Potts named U21 coach
WHUFC.com
Club legend Steve Potts takes charge of U21s in Academy restructure
22.01.2015
Steve Potts has been named as the Club's new Under-21s coach following
further restructuring to the Academy. Potts will now work with the
Development Squad alongside Head of Coaching Terry Westley, having worked in
the Academy since 2011 and coached the Under-18s for the past two years. The
restructure will see Steve, as with all Academy Coaching Staff, working
across the age groups to ensure all players receive a comprehensive
footballing education that reinforces the Academy's philosophy. The
47-year-old is himself a graduate of the Academy of Football who went on to
make over 500 first team appearances for the Club and win the Hammer of the
Year award in 1993 and 1995. Academy Manager and Head of Coaching & Player
Development Terry Westley is sure Potts' experience will benefit the
Under-21 players. He said: "At Under-21 level we believe you need coaches
rather than managers, so Steve has joined the Under-21s as a coach and will
continue to work across age groups. "We believe he can still work with the
U16s and U18s which will benefit them. His knowledge and experience can
really help them. His work with the Under-21s is also important so there is
a sense of continuity. So that is first in my mind. "Steve is committed to
the club, he's got two boys in the system, Freddie at Under-11 Dan in the
Under-21s. Given the amount of times he played for the club he is a legend.
"He's dedicated and hardworking and a very important member of staff at the
Academy. Hopefully these conditions will help him to flourish. I want to see
our staff work across a number of age ranges."
Potts' long and successful association with the Club began way back in 1983,
coming through the Academy to make his first team debut at the age of just
17 on 1 January 1985. He was an ever-present as Billy Bonds' team won
promotion in the 1992/93 season and then took the captain's armband for
three seasons. An important part of West Ham's first team squad for nearly
two decades, his Premier League appearance record for the Club was only
recently eclipsed by Mark Noble. As a coach he led the Under-18s to the
Barclays U18 Premier League Play-Offs last term and will now look to build
on that success with the Under-21s.
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Long-serving staff celebrated
WHUFC.com
Members of staff who have been at the club for ten years or more were
recognised
22.01.2015
West Ham United celebrated the dedication and loyalty of long-standing
employeers at a special award ceremony hosted by Vice-Chairman Karren Brady
on Tuesday afternoon. With Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold
marking their fifth anniversary in charge of the Club, the awards were
created to celebrate the achievements of staff who have worked at West Ham
for at least double that amount.
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "As the Joint-Chairmen and myself celebrate
reaching our fifth year at the Club, we were honoured to celebrate the
contribution of our hard-working, loyal and dedicated staff too. "The work
that goes in behind the scenes and off the football pitch often goes
unnoticed on the outside, but without it the Club would not be in the
position it is in, ready to drive forward into an exciting new era at the
new Stadium. "I would like to personally thank all of those that received an
award for their unwavering commitment to this great Club and I look forward
to sharing many more exciting memories with them over the coming years."
Tony Carr MBE is the longest-serving member of staff, having been with the
Hammers for an impressive 41 years, and he said: "It's great that the Board
recognise not just myself, but everyone who has been here for many, many
years. There is something very special about West Ham United and the loyalty
it promotes. It's a great occasion for all the staff to be recognised. "To
be top of the list is fantastic, it's an achievement I am very proud of."
The former West Ham United Academy Director and current Club ambassador, who
was responsible for bringing through some of the Academy's brightest
talents, continued to say: "There's a lot happening with the Club at the
moment. The move to the new stadium is within touching distance really.
Walking out in at that first game is really going to be a fantastic
occasion."
Another long serving member of staff whose commitment was recognised was Kim
Montague, who works in the corporate sales department.
Speaking about her 35 years at West Ham, she said: "I came here for two
weeks, and 35 years later I'm still here! It's very nice to be honoured and
to have your commitment recognised. It's the first time it's happened. 35
years has gone so quickly. "I'm a West Ham fan and I have been since I was
five years old. I was 16 when I first started. The club has certainly
changed a lot since when I first arrived."
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Tomkins ready for Robins test
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins is looking forward to facing Bristol City this Sunday in the
FA Cup
21.01.2015
West Ham United defender James Tomkins is looking ahead to Sunday's FA Cup
fourth round tie with League One high flyers Bristol City.
The Hammers go into the game on the back of a 3-0 win over Hull City as
second half goals from Andy Carroll, Morgan Amalfitano and Stewart Downing
secured their biggest victory of the season so far. In the previous round,
West Ham beat Everton in a thrilling replay which saw the Hammers win 9-8 on
penalties with goalkeeper Adrian slotting home the crucial spot kick.
Speaking about the Everton game, the 25-year-old centre back said: "It was
obviously nice to beat Everton in a very exciting clash. It was nice to come
through that with a win. "The Everton game had a bit of everything really,
it was an exciting match. There was a red card, penalties, it had the lot
and I'm sure for the neutral it was great. Obviously playing in it was a bit
different. When Enner scored I thought we were going to win the game quite
comfortably but it didn't go quite like that."
Despite 38 league positions separating the two sides, Bristol City have been
in excellent form of late, winning six of their last seven matches.
Currently, the Robins are second behind Swindon Town with 54 points from 26
games, and Tomkins is taking nothing for granted.
"Bristol City won't be an easy game, anyone can beat anyone in the FA Cup.
It'll be a hard place to go because they are doing well in the league. "I'm
sure there is a bit more pressure on us as we are the favourites being the
Premier League side. We're expected to win. But Bristol City are a strong
side and we'll treat it like they are a Premier League team. We can't
underestimate them, we've seen it over the years. I remember watching lots
of shocks as a kid, hopefully that won't happen on Sunday."
The last time the two sides met, back in April 2012, the points were shared
as the Hammers drew 1-1 at Ashton Gate, with Tomkins opening the scoring
with a header at the back post. "I think it was in the first 15, 20 minutes
or so. We had a wide free kick, I think it was Nobes who put the ball in
which puts us 1-0 up. We drew that game 1-1 in the end. "Yeah it's a bit
different coming up against a team we haven't played for a while. I think
our experience of playing in the Championship not that long ago will help
us, we know what to expect more or less. Obviously, they are doing very well
in League One. It'll be a physical game and they will try and bully us,
it'll be a hard game for sure."
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Maguire's ready to impress
WHUFC.com
Sean Maguire enjoyed a succesful spell on loan at Accrington Stanley and is
back with the Hammers
22.01.2015
West Ham United midfielder Sean Maguire says he thoroughly enjoyed his time
on loan at Accrington Stanley, having returned to the Hammers after his loan
expired. In total, Maguire made 16 starts for Stanley, scoring four goals in
his four months at the League Two side.
Speaking about his first experience of league football in England, the
20-year-old said: "I enjoyed every minute of it. It was a great experience,
playing in the Football League, coming up against grown men each week. I
think I stood up well to it. "I played 16 games overall. I enjoyed myself as
well. The players, the staff and the fans made me feel at home. The fans
were brilliant with me, so was the gaffer."
Maguire was reunited with manager John Coleman who he had previously worked
with at Sligo Rovers in Ireland. He had a great start to life at Accrington
scoring on his debut against Northampton in a 5-4 epic. "I think my debut
goal was the best of my four goals. I scored to make it 5-2, and it
eventually finished 5-4 so it proved to be the winner. So that one stood out
for me. "It's a big step up from U21s to the Football League to be fair.
It's very competitive as well as playing in front of a crowd. It is more
physical. In U21 you're playing against people your own age, but league
football it is a big mix, I really enjoyed it."
Having returned to West Ham, the Irishman could well be involved in the U21s
match with Chelsea at Rush Green on Friday evening. "I've played against
Chelsea a few times. They are always going to be a tough side to face at any
age group, from the academy to the first team. You know that they are going
to pass the ball well and look to play. It is going to be a tough ask but I
think the boys are well capable of beating them."
Following the Dev Squad's game with the Blues on Friday, they next face
Southampton away on Monday 26 January. "Two games in four days is quite
tough but it's not the first time that's happened and we should be able to
get results from both games."
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West Ham snookered by Hendrie news
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 22nd January 2015
By: Staff Writer
The vice-chairman of Hamilton has cancelled West Ham's move for Stephen
Hedrie after the club apparently failed to turn up for meeting to discuss
the transfer. Ronnie MacDonald hit out at West Ham despite the fee and
personal terms having been agreed. "West Ham had expressed an interest so we
then opened a dialogue with them," he told the Express. "They made an offer
which was acceptable and our representatives met with their representatives
in London. The fee was agreed, Stephen agreed personal terms through his
agent and they were meant to come up to our place on New Year's Day to sign
off the deal and didn't appear. "They then said they would up on the 4th but
didn't appear so I just cancelled the deal. "I'm getting phone calls from
London saying they want to resurrect it but as fas as I'm concerned it's
off. I'm presuming they have seen Stephen playing against Celtic when he did
really well for a kid and changed their mind but I have not changed my mind.
"I always like to deal woth add-ons and with add-ons the fee for Stephen
wuld have been well in excess of £2million. We are sorry for the boy because
he is not getting his big move. "I think West Ham are shambolic and if
that's how they carry on their business that's up to them, They should do
things properly."
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Reid reiterates love for London
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 21st January 2015
By: Staff Writer
Winston Reid has expressed his 'love' for London - just 24 hours after he
dismissed a report linking him with a possible January move to Arsenal. A
story in yesterday's Mirror claimed that Reid had indicated he would join
Arsenal IF a deal could be struck with West Ham ahead of the transfer
deadline. A matter of hours later Reid took to Twitter, to accuse the author
of fabricating the story. Yet later in the day, speaking in his latest
column for Fanbookz, Reid - who has thus far refused to sign a new contract
with West Ham - appeared to hint that he saw his long-term future in the
capital, as revealed here on KUMB at the beginning of January. "I get asked
how I find London, having come from New Zealand and then from Denmark four
years ago," he said. "The answer is that I love it, mainly because you can
do almost anything at any time. "There's loads going on, with concerts,
shopping etc - so there's lots of possibilities. It's one of the most iconic
cities in the world and it's a city that's on the go all the time which is
something that really appeals to me.
"It's a fun city…when you're not sitting in traffic." Yesterday West Ham's
co-owner David Sullivan admitted that his chances of persuading the central
defender to extend his stay in east London were no more than "30 per cent"
-whilst indicating that he would not be averse to striking a deal - albeit
only on hugely favourable terms. "We wouldn't let Winston go unless it is a
silly deal and I don't think anyone would pay the money we want," he said.
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MACDONALD BLASTS WEST HAM
By Sean Whetstone 22 Jan 2015 at 09:36
West Ham Till I Die
Hamliton Vice Chairman Ronnie MacDonald has called West Ham shambolic for
their handling of a £2m plus deal for Stephen Hendrie.
He told the Daily Express : "We had agreed terms with Crystal Palace for
Stephen to go there once the transfer window opened but unfortunately Neil
Warnock lost his job so that fell away.But prior to that West Ham had
expressed an interest so we then opened a dialogue with them, they made an
offer which was acceptable and our representatives met with their
representatives in London. The fee was agreed, Stephen agreed personal terms
through his agent and they were meant to come up to our place on New Year's
Day to sign off the deal and didn't appear. They then said they would up on
the 4th but didn't appear so I just cancelled the deal.I'm getting phone
calls from London saying they want to resurrect it but as fas as I'm
concerned it's off. I'm presuming they have seen Stephen playing against
Celtic when he did really well for a kid and changed their mind but I have
not changed my mind.I always like to deal woth add-ons and with add-ons the
fee for Stephen wuld have been well in excess of £2million. We are sorry for
the boy because he is not getting his big move.I think West Ham are
shambolic and if that's how they carry on their business that's up to them,
They should do things properly."
Media reports yesterday suggested West Ham had a £2million bid rejected for
the Hamilton left-back Stephen Hendrie. The Scottish 20-year-old is out of
contract in the summer and is said to be attracting interest from a number
of Premier League clubs including West Ham, Crystal Palace and Swansea.
Hendrie has made more than 100 appearances for the Scottish Premiership club
but has made it clear he is ready to move to a bigger club.
Speaking before his 20th birthday in January Hendrie said: 'I'm 20 next
week, I don't think that's too young or too old to move from Hamilton.I'm a
Celtic fan and obviously the Premier League is one of the best leagues in
the world. That's my dream – you want to reach as high a level as you can
and if I can get to the Premier League that would be brilliant. But the
Accies would need to see if it's the right offer. If it is, they say they'll
never stand in anybody's way. They are a great club like that. If they
accepted it, there is not much I could do. It's good massive clubs are
getting mentioned. But I just want to get my head down and keep doing
well.Just now, the Accies are flying and I'm loving every minute of it. We
just want to finish as high as we can."
An West Ham insider told ClaretandHugh this morning : "We didn't value the
player at £2m, he's a Bosman in the summer. We only saw him as back- up.
They were too greedy and will now get a token fee in the Summer as its
across border move."
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Irons hit back at Accies "shambolic" claims
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 22, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have responded strongly to claims that their behaviour in trying to
sign defender Stephen Hendrie was "shambolic." The accusation came from
Hamilton vice-chairman Ronnie MacDonald after he scrapped their £2million
move for the player. According to MacDonald, the Hammers made an
"acceptable" offer for Hendrie after Crystal Palace pulled out of an
agreement to sign the 20-year-old left-back following the sacking of Neil
Warnock. An angry MacDonald has pulled the plug on the deal and hit out
after claiming we failed to show up at meetings to sign off the transfer.
However, a West Ham insider told ClaretandHugh: "We didn't value the player
at £2m, he's a Bosman in the summer." And he denied MacDonald's claim they
are trying to resurrect the deal saying: "We only saw him as back- up. They
were too greedy and will now get a token fee in the Summer as its across
border move.
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Tug of war over Hammer Borg
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 22, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham teenage Hammers academy youngster Oscar Borg is subject to a
tug-of-war between the England and Turkey national teams. The 17-year-old
was born and grew up in Surrey but the Turkish Football Association are
aware of his eligibility when they discovered his grandmother was born in
Istanbul. Since then representatives from both the English and Turkish FAs
have contacted his parents to declare their interest in him. Hammer Borg
has been dubbed the next Gareth Bale by coaches at Chadwell Heath. Last year
Manchester United's attempt to sign Borg collapsed after West Ham refused to
agree a compensation package with the Red Devils. The then 16 year old had
trials with Manchester United after refusing to sign a new contract with
West Ham to become a full scholar. He has been with the Hammers since 10
years old. Following the collapse of his dream move to Manchester United he
committed his future to West Ham.
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Henry/Glover scenario may be an Irons problem
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 22, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Tension is never far from the surface inside Upton Park – there's invariably
an issue simmering not far below the surface which ensures intrigue and
conspiracy theories. So let's not beat around the bush – how does the
Malcolm Glover/Tony Henry situation work? Glover is Sam Allardyce's long
term chief scout whilst Henry – described by insiders to ClaretandHugh today
as "a major West Ham influence"in the market – is a special adviser to the
board on transfers. Now, being charitable it could be argued the more the
merrier – so long as we are getting the very best players on board at
competitive prices, where's the problem? And if the two men were working
together rather than apart that would be fine but in terms of title and, it
seems activity, that doesn't appear to be the case. One advises the manager
whilst the other has a title which makes it clear he reports directly to the
board and that may, to put it mildly, cause difficulties.
Sam Allardyce doesn't do directors of football. We understand it's written
into his contract and that's presumably because he wants overall control of
football matters. But with a transfer market guru reporting to the board
whilst Sam discusses his favoured targets with Glover at the very least a
two tier structure looks to be in place which in the long term could prove
troublesome, if it hasn't done so already. You have to wonder whether this
can work long term and with reports having circulated already that Henry
isn't allowed on the training pitch that looks unlikely. Is it a recipe for
success or conflict? One thing's for sure – the conspiracy theories won't be
going away anytime soon.
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Hatters hoping to Hammer out Lee deal
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 22, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Luton Town have been linked with a loan move for West Ham striker Elliott
Lee despite him not playing a game this season. The 20-year-old played four
games on loan for Colchester United last season, scoring once, but hasn't
made an appearance in 2014/15. He signed for League Two Southend United in
October but injured his hamstring just 30 minutes into his first training
session and is still on the recovery trail. Southend continue to monitor
Lee's recovery with Wycombe Wanderers and Burton Albion also reported to be
interested in loaning the promising youngster. Southend Manager Phil Brown,
who worked with West Ham manager Sam Allardyce told the Southend Echo.
"I'm still interested in bringing Elliot Lee back to the football club but I
don't think he's quite ready to play on a regular basis at the moment. I've
spoken to West Ham quite regularly about his progress ever since his loan
spell with us came to end…"I've been interested in bringing Elliot Lee to
the football and that hasn't changed"
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Hammers update Fletcher 'deal'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 22, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are currently negotiating hard to bring Manchester United's Darren
Fletcher to Upton Park on loan. A clause would be included for him to join
permanently in the summer and ClaretandHugh has just been told the chances
of the Scottish international are "at around even money." Speculation the
move was more than 'paper talk came earlier in the week when Fletcher's
agent was spotted at Chadwell Heath but it wasn't until a few minutes ago
that talks were confirmed. West Ham are poised to sign out-of-favour
Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher on loan for the rest of the
season. Valencia and West Brom are also believed to be involved in the chase
but the Hammers current lofty Premier league position has put the club in
pole position. A top Hammers source told us exclsuively : "Talks are
definitely in progress and we are hopeful but at this stage the chances are
at 50/50 – it looks an even money job. " Fletcher is surplus to requirements
at Old Trafford and with a his contract expirng in the summer he is ready to
look strongly at the Hammers option.
The 30-year-old started the first three games under Van Gaal but has since
been relegated to the substitutes' bench. He has overcome serious illness
in recent years, being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis which required
surgery in 2013.
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Report: Egwuekwe flies in for Hammers talks
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 22, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Nigeria international Azubuike Egwuekwe is reported to have flown to London
for talks with the Irons according to SL10.ng The Warri Wolves skipper had
earlier been linked with a move to Watford in the January transfer window
but it now appears The Hammers may be on his radar. A source close to Warri
Wolves is quoted as telling SL10.ng: "Azubuike Egwuekwe is in London right
now. He is with West Ham.
Hapoel Tel Aviv are also interested in him, and representatives of the club
have been making enquiries.'I am aware they called Ibezito Ogbonna to ask
him about information about Azubuike Egwuekwe." Egwuekwe, 25, is a regular
for Nigeria with 34 caps, and is a centre back, standing at 6ft 5in.
Previous reports suggest West Ham will have to pay £4m to land Egwuekwe
which some way off the reported £500,000 bid West Ham initially submitted.
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Henry's a major Irons transfer influence
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 22, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Tony Henry has been described as "a major West Ham influence" as a transfer
adviser despite having no visible presence at the club.
The former Chief Scout at Sunderland and Everton is the main adviser to the
board and he is busy this transfer window behind the scenes.
Manager Sam Allardyce continues to employ his own head of recruitment Martin
Glover and it has been claimed in the national press Henry is not welcome at
the training ground. The suggestion has been made that friction may exist
because he and Glover are carrying out similar roles. When asked about
Henry's influence at the club a senior source told Claret and Hugh: "He's
the adviser to the board and has a major influence. We've bid for a number
of players at his suggestion. These are lower division players for the
future. He's also in negotiations with several senior players over possible
signing now."
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Ravel Morrison's West Ham exit is as inevitable as it depressing
Julian Shea for Metro.co.ukThursday 22 Jan 2015 3:03 pm
Metro.co.uk
When he was on loan at Birmingham from West Ham, Blues boss Lee Clark told
midfielder Ravel Morrison he had more talent than any player Clark had seen
since Paul Gascoigne. Morrison had to be told who Gazza was. In the most
depressing way, that resemblance looks like becoming significantly stronger.
The news West Ham are seeking to offload the 21-year-old – with Gascoigne's
old club Lazio touted as his next possible port of call – is as sad as it
was predictable. It is pretty much the same set of circumstances that
surrounded Morrison's Manchester United exit in 2012. Bags full of talent,
but even heavier emotional baggage.
A player of prodigious talent but sadly with more of nose for finding
trouble than finding the net, Morrison was rated one of United's hottest
prospects in years, but when Sir Alex Ferguson – a man more than happy to
stand by and defend hot-heads if they get the job done on the pitch –
decided it was in everyone's best interest if he left Manchester – not the
club, the city – completely, the warning signs were there.
Everyone knew Sam Allardyce was playing with fire, and running a risk of
seriously burnt fingers, when he took a gamble on the youngster in 2012 –
but the saddest aspect of Morrison's likely exit is what a damp squib he
turned out to be, rather than the bright spark hoped for.
After Birmingham, hopes were high that Morrison might make the contribution
his (footballing) reputation promised to West Ham's 2013-14 campaign. Wrong.
Admittedly, his one contribution of note – a brilliant solo effort in the
3-0 win at Tottenham in October 2013 – counted as much as 10 goals against
other opposition in the eyes of some fans, but Morrison's failure to follow
this up saw him farmed out in an odd 'emergency' loan (presumably emergency
in the sense that Harry Redknapp had run out of any other players to sign)
to promotion-chasing QPR.
He helped them reach the play-off final, but was only an unused substitute
for the final, and once back at West Ham was soon loaned again, this time to
Cardiff, with Allardyce warning this was about proving himself as a person,
not a player. When he came back early, it was not so much a case of the
writing being on the wall for Morrison's West Ham career as the headstone
having been engraved.
In an effort to prevent an unwanted gatecrasher spoiling the surprise party
that is this season, West Ham are now looking to let Morrison go, to become
someone else's problem – should anyone be so reckless. Those who remember
the car crash that was Gascoigne's Lazio career will wince at the thought of
Morrison following in his footsteps.
As the Ched Evans case has shown, clubs can be very forgiving if they think
a bad boy will bring something positive to the team. Tragically for
Morrison, bad attitudes seem to be less tolerated than bad behaviour. What a
sad waste.
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Thursday, January 22
Daily WHUFC News - 21st January 2015
Mediawatch - 20 January
WHUFC.com
Our daily look at West Ham United in the news
20.01.2015
To mark their fifth anniversary with the Club, Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold took part in an exclusive Q&A with the Evening Standard's Ken Dyer.
According to the Daily Mirror, West Ham are lining up a shock move for Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher.
The Mail Online say Alpari's administrators have said there is interest in purchasing the company.
Meanwhile, the Daily Mirror report that Winston Reid has told the Hammers he would be keen on a move to Arsenal, should the north London club bid for his services in January.
The Sun (£) says that the Hammers are hopeful of tying up a deal for Atletico Madrid player Mario Suarez.
The Daily Mail takes a look at West Ham's attendances this season and concludes that they should be confident of selling out the Olympic Stadium.
In The Guardian, the manager has reiterated his desire to attack the FA Cup this season.
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Alpari administrators KPMG say there are potential buyers
BBC.co.uk
The administrators called in to run failed spread betting firm Alpari UK said they have received several inquiries from potential buyers.
KPMG was appointed on Monday after Alpari, the sponsor of Premier League club West Ham, closed following last week's turmoil in the currency markets. Several foreign exchange firms were hit after the Swiss National Bank scrapped the franc's peg to the euro. KPMG said Alpari holds about £66m in client money which would be returned. Richard Heis, one of the KPMG administrators, said: "We have had a number of inquiries from interested parties in relation to the company's business. "We will be speaking with these parties and others over the next few days, and hope to secure a deal to preserve the business and jobs as far as possible."
The Wall Street Journal on Monday reported that Pepperstone, an Australian foreign exchange trading firm, was interested in possibly buying Alpari. The WSJ quoted Pepperstone co-founder Owen Kerr as saying Alpari "is something we are looking very strongly at".
IG Index and ETX Capital are also reportedly interested in Alpari, although there has been no confirmation.
Friday's surprise decision by the Swiss central bank to end the franc's peg to the euro created "exceptional volatility and extreme lack of liquidity", Alpari said in a statement last week. It left the firm exposed to huge losses. "Where a client cannot cover this loss, it is passed on to us," it said. "This has forced Alpari (UK) Limited to confirm today that it has entered into insolvency," the firm said.
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Winston Reid blasts Arsenal rumours
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 20th January 2015
By: Staff Writer
Winston Reid has blasted a report in today's Daily Mirror that insists he wishes to join Arsenal. The story, written by the Mirror's Darren Lewis and published in this morning issue of the tabloid claimed that Reid - who is out of contract with West Ham at the end of the season - "made it clear to West Ham that he wants to join Arsenal". However Lewis' claim has been angrily denied this morning by Reid, who made a rare appearance on Twitter this morning in order to refute the Mirror's article.
Winston Reid ✔ @WinstonReid2
Whoever Wrote that story of me today is not true. Well done
1:01 PM - 20 Jan 2015
Meanwhile, co-chairman David Sullivan, who celebrated five years in the post yesterday believes there is still a "30 per cent chance" that the Kiwi defender will sign an extended contract at the Boleyn. "We wouldn't let Winston go unless it is a silly deal and I don't think anyone would pay the money we want," he told Ken Dyer of the Standard. "I still believe there is a 30 per cent chance he will stay.
"He tells us he still hasn't made up his mind - and we want him to stay."
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West Ham enter race to sign Manchester United's Darren Fletcher
Last Updated: 20/01/15 12:10pm
SSN
West Ham have joined Valencia in the race to sign Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher, according to Sky sources. Fletcher, 30, has six months remaining on his deal at United but has struggled for game time under Louis van Gaal and is believed to be ready to consider ending his 19-year association with the club. After starting the first three league games of the season, he has since largely been restricted to sporadic appearances from the bench, making his last start in the 2-0 FA Cup win at Yeovil earlier this month. And with more arrivals expected at United, if not this month then in the summer, he is likely to get even fewer first-team opportunities.
West Brom had a bid to take Fletcher on loan for the rest of the season rejected last week. A one-club man, the Scotland international has been at Old Trafford since the age of 11 and has made 223 appearances since signing his first professional contract in 2001. He was diagnosed with chronic bowel disease ulcerative colitis in 2011 and made only one start for United in the final two months of the 2010-11 season. He appeared just 10 times during the following campaign, confirming in December 2011 he would take an extended break from the game before undergoing surgery in January 2013 and finally returning to action in December that year.
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Hammers name their Jenkinson price
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 20, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham will go to £6 million to sign Carl Jenkinson which is £2 million short of Arsenal's valuation on the player. Despite stories circulating that the Gunners want a whopping £12 million for the right backa and that talks have already started, neither is the case.
Jenks is reported keen to stay by Boleyn insiders but there is no question of talks starting over a permanent move to the Hammers until nearer the end of the campaign. A Hammers source told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "Sam likes him and we want to sign him at the end of the season but the ball is very much in Arsenal's court. "However, the idea of paying £12 million or even £8 million – which we understand is near the true Arsenal valuation – for a player who can't get into their first team and is currently on loan is unrealistic. "We will sit down with Arsenal at the end of the season should they be ready to talk a move and hopefully we can hammer something out but it will be at around £5m-£6m if it's going to happen."
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Reid slams "untrue" 'Arsenal story
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 20, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Winston Reid has slammed the Daily Mirror over their story linking him with what they called his "dream move" to Arsenal. Hammers co-charman David Gold had quickly told ClaretandHugh exclusively after the story appeared there had been no inquiries or bids for the player and that he should make his mind up to sign a new deal at the Boleyn. Hopes have been rising substantially inside the club for several days that would happen with no interest emerging in the central defender. Reid himself – a very infrequent Tweeter – took to the social network to say: "Whoever Wrote that story of me today is not true. Well done." The question now is whether he and his advisers will allow the ten days left in this transfer window to elapse before returning to the Hammers negotiating table. Gold told ClaretandHugh told ClaretandHugh this afternoon: "These are the most difficult contract discussions I have ever been involved in. We need to get this settled for the good of all parties."
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Gold explains Reid situation
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 20, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham still have received no bids or inquiries for Winston Reid despite morning reports the central defender has insisted he wants to chance to join Arsenal if they make a January if they make an offer. Co chairman David Gold told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "To my knowledge there has been no inquiry of any kind." According to the Mirror, the player has told the Irons he wants to join Arsenal should the north Londoners come for him and describe the north Londoners as "his dream move. Arsene Wenger has confirmed he is in for a new centre-back this month and Reid, out of contract in the summer, does not want to be denied a dream move. However, despite all the surrounding publicity Gold said: "There has been nothing and we are all at the point now where we just want a decision and we hope that he will sign the very good offer we have put in front of him. "We understand what Winston is trying to do – get the best deal he can for himself and his family – but we believe it's time for him to make his decision and we hope it's to sign."
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Irons/Arsenal linked with Spaniard
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 20, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & hUgh
West Ham are this morning being linked with a move for Atletico Madrid hardman midfielder Mario Suarez. The 27 year old has attracted attention from a number of clubs but his boss Diego Simeone insists the player will be going nowhere. However, the Hammers apparent interest continues to be reported although sources inside the club remain cool on the link. One told ClaretandHugh: "Midfield is not the priority area at the moment. Most people understand we are looking at the back. "This one keeps popping up but it sounds like silly season stuff."
Some sources are reporting that the player could be on his way to Arsenal and Simeone is quoted as saying: " "What would we do if an important offer came in for him? You'd have to ask [sporting directors] Jose Luis Caminero and Andrea Berta."
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Winston Reid says speculation he is moving to Arsenal is not true
Evening Standard
Published: 20 January 2015 Updated: 16:33, 20 January 2015
Winston Reid has rubbished claims that he is trying to force a move away from West Ham United before the close of the January transfer window. It has been suggested over recent days that the central defender, who is out of contract at the end of the season, is being targeted by a number of clubs including Arsenal. One national newspaper has reported that Reid has been actively seeking a move to the Emirates after Arsene Wenger hinted that the defender was one of his target's for this month's window. But the 26-year-old has claimed that report was incorrect. On Twitter, he wrote: "Whoever wrote that story of me today is not true. Well done." Sam Allardyce, the West Ham manager, has repeatedly told the defender to ignore speculation and concentrate on his time at Upton Park. "We've done as much as we possibly can [to keep Reid]," Allardyce said earlier this month. "It was probably the longest [set of] negotiations I've ever seen with a player. Whether we can get there in the end, I'm not sure. That's in the chairman's hands, not mine. "I just hope, with us doing so well this year, and us moving into the new stadium, is there a bigger or better club around than West Ham for Winston Reid? I'm not so sure there is, you know.
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Arsenal demand West Ham pay £12m to make Carl Jenkinson transfer permanent
Metro Sport Reporter for Metro.co.uk
Tuesday 20 Jan 2015 3:56 pm
Arsenal have demanded a whopping £12million from West Ham if they want to sign Carl Jenkinson on a permanent basis in the summer.
The 22-year-old, who is currently on a season-long loan at Upton Park, has already made 20 appearances for the Hammers, and Sam Allardyce has reportedly asked for Jenkinson to be signed on a permanent basis. However, the Gunners are playing hardball over the England U21 international, and have reportedly valued the right-back at an eye-watering £12m. West Ham will unlikely be able to meet Arsenal's lofty demands, but their case may be aided by the player's desire for regular first-team football. 'I didn't want to have another season sitting on the bench,' Jenkinson said. 'It was starting to drive me up the wall a little bit, I wanted to get out and play football, and I've realised that I'm happiest when I'm playing regular football. 'I didn't want to go on loan to a team that was just going to kick the ball long. I wanted to go to a team where I was going to learn and improve and I think I'm definitely doing that here at West Ham. 'We focus on defending in training and we do a lot of work on one-v-ones and heading and I feel I've developed in those areas. He's given me the licence to get forward and express myself. I know what I'm capable of.'
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West Ham co-owner David Sullivan sets himself up for a fall ahead of Bristol City tie
By a_stockhausen | Posted: January 20, 2015
Bristol Post
This Sunday's FA Cup fourth round tie against Bristol City at Ashton Gate represents small fry for West Ham United when compared to the outlandish aims set out by co-owner David Sullivan. In an interview with Talk Sport, the wealthy porn baron astonished listeners by claiming the Hammers could win the Premier League AND the Champions League within the next five years. Currently four points off fourth place in the Premier League, West Ham are seventh in the table and enjoying their best season for many years. Sullivan, who bought the club along with David Gold in 2010, is targeting a place in the Champions League at the end of this season. And asked how he sees the next five years for the club, he said: "I'd like to see us win the Premier League and then the Champions League. "Yes, I know it's unlikely but again, not impossible – look at Atletico Madrid. We can all dream. "We are West Ham United, we're a big club, one of four big clubs in London. We have some catching up to do but we've closed the gap. "I'm optimistic and if things go our way we could beat Real Madrid tomorrow. It's unlikely but not impossible."
It is equally unlikely that League One promotion hopefuls City can bridge the divide between the third tier and the Premier League and create an FA Cup sensation in front of the BBC Match of the Day cameras on Sunday. But were Steve Cotterill's young team to cause an upset, Sullivan might well have some explaining to do!
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WHUFC.com
Our daily look at West Ham United in the news
20.01.2015
To mark their fifth anniversary with the Club, Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold took part in an exclusive Q&A with the Evening Standard's Ken Dyer.
According to the Daily Mirror, West Ham are lining up a shock move for Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher.
The Mail Online say Alpari's administrators have said there is interest in purchasing the company.
Meanwhile, the Daily Mirror report that Winston Reid has told the Hammers he would be keen on a move to Arsenal, should the north London club bid for his services in January.
The Sun (£) says that the Hammers are hopeful of tying up a deal for Atletico Madrid player Mario Suarez.
The Daily Mail takes a look at West Ham's attendances this season and concludes that they should be confident of selling out the Olympic Stadium.
In The Guardian, the manager has reiterated his desire to attack the FA Cup this season.
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Alpari administrators KPMG say there are potential buyers
BBC.co.uk
The administrators called in to run failed spread betting firm Alpari UK said they have received several inquiries from potential buyers.
KPMG was appointed on Monday after Alpari, the sponsor of Premier League club West Ham, closed following last week's turmoil in the currency markets. Several foreign exchange firms were hit after the Swiss National Bank scrapped the franc's peg to the euro. KPMG said Alpari holds about £66m in client money which would be returned. Richard Heis, one of the KPMG administrators, said: "We have had a number of inquiries from interested parties in relation to the company's business. "We will be speaking with these parties and others over the next few days, and hope to secure a deal to preserve the business and jobs as far as possible."
The Wall Street Journal on Monday reported that Pepperstone, an Australian foreign exchange trading firm, was interested in possibly buying Alpari. The WSJ quoted Pepperstone co-founder Owen Kerr as saying Alpari "is something we are looking very strongly at".
IG Index and ETX Capital are also reportedly interested in Alpari, although there has been no confirmation.
Friday's surprise decision by the Swiss central bank to end the franc's peg to the euro created "exceptional volatility and extreme lack of liquidity", Alpari said in a statement last week. It left the firm exposed to huge losses. "Where a client cannot cover this loss, it is passed on to us," it said. "This has forced Alpari (UK) Limited to confirm today that it has entered into insolvency," the firm said.
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Winston Reid blasts Arsenal rumours
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 20th January 2015
By: Staff Writer
Winston Reid has blasted a report in today's Daily Mirror that insists he wishes to join Arsenal. The story, written by the Mirror's Darren Lewis and published in this morning issue of the tabloid claimed that Reid - who is out of contract with West Ham at the end of the season - "made it clear to West Ham that he wants to join Arsenal". However Lewis' claim has been angrily denied this morning by Reid, who made a rare appearance on Twitter this morning in order to refute the Mirror's article.
Winston Reid ✔ @WinstonReid2
Whoever Wrote that story of me today is not true. Well done
1:01 PM - 20 Jan 2015
Meanwhile, co-chairman David Sullivan, who celebrated five years in the post yesterday believes there is still a "30 per cent chance" that the Kiwi defender will sign an extended contract at the Boleyn. "We wouldn't let Winston go unless it is a silly deal and I don't think anyone would pay the money we want," he told Ken Dyer of the Standard. "I still believe there is a 30 per cent chance he will stay.
"He tells us he still hasn't made up his mind - and we want him to stay."
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West Ham enter race to sign Manchester United's Darren Fletcher
Last Updated: 20/01/15 12:10pm
SSN
West Ham have joined Valencia in the race to sign Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher, according to Sky sources. Fletcher, 30, has six months remaining on his deal at United but has struggled for game time under Louis van Gaal and is believed to be ready to consider ending his 19-year association with the club. After starting the first three league games of the season, he has since largely been restricted to sporadic appearances from the bench, making his last start in the 2-0 FA Cup win at Yeovil earlier this month. And with more arrivals expected at United, if not this month then in the summer, he is likely to get even fewer first-team opportunities.
West Brom had a bid to take Fletcher on loan for the rest of the season rejected last week. A one-club man, the Scotland international has been at Old Trafford since the age of 11 and has made 223 appearances since signing his first professional contract in 2001. He was diagnosed with chronic bowel disease ulcerative colitis in 2011 and made only one start for United in the final two months of the 2010-11 season. He appeared just 10 times during the following campaign, confirming in December 2011 he would take an extended break from the game before undergoing surgery in January 2013 and finally returning to action in December that year.
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Hammers name their Jenkinson price
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 20, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham will go to £6 million to sign Carl Jenkinson which is £2 million short of Arsenal's valuation on the player. Despite stories circulating that the Gunners want a whopping £12 million for the right backa and that talks have already started, neither is the case.
Jenks is reported keen to stay by Boleyn insiders but there is no question of talks starting over a permanent move to the Hammers until nearer the end of the campaign. A Hammers source told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "Sam likes him and we want to sign him at the end of the season but the ball is very much in Arsenal's court. "However, the idea of paying £12 million or even £8 million – which we understand is near the true Arsenal valuation – for a player who can't get into their first team and is currently on loan is unrealistic. "We will sit down with Arsenal at the end of the season should they be ready to talk a move and hopefully we can hammer something out but it will be at around £5m-£6m if it's going to happen."
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Reid slams "untrue" 'Arsenal story
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 20, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Winston Reid has slammed the Daily Mirror over their story linking him with what they called his "dream move" to Arsenal. Hammers co-charman David Gold had quickly told ClaretandHugh exclusively after the story appeared there had been no inquiries or bids for the player and that he should make his mind up to sign a new deal at the Boleyn. Hopes have been rising substantially inside the club for several days that would happen with no interest emerging in the central defender. Reid himself – a very infrequent Tweeter – took to the social network to say: "Whoever Wrote that story of me today is not true. Well done." The question now is whether he and his advisers will allow the ten days left in this transfer window to elapse before returning to the Hammers negotiating table. Gold told ClaretandHugh told ClaretandHugh this afternoon: "These are the most difficult contract discussions I have ever been involved in. We need to get this settled for the good of all parties."
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Gold explains Reid situation
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 20, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham still have received no bids or inquiries for Winston Reid despite morning reports the central defender has insisted he wants to chance to join Arsenal if they make a January if they make an offer. Co chairman David Gold told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "To my knowledge there has been no inquiry of any kind." According to the Mirror, the player has told the Irons he wants to join Arsenal should the north Londoners come for him and describe the north Londoners as "his dream move. Arsene Wenger has confirmed he is in for a new centre-back this month and Reid, out of contract in the summer, does not want to be denied a dream move. However, despite all the surrounding publicity Gold said: "There has been nothing and we are all at the point now where we just want a decision and we hope that he will sign the very good offer we have put in front of him. "We understand what Winston is trying to do – get the best deal he can for himself and his family – but we believe it's time for him to make his decision and we hope it's to sign."
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Irons/Arsenal linked with Spaniard
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 20, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & hUgh
West Ham are this morning being linked with a move for Atletico Madrid hardman midfielder Mario Suarez. The 27 year old has attracted attention from a number of clubs but his boss Diego Simeone insists the player will be going nowhere. However, the Hammers apparent interest continues to be reported although sources inside the club remain cool on the link. One told ClaretandHugh: "Midfield is not the priority area at the moment. Most people understand we are looking at the back. "This one keeps popping up but it sounds like silly season stuff."
Some sources are reporting that the player could be on his way to Arsenal and Simeone is quoted as saying: " "What would we do if an important offer came in for him? You'd have to ask [sporting directors] Jose Luis Caminero and Andrea Berta."
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Winston Reid says speculation he is moving to Arsenal is not true
Evening Standard
Published: 20 January 2015 Updated: 16:33, 20 January 2015
Winston Reid has rubbished claims that he is trying to force a move away from West Ham United before the close of the January transfer window. It has been suggested over recent days that the central defender, who is out of contract at the end of the season, is being targeted by a number of clubs including Arsenal. One national newspaper has reported that Reid has been actively seeking a move to the Emirates after Arsene Wenger hinted that the defender was one of his target's for this month's window. But the 26-year-old has claimed that report was incorrect. On Twitter, he wrote: "Whoever wrote that story of me today is not true. Well done." Sam Allardyce, the West Ham manager, has repeatedly told the defender to ignore speculation and concentrate on his time at Upton Park. "We've done as much as we possibly can [to keep Reid]," Allardyce said earlier this month. "It was probably the longest [set of] negotiations I've ever seen with a player. Whether we can get there in the end, I'm not sure. That's in the chairman's hands, not mine. "I just hope, with us doing so well this year, and us moving into the new stadium, is there a bigger or better club around than West Ham for Winston Reid? I'm not so sure there is, you know.
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Arsenal demand West Ham pay £12m to make Carl Jenkinson transfer permanent
Metro Sport Reporter for Metro.co.uk
Tuesday 20 Jan 2015 3:56 pm
Arsenal have demanded a whopping £12million from West Ham if they want to sign Carl Jenkinson on a permanent basis in the summer.
The 22-year-old, who is currently on a season-long loan at Upton Park, has already made 20 appearances for the Hammers, and Sam Allardyce has reportedly asked for Jenkinson to be signed on a permanent basis. However, the Gunners are playing hardball over the England U21 international, and have reportedly valued the right-back at an eye-watering £12m. West Ham will unlikely be able to meet Arsenal's lofty demands, but their case may be aided by the player's desire for regular first-team football. 'I didn't want to have another season sitting on the bench,' Jenkinson said. 'It was starting to drive me up the wall a little bit, I wanted to get out and play football, and I've realised that I'm happiest when I'm playing regular football. 'I didn't want to go on loan to a team that was just going to kick the ball long. I wanted to go to a team where I was going to learn and improve and I think I'm definitely doing that here at West Ham. 'We focus on defending in training and we do a lot of work on one-v-ones and heading and I feel I've developed in those areas. He's given me the licence to get forward and express myself. I know what I'm capable of.'
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West Ham co-owner David Sullivan sets himself up for a fall ahead of Bristol City tie
By a_stockhausen | Posted: January 20, 2015
Bristol Post
This Sunday's FA Cup fourth round tie against Bristol City at Ashton Gate represents small fry for West Ham United when compared to the outlandish aims set out by co-owner David Sullivan. In an interview with Talk Sport, the wealthy porn baron astonished listeners by claiming the Hammers could win the Premier League AND the Champions League within the next five years. Currently four points off fourth place in the Premier League, West Ham are seventh in the table and enjoying their best season for many years. Sullivan, who bought the club along with David Gold in 2010, is targeting a place in the Champions League at the end of this season. And asked how he sees the next five years for the club, he said: "I'd like to see us win the Premier League and then the Champions League. "Yes, I know it's unlikely but again, not impossible – look at Atletico Madrid. We can all dream. "We are West Ham United, we're a big club, one of four big clubs in London. We have some catching up to do but we've closed the gap. "I'm optimistic and if things go our way we could beat Real Madrid tomorrow. It's unlikely but not impossible."
It is equally unlikely that League One promotion hopefuls City can bridge the divide between the third tier and the Premier League and create an FA Cup sensation in front of the BBC Match of the Day cameras on Sunday. But were Steve Cotterill's young team to cause an upset, Sullivan might well have some explaining to do!
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Daily WHUFC News - 22nd January 2015
Watch the roof being raised
WHUFC.com
Time-lapse footage shows the record-breaking roof of the Club's stunning new
Stadium taking shape
21.01.2015
As construction work continues apace at West Ham United's magnificent new
Stadium on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, one of the most striking features
of the transformation is the Stadium's stunning new roof. You can watch for
yourself how the massive roof installation project is progressing in this
new film, which includes footage taken from our special time-lapse cameras
inside and overlooking the Stadium.
.
Work on the roof has been going on for several months, with eight kilometres
of cable netting weighing 930 tonnes lifted and connected, before 112 steel
roof rafters, up to 38 metres in length, were also lifted and secured into
place.
In November, the first of almost 10,000 panels was lifted into place: with
6,300 solid panels in the rear section, and 3,600 transparent polycarbonate
panels at the front. It will take 26 weeks to lift all the panels into
place.
The insulated rear section of the roof is key to its special acoustic
design, ensuring that the atmosphere of the crowd will bounce around the
Stadium and create a cauldron of noise on matchdays. When the roof is
complete, it will enter the record books as the longest cantilevered roof in
the world, measuring 84 metres long at its deepest point.
At 45,000 square metres in size, the roof will be twice as big as the
original used for the 2012 Games, and will cover every seat in the Stadium,
compared to the 40 per cent of spectators in 2012 who sat in the open. And
because it is a cantilevered roof - fixed at only one end - every one of
those seats will enjoy a superb, unobstructed view of the action on the
pitch, with no roof supports in the way.
While the floodlights that sat on top of the old roof have been removed as
part of the transformation work, the 490 lamps they contained will be
installed underneath the new roof, providing tremendous illumination to the
field of play.
Time-lapse cameras were installed back in the summer enabling supporters to
see the Stadium transformation for themselves: two inside the Stadium
itself, and one overlooking the entire site from the top of the
ArcelorMittal Orbit.
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Clamour for Club London grows
WHUFC.com
West Ham United continue to report surging demand for Club London membership
21.01.2015
West Ham United continue to report surging demand for membership of Club
London, the market-leading hospitality lounges, restaurants and bars that
will offer the best matchday experience at the Hammers' magnificent new
Stadium in Stratford.
With facilities on offer that will set a new benchmark for luxury
hospitality in world football and seats with an unrivalled view of the
action, West Ham fans have been signing up for membership at an incredible
rate:
• Memberships for The Royal East lounge have now entirely sold out, less
than four months after going on sale. The Royal East follows the form of The
Forge 1895 lounge, which reached its capacity within weeks of going on sale
in December.
• Just a matter of days after going on sale, more than a quarter of places
have already been snapped up in The Boleyn, the Club's dedicated matchday
bar for Hammers fans.
• Just 50 places remain available in The Arnold Hills lounge, the relaxed
and cultured private dining club named in tribute to the visionary founder
of West Ham.
In addition to The Boleyn bar and the Arnold Hills lounge, limited Club
London spaces are still available in 'The Great Briton', a special bar,
lounge and restaurant area paying tribute to West Ham's major trophy winners
and the British champions of London 2012, with halfway line seats offering
superb views of the action from the West Stand's upper tier.
West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "We have been delighted by
the enthusiastic response to our Club London offering, and we can promise
all the supporters who have signed up as members that the facilities and
matchday experience will exceed all their expectations. I look forward to
welcoming them all to our first game in 2016."
While remaining space in Club London is now limited, supporters wishing to
apply for membership can do so today by joining the waiting list at
reservations.whufc.com.
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New kick-off time for Sunderland
WHUFC.com
Change of kick-off time for March Boleyn Ground fixture
21.01.2015
West Ham United's home Barclays Premier League clash with Sunderland will
now kick-off at 5.30pm on Saturday 21 March. This is the only one of the
Club's league fixtures in March to change from its originally scheduled date
or time, although the match against Chelsea could move should Jose
Mourinho's men reach the final of the Capital One Cup. West Ham and
Sunderland battled out a 1-1 draw when they met at the Stadium of Light in
December, with Stewart Downing's goal cancelling out a Jordi Gomez penalty.
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'Football is about the unit'
WHUFc.com
Winston Reid says his fine form this season as much to do with his
team-mates as it is his own ability
21.01.2015
Winston Reid says his fine defensive form this season is as much to do with
his team-mates as it is his own ability. The West Ham United centre-back has
been a consistently impressive figure at the heart of the Hammers' back four
this season, whoever he has played alongside. The No2 has started 20 of West
Ham's 22 Barclays Premier League matches, partnering James Tomkins eleven
times, James Collins on seven occasions and lining up in a back-three twice.
Reid has also adapted well to playing alongside two new full-backs in Carl
Jenkinson and Aaron Cresswell and deep-lying midfielder Alex Song, helping
West Ham to go into the closing months of the season with very real hopes of
qualifying for European football. "There isn't really a secret to defending,
as it's all about who you play alongside," wrote Reid in his new weekly
online Fanbookz column. "You have routines at the training ground and you
have to work together to make sure we concede as few as possible. "At the
end of the day it doesn't matter how many balls I've headed, or how many
clearances I've made personally, if the team still concedes six or seven
goals the statistics aren't of use to anyone. "Football is about the unit
rather than the individual. The way we try to work as a defensive line is to
ensure that everyone does his job, which makes it easier for each other. If
you look at players that have come into the side for us this season, they've
easily been able to slot in to the back line whenever a player's been
injured. "It's also great having the defensive cover in front of us, and
someone who has been key to our season is Alex Song. Alex stopped with his
national team [Cameroon] meaning we have him during the African Cup of
Nations, and while no-one knows what's gone on behind the scenes, it's
brilliant to have him at the Club. "Alex is a great guy to have around, he's
a funny character and he brings a lot of quality into the team. When you've
played at clubs like Arsenal and Barcelona, you have to have a bit of
quality to play for those sides."
Reid and his team-mates head to Bristol City for an FA Cup fourth-round tie
on Sunday knowing victory over the League One high-fliers will take them one
step further down the road to Wembley. However, the New Zealand
international goes west with the media speculating on an almost daily basis
over his future plans. For his part, the 26-year-old says he remains 100 per
cent focused on helping West Ham to maintain their strong form. "People
often ask me whether January is a strange month for footballers because of
the transfer window and gossip - to be honest as players we don't really
notice it that much," he explained. "It's not like we look out for news
about players, and it's mainly the media surrounding football as to why
there's always a lot of talk about transfers - but players honestly don't
really take notice of it that much."
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Hamilton Academical wait for Stephen Hendrie bid for West Ham
By Jane Lewis
BBC Scotland
Hamilton full-back Stephen Hendrie has been the subject of an offer in
excess of £2m from West Ham. However, the London club has not been back in
touch to formalise their bid, with the Accies happy to proceed with the sale
of the 20-year-old. Hendrie is out of contract at the end of the season. The
Scotland Under-21 international has made more than 100 appearances for the
Lanarkshire side since making the breakthrough in 2011. Earlier this month,
Hendrie talked to BBC Scotland about a possible move to the English Premier
League, saying: "That's my dream." Meanwhile, Hamilton have received close
to 100 applications for the managerial vacancy at New Douglas Park and hope
to announce a replacement for Alex Neil before the weekend. Martin Canning
stepped into the role of interim player-coach after Neil left to join
Norwich and assistant manager Frank McAvoy will also make the switch to
Carrow Road following Saturday's Premiership game against Inverness CT.
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WHY WE NEED A BIG SCALP OVER THE NEXT TWO MONTHS
By Bobby Shovels 21 Jan 2015 at 11:34
West Ham Till I Die
My earliest memories of supporting West Ham, in the mid-1990s, were of
famous victories or draws against the bigger clubs: the time we stopped Sir
Alex from winning the title in 1995; Di Canio scoring a brace in a 2-1
victory over Arsenal in 1999. That was the West Ham way: perform well for
the big clubs, struggle against the minnows. It was even something Sir Alex
accused us of.
Cometh this season and that mantra still holds true – slightly. Yes, this
season we beat Liverpool and Manchester City at home, both impressively, but
to be a pessimist – as I always am – we played both sides at the right time,
before they both began to turn their seasons around. What seems to be
different about this season is not necessarily results like those, but the
fact that we haven't slipped up against the teams that are struggling. Our
only losses have come against Spurs, Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea,
Southampton and Everton. All are in the top six, bar the Toffees, but they
have always been our bogey team.
As I wrote before, we've got a tough run of games coming up – Liverpool,
Southampton, Spurs, Arsenal away; Manchester United and Chelsea at home.
They will all be difficult, but they will be informative in determining just
how good a side we are. We have shown so far this season that we have what
it takes to grind out wins after playing poorly – take Hull this week, for
example. We have shown how we have what it takes to not be a bottom-ten
side, having not yet lost to any of them. We have shown that we don't have
to worry about relegation.
Yet what else can we show? A few months back we were being compared to
Southampton, and many scoffed at the idea of either one of us being in the
top four come May. That was especially true when the Saints hit a run of
games against the big sides and lost quite a few. Yet where are they now?
They have shown they can test the Premier League elite: 1-1 draw with
Chelsea, 2-0 defeat of Arsenal and that impressive 1-0 away victory against
Manchester United. They have the metal to wallop the minnows (8-0 against
Sunderland) as well as the big boys.
Southampton beat United away for the first time since 1988. How about we
rewrite our own history by beating Liverpool next weekend? We haven't won at
Anfield since 1964. Surely it's time? How about even testing the Saints
themselves? We were roundly beaten by them at home 3-;, how about we show
that we are just as surprise a package this season as they are? We'd all
love to recreate the scenes at the Boleyn when we beat Chelsea 3-1 a few
years back and we'd all revel in another victory at White Hart Lane.
Arsenal showed against Manchester City that even if you are missing key
players, it's crucial to work as a team: making a side greater than the sum
of its individual parts. If this team really is serious about having
transitioned this season, and if the owners are honest when they say they
want us to push for Europe, then these run of results gives the club a
perfect opportunity to prove just that. Chelsea and Manchester United at
home are good chances: neither are playing particularly well away. The four
away games – against Southampton, Spurs, Arsenal and Liverpool – are teams
that are hitting their stride, similar to how we did in October and
November.
Let's hope this February is as good as last year.
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Allardyce hopes to pocket Stephen Hendrie in January raid on Hamilton
Jan 21, 2015 19:21 By Darren Lewis
Discussions are ongoing as the Hammers try to bring in highly-rated young
Scottish defender set to be out of contract in the summer
The Mirror
West Ham have made an approach to Scottish Premiership side Hamilton for
highly-rated left-back Stephen Hendrie. The 20-year-old is out of contract
in the summer but talks are ongoing between the two clubs over a possible
deal. If Hendrie were to run his contract down the Hammers would still be
forced to pay compensation to his club as he is under 23. Hendrie is valued
by his club at around £2million. He has represented Scotland at Under-17,
Under-19 and Under-21 level. Despite his age he has made over 100
appearances for his club and has attracted the admiration of several Premier
League clubs. West Ham's move for Hendrie is in line with the policy they
embarked on last summer of targeting exciting young talent with resale
value. The Irons' current left-back, 25-year-old Aaron Cresswell, has been
hugely impressive since boss Sam Allardyce signed him for £3.75million from
Ipswich last summer.
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James Collins' courage and tenacity has won the West Ham faithful over - and
now he's their 'Ginger Pele'
Jan 21, 2015 13:50
OPINION BY STEVESTAMMERS
The Welshman may not be blessed with the greatest ability but he gives his
all and defends for his life and the Upton Park faithful revere him for just
that
The Mirror
Over the years, heroes at West Ham have come in various guises. The sheer
excellence of Bobby Moore....the midfield guile of Trevor Brooking....the
elusive wing play of John Sissons and Alan Devonshire....the formidable
tackling of Julian Dicks. This season's vintage comes in the no-nonsense
defending of James Collins who has reached iconic status rather late in his
career. The reason? He gives his all. Whatever the match, whatever the
occasion, whatever the circumstances, the 31-year-old Welshman defends for
his life. It is the fans in what used to be the intimidating Chicken Run
tier of Upton Park who traditionally lead the way in these matters and they
have decided to christen Collins "The Ginger Pele".
In conversation, they label him Franz Becktonbauer but the "One Ginger
Pele" chant rolls more easily off the tongue. Now West Ham regulars will
know there is more than a hint of irony in that. When the football gods
distributed their gifts, Collins was not blessed with the touch of Brooking
or the supreme anticipation of Moore. But what they gave Collins in
abundance was courage and tenacity. They gave him the ingredients to be an
old-school centre back. Sometimes the man goes past him. Sometimes the ball
goes past him. Rarely do the two go past him together.
Collins will stoop low and risk personal damage to head the ball clear. He
will block for fun. He has never ducked out of a challenge.
Ok, so sometimes he may get a tad carried away and attempt manoeuvres for
which he is not equipped and occasionally that ends not in a good way. But
when he does what he does best, he is like a rock. And the fans love that
commitment. In both penalty areas – to prevent a goal or provide one –
Collins will risk injury for the benefit of West Ham. And that is why the
fans have taken to him. They are not taking the proverbial when they call
him the Ginger Pele. Far from it. They admire him. He will never be the most
accomplished player. But there are few around with his character – and the
fans at Upton Park know it. Link a player with two legends in Pele and
Beckenbauer and you are unlikely to come up with James Collins. But the
Chicken Run have. Now that is irony... and respect. Trust me, it is a tough
audience to win over, that Chicken Run. But James Collins has done it.
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DG thrilled with Irons "bargain buy"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 21, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Gold reckons Aaron Cresswell may become the buy of the season and
declares: "There's so much more to come from him!" Cresswell cost the Irons
£3.75 million from Ipswich and inside 22 Premier league games is now freely
discussed as an England probable. In total he has made 24 appearances and is
an ever present in what some originally saw as a season of adjustment. But
no adjustment has been necessary. Cresswell has been outstanding and with
Stewart Downing and Diafra Sakho is among the front runners for Hammer of
the year.
Gold could not be more impressed saying: "Aaron has been fantastic and I
really believe there's a lot more to come. "He got his goal against
Newcastle (seen above) and has gone from strength to strength. The boy has
so much in his game. At the price he is turning into one of the bargain buys
of the season. "It shows that there are players out these playing in the
Championship who can make the step up. It's all about the scouting network
you have in place. Aaron has been brilliant for us and to say we are all
delighted with him really would be something of an under-statement."
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Lazio waiting on Rav…but no loan!
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 21, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Ravel Morrison has been offered a pre-contract deal by Lazio but is yet to
put pen to paper. It was believed the player was likely to agree the deal
and join the Serie A outfit on loan for the rest of the season but he is not
allowed to under the game's rules. For he has already played for two clubs
this season – West Ham and Cardiff City and is not permitted to play for a
third thius ensuring the move – if it's to happen – will have to wait until
the summer. However, ClaretandHugh learned this evening that there is
interest elsewhere although sources were keeping their cards to their chests
on where from! We were told: "Lazio have made their offer and it's now up to
the player but there is interest beyond that. Will he sign for the Italians?
Very possibly but who knows what's around the corner in this game? Reports
broke in Italy earlier suggesting a deal had been done by the two sides but
our source said: "The offer is there and it's now up to the player." Lazio
are currently sitting fifth in Serie A.
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Kouyate's twitter account hacked
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 21, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Chek Kouyate was forced to apologise to his 14,000 followers on twitter
after his account was hacked yesterday. The embarrassing incident saw the
Senegal international interrupt his African Nations Cup tournament to say
sorry to his followers. A number of distasteful retweets were made from the
account – one including nudity. Kouyate said: "I'm sorry but my Twitter has
been hacked! I'm sorry if he/she upset anyone"
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Reid/Arsenal link takes Paulista bash!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 21, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Winston Reid's Arsenal prospects look near dead in the water as the Gunners
continue talks aimed at signing Gabriel Paulista. Arsene Wenger hopes of
signing the player hang on the La Liga outfit Villareal accepting £6 million
with add-ons to take the fee potentially to beyond £10m. Villareal want 20
million euros but should the clubs come to an agreement the Gunners need to
clinch a work permit on "exceptional talent" grounds as Paulista has not
yet represented Brazil. However, ClaretandHugh has learned Paulista was at
the emirates today and that the Gunners remain confident gthey can make the
deal happen. The north Londoners are negotiating hard for the player to the
exclusion of Reid who currently looks out in the cold as far as potential
interest is concerned. And even were Wenger to fail in his Paulista swoop it
now seems unlikely that he would come in for Reid – who would become very
much a second or third option.
But with no hint of that happening it appears that Reid's hopes of a move to
one of the "big" clubs is fading by the day
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Irons cool on City defender
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 21, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are unlikely to make a move for on loan Manchester City defender
Micah Richards at the end of the season. Reports that we retain an interest
in the player – currently on loan at Fiorentia – have started doing the
rounds based on our need for defensive reinforcements. The Serie A team have
first option on the player but – as reported – will have to pay £3.5m to
cover the wages City have paid during the course of this season plus a loan
facilitation fee. That's unlikely as Richards is looking for a return to
the Premier League and will be a free transfer in the summer although
ClaretandHugh understands that he is now off the irons radar. The former
England international has disappointed in Italy making just four Seria A and
five Europa League appearances. A Hammers source told ClaretandHugh: "He's a
£70k a week player minimum, doesn't have the best injury record and has made
less than 20 first team appearances last season and the season before."
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Jenks 'price' confirms chase is on!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 21, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
The very idea that Arsenal believe Carl Jenkinson may be worth £12 million
prompts just one thought in my mind..how much does that make Aaron Cresswell
worth? Newspapers and websites are very quick to put valuations on players
although in reality they usually bear little relationship to reality. So
when I first saw the price quoted on the website of a prominent national
newspaper, the immediate reaction was disbelief and amusement. The one
thing it does confirm is that the chase is on! An agent or interested
Arsenal insider was obviously responsible for disclosing such a price unless
it has come off the top of a journalist's head. Were it to be even remotely
true you wonder why on earth the Gunners allowed such a highly prized asset
to leave the Emirates on loan in the first place and buy Mathieu Debuchy for
£10 million. The Hammers have – as reported here yesterday – a £6 million
fee in mind for Jenkinson – which is £2.25 million more than they paid up
front for Cresswell who is already being put in the England frame. There are
extras in the deal which could give Ipswich £7 million. What nether I or
anybody else will ever believe is that Jenks – for all his virtues – is
worth three times as much. What is clear. however, is that the Hammers are
keen to get a deal done for the right back at the end of the season and that
at some stage his agent Darren Dein – a pal of the Irons board – will get
involved. We have a strong Arsenal connections and our new managing director
Angus Kinnear is the former marketing chief at the Gunners. Will it happen?
Yes I believe it will but at nowhere near £12 million and I think everybody
involves knows that!
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Cameroon centre back linked with Hammers
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 21, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Nicolas N'Koulou is a rising star in the French Ligue 1 and the established
backbone of the Cameroon team currently in the African Nations Cup. The 24
year old Marseille centre-back has been previously linked with Arsenal but
now there is credible news that he is a Hammers target should Winston Reid
leave the club in this transfer window. Named in the Ligue 1 Team of the
Year in 2012 and 2013, N'Koulou has 51 caps for his country.
The centre-back has been a mainstay for Marseille since moving from Monaco
four years ago, and certainly fits the Allardyce mould. He is big, strong
and a powerful header of the ball, he looks the type of player that would
fit right into the West Ham team. The Cameroonian international is currently
out at the Africa Cup of Nations, the French club might be more susceptible
to a cut price deal as they are suffering a severe financial crisis.
N'Koulou started yesterday in Cameroon's 1-1 draw with Mali where he came up
against Hammer Maiga who came on as a 86 minute substitute. West Ham are
likely to take a keen interest of how he performs in the African Nations
Cup.
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Hammers have £2m bid rejected
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 21, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Reports suggest West Ham have had a £2million bid rejected for Hamilton
left-back Stephen Hendrie. The Scottish 20-year-old is out of contract in
the summer and is said to be attracting interest from a number of Premier
League clubs including West Ham, Crystal Palace and Swansea. Hendrie has
made more than 100 appearances for the Scottish Premiership club but has
made it clear he is ready to move to a bigger club. He is seen as cover for
Aaron Cresswell. Speaking before his 20th birthday in January Hendrie said:
'I'm 20 next week, I don't think that's too young or too old to move from
Hamilton.I'm a Celtic fan and obviously the Premier League is one of the
best leagues in the world. That's my dream – you want to reach as high a
level as you can and if I can get to the Premier League that would be
brilliant. But the Accies would need to see if it's the right offer. If it
is, they say they'll never stand in anybody's way. They are a great club
like that. If they accepted it, there is not much I could do. It's good
massive clubs are getting mentioned. But I just want to get my head down and
keep doing well.Just now, the Accies are flying and I'm loving every minute
of it. We just want to finish as high as we can."
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WHUFC.com
Time-lapse footage shows the record-breaking roof of the Club's stunning new
Stadium taking shape
21.01.2015
As construction work continues apace at West Ham United's magnificent new
Stadium on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, one of the most striking features
of the transformation is the Stadium's stunning new roof. You can watch for
yourself how the massive roof installation project is progressing in this
new film, which includes footage taken from our special time-lapse cameras
inside and overlooking the Stadium.
.
Work on the roof has been going on for several months, with eight kilometres
of cable netting weighing 930 tonnes lifted and connected, before 112 steel
roof rafters, up to 38 metres in length, were also lifted and secured into
place.
In November, the first of almost 10,000 panels was lifted into place: with
6,300 solid panels in the rear section, and 3,600 transparent polycarbonate
panels at the front. It will take 26 weeks to lift all the panels into
place.
The insulated rear section of the roof is key to its special acoustic
design, ensuring that the atmosphere of the crowd will bounce around the
Stadium and create a cauldron of noise on matchdays. When the roof is
complete, it will enter the record books as the longest cantilevered roof in
the world, measuring 84 metres long at its deepest point.
At 45,000 square metres in size, the roof will be twice as big as the
original used for the 2012 Games, and will cover every seat in the Stadium,
compared to the 40 per cent of spectators in 2012 who sat in the open. And
because it is a cantilevered roof - fixed at only one end - every one of
those seats will enjoy a superb, unobstructed view of the action on the
pitch, with no roof supports in the way.
While the floodlights that sat on top of the old roof have been removed as
part of the transformation work, the 490 lamps they contained will be
installed underneath the new roof, providing tremendous illumination to the
field of play.
Time-lapse cameras were installed back in the summer enabling supporters to
see the Stadium transformation for themselves: two inside the Stadium
itself, and one overlooking the entire site from the top of the
ArcelorMittal Orbit.
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Clamour for Club London grows
WHUFC.com
West Ham United continue to report surging demand for Club London membership
21.01.2015
West Ham United continue to report surging demand for membership of Club
London, the market-leading hospitality lounges, restaurants and bars that
will offer the best matchday experience at the Hammers' magnificent new
Stadium in Stratford.
With facilities on offer that will set a new benchmark for luxury
hospitality in world football and seats with an unrivalled view of the
action, West Ham fans have been signing up for membership at an incredible
rate:
• Memberships for The Royal East lounge have now entirely sold out, less
than four months after going on sale. The Royal East follows the form of The
Forge 1895 lounge, which reached its capacity within weeks of going on sale
in December.
• Just a matter of days after going on sale, more than a quarter of places
have already been snapped up in The Boleyn, the Club's dedicated matchday
bar for Hammers fans.
• Just 50 places remain available in The Arnold Hills lounge, the relaxed
and cultured private dining club named in tribute to the visionary founder
of West Ham.
In addition to The Boleyn bar and the Arnold Hills lounge, limited Club
London spaces are still available in 'The Great Briton', a special bar,
lounge and restaurant area paying tribute to West Ham's major trophy winners
and the British champions of London 2012, with halfway line seats offering
superb views of the action from the West Stand's upper tier.
West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "We have been delighted by
the enthusiastic response to our Club London offering, and we can promise
all the supporters who have signed up as members that the facilities and
matchday experience will exceed all their expectations. I look forward to
welcoming them all to our first game in 2016."
While remaining space in Club London is now limited, supporters wishing to
apply for membership can do so today by joining the waiting list at
reservations.whufc.com.
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New kick-off time for Sunderland
WHUFC.com
Change of kick-off time for March Boleyn Ground fixture
21.01.2015
West Ham United's home Barclays Premier League clash with Sunderland will
now kick-off at 5.30pm on Saturday 21 March. This is the only one of the
Club's league fixtures in March to change from its originally scheduled date
or time, although the match against Chelsea could move should Jose
Mourinho's men reach the final of the Capital One Cup. West Ham and
Sunderland battled out a 1-1 draw when they met at the Stadium of Light in
December, with Stewart Downing's goal cancelling out a Jordi Gomez penalty.
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'Football is about the unit'
WHUFc.com
Winston Reid says his fine form this season as much to do with his
team-mates as it is his own ability
21.01.2015
Winston Reid says his fine defensive form this season is as much to do with
his team-mates as it is his own ability. The West Ham United centre-back has
been a consistently impressive figure at the heart of the Hammers' back four
this season, whoever he has played alongside. The No2 has started 20 of West
Ham's 22 Barclays Premier League matches, partnering James Tomkins eleven
times, James Collins on seven occasions and lining up in a back-three twice.
Reid has also adapted well to playing alongside two new full-backs in Carl
Jenkinson and Aaron Cresswell and deep-lying midfielder Alex Song, helping
West Ham to go into the closing months of the season with very real hopes of
qualifying for European football. "There isn't really a secret to defending,
as it's all about who you play alongside," wrote Reid in his new weekly
online Fanbookz column. "You have routines at the training ground and you
have to work together to make sure we concede as few as possible. "At the
end of the day it doesn't matter how many balls I've headed, or how many
clearances I've made personally, if the team still concedes six or seven
goals the statistics aren't of use to anyone. "Football is about the unit
rather than the individual. The way we try to work as a defensive line is to
ensure that everyone does his job, which makes it easier for each other. If
you look at players that have come into the side for us this season, they've
easily been able to slot in to the back line whenever a player's been
injured. "It's also great having the defensive cover in front of us, and
someone who has been key to our season is Alex Song. Alex stopped with his
national team [Cameroon] meaning we have him during the African Cup of
Nations, and while no-one knows what's gone on behind the scenes, it's
brilliant to have him at the Club. "Alex is a great guy to have around, he's
a funny character and he brings a lot of quality into the team. When you've
played at clubs like Arsenal and Barcelona, you have to have a bit of
quality to play for those sides."
Reid and his team-mates head to Bristol City for an FA Cup fourth-round tie
on Sunday knowing victory over the League One high-fliers will take them one
step further down the road to Wembley. However, the New Zealand
international goes west with the media speculating on an almost daily basis
over his future plans. For his part, the 26-year-old says he remains 100 per
cent focused on helping West Ham to maintain their strong form. "People
often ask me whether January is a strange month for footballers because of
the transfer window and gossip - to be honest as players we don't really
notice it that much," he explained. "It's not like we look out for news
about players, and it's mainly the media surrounding football as to why
there's always a lot of talk about transfers - but players honestly don't
really take notice of it that much."
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Hamilton Academical wait for Stephen Hendrie bid for West Ham
By Jane Lewis
BBC Scotland
Hamilton full-back Stephen Hendrie has been the subject of an offer in
excess of £2m from West Ham. However, the London club has not been back in
touch to formalise their bid, with the Accies happy to proceed with the sale
of the 20-year-old. Hendrie is out of contract at the end of the season. The
Scotland Under-21 international has made more than 100 appearances for the
Lanarkshire side since making the breakthrough in 2011. Earlier this month,
Hendrie talked to BBC Scotland about a possible move to the English Premier
League, saying: "That's my dream." Meanwhile, Hamilton have received close
to 100 applications for the managerial vacancy at New Douglas Park and hope
to announce a replacement for Alex Neil before the weekend. Martin Canning
stepped into the role of interim player-coach after Neil left to join
Norwich and assistant manager Frank McAvoy will also make the switch to
Carrow Road following Saturday's Premiership game against Inverness CT.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WHY WE NEED A BIG SCALP OVER THE NEXT TWO MONTHS
By Bobby Shovels 21 Jan 2015 at 11:34
West Ham Till I Die
My earliest memories of supporting West Ham, in the mid-1990s, were of
famous victories or draws against the bigger clubs: the time we stopped Sir
Alex from winning the title in 1995; Di Canio scoring a brace in a 2-1
victory over Arsenal in 1999. That was the West Ham way: perform well for
the big clubs, struggle against the minnows. It was even something Sir Alex
accused us of.
Cometh this season and that mantra still holds true – slightly. Yes, this
season we beat Liverpool and Manchester City at home, both impressively, but
to be a pessimist – as I always am – we played both sides at the right time,
before they both began to turn their seasons around. What seems to be
different about this season is not necessarily results like those, but the
fact that we haven't slipped up against the teams that are struggling. Our
only losses have come against Spurs, Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea,
Southampton and Everton. All are in the top six, bar the Toffees, but they
have always been our bogey team.
As I wrote before, we've got a tough run of games coming up – Liverpool,
Southampton, Spurs, Arsenal away; Manchester United and Chelsea at home.
They will all be difficult, but they will be informative in determining just
how good a side we are. We have shown so far this season that we have what
it takes to grind out wins after playing poorly – take Hull this week, for
example. We have shown how we have what it takes to not be a bottom-ten
side, having not yet lost to any of them. We have shown that we don't have
to worry about relegation.
Yet what else can we show? A few months back we were being compared to
Southampton, and many scoffed at the idea of either one of us being in the
top four come May. That was especially true when the Saints hit a run of
games against the big sides and lost quite a few. Yet where are they now?
They have shown they can test the Premier League elite: 1-1 draw with
Chelsea, 2-0 defeat of Arsenal and that impressive 1-0 away victory against
Manchester United. They have the metal to wallop the minnows (8-0 against
Sunderland) as well as the big boys.
Southampton beat United away for the first time since 1988. How about we
rewrite our own history by beating Liverpool next weekend? We haven't won at
Anfield since 1964. Surely it's time? How about even testing the Saints
themselves? We were roundly beaten by them at home 3-;, how about we show
that we are just as surprise a package this season as they are? We'd all
love to recreate the scenes at the Boleyn when we beat Chelsea 3-1 a few
years back and we'd all revel in another victory at White Hart Lane.
Arsenal showed against Manchester City that even if you are missing key
players, it's crucial to work as a team: making a side greater than the sum
of its individual parts. If this team really is serious about having
transitioned this season, and if the owners are honest when they say they
want us to push for Europe, then these run of results gives the club a
perfect opportunity to prove just that. Chelsea and Manchester United at
home are good chances: neither are playing particularly well away. The four
away games – against Southampton, Spurs, Arsenal and Liverpool – are teams
that are hitting their stride, similar to how we did in October and
November.
Let's hope this February is as good as last year.
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Allardyce hopes to pocket Stephen Hendrie in January raid on Hamilton
Jan 21, 2015 19:21 By Darren Lewis
Discussions are ongoing as the Hammers try to bring in highly-rated young
Scottish defender set to be out of contract in the summer
The Mirror
West Ham have made an approach to Scottish Premiership side Hamilton for
highly-rated left-back Stephen Hendrie. The 20-year-old is out of contract
in the summer but talks are ongoing between the two clubs over a possible
deal. If Hendrie were to run his contract down the Hammers would still be
forced to pay compensation to his club as he is under 23. Hendrie is valued
by his club at around £2million. He has represented Scotland at Under-17,
Under-19 and Under-21 level. Despite his age he has made over 100
appearances for his club and has attracted the admiration of several Premier
League clubs. West Ham's move for Hendrie is in line with the policy they
embarked on last summer of targeting exciting young talent with resale
value. The Irons' current left-back, 25-year-old Aaron Cresswell, has been
hugely impressive since boss Sam Allardyce signed him for £3.75million from
Ipswich last summer.
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James Collins' courage and tenacity has won the West Ham faithful over - and
now he's their 'Ginger Pele'
Jan 21, 2015 13:50
OPINION BY STEVESTAMMERS
The Welshman may not be blessed with the greatest ability but he gives his
all and defends for his life and the Upton Park faithful revere him for just
that
The Mirror
Over the years, heroes at West Ham have come in various guises. The sheer
excellence of Bobby Moore....the midfield guile of Trevor Brooking....the
elusive wing play of John Sissons and Alan Devonshire....the formidable
tackling of Julian Dicks. This season's vintage comes in the no-nonsense
defending of James Collins who has reached iconic status rather late in his
career. The reason? He gives his all. Whatever the match, whatever the
occasion, whatever the circumstances, the 31-year-old Welshman defends for
his life. It is the fans in what used to be the intimidating Chicken Run
tier of Upton Park who traditionally lead the way in these matters and they
have decided to christen Collins "The Ginger Pele".
In conversation, they label him Franz Becktonbauer but the "One Ginger
Pele" chant rolls more easily off the tongue. Now West Ham regulars will
know there is more than a hint of irony in that. When the football gods
distributed their gifts, Collins was not blessed with the touch of Brooking
or the supreme anticipation of Moore. But what they gave Collins in
abundance was courage and tenacity. They gave him the ingredients to be an
old-school centre back. Sometimes the man goes past him. Sometimes the ball
goes past him. Rarely do the two go past him together.
Collins will stoop low and risk personal damage to head the ball clear. He
will block for fun. He has never ducked out of a challenge.
Ok, so sometimes he may get a tad carried away and attempt manoeuvres for
which he is not equipped and occasionally that ends not in a good way. But
when he does what he does best, he is like a rock. And the fans love that
commitment. In both penalty areas – to prevent a goal or provide one –
Collins will risk injury for the benefit of West Ham. And that is why the
fans have taken to him. They are not taking the proverbial when they call
him the Ginger Pele. Far from it. They admire him. He will never be the most
accomplished player. But there are few around with his character – and the
fans at Upton Park know it. Link a player with two legends in Pele and
Beckenbauer and you are unlikely to come up with James Collins. But the
Chicken Run have. Now that is irony... and respect. Trust me, it is a tough
audience to win over, that Chicken Run. But James Collins has done it.
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DG thrilled with Irons "bargain buy"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 21, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Gold reckons Aaron Cresswell may become the buy of the season and
declares: "There's so much more to come from him!" Cresswell cost the Irons
£3.75 million from Ipswich and inside 22 Premier league games is now freely
discussed as an England probable. In total he has made 24 appearances and is
an ever present in what some originally saw as a season of adjustment. But
no adjustment has been necessary. Cresswell has been outstanding and with
Stewart Downing and Diafra Sakho is among the front runners for Hammer of
the year.
Gold could not be more impressed saying: "Aaron has been fantastic and I
really believe there's a lot more to come. "He got his goal against
Newcastle (seen above) and has gone from strength to strength. The boy has
so much in his game. At the price he is turning into one of the bargain buys
of the season. "It shows that there are players out these playing in the
Championship who can make the step up. It's all about the scouting network
you have in place. Aaron has been brilliant for us and to say we are all
delighted with him really would be something of an under-statement."
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Lazio waiting on Rav…but no loan!
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 21, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Ravel Morrison has been offered a pre-contract deal by Lazio but is yet to
put pen to paper. It was believed the player was likely to agree the deal
and join the Serie A outfit on loan for the rest of the season but he is not
allowed to under the game's rules. For he has already played for two clubs
this season – West Ham and Cardiff City and is not permitted to play for a
third thius ensuring the move – if it's to happen – will have to wait until
the summer. However, ClaretandHugh learned this evening that there is
interest elsewhere although sources were keeping their cards to their chests
on where from! We were told: "Lazio have made their offer and it's now up to
the player but there is interest beyond that. Will he sign for the Italians?
Very possibly but who knows what's around the corner in this game? Reports
broke in Italy earlier suggesting a deal had been done by the two sides but
our source said: "The offer is there and it's now up to the player." Lazio
are currently sitting fifth in Serie A.
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Kouyate's twitter account hacked
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 21, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Chek Kouyate was forced to apologise to his 14,000 followers on twitter
after his account was hacked yesterday. The embarrassing incident saw the
Senegal international interrupt his African Nations Cup tournament to say
sorry to his followers. A number of distasteful retweets were made from the
account – one including nudity. Kouyate said: "I'm sorry but my Twitter has
been hacked! I'm sorry if he/she upset anyone"
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Reid/Arsenal link takes Paulista bash!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 21, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Winston Reid's Arsenal prospects look near dead in the water as the Gunners
continue talks aimed at signing Gabriel Paulista. Arsene Wenger hopes of
signing the player hang on the La Liga outfit Villareal accepting £6 million
with add-ons to take the fee potentially to beyond £10m. Villareal want 20
million euros but should the clubs come to an agreement the Gunners need to
clinch a work permit on "exceptional talent" grounds as Paulista has not
yet represented Brazil. However, ClaretandHugh has learned Paulista was at
the emirates today and that the Gunners remain confident gthey can make the
deal happen. The north Londoners are negotiating hard for the player to the
exclusion of Reid who currently looks out in the cold as far as potential
interest is concerned. And even were Wenger to fail in his Paulista swoop it
now seems unlikely that he would come in for Reid – who would become very
much a second or third option.
But with no hint of that happening it appears that Reid's hopes of a move to
one of the "big" clubs is fading by the day
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Irons cool on City defender
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 21, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are unlikely to make a move for on loan Manchester City defender
Micah Richards at the end of the season. Reports that we retain an interest
in the player – currently on loan at Fiorentia – have started doing the
rounds based on our need for defensive reinforcements. The Serie A team have
first option on the player but – as reported – will have to pay £3.5m to
cover the wages City have paid during the course of this season plus a loan
facilitation fee. That's unlikely as Richards is looking for a return to
the Premier League and will be a free transfer in the summer although
ClaretandHugh understands that he is now off the irons radar. The former
England international has disappointed in Italy making just four Seria A and
five Europa League appearances. A Hammers source told ClaretandHugh: "He's a
£70k a week player minimum, doesn't have the best injury record and has made
less than 20 first team appearances last season and the season before."
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Jenks 'price' confirms chase is on!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 21, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
The very idea that Arsenal believe Carl Jenkinson may be worth £12 million
prompts just one thought in my mind..how much does that make Aaron Cresswell
worth? Newspapers and websites are very quick to put valuations on players
although in reality they usually bear little relationship to reality. So
when I first saw the price quoted on the website of a prominent national
newspaper, the immediate reaction was disbelief and amusement. The one
thing it does confirm is that the chase is on! An agent or interested
Arsenal insider was obviously responsible for disclosing such a price unless
it has come off the top of a journalist's head. Were it to be even remotely
true you wonder why on earth the Gunners allowed such a highly prized asset
to leave the Emirates on loan in the first place and buy Mathieu Debuchy for
£10 million. The Hammers have – as reported here yesterday – a £6 million
fee in mind for Jenkinson – which is £2.25 million more than they paid up
front for Cresswell who is already being put in the England frame. There are
extras in the deal which could give Ipswich £7 million. What nether I or
anybody else will ever believe is that Jenks – for all his virtues – is
worth three times as much. What is clear. however, is that the Hammers are
keen to get a deal done for the right back at the end of the season and that
at some stage his agent Darren Dein – a pal of the Irons board – will get
involved. We have a strong Arsenal connections and our new managing director
Angus Kinnear is the former marketing chief at the Gunners. Will it happen?
Yes I believe it will but at nowhere near £12 million and I think everybody
involves knows that!
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Cameroon centre back linked with Hammers
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 21, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Nicolas N'Koulou is a rising star in the French Ligue 1 and the established
backbone of the Cameroon team currently in the African Nations Cup. The 24
year old Marseille centre-back has been previously linked with Arsenal but
now there is credible news that he is a Hammers target should Winston Reid
leave the club in this transfer window. Named in the Ligue 1 Team of the
Year in 2012 and 2013, N'Koulou has 51 caps for his country.
The centre-back has been a mainstay for Marseille since moving from Monaco
four years ago, and certainly fits the Allardyce mould. He is big, strong
and a powerful header of the ball, he looks the type of player that would
fit right into the West Ham team. The Cameroonian international is currently
out at the Africa Cup of Nations, the French club might be more susceptible
to a cut price deal as they are suffering a severe financial crisis.
N'Koulou started yesterday in Cameroon's 1-1 draw with Mali where he came up
against Hammer Maiga who came on as a 86 minute substitute. West Ham are
likely to take a keen interest of how he performs in the African Nations
Cup.
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Hammers have £2m bid rejected
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 21, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Reports suggest West Ham have had a £2million bid rejected for Hamilton
left-back Stephen Hendrie. The Scottish 20-year-old is out of contract in
the summer and is said to be attracting interest from a number of Premier
League clubs including West Ham, Crystal Palace and Swansea. Hendrie has
made more than 100 appearances for the Scottish Premiership club but has
made it clear he is ready to move to a bigger club. He is seen as cover for
Aaron Cresswell. Speaking before his 20th birthday in January Hendrie said:
'I'm 20 next week, I don't think that's too young or too old to move from
Hamilton.I'm a Celtic fan and obviously the Premier League is one of the
best leagues in the world. That's my dream – you want to reach as high a
level as you can and if I can get to the Premier League that would be
brilliant. But the Accies would need to see if it's the right offer. If it
is, they say they'll never stand in anybody's way. They are a great club
like that. If they accepted it, there is not much I could do. It's good
massive clubs are getting mentioned. But I just want to get my head down and
keep doing well.Just now, the Accies are flying and I'm loving every minute
of it. We just want to finish as high as we can."
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Tuesday, January 20
Daily WHUFC News - 20th January 2015
A message from the Joint-Chairmen
WHUFc.com
Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold reflect on their first five
years at West Ham United
18.01.2015
Monday 19 January marks five years to the day since the moment that we, as
two proud Eastenders, took to the helm of the Club we have loved and
supported all our lives. So we feel the time is right to take stock of the
progress we have made and look forward to the challenges and opportunities
ahead.
It is an especially exciting time to be the Joint-Chairmen of this Club.
After our stunning start to the season, with performances that have had the
whole country talking, we sit comfortably in the top half of the table and
have a fourth round tie in the FA Cup to look forward to after last week's
thrilling win against Everton.
It is all a far cry from the situation West Ham faced back in January 2010,
when we first bought a majority share. To put our progress in perspective,
we have already won more games in this campaign than we did in the whole of
that 2009/10 season.
We inherited a club that was riddled with debt, had little or no expectation
from the management team, lacked strategy on and off the pitch and had no
idea what the future held for it. Avoiding relegation seemed to be the limit
of the Club's ambitions and with no plan to expand the Boleyn Ground, there
was little prospect of improvement.
As some supporters may recall, in the summer of 2010, we set out a ten-point
pledge to highlight the areas we wanted to address to start turning that
situation around and to give West Ham's loyal supporters reasons to look
forward to the future with confidence.
They were:
1. Management: We pledged to recruit a high-calibre manager with the
experience to deliver good football and results. After the disappointment of
relegation in 2011, we put our faith in Sam Allardyce to win promotion and
secure our status in the Barclays Premier League. He repaid that faith by
picking up the pieces of a relegated squad, rebuilding its morale and then
securing promotion to the Premier League via a memorable Play-Off Final win
at Wembley. Two consecutive mid-table finishes followed and this year he has
led us to our best-ever start to a Premier League season. Big Sam is now the
second longest-serving manager in the Premier League and we hope his
experience can now lead us to what would be a creditable top-six finish this
season.
2. New players: We said we wanted an exciting and balanced squad, with new
signings that shared our ambitions and could play in the 'West Ham Way'. Our
transfer business last summer typifies that approach: nine players brought
in with an average age of 24. Our recruitment was as varied as it was
successful, one of the brightest young talents in the Championship, a World
Cup star and a loan signing from Barcelona, and their impact on changing the
Club's fortunes is evident for all to see. In our opinion we now have one of
the best West Ham squads in recent memory.
3. The Academy: We always want to see Academy talent given a chance. James
Tomkins was the last player to break into the first team on a consistent
basis and we are desperate to see more make the grade. With Tony Carr moving
to an ambassadorial role, we restructured the Academy, appointing Terry
Westley as its new head. Just last week, we made a big statement for the
future by seeing off competition from several of the country's biggest clubs
to seal long-term deals for two of our most exciting prospects in Reece
Oxford and Joe Powell.
4. Clearing the debt: We pledged that West Ham would never again be placed
in peril and that we would get the Club back on a sound financial footing.
We have kept that pledge and last year's highest-ever turnover of £114.8
million has not only allowed us to invest in the playing squad, but also
continue to clear the Club's debts. We made a record £10.3m profit last
season and remain on track to have cleared all external debt by the time we
move to our new Stadium.
5. Season Ticket prices: We said we would reward fans who make the long-term
commitment of buying a Season Ticket and do more for the younger supporters
who are the lifeblood of the Club. We kept Season Ticket prices at our
previous Premier League level on our return to the top flight and then froze
them again two years later. Indeed, while still tackling the debt, over the
past five years, the price of a renewed Season Ticket has come down in
relation to the cost of living.
We also continued with our campaign to make football more affordable by
freezing Season Ticket prices for younger fans this season and next,
committing to six Kids for a Quid games and introducing a new category 'C'
ticket, which starts at just £20 for adults. These incentives, combined with
the impressive performances of the team, have seen us grow our support among
Under-18s by 23 per cent in the last two years.
6. Status and image: We said we wanted to build on our proud history and
values to promote the Club's status and image as far and wide as possible.
Now with star signings from across the globe, official supporters' clubs
from Canada to Kazakhstan, and the move to a world-famous venue just 20
months away, West Ham's international profile has never been higher. A total
of 14 of our matches were televised last season and we were officially
recognised as one of the world's leading football brands by Brandfinance,
placing us again in the top nine of Premier League clubs in the world's 50
most valuable football brands.
7. Enjoyment: We said we wanted to bring the fun and enjoyment back to a
matchday out at West Ham. That has meant restoring attacking, entertaining
and successful football on the pitch but also increased activity for fans
before the match and at half time, with better videos, improved music,
interviews with former players and celebrities and interactive activities
for young Hammers in and around the Stadium.
8. Community: We said we wanted to do even more for local schools and
businesses and extend our commitment to multi-sports, education and healthy
living. Thanks to the inspirational drive of Vice-Chairman Karren Brady and
new head of our West Ham United Foundation, Joseph Lyons, we have seen a
dramatic improvement. More than 15,000 youngsters have so far engaged with
the Foundation's employability, training and mentoring schemes, 6,000
underachieving children in Newham have received out-of-school study support
at the Club's Inspire Learning Centre and more than 20,000 deprived
youngsters in the Olympic Boroughs have also engaged with West Ham's Kicks
Project, which has seen a tangible reduction in anti-social behaviour in the
areas covered.
9. The Olympic Stadium: We said moving to the Olympic Stadium would be a
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we pledged to do our best to make it
happen. Our perseverance through three long and testing bidding processes
was eventually rewarded when we were named anchor concessionaires in March
2013. Our success in that bid is one of the great achievements of the past
five years. It gives us the chance to take West Ham to a new level by
generating more revenues to invest in the playing squad, attracting the best
players to sign for us and then hopefully competing with the top teams in
Europe. It will also give the greatest fans in the world one of the greatest
stadiums in all of football.
10. The supporters: We said our most important commitment was listening to
what you have to say and being open, transparent and available. Whether
talking to you on social media, or face to face at fans' forums, we hope we
have personally delivered on that commitment. And by establishing the
Supporter Advisory Board, appointing a dedicated Supporter Liaison Officer,
conducting polls and consultations on the new Stadium, the final season
plans and the new crest, we hope you have seen us not just listening to -
but acting on - your views.
In all these ten areas, significant progress has been made, but we recognise
there is still much more to do and that fresh challenges and new goals will
always lie ahead as we continue to shape the future of the Club. Therefore,
today we are issuing another ten-point pledge to help shape our vision for
the next five years. Our passion, commitment and desire to drive West Ham
further forward is as much alive today as it was the day we walked through
the gates.
1. Continue to invest in the playing squad. Our aim is to bring in more
world-class players that can play in the 'West Ham Way'. We have broken the
Club's transfer record twice in the last three years and we will continue to
make significant funds available to strengthen the playing squad this summer
as we build a team that will befit our new home. We will also endeavour to
hang onto our best players as, too often in the past, previous Boards have
sold our most promising players.
2. Give the Boleyn Ground the fitting farewell it deserves. With your
support we must ensure that we pay a fitting farewell to our home of more
than a century. We plan to use the opportunity, when people around the world
will be watching, to celebrate everything that is great about this Club, its
history, its fans and its future.
3. Clear the debt. Our latest set of accounts clearly shows the progress
made in this area, but we have pledged to be free of external debt by the
time we leave the Boleyn Ground and that must remain our focus for the next
18 months.
4. Deliver a new Stadium that exceeds fans' expectations. Having secured a
99-year lease to become anchor concessionaire, we must now make sure we
deliver a stunning new Stadium that Hammers fans are proud to call home. We
have secured a UEFA Category 4 Stadium, which is the highest category in the
world, and with the new roof, retractable seating, supporters facilities and
the new hospitality areas, your new Stadium will become the benchmark of
best stadia in the world.
5. Continue to serve our community. Having provided more than 1.5 million
opportunities for local people, the re-launched West Ham United Foundation
is now in a position to significantly expand its work over a wider area of
East London, Essex and beyond.
6. Employ the best staff to take the Club forward. While we are proud of the
Club's achievements, we should be clear it is not just down to the Board. We
have ensured we have the very best people in the right jobs, from football
staff and sports science to the new Stadium project team and supporter
services. We can all see the difference these people are making to West Ham
United and our progress on and off the pitch. West Ham is proud to be an
equal opportunities employer who has the best interests of its staff and its
customers at the heart of every decision the Board makes.
7. Communicate clearly and transparently with supporters. Whether it be
through our new soon-to-be-launched digital platform, social media,
newsletters, fans' forums or the SAB, we will continue to communicate the
Club's important messages to supporters. We pride ourselves on being
accessible Chairmen and will always listen to supporters' feedback on the
issues that matter to them.
8. Continue our affordable football campaign. A Season Ticket will always
offer the best value to anyone wanting to watch every West Ham game. We also
want to make sure that everyone has the chance to watch top-flight football
so will be building on our current promotions, such as the award-winning
schemes like Kids for a Quid, when we move to the new Stadium.
9. Make sure watching West Ham is enjoyable. We were clear last summer that
we share the West Ham fans' desire for entertaining football and are
delighted to see that return in abundance this season. The new Stadium will
offer unrivalled opportunities to improve the matchday experience away from
the pitch and we will be reaching out to supporters over the coming months
to make sure our new facilities offer one of the very best days out in the
Premier League.
10. Continue to increase the profile of our Club. The new Stadium will
automatically put West Ham on a pedestal around the world and it is our job
to ensure we maximise on that opportunity. We are already receiving
approaches from big brands that are desperate to be part of our exciting
journey and as our profile increases we will, in turn, be able to attract
better players from across the globe.
Like you, there are no limits to our ambitions for West Ham and there is no
end to our enthusiasm to achieve them.
But more importantly, over the coming years, we will, for the first time in
the modern era, have the Stadium, the playing squad and the global reach
that will give us the chance to turn our collective dreams into reality.
Thank you for your continued support.
David Sullivan and David Gold
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On-Song Hammers delight Alex
WHUFC.com
Hammers midfielder Alex Song was delighted with the second half display
against Hull City
19.01.2015
Alex Song felt West Ham United's ability to put an indifferent first half
behind them to see off Hull City on Sunday was the sign of a good side. The
Hammers had their struggles before the break as Hull's five-man midfield
stifled their ability to create chances, but a tactical switch at the break
changed the flow of the game. Song had a hand in the game-clinching second
and third goals just after the mid-point of the second period, playing
incisive passes into the feet of Enner Valencia and Stewart Downing and he
was delighed with the three point haul. "It was a very important win," he
said. "All the teams at the top won, so it was very important that we did as
well at home. "We started badly and the first half was difficult. Everton
was a long game and our legs were a little bit heavy, but we showed great
character to come back in the second half. "We had to keep going and keep
trying to play the best football we can, and in the end we are happy because
it was different in the second half. "We were sharper and we kept the ball
going forward with quick passing. It was a good result. "Always when you
score, first of all, you have to control the game. We got the goal early in
the second half and that helped us to keep playing how we want to play. "I
think it was very good and I think we have to learn from the way we played
in the second half for the next game. "The way we played after half time we
have to enjoy and just look forward to the next game now."
Song's pass for Downing's 72nd minute goal was a thing of beauty as he
threaded a ball through the eye of a needle, perfect for the No11 to burst
on to and finish coolly beyond Allan McGregor. The Cameroon midfielder
thrives off that kind of movement and was happy to play his part in an
important win. "Stewart's run for his goal is normal," he explained. "When I
have the ball, I always look forward and that's what I like, when players
give me the movement like Stewart did. "Valencia too, when I get the ball I
know straight away they will go forward. When I see them in space I just
want to give them the right ball for them to go on and try to score. "On
Sunday it was a very good move and a very good goal. If we continue to
improve like this more things can happen and I'm very happy for Stewart
today, the way he is playing."
On a personal level, Song is glad to be back in the team after suffering a
spell of illness recently, which forced him out of the first running of the
FA Cup tie at Everton. "I'm feeling much better," he confirmed. "When I came
back from Cameroon I was a little sick for five days. "It was hard to play
against Everton, as I couldn't really breathe properly, but it was good for
me to play then because I need to play to get my fitness back. "Then today
it was much better. Hopefully I can have a full recovery this week and be
ready for the next game because we have a lot of important games coming up."
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Senegal off to the perfect start
WHUFC.com
West Ham United midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate started in Senegal's 2-1 group
stage victory over Ghana
19.01.2015
Cheikhou Kouyate started as Senegal began their Africa Cup of Nations
campaign with a dramatic 2-1 group C victory against Ghana on Monday
evening. Senegal came from behind to claim maximum points, after Andre Ayew
scored a first half penalty for Ghana. Stoke's Mame Diouf levelled, before
Moussa Sow, of Fenerbahce, notched a stoppage time equaliser. It gave
Kouyate, who was earning his 15th cap for his country, the perfect start as
Senegal attempt to lift the title for the first time. Their next match is on
Friday when they take on South Africa.
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Sign up to the final season waiting list
WHUFC.com
Places are filling up quickly on the waiting list for 2015/16 Season Tickets
19.01.2015
With Season Tickets for the current campaign now sold out, supporters are
urged to join the waiting list for 2015/16 Season Tickets in order to give
themselves a chance of being here for the final year at the Boleyn Ground.
With the Hammers enjoying an outstanding first half of the season, Season
Tickets have proven extremely popular - so much so that they are no longer
available as the Club heads into the final seven home matches of the
campaign. Demand is set to be even higher as we bid the Boleyn Ground an
emotional farewell in 2015/16 so sign up to the waiting list before it's too
late! 2015/16 Season Ticket Holders will be our priority when it comes to
seats in the new Stadium. So this is the one and only way to experience a
brilliant Boleyn send-off, before taking your seat in our stunning new
Stratford home. Two seasons that no West Ham fan will want to miss!
Individuals will be added on a first-come, first-served basis and allocated
their Season Tickets accordingly, so we urge supporters to sign up promptly.
For those wishing to join, a £10 registration fee is payable, which is then
redeemable against your Season Ticket purchase.
Please note that a place on the waiting list does not automatically
guarantee a Season Ticket, with demand already exceptionally high and likely
to exceed capacity. Those who are unsuccessful for the 2015/16 season will
instead be offered the opportunity to join the waiting list for a 2016/17
Season Ticket, subject to availability.
Sign up now by clicking here, call 0871 529 1966 (10p per minute plus
network extras) or visit the Boleyn Ground Ticket Office in person.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A ten point pledge for the NEXT five years
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 19th January 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's co-chairmen have released a statement to mark the fifth
anniversary of their purchase of the club.
In January 2010, David Sullivan and David Gold bought a majority share of
West Ham, since when they have increased their stake considerably. Upon
taking the control of the club they released a ten-point pledge, which they
have reviewed five years on - read more about that here.
Additionally, Sullivan and Gold have issued a new ten point pledge to "shape
our vision for the next five years" - whilst thanking fans for their loyal
support during the recent turbulent years.
The ten points are as follows:
1. Continue to invest in the playing squad. Our aim is to bring in more
world-class players that can play in the 'West Ham Way'. We have broken the
Club's transfer record twice in the last three years and we will continue to
make significant funds available to strengthen the playing squad this summer
as we build a team that will befit our new home. We will also endeavour to
hang onto our best players as, too often in the past, previous Boards have
sold our most promising players.
2. Give the Boleyn Ground the fitting farewell it deserves. With your
support we must ensure that we pay a fitting farewell to our home of more
than a century. We plan to use the opportunity, when people around the world
will be watching, to celebrate everything that is great about this Club, its
history, its fans and its future.
3. Clear the debt. Our latest set of accounts clearly shows the progress
made in this area, but we have pledged to be free of external debt by the
time we leave the Boleyn Ground and that must remain our focus for the next
18 months.
4. Deliver a new Stadium that exceeds fans' expectations. Having secured a
99-year lease to become anchor concessionaire, we must now make sure we
deliver a stunning new Stadium that Hammers fans are proud to call home. We
have secured a UEFA Category 4 Stadium, which is the highest category in the
world, and with the new roof, retractable seating, supporters facilities and
the new hospitality areas, your new Stadium will become the benchmark of
best stadia in the world.
5. Continue to serve our community. Having provided more than 1.5 million
opportunities for local people, the re-launched West Ham United Foundation
is now in a position to significantly expand its work over a wider area of
East London, Essex and beyond.
6. Employ the best staff to take the Club forward. While we are proud of the
Club's achievements, we should be clear it is not just down to the Board. We
have ensured we have the very best people in the right jobs, from football
staff and sports science to the new Stadium project team and supporter
services. We can all see the difference these people are making to West Ham
United and our progress on and off the pitch. West Ham is proud to be an
equal opportunities employer who has the best interests of its staff and its
customers at the heart of every decision the Board makes.
7. Communicate clearly and transparently with supporters. Whether it be
through our new soon-to-be-launched digital platform, social media,
newsletters, fans' forums or the SAB, we will continue to communicate the
Club's important messages to supporters. We pride ourselves on being
accessible Chairmen and will always listen to supporters' feedback on the
issues that matter to them.
8. Continue our affordable football campaign. A Season Ticket will always
offer the best value to anyone wanting to watch every West Ham game. We also
want to make sure that everyone has the chance to watch top-flight football
so will be building on our current promotions, such as the award-winning
schemes like Kids for a Quid, when we move to the new Stadium.
9. Make sure watching West Ham is enjoyable. We were clear last summer that
we share the West Ham fans' desire for entertaining football and are
delighted to see that return in abundance this season. The new Stadium will
offer unrivalled opportunities to improve the matchday experience away from
the pitch and we will be reaching out to supporters over the coming months
to make sure our new facilities offer one of the very best days out in the
Premier League.
10. Continue to increase the profile of our Club. The new Stadium will
automatically put West Ham on a pedestal around the world and it is our job
to ensure we maximise on that opportunity. We are already receiving
approaches from big brands that are desperate to be part of our exciting
journey and as our profile increases we will, in turn, be able to attract
better players from across the globe.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham eyeing shock January raid for Manchester United midfielder Darren
Fletcher
Jan 19, 2015 19:34 By Darren Lewis
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce wants to build on his side's impressive season by
bringing in the experienced Scotland man
The Mirror
West Ham United have made an audacious bid to land Manchester United
midfielder Darren Fletcher. Fletcher, 30, is out of contract at the end of
the season and has yet to sign a new deal. He is expected to make a decision
on his future by the end of January. Tony Pulis at West Brom, Scottish
champions Celtic and Spanish club Valencia are all keen on the Scotland
international, who has made just 16 appearances this season. It is
understood Fletcher is keen to test himself abroad but with West Ham aiming
for the top four, Sam Allardyce believes Fletcher would be tempted by the
challenge of pushing for Champions League football with another English
club. Fletcher last played for United in their 2-0 FA Cup Third Round win at
Yeovil on January 4 and is after regular first team action.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce believes landing the United star this month would
give the east Londoners even more strength in depth going into the second
half of the season. The club have leapt up the table after landing Cheikou
Kouyate, Enner Valencia, Aaron Cresswell, Diafra Sakho and Alex Song on loan
last summer. Big Sam insisted on Sunday that the signings were the best that
he has benefited from during his time as a boss. He said: "Recruitment is
everything in the world of football. You recruit well, you become a great
manager.
"Better players do better things, take things on board quicker, get better
results. Our recruitment this year has been fantastic. "To have so many
players make such a difference in one season's recruitment is the best I've
ever had in my entire career." But West Ham's joint-chairmen, David Gold and
David Sullivan, have steadfastly maintained that they would have to free up
space on their wage bill before signing even more players. Portuguese
forward Ricardo Vaz Te has now left by mutual consent and the club are
willing to listen to offers for winger Matt Jarvis.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham defender Winston Reid makes it clear he wants Arsenal move if they
bid this month
Jan 19, 2015 22:30 By Darren Lewis
The New Zealand centre-half wants to push through a move across London to
the Emirates as Sam Allardyce targets replacements
The Mirror
Winston Reid has made it clear to West Ham that he wants to join Arsenal
should the Gunners bid for him this month. Arsene Wenger has confirmed he is
in for a new centre-back this month and Reid, out of contract in the summer,
does not want to be denied a dream move.
The 26-year-old has flatly refused to sign a new deal and was dropped for
Sunday's 3-0 win over Hull, coming on after an injury to James Collins.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce insisted afterwards that Collins and James
Tomkins had started the match at centre-back because they had done so well
in last week's epic FA Cup Third Round replay win over Everton. But it is
believed Big Sam did not consider Reid to be focused amid his contract
wrangle and the interest from Arsenal and Spurs. West Ham insistent that
they want around £8million for the centre-back should Arsenal come in for
him this month. The Gunners had hoped to land Reid for around £4-5million.
Reid fears he will be priced out of a move. West Ham have already had a bid
rejected for Nigeria international Azubuike Egwuekwe, the player they have
targeted as Reid's replacement. His club, Warri Wolves, want £4million for
him.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham have the belief to secure a top-four Premier League finish, insists
striker Andy Carroll
Jan 19, 2015 22:30 By Darren Lewis
The Hammers put Hull City to the sword on Sunday afternoon and their
towering number nine is in positive mood
The Mirror
Andy Carroll says there is "belief" in the West Ham dressing room that the
club can end the season with European football. The east Londoners -
celebrating five years since Davids Gold and Sullivan took over - crushed
Hull 3-0 on Sunday to reignite their challenge for the top four. The victory
was their first in the Premier League since December 20. Defeats to Chelsea
and Arsenal, followed by draws against West Brom, Swansea and Everton,
prompted suggestions that the Hammers' push for the top four had run out of
steam. In the wake of Sunday's win, however, Carroll revealed the squad are
convinced that there is enough quality within their ranks to reach the next
level by the end of this season - whether in the Champions League or the
Europa League.
The 26-year-old striker, scorer of the first goal against Hull, said:
"There's a belief in the dressing room, I don't see why not.
"We haven't had a win in the last few games but we've had the performances
that can take us up to the top." Alex Song, involved in two of the three
goals against the Tigers, added: "It was a very important win. All the teams
at the top won, so it was very important that we did as well at home."
And Hammers chairman David Sullivan once again confirmed: "Our target? To
finish in a Champions League spot. "That's not to say we will but why not
aim high? The other target is to win the FA Cup which is becoming harder
every year." The Hammers - four points off fourth-placed Manchester United -
remain convinced that a shock Champions League place is still within their
grasp. They still have striker Diafra Sakho - currently injured - and
talented midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate, currently at the Africa Cup of Nations
to come back into their squad for the second half of the season. They are
also looking to beef up their squad further during the January transfer
window. They will need to as Saturday's FA Cup Fourth Round tie at Bristol
City as their subsequent four games are against Liverpool, Manchester
United, Southampton and Tottenham. Stewart Downing, however, has insisted
the Hammers have the goals within the side to feel confident about
maintaining their challenge.
The England winger, who hit his fifth of the season against Hull, said:
"I've always wanted to get more goals. "Sunday was about the team winning
but if we can chip in with goals all round the team, it's obviously
healthier for us and it gets us further up the league.
"I think that's the pleasing thing. We've got goals in and around the team.
If it's not Andy, Enner or me, we've got other lads. Diafra [Sakho] was
missing on Sunday, so we have to step up. If we all chip in, we finish in a
better position. Simple."
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Gold…en moments as Irons stride on
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 19, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Gold has revealed that to have reached the position West Ham currently
occupy in the Premier League on the weekend of his and David Sullivan's
fifth anniversary is "magical stuff." He told ClaretandHugh: "Here we are
seventh in the League beating the likes of Hull 3-0 with players like
Kouyate and Sakho to come back. "There were plenty of moans at our first
half performance yesterday but when Sam went back to the diamond, the
difference was immediate. That's us at our best and I think that's how we
will stay now." He made it quite clear that nobody could afford to see
themselves as an automatic first teamer anymore saying: "We have so many
outstanding players here now. "Who for example would ever have thought that
the likes of Mark Noble would need to fight for their places but that's the
case now. "Mark knows the position as do all the others. There are no gimees
at West Ham United anymore. We are in a very healthy League position and off
to Bristol for an important Cup tie. "It's magical stuff and shows how far
we have come this last five years. The fans should be celebrating – life is
good."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Barca transfer embargo and Alex Song
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 19, 2015 in Whispers
By Harry Sherlock
Claret & Hugh
Barcelona's transfer embargo has been used by some to suggest that West Ham
maybe in a tricky position as they bid to clinch the permanent transfer of
Alex Song! Barca's suspension – after Fifa found them guilty of breaching
transfer rules relating to the acquisitions of players under the age of 18
-means that they can't sign another player in 2015. And that immediately
raises the question as to whether the Catalan giants will want to let Alex
Song leave the club. We want to sign him long term of coursd and there is
reported interest from Liverpool along with some in Turkey – thus a bidding
war may be in prospect. David Sullivan puts it simply: "Could he [Song]
leave at the end of the season? Yes he could – loan players always can.
Barcelona paid £15m for him. You have to judge him over the season and I
think Song has to judge West Ham over the season.
Barca's transfer predicament is unlikely to have any bearing on whether Song
stays or leaves the Nou Camp for all the reports are that his face has never
quite fitted at the club Under Gerardo Martino, Song started against Rayo
Vallecano in 2013 and Barcelona subsequently lost the possession battle for
the first time in 317 competitive games. Song became the scapegoat. In a
squad also featuring the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi, the
Cameroon international failed to settle as Barca embarked on a period of
unprecedented domestic and European dominance. It is hardly Song's fault; a
highly capable midfielder, with an excellent range of passing, he arrived at
the club at a time when Barcelona were, unquestionably, the best team on the
planet. They regressed slightly under Martino and remain on the slide and
even Messi is believed to be unsettled, prompting talk of a Chelsea move.
Yet they simply do not need Song. Despite the transfer embargo, Barcelona's
La Masia facility remains one of the finest production lines in world
football and they continue to churn out world-class prospects. Sergi Roberto
is just 22 and is widely regarded as one of the best young midfielders in
Europe, while 21-year-old Rafinha – brother of Bayern Munich's Thiago
Alcantara – has been heavily linked with a move to England. Of Spain's
current Under-21 squad, five players come from Barca – they have a
remarkable depth of talent and thus, Song has become expendable. The Irons;
main problem is that Barca are in a magnificent negotiating position because
of their transfer ban and are in a position to demand whatever they wish
from any interested parties.
Song signed a five-year contract upon his arrival at the club in 2012 and,
as is customary in Spain, a release clause was included. It stands at £63
million. That is designed to put off interested clubs but it can complicate
matters when a player becomes surplus to requirements. Reports have
suggested that Barca have set an asking price of £11.5m for the player and
they are not in a position where they need to budge. It comes down to
whether we can meet the £11.5 million or whether intrest from elsewhere will
push it higher when there are the wages to consider as well. The transfer
ban, however, looks to be a side issue!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"Tippy tappy b…..ks?" Verbal b…..ks more like!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 19, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Quite where Sam's head was when he described "tippy tappy football as b…..ks
sometimes" and that it was a return to the direct game in the second half
which won yesterday's match remains entirely beyond me! This is not an anti
Allardyce rant because I'm sure he was winding up the faithful for reasons
best known to himself. Personally I don't understand a single word of what
he had to say. I just don't get it – somebody help me here please. I can see
no context in which the remarks make sense at all. His precise quote was:
""All this tippy-tappy stuff – everybody keeps on going about the right way
to play football – is all a load of b******s sometimes.
"Getting the ball into the opposition box as quickly as you can with quality
is definitely sometimes the best way forward and that's what we did in the
second half and that's why we won the game." Does Enner Valencia and Morgan
Amalfitano's fancy footwork for the Frenchman's goal qualify as tippy tappy?
Was the glorious pass to Stewart Downing from Alex Song and the run to
score, tippy tappy?
Was the rocket shot from Enner Valencis which fell to Andy Carroll tippy
tappy? Sorry Sam none of what you had to say makes the remotest sense to me
unless for reasons I don't understand you considered out first half display
tippy tappy. In fact we didn't play any football at all and your admission
that you returned to the diamond in the second half is peculiar given that
most don't believe you should have abandoned it in the first place. A return
to a style which has seen us produce our best football this season is hardly
the mark of tactical awareness – quite the opposite in fact as it should
never have been abandoned in the first place. If there's anybody out there
who has the first clue what those remarks are all about, please leave your
comments here or on the FB ClaretandHugh forum.
Enlighten me…PLEASE!
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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WHUFc.com
Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold reflect on their first five
years at West Ham United
18.01.2015
Monday 19 January marks five years to the day since the moment that we, as
two proud Eastenders, took to the helm of the Club we have loved and
supported all our lives. So we feel the time is right to take stock of the
progress we have made and look forward to the challenges and opportunities
ahead.
It is an especially exciting time to be the Joint-Chairmen of this Club.
After our stunning start to the season, with performances that have had the
whole country talking, we sit comfortably in the top half of the table and
have a fourth round tie in the FA Cup to look forward to after last week's
thrilling win against Everton.
It is all a far cry from the situation West Ham faced back in January 2010,
when we first bought a majority share. To put our progress in perspective,
we have already won more games in this campaign than we did in the whole of
that 2009/10 season.
We inherited a club that was riddled with debt, had little or no expectation
from the management team, lacked strategy on and off the pitch and had no
idea what the future held for it. Avoiding relegation seemed to be the limit
of the Club's ambitions and with no plan to expand the Boleyn Ground, there
was little prospect of improvement.
As some supporters may recall, in the summer of 2010, we set out a ten-point
pledge to highlight the areas we wanted to address to start turning that
situation around and to give West Ham's loyal supporters reasons to look
forward to the future with confidence.
They were:
1. Management: We pledged to recruit a high-calibre manager with the
experience to deliver good football and results. After the disappointment of
relegation in 2011, we put our faith in Sam Allardyce to win promotion and
secure our status in the Barclays Premier League. He repaid that faith by
picking up the pieces of a relegated squad, rebuilding its morale and then
securing promotion to the Premier League via a memorable Play-Off Final win
at Wembley. Two consecutive mid-table finishes followed and this year he has
led us to our best-ever start to a Premier League season. Big Sam is now the
second longest-serving manager in the Premier League and we hope his
experience can now lead us to what would be a creditable top-six finish this
season.
2. New players: We said we wanted an exciting and balanced squad, with new
signings that shared our ambitions and could play in the 'West Ham Way'. Our
transfer business last summer typifies that approach: nine players brought
in with an average age of 24. Our recruitment was as varied as it was
successful, one of the brightest young talents in the Championship, a World
Cup star and a loan signing from Barcelona, and their impact on changing the
Club's fortunes is evident for all to see. In our opinion we now have one of
the best West Ham squads in recent memory.
3. The Academy: We always want to see Academy talent given a chance. James
Tomkins was the last player to break into the first team on a consistent
basis and we are desperate to see more make the grade. With Tony Carr moving
to an ambassadorial role, we restructured the Academy, appointing Terry
Westley as its new head. Just last week, we made a big statement for the
future by seeing off competition from several of the country's biggest clubs
to seal long-term deals for two of our most exciting prospects in Reece
Oxford and Joe Powell.
4. Clearing the debt: We pledged that West Ham would never again be placed
in peril and that we would get the Club back on a sound financial footing.
We have kept that pledge and last year's highest-ever turnover of £114.8
million has not only allowed us to invest in the playing squad, but also
continue to clear the Club's debts. We made a record £10.3m profit last
season and remain on track to have cleared all external debt by the time we
move to our new Stadium.
5. Season Ticket prices: We said we would reward fans who make the long-term
commitment of buying a Season Ticket and do more for the younger supporters
who are the lifeblood of the Club. We kept Season Ticket prices at our
previous Premier League level on our return to the top flight and then froze
them again two years later. Indeed, while still tackling the debt, over the
past five years, the price of a renewed Season Ticket has come down in
relation to the cost of living.
We also continued with our campaign to make football more affordable by
freezing Season Ticket prices for younger fans this season and next,
committing to six Kids for a Quid games and introducing a new category 'C'
ticket, which starts at just £20 for adults. These incentives, combined with
the impressive performances of the team, have seen us grow our support among
Under-18s by 23 per cent in the last two years.
6. Status and image: We said we wanted to build on our proud history and
values to promote the Club's status and image as far and wide as possible.
Now with star signings from across the globe, official supporters' clubs
from Canada to Kazakhstan, and the move to a world-famous venue just 20
months away, West Ham's international profile has never been higher. A total
of 14 of our matches were televised last season and we were officially
recognised as one of the world's leading football brands by Brandfinance,
placing us again in the top nine of Premier League clubs in the world's 50
most valuable football brands.
7. Enjoyment: We said we wanted to bring the fun and enjoyment back to a
matchday out at West Ham. That has meant restoring attacking, entertaining
and successful football on the pitch but also increased activity for fans
before the match and at half time, with better videos, improved music,
interviews with former players and celebrities and interactive activities
for young Hammers in and around the Stadium.
8. Community: We said we wanted to do even more for local schools and
businesses and extend our commitment to multi-sports, education and healthy
living. Thanks to the inspirational drive of Vice-Chairman Karren Brady and
new head of our West Ham United Foundation, Joseph Lyons, we have seen a
dramatic improvement. More than 15,000 youngsters have so far engaged with
the Foundation's employability, training and mentoring schemes, 6,000
underachieving children in Newham have received out-of-school study support
at the Club's Inspire Learning Centre and more than 20,000 deprived
youngsters in the Olympic Boroughs have also engaged with West Ham's Kicks
Project, which has seen a tangible reduction in anti-social behaviour in the
areas covered.
9. The Olympic Stadium: We said moving to the Olympic Stadium would be a
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we pledged to do our best to make it
happen. Our perseverance through three long and testing bidding processes
was eventually rewarded when we were named anchor concessionaires in March
2013. Our success in that bid is one of the great achievements of the past
five years. It gives us the chance to take West Ham to a new level by
generating more revenues to invest in the playing squad, attracting the best
players to sign for us and then hopefully competing with the top teams in
Europe. It will also give the greatest fans in the world one of the greatest
stadiums in all of football.
10. The supporters: We said our most important commitment was listening to
what you have to say and being open, transparent and available. Whether
talking to you on social media, or face to face at fans' forums, we hope we
have personally delivered on that commitment. And by establishing the
Supporter Advisory Board, appointing a dedicated Supporter Liaison Officer,
conducting polls and consultations on the new Stadium, the final season
plans and the new crest, we hope you have seen us not just listening to -
but acting on - your views.
In all these ten areas, significant progress has been made, but we recognise
there is still much more to do and that fresh challenges and new goals will
always lie ahead as we continue to shape the future of the Club. Therefore,
today we are issuing another ten-point pledge to help shape our vision for
the next five years. Our passion, commitment and desire to drive West Ham
further forward is as much alive today as it was the day we walked through
the gates.
1. Continue to invest in the playing squad. Our aim is to bring in more
world-class players that can play in the 'West Ham Way'. We have broken the
Club's transfer record twice in the last three years and we will continue to
make significant funds available to strengthen the playing squad this summer
as we build a team that will befit our new home. We will also endeavour to
hang onto our best players as, too often in the past, previous Boards have
sold our most promising players.
2. Give the Boleyn Ground the fitting farewell it deserves. With your
support we must ensure that we pay a fitting farewell to our home of more
than a century. We plan to use the opportunity, when people around the world
will be watching, to celebrate everything that is great about this Club, its
history, its fans and its future.
3. Clear the debt. Our latest set of accounts clearly shows the progress
made in this area, but we have pledged to be free of external debt by the
time we leave the Boleyn Ground and that must remain our focus for the next
18 months.
4. Deliver a new Stadium that exceeds fans' expectations. Having secured a
99-year lease to become anchor concessionaire, we must now make sure we
deliver a stunning new Stadium that Hammers fans are proud to call home. We
have secured a UEFA Category 4 Stadium, which is the highest category in the
world, and with the new roof, retractable seating, supporters facilities and
the new hospitality areas, your new Stadium will become the benchmark of
best stadia in the world.
5. Continue to serve our community. Having provided more than 1.5 million
opportunities for local people, the re-launched West Ham United Foundation
is now in a position to significantly expand its work over a wider area of
East London, Essex and beyond.
6. Employ the best staff to take the Club forward. While we are proud of the
Club's achievements, we should be clear it is not just down to the Board. We
have ensured we have the very best people in the right jobs, from football
staff and sports science to the new Stadium project team and supporter
services. We can all see the difference these people are making to West Ham
United and our progress on and off the pitch. West Ham is proud to be an
equal opportunities employer who has the best interests of its staff and its
customers at the heart of every decision the Board makes.
7. Communicate clearly and transparently with supporters. Whether it be
through our new soon-to-be-launched digital platform, social media,
newsletters, fans' forums or the SAB, we will continue to communicate the
Club's important messages to supporters. We pride ourselves on being
accessible Chairmen and will always listen to supporters' feedback on the
issues that matter to them.
8. Continue our affordable football campaign. A Season Ticket will always
offer the best value to anyone wanting to watch every West Ham game. We also
want to make sure that everyone has the chance to watch top-flight football
so will be building on our current promotions, such as the award-winning
schemes like Kids for a Quid, when we move to the new Stadium.
9. Make sure watching West Ham is enjoyable. We were clear last summer that
we share the West Ham fans' desire for entertaining football and are
delighted to see that return in abundance this season. The new Stadium will
offer unrivalled opportunities to improve the matchday experience away from
the pitch and we will be reaching out to supporters over the coming months
to make sure our new facilities offer one of the very best days out in the
Premier League.
10. Continue to increase the profile of our Club. The new Stadium will
automatically put West Ham on a pedestal around the world and it is our job
to ensure we maximise on that opportunity. We are already receiving
approaches from big brands that are desperate to be part of our exciting
journey and as our profile increases we will, in turn, be able to attract
better players from across the globe.
Like you, there are no limits to our ambitions for West Ham and there is no
end to our enthusiasm to achieve them.
But more importantly, over the coming years, we will, for the first time in
the modern era, have the Stadium, the playing squad and the global reach
that will give us the chance to turn our collective dreams into reality.
Thank you for your continued support.
David Sullivan and David Gold
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
On-Song Hammers delight Alex
WHUFC.com
Hammers midfielder Alex Song was delighted with the second half display
against Hull City
19.01.2015
Alex Song felt West Ham United's ability to put an indifferent first half
behind them to see off Hull City on Sunday was the sign of a good side. The
Hammers had their struggles before the break as Hull's five-man midfield
stifled their ability to create chances, but a tactical switch at the break
changed the flow of the game. Song had a hand in the game-clinching second
and third goals just after the mid-point of the second period, playing
incisive passes into the feet of Enner Valencia and Stewart Downing and he
was delighed with the three point haul. "It was a very important win," he
said. "All the teams at the top won, so it was very important that we did as
well at home. "We started badly and the first half was difficult. Everton
was a long game and our legs were a little bit heavy, but we showed great
character to come back in the second half. "We had to keep going and keep
trying to play the best football we can, and in the end we are happy because
it was different in the second half. "We were sharper and we kept the ball
going forward with quick passing. It was a good result. "Always when you
score, first of all, you have to control the game. We got the goal early in
the second half and that helped us to keep playing how we want to play. "I
think it was very good and I think we have to learn from the way we played
in the second half for the next game. "The way we played after half time we
have to enjoy and just look forward to the next game now."
Song's pass for Downing's 72nd minute goal was a thing of beauty as he
threaded a ball through the eye of a needle, perfect for the No11 to burst
on to and finish coolly beyond Allan McGregor. The Cameroon midfielder
thrives off that kind of movement and was happy to play his part in an
important win. "Stewart's run for his goal is normal," he explained. "When I
have the ball, I always look forward and that's what I like, when players
give me the movement like Stewart did. "Valencia too, when I get the ball I
know straight away they will go forward. When I see them in space I just
want to give them the right ball for them to go on and try to score. "On
Sunday it was a very good move and a very good goal. If we continue to
improve like this more things can happen and I'm very happy for Stewart
today, the way he is playing."
On a personal level, Song is glad to be back in the team after suffering a
spell of illness recently, which forced him out of the first running of the
FA Cup tie at Everton. "I'm feeling much better," he confirmed. "When I came
back from Cameroon I was a little sick for five days. "It was hard to play
against Everton, as I couldn't really breathe properly, but it was good for
me to play then because I need to play to get my fitness back. "Then today
it was much better. Hopefully I can have a full recovery this week and be
ready for the next game because we have a lot of important games coming up."
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Senegal off to the perfect start
WHUFC.com
West Ham United midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate started in Senegal's 2-1 group
stage victory over Ghana
19.01.2015
Cheikhou Kouyate started as Senegal began their Africa Cup of Nations
campaign with a dramatic 2-1 group C victory against Ghana on Monday
evening. Senegal came from behind to claim maximum points, after Andre Ayew
scored a first half penalty for Ghana. Stoke's Mame Diouf levelled, before
Moussa Sow, of Fenerbahce, notched a stoppage time equaliser. It gave
Kouyate, who was earning his 15th cap for his country, the perfect start as
Senegal attempt to lift the title for the first time. Their next match is on
Friday when they take on South Africa.
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Sign up to the final season waiting list
WHUFC.com
Places are filling up quickly on the waiting list for 2015/16 Season Tickets
19.01.2015
With Season Tickets for the current campaign now sold out, supporters are
urged to join the waiting list for 2015/16 Season Tickets in order to give
themselves a chance of being here for the final year at the Boleyn Ground.
With the Hammers enjoying an outstanding first half of the season, Season
Tickets have proven extremely popular - so much so that they are no longer
available as the Club heads into the final seven home matches of the
campaign. Demand is set to be even higher as we bid the Boleyn Ground an
emotional farewell in 2015/16 so sign up to the waiting list before it's too
late! 2015/16 Season Ticket Holders will be our priority when it comes to
seats in the new Stadium. So this is the one and only way to experience a
brilliant Boleyn send-off, before taking your seat in our stunning new
Stratford home. Two seasons that no West Ham fan will want to miss!
Individuals will be added on a first-come, first-served basis and allocated
their Season Tickets accordingly, so we urge supporters to sign up promptly.
For those wishing to join, a £10 registration fee is payable, which is then
redeemable against your Season Ticket purchase.
Please note that a place on the waiting list does not automatically
guarantee a Season Ticket, with demand already exceptionally high and likely
to exceed capacity. Those who are unsuccessful for the 2015/16 season will
instead be offered the opportunity to join the waiting list for a 2016/17
Season Ticket, subject to availability.
Sign up now by clicking here, call 0871 529 1966 (10p per minute plus
network extras) or visit the Boleyn Ground Ticket Office in person.
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A ten point pledge for the NEXT five years
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 19th January 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's co-chairmen have released a statement to mark the fifth
anniversary of their purchase of the club.
In January 2010, David Sullivan and David Gold bought a majority share of
West Ham, since when they have increased their stake considerably. Upon
taking the control of the club they released a ten-point pledge, which they
have reviewed five years on - read more about that here.
Additionally, Sullivan and Gold have issued a new ten point pledge to "shape
our vision for the next five years" - whilst thanking fans for their loyal
support during the recent turbulent years.
The ten points are as follows:
1. Continue to invest in the playing squad. Our aim is to bring in more
world-class players that can play in the 'West Ham Way'. We have broken the
Club's transfer record twice in the last three years and we will continue to
make significant funds available to strengthen the playing squad this summer
as we build a team that will befit our new home. We will also endeavour to
hang onto our best players as, too often in the past, previous Boards have
sold our most promising players.
2. Give the Boleyn Ground the fitting farewell it deserves. With your
support we must ensure that we pay a fitting farewell to our home of more
than a century. We plan to use the opportunity, when people around the world
will be watching, to celebrate everything that is great about this Club, its
history, its fans and its future.
3. Clear the debt. Our latest set of accounts clearly shows the progress
made in this area, but we have pledged to be free of external debt by the
time we leave the Boleyn Ground and that must remain our focus for the next
18 months.
4. Deliver a new Stadium that exceeds fans' expectations. Having secured a
99-year lease to become anchor concessionaire, we must now make sure we
deliver a stunning new Stadium that Hammers fans are proud to call home. We
have secured a UEFA Category 4 Stadium, which is the highest category in the
world, and with the new roof, retractable seating, supporters facilities and
the new hospitality areas, your new Stadium will become the benchmark of
best stadia in the world.
5. Continue to serve our community. Having provided more than 1.5 million
opportunities for local people, the re-launched West Ham United Foundation
is now in a position to significantly expand its work over a wider area of
East London, Essex and beyond.
6. Employ the best staff to take the Club forward. While we are proud of the
Club's achievements, we should be clear it is not just down to the Board. We
have ensured we have the very best people in the right jobs, from football
staff and sports science to the new Stadium project team and supporter
services. We can all see the difference these people are making to West Ham
United and our progress on and off the pitch. West Ham is proud to be an
equal opportunities employer who has the best interests of its staff and its
customers at the heart of every decision the Board makes.
7. Communicate clearly and transparently with supporters. Whether it be
through our new soon-to-be-launched digital platform, social media,
newsletters, fans' forums or the SAB, we will continue to communicate the
Club's important messages to supporters. We pride ourselves on being
accessible Chairmen and will always listen to supporters' feedback on the
issues that matter to them.
8. Continue our affordable football campaign. A Season Ticket will always
offer the best value to anyone wanting to watch every West Ham game. We also
want to make sure that everyone has the chance to watch top-flight football
so will be building on our current promotions, such as the award-winning
schemes like Kids for a Quid, when we move to the new Stadium.
9. Make sure watching West Ham is enjoyable. We were clear last summer that
we share the West Ham fans' desire for entertaining football and are
delighted to see that return in abundance this season. The new Stadium will
offer unrivalled opportunities to improve the matchday experience away from
the pitch and we will be reaching out to supporters over the coming months
to make sure our new facilities offer one of the very best days out in the
Premier League.
10. Continue to increase the profile of our Club. The new Stadium will
automatically put West Ham on a pedestal around the world and it is our job
to ensure we maximise on that opportunity. We are already receiving
approaches from big brands that are desperate to be part of our exciting
journey and as our profile increases we will, in turn, be able to attract
better players from across the globe.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham eyeing shock January raid for Manchester United midfielder Darren
Fletcher
Jan 19, 2015 19:34 By Darren Lewis
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce wants to build on his side's impressive season by
bringing in the experienced Scotland man
The Mirror
West Ham United have made an audacious bid to land Manchester United
midfielder Darren Fletcher. Fletcher, 30, is out of contract at the end of
the season and has yet to sign a new deal. He is expected to make a decision
on his future by the end of January. Tony Pulis at West Brom, Scottish
champions Celtic and Spanish club Valencia are all keen on the Scotland
international, who has made just 16 appearances this season. It is
understood Fletcher is keen to test himself abroad but with West Ham aiming
for the top four, Sam Allardyce believes Fletcher would be tempted by the
challenge of pushing for Champions League football with another English
club. Fletcher last played for United in their 2-0 FA Cup Third Round win at
Yeovil on January 4 and is after regular first team action.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce believes landing the United star this month would
give the east Londoners even more strength in depth going into the second
half of the season. The club have leapt up the table after landing Cheikou
Kouyate, Enner Valencia, Aaron Cresswell, Diafra Sakho and Alex Song on loan
last summer. Big Sam insisted on Sunday that the signings were the best that
he has benefited from during his time as a boss. He said: "Recruitment is
everything in the world of football. You recruit well, you become a great
manager.
"Better players do better things, take things on board quicker, get better
results. Our recruitment this year has been fantastic. "To have so many
players make such a difference in one season's recruitment is the best I've
ever had in my entire career." But West Ham's joint-chairmen, David Gold and
David Sullivan, have steadfastly maintained that they would have to free up
space on their wage bill before signing even more players. Portuguese
forward Ricardo Vaz Te has now left by mutual consent and the club are
willing to listen to offers for winger Matt Jarvis.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham defender Winston Reid makes it clear he wants Arsenal move if they
bid this month
Jan 19, 2015 22:30 By Darren Lewis
The New Zealand centre-half wants to push through a move across London to
the Emirates as Sam Allardyce targets replacements
The Mirror
Winston Reid has made it clear to West Ham that he wants to join Arsenal
should the Gunners bid for him this month. Arsene Wenger has confirmed he is
in for a new centre-back this month and Reid, out of contract in the summer,
does not want to be denied a dream move.
The 26-year-old has flatly refused to sign a new deal and was dropped for
Sunday's 3-0 win over Hull, coming on after an injury to James Collins.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce insisted afterwards that Collins and James
Tomkins had started the match at centre-back because they had done so well
in last week's epic FA Cup Third Round replay win over Everton. But it is
believed Big Sam did not consider Reid to be focused amid his contract
wrangle and the interest from Arsenal and Spurs. West Ham insistent that
they want around £8million for the centre-back should Arsenal come in for
him this month. The Gunners had hoped to land Reid for around £4-5million.
Reid fears he will be priced out of a move. West Ham have already had a bid
rejected for Nigeria international Azubuike Egwuekwe, the player they have
targeted as Reid's replacement. His club, Warri Wolves, want £4million for
him.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham have the belief to secure a top-four Premier League finish, insists
striker Andy Carroll
Jan 19, 2015 22:30 By Darren Lewis
The Hammers put Hull City to the sword on Sunday afternoon and their
towering number nine is in positive mood
The Mirror
Andy Carroll says there is "belief" in the West Ham dressing room that the
club can end the season with European football. The east Londoners -
celebrating five years since Davids Gold and Sullivan took over - crushed
Hull 3-0 on Sunday to reignite their challenge for the top four. The victory
was their first in the Premier League since December 20. Defeats to Chelsea
and Arsenal, followed by draws against West Brom, Swansea and Everton,
prompted suggestions that the Hammers' push for the top four had run out of
steam. In the wake of Sunday's win, however, Carroll revealed the squad are
convinced that there is enough quality within their ranks to reach the next
level by the end of this season - whether in the Champions League or the
Europa League.
The 26-year-old striker, scorer of the first goal against Hull, said:
"There's a belief in the dressing room, I don't see why not.
"We haven't had a win in the last few games but we've had the performances
that can take us up to the top." Alex Song, involved in two of the three
goals against the Tigers, added: "It was a very important win. All the teams
at the top won, so it was very important that we did as well at home."
And Hammers chairman David Sullivan once again confirmed: "Our target? To
finish in a Champions League spot. "That's not to say we will but why not
aim high? The other target is to win the FA Cup which is becoming harder
every year." The Hammers - four points off fourth-placed Manchester United -
remain convinced that a shock Champions League place is still within their
grasp. They still have striker Diafra Sakho - currently injured - and
talented midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate, currently at the Africa Cup of Nations
to come back into their squad for the second half of the season. They are
also looking to beef up their squad further during the January transfer
window. They will need to as Saturday's FA Cup Fourth Round tie at Bristol
City as their subsequent four games are against Liverpool, Manchester
United, Southampton and Tottenham. Stewart Downing, however, has insisted
the Hammers have the goals within the side to feel confident about
maintaining their challenge.
The England winger, who hit his fifth of the season against Hull, said:
"I've always wanted to get more goals. "Sunday was about the team winning
but if we can chip in with goals all round the team, it's obviously
healthier for us and it gets us further up the league.
"I think that's the pleasing thing. We've got goals in and around the team.
If it's not Andy, Enner or me, we've got other lads. Diafra [Sakho] was
missing on Sunday, so we have to step up. If we all chip in, we finish in a
better position. Simple."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold…en moments as Irons stride on
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 19, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Gold has revealed that to have reached the position West Ham currently
occupy in the Premier League on the weekend of his and David Sullivan's
fifth anniversary is "magical stuff." He told ClaretandHugh: "Here we are
seventh in the League beating the likes of Hull 3-0 with players like
Kouyate and Sakho to come back. "There were plenty of moans at our first
half performance yesterday but when Sam went back to the diamond, the
difference was immediate. That's us at our best and I think that's how we
will stay now." He made it quite clear that nobody could afford to see
themselves as an automatic first teamer anymore saying: "We have so many
outstanding players here now. "Who for example would ever have thought that
the likes of Mark Noble would need to fight for their places but that's the
case now. "Mark knows the position as do all the others. There are no gimees
at West Ham United anymore. We are in a very healthy League position and off
to Bristol for an important Cup tie. "It's magical stuff and shows how far
we have come this last five years. The fans should be celebrating – life is
good."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Barca transfer embargo and Alex Song
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 19, 2015 in Whispers
By Harry Sherlock
Claret & Hugh
Barcelona's transfer embargo has been used by some to suggest that West Ham
maybe in a tricky position as they bid to clinch the permanent transfer of
Alex Song! Barca's suspension – after Fifa found them guilty of breaching
transfer rules relating to the acquisitions of players under the age of 18
-means that they can't sign another player in 2015. And that immediately
raises the question as to whether the Catalan giants will want to let Alex
Song leave the club. We want to sign him long term of coursd and there is
reported interest from Liverpool along with some in Turkey – thus a bidding
war may be in prospect. David Sullivan puts it simply: "Could he [Song]
leave at the end of the season? Yes he could – loan players always can.
Barcelona paid £15m for him. You have to judge him over the season and I
think Song has to judge West Ham over the season.
Barca's transfer predicament is unlikely to have any bearing on whether Song
stays or leaves the Nou Camp for all the reports are that his face has never
quite fitted at the club Under Gerardo Martino, Song started against Rayo
Vallecano in 2013 and Barcelona subsequently lost the possession battle for
the first time in 317 competitive games. Song became the scapegoat. In a
squad also featuring the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi, the
Cameroon international failed to settle as Barca embarked on a period of
unprecedented domestic and European dominance. It is hardly Song's fault; a
highly capable midfielder, with an excellent range of passing, he arrived at
the club at a time when Barcelona were, unquestionably, the best team on the
planet. They regressed slightly under Martino and remain on the slide and
even Messi is believed to be unsettled, prompting talk of a Chelsea move.
Yet they simply do not need Song. Despite the transfer embargo, Barcelona's
La Masia facility remains one of the finest production lines in world
football and they continue to churn out world-class prospects. Sergi Roberto
is just 22 and is widely regarded as one of the best young midfielders in
Europe, while 21-year-old Rafinha – brother of Bayern Munich's Thiago
Alcantara – has been heavily linked with a move to England. Of Spain's
current Under-21 squad, five players come from Barca – they have a
remarkable depth of talent and thus, Song has become expendable. The Irons;
main problem is that Barca are in a magnificent negotiating position because
of their transfer ban and are in a position to demand whatever they wish
from any interested parties.
Song signed a five-year contract upon his arrival at the club in 2012 and,
as is customary in Spain, a release clause was included. It stands at £63
million. That is designed to put off interested clubs but it can complicate
matters when a player becomes surplus to requirements. Reports have
suggested that Barca have set an asking price of £11.5m for the player and
they are not in a position where they need to budge. It comes down to
whether we can meet the £11.5 million or whether intrest from elsewhere will
push it higher when there are the wages to consider as well. The transfer
ban, however, looks to be a side issue!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"Tippy tappy b…..ks?" Verbal b…..ks more like!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 19, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Quite where Sam's head was when he described "tippy tappy football as b…..ks
sometimes" and that it was a return to the direct game in the second half
which won yesterday's match remains entirely beyond me! This is not an anti
Allardyce rant because I'm sure he was winding up the faithful for reasons
best known to himself. Personally I don't understand a single word of what
he had to say. I just don't get it – somebody help me here please. I can see
no context in which the remarks make sense at all. His precise quote was:
""All this tippy-tappy stuff – everybody keeps on going about the right way
to play football – is all a load of b******s sometimes.
"Getting the ball into the opposition box as quickly as you can with quality
is definitely sometimes the best way forward and that's what we did in the
second half and that's why we won the game." Does Enner Valencia and Morgan
Amalfitano's fancy footwork for the Frenchman's goal qualify as tippy tappy?
Was the glorious pass to Stewart Downing from Alex Song and the run to
score, tippy tappy?
Was the rocket shot from Enner Valencis which fell to Andy Carroll tippy
tappy? Sorry Sam none of what you had to say makes the remotest sense to me
unless for reasons I don't understand you considered out first half display
tippy tappy. In fact we didn't play any football at all and your admission
that you returned to the diamond in the second half is peculiar given that
most don't believe you should have abandoned it in the first place. A return
to a style which has seen us produce our best football this season is hardly
the mark of tactical awareness – quite the opposite in fact as it should
never have been abandoned in the first place. If there's anybody out there
who has the first clue what those remarks are all about, please leave your
comments here or on the FB ClaretandHugh forum.
Enlighten me…PLEASE!
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