Downing keen to distance Stoke
WHUFC.com
Stewart Downing sees Saturday's visit of Stoke City as a key game in the Hammers' bid to secure a top-eight Barclays Premier League finish. West Ham and the Potters go into the Boleyn Ground clash locked together on 42 points, so a victory could prove key in pulling away from the opponents. After playing a central role in helping the Hammers come from 2-0 down at Stoke in October to claim a point - Downing scored one and set the other up - he is keen to go one better and win on Saturday. "We're on the same number of points, so it's a massive game," Downing explained. "It was a difficult one when we played there and we got a draw out of it, but we're at home now and I think Enner's back for the weekend. Diafra is there too so we can have a right good go at them and get the goalscorers back in the team.
"It was a good game for me when we played earlier in the season, scoring one and setting Ener up too. It was a game of two halves – in the first half we were poor and didn't get going, but in the second half we were really good. "We need to get back to winning ways on Saturday because we don't want the season to tail off – we want to finish as strongly as we can."
Downing laid on a superb diving header for Enner Valencia at the Britannia Stadium and the No11 says having the Ecuador man back will be a major boost. He added: "He's a goal threat. He's got pace, he's powerful and he's a threat to the other team. I thought he played ever so well, especially in the second half, at Stoke. Their defenders will know they're in for a game. "Him and Sakho have been a good partnership when Andy's been out so it'll be interesting what team the manager picks but I'm sure he'll be in his thoughts and it's nice to have him back. "I'm sure the manager is happy to have those options. He has Carlton as well who will be itching to play. He did well when he came on against Sunderland at home."
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Moyes moves closer - but Real hold the key
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 9th April 2015
By: Staff Writer
David Moyes is likely to become West Ham's manager next season - but only if current club Real Sociedad grant him permission to leave.
As widely predicted, current boss Sam Allardyce is almost certainly coming to the end of an eventful four-year tenure at the club, in which he has taken West Ham from the Championship to the top ten of the Premier League. Although he was saved from the sack last summer when the Board were split over a change, that barrier is understood to have been removed now with all three key parties - David Sullivan, David Gold and Karren Brady - in agreement that a new appointment is necessary. Much has been written in recent weeks regarding Allardyce's potential replacement, with Moyes, Rafa Benitiez, Slaven Bilic and Marcelo Bielsa highly touted as likely candidates. However David Sullivan is thought to favour signing a manager with Premier League experience. That would essentially rule out both Croatian Bilic and Argentine Bielsa - neither of whom have managed in England before. And although he may be making waves in Ligue 1 at Marseille this season 59-year-old Bielsa's inability to speak English would also rule him out of contention, with the owners considering that a priority.
Benitez, as reported on KUMB in May 2014 was, like Moyes, sounded out by West Ham last summer. Yet the Spaniard is reluctant to join a club outside of England's established top four - especially with the Manchester City position likely to become available at the end of the season.
Whilst that essentially leaves Moyes as the default 'top drawer' choice, the former Everton man is highly-regarded by the Hammers board and, just as importantly, Tony Henry who is leading the hunt for Allardyce's successor. Henry, who was placed in charge of player and staff recruitment by the Board last autumn previously worked with Scot Moyes at Goodison Park and the two developed a close working relationship which could yet be renewed at the Boleyn Ground. However that rests upon West Ham being able to reach agreement with Moyes' current club Real Sociedad, to whom the 51-year-old is contracted until the end of the 2015/16 seasons after signing an 18-month contract last November.
Moyes has guided the Basque club to ninth place in this season's La Liga following a disappointing start to the campaign under Jagoba Arrasate. He is understood to be keen on a return to England to resurrect a domestic career that faltered at Manchester United, from where he was fired after just 10 months in the post (a blow softened by a £5million golden handshake). West Ham's Board are also keen on making at least two marquee signings this summer to supplement the new manager's planned arrival and mark the club's final season at the Boleyn Ground before moving to Stratford. One player on the club's wish list is Carlos Tevez, who has just one more year of a three-year contract left to run at Juventus. The 31-year-old has previously signalled his intention to return to childhood club Boca, but West Ham hope they can persuade the 31-year-old crowd favourite to return to east London for a swansong.
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Chelsea preparing double swoop?
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 9th April 2015
By: Staff Writer
Chelsea are being linked with a multi-million pound move for Aaron Cresswell - just a matter of weeks since it was claimed they were hoping to lure Enner Valencia across the city. The Express were one of several sources to report this morning that Jose Mourinho may turn to the former Ipswich full-back, who only moved to the Boleyn Ground last summer, as a potential replacement for Filipe Luis who is tipped to return to Portugal this summer. And that comes just two months after the Blues were reported to be prepared to pay up to £25million to take Enner Valencia from the Boleyn to Stamford Bridge. Cresswell cost West Ham £4million when signing from the Championship club last summer. Arsenal have also previously expressed an interest in the defender, who is currently valued around the £10-15m mark. Luis, who only joined Chelsea from Athletico Madrid a year ago is being linked with a return to Spain with current La Liga champions Real Madrid.
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Moyes Hammers destiny in his own hands
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 9, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Reports that David Moyes' arrival as West Ham's new manager depend on Real Sociedad giving him permission are wide of the mark.
Various media outlets and websites are now catching on to the fact that Sam Allardyce is as they report it "coming to the end of his West Ham reign." Regular readers of ClaretandHugh will have known that several weeks back when we made it clear the writing was firmly on the wall. Indeed, David Sullivan in a brief question and answer session with WHUFCTV.com a couple of days back declared: "The last 12 games have been exceedingly disappointing." Moyes has been the No 1 choice since work started on the finding an Allardyce replacement but that Real Sociedad hold the key to him joining us is not the case. Moyes only signed an 18 month deal with the Spanish club last November and had a clause inserted that he could speak to a Premier League club if an approach was made for his services.
The Hammers believe that Tony Henry, their recruitment officer to the board and Moyes' former Everton chief scout is a key player, in trying to attract the Scot to the Boleyn. It is however, true, as reported elsewhere, that all three board members -co owners David Gold, Sullivan and Karren Brady – are now agreed that a change is necessary. Moyes has his future in his own hands and has said that he is extremely happy where he is but Sullivan is a persuasive negotiator and will hope to talk him round. Marcelo Bielsa has been recommended to the board by numerous 'faces' inside the game and could yet move in as the next boss if Moyes rejects the club as he is reported to have done last summer.
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Hammers WILL accept FPL Europa spot!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 9, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Gold has given the strongest indication yet that the Hammers WILL take part in the early Europa Cup stages if they gain a spot via the Fair Play League. There is no obligation to do so and and a club may refuse to take part. And given it means a return to training a month early plus extensive travelling and little financial return it had been thought the Irons board may decide to give it a miss.
But DG told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "It has to be given great consideration for the sake of the fans. They want a taste of Europe and if we can provide it via the Fair Play League I think we will do so. "Yes, it does mean an early return, much travelling and there's no real financial return involved early on but if we have a chance of reaching the later stages of the Europa League I think we will probably vote to take it. I think the fans would expect that. "Obviously we will need to protect players like Andy Carroll who have been injured but I think we can put out teams capable of winning those early games."
Co chairman David Sullivan is also in favour of taking part. Three spots are given to federations that finish above a certain level in Uefa's Fair Play table. The top three federations automatically receive a Fair Play entry if their rating is at least 8.0. The berth goes to the highest-placed team in the Fair Play table of that country's top league that has not already qualified for Europe. The Hammers are currently on top of the Premier league Fair Play Table with an average of 8.3.
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Chelsea told to get eyes of 'Cressie'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 9, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & hugh
West Ham have warned that Aaron Cresswell is off limits for a summer move after reports arose that Chelsea were eyeing him as a possible target were Felipe Luis to move on from Stamford Bridge this summer. The Brazilian international has found it hard to hold down a regular spot and speculation has mounted over his future with Cresswell named as a potential replacement. Manchester City have also been linked with our left back but a Hammers source told ClaretandHugh: "He's had a brilliant first season and is locked into a long term contract. He's not available. "Manchester City have also been linked with him apparently but they are watching 50 players at any one time. Cressie is very much part of our future – we're not interested in offers."
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Bonzo on season and what comes next!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 9, 2015 in Whispers
Claret 7Hugh
Hammers hero Bill Bonds doesn't believe "the state of the season" dictates how players approach games and added: "I always took my A game out – there was no B or C." Stewart Downing and Aaron Cresswell have both declared that they will be as fired up for the rest of the season as they have been throughout the campaign. And Bonzo – speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh said: "That's precisely how it must be because whatever the state of the season the fans expect you to go out, give the lot and win." Reviewing the season so far Billy said: "I think it all went wrong in the FA Cup against West Brom. Hopes were so high and it was a bad defeat. "To lose 4-0 after that night against Everton in the Upton Park replay was so disappointing but in reality it hasn't been a bad season "We remain in the top ten but obviously after such a great start when hopes were so high it feels as if it's all gone wrong. In fact it's been quite a successful campaign."
Bonzo is entirely ambivalent about the apparent uncertainty surrounding the manager saying: "Oh the whole managerial thing is just a merry-go-round! What will be will be. "People are saying the board should have made it's mind up by now but it's their club, their money and they will do what they want. I don't have a problem with that. "And to be perfectly honest I really can't believe there hasn't been a dialogue between them by now. They aren't gonna tell the fans absolutely everything are they? There's no reason why they should. "Whatever happens Sam won't be short of offers if he doesn't get one from West Ham and we have to leave it with owners. End of.
"We need to end the season giving everything and gaining as many points as possible. After that the big decisions will be on the table. A little patience is now required."
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Brave Downing pledges Stoke attack
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 9, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & hugh
Stoke City have been warned the Hammers are going to have "a right good go at them" this weekend. In an encouraging declaration of intent, Stewart Downing has spoken the words we have all been waiting to hear and hoping to see fulfilled. Aaron Cresswell has said similar things declaring earlier the team will scrap for every point and although we appear to have only league position to play for, it's good to hear such positivity. All we need now is for it to actually happen! Downing has bravely put his head on the block by claiming that with the two main strikers now fit the team can carry the attack to a Stoke City team. Ultimately, of course, that will be the manager's decision but the winger none the less declared: We're on the same number of points, so it's a massive game,
"It was a difficult one when we played there and we got a draw out of it, but we're at home now and I think Enner's back for the weekend. Diafra is there too so we can have a right good go at them and get the goalscorers back in the team. "It was a good game for me when we played earlier in the season, scoring one and setting Enner up too. It was a game of two halves – in the first half we were poor and didn't get going, but in the second half we were really good.
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"We haven't gone on holiday"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 9, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Aaron Cresswell has denied the widespread suggestion that the Irons have "gone on holiday." The Hammers have been at the centre of accusations that with nothing left to play for they are more concerned with vacation destinations and sun loungers. It's a cheap shot and not really worth considering, nor whould players be put in a position where they need to defend themselves from such a criticism of the professionalism. The inspirational left back and leading contender for Hammer of the Year has made it crystal clear the side will be fighting for every single point over the last games. He said: "We are all winners and we all want to finish as high as we can in the league. We have seven games to not let our season fizzle out and that is what we intend to do." He was obviously unhappy at the Leicester city defeat and told London24.com: "Their early goal helped the crowd too and if they had gone 2-0 up with the penalty, you sort of felt that the game might be over. But Adrian saved it which kept us in it and I think we took control of the match after that." "We had plenty of chances," added Cresswell. "Cheikhou hit the post and we had a couple of other really good chances and on another day they go into the back of the net. "But we didn't take them and in the end they got the sucker punch goal."
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Valencia Stoke start poser
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 9, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Enner Valencia is ready for the Stoke City match! And that means only Andy Carroll, James Tomkins and Doneil Henry remian on the injury list as the Irons head into the final crucial games of the season. Valencia has played a full part in training this week but whether he starts remains to be seen. The manager appears to prefer to re-introduce those who have been on the injury list from the bench so that will be an interesting decision. Stijn Vandenbroucke, Head of Medical and Sports Science reports on the official website: "Enner will be available to be selected to play against Stoke City on Saturday. "Andy Carroll (knee), James Tomkins (shoulder) and Doneil Henry (hamstring) are continuing their rehabilitation following their respective surgeries."
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Friday, April 10
Thursday, April 9
Daily WHUFC News - 9th April 2015
The Big Interview - Kevin Nolan
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan has his eyes on his 100th career league goal – and wants to
reach the landmark this Saturday against Stoke City. The West Ham United
skipper has been stuck on 99 since nodding the Hammers level in December's
2-1 victory at West Bromwich Albion and is ready to end the wait.
We caught up with him at Tuesday's Open Training day for this week's Big
Interview…
Looking back at Saturday, clearly a frustrating result but on reflection was
it a game that could have gone either way?
KN: "Yes, definitely. That's the most frustrating thing because we thought
we did enough to at least get something out of the game and we should have
won. It's the old chestnut of if you don't put your chances away, you could
succumb to a defeat. That's what happened to us, we missed chances where
earlier in the season they would have gone in for us. That's what we have to
get back to."
There has been a few late goals recently in either net. Can you put a finger
on why that's been the case?
KN: "You can never put your finger on it. It's just that time of year now.
Everyone's battling for their lives and going for things. Leicester are
battling to stay in the Premier League. Over the last few months it's been
difficult to have that run, but it's something we want to put right and
we're working hard to make the fortunes change."
For yourself you came close to that 100th goal in the first half. It's
coming isn't it?
KN: "Yes. I'm glad I got a couple of chances on Saturday and I'm hoping that
the next chance goes in. It's starting to become a bit of a burden as people
are starting to mention it a bit more. I've just got to keep working hard
and hopefully something will fall for me. Hopefully one will go in off my
backside or something!"
It would be nice if it came against Stoke as they're a team in a similar
position to us…
KN: "Yes. It's a home game where we feel we can beat everyone. It's a
massive game as if we beat them we can put three points into them. It's all
on us and we've got to keep going and doing what we're doing."
The manager has spoken of the target of beating our highest points tally
since returning to the Premier League. How big a target is that for you?
KN: "It's massive. We want to have the best season we've had since we've
been back in the Premier League. I think we deserve it after the start we
had. It will be a disappointment if we didn't hit that target, but we're all
very confident that we will."
We've had Open Training this week with a big turnout – it's always great to
see so many young kids supporting the team isn't it?
KN: "It's brilliant. It's been a fantastic day and it's always nice when the
weather is as good as it has been so the kids can stay around. I've had a
few of these when it's been a bit rainy and you feel sorry for them sitting
there watching us in that weather.
"But Tuesday was a fabulous day and these kids are the future of what
hopefully will be a successful period for the Club as it moves to the
Olympic Stadium.
"It's nice to give something back and all the lads were really happy with
how it went. They've all gone out of their way to make sure the fans got
what they deserved.
There's been a few events this Easter – shop signings, this and a Fans'
Forum – so the Club are giving fans plenty of chance to get involved.
KN: "That's important, because at the end of the day they're the ones who
matter to us most. We're all more than happy to do it."
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View on the Visitors - Stoke City
WHUFC.com
Stoke Sentinel's Stoke City reporter Peter Smith lifts the lid on Saturday's
visitors.
What have you made of Stoke's recent form?
"It's been a bit up and down really. While they've lost the last three games
they haven't played that badly. They were unlucky against Crystal Palace, a
few decisions went against them and they played very well against Chelsea."
Mark Hughes has recently a new contract at the club, do you think that was a
good move?
"Yes, I think it's been a long time coming as the negotiations started in
January. I think he has done a very good job, they're playing good,
attacking football and getting results at the same time. The news has gone
done really well with the fans. There's a sense he is just at the start of
his journey with Stoke."
Which players have stood out this season?
"Every player who started the season well then got injured. Steven Nzonzi
has been the key man in the middle. I think he is very likely to win the
Player of the Season award, he's played every game and has done well
throughout the season.
"Jonathan Walters has also done well recently. He fell down the pecking
order at the start of the season but he has won his place back. His attitude
and work rate is superb and you definitely notice the impact when he doesn't
play."
It was a 2-2 draw in this fixture at the Britannia, what do you remember
from that game?
"I remember Stoke played well that day. Even at 2-0 they were still
attacking which left them vulnerable and West Ham capitalised. After the
game Mark Hughes was furious that his team had let a 2-0 lead slip when they
were on top and probably should have won the match."
What have you made on West Ham more generally this season?
"They certainly started with a bang and I've been very impressed with Diafra
Sakho and Enner Valencia up top. It's sort of fizzled out in recent weeks
but overall I think they've done well."
What is your prediction for Saturday's score?
"I'd take a draw as Upton Park is always a tough place to come to. Both
teams can score goals, so I'll say 2-2 again."
Where do you think Stoke will finish come the end of the season?
"I think they'll finish eighth, top of this mini league with Swansea in
tenth and West Ham in ninth. Eighth would represent a very good season."
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From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com
Hello everybody,
We start with Enner Valencia, who has returned to full training with the
first-team squad this week, as those of you who attended the Open Training
Day will have seen! Enner will be available to be selected to play against
Stoke City on Saturday.
Andy Carroll (knee), James Tomkins (shoulder) and Doneil Henry (hamstring)
are continuing their rehabilitation following their respective surgeries.
Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science
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Tomkins hails successful surgery
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins is hoping to return to action before the end of the season
after undergoing successful surgery to repair his dislocated shoulder. The
No5 suffered the injury in a freak incident while in training at Chadwell
Heath, putting a spanner in the works of what had been a fantastic campaign
for the centre-back. However, the defender is remaining positive and would
love to pull on a Claret and Blue shirt at least one more time before
2014/15 draws to a close. "I was in the gym doing some exercises like I
normally do, but just went a bit too far with one of them and unfortunately
I dislocated my shoulder," confirmed Tomkins, who dislocated his shoulder
once before as an Academy player. "I'd have been frustrated if I had done it
on the pitch, so to do it in the gym made it even more frustrating. "I had
the operation about two weeks ago and it has settled down. I'm progressing
with my rehab and getting more movement and hopefully I can get back as soon
as I can. "I am pleased the surgery went well. I went to see a top surgeon
who has done a lot of operations on other Premier League footballers and it
went well for myself, so hopefully this time it will stay in place for good.
It's even stronger than it was before now and fingers crossed it all goes to
plan. "I never thought about it when I was going out to play and I became
more and more confident with every game I played after it happened before. I
was always confident after training and I know when I come back this time I
will be the same. "Hopefully it will not set me back and I will be able to
play a couple of games before the end of the season, you never know. It
depends on how well it goes. I'm preparing myself mentally that I won't play
again this season, so if I come back earlier then it's a bonus."
Tomkins' injury came at an inopportune moment for both the player and the
team, with the Essex-born youngster enjoying arguably his most dominant
season yet in the Barclays Premier League. One statistic revealed that the
defender has not made a single mistake this season that led to the
opposition scoring – one which put a smile on Tomkins' face. "That makes me
feel a bit better, actually!" he said. "It's depressing knowing that you are
out, so those sort of stats are always nice to hear. I felt my season was
going well before I got injured. "I'm gutted for myself that I couldn't
progress because who knows where I could have got by the end of the season.
That's depressing, but those stats will keep me in good stead for next year.
"When I have played, I felt I have been very consistent and that's the main
thing I wanted to get in my game this year. I felt that I did that and I was
getting better and better. "Setbacks like this happen in football all the
time, but it won't hold me back too much. Hopefully I'll kick-on next
season."
While he may not be available, Tomkins hopes his teammates can finish the
season strongly. "When you look at the fixtures, we have got quite winnable
games, so I am confident the lads can get a lot of points from them with the
squad we have got. "I hope the lads stay injury-free and can push on and
secure at least a top-half finish – that's definitely our aim."
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Joint-Chairman 'spellbound' by new Stadium
WHUFC.com
Joint-Chairman David Gold is no stranger to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park,
even if it is utterly unrecognisable from the place he knew so well as a
young man. Mr Gold was a regular visitor to Stratford in his formative
years, whether for work or, to his mother's dismay, for a summer swim in the
waterways. It is a markedly different affair these days, with the former
Olympic Stadium taking centre stage in spectacular surrounds. Even so, for
this Stepney-born Hammer there remains a poignant resonance with his east
London beginnings. "As a young boy I can remember going and swimming in the
canals and I remember when my mother found out, thinking I'd catch some
terrible disease because they were filthy, terrible places," he recalled.
"But to me, on a hot summer's day, to go and swim there was just fantastic.
"I remember as a young man, in my teens, working down Stratford Market. It's
just amazing when I think of it. We considered it a quite terrible place and
it certainly needed regeneration, though I probably didn't consider that as
a young person. "But the change is so dramatic, all because of the Olympic
Park and the Olympic Stadium. The area is just amazing. Now when you go
there you're impressed with the beauty of the place, even ignoring, for the
moment, the actual Stadium itself. "With the waterways and the gardens, it's
just a stunning, stunning place to be. And of course to have the Olympic
Stadium, West Ham's Stadium, is special for me, because of those memories."
Mr Gold was back at the new Stadium this week to celebrate the Club's latest
partnership deal with Lycamobile and paid tribute to their continued backing
at a pivotal juncture in Hammers history. He explained: "They've been
fantastic supporters of the Club, we've been very fortunate to have such a
great partner, particularly at such an important time for the Club. Not only
the last year at Upton Park coming up but also the opening of the new
Stadium. "Everywhere you turn, West ham values are clear in our partners.
It's very valuable and important that they feel the same things that we do.
We're very fortunate."
As for the Stadium itself, the Joint-Chairman continues to be amazed by the
progress and expects supporters to be absolutely bowled over when they set
foot in their new Stadium for the very first time. "The roof is coming along
remarkably quickly, and I hope the fans get to see this because once they
see it I'm sure they'll love it. "This is going to be the most iconic
Stadium in the world, in my view. I am so proud to be part of it and I know
that when the fans see it, they'll be proud too. Every time I visit, I am
overcome with excitement and pride at what we are achieving. "I'm seeing a
little bit here and a little bit there. For somebody that actually walks in
there for the first time, they are going to be spellbound. "2016 can't come
quickly enough. The players were saying they wanted to play here next week!
Every time I come I am overwhelmed by the enormity and the grandeur of it,
it's absolutely fantastic."
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Westley: "It was a good performance"
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Sam Westley said the Development Squad can take a lot of
confidence from their performance against Manchester United on Tuesday
night. Despite losing 3-2, the Hammers put in an impressive display and were
unlucky to come away from the match with no points to show for their
efforts. Speaking after the game, Westley said: "It was a very good
performance, we're disappointed to lose really. The first twenty minutes I
don't think they created anything. We did well to score on the counter
attack, overall it was a good performance.
"All week we've been focusing on work rate, and a high press and really
getting into them. I thought we did that really well. Defensively, I thought
we were very solid."
The win sees Manchester United go top of the Barclays U21 Premier League who
named a strong side including the likes of James Wilson, Adnan Januzaj and
Rafael da Silva. Speaking about the experience of playing against
established Premier League players, Westley continued: "I thought they were
a very good side, it was a great experience to play against first team
players. "At the end of the day, that's the level we are all trying to get
at. It was a good experience and a great challenge."
Up next for the Dev Squad is a tough match with Norwich City on Friday 17
April at Rush Green. Earlier in the season the Canaries secured a 1-0 win,
however Westley insisted his side would approach the game with confidence.
"Tonight's performance will give us a lot of confidence for our next match
against Norwich City, we need to pick up some points. Even though we lost we
can be proud of the performance."
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Potts delighted with Dev Squad performance
WHUFC.com
Development Squad coach Steve Potts said he was delighted with the effort
and performance of his side in their 3-2 defeat away at Manchester United.
The young Hammers started brightly and took a deserved lead when Reece
Oxford headed home Josh Cullen's free kick.
Midway through the first half the hosts rallied through a quickfire double
from Josh Harrop and Joe Rothwell. Jordan Brown equalised just before half
time however Harrop's second of the game sealed the three points for the
hosts. Speaking after the game, Potts said: "I was very pleased, the boys
performed very well. I'm disappointed with the result but it was a great
effort from the boys. "We worked on being more solid, I thought we were very
naïve against Liverpool so it was a massive improvement tonight. In the
first 20 minutes we were excellent, we scored and they didn't have a shot."
In an outstanding team performance, one of the best this season, the Dev
Squad took a deserved lead through Oxford's header, his second goal in
recent games after scoring for England U17s. Having fallen behind, the Dev
Squad got back level thanks to Jordan Brown. His work rate and desire to
chase down what seemed to be lost causes paid off as he netted his second
goal of the season. "It's great for both of them. Jordan was a constant
threat in behind the defence all game and Reece is always an outlet with his
height. "Man United were a great challenge for us with the team they
fielded. They're a good side, top of the league. To play against Adnan
Januzaj and James Wilson and a few others who have been involved in the
first team is a great test."
The Dev Squad's next game is another tough encounter against Norwich City at
Rush Green on Friday 17th April. Potts continued to say that a similar level
of performance would be needed in order to secure maximum points. "We
have to take a lot of positives into our next match against Norwich. The
goals we conceded, aren't good goals to concede, but overall we did very
well. "You'd like to think that if we play like we did against Norwich than
we'll have a good chance of winning. There's still room for improvement, but
we can certainly build on tonight. We were very solid defensively and with
the ball, but we can use it better and carry more of a threat."
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Alou Diarra takes a swipe at West Ham manager Sam Allardyce and his style of
play
Last Updated: 08/04/15 11:39am
SSN
Alou Diarra has taken a swipe at West Ham manager Sam Allardyce and said his
style of play "just wasn't football". Former France midfielder Diarra spent
an unhappy two years at Upton Park, making just 14 appearances before he was
released in the summer.
The 33-year-old joined Charlton in February and has just agreed a new
contract until the summer of 2016. He told the club's matchday programme:
"My first experience in England was frustrating because I didn't play many
games at West Ham. "I did well in training but it just wasn't football. They
played a lot of long balls but for me that is too easy. I've always played
hard stuff. I like to get into position with pressure. "If you are not first
choice with the manager you have to wait for injuries or suspensions to get
your chance and even then I didn't get it. But that's in the past for me
now. "I didn't learn anything during my two years at West Ham. I've learned
more in the last month at Charlton because we try to play football. We try
to keep possession and win every game and for me that is football.
"It's about ambition. I'm a competitive guy and I need to win every game,
not only some games."
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Hull enter Alex Mowatt transfer chase and prepare £7million summer bid for
Leeds starlet
22:30, 7 April 2015 By Bill Cooper
The Tigers have joined Liverpool, Everton and West Ham in pursuit of the
England U20 midfielder after watching him score an Easter Monday cracker
The Mirror
Hull City are planning a summer swoop on Yorkshire neighbours Leeds United
by making a £7million summer offer for Alex Mowatt. Tigers boss Steve Bruce
has joined Liverpool, Everton and West Ham in the race to sign Mowatt, 20,
at the end of the season. Relegation candidates Hull have been tracking the
Doncaster-born midfielder since January and can't fail to have been
impressed following their latest check on him in the Elland Road outfit's
4-3 defeat at promotion-chasing Wolves on Monday. Bruce sent scout John
Rudge to Molineux to watch Mowatt deliver the latest in a series of
impressive displays for the troubled Whites this season. The England
Under-20 international impressed former Port Vale manager Rudge with a
commanding performance, which he capped by scoring a stunning ninth goal of
the campaign. Mowatt has two years left on his deal and Leeds are keen to
tie him down on a new deal - along with fellow prospects Sam Byram, Lewis
Cook and Charlie Taylor. Elland Road chairman Andrew Umbers insisted: "Our
young players are not for sale. Contract negotiations are foremost in our
minds." But Leeds are in turmoil off the pitch, and the Tigers believe they
can take advantage of their Yorkshire neighbours' problems by tabling an
offer for Mowatt that they would find hard to refuse.
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Angry West Ham fan grills players about recent trip to Dubai
14:17, 8 April 2015 By Lee Thomas-Mason
West Ham midfielder Stewart Downing was left to answer an awkward question
from an irate Hammers supporter at a fans forum last night
The Mirror
To be fair, summer is on the way and the weather is improving in London so
warm weather training makes sense for the Hammers, right?
Well, one particular West Ham fan really doesn't agree with Big Sam's jolly
over to Dubai and decided to raise the issue at a fans forum last night,
leaving poor Stewart Downing left to answer the question. As you can see in
the video above, he really, really, really, really, REALLY doesn't agree.
Maybe the angry supporter in question was onto something.
Having seen their incredible early season form tail away since the turn of
the year, the Hammers took their trip away during a weekend they had fixture
free weekend (thanks to being knocked out of the FA Cup at the hands of West
Brom). Thing is, the warm weather training hasn't really helped things at
Upton Park. West Ham have won one and lost two on their return from Dubai.
Ah well, at least they got a nice tan.
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Manchester United are the dream team to manage, says West Ham boss Sam
Allardyce
16:47, 8 April 2015 By Aaron Flanagan
Allardyce also opened up about the disappointment of not being named as
England manager after losing out to Steve McClaren
The Mirror
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says that Manchester United are the dream
team to manage in the Premier League. But he insisted that managing West Ham
is a 'dream' job too - admitting he would have got a plenty of stick from
Hammers fans if he didn't say so. Speaking on the Clare Balding Show, which
is shown on BT Sport and the BBC, he said: "If I didn't say West Ham were
the dream club to manage then I'd be in trouble with West Ham fans... but it
has been a dream club to manage. "There has always been one [dream club] -
and that is Man United. "Playing at Old Trafford myself and then going back
there as a manager, so I think probably in this country, they are the one."
When asked what his biggest managerial disappointment was, he revealed it
was missing out on the job of England manager. After Sven-Goran Eriksson
left the national team, Allardyce appeared to be the favourite for the
position. He said: "The biggest disappointment for me was not being the
England coach when it became touch-and-go between me and Steve McClaren at
the end." Allardyce also revealed that he had two interviews for the post of
Three Lions boss and it was after them that he was told that it was between
him and McClaren. But he knew that McClaren had been given the job as he had
not been given the phone call before Bolton's match with Middlesbrough in
the Premier League.
The full interview can be seen on BT Sport on Thursday evening and the BBC
on Friday.
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Simple! Moyes is the man
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 8, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
By CandA Associate Editor
Sean Whetstone
The top five names to be regularly linked as West Ham's next manager are
Benitez, Bilic, Bielsa, Moyes and Howe. But for me it's no contest with
David Moyes the only sensible choice. In our final year at the Boleyn ground
we need to build on the stability Sam Allardyce has created for our club in
the past five years and we need Premier League experience to guarantee
survival. It is not the time to be taking big gambles with managers with
little experience or language barriers. For me it is not just about Premier
League experience and a safe pair of hands, David Moyes offers a lot more
and people often forget what he achieved at Everton and focus just on his
disastrous reign at Manchester United.
Moyes completely rebuilt Everton from within, lowering the average age of
the squad, replenishing it on modest means and helping to establish a youth
system that still flourishes today. He encouraged the board to invest in
Everton's £8m training complex with it's youth academy on-site.
He showed an emphasis on youth development and playing youngsters while at
Everton. At his first board meeting as Everton's manager, Moyes told
directors they had erred with an aged transfer policy and needed to start
again. I see him working well with his old mate Tony Henry who was his chief
scout at Everton. During his 10 successful years at Everton he took them
from relegation candidates to top-six regulars in the league.
In the 10 seasons before Moyes's first full campaign, in charge Everton
finished 13th, 17th, 15th, sixth, 15th, 17th, 14th, 13th, 16th and 15th. In
the 10 years after he took over they have finished seventh, 17th, fourth,
11th, sixth, fifth, fifth, eighth, seventh and sixth.
When Moyes arrived at Goodison Park from Preston North End in March 2002,
Moyes picked up 13 points from nine matches to lead Everton to safety – they
had only won one of their previous 13.
Working largely on a tight budget living within Everton's board means, Moyes
set about rebuilding the squad which qualified for the Champions League one
season and regularly reached the Europa League.
He's gets my vote!
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'Manny' signs up for Irons
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 8, 2015 in Whispers
FA Youth Cup 3rd Round: Southampton v West Ham United
Clreat & Hugh
The official website at www.whufc.com has revealed the centre-half signed
earlier this week after a top season. Eighteen year old 'Manny' – who was on
the bench at Arsenal – said: "I'm grateful because it's amazing," The club
has done so much for me and I've improved so much here, so I just need to
get to the next level now and keep on excelling. "It's gone from almost zero
to 100 this season, but that's football. People get injured and you're the
next in, so you have to stay on your game and always be ready." He is now
hoping for further opportunities saying: "To be involved (against Arsenal)
was amazing and I want to thank all the first-team players for making me
feel welcome and creating a great atmosphere. "The Club obviously has faith
in me, so now it's about going out on loan and getting first-team
experience, then coming back and seeing how things go." Writing in his
regular From the Academy blog, Academy Manager Terry Westley said:"It is a
fantastic achievement for him and a proud day for everyone who knows him. Of
course, it's a proud moment for everyone at the Academy and it is a sign
that we are going in the right direction.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers yellows hit Europe chances
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 8, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham -currently leading the Premier League Fair League – saw their
European qualifying chances dented by three yellow cards in the Leicester
defeat. The winner of this season's league is likely to qualify for Europe
with England sitting third in the UEFA fair play rankings at the half way
point. Saturday's disappointing result against Leicester has narrowed the
gap in the Fair Play league with the Irons picking up three yellow cards
after Reid, Cresswell and Jenkinson were all booked. The Hammers were just
eight points ahead of second place Burnley before the weekend and nine
points ahead of third place Liverpool but the Reds lost points after Emre
Can was sent off for his second yellow card against Arsenal. It means it
will be a very tight finish in the Premier League Fair League this season
with with the eventual winner coming from the top three of West Ham, Burnley
or Liverpool. However, the winner could still could be denied European
football by the ill-discipline of their Premier League rivals which could
still push England out of the third place position in Europe. Entry is at
the first qualifying round of Europa League on July 2h would reduce the
summer time to prepare for a new season but clubs can refuse the offer. In
that instance the FA would lose their extra allocation. As from the 2016/17
season there will no longer be a Europa League prize for the top three
nations in Fair Play. Instead, a financial bonus will be paid to the best
Fair Play association, the most improved and the nation with the best
behaved spectators.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan has his eyes on his 100th career league goal – and wants to
reach the landmark this Saturday against Stoke City. The West Ham United
skipper has been stuck on 99 since nodding the Hammers level in December's
2-1 victory at West Bromwich Albion and is ready to end the wait.
We caught up with him at Tuesday's Open Training day for this week's Big
Interview…
Looking back at Saturday, clearly a frustrating result but on reflection was
it a game that could have gone either way?
KN: "Yes, definitely. That's the most frustrating thing because we thought
we did enough to at least get something out of the game and we should have
won. It's the old chestnut of if you don't put your chances away, you could
succumb to a defeat. That's what happened to us, we missed chances where
earlier in the season they would have gone in for us. That's what we have to
get back to."
There has been a few late goals recently in either net. Can you put a finger
on why that's been the case?
KN: "You can never put your finger on it. It's just that time of year now.
Everyone's battling for their lives and going for things. Leicester are
battling to stay in the Premier League. Over the last few months it's been
difficult to have that run, but it's something we want to put right and
we're working hard to make the fortunes change."
For yourself you came close to that 100th goal in the first half. It's
coming isn't it?
KN: "Yes. I'm glad I got a couple of chances on Saturday and I'm hoping that
the next chance goes in. It's starting to become a bit of a burden as people
are starting to mention it a bit more. I've just got to keep working hard
and hopefully something will fall for me. Hopefully one will go in off my
backside or something!"
It would be nice if it came against Stoke as they're a team in a similar
position to us…
KN: "Yes. It's a home game where we feel we can beat everyone. It's a
massive game as if we beat them we can put three points into them. It's all
on us and we've got to keep going and doing what we're doing."
The manager has spoken of the target of beating our highest points tally
since returning to the Premier League. How big a target is that for you?
KN: "It's massive. We want to have the best season we've had since we've
been back in the Premier League. I think we deserve it after the start we
had. It will be a disappointment if we didn't hit that target, but we're all
very confident that we will."
We've had Open Training this week with a big turnout – it's always great to
see so many young kids supporting the team isn't it?
KN: "It's brilliant. It's been a fantastic day and it's always nice when the
weather is as good as it has been so the kids can stay around. I've had a
few of these when it's been a bit rainy and you feel sorry for them sitting
there watching us in that weather.
"But Tuesday was a fabulous day and these kids are the future of what
hopefully will be a successful period for the Club as it moves to the
Olympic Stadium.
"It's nice to give something back and all the lads were really happy with
how it went. They've all gone out of their way to make sure the fans got
what they deserved.
There's been a few events this Easter – shop signings, this and a Fans'
Forum – so the Club are giving fans plenty of chance to get involved.
KN: "That's important, because at the end of the day they're the ones who
matter to us most. We're all more than happy to do it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
View on the Visitors - Stoke City
WHUFC.com
Stoke Sentinel's Stoke City reporter Peter Smith lifts the lid on Saturday's
visitors.
What have you made of Stoke's recent form?
"It's been a bit up and down really. While they've lost the last three games
they haven't played that badly. They were unlucky against Crystal Palace, a
few decisions went against them and they played very well against Chelsea."
Mark Hughes has recently a new contract at the club, do you think that was a
good move?
"Yes, I think it's been a long time coming as the negotiations started in
January. I think he has done a very good job, they're playing good,
attacking football and getting results at the same time. The news has gone
done really well with the fans. There's a sense he is just at the start of
his journey with Stoke."
Which players have stood out this season?
"Every player who started the season well then got injured. Steven Nzonzi
has been the key man in the middle. I think he is very likely to win the
Player of the Season award, he's played every game and has done well
throughout the season.
"Jonathan Walters has also done well recently. He fell down the pecking
order at the start of the season but he has won his place back. His attitude
and work rate is superb and you definitely notice the impact when he doesn't
play."
It was a 2-2 draw in this fixture at the Britannia, what do you remember
from that game?
"I remember Stoke played well that day. Even at 2-0 they were still
attacking which left them vulnerable and West Ham capitalised. After the
game Mark Hughes was furious that his team had let a 2-0 lead slip when they
were on top and probably should have won the match."
What have you made on West Ham more generally this season?
"They certainly started with a bang and I've been very impressed with Diafra
Sakho and Enner Valencia up top. It's sort of fizzled out in recent weeks
but overall I think they've done well."
What is your prediction for Saturday's score?
"I'd take a draw as Upton Park is always a tough place to come to. Both
teams can score goals, so I'll say 2-2 again."
Where do you think Stoke will finish come the end of the season?
"I think they'll finish eighth, top of this mini league with Swansea in
tenth and West Ham in ninth. Eighth would represent a very good season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com
Hello everybody,
We start with Enner Valencia, who has returned to full training with the
first-team squad this week, as those of you who attended the Open Training
Day will have seen! Enner will be available to be selected to play against
Stoke City on Saturday.
Andy Carroll (knee), James Tomkins (shoulder) and Doneil Henry (hamstring)
are continuing their rehabilitation following their respective surgeries.
Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tomkins hails successful surgery
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins is hoping to return to action before the end of the season
after undergoing successful surgery to repair his dislocated shoulder. The
No5 suffered the injury in a freak incident while in training at Chadwell
Heath, putting a spanner in the works of what had been a fantastic campaign
for the centre-back. However, the defender is remaining positive and would
love to pull on a Claret and Blue shirt at least one more time before
2014/15 draws to a close. "I was in the gym doing some exercises like I
normally do, but just went a bit too far with one of them and unfortunately
I dislocated my shoulder," confirmed Tomkins, who dislocated his shoulder
once before as an Academy player. "I'd have been frustrated if I had done it
on the pitch, so to do it in the gym made it even more frustrating. "I had
the operation about two weeks ago and it has settled down. I'm progressing
with my rehab and getting more movement and hopefully I can get back as soon
as I can. "I am pleased the surgery went well. I went to see a top surgeon
who has done a lot of operations on other Premier League footballers and it
went well for myself, so hopefully this time it will stay in place for good.
It's even stronger than it was before now and fingers crossed it all goes to
plan. "I never thought about it when I was going out to play and I became
more and more confident with every game I played after it happened before. I
was always confident after training and I know when I come back this time I
will be the same. "Hopefully it will not set me back and I will be able to
play a couple of games before the end of the season, you never know. It
depends on how well it goes. I'm preparing myself mentally that I won't play
again this season, so if I come back earlier then it's a bonus."
Tomkins' injury came at an inopportune moment for both the player and the
team, with the Essex-born youngster enjoying arguably his most dominant
season yet in the Barclays Premier League. One statistic revealed that the
defender has not made a single mistake this season that led to the
opposition scoring – one which put a smile on Tomkins' face. "That makes me
feel a bit better, actually!" he said. "It's depressing knowing that you are
out, so those sort of stats are always nice to hear. I felt my season was
going well before I got injured. "I'm gutted for myself that I couldn't
progress because who knows where I could have got by the end of the season.
That's depressing, but those stats will keep me in good stead for next year.
"When I have played, I felt I have been very consistent and that's the main
thing I wanted to get in my game this year. I felt that I did that and I was
getting better and better. "Setbacks like this happen in football all the
time, but it won't hold me back too much. Hopefully I'll kick-on next
season."
While he may not be available, Tomkins hopes his teammates can finish the
season strongly. "When you look at the fixtures, we have got quite winnable
games, so I am confident the lads can get a lot of points from them with the
squad we have got. "I hope the lads stay injury-free and can push on and
secure at least a top-half finish – that's definitely our aim."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Joint-Chairman 'spellbound' by new Stadium
WHUFC.com
Joint-Chairman David Gold is no stranger to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park,
even if it is utterly unrecognisable from the place he knew so well as a
young man. Mr Gold was a regular visitor to Stratford in his formative
years, whether for work or, to his mother's dismay, for a summer swim in the
waterways. It is a markedly different affair these days, with the former
Olympic Stadium taking centre stage in spectacular surrounds. Even so, for
this Stepney-born Hammer there remains a poignant resonance with his east
London beginnings. "As a young boy I can remember going and swimming in the
canals and I remember when my mother found out, thinking I'd catch some
terrible disease because they were filthy, terrible places," he recalled.
"But to me, on a hot summer's day, to go and swim there was just fantastic.
"I remember as a young man, in my teens, working down Stratford Market. It's
just amazing when I think of it. We considered it a quite terrible place and
it certainly needed regeneration, though I probably didn't consider that as
a young person. "But the change is so dramatic, all because of the Olympic
Park and the Olympic Stadium. The area is just amazing. Now when you go
there you're impressed with the beauty of the place, even ignoring, for the
moment, the actual Stadium itself. "With the waterways and the gardens, it's
just a stunning, stunning place to be. And of course to have the Olympic
Stadium, West Ham's Stadium, is special for me, because of those memories."
Mr Gold was back at the new Stadium this week to celebrate the Club's latest
partnership deal with Lycamobile and paid tribute to their continued backing
at a pivotal juncture in Hammers history. He explained: "They've been
fantastic supporters of the Club, we've been very fortunate to have such a
great partner, particularly at such an important time for the Club. Not only
the last year at Upton Park coming up but also the opening of the new
Stadium. "Everywhere you turn, West ham values are clear in our partners.
It's very valuable and important that they feel the same things that we do.
We're very fortunate."
As for the Stadium itself, the Joint-Chairman continues to be amazed by the
progress and expects supporters to be absolutely bowled over when they set
foot in their new Stadium for the very first time. "The roof is coming along
remarkably quickly, and I hope the fans get to see this because once they
see it I'm sure they'll love it. "This is going to be the most iconic
Stadium in the world, in my view. I am so proud to be part of it and I know
that when the fans see it, they'll be proud too. Every time I visit, I am
overcome with excitement and pride at what we are achieving. "I'm seeing a
little bit here and a little bit there. For somebody that actually walks in
there for the first time, they are going to be spellbound. "2016 can't come
quickly enough. The players were saying they wanted to play here next week!
Every time I come I am overwhelmed by the enormity and the grandeur of it,
it's absolutely fantastic."
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Westley: "It was a good performance"
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Sam Westley said the Development Squad can take a lot of
confidence from their performance against Manchester United on Tuesday
night. Despite losing 3-2, the Hammers put in an impressive display and were
unlucky to come away from the match with no points to show for their
efforts. Speaking after the game, Westley said: "It was a very good
performance, we're disappointed to lose really. The first twenty minutes I
don't think they created anything. We did well to score on the counter
attack, overall it was a good performance.
"All week we've been focusing on work rate, and a high press and really
getting into them. I thought we did that really well. Defensively, I thought
we were very solid."
The win sees Manchester United go top of the Barclays U21 Premier League who
named a strong side including the likes of James Wilson, Adnan Januzaj and
Rafael da Silva. Speaking about the experience of playing against
established Premier League players, Westley continued: "I thought they were
a very good side, it was a great experience to play against first team
players. "At the end of the day, that's the level we are all trying to get
at. It was a good experience and a great challenge."
Up next for the Dev Squad is a tough match with Norwich City on Friday 17
April at Rush Green. Earlier in the season the Canaries secured a 1-0 win,
however Westley insisted his side would approach the game with confidence.
"Tonight's performance will give us a lot of confidence for our next match
against Norwich City, we need to pick up some points. Even though we lost we
can be proud of the performance."
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Potts delighted with Dev Squad performance
WHUFC.com
Development Squad coach Steve Potts said he was delighted with the effort
and performance of his side in their 3-2 defeat away at Manchester United.
The young Hammers started brightly and took a deserved lead when Reece
Oxford headed home Josh Cullen's free kick.
Midway through the first half the hosts rallied through a quickfire double
from Josh Harrop and Joe Rothwell. Jordan Brown equalised just before half
time however Harrop's second of the game sealed the three points for the
hosts. Speaking after the game, Potts said: "I was very pleased, the boys
performed very well. I'm disappointed with the result but it was a great
effort from the boys. "We worked on being more solid, I thought we were very
naïve against Liverpool so it was a massive improvement tonight. In the
first 20 minutes we were excellent, we scored and they didn't have a shot."
In an outstanding team performance, one of the best this season, the Dev
Squad took a deserved lead through Oxford's header, his second goal in
recent games after scoring for England U17s. Having fallen behind, the Dev
Squad got back level thanks to Jordan Brown. His work rate and desire to
chase down what seemed to be lost causes paid off as he netted his second
goal of the season. "It's great for both of them. Jordan was a constant
threat in behind the defence all game and Reece is always an outlet with his
height. "Man United were a great challenge for us with the team they
fielded. They're a good side, top of the league. To play against Adnan
Januzaj and James Wilson and a few others who have been involved in the
first team is a great test."
The Dev Squad's next game is another tough encounter against Norwich City at
Rush Green on Friday 17th April. Potts continued to say that a similar level
of performance would be needed in order to secure maximum points. "We
have to take a lot of positives into our next match against Norwich. The
goals we conceded, aren't good goals to concede, but overall we did very
well. "You'd like to think that if we play like we did against Norwich than
we'll have a good chance of winning. There's still room for improvement, but
we can certainly build on tonight. We were very solid defensively and with
the ball, but we can use it better and carry more of a threat."
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Alou Diarra takes a swipe at West Ham manager Sam Allardyce and his style of
play
Last Updated: 08/04/15 11:39am
SSN
Alou Diarra has taken a swipe at West Ham manager Sam Allardyce and said his
style of play "just wasn't football". Former France midfielder Diarra spent
an unhappy two years at Upton Park, making just 14 appearances before he was
released in the summer.
The 33-year-old joined Charlton in February and has just agreed a new
contract until the summer of 2016. He told the club's matchday programme:
"My first experience in England was frustrating because I didn't play many
games at West Ham. "I did well in training but it just wasn't football. They
played a lot of long balls but for me that is too easy. I've always played
hard stuff. I like to get into position with pressure. "If you are not first
choice with the manager you have to wait for injuries or suspensions to get
your chance and even then I didn't get it. But that's in the past for me
now. "I didn't learn anything during my two years at West Ham. I've learned
more in the last month at Charlton because we try to play football. We try
to keep possession and win every game and for me that is football.
"It's about ambition. I'm a competitive guy and I need to win every game,
not only some games."
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Hull enter Alex Mowatt transfer chase and prepare £7million summer bid for
Leeds starlet
22:30, 7 April 2015 By Bill Cooper
The Tigers have joined Liverpool, Everton and West Ham in pursuit of the
England U20 midfielder after watching him score an Easter Monday cracker
The Mirror
Hull City are planning a summer swoop on Yorkshire neighbours Leeds United
by making a £7million summer offer for Alex Mowatt. Tigers boss Steve Bruce
has joined Liverpool, Everton and West Ham in the race to sign Mowatt, 20,
at the end of the season. Relegation candidates Hull have been tracking the
Doncaster-born midfielder since January and can't fail to have been
impressed following their latest check on him in the Elland Road outfit's
4-3 defeat at promotion-chasing Wolves on Monday. Bruce sent scout John
Rudge to Molineux to watch Mowatt deliver the latest in a series of
impressive displays for the troubled Whites this season. The England
Under-20 international impressed former Port Vale manager Rudge with a
commanding performance, which he capped by scoring a stunning ninth goal of
the campaign. Mowatt has two years left on his deal and Leeds are keen to
tie him down on a new deal - along with fellow prospects Sam Byram, Lewis
Cook and Charlie Taylor. Elland Road chairman Andrew Umbers insisted: "Our
young players are not for sale. Contract negotiations are foremost in our
minds." But Leeds are in turmoil off the pitch, and the Tigers believe they
can take advantage of their Yorkshire neighbours' problems by tabling an
offer for Mowatt that they would find hard to refuse.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Angry West Ham fan grills players about recent trip to Dubai
14:17, 8 April 2015 By Lee Thomas-Mason
West Ham midfielder Stewart Downing was left to answer an awkward question
from an irate Hammers supporter at a fans forum last night
The Mirror
To be fair, summer is on the way and the weather is improving in London so
warm weather training makes sense for the Hammers, right?
Well, one particular West Ham fan really doesn't agree with Big Sam's jolly
over to Dubai and decided to raise the issue at a fans forum last night,
leaving poor Stewart Downing left to answer the question. As you can see in
the video above, he really, really, really, really, REALLY doesn't agree.
Maybe the angry supporter in question was onto something.
Having seen their incredible early season form tail away since the turn of
the year, the Hammers took their trip away during a weekend they had fixture
free weekend (thanks to being knocked out of the FA Cup at the hands of West
Brom). Thing is, the warm weather training hasn't really helped things at
Upton Park. West Ham have won one and lost two on their return from Dubai.
Ah well, at least they got a nice tan.
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Manchester United are the dream team to manage, says West Ham boss Sam
Allardyce
16:47, 8 April 2015 By Aaron Flanagan
Allardyce also opened up about the disappointment of not being named as
England manager after losing out to Steve McClaren
The Mirror
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says that Manchester United are the dream
team to manage in the Premier League. But he insisted that managing West Ham
is a 'dream' job too - admitting he would have got a plenty of stick from
Hammers fans if he didn't say so. Speaking on the Clare Balding Show, which
is shown on BT Sport and the BBC, he said: "If I didn't say West Ham were
the dream club to manage then I'd be in trouble with West Ham fans... but it
has been a dream club to manage. "There has always been one [dream club] -
and that is Man United. "Playing at Old Trafford myself and then going back
there as a manager, so I think probably in this country, they are the one."
When asked what his biggest managerial disappointment was, he revealed it
was missing out on the job of England manager. After Sven-Goran Eriksson
left the national team, Allardyce appeared to be the favourite for the
position. He said: "The biggest disappointment for me was not being the
England coach when it became touch-and-go between me and Steve McClaren at
the end." Allardyce also revealed that he had two interviews for the post of
Three Lions boss and it was after them that he was told that it was between
him and McClaren. But he knew that McClaren had been given the job as he had
not been given the phone call before Bolton's match with Middlesbrough in
the Premier League.
The full interview can be seen on BT Sport on Thursday evening and the BBC
on Friday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Simple! Moyes is the man
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 8, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
By CandA Associate Editor
Sean Whetstone
The top five names to be regularly linked as West Ham's next manager are
Benitez, Bilic, Bielsa, Moyes and Howe. But for me it's no contest with
David Moyes the only sensible choice. In our final year at the Boleyn ground
we need to build on the stability Sam Allardyce has created for our club in
the past five years and we need Premier League experience to guarantee
survival. It is not the time to be taking big gambles with managers with
little experience or language barriers. For me it is not just about Premier
League experience and a safe pair of hands, David Moyes offers a lot more
and people often forget what he achieved at Everton and focus just on his
disastrous reign at Manchester United.
Moyes completely rebuilt Everton from within, lowering the average age of
the squad, replenishing it on modest means and helping to establish a youth
system that still flourishes today. He encouraged the board to invest in
Everton's £8m training complex with it's youth academy on-site.
He showed an emphasis on youth development and playing youngsters while at
Everton. At his first board meeting as Everton's manager, Moyes told
directors they had erred with an aged transfer policy and needed to start
again. I see him working well with his old mate Tony Henry who was his chief
scout at Everton. During his 10 successful years at Everton he took them
from relegation candidates to top-six regulars in the league.
In the 10 seasons before Moyes's first full campaign, in charge Everton
finished 13th, 17th, 15th, sixth, 15th, 17th, 14th, 13th, 16th and 15th. In
the 10 years after he took over they have finished seventh, 17th, fourth,
11th, sixth, fifth, fifth, eighth, seventh and sixth.
When Moyes arrived at Goodison Park from Preston North End in March 2002,
Moyes picked up 13 points from nine matches to lead Everton to safety – they
had only won one of their previous 13.
Working largely on a tight budget living within Everton's board means, Moyes
set about rebuilding the squad which qualified for the Champions League one
season and regularly reached the Europa League.
He's gets my vote!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'Manny' signs up for Irons
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 8, 2015 in Whispers
FA Youth Cup 3rd Round: Southampton v West Ham United
Clreat & Hugh
The official website at www.whufc.com has revealed the centre-half signed
earlier this week after a top season. Eighteen year old 'Manny' – who was on
the bench at Arsenal – said: "I'm grateful because it's amazing," The club
has done so much for me and I've improved so much here, so I just need to
get to the next level now and keep on excelling. "It's gone from almost zero
to 100 this season, but that's football. People get injured and you're the
next in, so you have to stay on your game and always be ready." He is now
hoping for further opportunities saying: "To be involved (against Arsenal)
was amazing and I want to thank all the first-team players for making me
feel welcome and creating a great atmosphere. "The Club obviously has faith
in me, so now it's about going out on loan and getting first-team
experience, then coming back and seeing how things go." Writing in his
regular From the Academy blog, Academy Manager Terry Westley said:"It is a
fantastic achievement for him and a proud day for everyone who knows him. Of
course, it's a proud moment for everyone at the Academy and it is a sign
that we are going in the right direction.
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Hammers yellows hit Europe chances
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 8, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham -currently leading the Premier League Fair League – saw their
European qualifying chances dented by three yellow cards in the Leicester
defeat. The winner of this season's league is likely to qualify for Europe
with England sitting third in the UEFA fair play rankings at the half way
point. Saturday's disappointing result against Leicester has narrowed the
gap in the Fair Play league with the Irons picking up three yellow cards
after Reid, Cresswell and Jenkinson were all booked. The Hammers were just
eight points ahead of second place Burnley before the weekend and nine
points ahead of third place Liverpool but the Reds lost points after Emre
Can was sent off for his second yellow card against Arsenal. It means it
will be a very tight finish in the Premier League Fair League this season
with with the eventual winner coming from the top three of West Ham, Burnley
or Liverpool. However, the winner could still could be denied European
football by the ill-discipline of their Premier League rivals which could
still push England out of the third place position in Europe. Entry is at
the first qualifying round of Europa League on July 2h would reduce the
summer time to prepare for a new season but clubs can refuse the offer. In
that instance the FA would lose their extra allocation. As from the 2016/17
season there will no longer be a Europa League prize for the top three
nations in Fair Play. Instead, a financial bonus will be paid to the best
Fair Play association, the most improved and the nation with the best
behaved spectators.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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Wednesday, April 8
Daily WHUFC News - 8th April 2015
Onariase signs pro deal
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's newest professional footballer is Emmanuel Onariase. Known
as 'Manny' to everyone at the Club, the towering centre-half put pen to
paper earlier this week, climaxing an outstanding season of development for
the south London-born defender. The 18-year-old, who stands well over
six-feet tall and is blessed with impressive technical ability, is delighted
that the Hammers have invested in his future. "I'm grateful because it's
amazing," said Onariase, who was named on the substitutes' bench for the
recent Barclays Premier League fixture at Arsenal. "The Club has done so
much for me and I've improved so much here, so I just need to get to the
next level now and keep on excelling. "It's gone from almost zero to 100
this season, but that's football. People get injured and you're the next in,
so you have to stay on your game and always be ready."
For Onariase, signing a professional contract is all the more satisfying
when you hear that he was initially turned down by the club as a young
schoolboy before succeeding in a second trial at the age of 12. "I played
for my district in year seven and we played against West Ham and Jerome John
asked me to come over to the Club to train, but I was told I wasn't good
enough," he recalled. "I initially came as a midfielder, so I went back to
my school and then went training with Millwall. "West Ham asked me to come
back over again as a defender and they offered me a contract!"
The Club has done so much for me and I've improved so much here, so I just
need to get to the next level now and keep on excelling
Emmanuel Onariase Having been named on the bench already, Onariase is now
targeting further opportunities at the highest level, but he knows it will
not be easy. "To be involved was amazing and I want to thank all the
first-team players for making me feel welcome and creating a great
atmosphere," he smiled. "Being on the pitch to warm-up at the Emirates was
great and it was me in my element – it was an amazing feeling. It was an
inspirational experience and I want to feel it some more. "I never try to
second-guess things because you never know what is going to happen. I just
have to continue working hard, doing my bit and the rest will follow. "The
Club obviously has faith in me, so now it's about going out on loan and
getting first-team experience, then coming back and seeing how things go."
While is making great strides forward on the pitch, the one-time head boy at
St Thomas the Apostle College in Nunhead is also an outstanding academic
student off it, having achieved an A* grade in maths and five As in his GCSE
exams "I did my AS-Levels in maths and physics last year and I was working
towards my A-Levels, but I've gone full-time as a footballer now so I need
to make sure the numbers that matter are scoring more and conceding less!"
smiled West Ham's newest professional. Onariase made a point of thanking
those who have supported his fledgling career, including his school for
allowing him out on day-release to train with the Hammers, his former
teachers, Academy coach and scout Jerome John and his colleagues, his
parents, his three brothers and his closest friends. Writing in his regular
From the Academy blog, Academy Manager Terry Westley praised the
improvements made by Onariase this season and challenged him to work his way
into the first-team squad. "The fact that Manny was previously only on a
schoolboy contract, rather than a scholarship, just goes to show how hard
he's been working over the course of the season," said Westley. "It is a
fantastic achievement for him and a proud day for everyone who knows him. Of
course, it's a proud moment for everyone at the Academy and it is a sign
that we are going in the right direction. "Manny was on the bench for the
first team at Arsenal last month and now, like Reece Oxford and Reece Burke,
he needs to push on and try and get into the first-team squad on a regular
basis."
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Fans flock to Open Training day
WHUFC.com
West Ham United supporters turned out in force for the Club's Open Training
session at the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday morning. Fans young and old took
advantage of the glorious spring weather to watch their heroes train on the
hallowed turf, as Big Sam put his squad through their paces ahead of the
weekend's home meeting with Stoke City. After a warm-up, the first team
squad went through a shooting drill and game-based exercises before ending
with strength work. Several young competition winners then got the chance of
a lifetime to take a penalty against Adrian in front of a Boleyn Ground
crowd!
Following the training session, the players spent time signing autographs
and posing for photographs and Mark Noble was delighted to meet the
supporters. He said: "It's always nice to see the fans and with the sun like
this, it's great to see so many turn out to come and watch us. "It's the
Easter Holidays and that's what the kids want to do – to come along and meet
their heroes. It's a pleasure to walk along and sign the autographs. "A lot
of the kids don't get the chance to meet the players often, so coming down
here and having photos is a great day. "I remember when I was a kid, meeting
players was a fantastic occasion and that's why it's nice to stay out all
day and sign every autograph."
Hammers skipper Kevin Nolan and Joey O'Brien were also on hand to assist
with the Junior Hammers' Graduation ceremony, where young supporters were
presented with certificates to mark their support of the Club.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Newsroom - Dave Evans
WHUFC.com
Recorder Series West Ham United correspondent Dave Evans assesses Saturday's
defeat to Leicester City...
I want to talk about flip flops. At this time of the season we hear a lot of
chatter about the hideous holiday footwear and how mid-table teams are
already metaphorically wearing them as they go out on the pitch for the last
few matches. Newcastle United were accused of it a couple of weeks ago and
the accusation was levelled at the West Ham players going into Saturday's
game with relegation-haunted Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. Close
to a million pounds is the difference in prize money for one place in the
Premier League, but do the players really care about that?
West Ham can realistically finish between eighth and tenth this season, so
do they really need to give 100 per cent when the prospect of going
snorkelling in the Maldives with their families is just around the corner? I
saw lots of comments on Twitter suggesting that losing at Leicester was a
'new low' for the Hammers. Once again the supporters calling for the head of
Sam Allardyce returned to social media as if this was the most humiliating
display they had ever seen from a West Ham team. We have seen one or two
disappointing and poor performances from the team this season, but they have
been few and far between compared to other campaigns and Saturday's was
certainly not one of them.
It was a bad result, but then so was Manchester City's defeat at Burnley not
so long ago; Chelsea's loss to Newcastle; Liverpool's defeat at Upton Park
and Manchester United's loss to, who was it? Yes, Leicester City. In this
Premier League, shocks happen, but perhaps Saturday at the King Power was
not such a shock. It could have gone either way. The Hammers created plenty
of chances in a thriller of a game and in the end it was a scrappy late goal
that beat them – again. We saw Sunderland beat Newcastle on Sunday and West
Ham's game was a similar story. Nigel Pearson's team simply wanted the
points more than the Hammers, they needed those points and it was like their
cup final.
So did West Ham really have the flip flops on? No chance.
The way the superb Cheikhou Kouyate marauded around the pitch, scored that
goal and hit the post could not have been done if he had opted for the same
footwear as George Clooney in that coffee commercial. James Collins knows no
other way than to give 100 per cent. Mark Noble could not run all over the
pitch without his boots and though Diafra Sakho controlled one Aaron
Cresswell cross like he was wearing flip flops, his endeavour suggested
otherwise. For those calling for Sam Allardyce to go, be careful what you
wish for – remember Avram Grant!
West Ham sit in the top half and if those unlucky draws against Man United
and Spurs had been deserved wins, then there would be a very different
reflection on the season. There is still another seven games to go in this
Premier League campaign and West Ham may suffer more disappointments. But
for me there is no question that these players still have the flip flops
locked away with the sun tan lotion until the end of May. It is a matter of
pride in trying to finish what they started back in August.
*Dave Evans is the only West Ham journalist to follow the team home and
away. You can follow him on twitter @Recorder_Hammer.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those
of West Ham United.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Academy
WHUFC.com
Hello everyone,
It's been a little while since I last had the chance to update everyone on
the goings on at the Academy.
Over the international break a squad of U17s competed in an international
tournament out in Abu Dhabi and I'm pleased to report that they performed
admirably.
They returned safe and sound from an outstanding experience. From three
games, they won one, drew one, lost one against good opposition from all
over the world - one team from Japan, another from Spain and the third was
the host club Al Ain FC.
We sent a very young team because our duty at the Academy is to give them
new tests and experiences so they can learn and develop - particularly the
experience of travelling abroad, which for a lot of the players was new.
I was speaking to James Rowe, our Assistant Academy Manager who took the
boys out there. He was very impressed by the performances and also by the
way the players conducted themselves throughout.
A lot of the younger players really established themselves which is clearly
a big positive. As a result, participation in this tournament is something
we would very much like to do next year.
Another positive for everyone at the Academy is the new that our promising
central defender Manny Onariase has signed a professional contract with
club. The fact that he was previously only on a schoolboy contract, rather
than a scholarship, just goes to show how hard he's been working over the
course of the season.
It is a fantastic achievement for him and a proud day for everyone who knows
him. Of course, it's a proud moment for everyone at the Academy and it is a
sign that we are going in the right direction.
Manny was on the bench for the first team at Arsenal last month and now,
like Reece Oxford and Reece Burke, he needs to push on and try and get into
the first-team squad on a regular basis.
It's a hugely difficult task, because there are some very good players ahead
of him, but he has a chance and we'll continue to do everything we can to
help him become the player we know he can be. It's a real positive for him
personally, and he deserves it with the effort and hard work he puts in.
Finally, our U21s have entered the Hong Kong Soccer Sevens tournament which
kicks-off at the end of May. We were asked to participate which is nice.
I've been to the tournament before when I was at Birmingham City, so I know
a little bit about it. It's a very fast, physically demanding seven-a-side
tournament played in challenging conditions and presents a different type of
experience. It's a nice thing for us to be involved in at the end of the
season.
There are some good teams involved, Ajax, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and
Leicester City among others. It's a real challenge for them. As its
seven-a-side we'll be taking mainly attacking players. Just like the Abu
Dhabi trip, we're hoping for another positive experience.
In the shorter term, our U21s and U18s have fixtures this week, where we
hope our young players will continue their development by producing
impressive individual and collective performances.
Terry Westley
Academy Manager
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Fans flock to Boleyn Ground for open training session
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 7th April 2015
By: Staff Writer
It was a busy morning at the Boleyn Ground as the players met the fans
following today's open training session. Assistant manager Neil McDonald put
the players through their paces for 90 minutes before the staff and squad
spent the next hour signing autographs in the warm spring sun for the
half-term crowd. Striker Enner Valencia joined the rest of the first team
squad and showed no signs of his recent injury as he went through a series
of short tests in front of the crowd, who had packed in to the lower tier of
the West Stand for today's event.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rafael Benitez on West Ham manager shortlist with time running out for Sam
Allardyce
16:01, 7 April 2015 By John Cross
The Hammers have identified David Moyes as their No1 choice but face a
battle to convince the Scot to leave Real Sociedad, with other options on
their shortlist
The Mirror
Rafa Benitez has emerged as a contender for West Ham this summer. Former
Manchester United boss David Moyes is West Ham's No1 choice to replace Sam
Allardyce whose contract at Upton Park expires at the end of the season. But
they face a battle to convince Moyes to leave Real Sociedad after only
taking over in November and West Ham are looking at other options with
Benitez on their shortlist. Former Liverpool and Chelsea boss Benitez is
ready to quit Napoli at the end of the season and has made no secret of his
desire to return to English football. That has alerted West Ham who are also
looking at developments surrounding Besiktas boss Slaven Bilic who remains a
crowd favourite at Upton Park. But Benitez is now another option as the
Spaniard has also been linked with Manchester City and is renowned as a
brilliant tactician. Benitez enjoyed success at both Liverpool and Chelsea
and he would appeal. Allardyce appears to be running out of time at West Ham
after the club's poor second half of the season. That has only strengthened
the belief that West Ham will make a change this summer.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham eye Tottenham transfer target Kevin Mirallas with Everton
midfielder seeking a ''new challenge''
22:30, 6 April 2015 By Darren Lewis
The Hammers' momentum has died late in the season following Andy Carroll's
injury and they have vowed to recruit extra firepower in the summer
The Mirror
West Ham will join the chase for Everton winger Kevin Mirallas at the end of
the season. Tottenham had an enquiry knocked back for 27-year-old Belgium
international Mirallas back in January and are also set to return at the end
of the season. But West Ham are ready to challenge them as they are looking
to further invest heavily in their attack in the summer. Last year, they
signed £12million Ecuador World Cup forward Enner Valencia and £4.7million
Metz striker Diafra Sakho. Injury to £15million man Andy Carroll, however,
has robbed the Hammers of goals and momentum and they have vowed to recruit
more firepower so they do not end up in the same situation again. Mirallas
has a year left on his contract at Everton after this season, and indicated
earlier this year that he would be interested in "a new challenge".West Ham
lost 2-1 at struggling Leicester on Saturday after substitute Andy King
bagged a scruffy winner four minutes from time. Cheikhou Kouyate equalised
Esteban Cambiasso's stunning opener for the the Foxes, chesting down Alex
Song's lofted pass and finishing with aplomb in the far corner. But Hammers
boss Sam Allardyce was left ruing his team's defending in a fourth defeat in
five games. West Ham now sit ninth in the table after competing for the
European spots earlier in the season.
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Irons fans being fed false hope
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 7, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Even by West Ham's standards, the rumour factory is busier earlier than I
can remember for many years. And that's solely because here we are in early
April preparing for games against the likes of Stoke, Manchester City, QPR
and Villa with absolutely nothing to look forward to but cash for league
positioning. It could and should have been a lot better but instead we are
being forced to listen to recycled rumours ,which had whiskers on them a
couple of months ago, as a source of "excitement." It's called false hope.
There's is an incredible lack of imagination being attached to most of these
"stories"-notably the currently favoured one of Rafa Benitez as a possible
new manager. The story was first published here on ClaretandHugh as long ago
as May 14, 2014.
We again explained on February 22 of this year that although he was fancied,
the club had become aware that "he's not overly keen on coming and is a £6
million manager minimum anyway." The very latest situation is that with
Manuel Pellegrini and possibly Brendan Rodgers in danger at Manchester City
and Liverpool, our board have become aware that the Spanish boss is keeping
a very careful eye on developments in the north west. However, as the old
saying goes, don't let the facts ruin a good story and with people generally
believing what they want to hear, the story has again grown legs. Truth is:
It's highly unlikely. To assume that it may be on, we also have to assume
that a much bigger transfer budget would be made available than ever before.
Big managers usually require big budgets.
Glenn Hoddle was hoisted as a candidate but that won't happen and the club
are concerned about Slaven Bilic's pedigree which doesn't involve the
Premier League. Boring though it may be, this leads us back to David Moyes
and Marcelo Bielsa. However, in an unguarded moment today as ClaretandHugh
discussed the managerial position with a senior Upton Park 'face' we were
told: "We know who the board like but there's nobody in the know who would
be having a bet on anyone at this stage. The talking is still going on."
Beyond that we have heard that Kevin Miralles could be on his way – a story
immediately denied when we tried it on some people – plus a variety of
previously unheard of foreigners whose chances of arriving in the east end
are based solely on tabloid tittle tattle. It's such a shame! There could
and should have been real excitement on the pitch from a team that started
so well. Instead our terrific fans are being fed a diet of transfer fiction
to provide them with some interest in a season that went so wrong.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers on Everton front man link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 7, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham continue to be linked with players – the latest being Everton's
Kevin Mirallas. His is the latest name presented in the nationals as a
target for the player although given the uncertainty surrounding our
managerial situation it's difficult to be OTT about such links. The report
claims the Irons are ready to challenge Spurs for the player after the north
Londoners had an enquiry knocked back last season.
Claiming we will join the chase at the end of the season, the report adds we
are ready to challenge for the 27 year old as we look to " invest heavily"
in our attack in the summer. Whilst it's true we will be looking for a back
up striker given that Carlton Cole will be on his way there is no suggestion
from inside the club of "heavy investment" in the front line. We were told:
"It's a little premature to be putting specific names in the frame anyway –
more pressing is where the club are going at the back with Alex Song and
Carl Jenkinson. "The managerial situation will also be decided before
players may or may not come onto the radar."
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Under-21s: United 3 West Ham 2
Manutd.com
Manchester United capitalised on Southampton and Liverpool's defeats in the
Barclays Under-21 Premier League with a nervy 3-2 triumph against bottom
side West Ham.
Josh Harrop struck twice and Joe Rothwell was also on the scoresheet during
a game riddled with errors but the victory is enough to take the hosts four
points clear at the top of the table ahead of the run-in.
The Reds were punished for a sloppy opening when Josh Cullen's free-kick
enticed Joel Castro Pereira off his line and, with the keeper way out of
position, Reece Oxford's header produced a straightforward goal. It was only
the fourth away strike of the term for the East Londoners and, remarkably,
their first on the road since September.
Two goals in the space of 200 seconds turned the game on its head but the
first was rather fortunate. Harrop collected an Andy Kellett pass and, after
some neat trickery, his hopeful shot crept past Sam Howes and rolled gently
over the line for the equaliser.
Paddy McNair led a breakaway from a Hammers corner moments later, cutting
inside from the left wing to deliver an outstanding through ball into the
path of Rothwell. The midfielder opened his body up to steer a calm finish
past the advancing Howes.
Warren Joyce's side appeared to be in control with skipper Adnan Januzaj
going close from a couple of free-kicks and Liam Grimshaw firing over the
bar following a corner by the Belgium international. After Kellett saw a
penalty claim ignored, West Ham launched a long ball forward and Donald
Love's backpass drifted past Pereira, who was not well placed to receive it,
to allow Jordan Brown to claim a farcical equaliser.
There was still time in the first half for Januzaj and Lewis Page to be
booked with the United man wrong to retaliate to a rugby tackle from his
marker but he kept his composure
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Emmanuel Adebayor commits his future to Tottenham despite Chelsea and West
Ham links
By BRUCE ARCHER
PUBLISHED: 20:33, Tue, Apr 7, 2015
Express.co.uk
Adebayor has been linked with a move away from White Hart Lane having failed
to feature regularly under Mauricio Pochettino. The former Arsenal and
Manchester City man came close to a January move to West Ham and, in recent
weeks, has been linked with a move to Chelsea.
However Adebayor says he intends to see out his contract in north London.
Earlier today he tweeted: "Contrary to reports, I am very happy at Tottenham
and will do everything to fight for my place. "I have a year to go on my
contract and love playing in the EPL, best league in world!" The Togo
international has featured 16 times in all competitions this season, scoring
twice. His last league start came on November 2 in the 2-1 win over Aston
Villa, he played 58 minutes before being replaced by Harry Kane. Kane's
emergence as the main striker at the club, coupled with Pochettino's system,
have worked against Adebayor - as has the fact he hasn't scored since
October 26.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jack Collison praises Teddy Sheringham's return to West Ham
HITC
Lewis Doe
Former West Ham United midfielder jack Collison has praised a decision by
the club to hire a former player. Former West Ham United midfielder Jack
Collison has praised the decision by his old club to hire Teddy Sheringham
on the Sports Bar for talkSPORT. Sheringham currently works for the Hammers
as an attacking coach and Collison has suggested he's a great character to
have in and around the club helping the first team. "His aura was superb –
what a character and to get him back in, in any capacity at West Ham's a
great move by whoever did it," said Collison. Sheringham is one of the most
experienced figures in the history of the Premier League. Collison
experienced playing with him towards the end of his career, he played for
just one more club after the Hammers, and it's clear that he left a positive
impression on the then West Ham youngster. In theory it was a good move, and
in practice it seems to have had an effect with West Ham boasting the best
attacking record in the Premier League below the top eight. West Ham have a
very talented midfield and attack and it's important that Sheringham,
manager Sam Allardyce and all of the other coaches at the club continue to
work hard, fine-tuning all areas of the first team. West Ham are facing a
very bright future with an imminent move to the Olympic Stadium and having
coaches around the club that can help them retain their identity is
important moving forward.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United's Stewart Downing on how he deals with abuse from opposition
fans
HITC
Subhankar Mondal
West Ham United star Stewart Downing says that he is not bothered by the
opposition fans during a football game. West Ham United attacking midfielder
Stewart Downing has explained to FourFourTwo Magazine how he copes with
abuse from the opposition fans. "When you're getting abuse from the
opposition fans, it's because they see you as a threat," the 30-year-old
told FourFourTwo Magazine. "You have just got to take it as a bit of fun."
Downing is one of the best players in the current West Ham squad and has
been in very good form so far this season. The 30-year-old England
international has scored five goals and created 75 chances in 30 Premier
League appearances, while having a pass accuracy of 85% and a shot accuracy
of 46%. Being a very important player for West Ham, Downing understandably
gets abuse from the opposition fans, but it seems that he has a great way to
cope with it. One has often found players getting frustrated due to the
treatment by the opposition supporters, but it appears that the former
Liverpool man is intelligent enough not to be drawn into such a situation.
West Ham are currently ninth in the Premier League table with 42 points from
31 matches.
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WHUFC.com
West Ham United's newest professional footballer is Emmanuel Onariase. Known
as 'Manny' to everyone at the Club, the towering centre-half put pen to
paper earlier this week, climaxing an outstanding season of development for
the south London-born defender. The 18-year-old, who stands well over
six-feet tall and is blessed with impressive technical ability, is delighted
that the Hammers have invested in his future. "I'm grateful because it's
amazing," said Onariase, who was named on the substitutes' bench for the
recent Barclays Premier League fixture at Arsenal. "The Club has done so
much for me and I've improved so much here, so I just need to get to the
next level now and keep on excelling. "It's gone from almost zero to 100
this season, but that's football. People get injured and you're the next in,
so you have to stay on your game and always be ready."
For Onariase, signing a professional contract is all the more satisfying
when you hear that he was initially turned down by the club as a young
schoolboy before succeeding in a second trial at the age of 12. "I played
for my district in year seven and we played against West Ham and Jerome John
asked me to come over to the Club to train, but I was told I wasn't good
enough," he recalled. "I initially came as a midfielder, so I went back to
my school and then went training with Millwall. "West Ham asked me to come
back over again as a defender and they offered me a contract!"
The Club has done so much for me and I've improved so much here, so I just
need to get to the next level now and keep on excelling
Emmanuel Onariase Having been named on the bench already, Onariase is now
targeting further opportunities at the highest level, but he knows it will
not be easy. "To be involved was amazing and I want to thank all the
first-team players for making me feel welcome and creating a great
atmosphere," he smiled. "Being on the pitch to warm-up at the Emirates was
great and it was me in my element – it was an amazing feeling. It was an
inspirational experience and I want to feel it some more. "I never try to
second-guess things because you never know what is going to happen. I just
have to continue working hard, doing my bit and the rest will follow. "The
Club obviously has faith in me, so now it's about going out on loan and
getting first-team experience, then coming back and seeing how things go."
While is making great strides forward on the pitch, the one-time head boy at
St Thomas the Apostle College in Nunhead is also an outstanding academic
student off it, having achieved an A* grade in maths and five As in his GCSE
exams "I did my AS-Levels in maths and physics last year and I was working
towards my A-Levels, but I've gone full-time as a footballer now so I need
to make sure the numbers that matter are scoring more and conceding less!"
smiled West Ham's newest professional. Onariase made a point of thanking
those who have supported his fledgling career, including his school for
allowing him out on day-release to train with the Hammers, his former
teachers, Academy coach and scout Jerome John and his colleagues, his
parents, his three brothers and his closest friends. Writing in his regular
From the Academy blog, Academy Manager Terry Westley praised the
improvements made by Onariase this season and challenged him to work his way
into the first-team squad. "The fact that Manny was previously only on a
schoolboy contract, rather than a scholarship, just goes to show how hard
he's been working over the course of the season," said Westley. "It is a
fantastic achievement for him and a proud day for everyone who knows him. Of
course, it's a proud moment for everyone at the Academy and it is a sign
that we are going in the right direction. "Manny was on the bench for the
first team at Arsenal last month and now, like Reece Oxford and Reece Burke,
he needs to push on and try and get into the first-team squad on a regular
basis."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fans flock to Open Training day
WHUFC.com
West Ham United supporters turned out in force for the Club's Open Training
session at the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday morning. Fans young and old took
advantage of the glorious spring weather to watch their heroes train on the
hallowed turf, as Big Sam put his squad through their paces ahead of the
weekend's home meeting with Stoke City. After a warm-up, the first team
squad went through a shooting drill and game-based exercises before ending
with strength work. Several young competition winners then got the chance of
a lifetime to take a penalty against Adrian in front of a Boleyn Ground
crowd!
Following the training session, the players spent time signing autographs
and posing for photographs and Mark Noble was delighted to meet the
supporters. He said: "It's always nice to see the fans and with the sun like
this, it's great to see so many turn out to come and watch us. "It's the
Easter Holidays and that's what the kids want to do – to come along and meet
their heroes. It's a pleasure to walk along and sign the autographs. "A lot
of the kids don't get the chance to meet the players often, so coming down
here and having photos is a great day. "I remember when I was a kid, meeting
players was a fantastic occasion and that's why it's nice to stay out all
day and sign every autograph."
Hammers skipper Kevin Nolan and Joey O'Brien were also on hand to assist
with the Junior Hammers' Graduation ceremony, where young supporters were
presented with certificates to mark their support of the Club.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Newsroom - Dave Evans
WHUFC.com
Recorder Series West Ham United correspondent Dave Evans assesses Saturday's
defeat to Leicester City...
I want to talk about flip flops. At this time of the season we hear a lot of
chatter about the hideous holiday footwear and how mid-table teams are
already metaphorically wearing them as they go out on the pitch for the last
few matches. Newcastle United were accused of it a couple of weeks ago and
the accusation was levelled at the West Ham players going into Saturday's
game with relegation-haunted Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. Close
to a million pounds is the difference in prize money for one place in the
Premier League, but do the players really care about that?
West Ham can realistically finish between eighth and tenth this season, so
do they really need to give 100 per cent when the prospect of going
snorkelling in the Maldives with their families is just around the corner? I
saw lots of comments on Twitter suggesting that losing at Leicester was a
'new low' for the Hammers. Once again the supporters calling for the head of
Sam Allardyce returned to social media as if this was the most humiliating
display they had ever seen from a West Ham team. We have seen one or two
disappointing and poor performances from the team this season, but they have
been few and far between compared to other campaigns and Saturday's was
certainly not one of them.
It was a bad result, but then so was Manchester City's defeat at Burnley not
so long ago; Chelsea's loss to Newcastle; Liverpool's defeat at Upton Park
and Manchester United's loss to, who was it? Yes, Leicester City. In this
Premier League, shocks happen, but perhaps Saturday at the King Power was
not such a shock. It could have gone either way. The Hammers created plenty
of chances in a thriller of a game and in the end it was a scrappy late goal
that beat them – again. We saw Sunderland beat Newcastle on Sunday and West
Ham's game was a similar story. Nigel Pearson's team simply wanted the
points more than the Hammers, they needed those points and it was like their
cup final.
So did West Ham really have the flip flops on? No chance.
The way the superb Cheikhou Kouyate marauded around the pitch, scored that
goal and hit the post could not have been done if he had opted for the same
footwear as George Clooney in that coffee commercial. James Collins knows no
other way than to give 100 per cent. Mark Noble could not run all over the
pitch without his boots and though Diafra Sakho controlled one Aaron
Cresswell cross like he was wearing flip flops, his endeavour suggested
otherwise. For those calling for Sam Allardyce to go, be careful what you
wish for – remember Avram Grant!
West Ham sit in the top half and if those unlucky draws against Man United
and Spurs had been deserved wins, then there would be a very different
reflection on the season. There is still another seven games to go in this
Premier League campaign and West Ham may suffer more disappointments. But
for me there is no question that these players still have the flip flops
locked away with the sun tan lotion until the end of May. It is a matter of
pride in trying to finish what they started back in August.
*Dave Evans is the only West Ham journalist to follow the team home and
away. You can follow him on twitter @Recorder_Hammer.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those
of West Ham United.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Academy
WHUFC.com
Hello everyone,
It's been a little while since I last had the chance to update everyone on
the goings on at the Academy.
Over the international break a squad of U17s competed in an international
tournament out in Abu Dhabi and I'm pleased to report that they performed
admirably.
They returned safe and sound from an outstanding experience. From three
games, they won one, drew one, lost one against good opposition from all
over the world - one team from Japan, another from Spain and the third was
the host club Al Ain FC.
We sent a very young team because our duty at the Academy is to give them
new tests and experiences so they can learn and develop - particularly the
experience of travelling abroad, which for a lot of the players was new.
I was speaking to James Rowe, our Assistant Academy Manager who took the
boys out there. He was very impressed by the performances and also by the
way the players conducted themselves throughout.
A lot of the younger players really established themselves which is clearly
a big positive. As a result, participation in this tournament is something
we would very much like to do next year.
Another positive for everyone at the Academy is the new that our promising
central defender Manny Onariase has signed a professional contract with
club. The fact that he was previously only on a schoolboy contract, rather
than a scholarship, just goes to show how hard he's been working over the
course of the season.
It is a fantastic achievement for him and a proud day for everyone who knows
him. Of course, it's a proud moment for everyone at the Academy and it is a
sign that we are going in the right direction.
Manny was on the bench for the first team at Arsenal last month and now,
like Reece Oxford and Reece Burke, he needs to push on and try and get into
the first-team squad on a regular basis.
It's a hugely difficult task, because there are some very good players ahead
of him, but he has a chance and we'll continue to do everything we can to
help him become the player we know he can be. It's a real positive for him
personally, and he deserves it with the effort and hard work he puts in.
Finally, our U21s have entered the Hong Kong Soccer Sevens tournament which
kicks-off at the end of May. We were asked to participate which is nice.
I've been to the tournament before when I was at Birmingham City, so I know
a little bit about it. It's a very fast, physically demanding seven-a-side
tournament played in challenging conditions and presents a different type of
experience. It's a nice thing for us to be involved in at the end of the
season.
There are some good teams involved, Ajax, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and
Leicester City among others. It's a real challenge for them. As its
seven-a-side we'll be taking mainly attacking players. Just like the Abu
Dhabi trip, we're hoping for another positive experience.
In the shorter term, our U21s and U18s have fixtures this week, where we
hope our young players will continue their development by producing
impressive individual and collective performances.
Terry Westley
Academy Manager
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Fans flock to Boleyn Ground for open training session
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 7th April 2015
By: Staff Writer
It was a busy morning at the Boleyn Ground as the players met the fans
following today's open training session. Assistant manager Neil McDonald put
the players through their paces for 90 minutes before the staff and squad
spent the next hour signing autographs in the warm spring sun for the
half-term crowd. Striker Enner Valencia joined the rest of the first team
squad and showed no signs of his recent injury as he went through a series
of short tests in front of the crowd, who had packed in to the lower tier of
the West Stand for today's event.
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Rafael Benitez on West Ham manager shortlist with time running out for Sam
Allardyce
16:01, 7 April 2015 By John Cross
The Hammers have identified David Moyes as their No1 choice but face a
battle to convince the Scot to leave Real Sociedad, with other options on
their shortlist
The Mirror
Rafa Benitez has emerged as a contender for West Ham this summer. Former
Manchester United boss David Moyes is West Ham's No1 choice to replace Sam
Allardyce whose contract at Upton Park expires at the end of the season. But
they face a battle to convince Moyes to leave Real Sociedad after only
taking over in November and West Ham are looking at other options with
Benitez on their shortlist. Former Liverpool and Chelsea boss Benitez is
ready to quit Napoli at the end of the season and has made no secret of his
desire to return to English football. That has alerted West Ham who are also
looking at developments surrounding Besiktas boss Slaven Bilic who remains a
crowd favourite at Upton Park. But Benitez is now another option as the
Spaniard has also been linked with Manchester City and is renowned as a
brilliant tactician. Benitez enjoyed success at both Liverpool and Chelsea
and he would appeal. Allardyce appears to be running out of time at West Ham
after the club's poor second half of the season. That has only strengthened
the belief that West Ham will make a change this summer.
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West Ham eye Tottenham transfer target Kevin Mirallas with Everton
midfielder seeking a ''new challenge''
22:30, 6 April 2015 By Darren Lewis
The Hammers' momentum has died late in the season following Andy Carroll's
injury and they have vowed to recruit extra firepower in the summer
The Mirror
West Ham will join the chase for Everton winger Kevin Mirallas at the end of
the season. Tottenham had an enquiry knocked back for 27-year-old Belgium
international Mirallas back in January and are also set to return at the end
of the season. But West Ham are ready to challenge them as they are looking
to further invest heavily in their attack in the summer. Last year, they
signed £12million Ecuador World Cup forward Enner Valencia and £4.7million
Metz striker Diafra Sakho. Injury to £15million man Andy Carroll, however,
has robbed the Hammers of goals and momentum and they have vowed to recruit
more firepower so they do not end up in the same situation again. Mirallas
has a year left on his contract at Everton after this season, and indicated
earlier this year that he would be interested in "a new challenge".West Ham
lost 2-1 at struggling Leicester on Saturday after substitute Andy King
bagged a scruffy winner four minutes from time. Cheikhou Kouyate equalised
Esteban Cambiasso's stunning opener for the the Foxes, chesting down Alex
Song's lofted pass and finishing with aplomb in the far corner. But Hammers
boss Sam Allardyce was left ruing his team's defending in a fourth defeat in
five games. West Ham now sit ninth in the table after competing for the
European spots earlier in the season.
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Irons fans being fed false hope
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 7, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Even by West Ham's standards, the rumour factory is busier earlier than I
can remember for many years. And that's solely because here we are in early
April preparing for games against the likes of Stoke, Manchester City, QPR
and Villa with absolutely nothing to look forward to but cash for league
positioning. It could and should have been a lot better but instead we are
being forced to listen to recycled rumours ,which had whiskers on them a
couple of months ago, as a source of "excitement." It's called false hope.
There's is an incredible lack of imagination being attached to most of these
"stories"-notably the currently favoured one of Rafa Benitez as a possible
new manager. The story was first published here on ClaretandHugh as long ago
as May 14, 2014.
We again explained on February 22 of this year that although he was fancied,
the club had become aware that "he's not overly keen on coming and is a £6
million manager minimum anyway." The very latest situation is that with
Manuel Pellegrini and possibly Brendan Rodgers in danger at Manchester City
and Liverpool, our board have become aware that the Spanish boss is keeping
a very careful eye on developments in the north west. However, as the old
saying goes, don't let the facts ruin a good story and with people generally
believing what they want to hear, the story has again grown legs. Truth is:
It's highly unlikely. To assume that it may be on, we also have to assume
that a much bigger transfer budget would be made available than ever before.
Big managers usually require big budgets.
Glenn Hoddle was hoisted as a candidate but that won't happen and the club
are concerned about Slaven Bilic's pedigree which doesn't involve the
Premier League. Boring though it may be, this leads us back to David Moyes
and Marcelo Bielsa. However, in an unguarded moment today as ClaretandHugh
discussed the managerial position with a senior Upton Park 'face' we were
told: "We know who the board like but there's nobody in the know who would
be having a bet on anyone at this stage. The talking is still going on."
Beyond that we have heard that Kevin Miralles could be on his way – a story
immediately denied when we tried it on some people – plus a variety of
previously unheard of foreigners whose chances of arriving in the east end
are based solely on tabloid tittle tattle. It's such a shame! There could
and should have been real excitement on the pitch from a team that started
so well. Instead our terrific fans are being fed a diet of transfer fiction
to provide them with some interest in a season that went so wrong.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers on Everton front man link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 7, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham continue to be linked with players – the latest being Everton's
Kevin Mirallas. His is the latest name presented in the nationals as a
target for the player although given the uncertainty surrounding our
managerial situation it's difficult to be OTT about such links. The report
claims the Irons are ready to challenge Spurs for the player after the north
Londoners had an enquiry knocked back last season.
Claiming we will join the chase at the end of the season, the report adds we
are ready to challenge for the 27 year old as we look to " invest heavily"
in our attack in the summer. Whilst it's true we will be looking for a back
up striker given that Carlton Cole will be on his way there is no suggestion
from inside the club of "heavy investment" in the front line. We were told:
"It's a little premature to be putting specific names in the frame anyway –
more pressing is where the club are going at the back with Alex Song and
Carl Jenkinson. "The managerial situation will also be decided before
players may or may not come onto the radar."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Under-21s: United 3 West Ham 2
Manutd.com
Manchester United capitalised on Southampton and Liverpool's defeats in the
Barclays Under-21 Premier League with a nervy 3-2 triumph against bottom
side West Ham.
Josh Harrop struck twice and Joe Rothwell was also on the scoresheet during
a game riddled with errors but the victory is enough to take the hosts four
points clear at the top of the table ahead of the run-in.
The Reds were punished for a sloppy opening when Josh Cullen's free-kick
enticed Joel Castro Pereira off his line and, with the keeper way out of
position, Reece Oxford's header produced a straightforward goal. It was only
the fourth away strike of the term for the East Londoners and, remarkably,
their first on the road since September.
Two goals in the space of 200 seconds turned the game on its head but the
first was rather fortunate. Harrop collected an Andy Kellett pass and, after
some neat trickery, his hopeful shot crept past Sam Howes and rolled gently
over the line for the equaliser.
Paddy McNair led a breakaway from a Hammers corner moments later, cutting
inside from the left wing to deliver an outstanding through ball into the
path of Rothwell. The midfielder opened his body up to steer a calm finish
past the advancing Howes.
Warren Joyce's side appeared to be in control with skipper Adnan Januzaj
going close from a couple of free-kicks and Liam Grimshaw firing over the
bar following a corner by the Belgium international. After Kellett saw a
penalty claim ignored, West Ham launched a long ball forward and Donald
Love's backpass drifted past Pereira, who was not well placed to receive it,
to allow Jordan Brown to claim a farcical equaliser.
There was still time in the first half for Januzaj and Lewis Page to be
booked with the United man wrong to retaliate to a rugby tackle from his
marker but he kept his composure
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Emmanuel Adebayor commits his future to Tottenham despite Chelsea and West
Ham links
By BRUCE ARCHER
PUBLISHED: 20:33, Tue, Apr 7, 2015
Express.co.uk
Adebayor has been linked with a move away from White Hart Lane having failed
to feature regularly under Mauricio Pochettino. The former Arsenal and
Manchester City man came close to a January move to West Ham and, in recent
weeks, has been linked with a move to Chelsea.
However Adebayor says he intends to see out his contract in north London.
Earlier today he tweeted: "Contrary to reports, I am very happy at Tottenham
and will do everything to fight for my place. "I have a year to go on my
contract and love playing in the EPL, best league in world!" The Togo
international has featured 16 times in all competitions this season, scoring
twice. His last league start came on November 2 in the 2-1 win over Aston
Villa, he played 58 minutes before being replaced by Harry Kane. Kane's
emergence as the main striker at the club, coupled with Pochettino's system,
have worked against Adebayor - as has the fact he hasn't scored since
October 26.
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Jack Collison praises Teddy Sheringham's return to West Ham
HITC
Lewis Doe
Former West Ham United midfielder jack Collison has praised a decision by
the club to hire a former player. Former West Ham United midfielder Jack
Collison has praised the decision by his old club to hire Teddy Sheringham
on the Sports Bar for talkSPORT. Sheringham currently works for the Hammers
as an attacking coach and Collison has suggested he's a great character to
have in and around the club helping the first team. "His aura was superb –
what a character and to get him back in, in any capacity at West Ham's a
great move by whoever did it," said Collison. Sheringham is one of the most
experienced figures in the history of the Premier League. Collison
experienced playing with him towards the end of his career, he played for
just one more club after the Hammers, and it's clear that he left a positive
impression on the then West Ham youngster. In theory it was a good move, and
in practice it seems to have had an effect with West Ham boasting the best
attacking record in the Premier League below the top eight. West Ham have a
very talented midfield and attack and it's important that Sheringham,
manager Sam Allardyce and all of the other coaches at the club continue to
work hard, fine-tuning all areas of the first team. West Ham are facing a
very bright future with an imminent move to the Olympic Stadium and having
coaches around the club that can help them retain their identity is
important moving forward.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United's Stewart Downing on how he deals with abuse from opposition
fans
HITC
Subhankar Mondal
West Ham United star Stewart Downing says that he is not bothered by the
opposition fans during a football game. West Ham United attacking midfielder
Stewart Downing has explained to FourFourTwo Magazine how he copes with
abuse from the opposition fans. "When you're getting abuse from the
opposition fans, it's because they see you as a threat," the 30-year-old
told FourFourTwo Magazine. "You have just got to take it as a bit of fun."
Downing is one of the best players in the current West Ham squad and has
been in very good form so far this season. The 30-year-old England
international has scored five goals and created 75 chances in 30 Premier
League appearances, while having a pass accuracy of 85% and a shot accuracy
of 46%. Being a very important player for West Ham, Downing understandably
gets abuse from the opposition fans, but it seems that he has a great way to
cope with it. One has often found players getting frustrated due to the
treatment by the opposition supporters, but it appears that the former
Liverpool man is intelligent enough not to be drawn into such a situation.
West Ham are currently ninth in the Premier League table with 42 points from
31 matches.
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Tuesday, April 7
Daily WHUFC News - 7th April 2015
Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce is determined not to alter West Ham United's attacking
philosophy in the pursuit of points following Saturday's 2-1 loss at
Leicester City. The Hammers went down to Andy King's later winner in an
enthralling contest at the King Power Stadium and, while the manager was
upset that his side did not put the game to bed earlier, he had no
complaints about his side's application. After creating – and missing – a
number of clear chances with some impressive build-up play, much of the talk
in the post-match press conference was about whether a more defensive-minded
approach could be adopted to try to secure games.
"No I'm not going to change the way we play," a defiant Allardyce said. "The
big shout at the beginning of the season was that we were going to attack
more and for that reason we've lacked a few more clean sheets than we
wanted. That would have got us a few more three point victories than draws
and got us higher up the table. "We've scored more goals than we've ever
scored and we now must push on over the next seven games to get more than 46
points, which is our best total from year one, and if we can do that by
continuing playing like we're playing then we'll go on and do it. "We played
like that and won earlier in the season, which was why we got to third or
fourth so I'm not going to stop the players playing like that. I'm going to
tell them to be a bit more careful when we haven't got possession as if we
continue to give goals away it means we're going to have to score two, three
or four goals to win games."
With only seven games remaining and the Hammers well out of the relegation
battle at the foot of the table, some may question whether the team still
have anything worthy to play for. But certainly on the evidence of the
performance in the East Midlands on Saturday, Big Sam has got his players
fired up to finish the season strongly. "We didn't play like a team that was
drifting on Saturday. We played like a team with a lot of creativity and
drive. Where we failed is that we're less clinical than we used to be. "I
think the lads in their first season in the Premier League have found out
what physical and mental attributes are needed for a long season so their
edge is not quite as good as it was, but they'll gain it for next season.
"We've still got to push on for the next seven games to get as many points
as we can. Our performance on Saturday suggests we'll get those points and
for us it was a good performance but a disappointing end. "We've done our
job against teams below us as that was only the third defeat against teams
below us in the table; all the others we've beaten. We've only lost to
Palace and Everton."
Overall, the manager shared the sense of disappointment over the defeat but
felt the result could have gone either way after a host of missed chances.
It is something he is likely to address with his team as they prepare for
the visit of Stoke City to the Boleyn Ground on Saturday. "To lose the game
right at the end when it looks like we'd at least get a point is extremely
disappointing. Either team could have won it. They did, we didn't and we're
disappointed. "We couldn't do much more in terms of opening a team up and
playing better than we did. It made us a little shorter on the defending
side but you take that risk when you play away from home and you try to open
the opposition up. "Cheik Kouyate has scored again after a super ball from
Alex Song and in doing so did what a lot of the others should have done with
arguably better chances."
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Stat's a Fact - Cheik's hot streak
WHUFC.com
Cheikhou Kouyate's goal at Leicester City on Saturday was his fourth of the
season for the Hammers – and his fourth in his last eleven appearances.
After a goalless first 14 games in claret and blue, the Senegal
international has found his touch in front of goal with a streak that could
have yielded even more goals on Saturday. As well as his 32nd minute strike,
which beat Kasper Schmeichel to bring the Hammers level at 1-1, he brought
an outstanding save from the Dane with a shot from outside of the box and
struck the post after combining superbly with Diafra Sakho. Four league
goals is the tally the 25-year-old scored for his previous club Anderlecht
in a total of 153 games, so this run of four in eleven is certainly new for
Kouyate. So why has he suddenly started to contribute in a goalscoring
sense? Part of his total at Anderlecht can be explained by the fact he spent
much of his time with the Belgian club as a centre back, but he has shown a
great composure in front of goal since moving to the Barclays Premier
League. After breaking his goalscoring duck with a deflected header against
Arsenal just before the New Year, Kouyate showed what he can do against
Manchester United, controlling superbly, before juggling the ball and
drilling past David de Gea on the turn. A powerful header against Tottenham
Hotspur after making a burst into the box from midfielder was his third
goal, before on Saturday he watched Alex Song's clipped pass onto his chest,
controlled and prodded past Schmeichel. It took his tally to four goals from
23 shots for West Ham, and Hammers fans will be hoping for more of the same
over the final seven games of the campaign.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kouyate vows to learn from Leicester loss
WHUFC.com
Cheikhou Kouyate apologised for Saturday's 2-1 Barclays Premier League
defeat at Leicester City but insisted the squad would learn from the
experience. The Senegal midfielder netted his fourth goal of the season at
the King Power Stadium, but was one of a host of Hammers to pass up
opportunities to secure a valuable victory over the struggling Foxes.
Kouyate hit a post and saw an long-range effort clawed aside by Kasper
Schmeichel, while the Danish stopper also denied Stewart Downing and Carl
Jenkinson – and those misses proved costly as Andy King scrambled home a
late winner for the bottom side. "It was a bad day for us and it was not
nice to lose the game," said the No8, who was restored to his normal,
preferred midfielder role. "Normally, I would score the second goal and the
game is finished. I had two chances but I didn't take them. We were not
lucky on Saturday, so it was a bad day.
"Leicester were giving it everything and attacking and attacking. They were
playing with four or five strikers, three defenders and two midfielders, so
they took a chance. This is football and on Saturday Leicester won. "For
West Ham, we fought, but we could not win the game. After Adrian made a stop
from the penalty it boosted the whole team and we were very good for a
moment after that. I scored and were playing easily and normally we would
score a second goal. "It was a problem for the team to score the second
goal. Every time I score and we lose, it is not good for me and it means
nothing. If we score and we draw or win, that's good. "I had a chance when I
took the ball and hit the post, and then the second time their goalkeeper
saved it. I had three chances and scored only one goal, when I needed to
score two or three times. "It's good for our experience because we need to
learn how to kill the game."
Kouyate closed his whufc.com interview by expressing his sympathy for the
3,300-plus Hammers who travelled to Leicester for Saturday's game. "I am
sorry for all the supporters and I want to thank them all. Normally we would
win this game, but on Saturday we didn't. They supported the team
fabulously, but the result was bad. We thank you and say sorry for this
result."
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Penalty-king Adrian set for Fans' Forum
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's penalty king Adrian offered a fascinating insight into the
preparation required to be a top Premier League goalkeeper after Saturday's
game. Despite slipping to a 2-1 defeat to Leicester City, Adrian emerged
once again as a Hammers' hero by saving David Nugent's 15th minute penalty.
Just as the Foxes striker was steadying himself to take the spot kick the
Spaniard had a few quick words in the striker's ear, before saving his
effort superbly. Speaking after the game, he revealed what he had said to
put Nugent off: "The day before every game, I look at videos of opposition
players taking penalties so I know where they like to put their penalties. I
said to him, 'I know which direction you're going go' and it worked!"
Now you can quiz Adrian, along with Carlton Cole and Stewart Downing at our
Fans' Forum Q&A at the Boleyn Ground from 6.30pm on Tuesday.
Season Ticket Holders and Members can secure their places online here - and
submit your questions in advance to seasonticketholder@westhamunited.co.uk
"It's hard when you save a penalty but you still don't get anything from the
game. It would have been very difficult to come back from two goals down,
especially when you conceded twice in five minutes."
Adrian's rigorous research of the opposition's penalty takers seems to be
paying dividends as he saved Harry Kane's effort at White Hart Lane earlier
in the season.
On Tuesday 7 April, West Ham United are hosting a Fans' Forum with Adrian,
alongside Stewart Downing and Carlton Cole, at the Boleyn Ground.
The trio will be on hand to answer questions on all manner of West Ham
subjects as the squad prepare to face Stoke City at home the following
Saturday.
With the last remaining tickets still available, this is your opportunity to
grill your heroes!
The Q&A session will kick-off at 7pm prompt, and after there will be an
informal opportunity for supporters to meet the players, collect autographs
and take photos.
Tickets will be allocated on a strictly first come, first served basis at a
rate of one per successful applicant with a capacity of 300 attendees.
Please note, Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult Season Ticket Holder.
Season Ticket Holders and Members can secure their places online here or
call the Ticket Office on 0871 529 1966 - option 1.
Supporters who have secured tickets for the event can submit questions for
consideration by emailing seasonticketholder@westhamunited.co.uk, clearly
stating if it is for Adrian, Carlton Cole or Stewart Downing.
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Cresswell confident of strong end to season
WHUFC.com
Aaron Cresswell insisted the Hammers still have plenty to play for in their
remaining seven games of the season. Despite slipping to a disappointing 2-1
defeat to Leicester City, the in-form left-back maintained his side are
focused on finishing the season as strongly as possible. Speaking after the
game, the 25-year-old said: "I don't think the fact that we're safe is any
excuse, it shouldn't be. We're all winners, we're professional and we came
here to win. We've got seven games left to try and make sure we don't let
the season fizzle out. "We've had some tough games recently but it's not an
excuse though. With seven games to go we have to try and get any many points
as possible."
In a highly entertaining game at the King Power Stadium, which saw both
teams create a number of chances, the hosts broke the deadlock through
Argentine international Esteban Cambiasso. The veteran midfielder lashed
home the loose ball from the edge of the area on twelve minutes, giving
Adrian little chance of getting his hands to it. The afternoon could have
gone a lot worse for the Hammers as Mark Clattenburg awarded the Foxes a
penalty just minutes later when Carl Jenkinson tripped Leonardo Ulloa. Up
stepped David Nugent yet Adrian confidently palmed his effort away, keeping
his side in the game. When asked about the Leicester's bright start,
Cresswell conceded: "We had a sloppy first ten, 15 minutes and we weren't
good enough. They scored and then Adrian saved the penalty which kept us in
it. After that we regrouped and took control. "With them being in a
relegation fight we knew the atmosphere was always going to be good. The
game could've been over if they scored the penalty. After that I thought we
controlled the first half and the second half was pretty end-to-end."
In response to going a goal down, the Hammers created a number of chances
either side of Cheikhou Kouyate's thumping equaliser on the half-hour mark.
In the second half, Kouyate hit the post after good work from Diafra Sakho
and Stewart Downing went close on two occasions. It was these missed
opportunities which left Cresswell ruing what might have been: "Cheik took
his goal very well. But we need to take our chances that we do create
because at this level you'll get punished and that's exactly what happened.
"Cheik hit the post and we had a fewer other chances too. We didn't take the
chances we did make and we suffered a sucker punch at the end."
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Makasi: "We need to be strong"
WHUFC.com
Development Squad midfielder Moses Makasi says his side need to be at their
best if they are get anything from their game with Manchester United on
Tuesday 7 April. Makasi, 19, has 12 appearances for the Dev Squad this
season, forming an important midfield partnership with Amos Nasha and Josh
Cullen in recent games. Speaking ahead of the match, Makasi said:
"Manchester United away will be a very tough game, we need to be solid as a
team for this game. We've lost the last few two games, our last win was
against Fulham in February so we need to bounce back. "We just need to stay
together and work hard. That's the only thing we can do, if we keep on doing
that than we'll get stronger."
In the reverse fixture earlier in the season, Manchester United came away
victorious, winning 2-1 in a tight contest. That night saw former hammer and
England international Michael Carrick return to Rush Green, and Makasi had
the arduous task of marking the Champions League winner."Michael Carrick
played against us at Rush Green. It was a great experience coming up against
a player of his stature because he's been at the top for a long time now.
"As a midfielder, I rate Carrick highly. He's great on the ball, always
composed and he always makes the right decision."
With Carrick now back to full fitness and forming an integral part of Louis
van Gaal's midfield, he is unlikely to feature on Tuesday evening. However,
Makasi is well aware that several other famous names have featured for the
United U21s this season, such as Radamel Falcao, Victor Valdes and James
Wilson. "It is always a massive incentive to play against players like
Radamel Falcao, especially for the centre-backs. To play against people who
have played in the Premier League but also internationally, it's a good test
to see if they can handle it and if they're ready. "It'll be good to test
ourselves, we know that whoever we play against will be tough, you don't
play for Manchester United unless you're a good player."
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Stubborn Sam loses fans
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 6th April 2015
By: Elliot Pollard
Saturday's away defeat to struggling Leicester City means it's now nine
Premier League away games without a win.
On top of this is the inconsistent home form resulting in West Ham's season
petering out hopelessly. Realistically I think most Hammers fans knew a top
four finish was extremely unlikely, but the Champions League dream at the
Boleyn was great whilst it lasted.
Sitting ninth in the table with seven games remaining should be seen as an
exceptional season for a club newly promoted in 2012, yet the manager with
only two months remaining on his contract looks likely to be jobless in the
summer. Every pundit and non-West Ham fan seems to find it difficult to
understand why Allardyce's job is in such jeopardy, and perhaps rightly so,
but as a Hammers fan it's easy to see.
Allardyce and some of the Hammers faithful have never seen eye-to-eye since
his appointment in 2011. His perceived arrogance seems to repel fans who
just simply haven't taken to him.
The historic victories over the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City
earlier in the season are a perfect example as he gladly accepted all the
praise from the media for playing more attacking football; yet the
embarrassing defeats to West Brom and Crystal Palace were down to "not
taking our chances".
However arguably Allardyce should have been absorbing the praises for the
team's fine form; yet I believe it was perhaps the owners and the
introduction of Teddy Sherringham that finally convinced him to veer from
the painful 4-5-1, and play with two strikers, something the fans were
crying out for last season.
As well as this Allardyce very rarely praises the fans and in fact more
often criticises us. It's almost as if he wants to be a villain in order to
prove the fans wrong, and that's simply not the right way to manage a
football club. This was evident in the home victory over Hull City last
season where Allardyce mocked the fans for booing.
Coincidently a very similar match was played out in the previous home game
against Sunderland and if our league position was slightly more precarious
I'm sure a similar incident may have occurred.
The problem Allardyce has is that the West Ham chairmen are fans as well.
However it appears Karren Brady is more in favour of Allardyce than the two
Davids, which makes it all more bizarre why Allardyce would attack Mrs Brady
live on Sky Sports, as he did in his post-match interview vs Sunderland.
In this interview Allardyce undermined comments made by Karren Brady in her
column claiming "she's wrong in what she's saying". However it was later
reported that Allardyce blamed Sky Sports for asking an inappropriate
question, perhaps realising it may be in his best interests to keep Karren
on his side in order to remain in a job.
As well as his arrogance, his stubbornness is another reason why Allardyce
is distancing himself from the fans. His reluctance to play players that the
owners have brought in such as Zarate and Nene simply angers fans.
Saturday's game versus Leicester was crying out for a spark of creativity or
a cutting edge to gain the lead yet Allardyce would rather aim to settle for
a point against a team who have nothing to lose at the bottom of the table.
West Ham fans appreciate the hard-working players but we adore the flair
players and would love to see more from Nene who has shown glimpses of
brilliance in his limited cameo appearances.
Another major disappointment was the embarrassing exit from the FA Cup. With
the European dream fading away this was West Ham's last chance of glory and
a decent draw against West Brom seemed a great opportunity for success.
Edging into the game as favourites it was devastating to be thrashed by an
out-of-form West Brom team with arguably our strongest 11 on show. This was
perhaps the lowest point of the season.
The defeats to West Brom, Crystal Palace and Leicester also makes you wonder
if Allardyce is struggling to motivate the players, which suggests he may be
having the same problems connecting with the players as he does with the
fans. The contract dispute with Winston Reid also reinforces this as
Allardyce himself speculated Reid may have agreed a deal with another club,
before Winston announced he had signed his new deal.
Nobody can dispute Allardyce has done a fantastic job at promoting West Ham
and building a squad which is more than capable of staying in the Premier
League, but as a match, I'm afraid it's a square peg in a round hole. As
cruel as it sounds the bottom line is Allardyce just isn't a very likeable
man which makes it difficult to get behind him and defend him.
Apart from the cheeky laugh at Chico Flores and the winding up of Jose
Mourinho following the 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge last season, it's very
difficult to get excited about him. Arguably people will say that football
is a results-based business in which Allardyce is fairly successful, but
there comes a time when you have to stop ignoring the fact the club and the
manager just don't match.
It just seems that with the season drawing to an end Hammers fans are just
waiting for the outcome of the end-of-season review, with Allardyce's job at
the top of the agenda. Having said this one more season under Allardyce may
not be the worst thing as his record would suggest Premier League football
would be assured for the upcoming move to the Olympic stadium, yet
speculation indicates a gamble may be taken in an attempt to push this club
further towards success.
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David Sullivan, it's time to make your mind up
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 6th April 2015
By: Geoff Toates
Indecision and uncertainty, in any business, inevitably leads to reduced
performance and profitability.
In football, substitute profitability for results and you have, in essence,
what I believe is a significant reason for our relegation candidate form
since December. The indecision and uncertainty surrounding our manager.
Whatever your views on Sam Allardyce - and I made mine clear in a recent
posting on KUMB - the current "will he or won't he still be here next
season?" scenario is harming the club. In my opinion the blame for that
situation can be placed squarely at the door of one man. David Sullivan.
I am well aware he has his admirers among our fans but, I have to confess, I
am not one of them. I don't buy into the "he saved us from bankruptcy"
argument. If he and David Gold hadn't bought the club someone else would
have. Of course we don't know who the "someone else" may have been. It could
have been a meddling buffoon, a Vincent Tan like character - or it could
have been someone with a genuine passion for a newly acquired toy, like
Roman Abramovich.
Say what you like about Chelsea, and I agree they have acquired a huge new
base of, errr 'fans', since they became successful but their owner at least
appears to enjoy watching his team's success. Contrast his demeanour when
the camera switches to him during a game with that of the stern-faced,
pseudo-Russian in his Cossack hat in our directors box.
So let's nail the lie that Sullivan and Gold saved the club. They didn't.
None of us know who might have come along if they hadn't but in my opinion
the lure of the Olympic Stadium would have ensured more than a passing
interest from potential owners. I think the OS was always going to end up as
a football stadium simply because the alternative would have been for it to
be a complete white elephant, used maybe a handful of times a year for
obscure athletics events.
There are a number of things I mistrust about Sullivan but, coming back to
my opening sentence, my main gripe isn't to do with trust. In my view since
Sullivan and Gold bought the club their decision-making has been muddled and
confused.
Rewind to January 2010. We had Gianfranco Zola in charge at the time and
from day one Sullivan made it clear he wasn't going to be in charge the
following season. The result was we had a struggling manager whose hands
were tied because of existing financial constraints who became even more of
a lame duck than he already was.
Of course, it was Sullivan's right to appoint whoever he wanted - but surely
he should have acted decisively and removed Zola immediately if he had
decided to replace him?
At least had he done that we might have been spared the sheer embarrassment
the club had to endure the following season under the hapless and
totally-unfit-for-purpose Avram Grant. If ever a managerial appointment
guaranteed relegation and ridicule that was it.
But Sullivan and Gold, having realised the error of their ways mid-season
spectacularly mismanaged the attempt to replace him in December. Who will
ever forget Grant throwing his scarf into the crowd in what was widely seen
at the time as his farewell? But, like Lazarus, he came back from the dead
to lead the team - if his management can by any stretch of the imagination
be called leadership - for the rest of the season.
Clearly the owners hadn't learned from the way they handled the Zola
replacement and once again we had a manager who was out of his depth and
struggling big time, undermined even further by reading in the press that he
was about to be replaced. And of course the absence of any denials from the
boardroom appeared to confirm that Martin O'Neill (a bullet dodged, in my
opinion) had indeed been sounded out but copped the hump when the news
leaked out.
And so we find ourselves, once again, in a situation where confusion is
king. Press speculation about Allardyce's future seems to be the only
newsworthy topic coming out of West Ham at the moment. I would like to feel
that, if the board have decided to make a change, the successor is already
lined up and some sort of contractual agreement already signed.
Unfortunately though I have absolutely no confidence that Messrs Sullivan
and Gold have any idea what they want to do.
I work in the city and there have been very strong rumours for the past 18
months or so that a buyer is waiting in the wings to take over the club once
we have moved into the OS. However, the rumour mill says, that purchase is
dependent on us still being in the Premier League. Sullivan and Gold will
make a small fortune if and when they sell. Good luck to them. I have no
problem with that.
However I do believe that, having so much riding on us retaining Premier
League status, they will go for the safety first option and offer Allardyce
an extension to his current contract. Personally speaking I don't agree with
that. But I would much prefer they came out openly and said that is what is
going to happen and kill the current uncertainty and speculation which, I
feel, is doing us no good whatsoever.
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WHY HASN'T MARK NOBLE RECEIVED THE RECOGNITION HE DESERVES?
By Iain Dale 6 Apr 2015 at 13:12
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Littlefork
Why don't we produce International players anymore? The nostalgia pieces we
have read from time to time often refer to the "West Ham Way" and days of
old when the club produced players who a) stuck around and b) represented
their country at the highest level. Younger readers, well, a lot younger
than my near 63 years must groan every time they hear about Moore, Peters
Hurst, and Brooking. But at the same time I ask them to question why Mark
Noble, so imposing as the England Under 21 captain, never got his full
international cap?
I'd have thought Mark would have been a nailed on certainty to reach such
heights but maybe to become a better, or should I say a "complete" player,
then he should have moved to a "top club" to finish off his development and
boost his career further.
Perhaps he should have followed the example of say Rio Ferdinand for one, a
player who came up through the ranks of the club who certainly showed great
potential. As a West Ham centre back he was good but not a world beater. But
when he moved clubs, when he had great players around him, he developed into
a genuine world class player.
Or, maybe Joe Cole? We all saw the potential in Joe, we loved the flicks and
tricks and his enthusiasm for the game. But his development didn't really
come to deliver anything outstanding until he moved to Chelsea. I don't know
what it is about top clubs but they seem able to take a player who has shown
real potential and boost their performance considerably. For a while, after
some infuriating spells in the first team at Chelsea, as well as some
maddening England performances where he would do too much and lose the ball
in the final third, he blossomed into a great, complete player.
The same could be said of Frank Lampard. Whilst at West ham, he was good
player, not a great one. Not even one who had shown glimpses of genius. But
after his move to Chelsea, with better players around him, with better
coaching maybe, he became one of the best attacking midfielders the PL has
seen. His International career was probably hindered by the Lampard/Gerard
issue, but still he didn't do too badly did he?
And then there is Glen Johnson of course, who left us for Chelsea, developed
his skills and awareness at full back, moved to Liverpool and became a real
force for both club and England.
And then of course there's Jermaine Defoe. Harry reckoned he was the best
promising forward to wear the West Ham shirt. In his early development he
joined the Hammers aged 16 and then rose through the ranks. But his
international career only really took off when he moved across London to
Spurs. 19 goals in 55 appearances for England wasn't a bad return.
If Mark is reading this, then there's the case of Michael Carrick. After his
move to Spurs and then Manchester United he's another player to blossom
after getting away from West Ham.
Admittedly, it's going back a bit but then there was Paul Ince. Another
player we couldn't hold on to but after his acrimonious move to Manchester
United what a force did "the guv'nor" become.
When I look back at the talent that has really blossomed after they left
West Ham I have to ask what might have been for players like Noble and
Tomkins. Have they hampered their careers by sticking with the club?
What might have been had they received higher level coaching with better,
more experienced and talented players around them? Would they have reached
greater heights and established themselves as regular Internationals?
The answer to those questions we will never know. We applaud their club
loyalty but perhaps we have never appreciated how much they have given up as
a price for that loyalty?
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Bielsa will cross language barrier
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 6, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Marseilles boss Marcelo Bielsa is understood to have given assurances he
will learn English within six months should West Ham want him for their new
boss. The Argentinian is keen to ply his trade in the Premier League and has
made it clear though intermediaries that he's ready to cross the language
barrier should be become the club's favoured candidate. He believes that he
would have a workable grasp of the language in four to six months. The
Hammers board remain keen on the 59 year old but his lack of English and
Premier League experience are worries although one source said: "They are
not necessarily issues that can't be overcome. Certainly he would be ready
to learn English."
David Moyes remains in the frame and Rafa Benitez would be the dream
appointment although ClaretandHugh was told on March 30 (
http://www.claretandhugh.info/hammers-on-the-rafa-link/) : "Our
understanding is that he wants either Liverpool or Manchester City.
"He's a top manager and most clubs would be interested should be become
interested but whether we could attract him is another question. "
And sources inside West Ham admitted to ClaretandHugh confirmed an earlier
story that any talks aimed at securing him anyway would have to start at
around £6 million.
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Hero Maiga may get Hammers off hook
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 6, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Now here's some really great news which may help the Hammers off a hook at
the end of the season. Modibo Maiga scored a hat-trick to help Metz to a 3-2
win over relegation rivals Toulouse in the French Ligue 1 at Stade
Saint-Symphorienover the weekend. He netted in the 25th, 42nd and 54th
minute as Metz held on for a valuable away win and the striker doubled his
goal tally for the season., The hat-trick also ended a run of 10 games in
all competitions without a goal, dating back to November of last year. The
news will bring a smile to the faces of our board who – should maiga keep
things going – could yet be retained by Metz next season. He is on £40k a
week at Upton Park and although Metz pay only a small percentage of his
wages the Irons are desperate for the player to see him spend the last year
of his contract on loan at the French club. One swallow doesn't make a
summer of course but should Maiga find his form it could save the club
having to fork out close to £1 million in a pay-off to the 27 year old.
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DG: "The fans know we have fine players"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 6, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Gold refuses to believe the Hammers have suddenly become an average
team! And he points to the thousands of messages he receives from fans who
have made their feelings known sometimes noisily on the social network over
the last year. Speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh he said: "Of course
things have become disappointing – a blind man can see that but let's not
start calling out the players. "I have been on Twitter for a long time –
long enough to unnerstand how the fans feel and what they want from the
board. That's fair enough. I look at them all – it's why I'm out there "They
were desperate for us to re-sign Winston and we did. They are regularly
calling for us to sign Carl Jenkinson and Alex Song. They explain Aaron
Cresswell, Diafra Sakho and Chek Kouyate have been immense this season in
their first year and they are right. "That all suggests they believe we have
some very good players in the team so let's keep things in perspective.
"Adrian, Mark Noble, Enner Valencia – there's so many of them. We have very
good players indeed. I agree with the fans. "We are listening to all that's
said but such comments don't suggest we are a poor or average team – quite
the opposite and we will all be working very hard on things again this
summer."
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New Irons managerial name to consider
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 6, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
A stray thought hit me as I rose on this bright Easter Monday morning but
you will need to wind forward until the end of the season, having kept an
eye on events at the Stadium of Light, before considering it over-seriously
Sunderland yesterday scored their first win under caretaker boss Dick
Advocaat, just as the Dutchman had predicted and raised themselves to 15th
place in the Premier League.
Advocaat has declared emphatically that he will keep Sunderland up and then
he's off which given our own managerial situation is interesting. Now I know
he is 67 years old and has managed around 20 international and domestic
clubs but yesterday afternoon the old Dutch warhorse had his team rocking
against their deadliest enemy on his first match in charge at home. Having
been in charge only a couple of days, he had brought them to Upton Park and
was as close as it gets to gaining a draw.
Now he has a run-in which includes Arsenal and Chelsea and Everton (away) to
overcome but should he do so – given that he is free at the end of the
season – he might be an interesting contender for the Irons. Things may
change and it's more than possible – should they survive – that the Black
Cats will offer him a permanent job – but he would none the less be open to
offers. Meanwhile Marcelo Bielsa remains very much on the minds of our board
but we were told by a source this morning: "All the balls are still in the
air but there's a seriously growing atmosphere now that a change is
definitely required."
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Sam: Carry on attacking
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 6, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce has pledged to continue the "attacking policy" that lifted the
team into fourth place earlier in the season! Defeat at Leicester appears to
have encouraged the manager into declaring that the requested offensive
style wanted by the board will stay in place.
Speaking to the official site the manager explained: "The big shout at the
beginning of the season was that we were going to attack more and for that
reason we've lacked a few more clean sheets than we wanted. That would have
got us a few more three point victories than draws and got us higher up the
table.
"We've scored more goals than we've ever scored and we now must push on over
the next seven games to get more than 46 points, which is our best total
from year one, and if we can do that by continuing playing like we're
playing then we'll go on and do it.
He added: "We played like that and won earlier in the season, which was why
we got to third or fourth so I'm not going to stop the players playing like
that.
"I'm going to tell them to be a bit more careful when we haven't got
possession as if we continue to give goals away it means we're going to have
to score two, three or four goals to win games."
He added on the Leicester defeat: "We didn't play like a team that was
drifting on Saturday. We played like a team with a lot of creativity and
drive. Where we failed is that we're less clinical than we used to be."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce is determined not to alter West Ham United's attacking
philosophy in the pursuit of points following Saturday's 2-1 loss at
Leicester City. The Hammers went down to Andy King's later winner in an
enthralling contest at the King Power Stadium and, while the manager was
upset that his side did not put the game to bed earlier, he had no
complaints about his side's application. After creating – and missing – a
number of clear chances with some impressive build-up play, much of the talk
in the post-match press conference was about whether a more defensive-minded
approach could be adopted to try to secure games.
"No I'm not going to change the way we play," a defiant Allardyce said. "The
big shout at the beginning of the season was that we were going to attack
more and for that reason we've lacked a few more clean sheets than we
wanted. That would have got us a few more three point victories than draws
and got us higher up the table. "We've scored more goals than we've ever
scored and we now must push on over the next seven games to get more than 46
points, which is our best total from year one, and if we can do that by
continuing playing like we're playing then we'll go on and do it. "We played
like that and won earlier in the season, which was why we got to third or
fourth so I'm not going to stop the players playing like that. I'm going to
tell them to be a bit more careful when we haven't got possession as if we
continue to give goals away it means we're going to have to score two, three
or four goals to win games."
With only seven games remaining and the Hammers well out of the relegation
battle at the foot of the table, some may question whether the team still
have anything worthy to play for. But certainly on the evidence of the
performance in the East Midlands on Saturday, Big Sam has got his players
fired up to finish the season strongly. "We didn't play like a team that was
drifting on Saturday. We played like a team with a lot of creativity and
drive. Where we failed is that we're less clinical than we used to be. "I
think the lads in their first season in the Premier League have found out
what physical and mental attributes are needed for a long season so their
edge is not quite as good as it was, but they'll gain it for next season.
"We've still got to push on for the next seven games to get as many points
as we can. Our performance on Saturday suggests we'll get those points and
for us it was a good performance but a disappointing end. "We've done our
job against teams below us as that was only the third defeat against teams
below us in the table; all the others we've beaten. We've only lost to
Palace and Everton."
Overall, the manager shared the sense of disappointment over the defeat but
felt the result could have gone either way after a host of missed chances.
It is something he is likely to address with his team as they prepare for
the visit of Stoke City to the Boleyn Ground on Saturday. "To lose the game
right at the end when it looks like we'd at least get a point is extremely
disappointing. Either team could have won it. They did, we didn't and we're
disappointed. "We couldn't do much more in terms of opening a team up and
playing better than we did. It made us a little shorter on the defending
side but you take that risk when you play away from home and you try to open
the opposition up. "Cheik Kouyate has scored again after a super ball from
Alex Song and in doing so did what a lot of the others should have done with
arguably better chances."
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Stat's a Fact - Cheik's hot streak
WHUFC.com
Cheikhou Kouyate's goal at Leicester City on Saturday was his fourth of the
season for the Hammers – and his fourth in his last eleven appearances.
After a goalless first 14 games in claret and blue, the Senegal
international has found his touch in front of goal with a streak that could
have yielded even more goals on Saturday. As well as his 32nd minute strike,
which beat Kasper Schmeichel to bring the Hammers level at 1-1, he brought
an outstanding save from the Dane with a shot from outside of the box and
struck the post after combining superbly with Diafra Sakho. Four league
goals is the tally the 25-year-old scored for his previous club Anderlecht
in a total of 153 games, so this run of four in eleven is certainly new for
Kouyate. So why has he suddenly started to contribute in a goalscoring
sense? Part of his total at Anderlecht can be explained by the fact he spent
much of his time with the Belgian club as a centre back, but he has shown a
great composure in front of goal since moving to the Barclays Premier
League. After breaking his goalscoring duck with a deflected header against
Arsenal just before the New Year, Kouyate showed what he can do against
Manchester United, controlling superbly, before juggling the ball and
drilling past David de Gea on the turn. A powerful header against Tottenham
Hotspur after making a burst into the box from midfielder was his third
goal, before on Saturday he watched Alex Song's clipped pass onto his chest,
controlled and prodded past Schmeichel. It took his tally to four goals from
23 shots for West Ham, and Hammers fans will be hoping for more of the same
over the final seven games of the campaign.
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Kouyate vows to learn from Leicester loss
WHUFC.com
Cheikhou Kouyate apologised for Saturday's 2-1 Barclays Premier League
defeat at Leicester City but insisted the squad would learn from the
experience. The Senegal midfielder netted his fourth goal of the season at
the King Power Stadium, but was one of a host of Hammers to pass up
opportunities to secure a valuable victory over the struggling Foxes.
Kouyate hit a post and saw an long-range effort clawed aside by Kasper
Schmeichel, while the Danish stopper also denied Stewart Downing and Carl
Jenkinson – and those misses proved costly as Andy King scrambled home a
late winner for the bottom side. "It was a bad day for us and it was not
nice to lose the game," said the No8, who was restored to his normal,
preferred midfielder role. "Normally, I would score the second goal and the
game is finished. I had two chances but I didn't take them. We were not
lucky on Saturday, so it was a bad day.
"Leicester were giving it everything and attacking and attacking. They were
playing with four or five strikers, three defenders and two midfielders, so
they took a chance. This is football and on Saturday Leicester won. "For
West Ham, we fought, but we could not win the game. After Adrian made a stop
from the penalty it boosted the whole team and we were very good for a
moment after that. I scored and were playing easily and normally we would
score a second goal. "It was a problem for the team to score the second
goal. Every time I score and we lose, it is not good for me and it means
nothing. If we score and we draw or win, that's good. "I had a chance when I
took the ball and hit the post, and then the second time their goalkeeper
saved it. I had three chances and scored only one goal, when I needed to
score two or three times. "It's good for our experience because we need to
learn how to kill the game."
Kouyate closed his whufc.com interview by expressing his sympathy for the
3,300-plus Hammers who travelled to Leicester for Saturday's game. "I am
sorry for all the supporters and I want to thank them all. Normally we would
win this game, but on Saturday we didn't. They supported the team
fabulously, but the result was bad. We thank you and say sorry for this
result."
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Penalty-king Adrian set for Fans' Forum
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's penalty king Adrian offered a fascinating insight into the
preparation required to be a top Premier League goalkeeper after Saturday's
game. Despite slipping to a 2-1 defeat to Leicester City, Adrian emerged
once again as a Hammers' hero by saving David Nugent's 15th minute penalty.
Just as the Foxes striker was steadying himself to take the spot kick the
Spaniard had a few quick words in the striker's ear, before saving his
effort superbly. Speaking after the game, he revealed what he had said to
put Nugent off: "The day before every game, I look at videos of opposition
players taking penalties so I know where they like to put their penalties. I
said to him, 'I know which direction you're going go' and it worked!"
Now you can quiz Adrian, along with Carlton Cole and Stewart Downing at our
Fans' Forum Q&A at the Boleyn Ground from 6.30pm on Tuesday.
Season Ticket Holders and Members can secure their places online here - and
submit your questions in advance to seasonticketholder@westhamunited.co.uk
"It's hard when you save a penalty but you still don't get anything from the
game. It would have been very difficult to come back from two goals down,
especially when you conceded twice in five minutes."
Adrian's rigorous research of the opposition's penalty takers seems to be
paying dividends as he saved Harry Kane's effort at White Hart Lane earlier
in the season.
On Tuesday 7 April, West Ham United are hosting a Fans' Forum with Adrian,
alongside Stewart Downing and Carlton Cole, at the Boleyn Ground.
The trio will be on hand to answer questions on all manner of West Ham
subjects as the squad prepare to face Stoke City at home the following
Saturday.
With the last remaining tickets still available, this is your opportunity to
grill your heroes!
The Q&A session will kick-off at 7pm prompt, and after there will be an
informal opportunity for supporters to meet the players, collect autographs
and take photos.
Tickets will be allocated on a strictly first come, first served basis at a
rate of one per successful applicant with a capacity of 300 attendees.
Please note, Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult Season Ticket Holder.
Season Ticket Holders and Members can secure their places online here or
call the Ticket Office on 0871 529 1966 - option 1.
Supporters who have secured tickets for the event can submit questions for
consideration by emailing seasonticketholder@westhamunited.co.uk, clearly
stating if it is for Adrian, Carlton Cole or Stewart Downing.
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Cresswell confident of strong end to season
WHUFC.com
Aaron Cresswell insisted the Hammers still have plenty to play for in their
remaining seven games of the season. Despite slipping to a disappointing 2-1
defeat to Leicester City, the in-form left-back maintained his side are
focused on finishing the season as strongly as possible. Speaking after the
game, the 25-year-old said: "I don't think the fact that we're safe is any
excuse, it shouldn't be. We're all winners, we're professional and we came
here to win. We've got seven games left to try and make sure we don't let
the season fizzle out. "We've had some tough games recently but it's not an
excuse though. With seven games to go we have to try and get any many points
as possible."
In a highly entertaining game at the King Power Stadium, which saw both
teams create a number of chances, the hosts broke the deadlock through
Argentine international Esteban Cambiasso. The veteran midfielder lashed
home the loose ball from the edge of the area on twelve minutes, giving
Adrian little chance of getting his hands to it. The afternoon could have
gone a lot worse for the Hammers as Mark Clattenburg awarded the Foxes a
penalty just minutes later when Carl Jenkinson tripped Leonardo Ulloa. Up
stepped David Nugent yet Adrian confidently palmed his effort away, keeping
his side in the game. When asked about the Leicester's bright start,
Cresswell conceded: "We had a sloppy first ten, 15 minutes and we weren't
good enough. They scored and then Adrian saved the penalty which kept us in
it. After that we regrouped and took control. "With them being in a
relegation fight we knew the atmosphere was always going to be good. The
game could've been over if they scored the penalty. After that I thought we
controlled the first half and the second half was pretty end-to-end."
In response to going a goal down, the Hammers created a number of chances
either side of Cheikhou Kouyate's thumping equaliser on the half-hour mark.
In the second half, Kouyate hit the post after good work from Diafra Sakho
and Stewart Downing went close on two occasions. It was these missed
opportunities which left Cresswell ruing what might have been: "Cheik took
his goal very well. But we need to take our chances that we do create
because at this level you'll get punished and that's exactly what happened.
"Cheik hit the post and we had a fewer other chances too. We didn't take the
chances we did make and we suffered a sucker punch at the end."
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Makasi: "We need to be strong"
WHUFC.com
Development Squad midfielder Moses Makasi says his side need to be at their
best if they are get anything from their game with Manchester United on
Tuesday 7 April. Makasi, 19, has 12 appearances for the Dev Squad this
season, forming an important midfield partnership with Amos Nasha and Josh
Cullen in recent games. Speaking ahead of the match, Makasi said:
"Manchester United away will be a very tough game, we need to be solid as a
team for this game. We've lost the last few two games, our last win was
against Fulham in February so we need to bounce back. "We just need to stay
together and work hard. That's the only thing we can do, if we keep on doing
that than we'll get stronger."
In the reverse fixture earlier in the season, Manchester United came away
victorious, winning 2-1 in a tight contest. That night saw former hammer and
England international Michael Carrick return to Rush Green, and Makasi had
the arduous task of marking the Champions League winner."Michael Carrick
played against us at Rush Green. It was a great experience coming up against
a player of his stature because he's been at the top for a long time now.
"As a midfielder, I rate Carrick highly. He's great on the ball, always
composed and he always makes the right decision."
With Carrick now back to full fitness and forming an integral part of Louis
van Gaal's midfield, he is unlikely to feature on Tuesday evening. However,
Makasi is well aware that several other famous names have featured for the
United U21s this season, such as Radamel Falcao, Victor Valdes and James
Wilson. "It is always a massive incentive to play against players like
Radamel Falcao, especially for the centre-backs. To play against people who
have played in the Premier League but also internationally, it's a good test
to see if they can handle it and if they're ready. "It'll be good to test
ourselves, we know that whoever we play against will be tough, you don't
play for Manchester United unless you're a good player."
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Stubborn Sam loses fans
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 6th April 2015
By: Elliot Pollard
Saturday's away defeat to struggling Leicester City means it's now nine
Premier League away games without a win.
On top of this is the inconsistent home form resulting in West Ham's season
petering out hopelessly. Realistically I think most Hammers fans knew a top
four finish was extremely unlikely, but the Champions League dream at the
Boleyn was great whilst it lasted.
Sitting ninth in the table with seven games remaining should be seen as an
exceptional season for a club newly promoted in 2012, yet the manager with
only two months remaining on his contract looks likely to be jobless in the
summer. Every pundit and non-West Ham fan seems to find it difficult to
understand why Allardyce's job is in such jeopardy, and perhaps rightly so,
but as a Hammers fan it's easy to see.
Allardyce and some of the Hammers faithful have never seen eye-to-eye since
his appointment in 2011. His perceived arrogance seems to repel fans who
just simply haven't taken to him.
The historic victories over the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City
earlier in the season are a perfect example as he gladly accepted all the
praise from the media for playing more attacking football; yet the
embarrassing defeats to West Brom and Crystal Palace were down to "not
taking our chances".
However arguably Allardyce should have been absorbing the praises for the
team's fine form; yet I believe it was perhaps the owners and the
introduction of Teddy Sherringham that finally convinced him to veer from
the painful 4-5-1, and play with two strikers, something the fans were
crying out for last season.
As well as this Allardyce very rarely praises the fans and in fact more
often criticises us. It's almost as if he wants to be a villain in order to
prove the fans wrong, and that's simply not the right way to manage a
football club. This was evident in the home victory over Hull City last
season where Allardyce mocked the fans for booing.
Coincidently a very similar match was played out in the previous home game
against Sunderland and if our league position was slightly more precarious
I'm sure a similar incident may have occurred.
The problem Allardyce has is that the West Ham chairmen are fans as well.
However it appears Karren Brady is more in favour of Allardyce than the two
Davids, which makes it all more bizarre why Allardyce would attack Mrs Brady
live on Sky Sports, as he did in his post-match interview vs Sunderland.
In this interview Allardyce undermined comments made by Karren Brady in her
column claiming "she's wrong in what she's saying". However it was later
reported that Allardyce blamed Sky Sports for asking an inappropriate
question, perhaps realising it may be in his best interests to keep Karren
on his side in order to remain in a job.
As well as his arrogance, his stubbornness is another reason why Allardyce
is distancing himself from the fans. His reluctance to play players that the
owners have brought in such as Zarate and Nene simply angers fans.
Saturday's game versus Leicester was crying out for a spark of creativity or
a cutting edge to gain the lead yet Allardyce would rather aim to settle for
a point against a team who have nothing to lose at the bottom of the table.
West Ham fans appreciate the hard-working players but we adore the flair
players and would love to see more from Nene who has shown glimpses of
brilliance in his limited cameo appearances.
Another major disappointment was the embarrassing exit from the FA Cup. With
the European dream fading away this was West Ham's last chance of glory and
a decent draw against West Brom seemed a great opportunity for success.
Edging into the game as favourites it was devastating to be thrashed by an
out-of-form West Brom team with arguably our strongest 11 on show. This was
perhaps the lowest point of the season.
The defeats to West Brom, Crystal Palace and Leicester also makes you wonder
if Allardyce is struggling to motivate the players, which suggests he may be
having the same problems connecting with the players as he does with the
fans. The contract dispute with Winston Reid also reinforces this as
Allardyce himself speculated Reid may have agreed a deal with another club,
before Winston announced he had signed his new deal.
Nobody can dispute Allardyce has done a fantastic job at promoting West Ham
and building a squad which is more than capable of staying in the Premier
League, but as a match, I'm afraid it's a square peg in a round hole. As
cruel as it sounds the bottom line is Allardyce just isn't a very likeable
man which makes it difficult to get behind him and defend him.
Apart from the cheeky laugh at Chico Flores and the winding up of Jose
Mourinho following the 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge last season, it's very
difficult to get excited about him. Arguably people will say that football
is a results-based business in which Allardyce is fairly successful, but
there comes a time when you have to stop ignoring the fact the club and the
manager just don't match.
It just seems that with the season drawing to an end Hammers fans are just
waiting for the outcome of the end-of-season review, with Allardyce's job at
the top of the agenda. Having said this one more season under Allardyce may
not be the worst thing as his record would suggest Premier League football
would be assured for the upcoming move to the Olympic stadium, yet
speculation indicates a gamble may be taken in an attempt to push this club
further towards success.
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David Sullivan, it's time to make your mind up
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 6th April 2015
By: Geoff Toates
Indecision and uncertainty, in any business, inevitably leads to reduced
performance and profitability.
In football, substitute profitability for results and you have, in essence,
what I believe is a significant reason for our relegation candidate form
since December. The indecision and uncertainty surrounding our manager.
Whatever your views on Sam Allardyce - and I made mine clear in a recent
posting on KUMB - the current "will he or won't he still be here next
season?" scenario is harming the club. In my opinion the blame for that
situation can be placed squarely at the door of one man. David Sullivan.
I am well aware he has his admirers among our fans but, I have to confess, I
am not one of them. I don't buy into the "he saved us from bankruptcy"
argument. If he and David Gold hadn't bought the club someone else would
have. Of course we don't know who the "someone else" may have been. It could
have been a meddling buffoon, a Vincent Tan like character - or it could
have been someone with a genuine passion for a newly acquired toy, like
Roman Abramovich.
Say what you like about Chelsea, and I agree they have acquired a huge new
base of, errr 'fans', since they became successful but their owner at least
appears to enjoy watching his team's success. Contrast his demeanour when
the camera switches to him during a game with that of the stern-faced,
pseudo-Russian in his Cossack hat in our directors box.
So let's nail the lie that Sullivan and Gold saved the club. They didn't.
None of us know who might have come along if they hadn't but in my opinion
the lure of the Olympic Stadium would have ensured more than a passing
interest from potential owners. I think the OS was always going to end up as
a football stadium simply because the alternative would have been for it to
be a complete white elephant, used maybe a handful of times a year for
obscure athletics events.
There are a number of things I mistrust about Sullivan but, coming back to
my opening sentence, my main gripe isn't to do with trust. In my view since
Sullivan and Gold bought the club their decision-making has been muddled and
confused.
Rewind to January 2010. We had Gianfranco Zola in charge at the time and
from day one Sullivan made it clear he wasn't going to be in charge the
following season. The result was we had a struggling manager whose hands
were tied because of existing financial constraints who became even more of
a lame duck than he already was.
Of course, it was Sullivan's right to appoint whoever he wanted - but surely
he should have acted decisively and removed Zola immediately if he had
decided to replace him?
At least had he done that we might have been spared the sheer embarrassment
the club had to endure the following season under the hapless and
totally-unfit-for-purpose Avram Grant. If ever a managerial appointment
guaranteed relegation and ridicule that was it.
But Sullivan and Gold, having realised the error of their ways mid-season
spectacularly mismanaged the attempt to replace him in December. Who will
ever forget Grant throwing his scarf into the crowd in what was widely seen
at the time as his farewell? But, like Lazarus, he came back from the dead
to lead the team - if his management can by any stretch of the imagination
be called leadership - for the rest of the season.
Clearly the owners hadn't learned from the way they handled the Zola
replacement and once again we had a manager who was out of his depth and
struggling big time, undermined even further by reading in the press that he
was about to be replaced. And of course the absence of any denials from the
boardroom appeared to confirm that Martin O'Neill (a bullet dodged, in my
opinion) had indeed been sounded out but copped the hump when the news
leaked out.
And so we find ourselves, once again, in a situation where confusion is
king. Press speculation about Allardyce's future seems to be the only
newsworthy topic coming out of West Ham at the moment. I would like to feel
that, if the board have decided to make a change, the successor is already
lined up and some sort of contractual agreement already signed.
Unfortunately though I have absolutely no confidence that Messrs Sullivan
and Gold have any idea what they want to do.
I work in the city and there have been very strong rumours for the past 18
months or so that a buyer is waiting in the wings to take over the club once
we have moved into the OS. However, the rumour mill says, that purchase is
dependent on us still being in the Premier League. Sullivan and Gold will
make a small fortune if and when they sell. Good luck to them. I have no
problem with that.
However I do believe that, having so much riding on us retaining Premier
League status, they will go for the safety first option and offer Allardyce
an extension to his current contract. Personally speaking I don't agree with
that. But I would much prefer they came out openly and said that is what is
going to happen and kill the current uncertainty and speculation which, I
feel, is doing us no good whatsoever.
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WHY HASN'T MARK NOBLE RECEIVED THE RECOGNITION HE DESERVES?
By Iain Dale 6 Apr 2015 at 13:12
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Littlefork
Why don't we produce International players anymore? The nostalgia pieces we
have read from time to time often refer to the "West Ham Way" and days of
old when the club produced players who a) stuck around and b) represented
their country at the highest level. Younger readers, well, a lot younger
than my near 63 years must groan every time they hear about Moore, Peters
Hurst, and Brooking. But at the same time I ask them to question why Mark
Noble, so imposing as the England Under 21 captain, never got his full
international cap?
I'd have thought Mark would have been a nailed on certainty to reach such
heights but maybe to become a better, or should I say a "complete" player,
then he should have moved to a "top club" to finish off his development and
boost his career further.
Perhaps he should have followed the example of say Rio Ferdinand for one, a
player who came up through the ranks of the club who certainly showed great
potential. As a West Ham centre back he was good but not a world beater. But
when he moved clubs, when he had great players around him, he developed into
a genuine world class player.
Or, maybe Joe Cole? We all saw the potential in Joe, we loved the flicks and
tricks and his enthusiasm for the game. But his development didn't really
come to deliver anything outstanding until he moved to Chelsea. I don't know
what it is about top clubs but they seem able to take a player who has shown
real potential and boost their performance considerably. For a while, after
some infuriating spells in the first team at Chelsea, as well as some
maddening England performances where he would do too much and lose the ball
in the final third, he blossomed into a great, complete player.
The same could be said of Frank Lampard. Whilst at West ham, he was good
player, not a great one. Not even one who had shown glimpses of genius. But
after his move to Chelsea, with better players around him, with better
coaching maybe, he became one of the best attacking midfielders the PL has
seen. His International career was probably hindered by the Lampard/Gerard
issue, but still he didn't do too badly did he?
And then there is Glen Johnson of course, who left us for Chelsea, developed
his skills and awareness at full back, moved to Liverpool and became a real
force for both club and England.
And then of course there's Jermaine Defoe. Harry reckoned he was the best
promising forward to wear the West Ham shirt. In his early development he
joined the Hammers aged 16 and then rose through the ranks. But his
international career only really took off when he moved across London to
Spurs. 19 goals in 55 appearances for England wasn't a bad return.
If Mark is reading this, then there's the case of Michael Carrick. After his
move to Spurs and then Manchester United he's another player to blossom
after getting away from West Ham.
Admittedly, it's going back a bit but then there was Paul Ince. Another
player we couldn't hold on to but after his acrimonious move to Manchester
United what a force did "the guv'nor" become.
When I look back at the talent that has really blossomed after they left
West Ham I have to ask what might have been for players like Noble and
Tomkins. Have they hampered their careers by sticking with the club?
What might have been had they received higher level coaching with better,
more experienced and talented players around them? Would they have reached
greater heights and established themselves as regular Internationals?
The answer to those questions we will never know. We applaud their club
loyalty but perhaps we have never appreciated how much they have given up as
a price for that loyalty?
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Bielsa will cross language barrier
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 6, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Marseilles boss Marcelo Bielsa is understood to have given assurances he
will learn English within six months should West Ham want him for their new
boss. The Argentinian is keen to ply his trade in the Premier League and has
made it clear though intermediaries that he's ready to cross the language
barrier should be become the club's favoured candidate. He believes that he
would have a workable grasp of the language in four to six months. The
Hammers board remain keen on the 59 year old but his lack of English and
Premier League experience are worries although one source said: "They are
not necessarily issues that can't be overcome. Certainly he would be ready
to learn English."
David Moyes remains in the frame and Rafa Benitez would be the dream
appointment although ClaretandHugh was told on March 30 (
http://www.claretandhugh.info/hammers-on-the-rafa-link/) : "Our
understanding is that he wants either Liverpool or Manchester City.
"He's a top manager and most clubs would be interested should be become
interested but whether we could attract him is another question. "
And sources inside West Ham admitted to ClaretandHugh confirmed an earlier
story that any talks aimed at securing him anyway would have to start at
around £6 million.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hero Maiga may get Hammers off hook
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 6, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Now here's some really great news which may help the Hammers off a hook at
the end of the season. Modibo Maiga scored a hat-trick to help Metz to a 3-2
win over relegation rivals Toulouse in the French Ligue 1 at Stade
Saint-Symphorienover the weekend. He netted in the 25th, 42nd and 54th
minute as Metz held on for a valuable away win and the striker doubled his
goal tally for the season., The hat-trick also ended a run of 10 games in
all competitions without a goal, dating back to November of last year. The
news will bring a smile to the faces of our board who – should maiga keep
things going – could yet be retained by Metz next season. He is on £40k a
week at Upton Park and although Metz pay only a small percentage of his
wages the Irons are desperate for the player to see him spend the last year
of his contract on loan at the French club. One swallow doesn't make a
summer of course but should Maiga find his form it could save the club
having to fork out close to £1 million in a pay-off to the 27 year old.
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DG: "The fans know we have fine players"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 6, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Gold refuses to believe the Hammers have suddenly become an average
team! And he points to the thousands of messages he receives from fans who
have made their feelings known sometimes noisily on the social network over
the last year. Speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh he said: "Of course
things have become disappointing – a blind man can see that but let's not
start calling out the players. "I have been on Twitter for a long time –
long enough to unnerstand how the fans feel and what they want from the
board. That's fair enough. I look at them all – it's why I'm out there "They
were desperate for us to re-sign Winston and we did. They are regularly
calling for us to sign Carl Jenkinson and Alex Song. They explain Aaron
Cresswell, Diafra Sakho and Chek Kouyate have been immense this season in
their first year and they are right. "That all suggests they believe we have
some very good players in the team so let's keep things in perspective.
"Adrian, Mark Noble, Enner Valencia – there's so many of them. We have very
good players indeed. I agree with the fans. "We are listening to all that's
said but such comments don't suggest we are a poor or average team – quite
the opposite and we will all be working very hard on things again this
summer."
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New Irons managerial name to consider
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 6, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
A stray thought hit me as I rose on this bright Easter Monday morning but
you will need to wind forward until the end of the season, having kept an
eye on events at the Stadium of Light, before considering it over-seriously
Sunderland yesterday scored their first win under caretaker boss Dick
Advocaat, just as the Dutchman had predicted and raised themselves to 15th
place in the Premier League.
Advocaat has declared emphatically that he will keep Sunderland up and then
he's off which given our own managerial situation is interesting. Now I know
he is 67 years old and has managed around 20 international and domestic
clubs but yesterday afternoon the old Dutch warhorse had his team rocking
against their deadliest enemy on his first match in charge at home. Having
been in charge only a couple of days, he had brought them to Upton Park and
was as close as it gets to gaining a draw.
Now he has a run-in which includes Arsenal and Chelsea and Everton (away) to
overcome but should he do so – given that he is free at the end of the
season – he might be an interesting contender for the Irons. Things may
change and it's more than possible – should they survive – that the Black
Cats will offer him a permanent job – but he would none the less be open to
offers. Meanwhile Marcelo Bielsa remains very much on the minds of our board
but we were told by a source this morning: "All the balls are still in the
air but there's a seriously growing atmosphere now that a change is
definitely required."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam: Carry on attacking
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 6, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce has pledged to continue the "attacking policy" that lifted the
team into fourth place earlier in the season! Defeat at Leicester appears to
have encouraged the manager into declaring that the requested offensive
style wanted by the board will stay in place.
Speaking to the official site the manager explained: "The big shout at the
beginning of the season was that we were going to attack more and for that
reason we've lacked a few more clean sheets than we wanted. That would have
got us a few more three point victories than draws and got us higher up the
table.
"We've scored more goals than we've ever scored and we now must push on over
the next seven games to get more than 46 points, which is our best total
from year one, and if we can do that by continuing playing like we're
playing then we'll go on and do it.
He added: "We played like that and won earlier in the season, which was why
we got to third or fourth so I'm not going to stop the players playing like
that.
"I'm going to tell them to be a bit more careful when we haven't got
possession as if we continue to give goals away it means we're going to have
to score two, three or four goals to win games."
He added on the Leicester defeat: "We didn't play like a team that was
drifting on Saturday. We played like a team with a lot of creativity and
drive. Where we failed is that we're less clinical than we used to be."
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