WHUFC.com
Former Tampa resident Sam Allardyce is hoping the Buccaneers win at Wembley
on Sunday
22.10.2011
Sam Allardyce will miss out on watching his favourite Tampa Bay Buccaneers
on Sunday but will hope they triumph when Wembley welcomes American
football.
The NFL side are taking on the Chicago Bears in the International Series at
Wembley, and Big Sam is hoping the team from Florida come out on top. The
manager spent 1983 playing for the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the now defunct NASL
and has never forgotten the experience. "I had one of the best times of my
life," he said. "That was the start of my management philosophy of using
technology and backroom staff to create the right service for players to
deliver their best. I had a fantastic time in Tampa and I wish them all the
best on Sunday."
Big Sam admitted the Rowdies' facilities were not comparable with the
Buccaneers when he was there but still relished every minute of living in
the Sunshine State. He has spoken recently of his hope of one day taking the
Hammers there for a training camp. We rented the bottom end of their
training ground at that time. They had about eight or nine pitches and we
had two in the bottom corner. I used to go and watch their pre-season games
while were in our season and we got friendly with their players. "I got to
know the rules. That was the most important thing because there is not a lot
of entertainment if you don't know the rules. My wife didn't but she liked
the atmosphere, the popcorn and the pretzels so that wasn't too bad. It was
warm and sunny and I enjoyed the games. "I still enjoy watching the tactical
side of the game and the detail they put in to try and win."
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Loanee latest: Stech shines
WHUFC.com
Marek Stech was one of nine Hammers loanees in action for their respective
clubs on Saturday
22.10.2011
While West Ham United's players prepare for Monday's trip to Brighton & Hove
Albion at Chadwell Heath, many of the club's band of loanees have been in
npower Football League action on Saturday.
In the Championship, Herita Ilunga's Doncaster Rovers were beaten 3-1 at
Portsmouth, while in League One Marek Stech (pictured) saved a late penalty
as Yeovil Town drew 0-0 at Stevenage. Stech, the Czech Republic Under-21
goalkeeper, also made two key saves to make sure his team earned a point.
At the Priestfield Stadium, Frank Nouble's Gillingham secured a 1-0 victory
over Rob Hall's Oxford United, with both young forwards starting the game
for their respective sides. The result saw Oxford drop from third to
seventh, while Gillingham moved above the U's into fifth.
Cristian Montano - who scored on his debut at Accrington Stanley last
weekend - started for Paolo Di Canio's Swindon Town at Plymouth Argyle,
where Raffaele Da Vita's late goal saw the Robins overcome the Football
League's bottom side 1-0. Ahmed Abdulla was not involved for Swindon.
Elsewhere, Callum McNaughton's AFC Wimbledon dropped from sixth to ninth
following a 5-2 home defeat by fellow League Two new boys and leaders
Crawley Town, while Olly Lee's Dagenham & Redbridge suffered an identical
defeat by Jordan Brown's Aldershot Town to Victoria Road. Both Lee and Brown
were introduced as second-half substitutes.
In the Blue Square Premier, Dominic Vose was introduced as an 84th-minute
substitute for Braintree Town as Alan Devonshire's side secured a 3-1 home
win over Darlington.
The weekend loanee action continues on Sunday, when Jordan Spence will hope
to feature when Bristol City take on UEFA Europa League hopefuls Birmingham
City in the npower Championship and Pablo Barrera Real Zaragoza travel to CA
Osasuna in Spain's Primera Division.
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Kick It Out (unless it's free)
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 22nd October 2011
By: Staff Writer
West Ham chairman David Gold has been inundated with messages on Twitter
from Hammers fans protesting about the possible signing of El Hadji Diouf.
The affable chairman, who maintains a dignified stance on the popular social
network should have been enjoying a relaxing weekend with West Ham not
playing at Brighton until Monday night. However he has instead spent the
last 48 hours fending off criticism from supporters outraged at the board's
decision to consider signing a player who spat at its own fans and was
questioned by Police for alleged racist remarks made towards a ball boy two
years ago.
Gold - pictured above wearing a 'Kick It Out' badge during the game with
Blackpool just seven days ago - has failed to comment on the situation,
although it is understood that he has not personally endorsed Diouf's
possible arrival.
Sam Allardyce - who is thought to be behind the plans to sign Diouf -
attempted this morning to persuade West Ham supporters that they were wrong
about the Senegalese international when he suggested that they would
'appreciate' his unique talents at the Boleyn. However that only served to
anger the vast majority of supporters, a number of whom have since tweeted
Gold. Allardyce is no stranger to defending his former employee at Bolton;
following the alleged racism incident referred to above he backed the
player, stating, "[it was] not a situation where Dioufy was the aggressor,
but he's being made out to be."
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Shame on you, Allardyce
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 22nd October 2011
By: Staff Writer
West Ham fans have reacted furiously to the news that Sam Allardyce is
planning to sign El Hadji Diouf. Supporters have come out in their droves to
condemn Allardyce for even considering signing a player who spat at the
club's supporters three times during a league match against Liverpool nine
years ago. Clearly underestimating the depth of feeling amongst the fanbase,
Allardyce told whufc.com that he is looking to bring the former Senegalese
international to the Boleyn Ground. "El Hadj is one on our list," he
admitted. "We are now scouring the country for what players might be
available for loan or are not fixed up. El Hadj hasn't been fixed up so I
have invited him for training and will have a good look at him. "I know what
he is capable of and that he can deliver. There are other options we are
looking at on loan from other clubs but they are few and far between now
because they have been taken by other clubs. "It is going to be pretty
difficult, but we will have a go at that. Knowing someone like Dioufy, I
just have to let him get fit and see if he looks in good condition when he
trains with us."
Allardyce then revealed exactly how out of touch he is with the club's
fanbase by suggesting that West Ham fans would grow to appreciate Diouf's
talent, should he sign him. "As most of the fans have taken to him
everywhere he's been, they'll love him," he insisted. "When they get a good
player playing well for you, you always appreciate that - 'Dioufy' is a
quality player that West Ham fans will appreciate if they see him."
However with many fans insisting that they'll have nothing to do with the
club should Diouf sign - and others prepared to take rather more direct
action in order to protest against his signing - Allardyce could be about to
open a huge can of worms that could permanently damage both his and the
board's relationship with the club's support, less than six months after he
was named as the successor to Avram Grant.
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Hammers weigh up Diouf bid
Allardyce believes Senegalese could be the missing link for his team
Last Updated: October 22, 2011 9:53am
SSN
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has confirmed he is considering
signing El Hadji Diouf after inviting the Senegal attacker for a trial.
Diouf is currently a free agent after leaving Blackburn Rovers and he has
recently been linked with a move to the Hammers' Championship rivals
Doncaster Rovers. The 30-year-old was signed by Allardyce for both Bolton
Wanderers and Blackburn, and the Hammers chief has acknowledged his interest
in Diouf. Allardyce believes the former Liverpool player could be just what
West Ham are missing and is keen to assess his current level of fitness. "El
Hadji is one on our list," said Allardyce. "We are now scouring the country
for what players might be available for loan or are not fixed up. "El Hadji
hasn't been fixed up so I have invited him for training and will have a good
look at him. "I know what he is capable of and that he can deliver. There
are other options we are looking at on loan from other clubs but they are
few and far between now because they have been taken by other clubs. "It is
going to be pretty difficult, but we will have a go at that. Knowing someone
like Dioufy, I just have to let him get fit and see if he looks in good
condition when he trains with us. "There is something missing from our squad
and Diouf could be that missing link. "He has played for two of my teams
before so I know exactly what kind of quality I will be getting."
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Brighton v West Ham preview
Last updated: 22nd October 2011
SSN
Team news ahead of Monday night's Championship clash between Brighton and
West Ham at the Amex Stadium (kick-off 7.45pm). Gonzalo Jara Reyes is in
contention for his Brighton debut. The Chile defender, who can also play in
midfield, has joined the Seagulls on loan from West Brom until January.
Winger Will Buckley will also be added to the squad after recovering from
the hamstring injury he suffered against Liverpool in the Carling Cup last
month. But Spanish midfielder Vicente is a doubt after he missed Tuesday
night's 1-1 draw at Millwallwith a thigh problem. Defender Tommy Elphick was
this week told he needs a second Achilles operation and could miss the rest
of the season. Fellow centre-half Adam El-Abd remains on the sidelines as he
recovers from the foot injury he suffered last term.
West Ham have been hit by a host of injuries. Arsenal loanee Henri Lansbury
is the latest casualty having been ruled out for several weeks with a knee
injury suffered in the 1-0 defeat at Southampton on Tuesday. Fellow
midfielder Matt Taylor limped off at St Mary's with another calf problem and
is ruled out while defender James Tomkins (groin) and striker Carlton Cole
(knee) are still unfit. Goalkeeper Robert Green is recovering from knee
surgery, right-back Guy Demel has a hamstring problem and winger Gary O'Neil
is still out with an ankle injur But fit-again Joey O'Brien (hamstring) and
Mark Noble (toe) returned as substitutes in midweek and could be promoted to
the starting line-up.
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West Ham manager Sam Allardyce rules out move for Manchester City's Carlos
Tevez but hopes for El-Hadji Diouf deal
22 Oct 2011 09:14:00
By Jake Watson
Goal.com
Former Bolton manager all but dismisses any possible move for out of favour
Argentina striker but has invited the Senegal forward to train ahead of
possible move
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce believes any deal for Carlos Tevez is
unlikely, though he hopes to strike a deal for former player El-Hadji Diouf.
The Hammers had been linked with an ambitious move to bring the Manchester
City man back to Upton Park in a loan deal after he was recently suspended
by his club for allegedly refusing to come off the bench during a 2-0 defeat
to Bayern Munich. However, Allardyce says that a deal is unlikely, and has
confirmed that Diouf is currently training with the club. "I don't think
[the Tevez deal] has got any more potential now," Allardyce told the BBC.
"We've invited El-Hadji Diouf in for a bit of training to see what level he
lies at." "[We will see] if he's capable of reproducing the top form that
he's done for me at other clubs."
Diouf has somewhat of a reputation as a troublemaker and a disruptive
influence but Allardyce knows all about the player following spells as
manager at Bolton and Blackburn. "He's got quality and you can't beat
quality in the game of football," the West ham boss said. "We all know
certain players have different sets of baggage, but for me that quality and
outstanding ability mean the baggage is minimal. "He's not controversial in
terms of the Bolton, Blackburn or Rangers fans."
Diouf had a successful loan spell in Scotland last season with Rangers
before he was released from Blackburn and Allardyce is keen to strike a deal
for the forward if he can prove his qualities. "He won the league and the
cup with Rangers and got Blackburn to 10th place and to a semi-final in
Carling Cup," Allardyce continued.
"And he got Bolton to Europe for the first time ever. A quality player is a
quality player."
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