Sir Geoff Hurst pays tribute to fellow World Cup winner Jimmy Armfield
WHUFC.com
West Ham United legend Sir Geoff Hurst has paid tribute to fellow 1966 FIFA
World Cup winner and England teammate Jimmy Armfield, who has passed away at
the age of 82. Armfield was a member of the 22-man squad which lifted the
Jules Rimet Trophy at Wembley 52 years ago, when Hammers trio Sir Geoff,
Bobby Moore and Martin Peters played an influential role in the Three Lions'
historic success. The full-back, who spent his entire professional career
with Blackpool, for whom he came up against West Ham many times in both the
First Division and FA Cup in the 1950s and 1960s. An outstanding defender
and leader, he was capped 43 times and skippered his country on 15 occasions
between 1961-66, preceding Moore as England captain. And Sir Geoff, who led
the line in Armfield's final game for his country, a 3-0 pre-World Cup win
in Finland, and retained huge affection for a man with whom he also shared a
birthplace, the Greater Manchester town of Ashton-under-Lyne. "Jimmy was the
established full-back prior to the World Cup and then George (Cohen) came
in, and Alf wanted to pick George," Sir Geoff told the BBC. "He always dealt
with it with great dignity, that's typical of Jimmy. "It must have been a
huge blow not playing at that time and in the Final. But dealing with it
over the years, there was never any bitterness, he was always part of the
squad and turned up at most of the golf days. "That could easily happen to a
player who was unhappy with that part of his life, but he continued to be
part of that group right up until the last year or two."
After hanging up his boots in 1971, Armfield managed Bolton Wanderers and
Leeds United, leading the latter to the European Cup final in 1975, before
working as a consultant to the Football Association and as a popular
journalist and expert summariser for the BBC and a number of newspapers. He
was made an OBE in 2000 for his services to football and a CBE for his
services to the community in his native Lancashire in 2010. Everyone at West
Ham United would like to pass on their sincere condolences to Jimmy's loved
ones at this sad time.
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Masuaku: A full week will mean we're ready for Wigan
WHUFC.com
Arthur Masuaku says a full week of rest, recovery and preparation will serve
West Ham United well ahead of their Emirates FA Cup fourth-round trip to
Wigan Athletic. The Hammers looked a little leggy in the closing stages of
Saturday's 1-1 Premier League draw with AFC Bournemouth at London Stadium –
hardly surprising when you consider David Moyes' injury-hit squad were
playing for the sixth time in 19 days, including a 120-minute FA Cup
marathon against Shrewsbury Town last Tuesday evening. And Masuaku, who has
played all but 17 of a possible 1,350 minutes since mid-November, says a
free midweek has come just at the right time. "We have been busy," he said.
"I think we were all a bit tired after 60 or 65 minutes against Bournemouth,
so it's important to have some rest now and get ready for the next round of
the FA Cup at Wigan on Saturday."
Despite their tired legs, the Hammers recovered from falling a goal behind
just 19 minutes from time on Saturday, equalising within 64 seconds through
substitute Chicharito. Masuaku felt his team were good value for their
point, particularly after forcing Bournemouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic into
a number of vital saves when the game was still goalless. "We played pretty
well in the first half and then after we dropped a little bit and they
scored. I don't think they deserved to score, but we reacted straight away
and scored, so it's a good point as we were the best team. "Bournemouth have
a good, strong team, but we also have a good team, so the point is a good
one. "We had a few chances but we didn't score. The thing is, we need to be
more aggressive in front of the goal and we must score. But we got a point,
at least, so this is what we have to think about."
The left wing-back was again to the fore himself against the Cherries,
completing 85.7% of his passes and putting in six crosses as the Hammers
dominated for long periods, particularly in the opening 45 minutes. A
constant outlet, the No26 also provided support at the defensive end of the
pitch, repeatedly bringing lifting the pressure on his team with his ability
to run at pace with the ball at his feet. Masuaku has become one of the
first names on Moyes' teamsheet and is eager to repay his manager's faith,
and that of the West Ham supporters, over the closing months of the season.
"The manager has just given me confidence. Last year I was injured so I
couldn't play and couldn't show my best. Now, since he came, he has given me
the opportunity to play and I just try to give him back the confidence that
he has given me. That's it. "I also want to show my best to the fans on the
pitch. I need to keep well and try to get some assists and goals."
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Zabaleta hails 'true professional' Chicharito
WHUFC.com
Pablo Zabaleta has hailed the Impact of 'true professional' Chicharito after
the Mexican scored West Ham United's equaliser in the 1-1 draw with
Bournemouth.
Chicharito came off the bench in the 64th minute of Saturday's contest with
the Cherries and would net the Hammers' goal less than ten minutes later,
slotting home after some excellent interplay with Marko Arnautovic. The
finish came 64 seconds after Bournemouth had taken the lead, thanks to a
Ryan Fraser effort at the near post, marking Chicharito's fifth goal of the
season for the Irons. And Zabaleta has praised the 29-year-old's work rate
and focus during training, saying the attacker did exactly what he needed to
do after entering the fray. "Chicharito is a true professional," Zabaleta
said after the match. "Even though he's not played as much as he would like
recently he's kept training well and he's remained focused. He's been a
great professional. "This is what you need from substitutes. He came on and
made a big impact in the game and he scored today. It was a great finish
from Chicharito."
The defender also had kind words for Manuel Lanzini, who put in a strong
performance before exiting the field with what looked to be an injury. On
his fellow Argentinian, he added: Hopefully, it's not too bad. We need to
wait for the scan. Manuel is one of the most important players for our team
and he played 120 minutes on Tuesday. Players like him make so many sprints
during the game."
Zabaleta was delighted with how his side began Saturday's contest but admits
he and his teammates were suffering from fatigue as the game came to a
close.
"I thought we were really good for the first half an hour of the game," he
continued. "We were really intense and we created a few chances. We couldn't
score and the second half was similar for about 20 minutes, but then the
rest we looked a bit tired." "I thought we put so much effort in during the
game and some of the players played 120 minutes in midweek. Apart from this
it was a good game. Both teams had chances. A point is a point and
sometimes, when you can't win, you have to try to get something."
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A MISSED JANUARY OPPORTUNITY?
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 22 JANUARY 2018 AT 9:15PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @StevenMcCarthy9
I really hope I am wrong about this at the end of the season, but I think
failing to secure early signings in January could well be a massive wasted
opportunity to leave the teams around us behind, and push up the table more
than we have done! We performed really well going forward against
Huddersfield, however there were some cracks that were glossed over by the
nature of the final score. The 2 main issues I see in terms of the squad are
in our midfield and sheer lack of depth with an injury prone squad.
No bones about it, yesterday against Bournemouth, we dropped 2 points. We
had all the opportunities to go 2 or 3 goals up, however we couldn't finish
them off successfully. This happens in football, but I think the owners are
playing a dangerous game by waiting for moves when we are playing teams
around us! Upcoming fixtures against Brighton and Watford are 6 pointers,
and we may well have missed an opportunity to go into these games with a
bolstered and settled squad, unknown entities and the ability to rotate our
squad with more than youth players.
The central midfield issue is glaringly obvious and it is one that has
bitten us in the backside numerous times this season. Kouyate's season is
something that I think has been covered enough both in articles and the
excellent West Ham Way Radio Show (free little un forced plug for you guys
there!) but it is blindingly obvious that he has been either killed and
replaced by his doppelgänger, or he simply had a Jason Bourne esque accident
and has lost all his skills instead of his memory!
Yesterday was without a doubt his best game of the season, he charged
forward and he showed far more desire and effort than he has in every single
match of the season combined. But I wonder if buying a Central midielder
earlier in the window could have inspired this dramatic change sooner,
whilst also offering us an option to change our style of play.
We have a great attacking line up, on our day – but when you have the injury
prone players of Carroll, Sakho and Ayew. Combined with the seemingly long
term injury of Antonio (that was inevitably coming).
We are now reliant on 2 strikers for consistent options, one of who'm is an
incredibly well performing player who's natural role is on the wing! And the
other is a striker who appears low in confidence, not entirely rated by our
manager and at a loss in our system. A goal from him yesterday is vital for
us and the team! Had we lost yesterday, combined with our robbery away at
Bournemouth, I think morale would have been seriously low on and off the
pitch.
What I thought before the Bournemouth game, was that we needed to spend on a
striker and central midfielder (I can hear the laughs already). But with
Lanzini's injury and a rumoured Carroll spell on the sidelines we now need
to lengthen the list…..Lanzini has been vital for us over his seasons at the
club, and our recent points and positive performances have largely been down
to him and Arnie's link up play. With Lanzini out, we now have to change our
system or spend on a similar creative player and I wonder if signing sooner
in the window would have been the much smarter option for us!
I'm @StevenMcCarthy9 and let's all get behind the team and hope we can climb
up the table!
COYI's!!!!
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IT'S HAPPENING AGAIN…..
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 22 JANUARY 2018 AT 9:30PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Kevin Slade @KevinSladeSDCC
Here we go again… Twenty two days into the January transfer window and still
no activity as of yet. Although David Moyes has expressed his intent to
strengthen in certain areas, nothing has remotely suggested that we're in
the transfer market to add to the current squad – apart from a few rumours.
I've said in previous articles that the January window in particular is an
all round headache; It's extremely difficult to get a player out of their
current club at this stage of the season unless you're paying over the odds.
In the current market the inflation on transfers has given clubs outside of
the top 6 very little hope to sign a top quality player without spending a
ludicrous amount of money. Let's not forget, signing a player isn't as easy
as calling the chairman of another club and bidding £30m for a player. We
have to take the transfer fee, signing on fees, player wages, bonuses, and
most frustratingly, agent fees all into consideration. Agents play the most
integral part of any transfer in football, and as a result (in my opinion),
it has ruined the game. Example:- The Alexis Sanchez transfer to Manchester
United from Arsenal is supposedly going to amount up to over £600m in total
which includes his wages over the 3 year contract which has been offered to
him. At least £50m of that figure is believed to be in agent fees, which
brings me to my point at hand. £50m in agent fees! We don't even have that
type money for a transfer fee. So what hope does that give us as supporters
when we desperately need additions to the current squad?
It's no mystery that we're crying out for a central midfielder. William
Carvalho, anyone? Or how about Samir Nasri? I roll my eyes at some of the
names that are being touted about this month!
As much as people give him stick, Nobes is and has been our best midfielder
this season & has shown us just how much we've missed him when he hasn't
played. I think it's time to move on Kouyate in the summer as he's been
woeful for the past eighteen months, and Obiang has been out of sorts &
incredibly inconsistent this season. The recall of Cullen and Oxford tells
me that the board aren't looking to invest heavily this window, however, Ex
mentioned today via twitter that there could be movement with Jonjo Shelvey
should Newcastle secure one of their targets, which looks to have moved a
step closer today. Shelvey is a player that I've always liked, and think he
would be a decent addition to the squad. He has that bite that we currently
lack in the centre & the determination to win a ball. He can also pick a
pass going forward which is what we have also lacked in the centre this
season. However I do think we should be aiming a bit higher with a signing
for this position come the summer.
Leander Dendoncker is another player that's been mentioned in the past week
or so. A central midfielder I don't know much about, but has a big
reputation & has four caps for Belgium and champions league experience. At
6'3, my intuitive is he could be a replacement for Kouyate should we decide
to move him on.
Another position we need to be looking at is a new face for the frontline.
Earlier today it was confirmed that Andy Carroll will miss the rest of the
season after a scan revealed he has a broken foot. I've always been a big
fan of Andy, but I'm afraid my patience has finally ran out with him after a
plethora of injuries. There's absolutely no question that there's no player
in world football in the mould of Caz, but he just can't complete a full
season which has always been so frustrating. For the wage that he's earning
with the handful of games he plays a season, Personally I think it's time to
move him on in the summer and concentrate on accommodating Chicharito – give
him the right service, he will give you goals in abundance. But of course,
it costs money to employ a player of that ilk.
It's also time for Sakho to leave as his petulance is wearing for everyone,
so this will leave us with very little options.
It's been very quiet, but here's to hoping that the board delve into their
pockets and show us some ambition. Whether it be now, or in the summer…
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Slaven Bilic: Changing manager may not satisfy fans in long term
Last Updated: 22/01/18 8:25pm
SSN
Slaven Bilic has warned that clubs like West Ham will enjoy short-term gains
by changing their manager, but it will be difficult to keep fans happy in
the long term.
Bilic was axed by West Ham earlier this season and replaced by David Moyes,
who has picked up 17 points from 13 matches so far and seen the team climb
to 11th in the Premier League table Watford became the eighth top-flight
team to change manager this season when they replaced Marco Silva with Javi
Gracia on Sunday - and all of the previous seven have seen their
points-per-game improve under their new boss.
Bilic feels the new managers have succeeded by adopting a "back-to-basics"
approach - but does not feel that is sustainable. "It's one of the biggest
reasons why clubs are changing the managers," he told Monday Night Football.
"It's one of the old cliches, you can't change the mentality, you can't
change 22 players so you change the manager and he takes responsibility.
Unfortunately, it's a part of the job. "I totally agree you are only as good
as your last few games and what is common to all of them [the new managers]
is going back to basics. "When you are struggling, you want a clean sheet
and you don't want to lose games." He added: "It's always easier for a new
face to go back to basics, which is about being on your toes, being
aggressive and all that. "Don't get me wrong. All of them are doing a great
job. I am most interested in West Ham and David Moyes is doing a great job
so far and I wish him all the best. "But all of them have done
back-to-basics type things which is understandable because you need points.
That's one of the reasons why clubs are changing. "But every fan wants his
team to play like Man City or Barcelona. Back to basics long term doesn't
satisfy the fans or the board because people want spectacle."
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West Ham want to sign Leander Dendoncker from Anderlecht
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 22/01/18 12:46pm
SSN
West Ham are very interested in Belgium midfielder Leander Dendoncker, Sky
Sports News understands. Belgian journalist Kristof Terreur of HLN has
reported that Hammers assistant manager Stuart Pearce was in Genk over the
weekend to watch the player in action for Anderlecht in a 1-0 win. The
22-year-old is a Belgium international with four caps following his debut in
2015. He has also made 155 appearances and scored 10 goals for Anderlecht
already in his career. West Ham boss David Moyes has been keen to bolster
his squad in certain areas this month. Sky Sports News understands he feels
he has inherited an unbalanced squad.
The Hammers have been keen to move on a number of attacking players - they
are willing to listen to offers Andy Carroll, Andre Ayew and Diafra Sakho -
and want to sign a centre-back and a defensive midfielder. They have
rejected two bids from Rennes for Senegal striker Sakho, the second worth up
to £10m. Bordeaux's new manager Gus Poyet is also keen.
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West Ham suffer double hammer blow as Manuel Lanzini and Andy Carroll get
confirmation of injury lay-offs
Lanzini limped out of the Premier League draw with Bournemouth at the
weekend, joining Carroll in the treatment room
The Mirror
West Ham have suffered a double hammer blow as Manuel Lanzini and Andy
Carroll's injury lay-offs were confirmed. Lanzini, who limped out of the
weekend draw with Bournemouth, is out of action for one month after
suffering a hamstring problem. Carroll will miss up to three months worth of
action, after a scan revealed that he has suffered a hairline fracture of
his foot - all but ending his hopes to making it to Russia with the England
World Cup squad this summer. David Moyes and his backroom staff were stunned
by Monday's setbacks, and will now rule out a January exit for £17million
summer-buy Javier Hernandez. The Irons had been willing to listen to
acceptable offers for the Mexican striker, but their plans changed
dramatically after Carroll underwent surgery on his broken foot. Carroll had
an ankle operation after initial scans failed to flag up a problem. It was
only after a third, more detailed scan last Thursday that the issue was
finally detected. A decision was taken after consulting with another
specialist on Monday. Although the Hammers considered using a protective
boot to rehabilitate Carroll, they decided to take no risks and opt for
surgery. Giant striker Carroll's injury also denied him a January move to
Chelsea, as the reigning champions were prepared to spend up to £20million
on his signature.
For the Hammers, who are on a run of seven games unbeaten in all
competitions, it is a bitter blow as they continue their resurgence under
David Moyes in the Premier League. West Ham could still allow forward Andre
Ayew to rejoin previous club Swansea for around £20m to fund the signing of
reinforcements up front, but Hernandez is deemed too important to lose.
Moyes is also tracking midfield targets in Real Betis' Fabian and Andre
Gomes of Barcelona. Anderlecht's £20m defender Leander Dendoncker, who can
also play further forward in the engine room, is another on the Scot's list.
Speaking following the Bournemouth game, Moyes admitted that he was
concerned with the club's current injury situation. Winston Reid, Diafra
Sakho, Jose Fonte and Michail Antonio have all also had problems in recent
weeks. "We've had a few injuries and we're just getting through. Behind the
scenes we're just trying to nurse boys along," Moyes told Sky Sports. "We
hope Mano's [Lanzini] isn't serious. Cressy [Aaron Cresswell] is okay, but
it's more the Lanzini one that we're worried about. "I don't think you can
suddenly say, okay we'll go out, see if someone else is out there waiting to
be bought of the level of Lanzini, because I don't think you've got that. "I
think we will work with the players we've got, but we've got too many out
injured at the moment. Ideally, if we got a couple of players to add to the
squad, it would help us, but it's not always that easy to get the players
you want. We're working hard and we'll keep trying to get someone."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, January 23
Monday, January 22
Daily WHUFC News - 22nd January 2018
Moyes: Transfer targets, earning respect and Chicharito's future
WHUFC.com
David Moyes discussed his hopes for the closing weeks of the January
transfer window, winning the respect of the West Ham United supporters and
Chicharito's future with the daily newspaper journalists after Saturday's
1-1 Premier League draw with AFC Bournemouth. The manager said he would like
to strengthen his squad, admitting the Hammers are short of bodies in some
areas, but will not make any signings without being 100 per cent sure of
their quality. Moyes also compared the pressure to perform at West Ham to
his first club Celtic, before spending a few minutes answering questions
about his Mexican goalscorer. He is what he had to say…
Will you look to do business over the closing ten days of the transfer
window?
"I don't want it to be a lucky dip or just taking anything for the sake of
it. Look, we're short, but more importantly I would like to get the players
at the Club back fit, as they will be the ones who know the Club better and
know what is required. "If we can pick something up in the next week or two
who we really, really want then we will try and do so. "We are definitely
short and even if you looked at the number of players we have, we're
probably down two in terms of squad numbers, but sometimes that works
because it means you get a chance to introduce your young players onto the
bench and some of them get through. Sometimes that allows young players to
get a chance."
You are unbeaten in seven matches and have lost just one in nine in the
Premier League, so do you feel you have won over any remaining sceptical
West Ham fans?
"I think to earn the West Ham supporters' respect is a big thing, because
they are tough support and a lot of the media are West Ham supporters also.
"It reminds me a bit of Glasgow. It's tough if you play for the Old Firm,
which I did. You live in the city and it's a tough city, as people expect
something from you and they can see through it if you're not going to do it
right. "I've tried to say from the start 'I'll get the boys working as hard
as I can', then I hope the West Ham supporters can see that. Then we could
work on their deficiencies and we're starting to do that.
"At the moment, I think the fans are probably saying 'The effort the players
are putting in, we've seen that', but I want us to get better and our play
to be better all-round, but I can't change that in two months, although I
can ask them to play better. "The power we've got is our threat up front at
the moment. We've probably got the best forward on form, as good as anybody
at the moment, in Marko [Arnautovic]. His form has been so good that the
more we get it up to him quickly the better, so that's what we've been
doing."
Chicharito scored and played well after coming on as a substitute on
Saturday. He has not started many Premier League games recently, but can he
expect more chances after that performance?
"I keep saying this all the time to players, that sometimes they think
they're not in, then they'll be in and it's up to them to take their chances
when they get them.
"Chicharito has played some games for us and he came on on Saturday and made
a difference. Chicharito can do that. You can't question the club's he has
played for, as you don't play for Man United, Real Madrid and Bayer
Leverkusen if you're not a good player."
Is he more of a penalty box player than the Club's other forwards Marko
Arnautovic, Andy Carroll, Diafra Sakho or Andre Ayew?
"Chicharito is a really good player and, if we can get him the right service
and the right type of ball in the box and he gets a little bit of confidence
[he will score goals]. "He's looking a bit fitter, too. He was out for six
weeks with a hamstring injury. He was out when I got the job with a
hamstring injury suffered on injury duty with Mexico and he was missing for
nearly six weeks, so he was just missing a bit of where we were with the
players in the early weeks. I've got to say 'Great', because I hope he comes
up. "If we can get him good enough service, he can be a penalty box player,
but what you've seen at the moment is that we've had to become harder to
beat and play more on the counter attack and that might not suit him as much
as balls being whisked across the box. One which Sam Byram stuck in late on
was one where you expected Chicharito to pop up somewhere."
Will Chicharito definitely stay with the Club this month?
"Will he definitely stay? I'd like to think so, yeah. It would need to take
something… If you asked 'Would Paul Pogba definitely stay with Man United?',
if Real Madrid came in with £500 million, then he probably wouldn't, so
money would always be the talker. At the moment, no-one has made an offer,
as far as I know anyway."
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Collins: A point is 'a decent return'
WHUFC.com
James Collins believes West Ham United were well worth a point in their 1-1
draw against Bournemouth on Saturday. The Hammers were dominant in the
opening period of this weekend's Premier League contest, but fell behind in
the 71st minute to a Ryan Fraser strike. However, the Irons were level just
over a minute later as Chicharito linked with Marko Arnautovic to poke home
from close range. Collins is disappointed that the side didn't collect the
win against the Cherries but admits a share of the points is a good result
after going behind late in the second half. "We started the game pretty
well," Collins told whufc.com. "We were disappointed not be up in the first
half, and then they put us under a bit of pressure in the second. Looking at
the game, a point is a decent return. "I think there was a stop in play and
I think we lost our concentration, and they got through us too easily. It
was great character from the lads to come back and score a goal as soon as
we did. A point is a fair result."
The Welshman also expressed his happiness for Chicharito, who scored his
fifth Premier League goal of the campaign in the draw at London Stadium. He
continued: "I'm delighted for Chicharito. He probably hasn't played as much
as he would like to, but he's come on and scored an important goal for us."
Collins also indicated that fatigue played a role in the result, after some
of the players featured in the full 120 minutes of the FA Cup third round
replay against Shrewsbury Town. The defender is confident that he and his
teammates can recover in time for next weekend's match with Wigan Athletic.
"The game on Tuesday and then today, we probably didn't do as much training
this week as we usually do. There were a few tired legs out there. We
recover and we go again for the weekend."
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First Official Coaching Association session a success
WHUFC.com
Monday marked the first of West Ham United's Official Coaching Association
sessions as local coaches from across grassroots football gathered at
Chadwell Heath for the masterclass.
The evening, led by Academy Manager Terry Westley, was attended by more than
60 coaches – who gained a professional insight into youth football – from
the local community.
Westley led the introduction at the Hammers' famous and historic Chadwell
Heath base, before former Irons defenders Matthew Upson and Paul Konchesky –
both of whom are mentors for Academy players at the Club – held a question
and answer session.
Those present were then invited to watch the U12-U14s training inside the
sports dome to see the workings of a practical session. Steve Potts and Jack
Collison – another pair of ex-Hammers and current youth coaches – headed the
exercises as the Coaching Association members looked on with interest from
the sidelines.
Mark Phillips, joint-manager of the U18s alongside Potts, then rounded off
the evening with a debrief and invited attendees to return for the
Association's next date in February.
Westley labelled the opening Coaching Association night a huge success and
looked ahead with excitement to future events in east London.
He said: "It was a great turnout from all the grassroots coaches on Monday,
and it just shows what a fantastic opportunity there is to join in with the
coaching of a professional Club.
"It was a huge success and it shows that there is something in it for all
of us. The idea for us was to bring the fraternity of coaches from
grassroots football together with the professional game, and that's exactly
what we did.
"It kicked-off with a great question and answer with Matthew and Paul and
then we headed into the dome for the session with the U18 staff – Mark and
Steve – along with the goalkeeping coaches Billy Lepine and Jerome John.
Liam Manning also headed that up and took the players through their paces.
"I think you could see, from all the questions members were asking and the
engagement they were showing in the session, that it was useful evening for
them all and we're already looking forward to the next one."
Coaches at the evening ranged from across east London and Essex to even
further afield, and questions asked and directed at Westley, Upson,
Konchesky and more were wide-ranging.
You could see from the questions the members were asking and the engagement
they were showing that it was a useful evening
Terry Westley
From what to in a situation when training is for more than 40 children, to
dealing with varying standards of young players, the West Ham staff had
their brains racked throughout the night.
"There was a real engagement from the attendees in terms of 'What would you
do in this scenario?' and 'What do you do when some players are great and
others aren't so great?'," continued Westley.
"They were all the general questions you might expect coaches at this level
to ask, and the problems you expect them to be facing.
"We're trying to put on some sessions that enable them to go back to their
clubs and think about what they may have seen from us and what we have
hopefully helped them with and improve the quality of coaching at their own
sessions.
"We're all here to learn and try and improve in so many different areas and
if we can improve the quality of coaching in the local area, that is massive
for us. Obviously if they have a player in their team who is outstanding,
then that's of interest and it brings the community of grassroots closer to
the professional game, that can all only be a positive.
"If they have an outstanding team at U10s, for example, they can come here
with another team on a week night, get some great coaching which we can help
with and at the same time we can look at those quality players.
"I think the whole Association has got benefits for everybody, right across
the game, and this is the start of the first four sessions this season."
This campaign, there are three more Official Coaching Association sessions
that coaches can book onto; on Tuesday 13 February, Monday 5 March and
Monday 9 April.
More are likely to follow into 2018/19, but first, Westley outlined what
those interested can expect from the remaining masterclasses.
"We're going to bring Jack Collison and Steve Potts into the next session,
to get their own stories about the culture of West Ham and the journeys both
players went on in their time here," he explained.
"They were both here as young players but a lot has changed – how the
facilities have changed, how the coaching has developed.
"We'd also like to bring in people from the FA, from Dan Ashworth's team,
from the national game. Then, to invite foreign coaches in would be a great
insight for us all, and that's another thing we are looking to do.
"Finally, we'd like to bring in our own senior staff. David Moyes and his
staff; Alan Irvine, Stuart Pearce, Billy McKinlay and Chris Woods; will
hopefully get involved.
"Again, that will be of great value. We want to really open it up to all the
grassroots coaches across the community.
"On Monday, the coaches received a Coaching Association booklet which will
hopefully explain everything that we have done so far and in addition, the
question and answer with Matt and Paul will have also helped them.
"They are two players who have played over 1,000 games between them at the
very highest level and that insight is valuable.
"We're looking forward to the next session now, and I'd encourage any
coaches who considered coming to the first but didn't to get their name down
to do so quickly, because we will soon be reaching our number limit!"
To book your place on the next Official Coaching Association evening, visit
https://www.eticketing.co.uk/whufc, head to 'find tickets' and look for the
Coaching Association.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andre Ayew: West Ham United reject Swansea City bid for forward
BBC.co.uk
Swansea City have had a bid rejected by West Ham United for their former
forward Andre Ayew. Ayew left the Liberty Stadium in August 2016 for the
Hammers, who paid close to £20m for a player who scored 15 goals in his
debut Premier League season. Swansea may need to break their £15.5m transfer
record, paid to Atletico Madrid for Borja Baston in August 2016, to re-sign
the 28-year-old. The Ghana international's brother Jordan plays for Swansea.
West Ham are short of options up front after Andy Carroll injured an ankle.
Manager David Moyes may also be reluctant to sell a player to a direct rival
in the lower reaches of the Premier League.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham turn down second offer for Diafra Sakho from Rennes
By Husmukh Kerai
Last Updated: 21/01/18 5:50pm
SSN
West Ham have rejected a second offer from Rennes for striker Diafra Sakho,
according to Sky sources. West Ham turned down a follow-up offer worth up to
£10m, including add-ons, for the Senegal international striker after
knocking back Rennes' initial bid of £6m last week. Sky Sports News
understands Bordeaux's new manager Gus Poyet is also interested in signing
the 28-year-old. Sakho wants to leave the Hammers because he feels
undervalued compared to the club's other strikers. The forward currently
earns £30,000 a week at the London Stadium, while the other strikers in
squad earn between £80,000 and £110,000 a week.
Sky Sports News reported Crystal Palace had agreed a fee, thought to be
between £10m and £12m, for the striker earlier this month, although one
source close to the deal has suggested Roy Hodgson's side have pulled out of
the move. Sakho has played 17 games for the Hammers this season, although he
is yet to start a match in the Premier League.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Moyes demands more from West Ham as he targets a top-10 spot
Last Updated: 21/01/18 11:16am
SSN
David Moyes says West Ham are making steady progress but he is demanding
more from his players who extended their unbeaten run to seven games. The
Hammers' undefeated sequence began with a 3-3 Boxing Day draw at
Bournemouth, who were the opponents in a 1-1 draw at the London Stadium on
Saturday.
Moyes described the first half as the best football of his reign, which
began in November. However, the Hammers boss is demanding more from the
Londoners whose undefeated record in 2018 continued. "I'm looking for
better. A lot of the games we've been winning, but I'm looking for more,"
the former Everton and Manchester United boss said. "I thought there were
bits of the more [against Bournemouth]. This is just beginning to get a
little bit more design to it. "We've got blistering power and pace up front,
which we can use, ability on the ball. "We've got to try to mix it and do
the right thing. Once or twice we didn't quite get it right. We missed a
cutting edge."
Moyes says he is looking to bring in a couple of new signings in the
transfer window to keep the club's momentum going as he targets a top-10
finish for the club.
He told the club's website: "We're nudging along, making progress, the most
important thing come the end of the season is not to be in the bottom three,
but in the same breath I've got my eyes looking up to see if we can make the
top ten as well. "We could do with a body or two coming in, so we'll try to
do that. We're working on it and we'll try to get the right players and
people who we think can help us."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham reject Swansea bid for Andre Ayew
Last Updated: 21/01/18 6:22pm
SSN
West Ham have rejected a bid from Swansea for striker Andre Ayew, according
to Sky sources. The offer was worth up to £14m with add-ons, but the Hammers
value Ayew at £20m - the price they paid Swansea when they signed him in
August 2016. Sky Sports News reported Swansea's interest in bringing the
28-year-old back to the club earlier this week. A deal between the clubs is
unlikely, with sources close to Ayew insisting he is not keen on a return to
the Liberty Stadium. The Ghana international joined Swansea from Marseille
in 2015 and enjoyed a superb debut campaign in England, scoring 12 goals in
35 appearances. Ayew has struggled to establish himself as a first-team
regular at West Ham since he joined in August 2016 in a then club-record
deal for the club. He has scored 12 goals in 50 appearances for Hammers,
but this season he has managed three top-flight goals in 18 appearances.
David Moyes' side have also rejected a second offer from Rennes for striker
Diafra Sakho.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Javier Hernandez steps in to fill gap left by Andy Carroll and Manuel
Lanzini at West Ham
Ben Findon, at london stadium
21 JANUARY 2018 • 10:30PM
Telegraph.co.uk
With the impeccable timing for which he was once so renowned, Javier
Hernandez moved centre-stage just as West Ham absorbed the implications of
the losses of fellow forwards Andy Carroll and Manuel Lanzini. West Ham
shelled out £16 million to acquire the 'Little Pea' from Bayer Leverkusen
last summer but too often he has been a bit-part player, usually found on
the subsitutes' bench when not struggling to make an impression on the wide
open spaces of the London Stadium.
But maybe, just maybe, not any more. Stepping off the bench to provide West
Ham's almost instant reposte to Ryan Fraser's well-taken strike for
Bournemouth, Hernandez provided a glimpse of the poaching skills that made
the Mexican such a prized asset among Europe's elite. There had even been
speculation over a move to Besiktas but that was being firmly quelled as
West Ham manager David Moyes, who clearly sees a key role for the
29-year-old over the months ahead.
"Chicarito has come on today and made a difference. He can do that," said
Moyes. "You can't question the clubs he's played for, Man United, Real
Madrid and Leverkusen. You don't get to play for them if you are not a good
player, and Chicharito is a really good player. "We need him. If we can get
him the right service, he gets that little bit more of confidence that sort
of goal he got today might be typical."
A reinvigorated Hernandez is even more crucial to West Ham following the
news on Sunday that Carroll will be out for three months after scans
confirmed a hairline fracture of his foot, while Lanzini could be out for up
to a month after sustaining a hamstring injury against Bournemouth. A point
apiece was about right on Saturday and means West Ham and Bournemouth both
continue to pull away from the Premier League's lower reaches. "To build
unbeaten runs in this division is so difficult so if you can do it, you can
transform your position," said Bournemouth's Eddie Howe, who marked his
100th Premier League match as a manager with the type of display he has
built his reputation on. "We've had that good flow about us in recent weeks
where we have attacked with freedom and haven't had too much caution in our
play. But we still have a lot of work to do."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham in talks with Clement Grenier over pre-contract deal
HITC
Jordan Harris
West Ham United are hoping to agree a deal for Clement Grenier who is out of
contract this summer. According to a report from The Sun, West Ham are
currently in talks with Lyon midfielder Clement Grenier about a potential
three-year deal as David Moyes looks to bolster his squad. The Irons have
been quiet during the January transfer window and are still awaiting their
first addition of the month. However, their surge up the table since Moyes'
appointment has arguably lessened the need for significant strengthening.
One player who may perhaps arrive at the London Stadium before the deadline
however, is Grenier, with The Sun reporting that the Irons are in talks with
the Frenchman about a move when his contract with the Ligue 1 side comes to
an end this summer. The Sun adds that Grenier is keen to leave Lyon, so it
would appear that there are not too many stumbling blocks between the Irons
and a potential deal for the 27-year-old.
But perhaps Moyes will decide against waiting until the summer. The Sun
suggests that the former France international could cost £1 million to sign
this month, so perhaps Moyes may be tempted to push the Irons hierarchy to
meet the demands. On a free transfer in the summer, or even for £1 million,
Grenier would arguably be a decent signing for West Ham if they can make a
deal happen. He has not featured that much over the last couple of years,
but would add some creativity if he can find his best form once again.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
David Moyes discussed his hopes for the closing weeks of the January
transfer window, winning the respect of the West Ham United supporters and
Chicharito's future with the daily newspaper journalists after Saturday's
1-1 Premier League draw with AFC Bournemouth. The manager said he would like
to strengthen his squad, admitting the Hammers are short of bodies in some
areas, but will not make any signings without being 100 per cent sure of
their quality. Moyes also compared the pressure to perform at West Ham to
his first club Celtic, before spending a few minutes answering questions
about his Mexican goalscorer. He is what he had to say…
Will you look to do business over the closing ten days of the transfer
window?
"I don't want it to be a lucky dip or just taking anything for the sake of
it. Look, we're short, but more importantly I would like to get the players
at the Club back fit, as they will be the ones who know the Club better and
know what is required. "If we can pick something up in the next week or two
who we really, really want then we will try and do so. "We are definitely
short and even if you looked at the number of players we have, we're
probably down two in terms of squad numbers, but sometimes that works
because it means you get a chance to introduce your young players onto the
bench and some of them get through. Sometimes that allows young players to
get a chance."
You are unbeaten in seven matches and have lost just one in nine in the
Premier League, so do you feel you have won over any remaining sceptical
West Ham fans?
"I think to earn the West Ham supporters' respect is a big thing, because
they are tough support and a lot of the media are West Ham supporters also.
"It reminds me a bit of Glasgow. It's tough if you play for the Old Firm,
which I did. You live in the city and it's a tough city, as people expect
something from you and they can see through it if you're not going to do it
right. "I've tried to say from the start 'I'll get the boys working as hard
as I can', then I hope the West Ham supporters can see that. Then we could
work on their deficiencies and we're starting to do that.
"At the moment, I think the fans are probably saying 'The effort the players
are putting in, we've seen that', but I want us to get better and our play
to be better all-round, but I can't change that in two months, although I
can ask them to play better. "The power we've got is our threat up front at
the moment. We've probably got the best forward on form, as good as anybody
at the moment, in Marko [Arnautovic]. His form has been so good that the
more we get it up to him quickly the better, so that's what we've been
doing."
Chicharito scored and played well after coming on as a substitute on
Saturday. He has not started many Premier League games recently, but can he
expect more chances after that performance?
"I keep saying this all the time to players, that sometimes they think
they're not in, then they'll be in and it's up to them to take their chances
when they get them.
"Chicharito has played some games for us and he came on on Saturday and made
a difference. Chicharito can do that. You can't question the club's he has
played for, as you don't play for Man United, Real Madrid and Bayer
Leverkusen if you're not a good player."
Is he more of a penalty box player than the Club's other forwards Marko
Arnautovic, Andy Carroll, Diafra Sakho or Andre Ayew?
"Chicharito is a really good player and, if we can get him the right service
and the right type of ball in the box and he gets a little bit of confidence
[he will score goals]. "He's looking a bit fitter, too. He was out for six
weeks with a hamstring injury. He was out when I got the job with a
hamstring injury suffered on injury duty with Mexico and he was missing for
nearly six weeks, so he was just missing a bit of where we were with the
players in the early weeks. I've got to say 'Great', because I hope he comes
up. "If we can get him good enough service, he can be a penalty box player,
but what you've seen at the moment is that we've had to become harder to
beat and play more on the counter attack and that might not suit him as much
as balls being whisked across the box. One which Sam Byram stuck in late on
was one where you expected Chicharito to pop up somewhere."
Will Chicharito definitely stay with the Club this month?
"Will he definitely stay? I'd like to think so, yeah. It would need to take
something… If you asked 'Would Paul Pogba definitely stay with Man United?',
if Real Madrid came in with £500 million, then he probably wouldn't, so
money would always be the talker. At the moment, no-one has made an offer,
as far as I know anyway."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Collins: A point is 'a decent return'
WHUFC.com
James Collins believes West Ham United were well worth a point in their 1-1
draw against Bournemouth on Saturday. The Hammers were dominant in the
opening period of this weekend's Premier League contest, but fell behind in
the 71st minute to a Ryan Fraser strike. However, the Irons were level just
over a minute later as Chicharito linked with Marko Arnautovic to poke home
from close range. Collins is disappointed that the side didn't collect the
win against the Cherries but admits a share of the points is a good result
after going behind late in the second half. "We started the game pretty
well," Collins told whufc.com. "We were disappointed not be up in the first
half, and then they put us under a bit of pressure in the second. Looking at
the game, a point is a decent return. "I think there was a stop in play and
I think we lost our concentration, and they got through us too easily. It
was great character from the lads to come back and score a goal as soon as
we did. A point is a fair result."
The Welshman also expressed his happiness for Chicharito, who scored his
fifth Premier League goal of the campaign in the draw at London Stadium. He
continued: "I'm delighted for Chicharito. He probably hasn't played as much
as he would like to, but he's come on and scored an important goal for us."
Collins also indicated that fatigue played a role in the result, after some
of the players featured in the full 120 minutes of the FA Cup third round
replay against Shrewsbury Town. The defender is confident that he and his
teammates can recover in time for next weekend's match with Wigan Athletic.
"The game on Tuesday and then today, we probably didn't do as much training
this week as we usually do. There were a few tired legs out there. We
recover and we go again for the weekend."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
First Official Coaching Association session a success
WHUFC.com
Monday marked the first of West Ham United's Official Coaching Association
sessions as local coaches from across grassroots football gathered at
Chadwell Heath for the masterclass.
The evening, led by Academy Manager Terry Westley, was attended by more than
60 coaches – who gained a professional insight into youth football – from
the local community.
Westley led the introduction at the Hammers' famous and historic Chadwell
Heath base, before former Irons defenders Matthew Upson and Paul Konchesky –
both of whom are mentors for Academy players at the Club – held a question
and answer session.
Those present were then invited to watch the U12-U14s training inside the
sports dome to see the workings of a practical session. Steve Potts and Jack
Collison – another pair of ex-Hammers and current youth coaches – headed the
exercises as the Coaching Association members looked on with interest from
the sidelines.
Mark Phillips, joint-manager of the U18s alongside Potts, then rounded off
the evening with a debrief and invited attendees to return for the
Association's next date in February.
Westley labelled the opening Coaching Association night a huge success and
looked ahead with excitement to future events in east London.
He said: "It was a great turnout from all the grassroots coaches on Monday,
and it just shows what a fantastic opportunity there is to join in with the
coaching of a professional Club.
"It was a huge success and it shows that there is something in it for all
of us. The idea for us was to bring the fraternity of coaches from
grassroots football together with the professional game, and that's exactly
what we did.
"It kicked-off with a great question and answer with Matthew and Paul and
then we headed into the dome for the session with the U18 staff – Mark and
Steve – along with the goalkeeping coaches Billy Lepine and Jerome John.
Liam Manning also headed that up and took the players through their paces.
"I think you could see, from all the questions members were asking and the
engagement they were showing in the session, that it was useful evening for
them all and we're already looking forward to the next one."
Coaches at the evening ranged from across east London and Essex to even
further afield, and questions asked and directed at Westley, Upson,
Konchesky and more were wide-ranging.
You could see from the questions the members were asking and the engagement
they were showing that it was a useful evening
Terry Westley
From what to in a situation when training is for more than 40 children, to
dealing with varying standards of young players, the West Ham staff had
their brains racked throughout the night.
"There was a real engagement from the attendees in terms of 'What would you
do in this scenario?' and 'What do you do when some players are great and
others aren't so great?'," continued Westley.
"They were all the general questions you might expect coaches at this level
to ask, and the problems you expect them to be facing.
"We're trying to put on some sessions that enable them to go back to their
clubs and think about what they may have seen from us and what we have
hopefully helped them with and improve the quality of coaching at their own
sessions.
"We're all here to learn and try and improve in so many different areas and
if we can improve the quality of coaching in the local area, that is massive
for us. Obviously if they have a player in their team who is outstanding,
then that's of interest and it brings the community of grassroots closer to
the professional game, that can all only be a positive.
"If they have an outstanding team at U10s, for example, they can come here
with another team on a week night, get some great coaching which we can help
with and at the same time we can look at those quality players.
"I think the whole Association has got benefits for everybody, right across
the game, and this is the start of the first four sessions this season."
This campaign, there are three more Official Coaching Association sessions
that coaches can book onto; on Tuesday 13 February, Monday 5 March and
Monday 9 April.
More are likely to follow into 2018/19, but first, Westley outlined what
those interested can expect from the remaining masterclasses.
"We're going to bring Jack Collison and Steve Potts into the next session,
to get their own stories about the culture of West Ham and the journeys both
players went on in their time here," he explained.
"They were both here as young players but a lot has changed – how the
facilities have changed, how the coaching has developed.
"We'd also like to bring in people from the FA, from Dan Ashworth's team,
from the national game. Then, to invite foreign coaches in would be a great
insight for us all, and that's another thing we are looking to do.
"Finally, we'd like to bring in our own senior staff. David Moyes and his
staff; Alan Irvine, Stuart Pearce, Billy McKinlay and Chris Woods; will
hopefully get involved.
"Again, that will be of great value. We want to really open it up to all the
grassroots coaches across the community.
"On Monday, the coaches received a Coaching Association booklet which will
hopefully explain everything that we have done so far and in addition, the
question and answer with Matt and Paul will have also helped them.
"They are two players who have played over 1,000 games between them at the
very highest level and that insight is valuable.
"We're looking forward to the next session now, and I'd encourage any
coaches who considered coming to the first but didn't to get their name down
to do so quickly, because we will soon be reaching our number limit!"
To book your place on the next Official Coaching Association evening, visit
https://www.eticketing.co.uk/whufc, head to 'find tickets' and look for the
Coaching Association.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andre Ayew: West Ham United reject Swansea City bid for forward
BBC.co.uk
Swansea City have had a bid rejected by West Ham United for their former
forward Andre Ayew. Ayew left the Liberty Stadium in August 2016 for the
Hammers, who paid close to £20m for a player who scored 15 goals in his
debut Premier League season. Swansea may need to break their £15.5m transfer
record, paid to Atletico Madrid for Borja Baston in August 2016, to re-sign
the 28-year-old. The Ghana international's brother Jordan plays for Swansea.
West Ham are short of options up front after Andy Carroll injured an ankle.
Manager David Moyes may also be reluctant to sell a player to a direct rival
in the lower reaches of the Premier League.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham turn down second offer for Diafra Sakho from Rennes
By Husmukh Kerai
Last Updated: 21/01/18 5:50pm
SSN
West Ham have rejected a second offer from Rennes for striker Diafra Sakho,
according to Sky sources. West Ham turned down a follow-up offer worth up to
£10m, including add-ons, for the Senegal international striker after
knocking back Rennes' initial bid of £6m last week. Sky Sports News
understands Bordeaux's new manager Gus Poyet is also interested in signing
the 28-year-old. Sakho wants to leave the Hammers because he feels
undervalued compared to the club's other strikers. The forward currently
earns £30,000 a week at the London Stadium, while the other strikers in
squad earn between £80,000 and £110,000 a week.
Sky Sports News reported Crystal Palace had agreed a fee, thought to be
between £10m and £12m, for the striker earlier this month, although one
source close to the deal has suggested Roy Hodgson's side have pulled out of
the move. Sakho has played 17 games for the Hammers this season, although he
is yet to start a match in the Premier League.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Moyes demands more from West Ham as he targets a top-10 spot
Last Updated: 21/01/18 11:16am
SSN
David Moyes says West Ham are making steady progress but he is demanding
more from his players who extended their unbeaten run to seven games. The
Hammers' undefeated sequence began with a 3-3 Boxing Day draw at
Bournemouth, who were the opponents in a 1-1 draw at the London Stadium on
Saturday.
Moyes described the first half as the best football of his reign, which
began in November. However, the Hammers boss is demanding more from the
Londoners whose undefeated record in 2018 continued. "I'm looking for
better. A lot of the games we've been winning, but I'm looking for more,"
the former Everton and Manchester United boss said. "I thought there were
bits of the more [against Bournemouth]. This is just beginning to get a
little bit more design to it. "We've got blistering power and pace up front,
which we can use, ability on the ball. "We've got to try to mix it and do
the right thing. Once or twice we didn't quite get it right. We missed a
cutting edge."
Moyes says he is looking to bring in a couple of new signings in the
transfer window to keep the club's momentum going as he targets a top-10
finish for the club.
He told the club's website: "We're nudging along, making progress, the most
important thing come the end of the season is not to be in the bottom three,
but in the same breath I've got my eyes looking up to see if we can make the
top ten as well. "We could do with a body or two coming in, so we'll try to
do that. We're working on it and we'll try to get the right players and
people who we think can help us."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham reject Swansea bid for Andre Ayew
Last Updated: 21/01/18 6:22pm
SSN
West Ham have rejected a bid from Swansea for striker Andre Ayew, according
to Sky sources. The offer was worth up to £14m with add-ons, but the Hammers
value Ayew at £20m - the price they paid Swansea when they signed him in
August 2016. Sky Sports News reported Swansea's interest in bringing the
28-year-old back to the club earlier this week. A deal between the clubs is
unlikely, with sources close to Ayew insisting he is not keen on a return to
the Liberty Stadium. The Ghana international joined Swansea from Marseille
in 2015 and enjoyed a superb debut campaign in England, scoring 12 goals in
35 appearances. Ayew has struggled to establish himself as a first-team
regular at West Ham since he joined in August 2016 in a then club-record
deal for the club. He has scored 12 goals in 50 appearances for Hammers,
but this season he has managed three top-flight goals in 18 appearances.
David Moyes' side have also rejected a second offer from Rennes for striker
Diafra Sakho.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Javier Hernandez steps in to fill gap left by Andy Carroll and Manuel
Lanzini at West Ham
Ben Findon, at london stadium
21 JANUARY 2018 • 10:30PM
Telegraph.co.uk
With the impeccable timing for which he was once so renowned, Javier
Hernandez moved centre-stage just as West Ham absorbed the implications of
the losses of fellow forwards Andy Carroll and Manuel Lanzini. West Ham
shelled out £16 million to acquire the 'Little Pea' from Bayer Leverkusen
last summer but too often he has been a bit-part player, usually found on
the subsitutes' bench when not struggling to make an impression on the wide
open spaces of the London Stadium.
But maybe, just maybe, not any more. Stepping off the bench to provide West
Ham's almost instant reposte to Ryan Fraser's well-taken strike for
Bournemouth, Hernandez provided a glimpse of the poaching skills that made
the Mexican such a prized asset among Europe's elite. There had even been
speculation over a move to Besiktas but that was being firmly quelled as
West Ham manager David Moyes, who clearly sees a key role for the
29-year-old over the months ahead.
"Chicarito has come on today and made a difference. He can do that," said
Moyes. "You can't question the clubs he's played for, Man United, Real
Madrid and Leverkusen. You don't get to play for them if you are not a good
player, and Chicharito is a really good player. "We need him. If we can get
him the right service, he gets that little bit more of confidence that sort
of goal he got today might be typical."
A reinvigorated Hernandez is even more crucial to West Ham following the
news on Sunday that Carroll will be out for three months after scans
confirmed a hairline fracture of his foot, while Lanzini could be out for up
to a month after sustaining a hamstring injury against Bournemouth. A point
apiece was about right on Saturday and means West Ham and Bournemouth both
continue to pull away from the Premier League's lower reaches. "To build
unbeaten runs in this division is so difficult so if you can do it, you can
transform your position," said Bournemouth's Eddie Howe, who marked his
100th Premier League match as a manager with the type of display he has
built his reputation on. "We've had that good flow about us in recent weeks
where we have attacked with freedom and haven't had too much caution in our
play. But we still have a lot of work to do."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham in talks with Clement Grenier over pre-contract deal
HITC
Jordan Harris
West Ham United are hoping to agree a deal for Clement Grenier who is out of
contract this summer. According to a report from The Sun, West Ham are
currently in talks with Lyon midfielder Clement Grenier about a potential
three-year deal as David Moyes looks to bolster his squad. The Irons have
been quiet during the January transfer window and are still awaiting their
first addition of the month. However, their surge up the table since Moyes'
appointment has arguably lessened the need for significant strengthening.
One player who may perhaps arrive at the London Stadium before the deadline
however, is Grenier, with The Sun reporting that the Irons are in talks with
the Frenchman about a move when his contract with the Ligue 1 side comes to
an end this summer. The Sun adds that Grenier is keen to leave Lyon, so it
would appear that there are not too many stumbling blocks between the Irons
and a potential deal for the 27-year-old.
But perhaps Moyes will decide against waiting until the summer. The Sun
suggests that the former France international could cost £1 million to sign
this month, so perhaps Moyes may be tempted to push the Irons hierarchy to
meet the demands. On a free transfer in the summer, or even for £1 million,
Grenier would arguably be a decent signing for West Ham if they can make a
deal happen. He has not featured that much over the last couple of years,
but would add some creativity if he can find his best form once again.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, January 21
Daily WHUFC News - 21st January 2018
Chicharito strikes to maintain Hammers' unbeaten run
WHUFC.com
A finish from Chicharito – just 64 seconds after AFC Bournemouth had scored
– secured West Ham United a share of the points in a 1-1 draw with the
Cherries.
The effort from the Mexican striker came less than ten minutes after his
introduction to the game, with the forward combining well with Marko
Arnautovic to score his fifth goal of the season. Just a minute earlier the
away side had taken the lead, despite West Ham enjoying the best chances of
the game, as Ryan Fraser bulleted Bournemouth ahead. But Chicharito's
equalising effort secured a point for the Hammers and extended West Ham's
unbeaten run to seven games.
West Ham began the game brightly, with David Moyes's side showing a flair to
their passing. A long-ranged effort from Aaron Cresswell was almost flicked
towards goal by Manuel Lanzini, but the No10 couldn't quite connect with the
shot. Mark Noble also came close to opening the scoring when, just ten
minutes into the game, the captain attempted a spectacular volley from the
edge of the box, which went just over the cross-bar. Pablo Zabaleta then
played a terrific ball into the penalty area. Arnautovic got a touch and, if
not for a late hand from Asmir Begovic, the effort would have found the net.
Bournemouth's opportunities on goal were limited in the first period but a
short corner routine almost caught West Ham out. The ball was played to
Lewis Cook, but his curling effort went just wide of the far post.
The second half was an open contest and Lanzini continued to impress with
the Argentinian latching onto a clever ball from Cresswell, before firing
over the bar after some great skill a couple of minutes later. Arnautovic
and Cheikhou Kouyate linked amazingly to fashion an opening on the hour but
West Ham's No7 couldn't get the ball from under his feet. On 71 minutes,
despite their lack of chances, the away side took the lead. Ryan Fraser was
found by former Hammer Junior Stanislas, and the winger fired in a powerful
shot at the near post. It took the Irons just 64 seconds to equalise though!
Chicharito – on as a substitute for Lanzini – headed the ball into
Arnautovic, who set the Mexican up to tap home from close range just eight
minutes after entering the fray.
West Ham United: Adrian; Zabaleta, Collins, Ogbonna, Cresswell (Byram 90'),
Masuaku; Obiang, Kouyate (Rice 90'), Noble; Lanzini (Chicharito 64'),
Arnautovic
Subs not used: Hart, Burke, Cullen, Martinez
Goals: Chicharito 73'
AFC Bournemouth: Begovic; Francis (c), S Cook, Ake, Daniels; Fraser (King
85;), Gosling, Smith, L Cook, Ibe (Stanislas 62'); Wilson
Subs not used: Boruc, Surman, Mousset, Simpson, Frazer Taylor
Goals: Fraser 72'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble: It's another point closer to where we need to be
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble thought the Hammers showed good heart to earn their point against
AFC Bournemouth on Saturday – especially given their efforts to make
progress in the FA Cup during the week. Seven of David Moyes' starters
played some part over the 120 minutes of Tuesday's cup win against
Shrewsbury, but still found the energy to pull a result out of the bag after
Ryan Fraser's 71st minute goal threatened to derail their unbeaten start to
2018. The hosts rallied immediately, with Chicharito equalising just 64
seconds later, and skipper Noble felt the draw was a fair result. "I'd say
it was a pretty even game to be honest," the No16 explained. "We started off
really well and had a couple of good chances but just couldn't quite find
the back of the net. "They got back into the game and after going 1-0 down
to score ourselves straight away was fantastic. "You could tell that the 120
minutes on Tuesday affected our last 20 minutes, but we got a result –
another point – and that's the main thing."
Chicharito came off the bench to score the all-important goal and Noble had
praise for the Mexican after he notched his fifth of the campaign. He
continued: "We brought Chicha on, he hasn't played much football recently,
and that's what he does – get in those positions. "I hope there's lots more
to come, he's a great finisher as we know. The way Manu and Marko have been
playing, obviously the manager has had to stick with them, but he's come on
and scored a very important goal for us."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moyes: We're making progress
WHUFC.com
David Moyes says the Hammers are continuing to make progress after
Chicharito struck to maintain their seven-match unbeaten run in Saturday's
1-1 draw with AFC Bournemouth. West Ham had to rally from a goal behind when
Ryan Fraser put the Cherries in front, but their response was immediate and
Moyes was happy with what he saw from his team. The manager described the
opening 45 minutes of the contest as the best his team had played on the
ball since he took the reins in November, with only the finishing touch
missing. So, with another point chalked up on the board, Moyes was content
with the performance as the east Londoners ensured their undefeated record
in 2018 continued. He said: "I think with 15 minutes to go I might have said
'I'll take the point', but prior to that we had some good play. I think in
the first half especially we played some really good football and we missed
some big chances today. We just missed that clinical cutting edge to show
how good that football had been. "I'm thrilled with how we reacted to their
goal. Normally when you lose the first goal in the Premier League it's very
difficult to get back, and I don't think there's too much between the teams
in this part of the table. "It keeps the momentum going. We're nudging
along, making progress, the most important thing come the end of the season
is not to be in the bottom three, but in the same breath I've got my eyes
looking up to see if we can make the top ten as well. "The first thing is
making sure the back door is shut and a point today wasn't the worst
result."
One of Moyes' substitutes, Chicharito, landed the crucial equalising goal
and the manager said his team need to provide the Mexican with more
opportunities to show what he can do in the box. "It's the kind of reaction
that he's about," he explained. "We know that's what he does – he's the sort
of centre forward who has made a living out of being a fox in the box and
scoring at every opportunity they get. "Chicharito needs those sort of
opportunities and we need to get more of the ball in the box. There was that
one, and we put a great one in just after it across the face of the box, but
we needed him today. All the boys here will play a part and Chicharito
helped us today."
One downside was an apparent hamstring injury sustained by Manuel Lanzini in
the second half, with Moyes left hoping the problem is not a serious one. He
added: "Manu has a bit of a hamstring, Cresswell's was just complete cramp
and he should be ok. Manu is the problem and we hope it isn't serious. We're
short on the bench at the moment, we've got a lot of injuries, but the boys
are doing a great job and some of them had to play 120 minutes in midweek,
so great credit to them. "We could do with a body or two coming in, so we'll
try to do that. We're working on it and we'll try to get the right players
and people who we think can help us."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM 1-1 BOURNEMOUTH – MATCH REPORT
AUTHOR: BRIAN KNOX. PUBLISHED: 20 JANUARY 2018 AT 8:04PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Match Report by @WestHamAmerican
West Ham staved off a near disastrous outing at the London Stadium today
when Javier Hernandez quickly answered Ryan Fraser's 71st minute goal to
hold a draw and keep the Hammer's record of seven matches without loss in
all competitions.
The match was an interesting study in roster management. Both sides had
mid-week FA Cup ties against lower competition. While West Ham had made
seven changes prior to that match, they required extra time and a long shift
by Manual Lanzini and other regular first teamers to earn a late 1-0 victory
over Shrewsbury Town. For the Cherries, they played a predominantly
youthful side against Wigan and fell 3-0, but preserved their primary
contributors.
In the early going the match was entirely owned by the hosts. Pablo Zabaleta
crossed to Marko Arnautovic whose shot was collected by a strong effort from
Asmir Begović. The Bosnian played well to keep West Ham out of the goal.
Pedro Obiang had another dangerous effort but his shot was just off of
target.
After the initial half hour of play, the Hammers seemed to lose their focus
and intensity. The Bournemouth goal was primarily a result of Junior
Stanislas's set up. He found Fraser on the left side of the area and his
shot sailed out of Adrian's reach inside the near post.
It took only a minute for West Ham to answer as Hernandez, who had come on
for an injured Lanzini, picked up a rebounded shot from Arnautovic and found
the equaliser off of the kick off.
With time to go, West Ham desperately wanted all three points but was unable
to generate much attacking creativity absent Lanzini. Bournemouth almost
took the match for themselves when soon after the previous goal Stanislas
took aim and Adrian was able to direct the shot over the crossbar.
Neither team was able to muster another goal, and the match ended 1-1. The
most notable results of the day for the Hammers were the injuries to Lanzini
and Aaron Cresswell. A very good team is in the training room, recovering,
and while West Ham have the benefit of bottom-half competition for the next
four matches, they will suffer without returning contributions from Michel
Antonio and Jose Fonte.
The Hammers remain 11th in the league but only five points from safety.
Regardless of the outcome of the approaching FA Cup tie with Wigan, West Ham
will need to find some victories over the next four weeks to ensure safety.
The most important member of the club as of now is the team physio.
Please continue to follow TheWestHamWay.co.uk as the January transfer window
comes to a close. @ExWHUemployee has the latest information before everyone
else does. Follow us all month long.
West Ham: Adrian, Zabaleta, Collins, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Masuaku, Obiang,
Noble, Kouyate, Lanzini, Arnautovic.
Subs: Hart, Byram (92) , Hernandez (64), Rice (90'), Cullen, Martinez,
Burke
Bournemouth: Begovic, Ake, S. Cook, Francis, Daniels, Smith, L. Cook,
Gosling, Fraser, Ibe, Wilson.
Subs: Boruc, Surman, King (85'), Stanislas (62'), Mousset, Simpson, Taylor
Referee: Martin Atkinson
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham turn down offer for Diafra Sakho from Rennes
Last Updated: 20/01/18 9:49am
SSN
West Ham have rejected an offer from Rennes for striker Diafra Sakho,
according to Sky sources. Sakho passed an unauthorised medical with the
Ligue 1 club on the penultimate day of the last transfer window, although a
proposed £9m move to France failed to materialise for the 28-year-old. Sky
Sports News understands Sakho wants to leave the Hammers because he feels
undervalued compared to the club's other strikers. The forward currently
earns £30,000 a week at the London Stadium, while the other strikers in
squad earn between £80,000 and £110,000 a week. Sky Sports News understands
Crystal Palace agreed a fee, thought to be between £10m and £12m, for the
striker earlier this month, although one source close to the deal has
suggested Roy Hodgon's side have pulled out of the move.
Swansea, West Brom, Brighton, Bordeaux, Nice and Marseille are also
reportedly interested in the striker, who joined West Ham from Metz in 2014.
Sakho has played 17 games for the Hammers this season, although he is yet to
start a match in the Premier League.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 1-1 Bournemouth: Javier Hernandez salvages point for Hammers
By Michael Hincks
Last Updated: 20/01/18 6:20pm
SSN
Javier Hernandez scored two minutes after Ryan Fraser's opener as West Ham
came from behind to draw 1-1 with Bournemouth at the London Stadium.
Bournemouth went ahead with their first attempt on target when Fraser
powered a shot beyond Hammers 'keeper Adrian at his near post after 71
minutes. However, their joy was short-lived with substitute Hernandez - whom
the Hammers are reportedly willing to sell this January transfer window -
tucking home a loose ball, nine minutes after coming on for the injured
Manuel Lanzini. The draw means both sides extend their unbeaten Premier
League runs to five games, with West Ham sitting one place and one point
above Bournemouth in 11th. Expectation was high after the two sides had
shared the spoils in a six-goal thriller on Boxing Day, and it was West Ham
who started the strongest, with Aaron Cresswell seeing an effort from
distance flash wide.
Player ratings
West Ham: Adrian (6), Masuaku (7), Ogbonna (6), Collins (6), Zabaleta (7),
Cresswell (7), Obiang (7), Kouyate (6), Noble (8), Lanzini (7), Arnautovic
(7)
Subs: Hernandez (7), Rice (n/a), Byram (n/a)
Bournemouth: Begovic (7), Francis (6), Cook (7), Ake (7), Smith (6), Gosling
(6), Cook (7), Daniels (6), Ibe (5), Wilson (6), Fraser (7)
Subs: Stanislas (7), King (n/a)
Man of the match: Mark Noble
Mark Noble then volleyed narrowly over for the hosts, before Marko
Arnautovic forced a fine reaction save from Cherries 'keeper Asmir Begovic
when he met Pablo Zabaleta's cross six yards out. Bournemouth weathered the
storm and went close to breaking the deadlock themselves when Lewis Cook
curled an effort just wide following a well-worked corner routine. Momentum
swung back West Ham's way after the break, but again Begovic kept them at
bay when tipping away Zabaleta's cross before Lanzini could get a touch on
it. Arnautovic then found himself through on goal, but the forward hesitated
to strike with his left foot and allowed Steve Cook to come back and
intercept. The visitors went ahead when Junior Stanislas played a
perfectly-weighted pass for Fraser, who caught Adrian out with a near-post
effort - but their lead lasted all of two minutes.
From the kick-off, Arnautovic latched onto Hernandez's flick-on, but after
seeing his attempt blocked, the Mexican stole in to secure West Ham a point.
Opta stats
West Ham are unbeaten in five Premier League games (W2 D3), their longest
run without a league defeat since May (also 5).
Bournemouth are also unbeaten in five Premier League games (W2 D3) for the
first time since May (also 5).
Eddie Howe oversaw his 100th Premier League game, making him the third
youngest English manager to hit this milestone in the competition (40y 52d),
after Glenn Hoddle (38y 36d) and Gareth Southgate (38y 150d).
Ryan Fraser has been directly involved in four goals in his last three
Premier League games (3 goals, 1 assist), as many as in his previous 26.
Man of the match - Mark Noble
The West Ham skipper threw himself about in the middle of the park, and on
one occasion even flew in to make a diving header interception. Four
tackles, one clearance and three interceptions tells you only half the story
of Noble's contribution for West Ham, for he was equally as impressive when
setting the hosts up on the attack. All this after Noble revealed to Jamie
Redknapp in Friday's Daily Mail he makes sure the players' bonuses are
shared with every staff member - the man is West Ham through and through.
The managers
David Moyes: "In the end, I wasn't unhappy with a point, but I have to say
we missed some big chances which we could have got ourselves out of sight.
"I thought we played some of our best football this season, especially in
the first half, but Bournemouth got strong in the second part of both
halves, so in the end perhaps the draw was the right result."
Eddie Howe: "We didn't start the game particularly well, we came under
pressure early but did well to defend that and not concede. "We grew into
the game and scored a great goal from our perspective, and looked a real
threat on the counter attack in the second half. The frustrating thing is
the timing of their second goal.
"There was no time to enjoy it or build on it, which is frustrating. I don't
think the lads switched off or that it was a concentration issue, it was
just the fact we didn't win two big headers outside our box."
What's next?
West Ham head to Bournemouth's FA Cup conquerors, Wigan, in the fourth round
next Saturday, while Bournemouth are not in action until January 31, when
they travel to Chelsea for a midweek Premier League encounter.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manuel Lanzini injury a concern for West Ham boss David Moyes
By Michael Hincks
Last Updated: 20/01/18 7:02pm
SSN
David Moyes thought West Ham missed big chances but played some of their
best football of the season in their 1-1 draw against Bournemouth, adding
his concern over Manuel Lanzini's injury West Ham boss David Moyes has
concerns about Manuel Lanzini's injury after the attacking midfielder limped
off during the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth. Lanzini appeared to pull his
hamstring in the second half at the London Stadium, and was replaced by
Javier Hernandez, who scored the leveller for West Ham two minutes after
Ryan Fraser's 71st-minute opener.
Aaron Cresswell also hobbled off for the Hammers, but Moyes was far more
worried by the injury to Lanzini, who he labelled as irreplaceable when
asked if that would cause him to dip into the transfer market this month.
"We've had a few injuries and we're just getting through. Behind the scenes
we're just trying to nurse boys along," Moyes told Sky Sports after the
match. "We hope Mano's [Lanzini] isn't serious. Cressy is okay, but it's
more the Lanzini one that we're worried about.
"I don't think you can suddenly say, okay we'll go out, see if someone else
is out there waiting to be bought of the level of Lanzini, because I don't
think you've got that. "I think we will work with the players we've got, but
we've got too many out injured at the moment. "Ideally, if we got a couple
of players to add to the squad, it would help us, but it's not always that
easy to get the players you want. We're working hard and we'll keep trying
to get someone."
The draw stretches West Ham's unbeaten run to five Premier League games, but
Moyes was disappointed to see his side miss out on all three points at the
London Stadium. Asmir Begovic denied Marko Arnautovic from point-blank range
in the first half, while the Bournemouth 'keeper also parried away Pablo
Zabaleta's cross when Lanzini was about to pounce. Moyes said it was some of
West Ham's best football all season, though there will be a lingering
disappointment as a victory could have fired them into the top half of the
table. "In the end, I wasn't unhappy with a point, but I have to say we
missed some big chances which we could have got ourselves out of sight,"
Moyes added. "I thought we played some of our best football this season,
especially in the first half, but Bournemouth got strong in the second part
of both halves, so in the end perhaps the draw was the right result. "We
won't to look there, but we're mindful that it won't take too much to slip
down. It's another point to making sure we're in the right half of the
league."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham target Adama Soumaoro would be perfect for Everton
HITC
@saikatm87
West Ham are interested in Adama Soumaoro, but the highly rated Ligue 1 ace
would be perfect for Everton. Lille defender Adama Soumaoro has been one of
the stand out performers for the club this season, and he has been
attracting interest from Premier League clubs in the January transfer
window. According to The Mail in December, Premier League dup Everton and
West Ham are planning to sign the player in January. Lille are going through
a parlous financial condition and are prepared to sell, with Soumaoro being
valued at £20 million. Everton have signed two attacking forwards – Cenk
Tosun and Theo Walcott – in the January transfer window, but Allardyce could
be looking to bolster the defence as well. There could be an opportunity for
him in the long run at the heart of Everton's backline with Phil Jagielka
and Ashley Williams both past their best and Michael Keane failing to make a
strong impact following his move from Burnley. Soumaoro is a powerful and
aggressive defender who would drastically improve Everton's shaky defence.
He is versatile, and can operate as a right-back as well. Allardyce is fond
of quick and powerful defenders, and that is why Soumaoro is an ideal fit
for the Toffees.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss David Moyes to scout Inter Milan midfielder Joao Mario ahead
of potential loan switch
The Hammers boss has made a midfield signing his No.1 priority before the
transfer window slams shut at the end of the month
The Mirror
ByMatt Lawless
12:08, 20 JAN 2018UPDATED14:21, 20 JAN 2018
David Moyes will run the rule over West Ham target Joao Mario at the San
Siro on Sunday night. The Hammers boss has made a midfield signing his No.1
priority before the transfer window slams shut at the end of the month. And
the Scot will make a personal scouting mission to Italy to see the Portugal
international in action for Inter Milan against Roma. A host of clubs are
interested in the 25-year-old, who has failed to live up to expectations
after joining the Serie A giants for £38million from Sporting Lisbon 18
months ago. Mirror Football understands that West Ham have reached an
agreement to sign the midfielder from Inter on loan until the end of the
season with a view to a permanent transfer. But boss Moyes wants to see him
first hand before making a final decision. Speaking during his press
conference ahead of the Hammers' Premier League clash with Bournemouth,
Moyes said of Mario: "He's a good player, an interesting player."
Moyes, 54, may also make a late swoop for a striker with West Ham ready to
take a hit on selling Javier Hernandez. The former Manchester United forward
arrived last summer from Bauer Leverkusen for £17m but has struggled to make
an impact. It is understood Turkish giants Besiktas are keen.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham captain Mark Noble's extraordinary act of kindness to club staff
The Hammers skipper, who has been at the club since he was 12, makes sure
his colleagues - including non-playing staff - are looked after
The Mirror
ByJon Livesey
11:34, 20 JAN 2018
It's fair to say West Ham midfielder Mark Noble takes his captain's
responsibilities seriously. The 30-year-old has been at the club since he
was 12, amassing more than 350 appearances. Known for his combative style,
he gives his all whenever he crosses the white line. However, he's revealed
he also goes the extra mile to make sure every one of his colleagues is
looked after. Noble, whose side face Bournemouth at home today, has lifted
the lid on his monthly act of kindness, explaining how he makes sure
players' bonuses are shared with staff. Speaking to Jamie Redknapp in an
interview for the Daily Mail, he said: "I want West Ham to do well. For the
fans, for the chef, for Shirley in the kitchen, who was here before your dad
(Harry Redknapp) was manager, for Jimmy Frith who comes in to help the
coaches every day, keeps things ticking over and has been doing so since
John Lyall brought him in. "I've known these people since I first came to
the club. I want the very best for this club. I make sure out of the
players' bonuses, every staff member shares in that bonus. We can't do it
without them."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
A finish from Chicharito – just 64 seconds after AFC Bournemouth had scored
– secured West Ham United a share of the points in a 1-1 draw with the
Cherries.
The effort from the Mexican striker came less than ten minutes after his
introduction to the game, with the forward combining well with Marko
Arnautovic to score his fifth goal of the season. Just a minute earlier the
away side had taken the lead, despite West Ham enjoying the best chances of
the game, as Ryan Fraser bulleted Bournemouth ahead. But Chicharito's
equalising effort secured a point for the Hammers and extended West Ham's
unbeaten run to seven games.
West Ham began the game brightly, with David Moyes's side showing a flair to
their passing. A long-ranged effort from Aaron Cresswell was almost flicked
towards goal by Manuel Lanzini, but the No10 couldn't quite connect with the
shot. Mark Noble also came close to opening the scoring when, just ten
minutes into the game, the captain attempted a spectacular volley from the
edge of the box, which went just over the cross-bar. Pablo Zabaleta then
played a terrific ball into the penalty area. Arnautovic got a touch and, if
not for a late hand from Asmir Begovic, the effort would have found the net.
Bournemouth's opportunities on goal were limited in the first period but a
short corner routine almost caught West Ham out. The ball was played to
Lewis Cook, but his curling effort went just wide of the far post.
The second half was an open contest and Lanzini continued to impress with
the Argentinian latching onto a clever ball from Cresswell, before firing
over the bar after some great skill a couple of minutes later. Arnautovic
and Cheikhou Kouyate linked amazingly to fashion an opening on the hour but
West Ham's No7 couldn't get the ball from under his feet. On 71 minutes,
despite their lack of chances, the away side took the lead. Ryan Fraser was
found by former Hammer Junior Stanislas, and the winger fired in a powerful
shot at the near post. It took the Irons just 64 seconds to equalise though!
Chicharito – on as a substitute for Lanzini – headed the ball into
Arnautovic, who set the Mexican up to tap home from close range just eight
minutes after entering the fray.
West Ham United: Adrian; Zabaleta, Collins, Ogbonna, Cresswell (Byram 90'),
Masuaku; Obiang, Kouyate (Rice 90'), Noble; Lanzini (Chicharito 64'),
Arnautovic
Subs not used: Hart, Burke, Cullen, Martinez
Goals: Chicharito 73'
AFC Bournemouth: Begovic; Francis (c), S Cook, Ake, Daniels; Fraser (King
85;), Gosling, Smith, L Cook, Ibe (Stanislas 62'); Wilson
Subs not used: Boruc, Surman, Mousset, Simpson, Frazer Taylor
Goals: Fraser 72'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble: It's another point closer to where we need to be
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble thought the Hammers showed good heart to earn their point against
AFC Bournemouth on Saturday – especially given their efforts to make
progress in the FA Cup during the week. Seven of David Moyes' starters
played some part over the 120 minutes of Tuesday's cup win against
Shrewsbury, but still found the energy to pull a result out of the bag after
Ryan Fraser's 71st minute goal threatened to derail their unbeaten start to
2018. The hosts rallied immediately, with Chicharito equalising just 64
seconds later, and skipper Noble felt the draw was a fair result. "I'd say
it was a pretty even game to be honest," the No16 explained. "We started off
really well and had a couple of good chances but just couldn't quite find
the back of the net. "They got back into the game and after going 1-0 down
to score ourselves straight away was fantastic. "You could tell that the 120
minutes on Tuesday affected our last 20 minutes, but we got a result –
another point – and that's the main thing."
Chicharito came off the bench to score the all-important goal and Noble had
praise for the Mexican after he notched his fifth of the campaign. He
continued: "We brought Chicha on, he hasn't played much football recently,
and that's what he does – get in those positions. "I hope there's lots more
to come, he's a great finisher as we know. The way Manu and Marko have been
playing, obviously the manager has had to stick with them, but he's come on
and scored a very important goal for us."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moyes: We're making progress
WHUFC.com
David Moyes says the Hammers are continuing to make progress after
Chicharito struck to maintain their seven-match unbeaten run in Saturday's
1-1 draw with AFC Bournemouth. West Ham had to rally from a goal behind when
Ryan Fraser put the Cherries in front, but their response was immediate and
Moyes was happy with what he saw from his team. The manager described the
opening 45 minutes of the contest as the best his team had played on the
ball since he took the reins in November, with only the finishing touch
missing. So, with another point chalked up on the board, Moyes was content
with the performance as the east Londoners ensured their undefeated record
in 2018 continued. He said: "I think with 15 minutes to go I might have said
'I'll take the point', but prior to that we had some good play. I think in
the first half especially we played some really good football and we missed
some big chances today. We just missed that clinical cutting edge to show
how good that football had been. "I'm thrilled with how we reacted to their
goal. Normally when you lose the first goal in the Premier League it's very
difficult to get back, and I don't think there's too much between the teams
in this part of the table. "It keeps the momentum going. We're nudging
along, making progress, the most important thing come the end of the season
is not to be in the bottom three, but in the same breath I've got my eyes
looking up to see if we can make the top ten as well. "The first thing is
making sure the back door is shut and a point today wasn't the worst
result."
One of Moyes' substitutes, Chicharito, landed the crucial equalising goal
and the manager said his team need to provide the Mexican with more
opportunities to show what he can do in the box. "It's the kind of reaction
that he's about," he explained. "We know that's what he does – he's the sort
of centre forward who has made a living out of being a fox in the box and
scoring at every opportunity they get. "Chicharito needs those sort of
opportunities and we need to get more of the ball in the box. There was that
one, and we put a great one in just after it across the face of the box, but
we needed him today. All the boys here will play a part and Chicharito
helped us today."
One downside was an apparent hamstring injury sustained by Manuel Lanzini in
the second half, with Moyes left hoping the problem is not a serious one. He
added: "Manu has a bit of a hamstring, Cresswell's was just complete cramp
and he should be ok. Manu is the problem and we hope it isn't serious. We're
short on the bench at the moment, we've got a lot of injuries, but the boys
are doing a great job and some of them had to play 120 minutes in midweek,
so great credit to them. "We could do with a body or two coming in, so we'll
try to do that. We're working on it and we'll try to get the right players
and people who we think can help us."
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WEST HAM 1-1 BOURNEMOUTH – MATCH REPORT
AUTHOR: BRIAN KNOX. PUBLISHED: 20 JANUARY 2018 AT 8:04PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Match Report by @WestHamAmerican
West Ham staved off a near disastrous outing at the London Stadium today
when Javier Hernandez quickly answered Ryan Fraser's 71st minute goal to
hold a draw and keep the Hammer's record of seven matches without loss in
all competitions.
The match was an interesting study in roster management. Both sides had
mid-week FA Cup ties against lower competition. While West Ham had made
seven changes prior to that match, they required extra time and a long shift
by Manual Lanzini and other regular first teamers to earn a late 1-0 victory
over Shrewsbury Town. For the Cherries, they played a predominantly
youthful side against Wigan and fell 3-0, but preserved their primary
contributors.
In the early going the match was entirely owned by the hosts. Pablo Zabaleta
crossed to Marko Arnautovic whose shot was collected by a strong effort from
Asmir Begović. The Bosnian played well to keep West Ham out of the goal.
Pedro Obiang had another dangerous effort but his shot was just off of
target.
After the initial half hour of play, the Hammers seemed to lose their focus
and intensity. The Bournemouth goal was primarily a result of Junior
Stanislas's set up. He found Fraser on the left side of the area and his
shot sailed out of Adrian's reach inside the near post.
It took only a minute for West Ham to answer as Hernandez, who had come on
for an injured Lanzini, picked up a rebounded shot from Arnautovic and found
the equaliser off of the kick off.
With time to go, West Ham desperately wanted all three points but was unable
to generate much attacking creativity absent Lanzini. Bournemouth almost
took the match for themselves when soon after the previous goal Stanislas
took aim and Adrian was able to direct the shot over the crossbar.
Neither team was able to muster another goal, and the match ended 1-1. The
most notable results of the day for the Hammers were the injuries to Lanzini
and Aaron Cresswell. A very good team is in the training room, recovering,
and while West Ham have the benefit of bottom-half competition for the next
four matches, they will suffer without returning contributions from Michel
Antonio and Jose Fonte.
The Hammers remain 11th in the league but only five points from safety.
Regardless of the outcome of the approaching FA Cup tie with Wigan, West Ham
will need to find some victories over the next four weeks to ensure safety.
The most important member of the club as of now is the team physio.
Please continue to follow TheWestHamWay.co.uk as the January transfer window
comes to a close. @ExWHUemployee has the latest information before everyone
else does. Follow us all month long.
West Ham: Adrian, Zabaleta, Collins, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Masuaku, Obiang,
Noble, Kouyate, Lanzini, Arnautovic.
Subs: Hart, Byram (92) , Hernandez (64), Rice (90'), Cullen, Martinez,
Burke
Bournemouth: Begovic, Ake, S. Cook, Francis, Daniels, Smith, L. Cook,
Gosling, Fraser, Ibe, Wilson.
Subs: Boruc, Surman, King (85'), Stanislas (62'), Mousset, Simpson, Taylor
Referee: Martin Atkinson
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West Ham turn down offer for Diafra Sakho from Rennes
Last Updated: 20/01/18 9:49am
SSN
West Ham have rejected an offer from Rennes for striker Diafra Sakho,
according to Sky sources. Sakho passed an unauthorised medical with the
Ligue 1 club on the penultimate day of the last transfer window, although a
proposed £9m move to France failed to materialise for the 28-year-old. Sky
Sports News understands Sakho wants to leave the Hammers because he feels
undervalued compared to the club's other strikers. The forward currently
earns £30,000 a week at the London Stadium, while the other strikers in
squad earn between £80,000 and £110,000 a week. Sky Sports News understands
Crystal Palace agreed a fee, thought to be between £10m and £12m, for the
striker earlier this month, although one source close to the deal has
suggested Roy Hodgon's side have pulled out of the move.
Swansea, West Brom, Brighton, Bordeaux, Nice and Marseille are also
reportedly interested in the striker, who joined West Ham from Metz in 2014.
Sakho has played 17 games for the Hammers this season, although he is yet to
start a match in the Premier League.
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West Ham 1-1 Bournemouth: Javier Hernandez salvages point for Hammers
By Michael Hincks
Last Updated: 20/01/18 6:20pm
SSN
Javier Hernandez scored two minutes after Ryan Fraser's opener as West Ham
came from behind to draw 1-1 with Bournemouth at the London Stadium.
Bournemouth went ahead with their first attempt on target when Fraser
powered a shot beyond Hammers 'keeper Adrian at his near post after 71
minutes. However, their joy was short-lived with substitute Hernandez - whom
the Hammers are reportedly willing to sell this January transfer window -
tucking home a loose ball, nine minutes after coming on for the injured
Manuel Lanzini. The draw means both sides extend their unbeaten Premier
League runs to five games, with West Ham sitting one place and one point
above Bournemouth in 11th. Expectation was high after the two sides had
shared the spoils in a six-goal thriller on Boxing Day, and it was West Ham
who started the strongest, with Aaron Cresswell seeing an effort from
distance flash wide.
Player ratings
West Ham: Adrian (6), Masuaku (7), Ogbonna (6), Collins (6), Zabaleta (7),
Cresswell (7), Obiang (7), Kouyate (6), Noble (8), Lanzini (7), Arnautovic
(7)
Subs: Hernandez (7), Rice (n/a), Byram (n/a)
Bournemouth: Begovic (7), Francis (6), Cook (7), Ake (7), Smith (6), Gosling
(6), Cook (7), Daniels (6), Ibe (5), Wilson (6), Fraser (7)
Subs: Stanislas (7), King (n/a)
Man of the match: Mark Noble
Mark Noble then volleyed narrowly over for the hosts, before Marko
Arnautovic forced a fine reaction save from Cherries 'keeper Asmir Begovic
when he met Pablo Zabaleta's cross six yards out. Bournemouth weathered the
storm and went close to breaking the deadlock themselves when Lewis Cook
curled an effort just wide following a well-worked corner routine. Momentum
swung back West Ham's way after the break, but again Begovic kept them at
bay when tipping away Zabaleta's cross before Lanzini could get a touch on
it. Arnautovic then found himself through on goal, but the forward hesitated
to strike with his left foot and allowed Steve Cook to come back and
intercept. The visitors went ahead when Junior Stanislas played a
perfectly-weighted pass for Fraser, who caught Adrian out with a near-post
effort - but their lead lasted all of two minutes.
From the kick-off, Arnautovic latched onto Hernandez's flick-on, but after
seeing his attempt blocked, the Mexican stole in to secure West Ham a point.
Opta stats
West Ham are unbeaten in five Premier League games (W2 D3), their longest
run without a league defeat since May (also 5).
Bournemouth are also unbeaten in five Premier League games (W2 D3) for the
first time since May (also 5).
Eddie Howe oversaw his 100th Premier League game, making him the third
youngest English manager to hit this milestone in the competition (40y 52d),
after Glenn Hoddle (38y 36d) and Gareth Southgate (38y 150d).
Ryan Fraser has been directly involved in four goals in his last three
Premier League games (3 goals, 1 assist), as many as in his previous 26.
Man of the match - Mark Noble
The West Ham skipper threw himself about in the middle of the park, and on
one occasion even flew in to make a diving header interception. Four
tackles, one clearance and three interceptions tells you only half the story
of Noble's contribution for West Ham, for he was equally as impressive when
setting the hosts up on the attack. All this after Noble revealed to Jamie
Redknapp in Friday's Daily Mail he makes sure the players' bonuses are
shared with every staff member - the man is West Ham through and through.
The managers
David Moyes: "In the end, I wasn't unhappy with a point, but I have to say
we missed some big chances which we could have got ourselves out of sight.
"I thought we played some of our best football this season, especially in
the first half, but Bournemouth got strong in the second part of both
halves, so in the end perhaps the draw was the right result."
Eddie Howe: "We didn't start the game particularly well, we came under
pressure early but did well to defend that and not concede. "We grew into
the game and scored a great goal from our perspective, and looked a real
threat on the counter attack in the second half. The frustrating thing is
the timing of their second goal.
"There was no time to enjoy it or build on it, which is frustrating. I don't
think the lads switched off or that it was a concentration issue, it was
just the fact we didn't win two big headers outside our box."
What's next?
West Ham head to Bournemouth's FA Cup conquerors, Wigan, in the fourth round
next Saturday, while Bournemouth are not in action until January 31, when
they travel to Chelsea for a midweek Premier League encounter.
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Manuel Lanzini injury a concern for West Ham boss David Moyes
By Michael Hincks
Last Updated: 20/01/18 7:02pm
SSN
David Moyes thought West Ham missed big chances but played some of their
best football of the season in their 1-1 draw against Bournemouth, adding
his concern over Manuel Lanzini's injury West Ham boss David Moyes has
concerns about Manuel Lanzini's injury after the attacking midfielder limped
off during the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth. Lanzini appeared to pull his
hamstring in the second half at the London Stadium, and was replaced by
Javier Hernandez, who scored the leveller for West Ham two minutes after
Ryan Fraser's 71st-minute opener.
Aaron Cresswell also hobbled off for the Hammers, but Moyes was far more
worried by the injury to Lanzini, who he labelled as irreplaceable when
asked if that would cause him to dip into the transfer market this month.
"We've had a few injuries and we're just getting through. Behind the scenes
we're just trying to nurse boys along," Moyes told Sky Sports after the
match. "We hope Mano's [Lanzini] isn't serious. Cressy is okay, but it's
more the Lanzini one that we're worried about.
"I don't think you can suddenly say, okay we'll go out, see if someone else
is out there waiting to be bought of the level of Lanzini, because I don't
think you've got that. "I think we will work with the players we've got, but
we've got too many out injured at the moment. "Ideally, if we got a couple
of players to add to the squad, it would help us, but it's not always that
easy to get the players you want. We're working hard and we'll keep trying
to get someone."
The draw stretches West Ham's unbeaten run to five Premier League games, but
Moyes was disappointed to see his side miss out on all three points at the
London Stadium. Asmir Begovic denied Marko Arnautovic from point-blank range
in the first half, while the Bournemouth 'keeper also parried away Pablo
Zabaleta's cross when Lanzini was about to pounce. Moyes said it was some of
West Ham's best football all season, though there will be a lingering
disappointment as a victory could have fired them into the top half of the
table. "In the end, I wasn't unhappy with a point, but I have to say we
missed some big chances which we could have got ourselves out of sight,"
Moyes added. "I thought we played some of our best football this season,
especially in the first half, but Bournemouth got strong in the second part
of both halves, so in the end perhaps the draw was the right result. "We
won't to look there, but we're mindful that it won't take too much to slip
down. It's another point to making sure we're in the right half of the
league."
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West Ham target Adama Soumaoro would be perfect for Everton
HITC
@saikatm87
West Ham are interested in Adama Soumaoro, but the highly rated Ligue 1 ace
would be perfect for Everton. Lille defender Adama Soumaoro has been one of
the stand out performers for the club this season, and he has been
attracting interest from Premier League clubs in the January transfer
window. According to The Mail in December, Premier League dup Everton and
West Ham are planning to sign the player in January. Lille are going through
a parlous financial condition and are prepared to sell, with Soumaoro being
valued at £20 million. Everton have signed two attacking forwards – Cenk
Tosun and Theo Walcott – in the January transfer window, but Allardyce could
be looking to bolster the defence as well. There could be an opportunity for
him in the long run at the heart of Everton's backline with Phil Jagielka
and Ashley Williams both past their best and Michael Keane failing to make a
strong impact following his move from Burnley. Soumaoro is a powerful and
aggressive defender who would drastically improve Everton's shaky defence.
He is versatile, and can operate as a right-back as well. Allardyce is fond
of quick and powerful defenders, and that is why Soumaoro is an ideal fit
for the Toffees.
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West Ham boss David Moyes to scout Inter Milan midfielder Joao Mario ahead
of potential loan switch
The Hammers boss has made a midfield signing his No.1 priority before the
transfer window slams shut at the end of the month
The Mirror
ByMatt Lawless
12:08, 20 JAN 2018UPDATED14:21, 20 JAN 2018
David Moyes will run the rule over West Ham target Joao Mario at the San
Siro on Sunday night. The Hammers boss has made a midfield signing his No.1
priority before the transfer window slams shut at the end of the month. And
the Scot will make a personal scouting mission to Italy to see the Portugal
international in action for Inter Milan against Roma. A host of clubs are
interested in the 25-year-old, who has failed to live up to expectations
after joining the Serie A giants for £38million from Sporting Lisbon 18
months ago. Mirror Football understands that West Ham have reached an
agreement to sign the midfielder from Inter on loan until the end of the
season with a view to a permanent transfer. But boss Moyes wants to see him
first hand before making a final decision. Speaking during his press
conference ahead of the Hammers' Premier League clash with Bournemouth,
Moyes said of Mario: "He's a good player, an interesting player."
Moyes, 54, may also make a late swoop for a striker with West Ham ready to
take a hit on selling Javier Hernandez. The former Manchester United forward
arrived last summer from Bauer Leverkusen for £17m but has struggled to make
an impact. It is understood Turkish giants Besiktas are keen.
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West Ham captain Mark Noble's extraordinary act of kindness to club staff
The Hammers skipper, who has been at the club since he was 12, makes sure
his colleagues - including non-playing staff - are looked after
The Mirror
ByJon Livesey
11:34, 20 JAN 2018
It's fair to say West Ham midfielder Mark Noble takes his captain's
responsibilities seriously. The 30-year-old has been at the club since he
was 12, amassing more than 350 appearances. Known for his combative style,
he gives his all whenever he crosses the white line. However, he's revealed
he also goes the extra mile to make sure every one of his colleagues is
looked after. Noble, whose side face Bournemouth at home today, has lifted
the lid on his monthly act of kindness, explaining how he makes sure
players' bonuses are shared with staff. Speaking to Jamie Redknapp in an
interview for the Daily Mail, he said: "I want West Ham to do well. For the
fans, for the chef, for Shirley in the kitchen, who was here before your dad
(Harry Redknapp) was manager, for Jimmy Frith who comes in to help the
coaches every day, keeps things ticking over and has been doing so since
John Lyall brought him in. "I've known these people since I first came to
the club. I want the very best for this club. I make sure out of the
players' bonuses, every staff member shares in that bonus. We can't do it
without them."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, January 20
Daily WHUFC News - 20th January 2018
West Ham United v AFC Bournemouth: All you need to know
WHUFC.com
West Ham United welcome AFC Bournemouth to London Stadium in a Premier
League fixture this weekend.
Read on for all you need to know about this match!
Where and when?
West Ham United v AFC Bournemouth will be played at London Stadium on
Saturday 20 January.
The contest is scheduled for a 3pm kick-off.
How to follow:
Unfortunately, due to being a Saturday 3pm kick-off, this match is not
available for viewing in the UK. For worldwide broadcast schedules, click
here.
Live match updates will be provided through the official West Ham Twitter
account.
You can also follow the game live via our Matchday Blog on whufc.com.
You can also follow the match on our official Instagram, Facebook and
Snapchat channels.
Meet the opposition:
Team news:
West Ham United manager David Moyes will offer an update on his available
team during his press conference on Friday afternoon. Fans will be looking
for updates on Chicharito and Andy Carroll, who were both named as
unavailable for the midweek FA Cup replay with Shrewsbury Town by coaching
assistant Alan Irvine.
What they say:
"This weekend is a huge game. We've been playing well and we are at home.
For us, it's a good moment. We have to keep going and play our best
football."
Angelo Ogbonna
Match Officials:
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Assistant Referees: Lee Betts and Stephen Child
Fourth Official: Lee Mason
How to get there:
There are four Underground stations that supporters should utilise to reach
London Stadium: Stratford Station, Stratford International, Hackney Wick and
Pudding Mill Lane.
By Train
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Ogbonna: West Ham's defence is 'not just the five at the back'
WHUFC.com
Angelo Ogbonna has hailed the defensive work of West Ham United's
midfielders and attackers, saying the improvement in the team is not just
down to the players in the back-line. The Hammers take on Bournemouth this
weekend in the Premier League on the back of four games unbeaten in the top
flight, taking Irons up to 11th in the top flight. A victory over the
Cherries could take West Ham into the top half of the division, a clear sign
of the improvement in the side in recent weeks. Ogbonna has been a huge
aspect of the strong performances, receiving praise from supporters for his
efforts in the centre of West Ham's defensive line. But the Italian says the
Club's players in more forward roles should also receive credit. "I don't
like to talk about just a single player," Ogbonna said. "Marko [Arnautovic],
like Lanzini, like every striker, if they do the defensive part then it
helps us to do very well. "The defence is not just the five at the back.
It's the whole squad. That's why we've got the results."
The improvement in the team comes after a change in formation for the Irons,
with the side utilising three central defenders and wing-backs in recent
games.
Ogbonna previously played in this tactical set-up for Italy and at Juventus,
and is enjoying the new formation. He continued: "I used to play in that
role before when I played in Italy. In the game, we usually play five at the
back but sometime the situation changes and we play four at the back. It's
comfortable and it was a good decision to change. We got points on the board
from it."
The 29-year-old is delighted that West Ham are enjoying a positive run of
form and is eager for that run to continue on Saturday, against Bournemouth.
"I'm looking to Bournemouth – I'm not looking to the future, I'm looking to
the present. We have to keep concentration and get three good points. "It's
a good moment for us. This weekend is a huge game. We've been playing well
and we are at home. For us, it's a good moment. We have to keep going and
play our best football."
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U18s' Reece Hannam targeting first team opportunity
WHUFC.com
Reece Hannam is thrilled. And rightly so. The defender has just played a
crucial role in a huge win for West Ham United's U23s, helping his side to a
dominant 3-0 Premier League 2 Division 1 win away to Manchester United. "I
think I actually played well," Hannam said – a major understatement. "I
tried to do the simple things, and then when we 3-0 up I felt a bit more
comfortable trying different things. "It was definitely one of my better
games of the season. I don't feel like I've played that well but Terry
Westley told me it was one of my best matches of the campaign. That gives me
something to really build on."
Those who know Hannam will say it is rare for the 17-year-old to pat himself
on the back. An admission that he feels he performed against the Red Devils
is more than a fair reflection of the defender's showing. Hannam, who signed
a new deal in the summer, freely admits he is often never satisfied with his
efforts. It is not often he allows himself to savour a decent effort,
instead he is always looking for ways to improve. "I'm not often satisfied
often with my level or my performances. Even if I'm playing well, or someone
tells me I've had a good game, I feel like I need to improve on a number of
levels. "I haven't been happy with my performances so far this season, if
I'm honest. I do feel like I'm getting better and, certainly since Christmas
I reckon I've seen some improvements in the way I play. "I suppose that's
one way of improving, though, never being satisfied."
Hannam has been given chances to play for the U23s after impressing in the
U18s, but there is high competition for places at left-back in the Academy.
Vashon Neufville is slightly older and often plays at U23s level. While
Hannam is a regular for the U18s, he has his eyes firmly set on permanently
displacing his West Ham teammate. "I wouldn't say there's a rivalry between
Vashon and me, but we both know we're playing for the same position and I'm
actively trying to take his spot in the U23s," Hannam said. "I respect him
more than anything, though. We get on well and it's more a friendly
competition. We're pushing each other to be better and, even if you're in
the team, you can't rest on your laurels because there's another player
there who is ready to take your place."
As already established though, Hannam is not often satisfied, and the
left-back is harbouring ambitions of a place within the senior squad at the
Hammers. Manager David Moyes has shown the Academy is a part of his plan,
with the likes of Declan Rice, Domingos Quina, and Toni Martinez getting
chances in the first team since the Scot took charge in November. And Hannam
is eager to become one of the next names on that list. "I want to get into
the U23s regularly and perhaps even, if possible, get recognition in the
first team. There's a long way to go for that, though. "Even the chance to
train with the senior squad at Rush Green would be amazing. The boss has
shown he's willing to give youngsters a chance and it would be amazing to
earn that opportunity."
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Noble: We can't take our foot off the pedal
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble says West Ham United's home form will be vital to maintaining
their impressive Premier League form until the end of the season. The
Hammers play nine of their remaining 15 top-flight matches at London
Stadium, starting with Saturday's visit of AFC Bournemouth to east London.
And skipper Noble says the hosts need to ram home their advantage when they
tackle the Cherries. "We are in a good place at the moment, psychologically
and performance-wise, but we can't take our foot off the pedal because we
have four games coming up which are winnable," said the No16. "We know
Bournemouth are a fantastic team, but I hope we can continue the form that
we're in. If we can repeat the way we played at Huddersfield last weekend,
we'll have a good chance to do that. "We have got nine home games left out
of 15 and if we can win five or six of them, it will set us up really well.
If we can add a few away wins, that would be perfect."
Noble, who has been in fine form in recent weeks, scoring in victories at
Stoke City and Huddersfield Town to take his tally in Claret and Blue to 49,
says the circumstances of the Hammers' 3-3 Boxing Day draw at Bournemouth
would serve as extra motivation in the return fixture. West Ham came from
behind to lead 3-2 late on, only for Callum Wilson to snatch an equaliser,
despite being offside and converting with his arm. "Bournemouth denied us a
win late on down at their place on Boxing Day, but it's a tough place to go
and play, with a great atmosphere and the high tempo they play at, as
Arsenal found last weekend. "I'm hoping we can try and do the same to them
at our place."
If West Ham can replicate their second-half performance at Huddersfield last
weekend, Eddie Howe's team could be in for a torrid afternoon. Noble and
company scored three times and could have netted at least two or three more
in an irresistible period that had the skipper smiling in appreciation
nearly a week later. "I've said before that you don't really get the chance
to enjoy most matches as much as you should do, because you're too worried
about results, but that 20 minutes after half-time was so enjoyable to play
in. "I managed to get my name on the scoresheet early and then, after
half-time, the lads were absolutely brilliant."
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Hammers welcome brave Isla to Bournemouth game
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will welcome a very special guest to Saturday's Premier
League fixture with AFC Bournemouth. Three-year-old Isla Caton will lead the
Hammers out at London Stadium. Isla, from Hornchurch in Essex, was diagnosed
with a rare child cancer called Neuroblastoma – the same disease which
tragically took the life of heroic young Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery last
year – in March 2017. Brave Isla is currently undergoing an intense 15-month
course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment at Great Ormond Street
Hospital after the aggressive cancer spread to her bones and bone marrow.
Just 100 children in the UK are diagnosed with Neuroblastoma every year and
immunotherapy – which involves the injection of an antibody therapy – is not
currently available in this country.
Consequently, her parents Nicola Caton and Michael Hook want to raise more
than £190,000 for Isla to undergo specialist treatment in the United States.
The fundraising campaign has been backed by the Bradley Lowery Foundation,
the charity which was set up in memory of the gallant six-year-old who died
last year after forging a close bond with Bournemouth's former Sunderland
and West Ham striker Jermain Defoe, to fund treatment for youngsters
suffering from the same disease which took his life, as part of their
#CancerHasNoColours awareness-raising initiative. Nicola, who is joined at
London Stadium today by her husband, Bradley's mother Gemma and
representatives from the Bradley Lowery Foundation, welcomed West Ham's
involvement in the #TEAMISLA campaign.
"We are trying to raise £192,000 to get her to the USA as soon as she
finishes treatment to receive the Bivalent at the Memorial Sloan Kettering
Cancer Center in New York City, in the hope that it will prevent her
neuroblastoma returning," Nicola explained. "So many people have already
donated and helped with fundraising already and we will be holding more
events and trying to think of more ways to raise the money Isla needs but,
most importantly, we want to make as many people as possible aware of this
horrible cancer that affects children. "Isla is the bravest little girl we
have ever met and she has a long way to go through her treatment. We want to
give Isla the best-possible chance of fighting this terrible disease by
taking her to the US to undergo treatment not available in this country. "We
are grateful to West Ham United for the opportunity to raise both funds and
awareness for Isla and for the Bradley Lowery Foundation at Saturday's game
and are immensely proud that our little girl will lead out our football team
at London Stadium."
You can make a donation to #TEAMISLA via a bucket collection outside the
Stadium Store at London Stadium, texting the dedicated SMS donation service
ISLA14 £1 (or another amount) to 70070, or online at
www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/thebradleyloweryfoundation/islacaton
For more information about Isla's fight, and those of other courageous
youngsters battling Neuroblastoma, visit bradleyloweryfoundation.com
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nick Davies returns to West Ham as Head of Fitness
WHUFC.com
Nick Davies has returned to east London to take up the role of head of
fitness under manager David Moyes, eight-and-a-half years after his first
spell with the Hammers ended. Welshman Davies brings with him a wealth of
experience at the highest level of football in this country, having
previously held the role of Head of Sports Science at Charlton Athletic,
West Ham, Birmingham City and Norwich City. The 39-year-old was recruited by
Moyes and joins a strong backroom staff that also includes coaches Alan
Irvine, Stuart Pearce, Billy McKinlay and Chris Woods and head of medical
services Gary Lewin. "It's strange to think it is a decade ago, but I joined
the Club under Alan Curbishley and had two really enjoyable years here, so
it's brilliant to be back and there is a little feeling of coming home, I
must admit," Davies explained. "Those couple of years were fabulous and
obviously I really enjoyed my time working with Alan. We had some big
characters at the Club in that time and it was a brilliant and inspiring
time to be around the place. I thoroughly enjoyed it."
Ten years on from his first spell, Davies is back in Claret and Blue and
thoroughly enjoying his new role under another of the Premier League's
all-time great British managers. "I've been ever so impressed since I came
back. This is the first time I've had an opportunity to work with David and
I was delighted when it arose to come and be a part of his backroom staff.
"He is such a meticulous guy and his eye for detail is one of his things
that everyone at the Club is benefitting from.
"My introduction over the last five weeks has been an enjoyable one and I
feel I'm thriving here."
Davies, who worked under Irvine at Norwich, is just one of a host of
highly-qualified staff working as part of Moyes' backroom team. Lewin spent
more than a decade as England's lead physiotherapist, while the likes of
head physio Dominic Rogan, first-team physio Fraser Young, rehab fitness
coach Eamon Swift and head of performance analysis Jamie Osman all have
extensive top-flight experience. "There is calibre in every department and
it's definitely true to say we have got some really skilled, dedicated
individuals here "It's brilliant to be part of something which you feel can
get better and continue to evolve and ultimately help the manager maximise
what the players can deliver for him on a matchday from a physical
perspective."
*Full interview to appear in Saturday's Official Programme for the visit of
AFC Bournemouth.
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Junior Season Ticket upgrade offer for Palace
WHUFC.com
The Hammers have a London derby to look forward to on 30 January when
Crystal Palace visit east London and, with this being an evening kick-off,
if your child Season Ticket Holder can't make it you can upgrade to an adult
ticket at a discounted rate.
David Moyes' men will be hoping for a repeat of last season's 3-0 win over
the Eagles and you could upgrade your child's Season Ticket to an adult
ticket from as little as £15, with full upgrade prices as follows:
Band 1 £30
Band 2 £25
Band 3 £22
Band 4 £20
Band 5 £15
To upgrade your Under-16 Season Ticket, please call 0333 030 1966 (option
3)* now! Please note that Season Ticket upgrades must be done over the
phone.
Season Ticket Holders who have already upgraded their junior tickets will be
refunded in line with the offer price.
Once a ticket is upgraded, it can no longer be relisted on the Ticket
Exchange.
We know evening kick-offs are more difficult for our junior supporters to
attend, and this offer means we give every supporter the best opportunity of
ensuring they can use their tickets.
Meanwhile, the Ticket Exchange is open for this fixture. Click here to
relist or purchase now.
*Phone lines are open 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday.
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Team News: Chicharito back, Carroll update
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager David Moyes has confirmed the Club should be able to
call on Chicharito, Declan Rice and Cheikhou Kouyate for this weekend's
match with Bournemouth. Chicharito was absent from Tuesday's FA Cup replay
with Shrewsbury Town, which coaching assistant Alan Irvine revealed was down
to illness. However, the Mexican was back in full training on Friday and
Moyes is confident he will be able to name the striker in his matchday
squad. Moyes also admitted that Rice suffered with a minor hamstring issue
during the week but feels the 19-year-old should still be okay for the clash
with the Cherries on Saturday.
Kouyate is also available for selection, per the manager, but a check will
be needed on Andre Ayew and Winston Reid will definitely miss out.
"Chicharito looks as if he's recovered from the flu, and he's trained
today," Moyes announced. "Andre Ayew is just feeling his hamstring a little
bit, so we will need to assess it tomorrow.
"Declan Rice also had a problem with his hamstring in midweek but I think he
will be okay. He's done a bit of training today so we're hoping he will be
okay. "Kouyate also trained today so we're hoping he will be fit. Kouyate is
back but Winston Reid, at the moment, is not training yet."
Moyes also elaborated on Andy Carroll's condition, after the Scotsman
revealed in his Evening Standard column that the England forward is
suffering from an ankle complaint. The Hammers No9 may require surgery, but
the Club will consider all options before deciding on the correct path. On
Carroll, Moyes added: "Andy is injured. We only found out yesterday when he
went for a scan. It showed up that he's got a problem and we're not quite
sure yet if it's going to need an operation or not. "We're getting two or
three specialists to look at it and get their opinions. When we've got that
we will be able to make the correct decision. "He scored two great goals
against West Brom a couple of weeks ago, so for us to lose him, it takes
away a big part of our armoury."
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Betway Insider's View of the Opposition: Bournemouth
WHUFC.com
A thumping win in the Premier League and safe passage into the Emirates FA
Cup fourth round have given West Ham United reasons to be cheerful. The 4-1
victory over Huddersfield Town last weekend saw the Hammers' leapfrog their
opponents and climb to eleventh in the table. The midweek win over
Shrewsbury, meanwhile, extended the club's unbeaten run to six matches in
all competitions. David Moyes' side are a good bet to extend that sequence –
and possibly move into the top ten. It was against Saturday's opponents
Bournemouth on Boxing Day that the current run began.
West Ham claimed a point that day, although it would have been three were it
not for the Cherries' controversial 93rd minute equaliser. And while the
visitors beat Arsenal last weekend to extend their own unbeaten run to five
games, they are winless in six on the road. West Ham's display at
Huddersfield was their most exciting of the season, and today's match should
be another thriller. The sides shared six goals at the Vitality Stadium last
month, while Bournemouth have netted two or more in their last five outings.
Eddie Howe's side are not as impressive in defence, however, having not kept
a clean sheet in any of their previous ten league games. While that run has
included fixtures against five of the top six, they have also shipped two
against Crystal Palace, Burnley and Brighton. West Ham's reinvigorated
attack, who have scored 15 in six, should therefore be able to expose their
opponents' defensive frailties. Expect top scorer Marko Arnautovic to be
among the goals again. The in-form Austrian hit two against Bournemouth in
that Boxing Day encounter and has scored six in his last seven league games.
Recommended bets
West Ham double chance and BTTS
Over 2.5 goals
Marko Arnautovic to score
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moyes: 200 wins, Bournemouth's style & the 'magic' 40 points
WHUFC.com
David Moyes met with the media on Friday afternoon to talk all things West
Ham United ahead of Saturday's clash with AFC Bournemouth. The boss talked
the coming matches, transfer speculation, 200 Premier League wins and
avoiding relegation…
A target of 205 wins
A 4-1 victory over Huddersfield Town last weekend gave Moyes his 200th win
in the Premier League as a manager, making the West Ham boss only the fourth
manager in history to reach this tally. The Scotsman has set himself the
target of reaching 205 – adding another five to his total – which he
believes will confirm West Ham's status in the Premier League for next
season. When asked about his wins, Moyes said: "205 is what I'm aiming for
at the moment because that would mean West Ham are definitely in the Premier
League. If we can get another five wins then I'm sure that will be enough to
keep us up."
Carroll injury creates opportunity
An injury lay-off for Andy Carroll was confirmed by Moyes during his
press-conference, which will spell more chances for the Club's other
strikers to play, according to the manager. Media speculation has seen a
couple of West Ham's attackers linked with a move, something Moyes has once
again denied, and he is looking forward to seeing which of the players takes
their chance when it is presented to themn. "I can see a situation where
more of them play, play more games, because we've got an injury to Andy,
we're not in any hurry to lose any players. "It just happens that we've got
four or strikers which can all do a really good job and we've also got one
or two who are in the team just now who are playing well. It's one of these
things where you've got to be ready, wait for your time and when your chance
comes make sure you take it.
Eddie Howe's 'good job'
Although Moyes is one of the Premier League's most experienced managers,
having been in charge for over 500 matches in the competition, this weekend
will mark Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe's 100th in the top flight. Moyes
has got nothing but respect for the job Howe has done on the south coast and
is impressed with the style of play expected of the Cherries. "I think he's
done a really good job at Bournemouth," he said on Howe. "I think he's given
them a real stability and a style. I used to play against Bournemouth as a
player when they were in the lower leagues, down the bottom end and I think
they look a good team. "They have got a defined style to the people they
bring into the club, how they look as if they want to work. You have to
admire them for a lot of the things they've done there."
Bournemouth will be a 'difficult game'
"I think Bournemouth have got a good attacking style, which always gives
them a chance of scoring," Moyes said on this weekend's opponents. "They had
a really big win against Arsenal and that can do good things for you. We
played them a few weeks ago and they had a little plug at us, and we had a
little plug at them, so overall, we know it will be a difficult game." The
game Moyes is referring to ended 3-3 on Boxing Day, and the boss admits both
sides could have won what was a 'strange' fixture. He added: "The last game
was strange. We were a bit unlucky in the end not to win it because of a
referee's decision. They would also say they had better chances and could
have won it before us. It was a strange game."
'Magic' number 40
A common belief in Premier League football is 40 points is enough for a team
to avoid relegation and, while Moyes says he's not set his team any targets,
he does consider 40 to be the 'magic figure'. He said: "I've set no targets
with the players but ultimately I think 40 was always a magic figure. I
might stand corrected there may have been an odd year when 40 was not enough
but over the years it was the magic figure. "It may not take that this year,
I don't know, but I think the sooner you get to it then the better chance
you have of staying in the league."
'There's no easy games'
"It sounds easy but all the managers in this half of the league will be
thinking there's no easy games," Moyes responded, when asked about West
Ham's coming run. After playing Bournemouth, the Irons will take on Crystal
Palace, Brighton and Hove Albion, and Watford in the Premier League. Moyes
has dismissed the idea that this is an easy run of fixtures, saying:
"Everyone is difficult and I've not seen anything to necessarily suggest
that anyone is better than anyone else. "At the moment, we're in a good run
and we're doing okay. It's really important to keep that going because we
don't want to drop back nearer the bottom." The manager pointed to last
week's win over Huddersfield Town as the level of effort he wants to see
this weekend, and in the games to come. "I think what we've got at the
moment is hopefully, a little bit of momentum and we have got to keep it
going. The game at Huddersfield showed our improvements from our
performances and we're telling the team to do this again and give us an even
better performance."
'I'm a football supporter as well as a manager'
Moyes was questioned about his attendance at Chelsea's match with Norwich
City on Wednesday, amid speculation the boss was scouting transfer targets.
In response, he laughed: "I'm smiling because I'm amazed folks would be
surprised a manager is watching another game. That's part of our jobs as
managers.
"We do the team but also you go and watch other games, to watch players, to
watch tactics, to watch anything even as a football fan. People shouldn't
make a lot of it. I go to a lot of games. "I'm a football supporter as well
as a manager and I like to go and watch other games."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United v Bournemouth
SAT 20 JAN 2018PREMIER LEAGUE
15:00
Venue: London Stadium
BBC.co.uk
Marko Arnautovic has been involved in nine goals in his last seven Premier
League matches.
TEAM NEWS
West Ham forward Andy Carroll faces a spell on the sidelines after suffering
a hairline ankle fracture. However, Javier Hernandez has recovered from
illness and Cheikhou Kouyate returns after missing the FA Cup win over
Shrewsbury Town. Declan Rice and Andre Ayew will face late fitness tests,
while Winston Reid is definitely out with a groin injury.
Bournemouth pair Joshua King and Junior Stanislas have been nursing
hamstring injuries and will be assessed. Manager Eddie Howe will recall
several players who were rested for the midweek FA Cup replay defeat at
Wigan.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Steve Bower: "This fixture will always have a small place in West Ham's
history as the first Premier League match to be played at the London
Stadium. It has been something of a rollercoaster ride for Hammers fans
since Michail Antonio's goal won the match that day. "The recent stability
though has offered genuine encouragement. Fifteen points from the last 24
under David Moyes has given them breathing space and belief with their added
goal threat. "They will be confident of continuing that run and ruining
Eddie Howe's 100th Premier League match in charge. He will hope
Bournemouth's victory over Arsenal will have a galvanising effect, although
they haven't won in their last nine visits to the capital."
Twitter: @SteveBowercom
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
West Ham manager David Moyes: "I think what we've got at the moment is
momentum. The game against Huddersfield shows we've improved, and we're
looking for more again. "I've set no targets for the players but 40 points
was always the magic figure and the sooner you get to it, the better."
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe: "We've had to treat the past two results
exactly the same way as I don't think there's any point reacting with the
highs and lows of results when you're in my position. "We've been trying to
make sure we're as stable as we can be in preparation for this game. "The
mindset has had to change very quickly, as with three games in six days it's
a difficult period, there's a lot to think about."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
There was a bit of controversy over the Cherries' late equaliser when these
sides drew 3-3 in December and David Moyes might feel he owes them one. I
think he will get a bit of revenge for that on Saturday.
Prediction: 2-0
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
There have been 23 goals in the last five meetings,. The average of 4.6
goals per match is the highest for any Premier League fixture to have been
played at least five times.
Sixteen of those 23 goals have been scored in the second half, and eight of
them have come in the last 10 minutes.
Bournemouth's only win in five visits to West Ham in all competitions was
4-3 at Upton Park in the Premier League in August 2015.
West Ham United
West Ham are unbeaten in their last six games in all competitions (W3, D3).
They could win consecutive Premier League fixtures for the first time since
January 2017, when they followed a 3-0 home victory against Crystal Palace
with a 3-1 triumph at Middlesbrough.
David Moyes has collected 15 points from his last eight Premier League
matches, one more than he managed in his previous 28 matches in the
division.
The Hammers have scored 15 goals in six league games - they only had 14
goals after their opening 17 matches of the season.
Marko Arnautovic has been involved in nine goals in his last seven Premier
League matches (six goals, three assists).
Bournemouth
Bournemouth are unbeaten in four league games since Christmas (W2, D2).
The Cherries haven't won in their last nine games in London (D2, L7).
This will be Eddie Howe's 100th Premier League game in charge. At the age of
40 years and 52 days on the day of the game, he will be the third youngest
English manager to reach this milestone after Glenn Hoddle and Gareth
Southgate, who were both 38.
Bournemouth could score at least twice in five consecutive league matches
for the first time since a run of seven in a row in the Championship from
November to December 2014.
Callum Wilson has scored four Premier League goals in three matches against
West Ham, including a hat-trick in August 2015.
Wilson has also scored three goals in his last four Premier League
appearances.
SAM's verdict
Most probable score: 1-0 Probability of draw: 27%
Probability of home win: 49% Probability of away win: 24%
SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) is a super-computer created by @ProfIanMcHale
at the University of Liverpool that is used to predict the outcome of
football matches.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THE HAMMERS FIGHTING FOR A WORLD CUP SPOT
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 19 JANUARY 2018 AT 6:37PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Michael Fox
The season might only be just over half way through but focus is starting to
turn on the World Cup in the summer. The Hammers should be fairly well
represented, with around eight players all in with a shot of making the
plane for their respective countries.
With just a few months to go, we take a look at which players will be facing
a delayed summer holiday and checking in to a Russian hotel come mid-June…
JOE HART
It'll be interesting to see how Joe Hart's career goes over the next couple
of months. You get the sense it's make or break for the man on loan from
Manchester City. He's faced periods on the bench this season after failing
to be a commanding and strong number one for West Ham and it could affect
his chances of boarding the plane. There will be pressure on Gareth
Southgate to drop his first choice keeper, especially as David Moyes has of
late. That said he's still 8/13 to be in the final 23-man-squad, but it'll
be unlikely he'll return to the Olympic Stadium come August.
MANUEL LANZINI
Manuel Lanzini has had a fine season so far, so much so pundits are tipping
him for a move away from West Ham. Of course, he's one of us at the moment
and if he maintains his fantastic form will be joining up with the likes of
Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria over the summer. He made his debut back in
May and could help Messi gain the one medal he's currently lacking.
Argentina are at 8/1 to win the World Cup according to
sportsbets4free.co.uk, with both Lanzini and defender Pablo Zabaleta
expected to feature. The Argentines are also available at 15/8 to be the top
South American team in the tournament, with Brazil favourites at evens.
PABLO ZABALETA
Zabaleta will provide vital experience for Argentina and has been impressed
with David Moyes' reign since his arrival. The form of the former Manchester
City star has been mixed but in recent games has played like the Zabaleta we
know. It's almost certain he'll be on the plane to Russia and will likely be
a regular throughout the group stages.
DIAFRA SAKHO
By the time the World Cup comes round Diafra Sakho may no longer be a
hammer. The Senegalese attacker hasn't lit up the Olympic Stadium this
season and has been linked with Crystal Palace. He'll need first team
football if he's to get a place in Senegal's starting eleven, with the
African nation predicted to be one of Russia 2018's dark horses. They've a
talented side and if Sakho can get a good run of games and find some form
he'll be on the plane and could provide a pivotal role in a group which sees
them face Poland, Colombia and Japan.
JAVIER HERNANDEZ
Like Joe Hart, Javier Hernandez just hasn't done quite what was of expected
of him this season. The usually formidable striker has netted just four
times in 20 games, his worst record at a club and could be allowed to leave
in January. Clubs are sniffing around him but one thing is for sure, his
place in the Mexico team will not come into question. He's a hero for the
Central American nation with 49 goals in 99 games. He'll play a key role for
them, and it'll be interesting to see how his career pans out at West Ham
over the next couple of months, or maybe days.
JOSE FONTE
Jose Fonte played a key role in Portugal's Euro 2016 win and he'll likely
play in his final major tournament this summer. The 34-year-old has been out
since November but should still get the call come June having been an ever
present in 2017 for his nation. We'd like to see him back in a Hammers shirt
before that though and helping the resurgence of the club as Moyes continues
to get them climbing the table.
ANDY CARROLL
Andy Carroll is often rumoured to be making the squad ahead of a major
tournament, yet he's only ever been to one, way back in 2012. The truth is,
he does have something different which is the reason why Chelsea have been
sniffing round him this January. If he can stay fit (after his latest
setback), play well for the Hammers, as he has the last few weeks, he could
be a decent option for Gareth Southgate. His odds have shortened to make the
England squad recently and he's now 6/1 with some bookmakers, although as
high as 14/1 with other bookmakers. He could well worth a bet, especially if
he's banging them in for Moyes' men.
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GOLD AND SULLIVAN THE SELF STYLED 'MESSIAHS' EIGHT YEARS ON
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 19 JANUARY 2018 AT 6:57PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @farehamhammer
The lies and Spin will never change. Some eight years ago myself and Enfield
Hammer warned what to expect from Gold and Sullivan, the self-styled
'Messiahs'. Or as they would like to have it, 'saviours' of our Club. They
rode into The Club as virtual knights in shining armour! Due to The Debt the
Club was in it made no business sense to buy The Club they said, they only
brought us because they were fans. They went into great detail of how bad
the debt was, over 100million and to make matters worse we were mortgaged to
the hilt. Loans had been taken out against the next two season's season
ticket money. If they had not come in and 'saved' us we faced financial
Armageddon, at the very least we faced administration at worst we could have
gone bust. R.I.P! West Ham United! They then turned their attention to the
players we had at The Club: "Weak and unbalanced". Was the most sombre
verdict from our 'knights' in shining armour. They would be taking NOTHING
out of The Club and paying Karren Brady's salary themselves. Investment? God
if it were not for Gold and Sullivan we would not have a bloody Club! Was,
the word on the street from West Ham fans everywhere! Mission accomplished:
Lower fan expectation.
Like a candidate running for President of The United States of America on
the campaign trail, repeatedly the level of debt got played out in the
media. We were even told that Mrs Brady went around and switched off the
lights at The Boleyn, as regards to manipulating the media, few can master
Gold and Sullivan. They are the kings of spin, they leak different stories
to different people. They have spun poor old Darren Lewis like a spinning
top this week regards Andy Carroll. I believe they wanted to sell him, as
they needed the money for down payments for transfers. Carroll was stitched
up making him look like a villain, all fell apart when Carroll was once
again injured.
They have run West Ham in exactly the same fashion as Birmingham City. Every
season ticket renewal time all sorts of top names are leaked, and as you
know now they don't happen. Still I think the all-time classic was the gem
while at St Andrews, they leaked the story that Diego Maradona (Yes
Maradona!) was closing in on a move to St Andrews. Of course, when the media
contacted Maradona, who was playing for Sevilla at the time, he said he had
never heard of them. Surprise surprise. One 'marquee' signing, a second one
costing some money, the rest freebies, cheapies and loan after loan that is
how this mob roll! On that basis there was no chance they were going to sign
William Carvalho, they got rudely exposed for the Carvalho 'phantom' bid,
but phantom 'bids' has been a way of life for the 'Messiahs' for some
twenty-five years. These boys are that tight they can peel an orange in
their pocket. Money, money and more money is what matters most to the
'Messiahs'. The move from The Boleyn was all about greed, I am convinced
they are involved in the property development The Upton Gardens, that will
be in place of The Boleyn Ground. Selling the Boleyn for virtual peanuts
does not sound right to me.
Many will never forgive them for selling The Boleyn Ground on premise of
taking The Club to the 'next' level, by bringing in "three or four" top
signings. Which has proven to be a load of crap! Yes, the 'Messiahs' are
certainly tricky customers indeed, but I don't buy into the theory that they
don't know how to run a football club or destroy are out to destroy The
Club. You certainly don't go out and spend £24 million on the likes of Marko
Arnautovic if you are planning to destroy The Club for starters. I would
argue that they know EXACTLY what they are doing. Many have said the
derogatory remarks regards, Jose Fonte and Robert Snodgrass, by Brady and
Sullivan were gaffes. Not at all! Both players are on a tidy whack and have
not lived up to expectations, they want them off the wage bill as quick as
possible, and have gone out of their way to make them uncomfortable. They
most certainly don't want them sitting around The Club being paid around
about £150,000 and not playing. Yes, it is crass, but football has
prostituted its soul for Sky Money a long time ago. I don't feel sorry for
Fonte and Snodgrass either. Why should any fan? If anyone had come in and
offered more dough to Fonte or Snodgrass, they would have demanded a move
and been off.
They also like the try before they buy method of signing a player. Almost
like taking a car on a test drive before you buy it. They pay an expensive
loan fee agree a fixed fee for a player if the player is successful. A
method which they used to get Lanzini. It was also a method that they used
to bring Tore and Zaza to The Club. Both players were flops and were sent
back. Saving the Club some 32million, which The Club would have had to pay,
if they had purchased the players outright. The down side of this is, that
some Clubs won't do business with you. There has been much criticism that
about Sullivan's role of 'Director' of Football. In the ideal world would
have been solely down to manager. But too many Clubs have been ripped off by
a combination of managers and agent. So, the ideal situation would have
been, the manager and Board working in tandem to bring players in.
Reality in most cases is totally different sadly eight years on and there
most certainly is no Champions League in sight, but on the pitch, itself we
are in far better shape than we were back then. We have a decent side but
not a strong squad. We are about four quality additions from being a very
good side. The window has been very quiet all round only Liverpool have
spent some serious dough. The money should have been spent in the summer,
signing Hernandez and Marko Arnautovic and getting rid of ten players to do
so, has left us paper thin and as David Moyes said we desperately need a
couple of midfielders. I think we will get a couple of loans in and no more.
Yes, it is tight arsed as usual…. but there may be more to it than that. I
would not at all be surprised if David Moyes is history in the summer, and
Rafa Benítez is installed as manager of West Ham United. Not that I think
that Moyes is a bad manager, it is just that deep down one senses Benítez is
the manager they really want. Who knows? They may have already sent Rafa a
copy of The Rise and fall of the Kray's. Let's face it with the 'Messiahs'
in charge anything could happen. As we speak. I have JUST HEARD… Sullivan is
closing in on Messi! He has offered Barcelona 900 MILLION… in staggered
payments of a fiver over 1000 billion years. Yes, it's been far from perfect
over these last eight years, but things could have been far worse. PLEASE Mr
Chairman cut the constant lies and spin!
We are more than a football Club, we're a way of life!
Farehamhammer!!
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Give Collins a new contract, say fans
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 18th January 2018
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United supporters have voted overwhelmingly in favour of extending
James Collins' contract beyond the end of the current season. The
34-year-old former Welsh international is out of contract this summer with
no sign of a new deal being offered. However a poll on the KUMB Forum has
resulted in 89 per cent of supporters voting in favour of extending Collins'
stay beyond the end of the season, whilst just six per cent voted against
(the remaining five per cent voting unsure). Collins, who first joined West
Ham from Cardiff in 2005 is currently enjoying his second spell at West Ham,
having spent three years at Aston Villa (from 2009 to 2012) before returning
to the Boleyn Ground. Earlier this week the Newport-born centre half was
linked with a £2million move to Brighton & Hove Albion, before privately
revealing that he has no interest in joining the Premier League newcomers.
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Only one ever present under Moyes
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 18th January 2018
By: Staff Writer
Central defender Angelo Ogbonna is the only West Ham United player to be
ever-present under David Moyes. The Italian central defender, who is
enjoying a productive season at the heart of the Hammers defence has played
every minute of all 15 games Moyes has been in charge of since succeeding
Slaven Bilic as Hammers boss back in November. Ogbonna's closest rival for
top spot is former Spanish under 21 Pedro Obiang, who whilst featuring in
every match has been substituted twice at half time. The duo are the only
two players to have been involved in all 15 fixtures. Completing the top
three is Arthur Masuaku, who has featured in each of the 15 matches managed
by the new boss bar the first, a 2-0 defeat at Watford on 19 November. In
all, Moyes has used a total of 26 players with the least used five - Diafra
Sakho, Edi Fernandes, Sam Byram, Dom Quina and Reece Oxford - having
featured in less than 10% of those 15 fixtures.
Squad usage at West Ham Utd under David Moyes
(From a maximum of 1,380 minutes)
1. Angelo Ogbonna 1,380 (100%)
2. Pedro Obiang 1,290 (93%)
3. Arthur Masuaku 1,272 (92%)
4. Pablo Zabalata 1,100 (79%)
5. Manuel Lanzini 1,079 (78%)
6. Aaron Cresswell 1,041 (77%)
7. Winston Reid 883 (65%)
8. Marko Arnautovic 875 (63%)
9. Cheik Kouyate 853 (63%)
10. Adrian 810 (60%)
11. Mark Noble 581 (41%)
12. Joe Hart 570 (40%)
13. Andre Ayew 518 (38%)
14. Declan Rice 440 (33%)
15. Michail Antonio 376 (28%)
16. James Collins 360 (27%)
17. Andy Carroll 336 (25%)
18. Javier Hernandez 276 (20%)
19. Reece Burke 210 (13%)
20. Josh Cullen 210 (13%)
21. Toni Martinez 139 (10%)
22. Diafra Sakho 115 (9%)
23. Edi Fernandes 90 (7%)
24. Sam Byram 89 (7%)
25. Dom Quina 87 (6%)
26. Reece Oxford 69 (5%)
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West Ham's Andy Carroll may need ankle operation, says David Moyes
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 19/01/18 12:04pm
SSN
West Ham boss David Moyes says Andy Carroll may need surgery on an ankle
injury which scuppered his chances of a move to Chelsea. Moyes confirmed in
his London Evening Standard column the England international "will not be
able to play again this month" after Carroll had a scan on Thursday. The
29-year-old, who has struggled with injury problems throughout his time in
east London, has been unable to train and missed West Ham's past three
games. Sky Sports News reported earlier this week that Chelsea had
approached the Hammers for Carroll, who is valued at £20m.
Moyes said: "What may defuse much of the speculation is that the ankle
injury Andy picked up against West Brom is sufficiently serious that he will
not be able to play again this month anyway and it could even need an
operation to put things right, although that has not yet been confirmed.
"The fact that some of our strikers have not been regulars in the team
recently has added grist to the rumour mill so I want to make it clear that
we have really good strikers."
It is understood West Ham were happy for Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi to
be included as part of any deal for Carroll. But Moyes has "categorically"
denied he was at Chelsea's FA Cup third-round replay win over Norwich on
Wednesday to scout the Belgian, who has struggled to cement a place in
Conte's plans. The 54-year-old said: "I went to watch Chelsea play Norwich
in the FA Cup on Wednesday night and I knew that would increase the
speculation about Carroll and Chelsea with Batshuayi coming to us.
"Categorically, I did not go to Stamford Bridge to watch Batshuayi or any
other player in particular. "I like to get out and watch plenty of matches,
I hadn't seen Norwich this season and there were some players there who had
been mentioned to me as having been doing well."
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David Moyes distances West Ham from deal for Chelsea's Michy Batshuayi
By Hayley Fox
Last Updated: 19/01/18 4:56pm
SSN
West Ham boss David Moyes has distanced his club from a deal to sign
Chelsea's Michy Batshuayi and insists he was not at Stamford Bridge on
Wednesday to watch one player. Sky Sports News understands the Hammers have
been keen on Batshuayi as part of any deal that would have seen Andy Carroll
join Chelsea this month. Antonio Conte's hopes of landing Carroll appear to
be over after Moyes, who was spotted in the stands as Chelsea beat Norwich
in an FA Cup third-round replay, confirmed the England forward may need
surgery on an ankle injury. "I don't think people should make an awful lot
of it, I go to a lot of games. I'm a football supporter as well as a
manager," Moyes said ahead of his side's clash with Bournemouth. "We never
said we were interested in him (Batshuayi). We try not to talk about players
at other clubs because I'm there to watch a game and wasn't necessarily
there to watch anyone individually. "Carroll deserves (the interest)
because, over the years, he's been a handful to play against and he's
probably a bit of a dying breed of big centre-forwards, who are hard to play
against and offer something different. "We've said all along we've received
no official offer from Chelsea for a loan deal, we wouldn't have accepted it
anyway as we've said."
Moyes also refused to be drawn on whether the club were in for Inter Milan's
Joao Mario, who is said to be "open-minded" about a move to London. "I think
he's a name which has been mentioned but whether he's from Inter Milan or
Chelsea or wherever I'm not talking about players from other clubs," Moyes
added. "He's an interesting player, he's a good footballer and certainly
very talented."
West Ham are unbeaten in their last four Premier League games ahead of
Bournemouth's visit to the London Stadium on Saturday.
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West Ham v Bournemouth preview: Hammers seek back-to-back wins
Last Updated: 19/01/18 3:09pm
SSN
West Ham will be looking to build on their impressive result at Huddersfield
when they welcome Bournemouth on Saturday. David Moyes' side steamrolled
Huddersfield last weekend with Marko Arnautovic and Manuel Lanzini linking
up to great effect in a 4-1 victory. That stretched their unbeaten run to
four games although the Hammers haven't won back-to-back Premier League
games for over a year. Bournemouth also registered a victory last weekend
when coming from behind to beat Arsenal 2-1, which lifted them four points
clear of the relegation zone. However, Eddie Howe will be worried about his
team's overall defensive strength as they have not kept a clean sheet in
last 10 games since a 0-0 draw against Swansea in November.
Team news
Moyes has confirmed the club should be able to call on Javier Hernandez,
Declan Rice and Cheikhou Kouyate for this weekend's match with Bournemouth.
Chicharito was absent from Tuesday's FA Cup replay with Shrewsbury Town, but
was back in full training on Friday and Moyes is confident he will be able
to name the striker in his matchday squad. Moyes also revealed that Rice
suffered from a minor hamstring issue during the week but should be
available, while a check will be needed on Andre Ayew and Winston Reid will
definitely miss out.
Josh King and Junior Stanislas are pushing hard to be fit for Bournemouth.
Both forwards are continuing to battle hamstring complaints, and will be
assessed late on ahead of the London Stadium encounter. Howe will restore
his front-line stars for the West Ham trip, following the midweek 3-0 FA Cup
third-round replay loss at Wigan.
Opta stats
The five previous Premier League meetings between these teams have seen 23
goals scored at an average of 4.6 per game, which remains the highest
average for any Premier League fixture to have been played at least five
times.
Bournemouth have only won one of their five previous visits to West Ham in
all competitions (L4), a 4-3 win at Upton Park in the Premier League in
August 2015.
Sixteen of the 23 goals scored in this fixture in the Premier League have
been scored in the second half, accounting for 70 per cent of the goals;
indeed, eight have come in the final 10 minutes of matches (35 per cent).
The Hammers have scored 15 goals in their last six Premier League games -
one more than they'd scored in their opening 17 matches of the 2017-18
campaign.
This will be Eddie Howe's 100th Premier League game in charge - aged 40
years and 52 days on the day of the game, he'll be the third youngest
English manager to reach this milestone after Glenn Hoddle (38y 36d) and
Gareth Southgate (38y 150d).
David Moyes has collected 15 points from his last eight Premier League
matches (P8 W4 D3 L1), one more than he won in his previous 28 matches in
the competition (14).
Merson's prediction
These two teams are like a bag of revels. You see West Ham go to
Huddersfield and rip them apart, then they take 120 minutes to beat
Shrewsbury at home.
Then you see Bournemouth beat Arsenal, then go to Wigan to form a cup run,
and get turned over. Who knows, they could have gone far in the FA Cup.
Don't make excuses about Bournemouth having to stay up, Wigan have got their
own priorities trying to get out of League One! I don't know how Bournemouth
could stop Arnautovic, so I'm going for a home win, as he makes the
difference.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (15/2 with Sky Bet)
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West Ham have not given up on signing Joao Mario from Inter Milan
Last Updated: 18/01/18 10:06pm
SSN
West Ham have not given up on signing Joao Mario from Inter Milan, according
to Sky sources. The Portugal midfielder had told his advisers he was
reluctant to make the move, but he is now "more open-minded" about the idea
of moving to London. Inter will let him leave on loan with an option to buy.
Mario is not playing regularly for Inter and they are keen to raise funds by
selling a player they signed for £40m in the summer of 2016. He was a key
member of the Portugal team which won the European Championships in France
in 2016. The 24-year-old has made 15 appearances for the Serie A side this
season. Inter are currently third in the Italian top-flight standings.
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MATCH PREVIEW: WEST HAM V BOURNEMOUTH
By Dan Coker 19 Jan 2018 at 08:00
WTID
Blast from the past
In today's preview, we travel back to 11th April 1990; Margaret Thatcher was
in her final months as Prime Minister, Madonna's 'Vogue' topped the charts,
John Travolta and Kirstie Alley were in UK cinemas in Look Who's Talking
and, at a time of Poll Tax Riots and the Strangeways Prison Riots, West Ham
United ran riot as Bournemouth, competing at the opposite end of the Second
Division, visited east London.
Billy Bonds' Hammers ran out 4-1 winners in this Wednesday night encounter
in front of 20,202 spectators at the Boleyn Ground. Jimmy Quinn's strike was
deflected in for an own goal by ex-Tottenham defender Paul Miller before Ian
Bishop struck a beauty into the top corner from distance against his old
club after 23 minutes. David Coleman, who had celebrated his 23rd birthday
just three days previously, pulled one back before half-time for Harry
Redknapp's Bournemouth, lifting the ball over Ludek Miklosko after Luther
Blissett had outmuscled Colin Foster. Coleman tragically died in 1997.
In the second half, Quinn won a penalty which was dispatched with the usual
aplomb by Julian Dicks, who would be voted Hammer of the Year a month later
(the first of four occasions that he would win the prestigious prize). Dicks
would also finish as top scorer with 14 goals from 52 matches. Northern
Ireland striker Quinn was again involved for the fourth goal, heading Stuart
Slater's cross back across goal for 'Mad Dog' Martin Allen (pictured above)
to nod home from close range. My video below shows the goals from this game.
The Hammers would end the 1989/90 campaign in seventh place in the Second
Division, two points adrift of the play-offs despite finishing as the
division's joint highest scorers with 80 goals, while Bournemouth would
finish 22nd out of 24 teams and were relegated. Leeds won the Second
Division, Liverpool won the First Division title and Manchester United won
the FA Cup.
West Ham United: Ludek Miklosko, George Parris (Steve Potts), Tony Gale,
Colin Foster, Julian Dicks, Kevin Keen, Ian Bishop, Martin Allen, Stuart
Slater, Jimmy Quinn, Trevor Morley (Frank McAvennie).
Club Connections
A decent number of players have turned out for both West Ham United and
Bournemouth. Jermain Defoe and Hammers Academy product Junior Stanislas are
currently on Bournemouth's books while Carl Fletcher played for both clubs
and is currently youth team manager with the Cherries. Ex-Bournemouth
midfielder Paul Mitchell, who made one league appearance for the Hammers in
1994, is back with the Cherries as a correspondent for Opta Sports. Other
players to have appeared for both clubs include:
Goalkeepers: David James, Stephen Henderson and Marek Stech.
Defenders: Everald La Ronde, Bill Kitchener, Rio Ferdinand, Phil Brignull,
Reg Parker, Keith Rowland, Elliott Ward, Bobby Howe and Horace Glover.
Midfielders: Ian Bishop, Trevor Hartley, Bobby Barnes, Tommy Southren, Jimmy
Neighbour, Emmanuel Omoyinmi, Tony Scott, Anthony Edgar, Scott Mean, Matty
Holmes, Dale Gordon, Jack Collison and Patsy Holland.
Strikers: Nicky Morgan, John Arnott, Mark Watson, Zavon Hines, Steve Jones
and Ted MacDougall.
Harry Redknapp played for and managed both clubs. Former Hammers player John
Bond went on to manage Bournemouth, while Jimmy Quinn played for both clubs
and also managed the Cherries.
Today's preview focuses on a wing-half who experienced limited playing time
at West Ham United before enjoying a lengthy career with Bournemouth. Keith
Miller (pictured) was born in Lewisham on 26th January 1948. He joined the
Hammers from Walthamstow Avenue and made his debut at the age of 20 as a
substitute in a 2-2 draw against Ipswich at Portman Road on 23rd November
1968. He did not appear for the senior side again in 1968/69 but did appear
once more from the bench early the following season, in a 1-0 defeat at
Nottingham Forest on 30th August 1969. Miller's only start for the Irons
came in a 2-2 draw with Leeds at the Boleyn Ground on 2nd April 1970.
After three appearances for West Ham United, the 22-year-old Miller moved to
John Bond's Fourth Division Bournemouth in the summer of 1970 for a fee of
£10,000. He played 103 consecutive games after arriving and won promotion to
the Third Division in his first season with the Cherries under the
management duo of former Hammers Bond and Ken Brown, playing alongside
fellow ex-Irons Trevor Hartley, Tony Scott and Pat Holland (on loan). He
almost won successive promotions the following season as Bournemouth
finished third in the Third Division. Miller went on to captain the club and
played 383 matches for Bournemouth, scoring 19 goals – he stands fifth in
the Cherries' all-time appearance charts, behind Steve Fletcher (628), Neil
Young (430), Sean O'Driscoll (423) and Ray Bumstead (415). He was rewarded
with a testimonial against Tottenham in 1980.
Miller, who turns 70 next Friday, settled in Dorset after retiring from
playing and was interviewed at half-time in last season's match between
Bournemouth and West Ham on the south coast.
Referee
The referee on Saturday will be Martin Atkinson, who most recently refereed
our 1-1 home draw with Leicester in November. He was also in charge of our
3-0 home defeat to Brighton in October and our 4-0 opening weekend defeat at
Manchester United on 13th August. 2017/18 is Atkinson's 13th as a Premier
League referee. Since West Ham United achieved promotion back to the top
flight in 2012 Atkinson has refereed 19 of our league matches, officiating
in nine wins for the Hammers, two draws and eight defeats.
Atkinson is pictured above refereeing our 3-1 win at Bournemouth in January
2016. He also refereed the Hammers' FA Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford in
March 2016, when he turned down appeals for a penalty after Marcos Rojo
appeared to have tripped Dimitri Payet and failed to spot Bastian
Schweinstieger's block on Darren Randolph as Man Utd equalised late on. He
refereed last September's 4-2 home defeat to Watford and October's 1-0 win
at Crystal Palace, when he controversially sent off Aaron Cresswell for two
very harsh yellow cards in quick succession. His other Hammers appointments
last season were our 3-1 win at Middlesbrough in January and our 3-0 defeat
to Arsenal in April.
Possible line-ups
The Hammers are without Jose Fonte, Edimilson Fernandes, Michail Antonio,
Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho, while Winston Reid is a major doubt. Cheikhou
Kouyate and Chicharito could return.
Bournemouth are set to be without the injured Tyrone Mings and Jermain
Defoe. Junior Stanislas and Josh King could return from thigh injuries.
Possible West Ham United XI: Adrian; Zabaleta, Collins, Ogbonna, Cresswell,
Masuaku; Kouyate, Noble, Obiang; Lanzini, Arnautovic.
Possible Bournemouth XI: Begovic; Smith, Francis, Ake, Steve Cook, Daniels;
Lewis Cook, Gosling; Fraser, Ibe; Wilson.
Enjoy the game – Come On You Irons!
P.S. WHUISA are running a survey to garner your views on away ticketing, the
results of which will be shared with the club. Please take the short survey
and ensure your voice is heard by clicking here
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United welcome AFC Bournemouth to London Stadium in a Premier
League fixture this weekend.
Read on for all you need to know about this match!
Where and when?
West Ham United v AFC Bournemouth will be played at London Stadium on
Saturday 20 January.
The contest is scheduled for a 3pm kick-off.
How to follow:
Unfortunately, due to being a Saturday 3pm kick-off, this match is not
available for viewing in the UK. For worldwide broadcast schedules, click
here.
Live match updates will be provided through the official West Ham Twitter
account.
You can also follow the game live via our Matchday Blog on whufc.com.
You can also follow the match on our official Instagram, Facebook and
Snapchat channels.
Meet the opposition:
Team news:
West Ham United manager David Moyes will offer an update on his available
team during his press conference on Friday afternoon. Fans will be looking
for updates on Chicharito and Andy Carroll, who were both named as
unavailable for the midweek FA Cup replay with Shrewsbury Town by coaching
assistant Alan Irvine.
What they say:
"This weekend is a huge game. We've been playing well and we are at home.
For us, it's a good moment. We have to keep going and play our best
football."
Angelo Ogbonna
Match Officials:
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Assistant Referees: Lee Betts and Stephen Child
Fourth Official: Lee Mason
How to get there:
There are four Underground stations that supporters should utilise to reach
London Stadium: Stratford Station, Stratford International, Hackney Wick and
Pudding Mill Lane.
By Train
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Ogbonna: West Ham's defence is 'not just the five at the back'
WHUFC.com
Angelo Ogbonna has hailed the defensive work of West Ham United's
midfielders and attackers, saying the improvement in the team is not just
down to the players in the back-line. The Hammers take on Bournemouth this
weekend in the Premier League on the back of four games unbeaten in the top
flight, taking Irons up to 11th in the top flight. A victory over the
Cherries could take West Ham into the top half of the division, a clear sign
of the improvement in the side in recent weeks. Ogbonna has been a huge
aspect of the strong performances, receiving praise from supporters for his
efforts in the centre of West Ham's defensive line. But the Italian says the
Club's players in more forward roles should also receive credit. "I don't
like to talk about just a single player," Ogbonna said. "Marko [Arnautovic],
like Lanzini, like every striker, if they do the defensive part then it
helps us to do very well. "The defence is not just the five at the back.
It's the whole squad. That's why we've got the results."
The improvement in the team comes after a change in formation for the Irons,
with the side utilising three central defenders and wing-backs in recent
games.
Ogbonna previously played in this tactical set-up for Italy and at Juventus,
and is enjoying the new formation. He continued: "I used to play in that
role before when I played in Italy. In the game, we usually play five at the
back but sometime the situation changes and we play four at the back. It's
comfortable and it was a good decision to change. We got points on the board
from it."
The 29-year-old is delighted that West Ham are enjoying a positive run of
form and is eager for that run to continue on Saturday, against Bournemouth.
"I'm looking to Bournemouth – I'm not looking to the future, I'm looking to
the present. We have to keep concentration and get three good points. "It's
a good moment for us. This weekend is a huge game. We've been playing well
and we are at home. For us, it's a good moment. We have to keep going and
play our best football."
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U18s' Reece Hannam targeting first team opportunity
WHUFC.com
Reece Hannam is thrilled. And rightly so. The defender has just played a
crucial role in a huge win for West Ham United's U23s, helping his side to a
dominant 3-0 Premier League 2 Division 1 win away to Manchester United. "I
think I actually played well," Hannam said – a major understatement. "I
tried to do the simple things, and then when we 3-0 up I felt a bit more
comfortable trying different things. "It was definitely one of my better
games of the season. I don't feel like I've played that well but Terry
Westley told me it was one of my best matches of the campaign. That gives me
something to really build on."
Those who know Hannam will say it is rare for the 17-year-old to pat himself
on the back. An admission that he feels he performed against the Red Devils
is more than a fair reflection of the defender's showing. Hannam, who signed
a new deal in the summer, freely admits he is often never satisfied with his
efforts. It is not often he allows himself to savour a decent effort,
instead he is always looking for ways to improve. "I'm not often satisfied
often with my level or my performances. Even if I'm playing well, or someone
tells me I've had a good game, I feel like I need to improve on a number of
levels. "I haven't been happy with my performances so far this season, if
I'm honest. I do feel like I'm getting better and, certainly since Christmas
I reckon I've seen some improvements in the way I play. "I suppose that's
one way of improving, though, never being satisfied."
Hannam has been given chances to play for the U23s after impressing in the
U18s, but there is high competition for places at left-back in the Academy.
Vashon Neufville is slightly older and often plays at U23s level. While
Hannam is a regular for the U18s, he has his eyes firmly set on permanently
displacing his West Ham teammate. "I wouldn't say there's a rivalry between
Vashon and me, but we both know we're playing for the same position and I'm
actively trying to take his spot in the U23s," Hannam said. "I respect him
more than anything, though. We get on well and it's more a friendly
competition. We're pushing each other to be better and, even if you're in
the team, you can't rest on your laurels because there's another player
there who is ready to take your place."
As already established though, Hannam is not often satisfied, and the
left-back is harbouring ambitions of a place within the senior squad at the
Hammers. Manager David Moyes has shown the Academy is a part of his plan,
with the likes of Declan Rice, Domingos Quina, and Toni Martinez getting
chances in the first team since the Scot took charge in November. And Hannam
is eager to become one of the next names on that list. "I want to get into
the U23s regularly and perhaps even, if possible, get recognition in the
first team. There's a long way to go for that, though. "Even the chance to
train with the senior squad at Rush Green would be amazing. The boss has
shown he's willing to give youngsters a chance and it would be amazing to
earn that opportunity."
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Noble: We can't take our foot off the pedal
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble says West Ham United's home form will be vital to maintaining
their impressive Premier League form until the end of the season. The
Hammers play nine of their remaining 15 top-flight matches at London
Stadium, starting with Saturday's visit of AFC Bournemouth to east London.
And skipper Noble says the hosts need to ram home their advantage when they
tackle the Cherries. "We are in a good place at the moment, psychologically
and performance-wise, but we can't take our foot off the pedal because we
have four games coming up which are winnable," said the No16. "We know
Bournemouth are a fantastic team, but I hope we can continue the form that
we're in. If we can repeat the way we played at Huddersfield last weekend,
we'll have a good chance to do that. "We have got nine home games left out
of 15 and if we can win five or six of them, it will set us up really well.
If we can add a few away wins, that would be perfect."
Noble, who has been in fine form in recent weeks, scoring in victories at
Stoke City and Huddersfield Town to take his tally in Claret and Blue to 49,
says the circumstances of the Hammers' 3-3 Boxing Day draw at Bournemouth
would serve as extra motivation in the return fixture. West Ham came from
behind to lead 3-2 late on, only for Callum Wilson to snatch an equaliser,
despite being offside and converting with his arm. "Bournemouth denied us a
win late on down at their place on Boxing Day, but it's a tough place to go
and play, with a great atmosphere and the high tempo they play at, as
Arsenal found last weekend. "I'm hoping we can try and do the same to them
at our place."
If West Ham can replicate their second-half performance at Huddersfield last
weekend, Eddie Howe's team could be in for a torrid afternoon. Noble and
company scored three times and could have netted at least two or three more
in an irresistible period that had the skipper smiling in appreciation
nearly a week later. "I've said before that you don't really get the chance
to enjoy most matches as much as you should do, because you're too worried
about results, but that 20 minutes after half-time was so enjoyable to play
in. "I managed to get my name on the scoresheet early and then, after
half-time, the lads were absolutely brilliant."
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Hammers welcome brave Isla to Bournemouth game
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will welcome a very special guest to Saturday's Premier
League fixture with AFC Bournemouth. Three-year-old Isla Caton will lead the
Hammers out at London Stadium. Isla, from Hornchurch in Essex, was diagnosed
with a rare child cancer called Neuroblastoma – the same disease which
tragically took the life of heroic young Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery last
year – in March 2017. Brave Isla is currently undergoing an intense 15-month
course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment at Great Ormond Street
Hospital after the aggressive cancer spread to her bones and bone marrow.
Just 100 children in the UK are diagnosed with Neuroblastoma every year and
immunotherapy – which involves the injection of an antibody therapy – is not
currently available in this country.
Consequently, her parents Nicola Caton and Michael Hook want to raise more
than £190,000 for Isla to undergo specialist treatment in the United States.
The fundraising campaign has been backed by the Bradley Lowery Foundation,
the charity which was set up in memory of the gallant six-year-old who died
last year after forging a close bond with Bournemouth's former Sunderland
and West Ham striker Jermain Defoe, to fund treatment for youngsters
suffering from the same disease which took his life, as part of their
#CancerHasNoColours awareness-raising initiative. Nicola, who is joined at
London Stadium today by her husband, Bradley's mother Gemma and
representatives from the Bradley Lowery Foundation, welcomed West Ham's
involvement in the #TEAMISLA campaign.
"We are trying to raise £192,000 to get her to the USA as soon as she
finishes treatment to receive the Bivalent at the Memorial Sloan Kettering
Cancer Center in New York City, in the hope that it will prevent her
neuroblastoma returning," Nicola explained. "So many people have already
donated and helped with fundraising already and we will be holding more
events and trying to think of more ways to raise the money Isla needs but,
most importantly, we want to make as many people as possible aware of this
horrible cancer that affects children. "Isla is the bravest little girl we
have ever met and she has a long way to go through her treatment. We want to
give Isla the best-possible chance of fighting this terrible disease by
taking her to the US to undergo treatment not available in this country. "We
are grateful to West Ham United for the opportunity to raise both funds and
awareness for Isla and for the Bradley Lowery Foundation at Saturday's game
and are immensely proud that our little girl will lead out our football team
at London Stadium."
You can make a donation to #TEAMISLA via a bucket collection outside the
Stadium Store at London Stadium, texting the dedicated SMS donation service
ISLA14 £1 (or another amount) to 70070, or online at
www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/thebradleyloweryfoundation/islacaton
For more information about Isla's fight, and those of other courageous
youngsters battling Neuroblastoma, visit bradleyloweryfoundation.com
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nick Davies returns to West Ham as Head of Fitness
WHUFC.com
Nick Davies has returned to east London to take up the role of head of
fitness under manager David Moyes, eight-and-a-half years after his first
spell with the Hammers ended. Welshman Davies brings with him a wealth of
experience at the highest level of football in this country, having
previously held the role of Head of Sports Science at Charlton Athletic,
West Ham, Birmingham City and Norwich City. The 39-year-old was recruited by
Moyes and joins a strong backroom staff that also includes coaches Alan
Irvine, Stuart Pearce, Billy McKinlay and Chris Woods and head of medical
services Gary Lewin. "It's strange to think it is a decade ago, but I joined
the Club under Alan Curbishley and had two really enjoyable years here, so
it's brilliant to be back and there is a little feeling of coming home, I
must admit," Davies explained. "Those couple of years were fabulous and
obviously I really enjoyed my time working with Alan. We had some big
characters at the Club in that time and it was a brilliant and inspiring
time to be around the place. I thoroughly enjoyed it."
Ten years on from his first spell, Davies is back in Claret and Blue and
thoroughly enjoying his new role under another of the Premier League's
all-time great British managers. "I've been ever so impressed since I came
back. This is the first time I've had an opportunity to work with David and
I was delighted when it arose to come and be a part of his backroom staff.
"He is such a meticulous guy and his eye for detail is one of his things
that everyone at the Club is benefitting from.
"My introduction over the last five weeks has been an enjoyable one and I
feel I'm thriving here."
Davies, who worked under Irvine at Norwich, is just one of a host of
highly-qualified staff working as part of Moyes' backroom team. Lewin spent
more than a decade as England's lead physiotherapist, while the likes of
head physio Dominic Rogan, first-team physio Fraser Young, rehab fitness
coach Eamon Swift and head of performance analysis Jamie Osman all have
extensive top-flight experience. "There is calibre in every department and
it's definitely true to say we have got some really skilled, dedicated
individuals here "It's brilliant to be part of something which you feel can
get better and continue to evolve and ultimately help the manager maximise
what the players can deliver for him on a matchday from a physical
perspective."
*Full interview to appear in Saturday's Official Programme for the visit of
AFC Bournemouth.
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Junior Season Ticket upgrade offer for Palace
WHUFC.com
The Hammers have a London derby to look forward to on 30 January when
Crystal Palace visit east London and, with this being an evening kick-off,
if your child Season Ticket Holder can't make it you can upgrade to an adult
ticket at a discounted rate.
David Moyes' men will be hoping for a repeat of last season's 3-0 win over
the Eagles and you could upgrade your child's Season Ticket to an adult
ticket from as little as £15, with full upgrade prices as follows:
Band 1 £30
Band 2 £25
Band 3 £22
Band 4 £20
Band 5 £15
To upgrade your Under-16 Season Ticket, please call 0333 030 1966 (option
3)* now! Please note that Season Ticket upgrades must be done over the
phone.
Season Ticket Holders who have already upgraded their junior tickets will be
refunded in line with the offer price.
Once a ticket is upgraded, it can no longer be relisted on the Ticket
Exchange.
We know evening kick-offs are more difficult for our junior supporters to
attend, and this offer means we give every supporter the best opportunity of
ensuring they can use their tickets.
Meanwhile, the Ticket Exchange is open for this fixture. Click here to
relist or purchase now.
*Phone lines are open 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday.
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Team News: Chicharito back, Carroll update
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager David Moyes has confirmed the Club should be able to
call on Chicharito, Declan Rice and Cheikhou Kouyate for this weekend's
match with Bournemouth. Chicharito was absent from Tuesday's FA Cup replay
with Shrewsbury Town, which coaching assistant Alan Irvine revealed was down
to illness. However, the Mexican was back in full training on Friday and
Moyes is confident he will be able to name the striker in his matchday
squad. Moyes also admitted that Rice suffered with a minor hamstring issue
during the week but feels the 19-year-old should still be okay for the clash
with the Cherries on Saturday.
Kouyate is also available for selection, per the manager, but a check will
be needed on Andre Ayew and Winston Reid will definitely miss out.
"Chicharito looks as if he's recovered from the flu, and he's trained
today," Moyes announced. "Andre Ayew is just feeling his hamstring a little
bit, so we will need to assess it tomorrow.
"Declan Rice also had a problem with his hamstring in midweek but I think he
will be okay. He's done a bit of training today so we're hoping he will be
okay. "Kouyate also trained today so we're hoping he will be fit. Kouyate is
back but Winston Reid, at the moment, is not training yet."
Moyes also elaborated on Andy Carroll's condition, after the Scotsman
revealed in his Evening Standard column that the England forward is
suffering from an ankle complaint. The Hammers No9 may require surgery, but
the Club will consider all options before deciding on the correct path. On
Carroll, Moyes added: "Andy is injured. We only found out yesterday when he
went for a scan. It showed up that he's got a problem and we're not quite
sure yet if it's going to need an operation or not. "We're getting two or
three specialists to look at it and get their opinions. When we've got that
we will be able to make the correct decision. "He scored two great goals
against West Brom a couple of weeks ago, so for us to lose him, it takes
away a big part of our armoury."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Betway Insider's View of the Opposition: Bournemouth
WHUFC.com
A thumping win in the Premier League and safe passage into the Emirates FA
Cup fourth round have given West Ham United reasons to be cheerful. The 4-1
victory over Huddersfield Town last weekend saw the Hammers' leapfrog their
opponents and climb to eleventh in the table. The midweek win over
Shrewsbury, meanwhile, extended the club's unbeaten run to six matches in
all competitions. David Moyes' side are a good bet to extend that sequence –
and possibly move into the top ten. It was against Saturday's opponents
Bournemouth on Boxing Day that the current run began.
West Ham claimed a point that day, although it would have been three were it
not for the Cherries' controversial 93rd minute equaliser. And while the
visitors beat Arsenal last weekend to extend their own unbeaten run to five
games, they are winless in six on the road. West Ham's display at
Huddersfield was their most exciting of the season, and today's match should
be another thriller. The sides shared six goals at the Vitality Stadium last
month, while Bournemouth have netted two or more in their last five outings.
Eddie Howe's side are not as impressive in defence, however, having not kept
a clean sheet in any of their previous ten league games. While that run has
included fixtures against five of the top six, they have also shipped two
against Crystal Palace, Burnley and Brighton. West Ham's reinvigorated
attack, who have scored 15 in six, should therefore be able to expose their
opponents' defensive frailties. Expect top scorer Marko Arnautovic to be
among the goals again. The in-form Austrian hit two against Bournemouth in
that Boxing Day encounter and has scored six in his last seven league games.
Recommended bets
West Ham double chance and BTTS
Over 2.5 goals
Marko Arnautovic to score
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moyes: 200 wins, Bournemouth's style & the 'magic' 40 points
WHUFC.com
David Moyes met with the media on Friday afternoon to talk all things West
Ham United ahead of Saturday's clash with AFC Bournemouth. The boss talked
the coming matches, transfer speculation, 200 Premier League wins and
avoiding relegation…
A target of 205 wins
A 4-1 victory over Huddersfield Town last weekend gave Moyes his 200th win
in the Premier League as a manager, making the West Ham boss only the fourth
manager in history to reach this tally. The Scotsman has set himself the
target of reaching 205 – adding another five to his total – which he
believes will confirm West Ham's status in the Premier League for next
season. When asked about his wins, Moyes said: "205 is what I'm aiming for
at the moment because that would mean West Ham are definitely in the Premier
League. If we can get another five wins then I'm sure that will be enough to
keep us up."
Carroll injury creates opportunity
An injury lay-off for Andy Carroll was confirmed by Moyes during his
press-conference, which will spell more chances for the Club's other
strikers to play, according to the manager. Media speculation has seen a
couple of West Ham's attackers linked with a move, something Moyes has once
again denied, and he is looking forward to seeing which of the players takes
their chance when it is presented to themn. "I can see a situation where
more of them play, play more games, because we've got an injury to Andy,
we're not in any hurry to lose any players. "It just happens that we've got
four or strikers which can all do a really good job and we've also got one
or two who are in the team just now who are playing well. It's one of these
things where you've got to be ready, wait for your time and when your chance
comes make sure you take it.
Eddie Howe's 'good job'
Although Moyes is one of the Premier League's most experienced managers,
having been in charge for over 500 matches in the competition, this weekend
will mark Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe's 100th in the top flight. Moyes
has got nothing but respect for the job Howe has done on the south coast and
is impressed with the style of play expected of the Cherries. "I think he's
done a really good job at Bournemouth," he said on Howe. "I think he's given
them a real stability and a style. I used to play against Bournemouth as a
player when they were in the lower leagues, down the bottom end and I think
they look a good team. "They have got a defined style to the people they
bring into the club, how they look as if they want to work. You have to
admire them for a lot of the things they've done there."
Bournemouth will be a 'difficult game'
"I think Bournemouth have got a good attacking style, which always gives
them a chance of scoring," Moyes said on this weekend's opponents. "They had
a really big win against Arsenal and that can do good things for you. We
played them a few weeks ago and they had a little plug at us, and we had a
little plug at them, so overall, we know it will be a difficult game." The
game Moyes is referring to ended 3-3 on Boxing Day, and the boss admits both
sides could have won what was a 'strange' fixture. He added: "The last game
was strange. We were a bit unlucky in the end not to win it because of a
referee's decision. They would also say they had better chances and could
have won it before us. It was a strange game."
'Magic' number 40
A common belief in Premier League football is 40 points is enough for a team
to avoid relegation and, while Moyes says he's not set his team any targets,
he does consider 40 to be the 'magic figure'. He said: "I've set no targets
with the players but ultimately I think 40 was always a magic figure. I
might stand corrected there may have been an odd year when 40 was not enough
but over the years it was the magic figure. "It may not take that this year,
I don't know, but I think the sooner you get to it then the better chance
you have of staying in the league."
'There's no easy games'
"It sounds easy but all the managers in this half of the league will be
thinking there's no easy games," Moyes responded, when asked about West
Ham's coming run. After playing Bournemouth, the Irons will take on Crystal
Palace, Brighton and Hove Albion, and Watford in the Premier League. Moyes
has dismissed the idea that this is an easy run of fixtures, saying:
"Everyone is difficult and I've not seen anything to necessarily suggest
that anyone is better than anyone else. "At the moment, we're in a good run
and we're doing okay. It's really important to keep that going because we
don't want to drop back nearer the bottom." The manager pointed to last
week's win over Huddersfield Town as the level of effort he wants to see
this weekend, and in the games to come. "I think what we've got at the
moment is hopefully, a little bit of momentum and we have got to keep it
going. The game at Huddersfield showed our improvements from our
performances and we're telling the team to do this again and give us an even
better performance."
'I'm a football supporter as well as a manager'
Moyes was questioned about his attendance at Chelsea's match with Norwich
City on Wednesday, amid speculation the boss was scouting transfer targets.
In response, he laughed: "I'm smiling because I'm amazed folks would be
surprised a manager is watching another game. That's part of our jobs as
managers.
"We do the team but also you go and watch other games, to watch players, to
watch tactics, to watch anything even as a football fan. People shouldn't
make a lot of it. I go to a lot of games. "I'm a football supporter as well
as a manager and I like to go and watch other games."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United v Bournemouth
SAT 20 JAN 2018PREMIER LEAGUE
15:00
Venue: London Stadium
BBC.co.uk
Marko Arnautovic has been involved in nine goals in his last seven Premier
League matches.
TEAM NEWS
West Ham forward Andy Carroll faces a spell on the sidelines after suffering
a hairline ankle fracture. However, Javier Hernandez has recovered from
illness and Cheikhou Kouyate returns after missing the FA Cup win over
Shrewsbury Town. Declan Rice and Andre Ayew will face late fitness tests,
while Winston Reid is definitely out with a groin injury.
Bournemouth pair Joshua King and Junior Stanislas have been nursing
hamstring injuries and will be assessed. Manager Eddie Howe will recall
several players who were rested for the midweek FA Cup replay defeat at
Wigan.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Steve Bower: "This fixture will always have a small place in West Ham's
history as the first Premier League match to be played at the London
Stadium. It has been something of a rollercoaster ride for Hammers fans
since Michail Antonio's goal won the match that day. "The recent stability
though has offered genuine encouragement. Fifteen points from the last 24
under David Moyes has given them breathing space and belief with their added
goal threat. "They will be confident of continuing that run and ruining
Eddie Howe's 100th Premier League match in charge. He will hope
Bournemouth's victory over Arsenal will have a galvanising effect, although
they haven't won in their last nine visits to the capital."
Twitter: @SteveBowercom
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
West Ham manager David Moyes: "I think what we've got at the moment is
momentum. The game against Huddersfield shows we've improved, and we're
looking for more again. "I've set no targets for the players but 40 points
was always the magic figure and the sooner you get to it, the better."
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe: "We've had to treat the past two results
exactly the same way as I don't think there's any point reacting with the
highs and lows of results when you're in my position. "We've been trying to
make sure we're as stable as we can be in preparation for this game. "The
mindset has had to change very quickly, as with three games in six days it's
a difficult period, there's a lot to think about."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
There was a bit of controversy over the Cherries' late equaliser when these
sides drew 3-3 in December and David Moyes might feel he owes them one. I
think he will get a bit of revenge for that on Saturday.
Prediction: 2-0
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
There have been 23 goals in the last five meetings,. The average of 4.6
goals per match is the highest for any Premier League fixture to have been
played at least five times.
Sixteen of those 23 goals have been scored in the second half, and eight of
them have come in the last 10 minutes.
Bournemouth's only win in five visits to West Ham in all competitions was
4-3 at Upton Park in the Premier League in August 2015.
West Ham United
West Ham are unbeaten in their last six games in all competitions (W3, D3).
They could win consecutive Premier League fixtures for the first time since
January 2017, when they followed a 3-0 home victory against Crystal Palace
with a 3-1 triumph at Middlesbrough.
David Moyes has collected 15 points from his last eight Premier League
matches, one more than he managed in his previous 28 matches in the
division.
The Hammers have scored 15 goals in six league games - they only had 14
goals after their opening 17 matches of the season.
Marko Arnautovic has been involved in nine goals in his last seven Premier
League matches (six goals, three assists).
Bournemouth
Bournemouth are unbeaten in four league games since Christmas (W2, D2).
The Cherries haven't won in their last nine games in London (D2, L7).
This will be Eddie Howe's 100th Premier League game in charge. At the age of
40 years and 52 days on the day of the game, he will be the third youngest
English manager to reach this milestone after Glenn Hoddle and Gareth
Southgate, who were both 38.
Bournemouth could score at least twice in five consecutive league matches
for the first time since a run of seven in a row in the Championship from
November to December 2014.
Callum Wilson has scored four Premier League goals in three matches against
West Ham, including a hat-trick in August 2015.
Wilson has also scored three goals in his last four Premier League
appearances.
SAM's verdict
Most probable score: 1-0 Probability of draw: 27%
Probability of home win: 49% Probability of away win: 24%
SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) is a super-computer created by @ProfIanMcHale
at the University of Liverpool that is used to predict the outcome of
football matches.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THE HAMMERS FIGHTING FOR A WORLD CUP SPOT
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 19 JANUARY 2018 AT 6:37PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Michael Fox
The season might only be just over half way through but focus is starting to
turn on the World Cup in the summer. The Hammers should be fairly well
represented, with around eight players all in with a shot of making the
plane for their respective countries.
With just a few months to go, we take a look at which players will be facing
a delayed summer holiday and checking in to a Russian hotel come mid-June…
JOE HART
It'll be interesting to see how Joe Hart's career goes over the next couple
of months. You get the sense it's make or break for the man on loan from
Manchester City. He's faced periods on the bench this season after failing
to be a commanding and strong number one for West Ham and it could affect
his chances of boarding the plane. There will be pressure on Gareth
Southgate to drop his first choice keeper, especially as David Moyes has of
late. That said he's still 8/13 to be in the final 23-man-squad, but it'll
be unlikely he'll return to the Olympic Stadium come August.
MANUEL LANZINI
Manuel Lanzini has had a fine season so far, so much so pundits are tipping
him for a move away from West Ham. Of course, he's one of us at the moment
and if he maintains his fantastic form will be joining up with the likes of
Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria over the summer. He made his debut back in
May and could help Messi gain the one medal he's currently lacking.
Argentina are at 8/1 to win the World Cup according to
sportsbets4free.co.uk, with both Lanzini and defender Pablo Zabaleta
expected to feature. The Argentines are also available at 15/8 to be the top
South American team in the tournament, with Brazil favourites at evens.
PABLO ZABALETA
Zabaleta will provide vital experience for Argentina and has been impressed
with David Moyes' reign since his arrival. The form of the former Manchester
City star has been mixed but in recent games has played like the Zabaleta we
know. It's almost certain he'll be on the plane to Russia and will likely be
a regular throughout the group stages.
DIAFRA SAKHO
By the time the World Cup comes round Diafra Sakho may no longer be a
hammer. The Senegalese attacker hasn't lit up the Olympic Stadium this
season and has been linked with Crystal Palace. He'll need first team
football if he's to get a place in Senegal's starting eleven, with the
African nation predicted to be one of Russia 2018's dark horses. They've a
talented side and if Sakho can get a good run of games and find some form
he'll be on the plane and could provide a pivotal role in a group which sees
them face Poland, Colombia and Japan.
JAVIER HERNANDEZ
Like Joe Hart, Javier Hernandez just hasn't done quite what was of expected
of him this season. The usually formidable striker has netted just four
times in 20 games, his worst record at a club and could be allowed to leave
in January. Clubs are sniffing around him but one thing is for sure, his
place in the Mexico team will not come into question. He's a hero for the
Central American nation with 49 goals in 99 games. He'll play a key role for
them, and it'll be interesting to see how his career pans out at West Ham
over the next couple of months, or maybe days.
JOSE FONTE
Jose Fonte played a key role in Portugal's Euro 2016 win and he'll likely
play in his final major tournament this summer. The 34-year-old has been out
since November but should still get the call come June having been an ever
present in 2017 for his nation. We'd like to see him back in a Hammers shirt
before that though and helping the resurgence of the club as Moyes continues
to get them climbing the table.
ANDY CARROLL
Andy Carroll is often rumoured to be making the squad ahead of a major
tournament, yet he's only ever been to one, way back in 2012. The truth is,
he does have something different which is the reason why Chelsea have been
sniffing round him this January. If he can stay fit (after his latest
setback), play well for the Hammers, as he has the last few weeks, he could
be a decent option for Gareth Southgate. His odds have shortened to make the
England squad recently and he's now 6/1 with some bookmakers, although as
high as 14/1 with other bookmakers. He could well worth a bet, especially if
he's banging them in for Moyes' men.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
GOLD AND SULLIVAN THE SELF STYLED 'MESSIAHS' EIGHT YEARS ON
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 19 JANUARY 2018 AT 6:57PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @farehamhammer
The lies and Spin will never change. Some eight years ago myself and Enfield
Hammer warned what to expect from Gold and Sullivan, the self-styled
'Messiahs'. Or as they would like to have it, 'saviours' of our Club. They
rode into The Club as virtual knights in shining armour! Due to The Debt the
Club was in it made no business sense to buy The Club they said, they only
brought us because they were fans. They went into great detail of how bad
the debt was, over 100million and to make matters worse we were mortgaged to
the hilt. Loans had been taken out against the next two season's season
ticket money. If they had not come in and 'saved' us we faced financial
Armageddon, at the very least we faced administration at worst we could have
gone bust. R.I.P! West Ham United! They then turned their attention to the
players we had at The Club: "Weak and unbalanced". Was the most sombre
verdict from our 'knights' in shining armour. They would be taking NOTHING
out of The Club and paying Karren Brady's salary themselves. Investment? God
if it were not for Gold and Sullivan we would not have a bloody Club! Was,
the word on the street from West Ham fans everywhere! Mission accomplished:
Lower fan expectation.
Like a candidate running for President of The United States of America on
the campaign trail, repeatedly the level of debt got played out in the
media. We were even told that Mrs Brady went around and switched off the
lights at The Boleyn, as regards to manipulating the media, few can master
Gold and Sullivan. They are the kings of spin, they leak different stories
to different people. They have spun poor old Darren Lewis like a spinning
top this week regards Andy Carroll. I believe they wanted to sell him, as
they needed the money for down payments for transfers. Carroll was stitched
up making him look like a villain, all fell apart when Carroll was once
again injured.
They have run West Ham in exactly the same fashion as Birmingham City. Every
season ticket renewal time all sorts of top names are leaked, and as you
know now they don't happen. Still I think the all-time classic was the gem
while at St Andrews, they leaked the story that Diego Maradona (Yes
Maradona!) was closing in on a move to St Andrews. Of course, when the media
contacted Maradona, who was playing for Sevilla at the time, he said he had
never heard of them. Surprise surprise. One 'marquee' signing, a second one
costing some money, the rest freebies, cheapies and loan after loan that is
how this mob roll! On that basis there was no chance they were going to sign
William Carvalho, they got rudely exposed for the Carvalho 'phantom' bid,
but phantom 'bids' has been a way of life for the 'Messiahs' for some
twenty-five years. These boys are that tight they can peel an orange in
their pocket. Money, money and more money is what matters most to the
'Messiahs'. The move from The Boleyn was all about greed, I am convinced
they are involved in the property development The Upton Gardens, that will
be in place of The Boleyn Ground. Selling the Boleyn for virtual peanuts
does not sound right to me.
Many will never forgive them for selling The Boleyn Ground on premise of
taking The Club to the 'next' level, by bringing in "three or four" top
signings. Which has proven to be a load of crap! Yes, the 'Messiahs' are
certainly tricky customers indeed, but I don't buy into the theory that they
don't know how to run a football club or destroy are out to destroy The
Club. You certainly don't go out and spend £24 million on the likes of Marko
Arnautovic if you are planning to destroy The Club for starters. I would
argue that they know EXACTLY what they are doing. Many have said the
derogatory remarks regards, Jose Fonte and Robert Snodgrass, by Brady and
Sullivan were gaffes. Not at all! Both players are on a tidy whack and have
not lived up to expectations, they want them off the wage bill as quick as
possible, and have gone out of their way to make them uncomfortable. They
most certainly don't want them sitting around The Club being paid around
about £150,000 and not playing. Yes, it is crass, but football has
prostituted its soul for Sky Money a long time ago. I don't feel sorry for
Fonte and Snodgrass either. Why should any fan? If anyone had come in and
offered more dough to Fonte or Snodgrass, they would have demanded a move
and been off.
They also like the try before they buy method of signing a player. Almost
like taking a car on a test drive before you buy it. They pay an expensive
loan fee agree a fixed fee for a player if the player is successful. A
method which they used to get Lanzini. It was also a method that they used
to bring Tore and Zaza to The Club. Both players were flops and were sent
back. Saving the Club some 32million, which The Club would have had to pay,
if they had purchased the players outright. The down side of this is, that
some Clubs won't do business with you. There has been much criticism that
about Sullivan's role of 'Director' of Football. In the ideal world would
have been solely down to manager. But too many Clubs have been ripped off by
a combination of managers and agent. So, the ideal situation would have
been, the manager and Board working in tandem to bring players in.
Reality in most cases is totally different sadly eight years on and there
most certainly is no Champions League in sight, but on the pitch, itself we
are in far better shape than we were back then. We have a decent side but
not a strong squad. We are about four quality additions from being a very
good side. The window has been very quiet all round only Liverpool have
spent some serious dough. The money should have been spent in the summer,
signing Hernandez and Marko Arnautovic and getting rid of ten players to do
so, has left us paper thin and as David Moyes said we desperately need a
couple of midfielders. I think we will get a couple of loans in and no more.
Yes, it is tight arsed as usual…. but there may be more to it than that. I
would not at all be surprised if David Moyes is history in the summer, and
Rafa Benítez is installed as manager of West Ham United. Not that I think
that Moyes is a bad manager, it is just that deep down one senses Benítez is
the manager they really want. Who knows? They may have already sent Rafa a
copy of The Rise and fall of the Kray's. Let's face it with the 'Messiahs'
in charge anything could happen. As we speak. I have JUST HEARD… Sullivan is
closing in on Messi! He has offered Barcelona 900 MILLION… in staggered
payments of a fiver over 1000 billion years. Yes, it's been far from perfect
over these last eight years, but things could have been far worse. PLEASE Mr
Chairman cut the constant lies and spin!
We are more than a football Club, we're a way of life!
Farehamhammer!!
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Give Collins a new contract, say fans
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 18th January 2018
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United supporters have voted overwhelmingly in favour of extending
James Collins' contract beyond the end of the current season. The
34-year-old former Welsh international is out of contract this summer with
no sign of a new deal being offered. However a poll on the KUMB Forum has
resulted in 89 per cent of supporters voting in favour of extending Collins'
stay beyond the end of the season, whilst just six per cent voted against
(the remaining five per cent voting unsure). Collins, who first joined West
Ham from Cardiff in 2005 is currently enjoying his second spell at West Ham,
having spent three years at Aston Villa (from 2009 to 2012) before returning
to the Boleyn Ground. Earlier this week the Newport-born centre half was
linked with a £2million move to Brighton & Hove Albion, before privately
revealing that he has no interest in joining the Premier League newcomers.
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Only one ever present under Moyes
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 18th January 2018
By: Staff Writer
Central defender Angelo Ogbonna is the only West Ham United player to be
ever-present under David Moyes. The Italian central defender, who is
enjoying a productive season at the heart of the Hammers defence has played
every minute of all 15 games Moyes has been in charge of since succeeding
Slaven Bilic as Hammers boss back in November. Ogbonna's closest rival for
top spot is former Spanish under 21 Pedro Obiang, who whilst featuring in
every match has been substituted twice at half time. The duo are the only
two players to have been involved in all 15 fixtures. Completing the top
three is Arthur Masuaku, who has featured in each of the 15 matches managed
by the new boss bar the first, a 2-0 defeat at Watford on 19 November. In
all, Moyes has used a total of 26 players with the least used five - Diafra
Sakho, Edi Fernandes, Sam Byram, Dom Quina and Reece Oxford - having
featured in less than 10% of those 15 fixtures.
Squad usage at West Ham Utd under David Moyes
(From a maximum of 1,380 minutes)
1. Angelo Ogbonna 1,380 (100%)
2. Pedro Obiang 1,290 (93%)
3. Arthur Masuaku 1,272 (92%)
4. Pablo Zabalata 1,100 (79%)
5. Manuel Lanzini 1,079 (78%)
6. Aaron Cresswell 1,041 (77%)
7. Winston Reid 883 (65%)
8. Marko Arnautovic 875 (63%)
9. Cheik Kouyate 853 (63%)
10. Adrian 810 (60%)
11. Mark Noble 581 (41%)
12. Joe Hart 570 (40%)
13. Andre Ayew 518 (38%)
14. Declan Rice 440 (33%)
15. Michail Antonio 376 (28%)
16. James Collins 360 (27%)
17. Andy Carroll 336 (25%)
18. Javier Hernandez 276 (20%)
19. Reece Burke 210 (13%)
20. Josh Cullen 210 (13%)
21. Toni Martinez 139 (10%)
22. Diafra Sakho 115 (9%)
23. Edi Fernandes 90 (7%)
24. Sam Byram 89 (7%)
25. Dom Quina 87 (6%)
26. Reece Oxford 69 (5%)
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West Ham's Andy Carroll may need ankle operation, says David Moyes
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 19/01/18 12:04pm
SSN
West Ham boss David Moyes says Andy Carroll may need surgery on an ankle
injury which scuppered his chances of a move to Chelsea. Moyes confirmed in
his London Evening Standard column the England international "will not be
able to play again this month" after Carroll had a scan on Thursday. The
29-year-old, who has struggled with injury problems throughout his time in
east London, has been unable to train and missed West Ham's past three
games. Sky Sports News reported earlier this week that Chelsea had
approached the Hammers for Carroll, who is valued at £20m.
Moyes said: "What may defuse much of the speculation is that the ankle
injury Andy picked up against West Brom is sufficiently serious that he will
not be able to play again this month anyway and it could even need an
operation to put things right, although that has not yet been confirmed.
"The fact that some of our strikers have not been regulars in the team
recently has added grist to the rumour mill so I want to make it clear that
we have really good strikers."
It is understood West Ham were happy for Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi to
be included as part of any deal for Carroll. But Moyes has "categorically"
denied he was at Chelsea's FA Cup third-round replay win over Norwich on
Wednesday to scout the Belgian, who has struggled to cement a place in
Conte's plans. The 54-year-old said: "I went to watch Chelsea play Norwich
in the FA Cup on Wednesday night and I knew that would increase the
speculation about Carroll and Chelsea with Batshuayi coming to us.
"Categorically, I did not go to Stamford Bridge to watch Batshuayi or any
other player in particular. "I like to get out and watch plenty of matches,
I hadn't seen Norwich this season and there were some players there who had
been mentioned to me as having been doing well."
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David Moyes distances West Ham from deal for Chelsea's Michy Batshuayi
By Hayley Fox
Last Updated: 19/01/18 4:56pm
SSN
West Ham boss David Moyes has distanced his club from a deal to sign
Chelsea's Michy Batshuayi and insists he was not at Stamford Bridge on
Wednesday to watch one player. Sky Sports News understands the Hammers have
been keen on Batshuayi as part of any deal that would have seen Andy Carroll
join Chelsea this month. Antonio Conte's hopes of landing Carroll appear to
be over after Moyes, who was spotted in the stands as Chelsea beat Norwich
in an FA Cup third-round replay, confirmed the England forward may need
surgery on an ankle injury. "I don't think people should make an awful lot
of it, I go to a lot of games. I'm a football supporter as well as a
manager," Moyes said ahead of his side's clash with Bournemouth. "We never
said we were interested in him (Batshuayi). We try not to talk about players
at other clubs because I'm there to watch a game and wasn't necessarily
there to watch anyone individually. "Carroll deserves (the interest)
because, over the years, he's been a handful to play against and he's
probably a bit of a dying breed of big centre-forwards, who are hard to play
against and offer something different. "We've said all along we've received
no official offer from Chelsea for a loan deal, we wouldn't have accepted it
anyway as we've said."
Moyes also refused to be drawn on whether the club were in for Inter Milan's
Joao Mario, who is said to be "open-minded" about a move to London. "I think
he's a name which has been mentioned but whether he's from Inter Milan or
Chelsea or wherever I'm not talking about players from other clubs," Moyes
added. "He's an interesting player, he's a good footballer and certainly
very talented."
West Ham are unbeaten in their last four Premier League games ahead of
Bournemouth's visit to the London Stadium on Saturday.
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West Ham v Bournemouth preview: Hammers seek back-to-back wins
Last Updated: 19/01/18 3:09pm
SSN
West Ham will be looking to build on their impressive result at Huddersfield
when they welcome Bournemouth on Saturday. David Moyes' side steamrolled
Huddersfield last weekend with Marko Arnautovic and Manuel Lanzini linking
up to great effect in a 4-1 victory. That stretched their unbeaten run to
four games although the Hammers haven't won back-to-back Premier League
games for over a year. Bournemouth also registered a victory last weekend
when coming from behind to beat Arsenal 2-1, which lifted them four points
clear of the relegation zone. However, Eddie Howe will be worried about his
team's overall defensive strength as they have not kept a clean sheet in
last 10 games since a 0-0 draw against Swansea in November.
Team news
Moyes has confirmed the club should be able to call on Javier Hernandez,
Declan Rice and Cheikhou Kouyate for this weekend's match with Bournemouth.
Chicharito was absent from Tuesday's FA Cup replay with Shrewsbury Town, but
was back in full training on Friday and Moyes is confident he will be able
to name the striker in his matchday squad. Moyes also revealed that Rice
suffered from a minor hamstring issue during the week but should be
available, while a check will be needed on Andre Ayew and Winston Reid will
definitely miss out.
Josh King and Junior Stanislas are pushing hard to be fit for Bournemouth.
Both forwards are continuing to battle hamstring complaints, and will be
assessed late on ahead of the London Stadium encounter. Howe will restore
his front-line stars for the West Ham trip, following the midweek 3-0 FA Cup
third-round replay loss at Wigan.
Opta stats
The five previous Premier League meetings between these teams have seen 23
goals scored at an average of 4.6 per game, which remains the highest
average for any Premier League fixture to have been played at least five
times.
Bournemouth have only won one of their five previous visits to West Ham in
all competitions (L4), a 4-3 win at Upton Park in the Premier League in
August 2015.
Sixteen of the 23 goals scored in this fixture in the Premier League have
been scored in the second half, accounting for 70 per cent of the goals;
indeed, eight have come in the final 10 minutes of matches (35 per cent).
The Hammers have scored 15 goals in their last six Premier League games -
one more than they'd scored in their opening 17 matches of the 2017-18
campaign.
This will be Eddie Howe's 100th Premier League game in charge - aged 40
years and 52 days on the day of the game, he'll be the third youngest
English manager to reach this milestone after Glenn Hoddle (38y 36d) and
Gareth Southgate (38y 150d).
David Moyes has collected 15 points from his last eight Premier League
matches (P8 W4 D3 L1), one more than he won in his previous 28 matches in
the competition (14).
Merson's prediction
These two teams are like a bag of revels. You see West Ham go to
Huddersfield and rip them apart, then they take 120 minutes to beat
Shrewsbury at home.
Then you see Bournemouth beat Arsenal, then go to Wigan to form a cup run,
and get turned over. Who knows, they could have gone far in the FA Cup.
Don't make excuses about Bournemouth having to stay up, Wigan have got their
own priorities trying to get out of League One! I don't know how Bournemouth
could stop Arnautovic, so I'm going for a home win, as he makes the
difference.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (15/2 with Sky Bet)
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West Ham have not given up on signing Joao Mario from Inter Milan
Last Updated: 18/01/18 10:06pm
SSN
West Ham have not given up on signing Joao Mario from Inter Milan, according
to Sky sources. The Portugal midfielder had told his advisers he was
reluctant to make the move, but he is now "more open-minded" about the idea
of moving to London. Inter will let him leave on loan with an option to buy.
Mario is not playing regularly for Inter and they are keen to raise funds by
selling a player they signed for £40m in the summer of 2016. He was a key
member of the Portugal team which won the European Championships in France
in 2016. The 24-year-old has made 15 appearances for the Serie A side this
season. Inter are currently third in the Italian top-flight standings.
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MATCH PREVIEW: WEST HAM V BOURNEMOUTH
By Dan Coker 19 Jan 2018 at 08:00
WTID
Blast from the past
In today's preview, we travel back to 11th April 1990; Margaret Thatcher was
in her final months as Prime Minister, Madonna's 'Vogue' topped the charts,
John Travolta and Kirstie Alley were in UK cinemas in Look Who's Talking
and, at a time of Poll Tax Riots and the Strangeways Prison Riots, West Ham
United ran riot as Bournemouth, competing at the opposite end of the Second
Division, visited east London.
Billy Bonds' Hammers ran out 4-1 winners in this Wednesday night encounter
in front of 20,202 spectators at the Boleyn Ground. Jimmy Quinn's strike was
deflected in for an own goal by ex-Tottenham defender Paul Miller before Ian
Bishop struck a beauty into the top corner from distance against his old
club after 23 minutes. David Coleman, who had celebrated his 23rd birthday
just three days previously, pulled one back before half-time for Harry
Redknapp's Bournemouth, lifting the ball over Ludek Miklosko after Luther
Blissett had outmuscled Colin Foster. Coleman tragically died in 1997.
In the second half, Quinn won a penalty which was dispatched with the usual
aplomb by Julian Dicks, who would be voted Hammer of the Year a month later
(the first of four occasions that he would win the prestigious prize). Dicks
would also finish as top scorer with 14 goals from 52 matches. Northern
Ireland striker Quinn was again involved for the fourth goal, heading Stuart
Slater's cross back across goal for 'Mad Dog' Martin Allen (pictured above)
to nod home from close range. My video below shows the goals from this game.
The Hammers would end the 1989/90 campaign in seventh place in the Second
Division, two points adrift of the play-offs despite finishing as the
division's joint highest scorers with 80 goals, while Bournemouth would
finish 22nd out of 24 teams and were relegated. Leeds won the Second
Division, Liverpool won the First Division title and Manchester United won
the FA Cup.
West Ham United: Ludek Miklosko, George Parris (Steve Potts), Tony Gale,
Colin Foster, Julian Dicks, Kevin Keen, Ian Bishop, Martin Allen, Stuart
Slater, Jimmy Quinn, Trevor Morley (Frank McAvennie).
Club Connections
A decent number of players have turned out for both West Ham United and
Bournemouth. Jermain Defoe and Hammers Academy product Junior Stanislas are
currently on Bournemouth's books while Carl Fletcher played for both clubs
and is currently youth team manager with the Cherries. Ex-Bournemouth
midfielder Paul Mitchell, who made one league appearance for the Hammers in
1994, is back with the Cherries as a correspondent for Opta Sports. Other
players to have appeared for both clubs include:
Goalkeepers: David James, Stephen Henderson and Marek Stech.
Defenders: Everald La Ronde, Bill Kitchener, Rio Ferdinand, Phil Brignull,
Reg Parker, Keith Rowland, Elliott Ward, Bobby Howe and Horace Glover.
Midfielders: Ian Bishop, Trevor Hartley, Bobby Barnes, Tommy Southren, Jimmy
Neighbour, Emmanuel Omoyinmi, Tony Scott, Anthony Edgar, Scott Mean, Matty
Holmes, Dale Gordon, Jack Collison and Patsy Holland.
Strikers: Nicky Morgan, John Arnott, Mark Watson, Zavon Hines, Steve Jones
and Ted MacDougall.
Harry Redknapp played for and managed both clubs. Former Hammers player John
Bond went on to manage Bournemouth, while Jimmy Quinn played for both clubs
and also managed the Cherries.
Today's preview focuses on a wing-half who experienced limited playing time
at West Ham United before enjoying a lengthy career with Bournemouth. Keith
Miller (pictured) was born in Lewisham on 26th January 1948. He joined the
Hammers from Walthamstow Avenue and made his debut at the age of 20 as a
substitute in a 2-2 draw against Ipswich at Portman Road on 23rd November
1968. He did not appear for the senior side again in 1968/69 but did appear
once more from the bench early the following season, in a 1-0 defeat at
Nottingham Forest on 30th August 1969. Miller's only start for the Irons
came in a 2-2 draw with Leeds at the Boleyn Ground on 2nd April 1970.
After three appearances for West Ham United, the 22-year-old Miller moved to
John Bond's Fourth Division Bournemouth in the summer of 1970 for a fee of
£10,000. He played 103 consecutive games after arriving and won promotion to
the Third Division in his first season with the Cherries under the
management duo of former Hammers Bond and Ken Brown, playing alongside
fellow ex-Irons Trevor Hartley, Tony Scott and Pat Holland (on loan). He
almost won successive promotions the following season as Bournemouth
finished third in the Third Division. Miller went on to captain the club and
played 383 matches for Bournemouth, scoring 19 goals – he stands fifth in
the Cherries' all-time appearance charts, behind Steve Fletcher (628), Neil
Young (430), Sean O'Driscoll (423) and Ray Bumstead (415). He was rewarded
with a testimonial against Tottenham in 1980.
Miller, who turns 70 next Friday, settled in Dorset after retiring from
playing and was interviewed at half-time in last season's match between
Bournemouth and West Ham on the south coast.
Referee
The referee on Saturday will be Martin Atkinson, who most recently refereed
our 1-1 home draw with Leicester in November. He was also in charge of our
3-0 home defeat to Brighton in October and our 4-0 opening weekend defeat at
Manchester United on 13th August. 2017/18 is Atkinson's 13th as a Premier
League referee. Since West Ham United achieved promotion back to the top
flight in 2012 Atkinson has refereed 19 of our league matches, officiating
in nine wins for the Hammers, two draws and eight defeats.
Atkinson is pictured above refereeing our 3-1 win at Bournemouth in January
2016. He also refereed the Hammers' FA Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford in
March 2016, when he turned down appeals for a penalty after Marcos Rojo
appeared to have tripped Dimitri Payet and failed to spot Bastian
Schweinstieger's block on Darren Randolph as Man Utd equalised late on. He
refereed last September's 4-2 home defeat to Watford and October's 1-0 win
at Crystal Palace, when he controversially sent off Aaron Cresswell for two
very harsh yellow cards in quick succession. His other Hammers appointments
last season were our 3-1 win at Middlesbrough in January and our 3-0 defeat
to Arsenal in April.
Possible line-ups
The Hammers are without Jose Fonte, Edimilson Fernandes, Michail Antonio,
Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho, while Winston Reid is a major doubt. Cheikhou
Kouyate and Chicharito could return.
Bournemouth are set to be without the injured Tyrone Mings and Jermain
Defoe. Junior Stanislas and Josh King could return from thigh injuries.
Possible West Ham United XI: Adrian; Zabaleta, Collins, Ogbonna, Cresswell,
Masuaku; Kouyate, Noble, Obiang; Lanzini, Arnautovic.
Possible Bournemouth XI: Begovic; Smith, Francis, Ake, Steve Cook, Daniels;
Lewis Cook, Gosling; Fraser, Ibe; Wilson.
Enjoy the game – Come On You Irons!
P.S. WHUISA are running a survey to garner your views on away ticketing, the
results of which will be shared with the club. Please take the short survey
and ensure your voice is heard by clicking here
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