upton Park
in January 2012, has been sent out on loan to Birmingham, QPR and Cardiff.
But Cardiff boss Russell Slade sent him back early last month and Morrison
has been training with the Under 21s back in east London. The troubled
21-year-old, who has an £18m release clause in his contract, will be a free
agent in the summer. And while the Hammers will see their squad stretched
this month with an FA Cup replay and Cheik Kouyate and Diafra Sakho
unavailable, assistant manager Neil McDonald insisted there was no way back
for Morrison.
"I think with the squad we have got, I don't think anyone will be leaving,"
he said. "I think we need everyone hands on deck with the games that are
coming thick and fast. And if we progress in the FA Cup, which we are hoping
to do, then we will need everyone here to rotate the squad. "Ravel Morrison
falls outside that. I am not sure if he is leaving but he won't come back
into the squad."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce sets sights on PSG starlet Jean-Kevin Augustin
Jan 09, 2015 12:07 By James Nursey
The 17-year-old striker's contract at the Parc des Princes expires in the
summer and he is now permitted to hold talks with other clubs
The Mirror
West Ham are trying to snap up Paris Saint-Germain starlet Jean-Kevin
Augustin on the cheap. The exciting France U18 international striker is out
of contract this summer. He has a clutch of top European clubs chasing him
including Juventus, Roma, Benfica and Porto.
Augustin joined the Ligue 1 champions from ACBB in 2009 but is yet to make
an appearance for Laurent Blanc's side despite being a substitute on four
occasions. The youngster, who turns 18 in June, is now able to speak to
foreign clubs. And the high-flying Hammers are trying to broker a cut-price
deal to bring him this month or agree terms for the summer.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam's Bony story at odds with DS
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 9, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce has used his London Evening Standard column to address a
couple of issues which many people feel may be causing behind-the-scenes
friction between himself and David Sullivan. The first concerns Wilfried
Bony and why we didn't sign him. YAWN! The second sees Sam addressing the
subject of Mauro Zarate. Perhaps he believed the eve of a game against
Bony's team Swansea is the right time to break his silence on why West Ham
didn't sign the striker despite the player not being involved tomorrow
because he's at the African Nations Cup. He writes: "The first big transfer
of this January could be Wilfried Bony's £30million move from Swansea to
Manchester City. David Sullivan has said recently that he could have signed
him for £8m but that I wanted Andy Carroll. "My recollection was that, yes,
we knew about Bony but we all agreed to go for Carroll — with the caveat
that if the deal didn't work out for any reason, we would switch to Bony."
He adds that Bony was a bigger risk than Carroll because he was unproven in
the Premier League saying: "David likes a gamble, which is no problem at
all, and when it pays off it's great. If you keep going down that route,
though, you end up with more failures than successes."
Quite what is served by airing various versions of a near two year old story
is a little beyond me to be honest. David has had his say and now Sam has
responded – can that please be the end of it because all it suggests –
whether true or not – is that behind the scenes all is not well.
On the Zarate issue the manager writes the player wanted to go saying: "His
chances here had been limited and it came to the situation where he didn't
want to stay here. "If he had remained, in that frame of mind, it would have
been difficult to have got the best out of him, so it was the right thing
for everyone that he went out on loan to try and play more often somewhere
else."
The tone is more moderate than when telling the player he wasn't good enough
but there's no explanation as to why he didn't get more games – the reason
Zarate feels the way he does!. But it won't go unnoticed that this could be
a manager v chairman situation again, Zarate having been Sullivan organised
purchase! Can we please just get on with the football now.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Senegal: Don't trust Irons? Here's how Sakho feels
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 9, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
The row being kicked up by the Senegal Federation over Diafra Sakho's is
probably hurting the player an awful lot more than West Ham United ! The boy
has already used his facebook page to explain how he feels about his injury
and is still having to listen to his country's top officials claiming he may
be faking it. For their benefit alone we have no problem in publishing
Diafra's feelings on the injury in which his agony at missing the African
Nations Cup is clear. We would suggest two things to the Senegal Federation
having listened to him say for example: "My injury force me to but on hold
my dream." Grow up …then SHUT UP!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Macca: Senegal fully informed on Sakho
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 9, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Polite Neil McDonald has this morning made it clear to Senegal they have
little reason to complain about the Diafra Sakho situation.
The nation's football federation has been loudly complaining about the
Hammers keeping them in the dark about the striker's situation and
threatening to invoke FIFA rules against them. This effectively means they
will do all they can to prevent him playing for us should he recover before
their team exits the African Nations Cup.
ClaretandHugh reported yesterday that the club has invioted them to send
their doctors to London to check out the player whilst providing them with
full medical reports and scans. And in the absence of Sam Allardyce from
this morning press conference ahead of the Swansea game Macdonald confirmed
our story. He explained: I think we have respected them by giving them
regular updates on his injury and keeping in constant contact. We've asked
them to come across and assess him. "He's had scans at the club, not to back
it up but to prove that he is injured. All we can do is give them as much
information as we have."
The Senegalese had spoken of a lack of respect being shown by the Hammers
but the assistant boss said: "I think lack of respect may have been taken
out of context as Cheikhou Kouyate has gone. We're not trying to stop anyone
from representing their country, the lad's injured."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Adrian delighted with Vicente del Bosque praise... and the West Ham
goalkeeper could be in line for a Spain call-up!
By PETE JENSON FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 18:41, 9 January 2015 | UPDATED: 18:47, 9 January 2015
It was in a radio interview in November when Spain coach Vicente del Bosque,
tired of managers pushing their players under his nose saying he should
'call up this one' or 'take a look at that one', said: 'Why does no-one ever
ask me about Adrian the West Ham goalkeeper?'
A slightly surprised silence among studio presenters gave way to a consensus
that amounted to: good question, why does no one ever talk about Adrian? Two
months later and more people are talking about the West Ham goalkeeper than
ever before. Jose Mourinho, not prone to agreeing with Del Bosque, said
after Adrian's performance against his team on Boxing Day: 'He was
marvellous, just as he was marvellous last season'.
Spain stays glued to the Premier League during La Liga's winter break and
Adrian's performances only enhanced his chances of becoming No 3 behind Iker
Casillas and David de Gea when the next squad is announced in March. 'I
heard what Del Bosque said and it's honour,' he says at West Ham's training
ground. 'It's not just that he spoke about me but that he was the one who
brought my name up. No-one asked him.'
Another famous Spain No 3, Pepe Reina, is one of the major reasons why a
28-year-old from Seville is now plying his trade in east London. I know Pepe
very well and I spoke with him before I signed for West Ham,' Adrian says.
He told me: "Do it, don't hesitate. The Premier League is a great
opportunity and you'll enjoy it hugely just as I enjoyed those years at
Liverpool".'He doesn't regret taking the advice. 'It wins you over more with
every game. There is never a match when it seems one of the two teams
believe they can't win. There are times in Spain when you have a team
playing one of the big sides and because they have so much respect for them
the attitude is "let's defend and not lose by too many". Here everyone goes
for it. Everyone is brave.'
Not that switching from Spain to the Premier League was easy. As with De
Gea, there were adjustments for Adrian to make. 'The play is a lot more
physical here, there are a lot more high balls into the area and the
refereeing is different,' he says. 'In Spain the slightest push on the
keeper, especially if he goes down, the referee will blow. You have to watch
the flight of the ball and dodge the challenges. 'That's the biggest
difference but I have adapted well. I was good in the air in Spain and I'm
big enough to cope so that has helped.' There were other adjustments to
make. Spanish goalkeepers are more prone to punch than catch and tend to be
more comfortable using their feet. You can't imagine Sam Allardyce favours a
punching playmaker between the posts. 'It's true that here they don't like
you to punch,' Adrian says, 'but sometimes when the area is crowded and you
try to catch you can get a nudge from someone, the ball gets away, and if
they don't blow for a foul it's a goal. Sometimes a good punch will clear
the ball very effectively so you have to mix it up. With passing the ball
out from the back you can't be taking unnecessary risks, but if you are
decisive then there shouldn't be a problem.'
Adrian was a late starter, not taking up the gloves until he was 11 and not
breaking into the Real Betis first team until 25. 'I was an outfield player
before I was a goalkeeper,' he says. 'I played up front until I was 10 and I
loved to score goals but when my Under 11 team CD Altair lost their
goalkeeper and the coach asked: "Who wants to go in goal?" 'I said I didn't
mind while we looked for a new keeper — 18 years on I'm still in goal!' He
stayed at Betis for 16 years but had to wait for Pepe Mel's arrival to
graduate to first choice in 2012. 'An obstacle always seemed to crop up.
Three years ago I tore my cruciate and the following year I started as third
keeper but the first keeper wasn't playing well and the second keeper had
problems after saying something in an interview that the manager didn't like
so my chance came and I took it.' He's bright too, picking up the language
despite starting from zero. 'You have to launch yourself into it without
worrying about sounding like a fool. You need basic phrases immediately. You
can't be thinking how do I say 'away' or 'man-on' when you are in the middle
of the game. 'I have my own English teacher because my girlfriend speaks
excellent English. Deciphering accents can be the biggest problem and there
are plenty in the dressing room.' There are also plenty of Spanish speakers
at the club, though Big Sam is not one of them. 'I think he knows "tapas"
and "cerveza",' says Adrian. 'But the coaching staff are taking Spanish and
French classes.'
Adrian's family knew all about West Ham from Diego Tristan, a former Betis
youth player who played for the club. And Adrian adds: 'They also signed
Manuel Almunia. I was only a kid but when Spanish players come abroad —
especially a goalkeeper — you notice which club he has signed for.' His
references also go back to the club's finest keeper. 'Don't worry, I also
know who Phil Parkes is! I know he is a legendary keeper for this club and
everyone loves him.' Parkes was in goal the last time West Ham won
something, lifting the FA Cup in 1980. Adrian believes the team is moving in
the right direction after a good summer in the transfer market. 'There is a
change of style,' he says. 'The signings have brought a lot more variety and
more options, and now the manager can make decisions and think "how do we
approach this game?" We now we have plan A, B or C. 'You can really build
from midfield when you have a player like Alex Song who will always show for
the ball and move it on. That helps the team to build from the back and not
always play the long ball.' The one thing Adrian oozes is enthusiasm for the
game. He doesn't overplay it, but having seen two young team-mates lose
their lives — Miki Roque and Dylan Tombides both to cancer aged 23 and 20 —
it can only have made him more aware of the speed at which not just a career
but also life itself can pass a player by. 'I had played with Miki from the
youth team,' he says. 'We were very close friends because we had come
through the youth system together. You never imagine it can happen to a
team-mate. Everyone has to die some time, but not someone like Miki who was
so young and in the best moment of his life. 'We have to make the most of
life and make the most of times when things are going well. When these
tragic things happen you are reminded of what life is about — enjoying being
alive.'
He does that mantra justice with his goal celebrations that have endeared
him to West Ham fans. 'You can feel a bit isolated in goal so when the team
scores I love to celebrate,' he says. 'I can't go running to the other end
of the pitch so I celebrate with the supporters.' A festive dip in results
and the failure to win at Everton in midweek have pegged back expectations.
But Adrian still feels West Ham are moving forward. 'Maybe last season we
would always hit teams in the same area so in the end they put a wall there.
Now we can vary the approach to get around that. We can really compete.' As
long as Adrian's wall holds firm at the other end, they will have a chance.
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Friday, January 9
Daily WHUFC News - 9th January 2015
Adrian earns Mimms praise
WHUFC.com
Bobby Mimms believes Adrian is performing as well as any goalkeeper in the
Barclays Premier League
08.01.2015
Adrian is performing as well as any goalkeeper in the Barclays Premier
League at present, according to West Ham United coach Bobby Mimms.
Mimms has worked closely with the Spaniard since his arrival at the Hammers
in October, and has been hugely impressed by Adrian's attitude, ability
and all-round approach to his craft. The 28-year-old has responded by
producing a string of eye-catching performances. Going into Saturday's trip
to Swansea City, Adrian has made 65 saves in the Barclays Premier League
goalkeeper this season, level with the Swans' own Lukasz Fabianski and
second only to Queens Park Rangers' former West Ham stopper Robert Green
(73). While he has been kept busy, Mimms says the former Real Betis man has
been up to the task repeatedly when called upon. "Adrian is doing really
well," the goalkeeper coach confirmed. "Since I came to the Club, he has
performed pretty consistently and over the Christmas period some of his
performances were top-class. "I don't think there is anybody performing in
the Premier League as well and as consistently as Adrian at the moment, so
long may that continue. "We will keep working out there on the training
pitch and hopefully he can carry that into the games."
Of his 65 saves, Adrian has made three from shots unleashed inside his
six-yard box and 31 apiece from inside and outside his penalty area. When
you factor in his accurate distribution over short and long distances, it is
easy to see why Mimms is among a growing number of people who rate the
Seville-born goalkeeper as one of the best in English football at present.
He will get another chance to prove his credentials when West Ham travel to
Wales to face Swansea on Saturday, with kick-off at the Liberty Stadium at
3pm. You can catch live coverage of the match on whufc.com and across our
social media channels.
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Howes ready for Spurs
WHUFC.com
Academy goalkeeper Sam Howes is confident the Dev Squad can build on
Leicester win
08.01.2015
West Ham United Academy goalkeeper Sam Howes was delighted to secure his
first clean sheet of the season in the Development Squad's 1-0 win over
Leicester City on Monday at Rush Green. In a tight affair, the Hammers came
out on top when substitute Djair Parfitt-Williams headed home Lewis Page's
corner in the 84th minute, and now the goalkeeper is looking for more
success when the U21s take on Tottenham Hotspur at Rush Green on Friday
night (7pm kick-off). Speaking after the game, the 18-year-old shot-stopper
said: "It was great to get my first clean sheet of the season for the U21s
on Monday. I thought we were excellent on the night. Leicester are a strong
team but we worked hard to get the result in the end. "To score in the 85th
minute was absolutely crucial. Our recent streak hasn't been going too well
for us but it was good to get the win and all the lads were buzzing."
Howes has had a notable season for the Hammers, making a substitute
appearance on the first team's pre-season tour of New Zealand, before
signing a professional contract. So far this season Howes has made five U21
appearances as well as 10 starts for the U18s. Assessing his own
performance, he continued: "I didn't have too much to do in the first half,
it was mainly distribution work. "In the second half the game opened up a
bit, and we got a bit more stretched. So I had one or two saves to make but
all the lads played their part and everyone is delighted get the three
points and a clean sheet."
The Dev Squad face a busy January with Friday night's game against rivals
Tottenham Hotspur their second of the week, out of five in total. After the
Spurs game, the Hammers will play away at Everton and Southampton while
hosting Chelsea on Friday 23 January.. However, Howes insists that everybody
is taking each game one at a time and they prepare for the Tottenham game.
"Leicester were very organised, they came with a plan to win. They're second
from bottom so they also needed the win. This win could change the course of
our season.
"Tottenham will be an even tougher game, they're doing well in the league.
It's a London derby and we're at home, this win over Leicester will give us
confidence so we have a chance. We had have a day off on Tuesday to recover
and then refocus for Tottenham."
Kick off at Rush Green is 7pm on Friday. Admission is FREE for Season Ticket
Holders, just £3 for adults and £1 for U16s.
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Senegal angry at Sakho withdrawal
BBC.co.uk
Senegal officials hope to prevent injured Diafra Sakho playing for West Ham
during the three-week-long Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
Forward Sakho, 25, is out with a back injury, with a senior Senegal official
accusing the Premier League side of a "lack of respect" over his
withdrawal. The 2002 runners-up wanted to assess the player's injury
themselves. "We're going to Fifa and the English FA," Senegal Football
Federation president Augustin Senghor.
Speaking to the Senegal Press Agency, Senghor added: "Obviously, West Ham
have shown a lack of respect in waiting until the last minute before
alerting us to Sakho's unavailability for six weeks and even his inability
to travel by plane to come and join the squad."
Sakho had been due to arrive in Dakar on Tuesday for Senegal medics to
assess his recurring back problem. But the player's agent said he had been
advised against travelling. Sakho missed three Premier League games after
suffering a back injury just before Senegal's final Africa Cup of Nations
qualifier against Botswana, which forced him to pull out of that match.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce was critical of Senegal's handling of the player
at the time, describing it as "outrageous".
Sakho will be replaced by Pape Moussa Konate, 21, who plays for Sion in
Switzerland, at the tournament in Equatorial Guinea.
It starts on 17 January and runs until 8 February. West Ham, seventh in the
table, have four Premier League games and at least one FA Cup replay during
the course of the Africa Cup of Nations. The Hammers said Allardyce is
expected to address the issue in his scheduled news conference on Friday.
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OXFORD READY TO COMMIT HIS FUTURE
By Sean Whetstone 8 Jan 2015 at 22:06
West Ham Till I DIe
Reece Oxford is poised to commit his long term future to the club according
to the Daily Mail. Oxford, who turned 16 last month, is viewed as one of
best Hammers Academy talents in many years with many of the Premier League's
top clubs looking to poach him from us over the last year.
Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal have all shown interest in the
teenager in the past, leading to fears from within West Ham that we could
lose Oxford as new contract talks with him stalled last year.
As a 15 year old, Oxford was an unused substitute in the Capital One Cup
defeat against Sheffield United in September The central defender has been
likened to former Hammers academy graduate Rio Ferdinand, could have left
for a nominal fee in the summer when his contract was due to expire. He also
captained England's U-17s in the summer
Chairman David Sullivan previously said last year when Oxford was 15 "It's a
joke that they can just come in and nick your best players for just
£250,000. Our academy costs just under £4 million a year to run. Up until
this season you could nick a 15-year-old for about £50,000. I think they are
going to change it now and there is going to be some retrospective
compensation. So you'll probably get £250,000."If you lose someone for a few
hundred thousand quid its nothing when the academy costs £4 million to run."
Official confirmation that he has put pen to paper is expected in January.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SENEGAL: WEST HAM TREATED US WITH DISRESPECT
By Iain Dale 8 Jan 2015 at 12:37
West Ham Till I Die
According to "talkSport" Senegal are accusing West Ham of showing no respect
to them and have reported West Ham to the FA and FIFA over Diafra Sakho's
injury. It has prevented him from playing in the African Nations Cup. Sam
wouldn't let Sakho get on a plane – not surprising considering Sakho has a
back injury, which, let's remember was caused by the Senegalese medical
team. They are saying he can't play for West Ham while the ACN is underway,
even if he recovers.
Perhaps they should be reminded just who pays his wages.
Idiots.
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West Ham youngster Reece Oxford set to pen new long-term deal at Upton Park
Jan 08, 2015 22:30 By John Cross, James Nursey
Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal have all reportedly been eyeing the
16-year-old, but the Hammers look set to hold on to him
The Mirror
West Ham teenager Reece Oxford is set to give the club a major boost by
committing his long term future to Upton Park. Liverpool, Manchester United
and Arsenal have all been tracking the 16-year-old defender who is viewed as
one of the country's brightest prospects.
Oxford, who has captained England's under-17s, has already made the bench
for the first team and is now set to sign a deal after positive
negotiations. The Hammers are trying to snap up PSG starlet Jean-Kevin
Augustin on the cheap. The exciting France U18 international striker is out
of contract this summer. He has a clutch of top European clubs chasing him
including Juventus, Roma, Benfica and Porto. The youngster, who turns 18 in
June, is now able to speak to foreign clubs. And the high-flying Hammers are
trying to broker a cut-price deal to bring him this month or agree terms for
the summer.
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Carroll OK for Swans clash despite new injury!
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 8, 2015 in Whispers
Claret * Hugh
Andy Carroll posted photographic evidence of a new injury to his thousands
of followers on Instagram today. Despite having state of art medical
facilities and staff at West Ham it was left to the future Mrs Carroll to
make a home made plaster for the £16m striker. Neither his little finger or
the ankle problem which saw him miss the Third Round FA Cup Tie at Everton
will keep him out of the game at Swansea this weekend! ClaretandHugh was
told: "He'll be fine – the knock he took in training which kept him out of
the Everton game was very minor."
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Irons on Jarvis-Ipswich loan link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 8, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Matt Jarvis will not be allowed out on loan this month despite rumours of
interest from promotion-seeking Championship club Ipswich.
With the Hammers short on numbers, Jarvis is seen as a key member of the
squad and a source said there was no chance of the winger being let out on
loan. Rumours had been circulating in Ipswich that his former Wolves boss
Mick McCarthy was keen but a Hammers source told ClaretandHugh: "There's
been no contact and it's difficult to see how they could afford him." With
the Tractor Boys in second place in the Championship, Jarvis would make an
ideal signing but the Irons are adamant it won't happen. A source told
ClaretandHugh: "We couldn't allow it even if Ipswich could afford to do a
deal. We need Matt – he's very much part of things at the moment."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Senegal step up Sakho hot air war
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 8, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Senegal – it seems is still on the warpath making all sorts of threatening
noises about Diafra Sakho being unavailable for the African Nations Cup.
Rarely has so much noise been heard as toys come flying out of a pram with
Senegal Football Federation president Augustin Senghor saying the Irons
waited until "the last minute" before letting him know about the situation.
That of course is very much open to question as the player was injured on
New Year's Day and the scans and specialists' report was in their hands
within three or four days. It's still only a week later and every nation has
until the 17th of the month to finalise its squad anyway- so much for last
minute. Much hot air it seems is rising over Africa. As ClaretandHugh
reported earlier, Senegal were told to send their own doctor to check him
out, which hasn't happened. Now whose fault could that be? Senghor however,
ranted to the Senegal Press Agency: "Obviously, West Ham have shown a lack
of respect in waiting until the last minute before alerting us to Sakho's
unavailability for six weeks and even his inability to travel by plane to
come and join the squad."
That demonstrates how little these guys appear to know about back injuries
which let's remember was inflicted on the player during his last excursion
with the national squad – so perhaps we are expecting a little too much from
Mr Senghor The like his manager Alain Giresse he threatens that the SFAS
will go to Fifa and the English FA to make sure our rights and the
regulations are applied pompous; declaring: "And as such Diafra will not
play for the specified for his unavailability." Perhaps if the player hadn't
been injured whilst in their care we may have a little more sympathy towards
them – err actually No!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Senegal boss rage despite Irons "check Sakho" call
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 8, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Senegal boss Alain Giresse is trying to get heavy-handed with the Irons over
Diafra Sakho's injury and absence from the African Nations Cup. The Senegal
head coach has gone public with inflammatory remarks threatening the Hammers
not to play Diafra Sakho should he recover before his country exit the
competition. However, ClaretandHugh finds the remarks surprising to put it
mildly as we understand the club has offered every opportunity for a Senegal
medical team to check him out. As yet no doctor has emerged from the Senegal
camp despite an invitation to do so which make Giresse's remarks all the
more surprising. We understand too that scans and reports from leading back
specialists in London have been sent to them but West Ham have received
absolutely no response. Sam Allardyce says the striker is set to miss
another two to five weeks with a recurrence of his back injury as was
reported on this site last week. But none of that has stopped Giresse
saying: "If they don't want Sakho to come so they can play him they are
wrong. He doesn't have the right."
There's also the implication that Senegal will use Fifa rules in a bid ro
reinforce Giresse's public position.
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Reece Oxford commits future to West Ham amid interest in 16-year-old
wonderkid from Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal
Reece Oxford is to sign a long-term contract with West Ham
16-year-old defender is wanted by Man United, Liverpool and Arsenal
Oxford is viewed as one of English football's outstanding young talents
He made the West Ham squad for Capital One Cup tie with Sheffield United
Oxford has captained the England Under 17 side
By SAMI MOKBEL FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 15:05, 8 January 2015 | UPDATED: 15:24, 8 January 2015
West Ham are set for a major boost with the news that wonderkid Reece Oxford
is poised to commit his long term future to the club.
Oxford, who turned 16 last month, is viewed as one of England's talents with
all of the Premier League's elite looking to poach him from Upton Park.
Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal have all shown a major interest in
the teenager in recent months, leading to genuine fears from within West Ham
that they could lose Oxford. But the young defender is close to agreeing a
new contract with the Hammers that will - for the time being - end any
uncertainty over his future. Talks over fresh terms have been ongoing for
several weeks. Discussions had originally stalled, but it is understood a
breakthrough has now been made that will see Oxford, who has captained
England Under-17s, put pen to paper. Oxford - who was 15 at the time - was
an unused substitute in the Capital One Cup defeat against Sheffield United
in September - a clear indication of how highly regarded he is by West Ham
staff. The central defender, who has been likened to former Hammers academy
graduate Rio Ferdinand, could have left for a nominal fee in the summer when
his contract was due to expire. But the Hammers are now confident that
scenario has been avoided after positive talks.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham must make this change if they want to push on
By Matt Bourne - Jan 8, 2015
SHARE Facebook Twitter
West Ham were unlucky not to see out the FA Cup clash against Everton at
Goodison Park, with the hosts eventually grabbing a late equaliser through
Romelu Lukaku.
Although it wasn't the best performance West Ham have produced this season,
there were a number of impressive individual displays both in defence and
midfield. Apart from the goal, West Ham looked very strong defensively.
Ironically, Winston Reid had one of his best games this season and James
Collins made a number of good blocks as well as taking his goal very well.
The only concern from a West Ham point of view will be Kevin Nolan's
disappointing performance. There were times when Nolan gave the ball away
under very little pressure and his touch looked tiresome. For some reason,
it looks as if Nolan is not even close to the fitness levels of his fellow
teammates around him.
In a way, it actually makes Mark Noble's job in midfield a lot more
difficult, as Nolan does not have the pace to recover if he does make a
mistake, leaving Noble with more responsibility in midfield. The presence of
Cheikou Kouyate and Alex Song alongside Kevin Nolan in recent games has
steered the attention away from the English midfielder but he looked
completely out of sorts against Everton.
Although Nolan has been an excellent servant for West Ham over the years, he
looks as if his best days are behind him. When Allardyce starts him in
central midfield, it just doesn't work. Using Nolan as an attacking
substitute in the final 10 minutes of games is probably the best way to
handle his future.
Fans may be calling for another central midfielder to be bought in January.
However, the young Diego Poyet has not been given that much of an
opportunity in terms of getting a run in the side and playing him alongside
Noble in the centre of midfield could be a better option for Allardyce. His
playing style is also quite similar to Noble's as well, he has a tendency to
keep things very simple and can pick out a pass. In central midfield,
keeping the ball well and using it wisely will give you the upper hand in
games. If Poyet gets a run in the side, he could prove to be the ideal
replacement for some noticeable absentees in the middle of the park.
The other cause for concern at West Ham at the moment is the current
situation up front. With Sakho not featuring for a while, Allardyce is left
with Carlton Cole, Andy Carroll and Enner Valencia as his three striking
options. Although Valencia performed well against Everton, he looked
incredibly isolated at times and it looks as if he needs a strike partner
like Sakho in order to really thrive up front. The probable strike force
Allardyce will opt for is Valencia and Carroll, something that hasn't worked
as of yet. However, due to the departure of Mauro Zarate (better not open
that can of worms), Allardyce has very little choice in who he can play up
front. A new striker in January to replace Zarate would make sense, as West
Ham now look a little bare in numbers up front.
Another potential problem for Allardyce in January could be the departure of
Winston Reid from West Ham. If he continues to play like he did against
Everton for the remainder of the season, there is no doubt that Big Sam will
want to keep him. However, he has not looked as assured as he usually does
at the back this campaign and this is probably due to the rumours linking
him with a move away from Upton Park. If the club receives a bid of around
£7million for a player whose contract is up very soon, it may be wise to
cash in on him rather than lose him for nothing in the summer.
That amount of money would free up wages, giving the manager the budget to
explore the market and bring in a quality replacement. Although it would be
sad to see Winston go, Allardyce needs to be thinking about potential
replacements for Reid and allowing him to leave this window could suit both
parties.
Overall, January is a very important time for West Ham as they need to
bounce back from a slightly disappointing Christmas. The next few fixtures
will reveal a lot about the character of this squad due to the absence of
some key players, but the returning Alex Song will add a much needed boost
to the side before the trip to the Liberty Stadium this weekend.
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WHUFC.com
Bobby Mimms believes Adrian is performing as well as any goalkeeper in the
Barclays Premier League
08.01.2015
Adrian is performing as well as any goalkeeper in the Barclays Premier
League at present, according to West Ham United coach Bobby Mimms.
Mimms has worked closely with the Spaniard since his arrival at the Hammers
in October, and has been hugely impressed by Adrian's attitude, ability
and all-round approach to his craft. The 28-year-old has responded by
producing a string of eye-catching performances. Going into Saturday's trip
to Swansea City, Adrian has made 65 saves in the Barclays Premier League
goalkeeper this season, level with the Swans' own Lukasz Fabianski and
second only to Queens Park Rangers' former West Ham stopper Robert Green
(73). While he has been kept busy, Mimms says the former Real Betis man has
been up to the task repeatedly when called upon. "Adrian is doing really
well," the goalkeeper coach confirmed. "Since I came to the Club, he has
performed pretty consistently and over the Christmas period some of his
performances were top-class. "I don't think there is anybody performing in
the Premier League as well and as consistently as Adrian at the moment, so
long may that continue. "We will keep working out there on the training
pitch and hopefully he can carry that into the games."
Of his 65 saves, Adrian has made three from shots unleashed inside his
six-yard box and 31 apiece from inside and outside his penalty area. When
you factor in his accurate distribution over short and long distances, it is
easy to see why Mimms is among a growing number of people who rate the
Seville-born goalkeeper as one of the best in English football at present.
He will get another chance to prove his credentials when West Ham travel to
Wales to face Swansea on Saturday, with kick-off at the Liberty Stadium at
3pm. You can catch live coverage of the match on whufc.com and across our
social media channels.
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Howes ready for Spurs
WHUFC.com
Academy goalkeeper Sam Howes is confident the Dev Squad can build on
Leicester win
08.01.2015
West Ham United Academy goalkeeper Sam Howes was delighted to secure his
first clean sheet of the season in the Development Squad's 1-0 win over
Leicester City on Monday at Rush Green. In a tight affair, the Hammers came
out on top when substitute Djair Parfitt-Williams headed home Lewis Page's
corner in the 84th minute, and now the goalkeeper is looking for more
success when the U21s take on Tottenham Hotspur at Rush Green on Friday
night (7pm kick-off). Speaking after the game, the 18-year-old shot-stopper
said: "It was great to get my first clean sheet of the season for the U21s
on Monday. I thought we were excellent on the night. Leicester are a strong
team but we worked hard to get the result in the end. "To score in the 85th
minute was absolutely crucial. Our recent streak hasn't been going too well
for us but it was good to get the win and all the lads were buzzing."
Howes has had a notable season for the Hammers, making a substitute
appearance on the first team's pre-season tour of New Zealand, before
signing a professional contract. So far this season Howes has made five U21
appearances as well as 10 starts for the U18s. Assessing his own
performance, he continued: "I didn't have too much to do in the first half,
it was mainly distribution work. "In the second half the game opened up a
bit, and we got a bit more stretched. So I had one or two saves to make but
all the lads played their part and everyone is delighted get the three
points and a clean sheet."
The Dev Squad face a busy January with Friday night's game against rivals
Tottenham Hotspur their second of the week, out of five in total. After the
Spurs game, the Hammers will play away at Everton and Southampton while
hosting Chelsea on Friday 23 January.. However, Howes insists that everybody
is taking each game one at a time and they prepare for the Tottenham game.
"Leicester were very organised, they came with a plan to win. They're second
from bottom so they also needed the win. This win could change the course of
our season.
"Tottenham will be an even tougher game, they're doing well in the league.
It's a London derby and we're at home, this win over Leicester will give us
confidence so we have a chance. We had have a day off on Tuesday to recover
and then refocus for Tottenham."
Kick off at Rush Green is 7pm on Friday. Admission is FREE for Season Ticket
Holders, just £3 for adults and £1 for U16s.
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Senegal angry at Sakho withdrawal
BBC.co.uk
Senegal officials hope to prevent injured Diafra Sakho playing for West Ham
during the three-week-long Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
Forward Sakho, 25, is out with a back injury, with a senior Senegal official
accusing the Premier League side of a "lack of respect" over his
withdrawal. The 2002 runners-up wanted to assess the player's injury
themselves. "We're going to Fifa and the English FA," Senegal Football
Federation president Augustin Senghor.
Speaking to the Senegal Press Agency, Senghor added: "Obviously, West Ham
have shown a lack of respect in waiting until the last minute before
alerting us to Sakho's unavailability for six weeks and even his inability
to travel by plane to come and join the squad."
Sakho had been due to arrive in Dakar on Tuesday for Senegal medics to
assess his recurring back problem. But the player's agent said he had been
advised against travelling. Sakho missed three Premier League games after
suffering a back injury just before Senegal's final Africa Cup of Nations
qualifier against Botswana, which forced him to pull out of that match.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce was critical of Senegal's handling of the player
at the time, describing it as "outrageous".
Sakho will be replaced by Pape Moussa Konate, 21, who plays for Sion in
Switzerland, at the tournament in Equatorial Guinea.
It starts on 17 January and runs until 8 February. West Ham, seventh in the
table, have four Premier League games and at least one FA Cup replay during
the course of the Africa Cup of Nations. The Hammers said Allardyce is
expected to address the issue in his scheduled news conference on Friday.
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OXFORD READY TO COMMIT HIS FUTURE
By Sean Whetstone 8 Jan 2015 at 22:06
West Ham Till I DIe
Reece Oxford is poised to commit his long term future to the club according
to the Daily Mail. Oxford, who turned 16 last month, is viewed as one of
best Hammers Academy talents in many years with many of the Premier League's
top clubs looking to poach him from us over the last year.
Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal have all shown interest in the
teenager in the past, leading to fears from within West Ham that we could
lose Oxford as new contract talks with him stalled last year.
As a 15 year old, Oxford was an unused substitute in the Capital One Cup
defeat against Sheffield United in September The central defender has been
likened to former Hammers academy graduate Rio Ferdinand, could have left
for a nominal fee in the summer when his contract was due to expire. He also
captained England's U-17s in the summer
Chairman David Sullivan previously said last year when Oxford was 15 "It's a
joke that they can just come in and nick your best players for just
£250,000. Our academy costs just under £4 million a year to run. Up until
this season you could nick a 15-year-old for about £50,000. I think they are
going to change it now and there is going to be some retrospective
compensation. So you'll probably get £250,000."If you lose someone for a few
hundred thousand quid its nothing when the academy costs £4 million to run."
Official confirmation that he has put pen to paper is expected in January.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SENEGAL: WEST HAM TREATED US WITH DISRESPECT
By Iain Dale 8 Jan 2015 at 12:37
West Ham Till I Die
According to "talkSport" Senegal are accusing West Ham of showing no respect
to them and have reported West Ham to the FA and FIFA over Diafra Sakho's
injury. It has prevented him from playing in the African Nations Cup. Sam
wouldn't let Sakho get on a plane – not surprising considering Sakho has a
back injury, which, let's remember was caused by the Senegalese medical
team. They are saying he can't play for West Ham while the ACN is underway,
even if he recovers.
Perhaps they should be reminded just who pays his wages.
Idiots.
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West Ham youngster Reece Oxford set to pen new long-term deal at Upton Park
Jan 08, 2015 22:30 By John Cross, James Nursey
Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal have all reportedly been eyeing the
16-year-old, but the Hammers look set to hold on to him
The Mirror
West Ham teenager Reece Oxford is set to give the club a major boost by
committing his long term future to Upton Park. Liverpool, Manchester United
and Arsenal have all been tracking the 16-year-old defender who is viewed as
one of the country's brightest prospects.
Oxford, who has captained England's under-17s, has already made the bench
for the first team and is now set to sign a deal after positive
negotiations. The Hammers are trying to snap up PSG starlet Jean-Kevin
Augustin on the cheap. The exciting France U18 international striker is out
of contract this summer. He has a clutch of top European clubs chasing him
including Juventus, Roma, Benfica and Porto. The youngster, who turns 18 in
June, is now able to speak to foreign clubs. And the high-flying Hammers are
trying to broker a cut-price deal to bring him this month or agree terms for
the summer.
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Carroll OK for Swans clash despite new injury!
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 8, 2015 in Whispers
Claret * Hugh
Andy Carroll posted photographic evidence of a new injury to his thousands
of followers on Instagram today. Despite having state of art medical
facilities and staff at West Ham it was left to the future Mrs Carroll to
make a home made plaster for the £16m striker. Neither his little finger or
the ankle problem which saw him miss the Third Round FA Cup Tie at Everton
will keep him out of the game at Swansea this weekend! ClaretandHugh was
told: "He'll be fine – the knock he took in training which kept him out of
the Everton game was very minor."
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Irons on Jarvis-Ipswich loan link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 8, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Matt Jarvis will not be allowed out on loan this month despite rumours of
interest from promotion-seeking Championship club Ipswich.
With the Hammers short on numbers, Jarvis is seen as a key member of the
squad and a source said there was no chance of the winger being let out on
loan. Rumours had been circulating in Ipswich that his former Wolves boss
Mick McCarthy was keen but a Hammers source told ClaretandHugh: "There's
been no contact and it's difficult to see how they could afford him." With
the Tractor Boys in second place in the Championship, Jarvis would make an
ideal signing but the Irons are adamant it won't happen. A source told
ClaretandHugh: "We couldn't allow it even if Ipswich could afford to do a
deal. We need Matt – he's very much part of things at the moment."
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Senegal step up Sakho hot air war
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 8, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Senegal – it seems is still on the warpath making all sorts of threatening
noises about Diafra Sakho being unavailable for the African Nations Cup.
Rarely has so much noise been heard as toys come flying out of a pram with
Senegal Football Federation president Augustin Senghor saying the Irons
waited until "the last minute" before letting him know about the situation.
That of course is very much open to question as the player was injured on
New Year's Day and the scans and specialists' report was in their hands
within three or four days. It's still only a week later and every nation has
until the 17th of the month to finalise its squad anyway- so much for last
minute. Much hot air it seems is rising over Africa. As ClaretandHugh
reported earlier, Senegal were told to send their own doctor to check him
out, which hasn't happened. Now whose fault could that be? Senghor however,
ranted to the Senegal Press Agency: "Obviously, West Ham have shown a lack
of respect in waiting until the last minute before alerting us to Sakho's
unavailability for six weeks and even his inability to travel by plane to
come and join the squad."
That demonstrates how little these guys appear to know about back injuries
which let's remember was inflicted on the player during his last excursion
with the national squad – so perhaps we are expecting a little too much from
Mr Senghor The like his manager Alain Giresse he threatens that the SFAS
will go to Fifa and the English FA to make sure our rights and the
regulations are applied pompous; declaring: "And as such Diafra will not
play for the specified for his unavailability." Perhaps if the player hadn't
been injured whilst in their care we may have a little more sympathy towards
them – err actually No!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Senegal boss rage despite Irons "check Sakho" call
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 8, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Senegal boss Alain Giresse is trying to get heavy-handed with the Irons over
Diafra Sakho's injury and absence from the African Nations Cup. The Senegal
head coach has gone public with inflammatory remarks threatening the Hammers
not to play Diafra Sakho should he recover before his country exit the
competition. However, ClaretandHugh finds the remarks surprising to put it
mildly as we understand the club has offered every opportunity for a Senegal
medical team to check him out. As yet no doctor has emerged from the Senegal
camp despite an invitation to do so which make Giresse's remarks all the
more surprising. We understand too that scans and reports from leading back
specialists in London have been sent to them but West Ham have received
absolutely no response. Sam Allardyce says the striker is set to miss
another two to five weeks with a recurrence of his back injury as was
reported on this site last week. But none of that has stopped Giresse
saying: "If they don't want Sakho to come so they can play him they are
wrong. He doesn't have the right."
There's also the implication that Senegal will use Fifa rules in a bid ro
reinforce Giresse's public position.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reece Oxford commits future to West Ham amid interest in 16-year-old
wonderkid from Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal
Reece Oxford is to sign a long-term contract with West Ham
16-year-old defender is wanted by Man United, Liverpool and Arsenal
Oxford is viewed as one of English football's outstanding young talents
He made the West Ham squad for Capital One Cup tie with Sheffield United
Oxford has captained the England Under 17 side
By SAMI MOKBEL FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 15:05, 8 January 2015 | UPDATED: 15:24, 8 January 2015
West Ham are set for a major boost with the news that wonderkid Reece Oxford
is poised to commit his long term future to the club.
Oxford, who turned 16 last month, is viewed as one of England's talents with
all of the Premier League's elite looking to poach him from Upton Park.
Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal have all shown a major interest in
the teenager in recent months, leading to genuine fears from within West Ham
that they could lose Oxford. But the young defender is close to agreeing a
new contract with the Hammers that will - for the time being - end any
uncertainty over his future. Talks over fresh terms have been ongoing for
several weeks. Discussions had originally stalled, but it is understood a
breakthrough has now been made that will see Oxford, who has captained
England Under-17s, put pen to paper. Oxford - who was 15 at the time - was
an unused substitute in the Capital One Cup defeat against Sheffield United
in September - a clear indication of how highly regarded he is by West Ham
staff. The central defender, who has been likened to former Hammers academy
graduate Rio Ferdinand, could have left for a nominal fee in the summer when
his contract was due to expire. But the Hammers are now confident that
scenario has been avoided after positive talks.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham must make this change if they want to push on
By Matt Bourne - Jan 8, 2015
SHARE Facebook Twitter
West Ham were unlucky not to see out the FA Cup clash against Everton at
Goodison Park, with the hosts eventually grabbing a late equaliser through
Romelu Lukaku.
Although it wasn't the best performance West Ham have produced this season,
there were a number of impressive individual displays both in defence and
midfield. Apart from the goal, West Ham looked very strong defensively.
Ironically, Winston Reid had one of his best games this season and James
Collins made a number of good blocks as well as taking his goal very well.
The only concern from a West Ham point of view will be Kevin Nolan's
disappointing performance. There were times when Nolan gave the ball away
under very little pressure and his touch looked tiresome. For some reason,
it looks as if Nolan is not even close to the fitness levels of his fellow
teammates around him.
In a way, it actually makes Mark Noble's job in midfield a lot more
difficult, as Nolan does not have the pace to recover if he does make a
mistake, leaving Noble with more responsibility in midfield. The presence of
Cheikou Kouyate and Alex Song alongside Kevin Nolan in recent games has
steered the attention away from the English midfielder but he looked
completely out of sorts against Everton.
Although Nolan has been an excellent servant for West Ham over the years, he
looks as if his best days are behind him. When Allardyce starts him in
central midfield, it just doesn't work. Using Nolan as an attacking
substitute in the final 10 minutes of games is probably the best way to
handle his future.
Fans may be calling for another central midfielder to be bought in January.
However, the young Diego Poyet has not been given that much of an
opportunity in terms of getting a run in the side and playing him alongside
Noble in the centre of midfield could be a better option for Allardyce. His
playing style is also quite similar to Noble's as well, he has a tendency to
keep things very simple and can pick out a pass. In central midfield,
keeping the ball well and using it wisely will give you the upper hand in
games. If Poyet gets a run in the side, he could prove to be the ideal
replacement for some noticeable absentees in the middle of the park.
The other cause for concern at West Ham at the moment is the current
situation up front. With Sakho not featuring for a while, Allardyce is left
with Carlton Cole, Andy Carroll and Enner Valencia as his three striking
options. Although Valencia performed well against Everton, he looked
incredibly isolated at times and it looks as if he needs a strike partner
like Sakho in order to really thrive up front. The probable strike force
Allardyce will opt for is Valencia and Carroll, something that hasn't worked
as of yet. However, due to the departure of Mauro Zarate (better not open
that can of worms), Allardyce has very little choice in who he can play up
front. A new striker in January to replace Zarate would make sense, as West
Ham now look a little bare in numbers up front.
Another potential problem for Allardyce in January could be the departure of
Winston Reid from West Ham. If he continues to play like he did against
Everton for the remainder of the season, there is no doubt that Big Sam will
want to keep him. However, he has not looked as assured as he usually does
at the back this campaign and this is probably due to the rumours linking
him with a move away from Upton Park. If the club receives a bid of around
£7million for a player whose contract is up very soon, it may be wise to
cash in on him rather than lose him for nothing in the summer.
That amount of money would free up wages, giving the manager the budget to
explore the market and bring in a quality replacement. Although it would be
sad to see Winston go, Allardyce needs to be thinking about potential
replacements for Reid and allowing him to leave this window could suit both
parties.
Overall, January is a very important time for West Ham as they need to
bounce back from a slightly disappointing Christmas. The next few fixtures
will reveal a lot about the character of this squad due to the absence of
some key players, but the returning Alex Song will add a much needed boost
to the side before the trip to the Liberty Stadium this weekend.
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Thursday, January 8
Daily WHUFC News - 8th January 2015
Big Sam rues late leveller
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce was frustrated to see Romelu Lukaku cancel out James Collins'
goal at Everton
06.01.2015
Sam Allardyce was left to rue an opportunity missed after Romelu Lukaku's
stoppage time leveller denied West Ham United an FA Cup third round victory
at Everton on Tuesday. The Hammers looked bound for the fourth round when
James Collins headed them into a 55th minute lead, but they could not hold
out and were punished at the death. It means the teams have it all to do
again at the Boleyn Ground next Tuesday and Allardyce felt his team's
performance merited victory at the first time of asking, up until they
dropped off at the end.
"We did think we were there," he said, "When you get so close and get to
injury time, all you have to do is make sure you keep your composure, I
think we lost a little bit of it just at that final minute. "There was a bit
of luck in it getting through so many bodies to Lukaku, but we should have
done better before that and made sure we didn't get into that position.
"It's a great shame after such a good performance and being 1-0 up but we'll
have to try and finish the job at Upton Park now. "It was a very good
performance. Away from home, and when it's the FA Cup, you know that Everton
are going to throw caution to the wind, because if they don't do anything
from an attacking point of view they're out of the competition. "They threw
plenty of players forward and what we didn't do towards the end was when we
broke out, we didn't relieve the pressure and kept giving the ball away. "We
didn't get the ball back into Everton's half and make them even more
desperate. We didn't retain the ball well enough in that period - that led
to more pressure and in the end we cracked. "Overall, the performance was
excellent, the result was disappointing when you get so close and that man
Lukaku, every time he plays against us he scores. No matter how well we
marshal him, he always seems to pop up somewhere with a goal, which is a
great shame for tonight, but we're still in the hat."
Allardyce felt a golden opportunity for Enner Valencia just after Collins'
opener could have killed the tie in the Hammers' favour.
He added: "We were well worthy of the lead and the disappointing thing was
that Enner didn't score at that crucial point. At this level of football,
when you get that golden chance you can't afford to miss it. "At 2-0 that
kills Everton's spirit. At 1-0 and going out of the competition they're
going to throw men forward, so if we had got that two-goal cushion we would
be sat here through to the next round, but because we didn't and because we
slipped up a little defensively [it's a replay]."
West Ham forced 15 corners on the night and made their breakthrough from
one, as Morgan Amalfitano delivered for Collins. Big Sam explained: "We were
asking for more quality in the box and when you get the quality you get the
chances. Ginge has made a very good run and scored a good header. "We caused
them quite a few problems all night with the corners and finally got what we
deserved, which was a goal. "Everybody gave it everything they've got and
more but didn't quite get the result we expected in the end."
The Hammers now face a replay in seven days time and Allardyce says that
will test his squad further. He said: "We've got a difficult task now
because we've got to play another Cup game before we play a Premier League
game. We've only got a few days to recover for Swansea and now we'll play
again on Tuesday with only a few days to recover for the next game. "It will
be tough on the lads, especially with the shortage of the squad now.
Hopefully Andy will be back by the weekend, but lads have just got to dig in
now and pick up more points, before hopefully beating Everton and getting
through to the next round."
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Farewell Boleyn plans taking shape
WHUFC.com
The Club have issued an update on their plans for the final season at the
Boleyn Ground
07.01.2015
The 2015/16 season will be one that lives long in the memory of West Ham
United fans the world over, as the Club bids an emotional farewell to their
home of more than 110 years.
This August, the Hammers will kick-off their final season at the Boleyn
Ground before they move to the new Stadium and plans to make sure of a
fitting farewell are gathering pace.
The Club have already begun reaching out to fans to ask for your favourite
memories of your time at the Boleyn Ground and the resulting feedback will
help shape the commemorations at key fixtures next season. Memorable
matches, legendary players and some of the main figures who helped make the
Boleyn Ground what it is today will all feature during what promises to be
an unforgettable 19 games for the Claret and Blue Army.
Season Tickets
There is expected to be unprecedented demand for Season Tickets next season
and several thousand fans have already joined the waiting list for new
applications once the renewal process is over. Any supporter who wishes to
be a part of the final season celebrations and is not a current Season
Ticket Holder or Half-Season Ticket Holder and has not yet joined the
waiting list is urged to do so as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
Due to expected record numbers of Season Tickets for 2015/16 and the
extended period that will be required to move fans to the new Stadium, the
Club are bringing forward the renewal window for Season Ticket Holders.
From Monday 16 February to 5pm on 17 April 2015, current Season Ticket
Holders can secure their place for the 2015/16 season by either placing a
£75 non-refundable deposit or paying for their seat in full. Please note
that any supporter wanting to renew must meet the early renewal period
deadline or they run the risk of losing their seat for the final season.
To ensure supporters are not adversely affected by the early renewal
process, the deadline for paying any remaining balance on their purchase
will be consistent with previous seasons - 4pm on 31 May 2015.
Commenting on the final season plans, Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and
David Gold said: "A 2015/16 Season Ticket is the only way supporters can
make sure of their place in history by attending every match of our final
year at the Boleyn Ground, including the last-ever game at our home of more
than 110 years.
"The level of interest in Season Tickets has been phenomenal and we expect
to hit our cap before the start of the season. This, in turn, will mean
there will be far less tickets available to supporters on a match-by-match
basis.
"It is clear that our final year at the Boleyn Ground and our first year at
the new Stadium will be two seasons that no West Ham fan will want to miss.
It is in response to that demand - and the pressures of managing it - that
we are beginning next season's renewals and sales process earlier than
normal.
"As long-standing advocates of making football more affordable, we are
pleased to confirm that we will be freezing Under-10s and Under-16s Season
Ticket prices for a second consecutive year. With prices starting at just
£110 for Under-10s and £235 for Under-16s, we are hoping as many young
Hammers as possible can be part of what is sure to be an exciting and
emotional 19 games."
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady added: "Since 2010, our commitment to the fans
has been to restore the Club's long-term financial health, while at the same
time investing substantially in improving the playing squad.
"The nine signings we made last summer have all made a big impact and we are
planning significant further investment in the playing staff this summer.
"We are also improving the financial situation at the Club and are on course
to meet our target of being clear of external debt by the time we move to
our stunning new home on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. "After last year's
price freeze across the board, I am pleased we have been able to once again
freeze prices for junior supporters. For everyone else we have capped the
increase to all tickets at five per cent, the equivalent of just £1.58 per
game for price band 4 or £2.37 per game for price band 1.
"Over the past five years, the increase in the price of a renewed Season
Ticket at the Boleyn Ground has tracked at approximately 40 per cent below
the rate of inflation (RPI), meaning a Season Ticket still represents
fantastic value for money. "The 2015/16 season will be a stand-out year in
the history of our great Club and, working with the manager, we will make
sure we have a team that will do West Ham United and the Boleyn Ground
proud."
A West Ham United Season Ticket will continue to be the cheapest way to
watch every home game. Crucially, all 2015/16 Season Ticket Holders will
also receive priority status when it comes to selecting seats at the new
Stadium, with the opportunity to choose their seats using the cutting edge
'virtual venue' technology employed at our dedicated Reservation Centre in
Westfield Stratford City.
The prices for Season Tickets in the new Stadium will be announced in April,
but the Club can confirm that prices will be comparable to those in the
final season at the Boleyn Ground. Information for all existing Season
Ticket Holders, including supporters who have purchased a Half-Season Ticket
during the 2014/15 season:
- To secure your seat for the final season, you will need to renew by 5pm on
17 April 2015. This can be done either by paying a £75 non-refundable
deposit or paying in full.
- If you choose to secure your seat by paying a deposit, you will need to
pay the full amount for your 2015/16 Season Ticket by 4pm on 31 May 2015. If
you do not pay the remaining amount before the deadline, you will risk
losing your seat for the 2015/16 season and your priority for the move to
the new Stadium.
- Every Season Ticket Holder will receive a renewal pack by post, as well as
reminders online and by email.
- As normal, each existing Season Ticket Holder will have the opportunity to
apply for two additional Season Tickets for the 2015/16 season (subject to
demand).
Information for supporters who want to buy a 2015/16 Season Ticket:
- After 17 April, any remaining Season Ticket seats that have not been
purchased by existing Season Ticket Holders under the above process will go
on sale to supporters on the Season Ticket waiting list.
- With this in mind, we strongly advise any supporters who are interested in
buying a 2015/16 Season Ticket, who are not current Season Ticket holders,
to join the waiting list now.
For more information and any queries on Season Ticket renewals and sales,
please consult the FAQs below. Alternatively, visit the website here, call
0871 529 1966 and select option three between 9am-5pm (calls cost 10p per
minute plus network extras), or visit the Stadium Ticket Office in person,
situated in the Alpari Stand at the Boleyn Ground.
FAQs:
Why is the renewals process happening earlier this year?
The Club are dealing with two special factors next season: unprecedented
demand from supporters for tickets for the final season at the Boleyn
Ground; and co-ordinating the move of every Season Ticket Holder and
Corporate Member to the new Stadium. This includes scheduling individual
appointments for them to choose their seats.
This is a carefully timetabled process where every week that passes will be
important to deal with demand.
In order to help our Season Ticket Holders to plan around this earlier
renewal deadline, we have set up a mechanism giving supporters the option to
secure their seats with the payment of a £75 deposit.
What happens if I don't pay my deposit in April but do pay the full ticket
price by the end of May?
In order to secure your renewed Season Ticket you must pay either the £75
non-refundable deposit or the full amount by 5pm on 17 April 2015.
What if I want to pay the whole amount in full, rather than pay a deposit?
That is no problem. Provided you pay either the deposit or the full amount
before 17 April, your ticket will be secure, and your priority placing for
the move to the new Stadium will be unaffected.
When will the process and pricing for seasonal corporate packages be
released?
Details of the seasonal corporate packages available for the final season at
the Boleyn Ground will be announced in February 2015.
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Song calls time on Cameroon
WHUFC.com
Alex Song has retired from international duty with Cameroon
06.01.2015
Alex Song has announced that he has retired from international duty with
Cameroon with immediate effect. The on-loan West Ham United midfielder made
the announcement on social media on Tuesday evening in a move that will see
him miss the upcoming African Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea. Song
cited the main reason for the decision as his ambition to rebuild his club
career with the Hammers.
In a statement, Song said: 'Since the World Cup in the summer and my
subsequent exclusion from the Cameroon squad for the African Cup of Nations
I have taken the decision to retire from international football. "It its
true there were some discussions of late to include me in the squad for this
tournament but I feel after a lot of careful thought and numerous
discussions with my family this is the right decision. "My love for my
country will never change but I want to take time to focus purely on
domestic football and start to rebuild my career at West Ham United. I wish
Cameroon all the best and the team will always be in my heart."
Song's last game for Camroon came in the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil, when
he was sent off against Croatia. In total, the 27-year-old played 47 games
for The Indomitable Lions after making his debut in 2005.
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The Big Interview - James Collins
WHUFC.com
Goalscorer James Collins reflects on a frustrating FA Cup third-round draw
at Everton
06.01.2015
James Collins insists West Ham United's FA Cup dream is still very much
alive following Tuesday's 1-1 third-round draw at Everton. The centre-back
produced an outstanding individual display at Goodison Park, scoring the
tie's opening goal on 56 minutes and defending heroically for the entire
game. Unfortunately for the Wales international and his Hammers teammates,
Romelu Lukaku's added-time equaliser means the two sides will have to do it
all again at the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday 13 January.
Ginge, having scored and defended so well for so long going into
injury-time, it must have been doubly disappointing to concede late on?
JC: "Yes, as you say we don't concede many late goals, so it was very
disappointing to give the goal away. Conceding is disappointing at any time,
so to do it in injury-time in the FA Cup knowing we'll have to play another
game now is even more disappointing. We played very well and everyone was on
form and we were unlucky not to have the game won before added-time, but
that's the FA Cup for you. We are very disappointed, but we're still in the
hat."
It's easy to feel deflated after conceding a late equaliser, but presumably
you would have taken a draw before the tie kicked-off?
JC: "Maybe, but it was disappointing with the way the game panned out in the
end. We'll take them back to Upton Park and with our fan behind us I'm sure
we'll beat them there. It'll be a tough game, as it was against them at
Goodison Park in the league too. They're under a bit of pressure at the
minute, so I'm sure they'll bring the fight to Upton Park."
Talk us through the goal, please…
JC: "I have been making that run for about two years now, to be honest with
you! It was a great ball in from Morgan Amalfitano and I managed to get my
bald head on it and it skidded into the goal. We knew they conceded from set
plays and I hadn't scored for a while, so I fancied one, to be honest!"
It's important that we don't let our four-game winless run affect the
confidence we have shown all season long, isn't it?
JC: "Yes, because we played well at Everton, against West Bromwich Albion
and also in the second half against Arsenal, too, when the Gaffer said we
had 100 passes more than them. It was one of those tough games, as it was
against Chelsea and against West Brom. We will go again at Swansea on
Saturday, and they've got a couple of lads out, too. We're seventh in the
league and still in the FA Cup, so it's all to play for."
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Goals galore for Gordon
WHUFC.com
Jaanai Gordon has been scoring goals for fun during his loan spell at
Chelmsford City
07.01.2015
Chelmsford City fans were united as one with their message to Jaanai Gordon
as he left Melbourne Stadium on Saturday - 'Please stay for the rest of the
season!'. The on-loan West Ham United striker has been in outstanding form
since joining the Clarets just before Christmas, scoring in each of his four
Vanarama South appearances for the Essex club. Three of those four
appearances have ended in victories for City, including two outstanding
individual goals and two assists in a 6-2 thrashing of Farnborough on 3
January - all under the watchful eye of Ambassador Tony Carr MBE and U18s
assistant manager Mark Phillips. Speaking to whufc.com after the game, the
forward, who turned 19 in early December, is thoroughly enjoying his
football after returning from a series of niggling injuries that disrupted
the early part of his season. "It's been a good spell since I came to
Chelmsford and scoring two goals and winning on Saturday was a good start to
the New Year as well, so I just hope to get more in the games to come," he
said, with a broad smile stretched across his face.
"It's all going well and I'm scoring all different types of goals, too - a
couple of headers, a tap-in and a couple of individual runs and finishes
against Farnborough. "The move came about out of the blue, to be honest.
Chelmsford wanted me and I wanted to get a few games under my belt over
Christmas and the New Year. I already knew a couple of the lads here too,
which made it much easier to settle in quickly. It's so enjoyable playing
first-team football, with the fans behind you giving you that extra push."
Gordon joined West Ham from Peterborough United in January 2014, having made
his Championship debut for the Posh as a 16-year-old in September 2012. A
year after moving to east London, the likeable frontman is hoping to make
good on the potential he showed during his formative years at London Road.
"When I first came down I found the football a bit different than at West
Ham, but now I've been here for a period of time, I've got to know the lads,
they know me and the team move the ball quite nicely. "Chelmsford have only
got a couple of games between now and the end of my loan spell, so the plan
is for me to get as many goals as I can in those games! After that, I'd have
to see what the Club has in mind for me, because they might want me to go on
loan to another club in a higher division for an even greater challenge.
"Overall, I am just pleased to be back playing, as I had a groin injury and
a bruise on my shin at the start of the season, but I'm 100 per cent now and
really enjoying my football."
Gordon will hope to score for the fifth consecutive match when Chelmsford
make the trip to the Somerset coast to take on Weston-super-Mare on Saturday
10 January.
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2015 Africa Cup of Nations: Diafra Sakho ruled out for Senegal
BBC.co.uk
West Ham striker Diafra Sakho is out of Senegal's final Africa Cup of
Nations squad because of a back injury. "Sakho is not on the list of 23
players, his back problem is even preventing him from moving," Senegal coach
Alain Giresse announced. The 25-year-old had been due to arrive in Dakar on
Tuesday for Senegal medics to assess his recurring back problem. He will be
replaced by Pape Moussa Konate, 21, who plays for Sion in Switzerland.
Sakho, who has scored eight Premier League goals this season, suffered the
latest recurrence of the back injury when he had to come off against West
Bromwich Albion after scoring a goal in the 1-1 league draw on 1 January.
His manager at West Ham, Sam Allardyce, claims Sakho's injury was
"mistreated" when he was on international duty with Senegal in November.
Giresse is yet to make public his final 23-man squad list for the Nations
Cup. The squad is due to travel to Morocco on Wednesday to make final
preparations ahead of the Nations Cup in Equatorial Guinea, which kicks off
on 17 January. While in Morocco the Teranga Lions will play two friendly
matches against Gabon on 9 January and then Guinea four days later.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Alex Song: West Ham midfielder quits Cameroon duty
BBC.co.uk
Cameroon and West Ham midfielder Alex Song has retired from international
football after his exclusion from his country's Africa Cup of Nations squad.
The Barcelona loanee, 27, will now be available for the Hammers this month
after talks with Cameroon about a late call-up broke down. He said on
Instagram: "My love for my country will never change. "I want to take time
to focus purely on domestic football and start to rebuild my career at West
Ham United."
Song has not played for his country since being sent off against Croatia in
the group stages of the 2014 World Cup. The Hammers feared they would lose
him after he flew back to his homeland to discuss the possibility of
appearing in the Nations Cup in Equatorial Guinea, which begins on 17
January. "Since the World Cup in the summer and my subsequent exclusion from
the Cameroon squad for the African Cup of Nations I have taken the decision
to retire from international football," Song, who won 47 caps, said. "It is
true that there were some discussions of late to include me in the squad for
this tournament but I feel after a lot of careful thought and numerous
discussions with my family this is the right decision."
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Tweet nothings
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 7th January 2015
By: Staff Writer
David Sullivan's eldest son has removed a series of tweets criticising West
Ham United captain Kevin Nolan from his Twitter timeline.
David Sullivan, the eldest of co-owner David's two teenage sons launched a
volley of abuse aimed directly at United's Liverpudlian captain last night
immediately following the 1-1 draw at Everton. Although the tweets have
since been removed, Sullivan Jnr - who is an Arsenal supporter - wrote: "
"How the fuck Nolan is playing about League 2 amazes me. gives us all hope.
Can we leave Nolan in Liverpool though seriously." That was followed up by
a post regarding the recently-departed Mauro Zarate, again criticising
Nolan. "Livid how sam says zarate isn't good enough to play for west ham and
nolan is somehow," he scribed.
Later in the evening, and presumably following some advice from other
quarters, Sullivan Jnr retracted his comments - although fell short of
issuing an apology to Nolan for his less-than-complementary words. "Phone
virtually crashing with the amount of mentions so tweets with the most stuff
have been taken down but I stand by my opinion that ..." read the first,
before being swiftly followed by: "Again just reiterating if anyone doesn't
like how I am handling club affairs please unfollow me I'm not going to
change."
David's younger brother Jack has also fallen foul of social media in the
past, due to his preference for revealing details regarding transfers before
the Club's own media team and also commenting on indivdual deals. Only last
week he lamented the departure of Mauro Zarate on loan to Queens Park
Rangers, which some took as an indirect swipe at manager Sam Allardyce. In
2013, he was at the centre of another Twitter storm when he canvassed
supporters regarding the potential signing of convicted rapist Ilombe Mboyo.
Many supporters have questioned the wisdom of allowing his two sons to post
on club affairs, but Sullivan Snr, speaking exclusively to KUMB back at the
start of last season insisted any criticism was uncalled for. " I think it's
unfair," he said. "One, Jack is dyslexic and his English is appalling at
times, so I do anything I can to encourage him to read and write. Secondly,
he takes a great interest in it, he loves it and I think it's nice to give
him information as to what's going on - without naming players that damages
the club. "If it's critical stuff, he does check with me. "
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Robert Green backs Mauro Zarate to fire QPR to Premier League safety
Last Updated: 07/01/15 11:54am
SSN
QPR goalkeeper Robert Green hopes on-loan West Ham striker Mauro Zarate can
score the goals his side need to stay in the Premier League.
Zarate, 27, joined Rangers on a temporary deal until the end of the season
on Tuesday, having struggled to break into the first-team at Upton Park.
Manager Harry Redknapp's side are fifth-bottom of the top division and just
two points above the relegation places, and face a tough trip to fellow
strugglers Burnley on Saturday. Speaking as a guest on Morning View, keeper
Green said: "Zarate's scored goals wherever he's been. "He's had a lot of
loan signings and I'm sure he sees this as a chance to get some playing time
and get some goals. "He adds something different to Bobby Zamora and
Charlie Austin. He's a more diminutive striker and another option for us off
the bench or from the start."
Rangers have improved their home form to pick up 11 points from a possible
15 in their last five games at Loftus Road. But they have lost all nine away
games in the Premier League this season and Burnley have recently begun to
pick up points at Turf Moor. "The game with Burnley is huge," Green said.
"We can put some breathing space between us and them below us but they can
go above us if they win.
"It's a real six-pointer and we want to buck the trend of our bad away
results this season."
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West Ham and Senegal striker Diafra Sakho to miss tournament
Last Updated: 07/01/15 3:57pm
SSN
West Ham striker Diafra Sakho has been ruled out of the Africa Cup of
Nations with Moussa Konate taking his place in the Senegal squad.
Sakho was examined by Senegal team doctors on Tuesday and it was decided he
would not be fit for the tournament in Equatorial Guinea.
The 25-year-old has had a persistent back injury which flared up again on
New Year's Day when playing for the Hammers against West Brom.
He has been replaced in the Senegal squad by Moussa Konate, 21, from Swiss
club FC Sion. Senegal's squad left Dakar on Wednesday for a training camp in
Morocco, where the fitness of Southampton's Sadio Mane will also be
assessed. They have warm-up internationals against Gabon in El Jadida on
Friday and Guinea next Tuesday in Casablanca. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce
expects Sakho will be out of action for several weeks with the injury. He
said: "Sakho's got a damaged back, he's got a pinched spine. Senegal have
sent a medical team over and looked at the MRI scans with us and he will be
out for a few weeks, I think."
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David Sullivan Jr apologises for Nolan and Carroll tweets
Last Updated: 07/01/15 1:25pm
SSN
The son of West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has apologised for criticising
Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll on social media. David Sullivan Jr posted
several messages on his Twitter account during the Hammers' 1-1 draw at
Everton in the FA Cup third round on Tuesday evening.
The messages included one expletive against West Ham club captain Nolan, who
was recalled to the side, and also questioned whether striker Carroll was in
fact out with a foot injury, the fixture having fallen on the player's
birthday. Late on Tuesday he added: "Again just reiterating if anyone
doesn't like how I am handling club affairs please unfollow me I'm not going
to change."
However, the 17-year-old has since removed some of the offending comments,
and on Wednesday morning issued a public apology. Sullivan Jr said on
Twitter: "I would like to apologise on behalf of my family and myself as I
do not think I have represented them fairly by my tweets yesterday. "They
were a moment of madness as emotions got the better of me, I am only young
but old enough to know better, there is no excuses for my actions. "I am
also sorry to Kevin Nolan, who doesn't particularly deserve my comments. I
hope everyone will forgive me and this sort of situation will not happen
again. Thank you for your understanding COYI."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ZARATE PROFIT
By Sean Whetstone 7 Jan 2015 at 16:10
West Ham Till I Die
The completion of a six month loan deal for Mauro Zarate to QPR yesterday
was a good financial deal for West Ham. The Hammers received loan inquiries
from more 14 clubs meaning they could charge a premium for his six month
loan. I understand QPR will pay his full £40,000 per week wages plus an
additional £500,000 loan fee. He is likely to make his debut against Burnley
in the league this weekend.
Harry Redknapp told the QPR official website: "We're really pleased to bring
Mauro in. He's a good footballer, someone with great ability who can play as
a number 10. I first saw him when he was on loan at Birmingham quite a few
years back and I actually tried to take him to Portsmouth back then.He's a
more-than capable player, he's already shown that, and hopefully he can come
in here and do well for us.Zarate, who impressed in the Premier League
during a loan spell at Birmingham City in 2008, is relishing the opportunity
to prove his worth once again in the biggest and best league in the world.
Zarate added "I am happy,I need this, I need to play and Queens Park Rangers
have given me this chance to show what I can do. The Premier League is the
best in the world at this moment. Does my style suit the Premier League?
Maybe. We will see! When I met the manager he told me he wanted to sign me
for Portsmouth before, but in that moment I went to Lazio. But now I am here
and will play for him.I will try to do different things with the ball, some
skills to make the difference for the team, for me and for the other
players. I am fit and I hope I can be involved on Saturday."
Under the terms of the loan deal, Zarate will not be eligible to feature
against West Ham when the two clubs meet in the Premier League at Loftus
Road on Saturday 25th April. Zarate joined West Ham on a free transfer after
personally buying himself out of his contract with Velez Sarsfield. He
signed a three year contract with the Hammers with an option for a further
year. Should he have a good loan spell with QPR this could increase his
transfer value with a potential sale in the summer window. Should there be a
change of West Ham manager at the end of the season he may still have a
future at West Ham.
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IS WEST HAM LOSING ITS SOUL ALREADY?
By Bobby Shovels 7 Jan 2015 at 08:51
West ham till I Die
A controversial headline, but bear with me.
Florida Hammer provided a succinct overview of "foreign ownership with
unlimited financial backing" a few days ago.
The issue is one of money versus tradition. Manchester City are a great
example of that modern footballing dilemma: their fans revel in the success
Sheikh Mansour's takeover has ensured, yet there is an uneasiness to their
jubilation. The best account of City, not just of the present but their
former glory years in the 1970s as well as their descent into darkness, is
David Conn's "Richer Than God: Manchester City, Modern Football and Growing
Up Paperback".
That book is essential reading, not just for highlighting Conn's own fear at
City's colossal change but the history of the Premier League and how money
became king; how clubs became businesses.
My headline alludes to the worry I feel about West Ham. If West Ham were to
get richer owners, we would all be concerned about how the club would
change. Moreover, how the club would look when our season tickets are passed
on to our grandchildren. Yet clubs like ours, just like City, have a
history, a sense of pride as well as an understanding of defeat. While City
fans question their rise at times, Chelsea fans never moan about Abramovich:
things were never great before; there was no famous era. Their era is now –
and fleeting.
Yet surely we are already heading into that realm of business rather than
club.
Take the new logo. Yes, overwhelming approved by the fans, according to the
club, but think about what it says and what it means. The destruction of the
Boleyn castle a symbol of us moving to the Olympic Stadium. Exciting? Of
course. Necessary? Well, I guess. The uneasiness is in accepting that in
order to be successful we need a bigger stadium we lose sight of what that
actually entails. It's not really about the fans is it? It's about the new,
rich, foreign fans. We can argue we we will never become like the others,
and have someone from abroad come in and tell us to change our shirts to red
because it's lucky in the Far East, but we are gearing ourselves up for just
that. The Olympic Stadium is about corporate seats and boxes, it's about
transport links that make it easier for the foreign businessman to fly in.
The Olympic Stadium isn't necessarily for you or I. It's for the people with
the money.
Hence the logo change. If you're West Ham through and through, you don't
need to be told you support a London club. Yet we've given in to the "global
game" and now London is on our badge. It's not on the crests of Arsenal,
Chelsea or Tottenham.
I'm aware I'm not offering alternatives. I'm also aware that we do need some
money to attract new talent and trophies. I'm a big fan, though, of Rafa
Honigstein, the Guardian journalist, who on a recent podcast lambasted
English football pundits who believe that the solution to any footballing
problem is money and a new player. The idea should be to make a team greater
than the sum of its individual players. A clever philosophy used by teams
across Europe bar in England. Here, money reigns supreme.
I'm in favour of Labour's commitment to have elected supporter
representatives on the board of all clubs – something Conn wrote as "two
fans on the board of a club, treated with respect, consulted, marching on
together with the other directors, can bring a smile to your face."
Perhaps this would allow men with wads of cash to not treat clubs as play
things and rather as long-term investments, although the very fact that
football has to be so business-orientated makes me sick. Yet I don't think
Gold and Sullivan have done anything particularly wonderful. Securing the
Olympic Stadium? Well, surely anyone could have masterminded that, given the
ground is in our backyard, a long-term athletics track was never going to
work, the idea of having Spurs move absurd and trying to find 54,000 Leyton
Orient fans ridiculous. How do you know businessmen don't make good football
chairmen when left to their own devices? Who would sack Gianfranco Zola
after two seasons and hire Avram Grant?
When we move to the Olympic Stadium, the excitement will be palpable. Yet it
may also mark the beginning of a treacherous journey. One no longer fought
on historic Green Street, but in the background of a modern shopping centre.
I welcome change, but I am wary of the future.
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West Ham striker Diafra Sakho OUT of African Nations Cup after 18 'warning
letters' from Hammers
Jan 07, 2015 13:46 By Neil McLeman
Senegal coach Alain Giresse has claimed the Irons said they would face 'huge
damages' if either Cheikh Kouyate or Sakho got injured at the tournament
The Mirror
Diafra Sakho has been ruled out of the African Nations Cup after Senegal
claimed they had received 18 warning letters from West Ham.
And coach Alain Giresse insisted he will not now be able to play in the
Premier League. The Frenchman announced this morning: "Sakho is not on the
list of 23 players, his back problem is even preventing him from moving."
But Giresse had earlier told L'Equipe he had received 18 letters warning
that Senegal would face huge damages if either Cheikh Kouyate or Sakho were
to be injured at the African Nations Cup. Sakho suffered his back injury
away on international duty in November and Sam Allardyce claimed he had been
"mistreated".
The Senegal coach, who had a "long telephone conversation" with the Hammers
manager, said: "He said we could come to some arrangement. That means what?
Don't pick the players. That is not possible. We both can't be satisfied at
the same time." Giresse added: "In any case, if they don't want Sakho to
come so they can then play him, they are wrong. He does not have the right."
Southampton boss Ronald Koeman has also claimed Sadio Mane's knee injury
will stop him playing in the tournament which starts in Equatorial Guinea on
January 17. But Giresse said he still intends to call him up on Sunday after
the striker has undergone more treatment in England. "We will see his
condition but he will be in the 23," he said. The Senegal squad is due to
travel to Morocco today (wed) before their first Group C match against Ghana
on January 19. West Ham's on-loan midfielder Alex Song has retired from
international football after withdrawing from the Cameroon squad.
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Could 2015 be the year West Ham finally end their wait for Silverware? The
omens are good
Jan 07, 2015 17:22
OPINION BY STEVESTAMMERS
After last season's cup embarrassment this could be the year the Hammers end
a 35-year wait to win the famous old competition
The Mirror
Maybe, just maybe, this will be an FA Cup year for West Ham. Last season was
a disaster. The five goal hammering at Nottingham Forest was an
embarrassment to the club. Yes, there were extenuating circumstances – like
the battle to stay in the Premier League. With the move to the Olympic
Stadium on the horizon, a status among the elite was essential and it was
eventually secured. This season, there is no such excuse. A more than decent
start to the league campaign means that a place in Europe rather than a drop
into the Championship is a genuine target. And that meant manager Sam
Allardyce was able to field his strongest side at Goodison Park last night.
And it showed.
There was a grit about West Ham. There was a determination. There was a
complete contrast to years gone by when a West Ham team on Merseyside in
January was a defeat waiting to happen.
Adrian continues to be an inspired signing. James Collins and Winston Reid
(he will be sorely missed when he leaves) were solid and Mark Noble bossed
the midfield. And with Stewart Downing flourishing in his free role and
Enner Valencia looking more and more at home in the English game, West Ham
could and should have won. Only the predatory instincts of Romelu Lukaku
denied them a win. He was by far the most dangerous Everton player. Ross
Barkley, on the other hand, seemed to reflect the mood of a largely subdued
crowd. Occasionally he made an impact like occasionally you were aware there
was indeed a crowd in attendance. Many were disguised as empty seats. There
have been more intimidating atmospheres at a Bermondsey christening.
Only 22,236 at the stadium following the paltry 9,000 at Burnley against
Tottenham the night before and a staggering 4,000 at Cardiff last Friday
night. It may be tempting fate, but you can be confident of two 30,000 plus
crowds when the respective replays at Upton Park and White Hart Lane next
Tuesday and Wednesday. That should be enough to inspire two home wins.
Interest in the FA Cup has become as unpredictable as the results. But West
Ham are desperate for silverware after such a barren spell that goes back to
1980. That was the FA Cup win over Arsenal. And it included a win over
Everton on the way to Wembley – after a replay. Maybe the omens are good for
2015.
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David Sullivan's son apologises after mocking Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan
in Twitter rant
Jan 07, 2015 12:04 By Neil McLeman
A contrite Sullivan Jr has now removed some of the posts, promised not to
comment on future club affairs and made a full apology
The Mirror
David Sullivan's son has apologised for a "moment of madness" where he
mocked West Ham stars Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll on Twitter.
The co-owner's son made a series of personal attacks on social media after
the FA Cup draw at Everton last night. David Sullivan Jr, on the account
@DavidSully, asked: "How the f*** Nolan is playing about League 2 amazes me.
gives us all hope. Can we leave Nolan in Liverpool though seriously." He
then added: "Livid how sam says zarate isn't good enough to play for west
ham and nolan is somehow."
Sullivan Jr also replied to a Tweet referring to Andy Carroll being out
injured on his birthday: "If anyone sees Andy Carroll out tonight and can
prove that it is tonight please send me a photo with proof it's today."
A contrite Sullivan Jr has now removed some of the posts, promised not to
comment on future club affairs and made a full apology.
He tweeted today: "I am also sorry to kevin nolan, who doesn't particularly
deserve my comments. I hope everyone will forgive me and this sort of. "They
were a moment of madness as emotions got the better of me, I am only young
but old enough to know better, there is no excuses for my actions. "I would
like to apologise on behalf of my family and myself as I do not think I have
represented them fairly by my tweets yesterday."
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Sakho: "My heart is with Senegal"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 7, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Heartbroken Diafra Sakho has used Facebook to talk of his despair at missing
out on the African Nations Cup. In an emotional comment he speaks of how he
hopes that one day God will help him fulfill his dream the Afcon dream.. And
he says that whilst he is staying in England "my heart will be with my
fellow Tarranga's Lions. He adds: "May the strength and the love of all
Senegal, lift and protect you during this tournament."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
QPR financial crisis: Aren't you glad we got Daves
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 7, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
The recent published financial accounts show West Ham have made a record
turnover of nearly £115m last season with record profits of over £10m. Our
£100m plus bank debt is now funded by shareholders rather a consortium of
banks who care little of what happens on a football pitch. By contrast
one-time wanabee Hammers chairman Tony Fernandes, now at the QPR helm, seems
to go from bad to worst. Last month the Loftus Road club sent the Football
League their accounts for 2013-14, the period covered by new financial fair
play rules.
The club could be hit with a multimillion-pound fine and whilst both QPR and
the league confirmed the accounts were sent on time on 1st December neither
would discuss the financial position disclosed. The possible QPR fine is
expected because in the previous season, 2012-13, they lost £65m despite
earning Premier League income of £61m. QPR paid their staff, including
players, £78m in the year to 31st May 2013. If there losses were as high as
the previous season they could face a fine of up to £54m. The rules should
impose a fine of approximately £7m for a loss to £18m, then an extra pound
for every pound above that.
In the meantime they have paid West Ham a £500,000 loan fee for Mauro Zarate
together with his full £40,000 per week wages. It is also claimed they are
prepared to pay £60,000 per week to land former Hammer Jermain Defoe on loan
from the MLS. And on to of all this the recent tragic loss of the Air Asia
plane, could see Tony Fernandes' personal fortune in jeopardy if the
accident has a knock on effect to customer confidence. Fernandes once tried
to buy West Ham on the cheap but chairman David Sullivan branded the offer
as derisory saying "He wanted 51% of the club for two bob."
Fernandes responded at the time saying: "Make up your mind Sullivan and
Gold. One minute you say no offer then you say it's a joke. It was a good
offer with good money and brought in good people.Gold and Sullivan can say
whatever they want. I have been a lifelong fan and would have brought good
money, good ideas, new people and a new belief."
We should soon know what sanctions will be imposed on QPR but I for one know
which Chairmen I prefer to steer the financial and football fortunes of our
club.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce under fire after Valencia comments
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 7, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce is coming under heavy fire from Hammers fans following the
late equaliser gifted to Everton in last night's FA Cup third round 1-1
draw. Many have quickly attacked the manager for appearing to make a
scapegoat of Enner Valencia who was singled out for criticism after
directing a header into the hands of Everton goalkeeper Joel Robles. After
four games without a win and a sloppy late equaliser the pressure again
appears to be mounting on the manager following the dramas of last season.
ClaretandHugh followers made their feelings clear on the site's facebook
forum after a blog had claimed Allardyce's public remarks were wrong.
Allardyce had said a player of his ability should have scored and, justified
or not, fans feel it would have been best left unsaid.
Fan Tom Dunn told the CandH facebook forum: "If he gave Enner more game
time maybe he wouldn't be as rusty. He would have scored that at the start
of the season when he was confident."
And another – Richard Kemp – declared: "Valencia was acting as a shield for
Downing. He kept Everton's centre backs busy and Dowwning was murdering
them. BFS just cant resist going back to his favoured style, its just in his
make up. I do not think I have ever seen worse substitutions."
Steve Elcome took to the forum to snap: " Enner is just not good enough just
like Zarate and anyone else who dares to "play" football. Let's get 11
Nolan's Sam and then you will be happy."
Les Sim joined the chorus of disapproval snarling: "The Valencia and Sakho
partnership was forced upon BFS and became our most potent strike force
since I can remember.
The fat **** split it up at his first opportunity as soon as Carroll became
available. Now he is trying to undermine Valencia in order to justify his
perversion for a big lump up front."
On Twitter @chalongcircle said: We all know you're either in Sam's clique or
not. Ask Zarate (we needed him last night). I'm sure DS knows what's going
on.
And @DjPaul Cole said: "If @davidgold and DS aren't as baffled as the fans
with Allardyce. I'd be surprised. Hopefully this will be his last season.
@poaolothehammer declared: "He's always been the same, never takes
responsibility for team selection or tactics and never blames his favourite
players."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The old Sam emerges as Valencia is blamed
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 7, 2015 in Whispers
New allardyceIt's hard to discuss West Ham's disappointing draw at Goodison
Park last night without looking at Kevin Nolan in particular and the
manager's uncalled for criticism of Enner Valencia.
To concede in the 92nd minute is – as Allardyce claimed – deeply
disappointing but frankly I can't help feeling that to blame Valencia in
particular is showing us more than a bit of the old Sam.
Did he level anything at Morgan Amalfitano when blasting over…has he ever
criticised Andy Carroll for missed chances? Answers to both questions are a
resounding No!
Allardyce has a track record of singling out individuals, officials or any
other handy excuse as a reason for failure.
And it's really not nice to see Valencia get such treatment given that he
has had few games of any consequence since the return of AC.
He was excellent against Chelsea with some fine runs to take the pressure
off an over-stressed defence before being immediately dropped for the next
match.
Had Sam criticised his captain Kevin Nolan for perhaps his worst ever
performance in a West Ham shirt it would have been a little more
understandable although unacceptable.
Public criticism is poor in any circumstances but when used as an excuse
for failure it is totally unacceptable.
Having said all of that I arrive at my verdict on last night's match. We
drew only because the defence switched off when it mattered and because the
manager adopted a safety first policy far too early!
Carlton Cole for Enner Valencia? REALLY! Defensive midfielder Diego Poyet
for an offensive one – Matt Jarvis – a massive NO! And Joey O'Brien for
Morgan Amalfatino – What?
And the 90 minute presence of Nolan who offered absolutely nothing at any
stage – OH COME ON!
The absence of Andy Carroll saw us playing some of our best and most mobile
football since earlier in the season and Mark Noble was excellent on his
return.
But the substitutions were obviously designed to help us hang on – well
that didn't work Sam did it? That – along with Nolan's 90 minute presence –
were the reasons this game was allowed to slip away.
It's now four games without a win as we head for Swansea and unless we
quickly return to the free flowing game which thrilled us at the start of
the season I believe we are heading for a very lean spell of results.
As for Nolan ? Sam Allardyce has some hard thinking to do now and a big
decision – in his terms anyway – to make!
We should be contemplating a fourth round FA Cup tie this afternoon. It's
not Enner Valencia's fault we aren't. I think I know where the blame really
lies.
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Henry's miserly FC Toronto earnings
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 7, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
New Hammers signing Doneil Henry earned a basic annual salary the equal of
most Premier League performers weekly wage at around $75,000 ($87,033.33
with bonuses) whilst with FC Toronto. That is around £56,000 per year so or
just over £1,000 per week. His team mate and former Hammer Jermain Defoe
meanwhile earned $6,180,000 for the same season at Toronto. MLS wages are
published every season by the players union and it demonstrates that in
value for money terms the Hammers have picked up an ultra bargain!. Although
Henry's Irons deal is clearly worth considerably more than £56,000 per year
it still represents terrific value in a league where the average Premier
League footballer earns £35,000 per week (£1.8m per year). A source told
ClaretandHugh: "Doneil is a great prospect and serious value for money. We
think he is one for next season but could play at a push."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll/Swansea update
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 7, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Andy Carroll is fully expected to be back for the weekend clash against
Swansea City. Carroll was suffering from tiredness and a minor ankle which
is believed to be related to a knock he took in training. But a source
confirmed this morning that the big fella will be back on duty for the clash
in Wales. He said: "He'd played all over Christmas and suffered a minor
injury in training but he will be okay for Swansea. "We will check Alex Song
before the game but we are obviously hopeful he will also make the match
following his trip to Cameroon."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sakho surgery fears
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 7, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham's Diafra Sakho may face a summer operation if he fails to fully
shake off the effects of the back injury which has sidelined him from
action. Manager Sam Allardyce has admitted the striker faces a lengthy lay
off after missing out on the African Nations Cup tournament. Allardyce said:
" "Senegal sent a medical team over and looked at the MRI scans with us. He
will be out for weeks."
The best estimate – as previously reported here – is between two and six but
the club have accepted the player has a recurring injury on his hands that
may need a summer operation. We were told by a source: "We hope that a
programme of muscle building exercises can sort the problem but the general
view seems to be that the problem is always going to be there without
surgery. "Ultimately an operation may be required but we will be doing all
we can to sort it out before going there. That could be in the summer – it's
too early to say until we see how he responds to treatment. "Fortunately he
is a quick healer and we hope that he will be back by the latest the middle
of February."
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West Ham open to Diego Poyet loan as Watford eye move for midfielder
Diego Poyet has only made four appearances for West Ham this season
West Ham are keen for him to get first-team football on loan
Watford and Huddersfield are bot interested in taking the midfielder
By SIMON JONES FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 22:31, 7 January 2015 | UPDATED: 22:31, 7 January 2015
West Ham United midfielder Diego Poyet is wanted on loan by Championship
side Watford. The 19-year-old has made four appearances since his summer
move from Charlton and came on as a substitute for Matt Jarvis in Tuesday
night's FA Cup draw with Everton at Goodison Park.
He had a loan spell with Huddersfield earlier in the season and they are
interested too. Watford, however, are fifth in the Championship, seven
points off leaders Bournemouth, and believe a couple of shrewd acquisitions
this month could give them the extra edge required to challenge for
promotion. West Ham are open to the loan as they want Poyet to keep
developing and he needs competitive games for that to happen. Watford,
meanwhile, are giving a trial to Vujadin Savic. The Serbian centre back
played just over an hour in a back three for Watford Under 21s against Leeds
United this week. They scored five first-half goals in a 6-1 victory in the
Premier League Under 21 Cup. The 24-year-old Savic has previously played for
Bordeaux and was on loan at Dynamo Dresden and Arminia Bielefeld.
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WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce was frustrated to see Romelu Lukaku cancel out James Collins'
goal at Everton
06.01.2015
Sam Allardyce was left to rue an opportunity missed after Romelu Lukaku's
stoppage time leveller denied West Ham United an FA Cup third round victory
at Everton on Tuesday. The Hammers looked bound for the fourth round when
James Collins headed them into a 55th minute lead, but they could not hold
out and were punished at the death. It means the teams have it all to do
again at the Boleyn Ground next Tuesday and Allardyce felt his team's
performance merited victory at the first time of asking, up until they
dropped off at the end.
"We did think we were there," he said, "When you get so close and get to
injury time, all you have to do is make sure you keep your composure, I
think we lost a little bit of it just at that final minute. "There was a bit
of luck in it getting through so many bodies to Lukaku, but we should have
done better before that and made sure we didn't get into that position.
"It's a great shame after such a good performance and being 1-0 up but we'll
have to try and finish the job at Upton Park now. "It was a very good
performance. Away from home, and when it's the FA Cup, you know that Everton
are going to throw caution to the wind, because if they don't do anything
from an attacking point of view they're out of the competition. "They threw
plenty of players forward and what we didn't do towards the end was when we
broke out, we didn't relieve the pressure and kept giving the ball away. "We
didn't get the ball back into Everton's half and make them even more
desperate. We didn't retain the ball well enough in that period - that led
to more pressure and in the end we cracked. "Overall, the performance was
excellent, the result was disappointing when you get so close and that man
Lukaku, every time he plays against us he scores. No matter how well we
marshal him, he always seems to pop up somewhere with a goal, which is a
great shame for tonight, but we're still in the hat."
Allardyce felt a golden opportunity for Enner Valencia just after Collins'
opener could have killed the tie in the Hammers' favour.
He added: "We were well worthy of the lead and the disappointing thing was
that Enner didn't score at that crucial point. At this level of football,
when you get that golden chance you can't afford to miss it. "At 2-0 that
kills Everton's spirit. At 1-0 and going out of the competition they're
going to throw men forward, so if we had got that two-goal cushion we would
be sat here through to the next round, but because we didn't and because we
slipped up a little defensively [it's a replay]."
West Ham forced 15 corners on the night and made their breakthrough from
one, as Morgan Amalfitano delivered for Collins. Big Sam explained: "We were
asking for more quality in the box and when you get the quality you get the
chances. Ginge has made a very good run and scored a good header. "We caused
them quite a few problems all night with the corners and finally got what we
deserved, which was a goal. "Everybody gave it everything they've got and
more but didn't quite get the result we expected in the end."
The Hammers now face a replay in seven days time and Allardyce says that
will test his squad further. He said: "We've got a difficult task now
because we've got to play another Cup game before we play a Premier League
game. We've only got a few days to recover for Swansea and now we'll play
again on Tuesday with only a few days to recover for the next game. "It will
be tough on the lads, especially with the shortage of the squad now.
Hopefully Andy will be back by the weekend, but lads have just got to dig in
now and pick up more points, before hopefully beating Everton and getting
through to the next round."
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Farewell Boleyn plans taking shape
WHUFC.com
The Club have issued an update on their plans for the final season at the
Boleyn Ground
07.01.2015
The 2015/16 season will be one that lives long in the memory of West Ham
United fans the world over, as the Club bids an emotional farewell to their
home of more than 110 years.
This August, the Hammers will kick-off their final season at the Boleyn
Ground before they move to the new Stadium and plans to make sure of a
fitting farewell are gathering pace.
The Club have already begun reaching out to fans to ask for your favourite
memories of your time at the Boleyn Ground and the resulting feedback will
help shape the commemorations at key fixtures next season. Memorable
matches, legendary players and some of the main figures who helped make the
Boleyn Ground what it is today will all feature during what promises to be
an unforgettable 19 games for the Claret and Blue Army.
Season Tickets
There is expected to be unprecedented demand for Season Tickets next season
and several thousand fans have already joined the waiting list for new
applications once the renewal process is over. Any supporter who wishes to
be a part of the final season celebrations and is not a current Season
Ticket Holder or Half-Season Ticket Holder and has not yet joined the
waiting list is urged to do so as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
Due to expected record numbers of Season Tickets for 2015/16 and the
extended period that will be required to move fans to the new Stadium, the
Club are bringing forward the renewal window for Season Ticket Holders.
From Monday 16 February to 5pm on 17 April 2015, current Season Ticket
Holders can secure their place for the 2015/16 season by either placing a
£75 non-refundable deposit or paying for their seat in full. Please note
that any supporter wanting to renew must meet the early renewal period
deadline or they run the risk of losing their seat for the final season.
To ensure supporters are not adversely affected by the early renewal
process, the deadline for paying any remaining balance on their purchase
will be consistent with previous seasons - 4pm on 31 May 2015.
Commenting on the final season plans, Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and
David Gold said: "A 2015/16 Season Ticket is the only way supporters can
make sure of their place in history by attending every match of our final
year at the Boleyn Ground, including the last-ever game at our home of more
than 110 years.
"The level of interest in Season Tickets has been phenomenal and we expect
to hit our cap before the start of the season. This, in turn, will mean
there will be far less tickets available to supporters on a match-by-match
basis.
"It is clear that our final year at the Boleyn Ground and our first year at
the new Stadium will be two seasons that no West Ham fan will want to miss.
It is in response to that demand - and the pressures of managing it - that
we are beginning next season's renewals and sales process earlier than
normal.
"As long-standing advocates of making football more affordable, we are
pleased to confirm that we will be freezing Under-10s and Under-16s Season
Ticket prices for a second consecutive year. With prices starting at just
£110 for Under-10s and £235 for Under-16s, we are hoping as many young
Hammers as possible can be part of what is sure to be an exciting and
emotional 19 games."
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady added: "Since 2010, our commitment to the fans
has been to restore the Club's long-term financial health, while at the same
time investing substantially in improving the playing squad.
"The nine signings we made last summer have all made a big impact and we are
planning significant further investment in the playing staff this summer.
"We are also improving the financial situation at the Club and are on course
to meet our target of being clear of external debt by the time we move to
our stunning new home on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. "After last year's
price freeze across the board, I am pleased we have been able to once again
freeze prices for junior supporters. For everyone else we have capped the
increase to all tickets at five per cent, the equivalent of just £1.58 per
game for price band 4 or £2.37 per game for price band 1.
"Over the past five years, the increase in the price of a renewed Season
Ticket at the Boleyn Ground has tracked at approximately 40 per cent below
the rate of inflation (RPI), meaning a Season Ticket still represents
fantastic value for money. "The 2015/16 season will be a stand-out year in
the history of our great Club and, working with the manager, we will make
sure we have a team that will do West Ham United and the Boleyn Ground
proud."
A West Ham United Season Ticket will continue to be the cheapest way to
watch every home game. Crucially, all 2015/16 Season Ticket Holders will
also receive priority status when it comes to selecting seats at the new
Stadium, with the opportunity to choose their seats using the cutting edge
'virtual venue' technology employed at our dedicated Reservation Centre in
Westfield Stratford City.
The prices for Season Tickets in the new Stadium will be announced in April,
but the Club can confirm that prices will be comparable to those in the
final season at the Boleyn Ground. Information for all existing Season
Ticket Holders, including supporters who have purchased a Half-Season Ticket
during the 2014/15 season:
- To secure your seat for the final season, you will need to renew by 5pm on
17 April 2015. This can be done either by paying a £75 non-refundable
deposit or paying in full.
- If you choose to secure your seat by paying a deposit, you will need to
pay the full amount for your 2015/16 Season Ticket by 4pm on 31 May 2015. If
you do not pay the remaining amount before the deadline, you will risk
losing your seat for the 2015/16 season and your priority for the move to
the new Stadium.
- Every Season Ticket Holder will receive a renewal pack by post, as well as
reminders online and by email.
- As normal, each existing Season Ticket Holder will have the opportunity to
apply for two additional Season Tickets for the 2015/16 season (subject to
demand).
Information for supporters who want to buy a 2015/16 Season Ticket:
- After 17 April, any remaining Season Ticket seats that have not been
purchased by existing Season Ticket Holders under the above process will go
on sale to supporters on the Season Ticket waiting list.
- With this in mind, we strongly advise any supporters who are interested in
buying a 2015/16 Season Ticket, who are not current Season Ticket holders,
to join the waiting list now.
For more information and any queries on Season Ticket renewals and sales,
please consult the FAQs below. Alternatively, visit the website here, call
0871 529 1966 and select option three between 9am-5pm (calls cost 10p per
minute plus network extras), or visit the Stadium Ticket Office in person,
situated in the Alpari Stand at the Boleyn Ground.
FAQs:
Why is the renewals process happening earlier this year?
The Club are dealing with two special factors next season: unprecedented
demand from supporters for tickets for the final season at the Boleyn
Ground; and co-ordinating the move of every Season Ticket Holder and
Corporate Member to the new Stadium. This includes scheduling individual
appointments for them to choose their seats.
This is a carefully timetabled process where every week that passes will be
important to deal with demand.
In order to help our Season Ticket Holders to plan around this earlier
renewal deadline, we have set up a mechanism giving supporters the option to
secure their seats with the payment of a £75 deposit.
What happens if I don't pay my deposit in April but do pay the full ticket
price by the end of May?
In order to secure your renewed Season Ticket you must pay either the £75
non-refundable deposit or the full amount by 5pm on 17 April 2015.
What if I want to pay the whole amount in full, rather than pay a deposit?
That is no problem. Provided you pay either the deposit or the full amount
before 17 April, your ticket will be secure, and your priority placing for
the move to the new Stadium will be unaffected.
When will the process and pricing for seasonal corporate packages be
released?
Details of the seasonal corporate packages available for the final season at
the Boleyn Ground will be announced in February 2015.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Song calls time on Cameroon
WHUFC.com
Alex Song has retired from international duty with Cameroon
06.01.2015
Alex Song has announced that he has retired from international duty with
Cameroon with immediate effect. The on-loan West Ham United midfielder made
the announcement on social media on Tuesday evening in a move that will see
him miss the upcoming African Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea. Song
cited the main reason for the decision as his ambition to rebuild his club
career with the Hammers.
In a statement, Song said: 'Since the World Cup in the summer and my
subsequent exclusion from the Cameroon squad for the African Cup of Nations
I have taken the decision to retire from international football. "It its
true there were some discussions of late to include me in the squad for this
tournament but I feel after a lot of careful thought and numerous
discussions with my family this is the right decision. "My love for my
country will never change but I want to take time to focus purely on
domestic football and start to rebuild my career at West Ham United. I wish
Cameroon all the best and the team will always be in my heart."
Song's last game for Camroon came in the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil, when
he was sent off against Croatia. In total, the 27-year-old played 47 games
for The Indomitable Lions after making his debut in 2005.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Big Interview - James Collins
WHUFC.com
Goalscorer James Collins reflects on a frustrating FA Cup third-round draw
at Everton
06.01.2015
James Collins insists West Ham United's FA Cup dream is still very much
alive following Tuesday's 1-1 third-round draw at Everton. The centre-back
produced an outstanding individual display at Goodison Park, scoring the
tie's opening goal on 56 minutes and defending heroically for the entire
game. Unfortunately for the Wales international and his Hammers teammates,
Romelu Lukaku's added-time equaliser means the two sides will have to do it
all again at the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday 13 January.
Ginge, having scored and defended so well for so long going into
injury-time, it must have been doubly disappointing to concede late on?
JC: "Yes, as you say we don't concede many late goals, so it was very
disappointing to give the goal away. Conceding is disappointing at any time,
so to do it in injury-time in the FA Cup knowing we'll have to play another
game now is even more disappointing. We played very well and everyone was on
form and we were unlucky not to have the game won before added-time, but
that's the FA Cup for you. We are very disappointed, but we're still in the
hat."
It's easy to feel deflated after conceding a late equaliser, but presumably
you would have taken a draw before the tie kicked-off?
JC: "Maybe, but it was disappointing with the way the game panned out in the
end. We'll take them back to Upton Park and with our fan behind us I'm sure
we'll beat them there. It'll be a tough game, as it was against them at
Goodison Park in the league too. They're under a bit of pressure at the
minute, so I'm sure they'll bring the fight to Upton Park."
Talk us through the goal, please…
JC: "I have been making that run for about two years now, to be honest with
you! It was a great ball in from Morgan Amalfitano and I managed to get my
bald head on it and it skidded into the goal. We knew they conceded from set
plays and I hadn't scored for a while, so I fancied one, to be honest!"
It's important that we don't let our four-game winless run affect the
confidence we have shown all season long, isn't it?
JC: "Yes, because we played well at Everton, against West Bromwich Albion
and also in the second half against Arsenal, too, when the Gaffer said we
had 100 passes more than them. It was one of those tough games, as it was
against Chelsea and against West Brom. We will go again at Swansea on
Saturday, and they've got a couple of lads out, too. We're seventh in the
league and still in the FA Cup, so it's all to play for."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Goals galore for Gordon
WHUFC.com
Jaanai Gordon has been scoring goals for fun during his loan spell at
Chelmsford City
07.01.2015
Chelmsford City fans were united as one with their message to Jaanai Gordon
as he left Melbourne Stadium on Saturday - 'Please stay for the rest of the
season!'. The on-loan West Ham United striker has been in outstanding form
since joining the Clarets just before Christmas, scoring in each of his four
Vanarama South appearances for the Essex club. Three of those four
appearances have ended in victories for City, including two outstanding
individual goals and two assists in a 6-2 thrashing of Farnborough on 3
January - all under the watchful eye of Ambassador Tony Carr MBE and U18s
assistant manager Mark Phillips. Speaking to whufc.com after the game, the
forward, who turned 19 in early December, is thoroughly enjoying his
football after returning from a series of niggling injuries that disrupted
the early part of his season. "It's been a good spell since I came to
Chelmsford and scoring two goals and winning on Saturday was a good start to
the New Year as well, so I just hope to get more in the games to come," he
said, with a broad smile stretched across his face.
"It's all going well and I'm scoring all different types of goals, too - a
couple of headers, a tap-in and a couple of individual runs and finishes
against Farnborough. "The move came about out of the blue, to be honest.
Chelmsford wanted me and I wanted to get a few games under my belt over
Christmas and the New Year. I already knew a couple of the lads here too,
which made it much easier to settle in quickly. It's so enjoyable playing
first-team football, with the fans behind you giving you that extra push."
Gordon joined West Ham from Peterborough United in January 2014, having made
his Championship debut for the Posh as a 16-year-old in September 2012. A
year after moving to east London, the likeable frontman is hoping to make
good on the potential he showed during his formative years at London Road.
"When I first came down I found the football a bit different than at West
Ham, but now I've been here for a period of time, I've got to know the lads,
they know me and the team move the ball quite nicely. "Chelmsford have only
got a couple of games between now and the end of my loan spell, so the plan
is for me to get as many goals as I can in those games! After that, I'd have
to see what the Club has in mind for me, because they might want me to go on
loan to another club in a higher division for an even greater challenge.
"Overall, I am just pleased to be back playing, as I had a groin injury and
a bruise on my shin at the start of the season, but I'm 100 per cent now and
really enjoying my football."
Gordon will hope to score for the fifth consecutive match when Chelmsford
make the trip to the Somerset coast to take on Weston-super-Mare on Saturday
10 January.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
2015 Africa Cup of Nations: Diafra Sakho ruled out for Senegal
BBC.co.uk
West Ham striker Diafra Sakho is out of Senegal's final Africa Cup of
Nations squad because of a back injury. "Sakho is not on the list of 23
players, his back problem is even preventing him from moving," Senegal coach
Alain Giresse announced. The 25-year-old had been due to arrive in Dakar on
Tuesday for Senegal medics to assess his recurring back problem. He will be
replaced by Pape Moussa Konate, 21, who plays for Sion in Switzerland.
Sakho, who has scored eight Premier League goals this season, suffered the
latest recurrence of the back injury when he had to come off against West
Bromwich Albion after scoring a goal in the 1-1 league draw on 1 January.
His manager at West Ham, Sam Allardyce, claims Sakho's injury was
"mistreated" when he was on international duty with Senegal in November.
Giresse is yet to make public his final 23-man squad list for the Nations
Cup. The squad is due to travel to Morocco on Wednesday to make final
preparations ahead of the Nations Cup in Equatorial Guinea, which kicks off
on 17 January. While in Morocco the Teranga Lions will play two friendly
matches against Gabon on 9 January and then Guinea four days later.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Alex Song: West Ham midfielder quits Cameroon duty
BBC.co.uk
Cameroon and West Ham midfielder Alex Song has retired from international
football after his exclusion from his country's Africa Cup of Nations squad.
The Barcelona loanee, 27, will now be available for the Hammers this month
after talks with Cameroon about a late call-up broke down. He said on
Instagram: "My love for my country will never change. "I want to take time
to focus purely on domestic football and start to rebuild my career at West
Ham United."
Song has not played for his country since being sent off against Croatia in
the group stages of the 2014 World Cup. The Hammers feared they would lose
him after he flew back to his homeland to discuss the possibility of
appearing in the Nations Cup in Equatorial Guinea, which begins on 17
January. "Since the World Cup in the summer and my subsequent exclusion from
the Cameroon squad for the African Cup of Nations I have taken the decision
to retire from international football," Song, who won 47 caps, said. "It is
true that there were some discussions of late to include me in the squad for
this tournament but I feel after a lot of careful thought and numerous
discussions with my family this is the right decision."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tweet nothings
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 7th January 2015
By: Staff Writer
David Sullivan's eldest son has removed a series of tweets criticising West
Ham United captain Kevin Nolan from his Twitter timeline.
David Sullivan, the eldest of co-owner David's two teenage sons launched a
volley of abuse aimed directly at United's Liverpudlian captain last night
immediately following the 1-1 draw at Everton. Although the tweets have
since been removed, Sullivan Jnr - who is an Arsenal supporter - wrote: "
"How the fuck Nolan is playing about League 2 amazes me. gives us all hope.
Can we leave Nolan in Liverpool though seriously." That was followed up by
a post regarding the recently-departed Mauro Zarate, again criticising
Nolan. "Livid how sam says zarate isn't good enough to play for west ham and
nolan is somehow," he scribed.
Later in the evening, and presumably following some advice from other
quarters, Sullivan Jnr retracted his comments - although fell short of
issuing an apology to Nolan for his less-than-complementary words. "Phone
virtually crashing with the amount of mentions so tweets with the most stuff
have been taken down but I stand by my opinion that ..." read the first,
before being swiftly followed by: "Again just reiterating if anyone doesn't
like how I am handling club affairs please unfollow me I'm not going to
change."
David's younger brother Jack has also fallen foul of social media in the
past, due to his preference for revealing details regarding transfers before
the Club's own media team and also commenting on indivdual deals. Only last
week he lamented the departure of Mauro Zarate on loan to Queens Park
Rangers, which some took as an indirect swipe at manager Sam Allardyce. In
2013, he was at the centre of another Twitter storm when he canvassed
supporters regarding the potential signing of convicted rapist Ilombe Mboyo.
Many supporters have questioned the wisdom of allowing his two sons to post
on club affairs, but Sullivan Snr, speaking exclusively to KUMB back at the
start of last season insisted any criticism was uncalled for. " I think it's
unfair," he said. "One, Jack is dyslexic and his English is appalling at
times, so I do anything I can to encourage him to read and write. Secondly,
he takes a great interest in it, he loves it and I think it's nice to give
him information as to what's going on - without naming players that damages
the club. "If it's critical stuff, he does check with me. "
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Robert Green backs Mauro Zarate to fire QPR to Premier League safety
Last Updated: 07/01/15 11:54am
SSN
QPR goalkeeper Robert Green hopes on-loan West Ham striker Mauro Zarate can
score the goals his side need to stay in the Premier League.
Zarate, 27, joined Rangers on a temporary deal until the end of the season
on Tuesday, having struggled to break into the first-team at Upton Park.
Manager Harry Redknapp's side are fifth-bottom of the top division and just
two points above the relegation places, and face a tough trip to fellow
strugglers Burnley on Saturday. Speaking as a guest on Morning View, keeper
Green said: "Zarate's scored goals wherever he's been. "He's had a lot of
loan signings and I'm sure he sees this as a chance to get some playing time
and get some goals. "He adds something different to Bobby Zamora and
Charlie Austin. He's a more diminutive striker and another option for us off
the bench or from the start."
Rangers have improved their home form to pick up 11 points from a possible
15 in their last five games at Loftus Road. But they have lost all nine away
games in the Premier League this season and Burnley have recently begun to
pick up points at Turf Moor. "The game with Burnley is huge," Green said.
"We can put some breathing space between us and them below us but they can
go above us if they win.
"It's a real six-pointer and we want to buck the trend of our bad away
results this season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham and Senegal striker Diafra Sakho to miss tournament
Last Updated: 07/01/15 3:57pm
SSN
West Ham striker Diafra Sakho has been ruled out of the Africa Cup of
Nations with Moussa Konate taking his place in the Senegal squad.
Sakho was examined by Senegal team doctors on Tuesday and it was decided he
would not be fit for the tournament in Equatorial Guinea.
The 25-year-old has had a persistent back injury which flared up again on
New Year's Day when playing for the Hammers against West Brom.
He has been replaced in the Senegal squad by Moussa Konate, 21, from Swiss
club FC Sion. Senegal's squad left Dakar on Wednesday for a training camp in
Morocco, where the fitness of Southampton's Sadio Mane will also be
assessed. They have warm-up internationals against Gabon in El Jadida on
Friday and Guinea next Tuesday in Casablanca. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce
expects Sakho will be out of action for several weeks with the injury. He
said: "Sakho's got a damaged back, he's got a pinched spine. Senegal have
sent a medical team over and looked at the MRI scans with us and he will be
out for a few weeks, I think."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Sullivan Jr apologises for Nolan and Carroll tweets
Last Updated: 07/01/15 1:25pm
SSN
The son of West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has apologised for criticising
Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll on social media. David Sullivan Jr posted
several messages on his Twitter account during the Hammers' 1-1 draw at
Everton in the FA Cup third round on Tuesday evening.
The messages included one expletive against West Ham club captain Nolan, who
was recalled to the side, and also questioned whether striker Carroll was in
fact out with a foot injury, the fixture having fallen on the player's
birthday. Late on Tuesday he added: "Again just reiterating if anyone
doesn't like how I am handling club affairs please unfollow me I'm not going
to change."
However, the 17-year-old has since removed some of the offending comments,
and on Wednesday morning issued a public apology. Sullivan Jr said on
Twitter: "I would like to apologise on behalf of my family and myself as I
do not think I have represented them fairly by my tweets yesterday. "They
were a moment of madness as emotions got the better of me, I am only young
but old enough to know better, there is no excuses for my actions. "I am
also sorry to Kevin Nolan, who doesn't particularly deserve my comments. I
hope everyone will forgive me and this sort of situation will not happen
again. Thank you for your understanding COYI."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ZARATE PROFIT
By Sean Whetstone 7 Jan 2015 at 16:10
West Ham Till I Die
The completion of a six month loan deal for Mauro Zarate to QPR yesterday
was a good financial deal for West Ham. The Hammers received loan inquiries
from more 14 clubs meaning they could charge a premium for his six month
loan. I understand QPR will pay his full £40,000 per week wages plus an
additional £500,000 loan fee. He is likely to make his debut against Burnley
in the league this weekend.
Harry Redknapp told the QPR official website: "We're really pleased to bring
Mauro in. He's a good footballer, someone with great ability who can play as
a number 10. I first saw him when he was on loan at Birmingham quite a few
years back and I actually tried to take him to Portsmouth back then.He's a
more-than capable player, he's already shown that, and hopefully he can come
in here and do well for us.Zarate, who impressed in the Premier League
during a loan spell at Birmingham City in 2008, is relishing the opportunity
to prove his worth once again in the biggest and best league in the world.
Zarate added "I am happy,I need this, I need to play and Queens Park Rangers
have given me this chance to show what I can do. The Premier League is the
best in the world at this moment. Does my style suit the Premier League?
Maybe. We will see! When I met the manager he told me he wanted to sign me
for Portsmouth before, but in that moment I went to Lazio. But now I am here
and will play for him.I will try to do different things with the ball, some
skills to make the difference for the team, for me and for the other
players. I am fit and I hope I can be involved on Saturday."
Under the terms of the loan deal, Zarate will not be eligible to feature
against West Ham when the two clubs meet in the Premier League at Loftus
Road on Saturday 25th April. Zarate joined West Ham on a free transfer after
personally buying himself out of his contract with Velez Sarsfield. He
signed a three year contract with the Hammers with an option for a further
year. Should he have a good loan spell with QPR this could increase his
transfer value with a potential sale in the summer window. Should there be a
change of West Ham manager at the end of the season he may still have a
future at West Ham.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
IS WEST HAM LOSING ITS SOUL ALREADY?
By Bobby Shovels 7 Jan 2015 at 08:51
West ham till I Die
A controversial headline, but bear with me.
Florida Hammer provided a succinct overview of "foreign ownership with
unlimited financial backing" a few days ago.
The issue is one of money versus tradition. Manchester City are a great
example of that modern footballing dilemma: their fans revel in the success
Sheikh Mansour's takeover has ensured, yet there is an uneasiness to their
jubilation. The best account of City, not just of the present but their
former glory years in the 1970s as well as their descent into darkness, is
David Conn's "Richer Than God: Manchester City, Modern Football and Growing
Up Paperback".
That book is essential reading, not just for highlighting Conn's own fear at
City's colossal change but the history of the Premier League and how money
became king; how clubs became businesses.
My headline alludes to the worry I feel about West Ham. If West Ham were to
get richer owners, we would all be concerned about how the club would
change. Moreover, how the club would look when our season tickets are passed
on to our grandchildren. Yet clubs like ours, just like City, have a
history, a sense of pride as well as an understanding of defeat. While City
fans question their rise at times, Chelsea fans never moan about Abramovich:
things were never great before; there was no famous era. Their era is now –
and fleeting.
Yet surely we are already heading into that realm of business rather than
club.
Take the new logo. Yes, overwhelming approved by the fans, according to the
club, but think about what it says and what it means. The destruction of the
Boleyn castle a symbol of us moving to the Olympic Stadium. Exciting? Of
course. Necessary? Well, I guess. The uneasiness is in accepting that in
order to be successful we need a bigger stadium we lose sight of what that
actually entails. It's not really about the fans is it? It's about the new,
rich, foreign fans. We can argue we we will never become like the others,
and have someone from abroad come in and tell us to change our shirts to red
because it's lucky in the Far East, but we are gearing ourselves up for just
that. The Olympic Stadium is about corporate seats and boxes, it's about
transport links that make it easier for the foreign businessman to fly in.
The Olympic Stadium isn't necessarily for you or I. It's for the people with
the money.
Hence the logo change. If you're West Ham through and through, you don't
need to be told you support a London club. Yet we've given in to the "global
game" and now London is on our badge. It's not on the crests of Arsenal,
Chelsea or Tottenham.
I'm aware I'm not offering alternatives. I'm also aware that we do need some
money to attract new talent and trophies. I'm a big fan, though, of Rafa
Honigstein, the Guardian journalist, who on a recent podcast lambasted
English football pundits who believe that the solution to any footballing
problem is money and a new player. The idea should be to make a team greater
than the sum of its individual players. A clever philosophy used by teams
across Europe bar in England. Here, money reigns supreme.
I'm in favour of Labour's commitment to have elected supporter
representatives on the board of all clubs – something Conn wrote as "two
fans on the board of a club, treated with respect, consulted, marching on
together with the other directors, can bring a smile to your face."
Perhaps this would allow men with wads of cash to not treat clubs as play
things and rather as long-term investments, although the very fact that
football has to be so business-orientated makes me sick. Yet I don't think
Gold and Sullivan have done anything particularly wonderful. Securing the
Olympic Stadium? Well, surely anyone could have masterminded that, given the
ground is in our backyard, a long-term athletics track was never going to
work, the idea of having Spurs move absurd and trying to find 54,000 Leyton
Orient fans ridiculous. How do you know businessmen don't make good football
chairmen when left to their own devices? Who would sack Gianfranco Zola
after two seasons and hire Avram Grant?
When we move to the Olympic Stadium, the excitement will be palpable. Yet it
may also mark the beginning of a treacherous journey. One no longer fought
on historic Green Street, but in the background of a modern shopping centre.
I welcome change, but I am wary of the future.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham striker Diafra Sakho OUT of African Nations Cup after 18 'warning
letters' from Hammers
Jan 07, 2015 13:46 By Neil McLeman
Senegal coach Alain Giresse has claimed the Irons said they would face 'huge
damages' if either Cheikh Kouyate or Sakho got injured at the tournament
The Mirror
Diafra Sakho has been ruled out of the African Nations Cup after Senegal
claimed they had received 18 warning letters from West Ham.
And coach Alain Giresse insisted he will not now be able to play in the
Premier League. The Frenchman announced this morning: "Sakho is not on the
list of 23 players, his back problem is even preventing him from moving."
But Giresse had earlier told L'Equipe he had received 18 letters warning
that Senegal would face huge damages if either Cheikh Kouyate or Sakho were
to be injured at the African Nations Cup. Sakho suffered his back injury
away on international duty in November and Sam Allardyce claimed he had been
"mistreated".
The Senegal coach, who had a "long telephone conversation" with the Hammers
manager, said: "He said we could come to some arrangement. That means what?
Don't pick the players. That is not possible. We both can't be satisfied at
the same time." Giresse added: "In any case, if they don't want Sakho to
come so they can then play him, they are wrong. He does not have the right."
Southampton boss Ronald Koeman has also claimed Sadio Mane's knee injury
will stop him playing in the tournament which starts in Equatorial Guinea on
January 17. But Giresse said he still intends to call him up on Sunday after
the striker has undergone more treatment in England. "We will see his
condition but he will be in the 23," he said. The Senegal squad is due to
travel to Morocco today (wed) before their first Group C match against Ghana
on January 19. West Ham's on-loan midfielder Alex Song has retired from
international football after withdrawing from the Cameroon squad.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Could 2015 be the year West Ham finally end their wait for Silverware? The
omens are good
Jan 07, 2015 17:22
OPINION BY STEVESTAMMERS
After last season's cup embarrassment this could be the year the Hammers end
a 35-year wait to win the famous old competition
The Mirror
Maybe, just maybe, this will be an FA Cup year for West Ham. Last season was
a disaster. The five goal hammering at Nottingham Forest was an
embarrassment to the club. Yes, there were extenuating circumstances – like
the battle to stay in the Premier League. With the move to the Olympic
Stadium on the horizon, a status among the elite was essential and it was
eventually secured. This season, there is no such excuse. A more than decent
start to the league campaign means that a place in Europe rather than a drop
into the Championship is a genuine target. And that meant manager Sam
Allardyce was able to field his strongest side at Goodison Park last night.
And it showed.
There was a grit about West Ham. There was a determination. There was a
complete contrast to years gone by when a West Ham team on Merseyside in
January was a defeat waiting to happen.
Adrian continues to be an inspired signing. James Collins and Winston Reid
(he will be sorely missed when he leaves) were solid and Mark Noble bossed
the midfield. And with Stewart Downing flourishing in his free role and
Enner Valencia looking more and more at home in the English game, West Ham
could and should have won. Only the predatory instincts of Romelu Lukaku
denied them a win. He was by far the most dangerous Everton player. Ross
Barkley, on the other hand, seemed to reflect the mood of a largely subdued
crowd. Occasionally he made an impact like occasionally you were aware there
was indeed a crowd in attendance. Many were disguised as empty seats. There
have been more intimidating atmospheres at a Bermondsey christening.
Only 22,236 at the stadium following the paltry 9,000 at Burnley against
Tottenham the night before and a staggering 4,000 at Cardiff last Friday
night. It may be tempting fate, but you can be confident of two 30,000 plus
crowds when the respective replays at Upton Park and White Hart Lane next
Tuesday and Wednesday. That should be enough to inspire two home wins.
Interest in the FA Cup has become as unpredictable as the results. But West
Ham are desperate for silverware after such a barren spell that goes back to
1980. That was the FA Cup win over Arsenal. And it included a win over
Everton on the way to Wembley – after a replay. Maybe the omens are good for
2015.
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David Sullivan's son apologises after mocking Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan
in Twitter rant
Jan 07, 2015 12:04 By Neil McLeman
A contrite Sullivan Jr has now removed some of the posts, promised not to
comment on future club affairs and made a full apology
The Mirror
David Sullivan's son has apologised for a "moment of madness" where he
mocked West Ham stars Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll on Twitter.
The co-owner's son made a series of personal attacks on social media after
the FA Cup draw at Everton last night. David Sullivan Jr, on the account
@DavidSully, asked: "How the f*** Nolan is playing about League 2 amazes me.
gives us all hope. Can we leave Nolan in Liverpool though seriously." He
then added: "Livid how sam says zarate isn't good enough to play for west
ham and nolan is somehow."
Sullivan Jr also replied to a Tweet referring to Andy Carroll being out
injured on his birthday: "If anyone sees Andy Carroll out tonight and can
prove that it is tonight please send me a photo with proof it's today."
A contrite Sullivan Jr has now removed some of the posts, promised not to
comment on future club affairs and made a full apology.
He tweeted today: "I am also sorry to kevin nolan, who doesn't particularly
deserve my comments. I hope everyone will forgive me and this sort of. "They
were a moment of madness as emotions got the better of me, I am only young
but old enough to know better, there is no excuses for my actions. "I would
like to apologise on behalf of my family and myself as I do not think I have
represented them fairly by my tweets yesterday."
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Sakho: "My heart is with Senegal"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 7, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Heartbroken Diafra Sakho has used Facebook to talk of his despair at missing
out on the African Nations Cup. In an emotional comment he speaks of how he
hopes that one day God will help him fulfill his dream the Afcon dream.. And
he says that whilst he is staying in England "my heart will be with my
fellow Tarranga's Lions. He adds: "May the strength and the love of all
Senegal, lift and protect you during this tournament."
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QPR financial crisis: Aren't you glad we got Daves
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 7, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
The recent published financial accounts show West Ham have made a record
turnover of nearly £115m last season with record profits of over £10m. Our
£100m plus bank debt is now funded by shareholders rather a consortium of
banks who care little of what happens on a football pitch. By contrast
one-time wanabee Hammers chairman Tony Fernandes, now at the QPR helm, seems
to go from bad to worst. Last month the Loftus Road club sent the Football
League their accounts for 2013-14, the period covered by new financial fair
play rules.
The club could be hit with a multimillion-pound fine and whilst both QPR and
the league confirmed the accounts were sent on time on 1st December neither
would discuss the financial position disclosed. The possible QPR fine is
expected because in the previous season, 2012-13, they lost £65m despite
earning Premier League income of £61m. QPR paid their staff, including
players, £78m in the year to 31st May 2013. If there losses were as high as
the previous season they could face a fine of up to £54m. The rules should
impose a fine of approximately £7m for a loss to £18m, then an extra pound
for every pound above that.
In the meantime they have paid West Ham a £500,000 loan fee for Mauro Zarate
together with his full £40,000 per week wages. It is also claimed they are
prepared to pay £60,000 per week to land former Hammer Jermain Defoe on loan
from the MLS. And on to of all this the recent tragic loss of the Air Asia
plane, could see Tony Fernandes' personal fortune in jeopardy if the
accident has a knock on effect to customer confidence. Fernandes once tried
to buy West Ham on the cheap but chairman David Sullivan branded the offer
as derisory saying "He wanted 51% of the club for two bob."
Fernandes responded at the time saying: "Make up your mind Sullivan and
Gold. One minute you say no offer then you say it's a joke. It was a good
offer with good money and brought in good people.Gold and Sullivan can say
whatever they want. I have been a lifelong fan and would have brought good
money, good ideas, new people and a new belief."
We should soon know what sanctions will be imposed on QPR but I for one know
which Chairmen I prefer to steer the financial and football fortunes of our
club.
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Allardyce under fire after Valencia comments
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 7, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce is coming under heavy fire from Hammers fans following the
late equaliser gifted to Everton in last night's FA Cup third round 1-1
draw. Many have quickly attacked the manager for appearing to make a
scapegoat of Enner Valencia who was singled out for criticism after
directing a header into the hands of Everton goalkeeper Joel Robles. After
four games without a win and a sloppy late equaliser the pressure again
appears to be mounting on the manager following the dramas of last season.
ClaretandHugh followers made their feelings clear on the site's facebook
forum after a blog had claimed Allardyce's public remarks were wrong.
Allardyce had said a player of his ability should have scored and, justified
or not, fans feel it would have been best left unsaid.
Fan Tom Dunn told the CandH facebook forum: "If he gave Enner more game
time maybe he wouldn't be as rusty. He would have scored that at the start
of the season when he was confident."
And another – Richard Kemp – declared: "Valencia was acting as a shield for
Downing. He kept Everton's centre backs busy and Dowwning was murdering
them. BFS just cant resist going back to his favoured style, its just in his
make up. I do not think I have ever seen worse substitutions."
Steve Elcome took to the forum to snap: " Enner is just not good enough just
like Zarate and anyone else who dares to "play" football. Let's get 11
Nolan's Sam and then you will be happy."
Les Sim joined the chorus of disapproval snarling: "The Valencia and Sakho
partnership was forced upon BFS and became our most potent strike force
since I can remember.
The fat **** split it up at his first opportunity as soon as Carroll became
available. Now he is trying to undermine Valencia in order to justify his
perversion for a big lump up front."
On Twitter @chalongcircle said: We all know you're either in Sam's clique or
not. Ask Zarate (we needed him last night). I'm sure DS knows what's going
on.
And @DjPaul Cole said: "If @davidgold and DS aren't as baffled as the fans
with Allardyce. I'd be surprised. Hopefully this will be his last season.
@poaolothehammer declared: "He's always been the same, never takes
responsibility for team selection or tactics and never blames his favourite
players."
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The old Sam emerges as Valencia is blamed
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 7, 2015 in Whispers
New allardyceIt's hard to discuss West Ham's disappointing draw at Goodison
Park last night without looking at Kevin Nolan in particular and the
manager's uncalled for criticism of Enner Valencia.
To concede in the 92nd minute is – as Allardyce claimed – deeply
disappointing but frankly I can't help feeling that to blame Valencia in
particular is showing us more than a bit of the old Sam.
Did he level anything at Morgan Amalfitano when blasting over…has he ever
criticised Andy Carroll for missed chances? Answers to both questions are a
resounding No!
Allardyce has a track record of singling out individuals, officials or any
other handy excuse as a reason for failure.
And it's really not nice to see Valencia get such treatment given that he
has had few games of any consequence since the return of AC.
He was excellent against Chelsea with some fine runs to take the pressure
off an over-stressed defence before being immediately dropped for the next
match.
Had Sam criticised his captain Kevin Nolan for perhaps his worst ever
performance in a West Ham shirt it would have been a little more
understandable although unacceptable.
Public criticism is poor in any circumstances but when used as an excuse
for failure it is totally unacceptable.
Having said all of that I arrive at my verdict on last night's match. We
drew only because the defence switched off when it mattered and because the
manager adopted a safety first policy far too early!
Carlton Cole for Enner Valencia? REALLY! Defensive midfielder Diego Poyet
for an offensive one – Matt Jarvis – a massive NO! And Joey O'Brien for
Morgan Amalfatino – What?
And the 90 minute presence of Nolan who offered absolutely nothing at any
stage – OH COME ON!
The absence of Andy Carroll saw us playing some of our best and most mobile
football since earlier in the season and Mark Noble was excellent on his
return.
But the substitutions were obviously designed to help us hang on – well
that didn't work Sam did it? That – along with Nolan's 90 minute presence –
were the reasons this game was allowed to slip away.
It's now four games without a win as we head for Swansea and unless we
quickly return to the free flowing game which thrilled us at the start of
the season I believe we are heading for a very lean spell of results.
As for Nolan ? Sam Allardyce has some hard thinking to do now and a big
decision – in his terms anyway – to make!
We should be contemplating a fourth round FA Cup tie this afternoon. It's
not Enner Valencia's fault we aren't. I think I know where the blame really
lies.
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Henry's miserly FC Toronto earnings
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 7, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
New Hammers signing Doneil Henry earned a basic annual salary the equal of
most Premier League performers weekly wage at around $75,000 ($87,033.33
with bonuses) whilst with FC Toronto. That is around £56,000 per year so or
just over £1,000 per week. His team mate and former Hammer Jermain Defoe
meanwhile earned $6,180,000 for the same season at Toronto. MLS wages are
published every season by the players union and it demonstrates that in
value for money terms the Hammers have picked up an ultra bargain!. Although
Henry's Irons deal is clearly worth considerably more than £56,000 per year
it still represents terrific value in a league where the average Premier
League footballer earns £35,000 per week (£1.8m per year). A source told
ClaretandHugh: "Doneil is a great prospect and serious value for money. We
think he is one for next season but could play at a push."
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Carroll/Swansea update
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 7, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Andy Carroll is fully expected to be back for the weekend clash against
Swansea City. Carroll was suffering from tiredness and a minor ankle which
is believed to be related to a knock he took in training. But a source
confirmed this morning that the big fella will be back on duty for the clash
in Wales. He said: "He'd played all over Christmas and suffered a minor
injury in training but he will be okay for Swansea. "We will check Alex Song
before the game but we are obviously hopeful he will also make the match
following his trip to Cameroon."
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Sakho surgery fears
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 7, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham's Diafra Sakho may face a summer operation if he fails to fully
shake off the effects of the back injury which has sidelined him from
action. Manager Sam Allardyce has admitted the striker faces a lengthy lay
off after missing out on the African Nations Cup tournament. Allardyce said:
" "Senegal sent a medical team over and looked at the MRI scans with us. He
will be out for weeks."
The best estimate – as previously reported here – is between two and six but
the club have accepted the player has a recurring injury on his hands that
may need a summer operation. We were told by a source: "We hope that a
programme of muscle building exercises can sort the problem but the general
view seems to be that the problem is always going to be there without
surgery. "Ultimately an operation may be required but we will be doing all
we can to sort it out before going there. That could be in the summer – it's
too early to say until we see how he responds to treatment. "Fortunately he
is a quick healer and we hope that he will be back by the latest the middle
of February."
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West Ham open to Diego Poyet loan as Watford eye move for midfielder
Diego Poyet has only made four appearances for West Ham this season
West Ham are keen for him to get first-team football on loan
Watford and Huddersfield are bot interested in taking the midfielder
By SIMON JONES FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 22:31, 7 January 2015 | UPDATED: 22:31, 7 January 2015
West Ham United midfielder Diego Poyet is wanted on loan by Championship
side Watford. The 19-year-old has made four appearances since his summer
move from Charlton and came on as a substitute for Matt Jarvis in Tuesday
night's FA Cup draw with Everton at Goodison Park.
He had a loan spell with Huddersfield earlier in the season and they are
interested too. Watford, however, are fifth in the Championship, seven
points off leaders Bournemouth, and believe a couple of shrewd acquisitions
this month could give them the extra edge required to challenge for
promotion. West Ham are open to the loan as they want Poyet to keep
developing and he needs competitive games for that to happen. Watford,
meanwhile, are giving a trial to Vujadin Savic. The Serbian centre back
played just over an hour in a back three for Watford Under 21s against Leeds
United this week. They scored five first-half goals in a 6-1 victory in the
Premier League Under 21 Cup. The 24-year-old Savic has previously played for
Bordeaux and was on loan at Dynamo Dresden and Arminia Bielefeld.
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