Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
The manager is expecting his side to bounce back when Norwich City visit the
Boleyn Ground
31.12.2012
Sam Allardyce is hoping West Ham United can cut out the uncharacteristic
mistakes that cost them dearly at Reading when Norwich City visit the Boleyn
Ground on New Year's Day. The Royals scored the only goal of the game on
five minutes after a mistake from James Collins, but Big Sam is backing his
players to shake off the disappointment and start 2013 with a win.
Substitutes Jack Collison, Modibo Maiga and Ricardo Vaz Te could not take
advantage of good chances to level the game on Saturday, which has led Big
Sam to put greater impetus on his side's attacking play. "We need to bounce
back and we've got to make sure we become better at creating and taking our
chances, otherwise it's going to be tough," said Big Sam. "The balls into
the box haven't been given enough quality to open up a defence as everybody
starts tightening up at this stage of the season. "Points become harder to
come by and everyone knows about everyone else so you can ill-afford basic
errors. The team that makes the fewest basic errors wins the game. We made
far too many and ended up losing it. "kkI didn't think I would ever see
James Collins make that kind of mistake again after the one at Swansea City.
He's been one of our best and most consistent players from that time in the
season, but he misplaces a backpass and they take advantage. "The lads
should have got him out of the mire and got at least a point and then it
wouldn't be lying on him as heavy as it is now. He was distraught in the
dressing room afterwards."
The Hammers will be offered the perfect opportunity to 'bounce back' when
the Canaries, who sit one place above them in the Barclays Premier League
table, visit the Boleyn Ground. While Collison and Vaz Te will be pushing to
start the game, Kevin Nolan and Collins will be missing after picking up
their fifth booking of the season against The Royals. "We're in a pretty bad
spell at the moment and to boot Kevin Nolan and James Collins got booked and
will miss Tuesday's game with Norwich City. "Too many injures have disrupted
our performances and results. We've got some coming back now. Vaz Te could
have been the hero and Jack Collison comes on and shows his ability. It's
great their back but the blow is James Collins and Kevin Nolan missing.
"James has to get over the mistake but unfortunately he can't on Tuesday as
he's suspended. The rest of the team have to get over it and start getting a
few more points."
Vaz Te had a great opportunity to cap his lively return to the team with a
goal, but he missed a header from three yards out. His manager felt
afterwards that it could have been the turning point in the game had it
bounced into the corner of the net rather than two inches wide. "I think we
missed the best chance created in the entire world of football! Overall, I
think it was one point lost, you're 1-0 down and the golden chance comes
with Vaz Te three yards out, he would take it to 1-1 and Reading would be
bound to think 'Here we go again.' Their fans would get nervous and we would
go on to try and win the game. We should have had a point but we didn't and
that's down to our deficiencies at both ends. "It was probably our worst
performance for a while but even then it was one where Reading weren't going
to make it easy, they wanted to defend deep and then when you gift them a
goal they're going to defend with even more numbers to try and hang on to
it."
The return of Vaz Te, Collison and Alou Diarra from long-term injury will
certainly boost Big Sam's options and Andy Carroll could be back in training
next week. With George McCartney and Momo Diame the only slightly longer
absentees, the manager looks forward to the day when he can once again name
his first choice XI. "We haven't had our best team out for ages and since we
beat Chelsea, our points total has diminished rather than kicked on from
there. Normally when you get a result as big as that one you kick on and get
more and more results as the euphoria keeps you going. "The injuries have
unfortunately kicked in and we've not been able to pick up the results we
wanted to. It's about getting the players back fit and then keeping them
fit, and then we'll be OK but that's got to happen very quickly now. "The
lads I've picked have done very well and done a great job in terms of the
performances they've given but not the results that we needed."
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Nolan aiming for Happy New Year
WHUFC.com
West Ham United captain Kevin Nolan believes the club will enjoy a
successful and positive 2013
31.12.2012
Kevin Nolan says West Ham United will show grit and determination to start
picking up Barclays Premier League points again during the second half of
the season. The Hammers captain admitted that, while everyone was
disappointed not to come away with anything from Reading on Saturday, the
aim is to move on and put things right. While Nolan himself will serve a
one-match ban in the New Year's Day visit of Norwich City, the skipper has
backed his team-mates to get the job done in his absence. "We know it was
not good enough from us on Saturday, but we are good enough to get back on
it," said the No4. "You look at the game and for Vaz [Ricardo Vaz Te], a
player of his quality you think [his late header] is in, but it just didn't
happen for us. It went the wrong side of the post, but it happens. "We are a
newly-promoted team. We have been great and made a really good start. We
have faltered a bit in recent weeks with losing a few, but some of those
were against top sides. I have to say this was one of the most disappointing
losses because, with no disrespect to Reading, we wanted to go there and
come away with at least a point. I think we did deserve that but, fair play
to them, they defended and saw it out until the end, so hats off to them.
"They didn't really have a lot of other chances that they created.Ginge's
[James Collins] unfortunate back pass led to their goal and it happens. We
are upset that we lost the game and the manner in which we lost it, but we
have to keep our heads up and have Norwich at home on New Year's Day and
have got to be looking to put the record straight there."
Nolan said the return of Vaz Te and more match action at the Madejski
Stadium for Jack Collison were huge positives for the side. With Andy
Carroll, Mohamed Diame and George McCartney also hoping to return early in
the New Year, the captain said West Ham would look to start 2013 as they
mean to go on.
"It was good to see Vaz back - he is really important for us and that was a
huge positive and hopefully in the next few weeks we will see more lads
back. That will certainly help us as we look to pick up points again, which
we are fully capable of doing."
A busy January schedule will see Sam Allardyce's men host Manchester United
in the FA Cup third round in between league matches with Norwich and at
Sunderland and Nolan said there is no time to rest. Although the Hammers
skipper will have to sit out Tuesday's match, he will be illustrating the
spirit in the squad by supporting his team-mates and says there is a strong
sense of belief. "You hear people say that this is a critical part of the
season. Look, every part of the season is critical and at the end of the
day, you can't for a minute take your foot off the gas in the Premier
League. "We are going through a little sticky patch but we are confident we
can carry on looking up and not down. You look over your shoulder of course,
but we have belief that we won't be dragged into that and, as I said, we are
confident we can start picking up points again. "This is what we are here
for, got promoted for - to be in the Premier League. All the hard work, grit
and determination, that is what we have to show in the next month now, to
show why we are here, and I am sure we will. "We have had a decent start and
I think if you had given us that at the start of the season, those points at
this stage, we would have taken it. That is how we have to look at it, we
have to go for another 23 points and more in the next half of the season. It
will be tough, but we are more than capable of doing it."
As January begins, the speculation starts as to which players may come and
go from different clubs. Nolan said that, if there were to be any arrivals,
they would be a welcome boost, but it was also the case of the players
already here continuing to their jobs to keep the club in a good position.
"The Joint-Chairmen did some fantastic business in the last transfer window.
They supported Sam massively and there is nothing better than seeing a few
new faces coming into the training ground, so hopefully that might be the
case again. "But if not, we have the resources to work with, with the squad
we have. If we can keep everyone fit, then we can carry on what we have done
well already and to get into that top ten and finish in there."
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Vaz Te: I 'let the team down'
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 30th December 2012
By: Staff Writer
Ricardo Vaz Te held his hands up and admitted he should have scored late on
in yesterday's 1-0 defeat at Reading. The Portuguese forward, who made his
long-awaited return from injury as a second half substitute for Gary O'Neil
missed a glaring opportunity to level the scores after being set up by Matt
Jarvis.
The winger's deep cross found Vaz Te four yards from goal and unmarked at
the far post, but he could only nod the ball wide of its intended target
despite having the entire frame of the goal to aim at. "I'm just very
disappointed. I felt like I should have done better and I should have
scored. There was no excuse for that," he told whufc.tv. "I felt like I let
everybody down and I'm just going to try to do better next time. "It was a
great chance - the easiest chance I will ever have to score and I should
have put it in the back of the net. I'm obviously very disappointed so I'm
going to strive to do better next time. "I'm going to keep work and keep
improving and as my fitness picks up, I will surely do better. I was just
very disappointed to let the team down."
Despite making his comeback having finally recovered from the dislocated
shoulder that has kept him sidelined since the beginning of October, the
26-year-old admitted that he was far from fully fit - and is unlikely to
start against Norwich on New Year's Day. "I'm not sure I am ready to start
yet; I have only trained the past week and I didn't play any games before,"
he mused. "I played for 20 minutes at Reading and it was quite hard, so I'm
just going to keep training to get my fitness as quick as possible.
"Personally, I don't think I'm ready to start a game but if that's the
gaffer's choice I will always do my best."
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Ricardo Vaz Te accepts blame for West Ham's defeat at Reading
Last Updated: December 30, 2012 2:09pm
SSN
West Ham forward Ricardo Vaz Te has shouldered the blame for the 1-0 defeat
at Reading on Saturday. Pavel Pogrebnyak scored the only goal of the game
for the Royals in the fifth minute but Vaz Te missed a glorious chance to
equalise for the Hammers after being introduced from the bench with 23
minutes remaining. The 26-year-old, who was making his first appearance
since dislocating a shoulder against Arsenal on 6 October, headed Matt
Jarvis' cross wide of the post from just four yards out when completely
unmarked. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce later labelled it "the easiest chance
to score a goal you'll ever see in a Premier League football match". "I felt
like I should have done better and I should have scored, there was no excuse
for that," Vaz Te told West Ham's website. "I'm just very disappointed with
the result, especially after coming on and having a great chance to score.
"I'm just really disappointed I couldn't make it for the lads. I felt like I
let everybody down and I'm just going to try to do better next time. "I'm
going to keep working and keep improving and as my fitness picks up, I will
surely do better. "I'm not sure I am ready to start yet. I have only trained
the past week and I didn't play any games before. I played for 20 minutes at
Reading and it was quite hard, so I'm just going to keep training to get my
fitness as quick as possible. "I will do my best if the gaffer decides to
put me on. Personally, I don't think I'm ready to start a game but if that's
the gaffer's choice I will always do my best, like I said."
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Are These Our January Transfer Targets?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Sports Mail have published a peice suggesting that West Ham's January
transfer targets are: Givet from Blackburn Rovers, Kaolou from Lille and
Chamakh from Arsenal. Givet is in the final year of his contract at
Blackburn and could be available for a nominal fee. The French defender can
play both at centre half and full-back, so would bring a utility value to
the squad. While, it is thought that West Ham will seek to secure both Kalou
and Chamakh, from their respective clubs, on loan until the end of the
season, with possible permanent deals following in the summer. Kalou could
be a useful signing and would fit well in Sam Allardyce's preferred 4-3-3
system, having operated successfully in that type of formation at Chelsea.
While Chamakh has largely disappointed at Arsenal, but they do not
necessarily employ a formation that plays to the strikers strengths. Would
Chamakh prove a better fit at Allardyce's West Ham?
Elsewhere, Mirror Sport are suggesting that West Ham are targeting a move
for Blackburn Rover's former England international keeper, Paul Robinson.
Like Givet, Allardyce worked with Robinson previously at Blackburn and
apparently rates him highly. The Mirror article also suggests Allardyce is
looking to off-load Maiga in January. If that was true, why did we reject
the offer from Marsailles for a part-exchange deal, involving Remy? This
supposes, of course, that such an offer was actually made?
Based on these stories, which we should not accept uncritically, Givet and
Kalou could be good potential sigings. However, I am not totally convinced
that Chamakh is the proven goal scorer that we desperately need. He
previously had a good goal scoring record in France andit is a matter of
whether Allardyce could get the best out of him? The Anelka to West Ham
rumours continue to circulate and there is a suggestion that West Ham
officials have met with the player to discuss terms. Anelka is another
former player that Allardyce also rates highly, having worked productively
with him at Bolton.
Time will tell if these stories have any basis in fact.
SJ. Chandos.
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No Need to Hit the Panic Button Just Yet!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
The result against Reading was very disappointing. Collin's error gifted
Reading a 5th minute lead that they scarcely deserved. Indeed, apart from
that one event of note, the remainder of the first half was largely a
non-event. In the second half, we made changes and largely took control. A
pattern emerged of West Ham dominating possession and Reading putting nine
men behind the ball. And their attacking threat was largely restricted to
trying to hit us on the counter-attack. It was a strange half because it was
almost as if we were the home team. Unfortunately, for all our possession
and the creation of some decent chances, we were ultimately unable to
equalize.
That point blank miss by Vaz Te was certainly something to behold. It was
one of those situations where it was easier to score than miss! Vaz Te has
been out since October and the reactions are probably a bit rusty, but one
would think that a striker would have finished that chance purely from
memory! Still, what's done is done and we must hope that Vaz Te keeps his
post-match promise to make up for it in the next few matches. Both Maiga and
Collins also had good chances to score, but it was not to be on the day.
Indeed, on another day we would have won the match based on our second half
domination and chances created.
On the plus side, both Collison and Vaz Te made first team returns.
Collison, in particular, made a good impression, on his return, after being
out so long. Reid continued his, season long, excellent form at the back;
and Noble had a good game in the middle of the park. On the down side, both
Collins and Nolan are now suspended for the Norwich City match. So, it seems
that, we get two players back from injury, only to then lose two to
suspension. Yet, it will give James Tomkins the opportunity to return to his
proper position, at centre half, and renew his partnership with Reid.
Tomkins must take the chance with both hands and make himself first choice
for the remainder of the season. The absence of Nolan may well mean that Sam
Allardyce will change his formation against Norwich City. Perhaps he will
switch to a 4-4-2, with Collison-Noble-O'Neill-Jarvis across the middle and
Maiga partnering Cole up front? We shall see? But it is possible that the
suspensions of Collins and Nolan will force Allardyce's hand, to make
changes, and provide the shake up that we probably need?
I am sure that the more alarmist and sensationalist elements are frantically
hitting the panic buttons after Saturday's defeat. There is no doubt that
since the Chelsea victory we have experienced a minor dip in results. But if
you look at recent matches, we were extremely unlucky not to emerge with
points from the Liverpool and Everton home games. They were close games,
where fate intervened at crucial junctures, to contribute to narrow 2-3 and
1-2 defeats. As I feared pre-match, we played the 'fall guys' once again in
the Reading match, but our second half display would normally have earnt us
a share of the spoils. And this has occurred within the context of an injury
crisis that has seriously stretched the playing resources of our squad.
There was always going to hit a 'rough patch' at some point this season and
it could have been far worse, considering the series of tough matches in
this second phase of the season up to the New Year. Yet, we have taken 9
valuable points and, even though we have lost three of our last four
matches, we have remained competitive and the results have been close. If we
were getting battered 3-0 or 4-0 every match, it would be a different
matter, but that is not currently the case.
No, during a dip in results, it is crucial that the management and squad
buckle down and play their way out of it. Things are not critical yet, we
are on 23 points and in 12th position. Win a New Year's Day, against Norwich
City, and talk of a so-called 'crisis' will abate. Indeed, in this respect
the Norwich City game could be a pivotal fixture. Win and it will help us
get back on track and allay any anxiety amongst the supporters. Lose and
everyone will start looking nervously over their shoulder, fearing the
worst. That is not to say that there are not issues that need to be
addressed, particularly the need to strengthen key positions in the squad.
We must sign a minumum of a full-back, a forward and a striker and they must
be top quality players that significantly improve what we already have! In
particular, we ideally need a proven goal scorer, who can score 15-20 goals
a season; which is undoubtedly going to cost.
Do some good business in the January window and we can refocus and
re-vitalize our efforts in the second half of the season. But more
immediately, it is crucial that we take the three points on New Years Day
and it would be nice if the team went about the task with pace, passion and
commitment. Norwich City have hit form of late and they have some dangerous
players, but the game is winnable. We need to dominate from the first
whistle and serve up a morale boosting victory, especially for those feint
hearts amongst us! COYI !
Finally, there were reports in today's papers that QPR have submitted a
£3.5m bid for Mo Diame, to activate the alleged release clause in his
contract. Are the reports true? Who knows, at this stage, but I would think
that Diame would be most ill-advised to go there! There are alternative
reports circulating that West Ham are engaged in discussions with Diame
regarding a new, improved contract. Lets hope that the latter reports prove
to be true!
SJ. Chandos.
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Upton sparks: Big Sam looks to get Robinson IN and Maiga OUT
The Mirror
30 Dec 2012 22:30
Laurence Griffiths
Sam Allardyce will offer Paul Robinson an escape route from Blackburn in
January. West Ham boss Allardyce is tipped to bid for the former England
keeper as back-up for No.1 keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen. He is a big fan of
Robinson after working with him at Blackburn and hopes to take advantage of
the current turmoil at Ewood Park. Robinson, 33, has also interested LA
Galaxy and Fulham. But Allardyce is looking to off-load striker Modibo
Maiga, hit and miss since joining from Sochaux at the start of the season.
Marseille are keen to sign the Mali international.
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Hammer blow for Norwich as injuries hit
SUNDAY 30 DECEMBER 2012
The Independent
Norwich City face being without their two senior strikers and a key
midfielder as they attempt to end a losing run of three games at West Ham on
New Year's Day. Grant Holt, the captain, missed Saturday's 4-3 defeat by
Manchester City with a hamstring strain and his replacement in the 4-4-1-1
system, Steve Morison, limped off just before half-time. The young Tottenham
loanee Harry Kane came on for him, before Simeon Jackson appeared as an even
later substitute.
Chris Hughton, the Norwich manager, revealed he may have to do without both
Holt and Morison for the trip to Upton Park. The defensive midfielder
Bradley Johnson is suspended, and will be missing for the first time this
season.
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Hughton and Allardyce left to struggle with their numbers as mid-winter
aches and pains are matched by five yellows and match bans
Mon 31 Dec 12 by Rick Waghorn
City boss Chris Hughton readily admitted that his squad would be down to
some pretty bare bones for tomorrow's trip to West Ham United as a
combination of niggling injuries and suspensions took their toll. Bradley
Johnson's fifth yellow card – just 48-hours before the mid-season 'amnesty'
– ensures that the combative Canary midfielder will miss the trip to Upton
Park, while both skipper Grant Holt and Steve Morison have to be doubtful
with their hamstring and thigh complaints respectively. The eye-catching
nature of Jonny Howson's second-half performance against Manchester City on
Saturday should cover for Johnson's one-match ban; the bigger concern is up
top where minus Holt and Morison, Hughton will be left with little
alternative but to place his faith in 19-year-old Spurs youngster Harry
Kane. Wes Hoolahan, Alexander Tettey, Anthony Pilkington and Robert
Snodgrass all look set in stone team-wise; Simeon Jackson may well have to
wait his chance again on the bench. "We'll asses Steve afterwards," was
Hughton's immediate reaction to Morison's 44th minute exit.
"He just felt his thigh, so we'll have to see. And Grant [Holt] will be
touch and go. We'll just have to assess it over the next couple of games,
but hopefully we'll get Grant back." And if not? "If not then it's always an
opportunity for somebody else," Hughton told BBC Radio Norfolk.
And then there was Johnson, whose temper was not helped by Vincent Kompany's
4th minute challenge that via Edin Dzeko's subsequent second goal, set the
early foundation for Manchester City's 4-3 success. "It is a test of the
depth of our squad," the Canary chief admitted, as Norwich look to end a run
of three, straight festive defeats at West Ham. Had Johnson kept his nose
clean booking-wise for those 90 minutes then the slate would have been wiped
clean. As it was and once the yellow mist descended, so Norwich were left to
pay a one-match penalty. But Hughton was clearly loathe to break up such a
solid formula at the heart of his team – particularly with a character the
size of Holt already out of the running. "We knew that was a risk with Brad
[Johnson]. But it was a risk that we thought was worth taking today because
we knew that Grant [Holt] was missing as well, we were very keen to keep the
spine of the team. "But I thought when Jonny Howson came on he showed what a
good player he is."
The plus side, of course, is that the Canaries are not alone in having a few
headaches player-wise. Bookings for both James Collins and Kevin Nolan in
the Hammers' 1-0 away defeat at Reading on Saturday will find both joining
Norwich's Johnson on the sidelines.
Like Norwich, Sam Allardyce's troops have been somewhat becalmed of late;
they too will be looking to return to winning ways after the earlier home
defeat by Everton. They have also picked up some big injuries – John Ruddy's
three-month absence for the Canaries being matched by that of Mohamed Diame
who tore his hamstring in the 3-2 home defeat by Liverpool at the start of
December.
"We shot ourselves in the foot from the early stages," bemoaned Allardyce
afterwards, as Pavel Pogrebnyak's early strike proved decisive. "James
Collins has been solid for us this season but he made a basic error and they
took full advantage. The Hammers, he said, needed to pick up a result.
Sooner rather than later, ideally, as the drop zone just started to beckon.
Like the Canaries, a little bit of clear blue water is what Allardyce wants
between the Hammers and the Villas, the Sunderlands, the Wigans and the
Readings down below. QPR look doomed – whatever the ever-confident Harry
Redknapp may claim.
"We are slipping back down that way now and that is going to put pressure on
us," Allardyce told the BBC. "We are bitterly disappointed not to come away
with a point and now we are without James (Collins) and Kevin (Nolan)
through suspension for an important game against Norwich."
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Hammers eye move for Rovers defender Givet and wants strikers Kalou and
Chamakh
By SIMON JONES
PUBLISHED: 22:45, 30 December 2012 | UPDATED: 22:45, 30 December 2012
Daily Mail
West Ham are weighing up a move for Blackburn Rovers French defender Gael
Givet, 31, who is out of contract in the summer. Manager Sam Allardyce
remains keen on a loan for Lille forward Salomon Kalou and Arsenal striker
Marouane Chamakh. Leeds will compete with Norwich City for Brighton striker
Craig Mackail-Smith. Swansea are hopeful of signing Bristol City winger
Albert Adomah for £3m. Sheffield United manager Danny Wilson is talking
terms with Motherwell winger Jamie Murphy after agreeing a £100,000 fee.
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Allardyce slams 'unprofessional' Nolan and Collins after they pick up fifth
yellow cards in Reading defeat
By SAM CUNNINGHAM
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 30 December 2012 | UPDATED: 22:38, 30 December 2012
Daily Mail
Sam Allardyce blasted two of his key players who picked up yellow cards
against Reading that will force them to miss their New Year's Day match with
Norwich. Captain Kevin Nolan and defender James Collins have been at the
heart of West Ham's season but will miss their match against Norwich on
Tuesday as they serve a one-match suspension for picking up five yellow
cards. If they had not been booked on Saturday the suspension threshold
would been have extended to 10 yellow cards.
The Hammers have struggled with injuries this season and only two weeks ago
they could not name a full list of substitutes against West Brom. Nolan was
booked with 10 minutes to play for a late challenge on Hal Robson-Kanu who
was breaking away inside his own half and Collins's yellow was for a late
challenge on Pavel Pogrebnyak – both needless tackles. And manager Allardyce
branded the two players 'unprofessional' for picking up a fifth booking this
season so close to the deadline. The 58-year-old said: 'Suddenly Norwich
becomes a test of nerve – we are now in our worst run of results this
season, and the unprofessionalism of players, due to frustration, means we
are now without our captain and James Collins on New Year's Day through
suspension. 'Losing the game was hard enough, but to lose two key players in
the last game of the suspension period makes it even worse. If they had got
booked on Tuesday, there's no suspension, but they go and get booked at
Reading and now we have to make do without them.' The yellow card compounded
a particularly bad afternoon for Collins. The centre back was one of West
Ham's best players in reducing Reading to a single shot on target – but it
was his glaring mistake that handed them that chance that resulted in the
winner. On five minutes Collins played a woefully short pass back to Jussi
Jaaskelainen and Pogrebnyak ran on to the ball and finished one-on-one with
the goalkeeper.
The result was only Reading's second win in the league this season against a
team they came up with from the Championship. West Ham are now only six
points clear of the relegation zone following a run of one win in eight
matches. They have lost five of their last seven games and Allardyce
admitted they are starting to worry about Premier League survival. But his
captain Nolan insisted that during the previous four seasons no-one outside
of the top four are safe in the Barclays Premier League until close to the
end of the campaign. The 30-year-old said: 'In the Premier League no matter
where you are unless it's two games to go and you're in the top 10 you don't
not look behind you.
'I think if you can include Everton [and Arsenal] with the top four all the
rest of the teams could be around [the relegation place], a few losses and
you're all dragged back into it. 'It's just the way it is, the way the
league has been the last three or four years.' He added: 'We're on 23
points, it's been a decent start, if you'd offered us that at the beginning
of the season we would've taken it. That's how we've got to look at it.
'We've got to go for another 23 points and plus that for the next half of
the season which is going to be tough but we're more than capable of doing
it.'
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, December 31
Sunday, December 30
Daily WHUFC News - 30th December 2012
'I should have scored'
WHUFC.com
Ricardo Vaz Te has apologised after missing a gilt-edged chance in
Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Reading
30.12.2012
For Ricardo Vaz Te, returning to action after ten weeks out with a
dislocated shoulder - two weeks ahead of schedule - should have been a day
full of positives.
Instead, the popular No12 was almost inconsolable after his second-half miss
saw West Ham United fall to a 1-0 Barclays Premier League defeat at Reading.
While he clearly did not intend to head Matt Jarvis's late cross wide from
six yards, the winger felt the need to apologise to Sam Allardyce, his
team-mates and West Ham United supporters for passing up the opportunity to
net a deserved equaliser. "I'm just very disappointed with the result,
especially after coming on and having a great chance to score," he told West
Ham TV. "I felt like I should have done better and I should have scored.
There was no excuse for that. "I'm just really disappointed I couldn't make
it for the lads, really. I felt like I let everybody down and I'm just going
to try to do better next time. I'm glad to be back and I want to regain my
place again."
Even when he was reminded that every associated with the club would not
blame him for heading his chance wide, Vaz Te felt his miss overshadowed the
positive impact he made on the game on his return. "I know you can look at
that, but I know that alone is not good enough. It was a great chance - the
easiest chance I will ever have to score and I should have put it in the
back of the net. "I'm obviously very disappointed so I'm going to strive to
do better next time. I'm going to keep work and keep improving and as my
fitness picks up, I will surely do better. "I was just very disappointed to
let the team down."
Having not played any reserve-team football before his return to first-team
action at the Madejski Stadium, it is unlikely Vaz Te will be thrown into
the starting XI against Norwich City on New Year's Day. However, the
Portuguese said he is desperate to contribute if required. "I'm not sure I
am ready to start yet. I have only trained the past week and I didn't play
any games before. I played for 20 minutes at Reading and it was quite hard,
so I'm just going to keep training to get my fitness as quick as possible.
"I will do my best if the gaffer decides to put me on. Personally, I don't
think I'm ready to start a game but if that's the gaffer's choice I will
always do my best, like I said."
Whether he features or not against the Canaries, Vaz Te believes West Ham
can take heart from their second-half showing at Reading going into their
New Year's Day fixture. "We started out sloppy but the second half was much
better. As the game went on, Reading got really tired and they opened up a
bit more and we got opportunities - we just failed to score. "They could
have gone in and we would be celebrating, but they didn't and we're left
disappointed."
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Big Sam laments Reading 'bloopers'
WHUFC.com
Manager Sam Allardyce admitted a poor backpass and a missed chance had cost
West Ham United dear
29.12.2012
Sam Allardyce admitted his West Ham United team had been their own worst
enemies in Saturday's 1-0 Barclays Premier League defeat at Reading.
Speaking to West Ham TV in typically honest fashion, the manager said the
Hammers gifted the Royals three points. First, James Collins played in Pavel
Pobregnyak with a short backpass that the Russian finished expertly past
Jussi Jaaskelainen for the game's opening goal. Then, with time running out,
the returning Ricardo Vaz Te inexplicably headed Matt Jarvis's cross past
the post when it seemed easier to score. "The phrase 'Bogey team' is right
for Reading because no matter what we do or when we seem to play them, we
cannot get a result out of the game," said Big Sam, who also saw his side
beaten twice by Reading in the npower Championship last season. "Obviously,
when you look at Saturday's game and the two bloopers we made - one to gift
them the first goal and the other when Vaz missed the easiest chance I've
seen in a Premier League match for about ten years - I still cannot believe
it now. "That chance was what we had waited patiently for after dominating
the second half completely. It was the right opportunity to break down
Reading's stubborn defence with eight, nine or ten men behind the ball. It
came and it went and we should have scored. "We might well have gone on to
win the game had we scored that but I think we'd have got a point on the
balance of play but we didn't and we paid a heavy price for those two
mistakes."
Sadly for Collins, it is not the first time a mis-hit backpass has cost the
Hammers dear this season. The No19 also left the ball short at Swansea City
in August, allowing Michu to open the scoring in a 3-0 defeat at the Liberty
Stadium. "You can't legislate for it because you don't expect that sort of
thing to happen. When a player makes one mistake like that in a season, it's
generally only the only one and you don't see it again, but that's two
because James made the same sort of mistake at Swansea early doors. "We
haven't seen anything like that since but, lo and behold, it lifted up
Reading. They haven't earned their goal - we gifted it to them. Then it was
a slow recovery from us until the second half, when we started applying the
sort of pressure that we should have done more of in the first half. "We
waited for the golden chance and the golden chance came and we missed it so
we got no points."
Vaz Te's glaring miss aside, both he and fellow substitute Jack Collison
gave West Ham added impetus and energy in the final third, with the latter
also working Royals goalkeeper Adam Federici with a fierce low drive.
However, the manager lamented the lack of options he has had available in a
run of one victory in eight Barclays Premier League matches. And Big Sam's
frustration was compounded by Kevin Nolan and Collins receiving yellow cards
that sees them suspended from the New Year's Day visit of Norwich City. "Vaz
did well and Jack made some really good runs. Everyone talks about our
injuries being an excuse but they are a fact of life. Injured players not
being able to play cost you an awful lot and it has cost us an awful lot in
results terms - not so much our performances because they have been
relatively good - because we haven't had enough players to select from like
the other teams. "We're now in a position of our worst run of results this
season and then the unprofessionalism of our players, due to frustration,
means our skipper gets booked and James Collins gets booked [and are now
suspended for Tuesday]. "Losing the game was hard enough but to lose these
two players for the next game in the last game of the suspension period
[made it even worse]. If they get booked on Tuesday there is no suspension,
but they went and got themselves booked at Reading. "It's tough going for us
at the minute so we have dig in, become a bit more resilient and show a bit
more quality in the final third and make sure we try to win and get three
points as quickly as possible."
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Reading 1 West Ham 0
29 December 2012
By Nabil Hassan
BBC Sport
Reading earned only their second Premier League win of the season as Pavel
Pogrebnyak's fifth-minute goal secured a vital win over West Ham. Pogrebnyak
latched onto a poor backpass from Hammers defender James Collins, before
beating Jussi Jaaskelainen. Adam Federici tipped Collins's header over while
Jem Karacan's shot was pushed onto the bar by Jaaskelainen. Substitute
Ricardo Vaz Te nodded wide from three yards as the hosts held on to move
within five points of safety. "It was a gruelling battle and one Reading
just had to win with Pavel Pogrebnyak's fifth-minute goal proving decisive"
The result means the Royals remain a place above bottom side QPR on 13
points, with Southampton (17 points) and Aston Villa (18) above them.
Reading beat West Ham twice last season in the Championship and they made a
flying start to the game, Pogrebnyak giving them the lead after just five
minutes. Collins under hit a backpass to goalkeeper Jaaskelainen and the
Russian intercepted the ball, slotting home beautifully for the opener. The
goal settled Reading, who dominated midfield in the opening stages with
Jimmy Kebe on the right wing their best outlet. West Ham slowly started to
come into the game, threatening with crosses from wider positions, and
Collins almost made amends for his earlier mistake with a close-range header
that was superbly tipped over the bar by Federici.
Nolan also tested the Australian keeper with a curling effort from the edge
of the area, while Reading needed several late tackles from central defender
Alex Pearce to keep West Ham at bay. It was a half low on quality and full
of poor challenges, with Mark Noble, Pogrebnyak and Collins all booked, and
another four yellow cards following in the second half. Carlton Cole had
West Ham's first chance after the break, heading Matt Jarvis's cross wide as
the visitors introduced Jack Collison for Matt Taylor to try to give them a
grip in midfield. Cole was involved again soon after, stamping on Chris
Gunter, with the Hammers forward lucky to escape punishment. As the rain
lashed down it became a gruelling battle, with Reading dropping deeper and
deeper as they looked to hold on.
Collison went close with a low strike that Federici did well to keep out at
full stretch, and Karacan crashed a shot against the crossbar from 18 yards.
Vaz Te made his return after 12 weeks out with a shoulder injury. And the
Portuguese had a great opportunity to level the game but headed wide when
unmarked three yards out.
Reading manager Brian McDermott told BBC Sport: "I'm very pleased. We were
very resilient today and we needed to be. We know what we have to do to get
results in this league and we move on now and look forward to our next game
against Spurs. "We had to deal with facing a very physical side and we have
kept another clean sheet. I didn't feel they had too many opportunities.
Pavel took his chance very well and we've also hit the bar. "A couple of
their players could have been sent off and you saw two teams desperate to
win out there."
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce told BBC Sport: "We shot ourselves in the
foot from the early stages. James Collins has been solid for us this season
but he made a basic error and they took full advantage. "Reading defended
deep and in numbers and Vaz Te has missed a glaring, glaring chance and two
errors mean we have not taken any points against them . "We are slipping
back down that way now and that is going to put pressure on us. We should
have undone our early error but Vaz has missed it. "We are bitterly
disappointed not to come away with a point and now we are without James
(Collins) and Kevin (Nolan) through suspension for an important game against
Norwich."
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Gold to open wallet for January sales
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 29th December 2012
By: Staff Writer
David Gold has confirmed that West Ham will be looking to boost their squad
in the forthcoming January transfer window. Speaking on the BBC's Football
Focus programme this lunchtime, the co-chairman confirmed that Sam Allardyce
would be given funds to spend during the month-long window in order to
address weaknesses in the squad which have been highlighted recently by a
string of injuries. "Sam would like another 20 players - as most managers
would!" joked Gold. "We've had injuries but we are beginning to see a number
of the players returning. "A couple of weeks ago when we only had six subs
on the bench it was like making a statement saying we are short of numbers -
and that is true. But all of a sudden two or three players comne back from
injury and you become a bit more comfortable. "Having said that, I'm sure
that we'll be bringing in some additional players."
One player clearly on Allardyce's radar is Nicolas Anelka, who vice chair
Karren Brady revealed in her weekly tabloid newspaper column that she met
earlier this week. "I saw the former Chelsea striker today," she said. "I'm
pleased to report that he is fit and well and relaxed in Dubai. Sam
Allardyce would like to bring him back to the UK, so let's see what
happens."
Whatever the outcome of the January window, Gold says he is happy with the
progress of the team - and Allardyce himself, whose current two-year
contract expires this coming summer. "We're pleased with Sam," he added.
"There was a concern by some West Ham fans at the very beginning; they felt
that Sam was a long ball man but I think he has proved them all wrong. "I
wanted to be top of the division but I'm realistic! If you had asked us at
the beginning of the season we'd have taken where we are right now.
"Certainly we'd have liked to have beaten Liverpool, we were winning that
game and were ahead against Arsenal so we've lost a few home games from
winning positions. But having said that, we've done very well and I think
most people are pleased with what we've achieved."
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Chairman David Gold hints Sam Allardyce will be handed new West Ham deal
Last Updated: December 29, 2012 10:10am
SSN
West Ham chairman David Gold has admitted that manager Sam Allardyce is
'highly likely' to remain at Upton Park. Reports had claimed that Allardyce
is facing an uncertain future as there are six months left on his current
contract and he is yet to start formal talks about a new deal. Allardyce has
expressed his desire to have a long reign at West Ham, who have made a solid
start to the season, and Gold has suggested he will be offered the chance to
stay at the helm.
"Its highly likely that Sam will be with us next season. He likes us we like
him. Thats a good basis for a on going relationship." Allardyce's squad has
been stretched thin by a string of injuries and he was disappointed to lose
Yossi Benayoun, who has returned to Chelsea after failing to make a big
impact during his loan spell. The Israeli midfielder has been struggling
with injuries and Allardyce intends to replace him with a new face during
the January transfer window.
"He's obviously not contributed the level of games that we thought he would
do," Allardyce said. "On that basis he's going to return to Chelsea which
frees up an opportunity for us to go out in the market to do a little bit
more. "Had he been involved more and played a bit more than he has we'd have
been only too delighted to continue the loan but because of the lack of
contribution he's gone back."
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Reading gain their second victory of the season at home to West Ham United
By @danielstorey85. Last Updated: December 29, 2012 11:09pm
SSN
Reading gained their second victory of the season after Pavel Pogrebnyak's
goal sealed a 1-0 win over visiting West Ham. Reading came into the game
with the worst winless run in the Premier League (eight games without
victory), and the game paired together the worst home defence against the
worst travelling attack.
Best of the Game
Man of the game - Pavel Pogrebnyak was full of energy, his strength in
holding up the ball crucial to every attack from his side
Mistake of the game - James Collins is not immune to the occasional
individual error, and his backpass after five minutes was woefully short
Goal of the game - Only one to choose from, but Pogrebnyak's finish showed
impressive calmness so early on in the piece
Save of the game - In a game of few chances, Adam Federici tipped over a
Winston Reid header during the first half
Miss of the match - Quite how Ricardo Vaz Te managed to miss the target with
his header from three yards he will only know
Talking point - Will Sam Allardyce be happy with side's break on Boxing Day,
or did it in fact hamper the Hammers? They looked off the pace and lacked
fluidity throughout the match
It was the hosts who took the lead after five minutes, Pogrebnyak
capitalising on a poor error from James Collins in defence, and the visitors
struggled to gain any fluidity in attacks, all too often losing the ball in
midfield. The second half followed the same pattern. West Ham did enjoy
spells of dominance, but their final ball and set-piece delivery continued
to hold them back. Their best chance fell to substitute Ricardo Vaz Te three
yards out, but he could only head wide. It merely summed up the day for the
Hammers. Sam Allardyce was able to call on Carlton Cole after his red card
against Everton was overturned, and the West Ham boss chose to operate a
4-5-1 formation, with Kevin Nolan operating behind Cole. Brian McDermott
chose to match his opposite number, with Pavel Pogrebnyak utilised as a lone
striker with Adam Le Fondre and Noel Hunt on the bench. It took just five
minutes for the home side to take the lead. Collins struggled to control a
high ball and compounded his error with an awful back pass to Jussi
Jaaskelainen. Pogrebnyak gratefull advanced on goal, and with the goalkeeper
venturing out, guided it home with his left foot.
It was, in truth, one of the only action points of a sloppy first half.
Pogrebnyak continued to be effective whilst Carlton Cole worked hard in his
lone role for the visitors, but both were left slightly isolated through a
lack of runners from midfield. Quite whether it was due to the prolonged
break after a postponed Boxing Day fixture or otherwise, Allardyce would
have been less than impressed by his side's first-half display. There were
mistakes and confusion in defence, and in midfield effort had led to little
end result. A header from Winston Reid tipped over the bar by Adam Federici
was the closest the Hammers came to equalising as half-time approached.
West Ham improved during the second half, but their final ball consistently
let them down, and too many set pieces hit the first man, a fact that will
frustrate their manager. It was Reading that had the first chance of the
half, with Pogrebnyak firing low into the bottom corner, only to see an
offside flag deny him, correctly so. As the game wore on, an element of
needle was introduced. With seven players booked in total, all too often
individuals reacted to challenges, causing unnecessary headaches for referee
Michael Oliver, who officiated the game admirably under considerable
pressure from both sets of players.
Halfway through the half and Reading again had the opportunity to increase
their lead, with Jem Karacan hitting the underside of the bar from the edge
of the area with Jaaskelainen beaten. Jimmy Kebe could only fire over from
the rebound.
For the last 20 minutes, however, West ham had all the pressure as the home
side seemed happy to sit on their valuable lead, and the Hammers should have
taken a point on 84 minutes. A cross was played high into the box where
substitute Vaz Te found himself completely unmarked just three yards out.
Inexplicably, he tried to be cute with the header and allowed it to slide
wide of the goal.
The game meandered to a close without any more chances amidst moments of
timewasting and tension, and Reading held on for just their second victory
of the season in the Premier League. They were not at their best, but were
not forced to be by a West Ham side that have now won just one in eight. Sam
Allardyce will be deeply disappointed in the way his side could not play
with a fluidity often seen when playing at home.
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Mistake and miss prove costly for West Ham boss Sam Allardyce at Reading
Last Updated: December 30, 2012 8:18am
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce pinpointed two crucial moments following his
side's 1-0 defeat at Reading. An early mistake from James Collins allowed
Pavel Pogrebnyakto net the fifth-minute winner for the Royals and substitute
Ricardo Vaz Te then wasted a glorious opportunity to equalise. "James
Collins makes a basic error, they take advantage of it then Vaz Te misses
the chance," said Allardyce. "He had the easiest chance to score a goal
you'll ever see in a Premier League football match and misses it - hence no
points. You make those types of mistakes, you can't expect to get anything
out of a game at this level.
"Once they got the goal they wouldn't want to come out and play. They wanted
to protect the goal we'd gifted them. The loss of the goal disrupted our
flow.
"I never thought I'd see James make that type of error again - he did it at
Swansea. "He has been one of our most consistent from that time but low and
behold he has a simple back-pass he misplaces and they take advantage of it.
"The lads should have got him out of the mire. We should've got at least a
point and then it wouldn't by lying as heavily on him as it is now. He's
distraught at the moment. He knows what that mistake has meant. He has to
get over it."
The defeat leaves West Ham six points above the relegation zone with
Allardyce now looking over his shoulder. He added: "We're beginning to look
down now for the first time this season. All of a sudden now, we're looking
a bit cautious and we don't want to get dragged in if we can help it."
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Queens Park Rangers have made an offer for West Ham midfielder Mohamed Diame
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo.
Last Updated: December 29, 2012 12:37pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands Queens Park Rangers have made an offer for West Ham
midfielder Mohamed Diame as they look to bolster their squad in the transfer
window. QPR boss Harry Redknapp is desperate to bring in new faces next
month as he looks to steer the club clear of relegation and he has made
Diame one of his top targets. Redknapp is ready to exploit Diame's release
clause in his West Ham contract which is thought to be £3.5million.
All-action midfielder Diame has been a revelation for West Ham since his
arrival on a free transfer from Wigan last summer. A number of clubs have
been keeping tabs on his progress at Upton Park, but QPR have made the first
move to try and sign him by triggering the release clause in his contract.
West Ham had moved to try and fend off the growing interest in Diame by
setting up talks aimed at taking out the release clause from his contract,
but as yet no agreement has been reached. Diame, who has been out of action
since picking up a hamstring injury in the defeat by Liverpool earlier this
month, is back in light training and is expected to be back playing in 10
days. Redknapp is now hoping to be given the green light to hold talks with
Diame as he sees him as the midfield powerhouse who can lead his side to
safety in the second half of the season.
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Gold: Mo no go
Published: 29th December 2012
The Sun
DAVID GOLD has denied QPR have made a bid for West Ham's Mohamed Diame.
Hoops boss Harry Redknapp is said to have triggered a £3.5million escape
clause in the 25-year-old midfielder's contract. But Irons co-chairman Gold
said: "I'm confident Mo will remain our player. There's been no offer."
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Big Sam has big sympathy
Published: 29th December 2012
The Sun
SAM ALLARDYCE says James Collins was left "distraught" after his costly
error. The Hammers defender gifted Reading's Pavel Pogrebnyak the chance to
score as the struggling Royals won 1-0. Manager Big Sam said: "I never
thought I'd see James make that sort of mistake again. "He made one at
Swansea earlier in the season and he's been one of our most consistent
players since then. The lads should have got James out of the mire. He's
distraught in the dressing room."
Allardyce was also angry over Ricardo Vaz Te's late miss with a free header.
Big Sam said: "Vaz Te misses a chance — the best and easiest chance to score
a goal you'll ever see in a Prem match. Hence no points."
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WEST HAM CONTACT BAN FOR SAM ALLARDYCE
Daily Star
30th December 2012 By Tony Stenson
WEST HAM boss Sam Allardyce has banned full contact training until his
injury crisis clears. He cannot risk losing any more players during the
festive period as he faces up to the prospect of being without first-team
players Carlton Cole, Andy Carroll, Mohamed Diame, Yossi Benayoun, Ricardo
Vaz Te and Guy Demel.
Allardyce said: "Medical staff are busier than us coaches at the moment. We
can't afford any more contact or any more injuries, so we can't even do any
training. "If we try to do any training and try to do any shape or build-up,
we will get contact between players and if you get contact between players,
you risk injury and we can't do that. "We haven't been able to even get out
on the field and do a bit of coaching at the moment."
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MANCHESTER UNITED FANS FURIOUS AT WEST HAM CUP TICKET CUTBACKS
Daily Star
Darren King
30th December 2012 By Carl Eldridge
FURIOUS Manchester United fans have slammed West Ham for reducing their
ticket allocation for the FA Cup Third Round tie at Upton Park. Red Devils
supporters have hit out at the Hammers after they cut the number of away
followers allowed to attend the mouth-watering clash by 762 to just under
5,000. And they are angry that West Ham officials will not explain why they
have slashed their entitlement ahead of Saturday's encounter. Irate United
follower Darren King, 44, said: "It's one thing refusing to give you what
you are entitled to by FA Cup rules but another not to tell you why. It's a
joke. We deserve answers and an openness on this issue. We are the lifeblood
of the game."
West Ham's safety advisory group – a committee made up of representatives
from West Ham, the emergency services and Newham Council – took the decision
on safety grounds. West Ham co-owner David Gold claims that police were
responsible for the allocation cut but a Met Police spokesman said: "I
cannot comment about what was discussed at the meeting."
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Gold likely to extend Allardyce's stay at Upton Park before contract runs
down in six months
By DAVID KENT
PUBLISHED: 18:01, 29 December 2012 | UPDATED: 18:01, 29 December 2012
Daily Mail
Sam Allardyce is likely to stay at West Ham after his contract expires in
six months' time, according to chairman David Gold. With such a short period
left on his current deal at Upton Park, there had been reports that
Allardyce was ready to leave the east London club with talks for a new deal
yet to commence. Allardyce, who guided the Hammers to promotion from the
npower Championship last season, has hit the ground running in the Premier
League after a steady start, and has said int he past that he wants to stay
at the helm for years to come. Gold has hinted that he is ready to offer the
former Bolton and Newcastle manager an extension. The co-owner said on his
official Twitter account: 'Its highly likely that Sam will be with us next
season. He likes us we like him. Thats a good basis for a on going
relationship. Dg' That relationship will be put to the test in the January
transfer window, as Allardyce is determined to draft in a replacement for
Yossi Benayoun, who will return to his parent club Chelsea after failing to
make the expected impact. Allardyce said: 'He's obviously not contributed
the level of games that we thought he would do.' 'On that basis he's going
to return to Chelsea which frees up an opportunity for us to go out in the
market to do a little bit more. 'Had he been involved more and played a bit
more than he has we'd have been only too delighted to continue the loan but
because of the lack of contribution he's gone back.'
Meanwhile, Allardyce wants more professional referees in the Barclays
Premier League to provide more competition for matches. He was upset with
the consistency shown by Anthony Taylor during his side's 2-1 defeat at home
to Everton last weekend where he saw both striker Carlton Cole and Toffees'
midfielder Darron Gibson dismissed. Both red cards have since been rescinded
but Allardyce, who also said he thinks tiredness can affect refereeing
decisions at this time of year, said the introduction of more trained
officials can improve the standard in England. 'There's not enough
referees,' he said. 'If there's more referees, there's more competition. If
there's more competition there's more competition for your game.'
Despite having two of his key decisions overturned at Upton Park, Taylor
will be the man in the middle for Liverpool's trip to QPR tomorrow and
Allardyce believes a referee sitting out for a week following a bad
performance would also help their development. He said: 'A referee hates not
refereeing on a Saturday. The biggest punishment for a referee is not to be
refereeing on a Saturday - like a player not to be playing. 'They love it.
They enjoy doing what they're doing. They're professional now and they're
full-time. But if we have more high quality numbers and more professional
referees, and you look at fatigue, which I think there's a problem now. 'I
don't think a referee can be rested or left out at the moment, and that's
one of the problems.' Allardyce watched his side lose this afternoon at the
Madejski Stadium, as Pavel Pogrebnyak scored the decisive goal for Reading.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Ricardo Vaz Te has apologised after missing a gilt-edged chance in
Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Reading
30.12.2012
For Ricardo Vaz Te, returning to action after ten weeks out with a
dislocated shoulder - two weeks ahead of schedule - should have been a day
full of positives.
Instead, the popular No12 was almost inconsolable after his second-half miss
saw West Ham United fall to a 1-0 Barclays Premier League defeat at Reading.
While he clearly did not intend to head Matt Jarvis's late cross wide from
six yards, the winger felt the need to apologise to Sam Allardyce, his
team-mates and West Ham United supporters for passing up the opportunity to
net a deserved equaliser. "I'm just very disappointed with the result,
especially after coming on and having a great chance to score," he told West
Ham TV. "I felt like I should have done better and I should have scored.
There was no excuse for that. "I'm just really disappointed I couldn't make
it for the lads, really. I felt like I let everybody down and I'm just going
to try to do better next time. I'm glad to be back and I want to regain my
place again."
Even when he was reminded that every associated with the club would not
blame him for heading his chance wide, Vaz Te felt his miss overshadowed the
positive impact he made on the game on his return. "I know you can look at
that, but I know that alone is not good enough. It was a great chance - the
easiest chance I will ever have to score and I should have put it in the
back of the net. "I'm obviously very disappointed so I'm going to strive to
do better next time. I'm going to keep work and keep improving and as my
fitness picks up, I will surely do better. "I was just very disappointed to
let the team down."
Having not played any reserve-team football before his return to first-team
action at the Madejski Stadium, it is unlikely Vaz Te will be thrown into
the starting XI against Norwich City on New Year's Day. However, the
Portuguese said he is desperate to contribute if required. "I'm not sure I
am ready to start yet. I have only trained the past week and I didn't play
any games before. I played for 20 minutes at Reading and it was quite hard,
so I'm just going to keep training to get my fitness as quick as possible.
"I will do my best if the gaffer decides to put me on. Personally, I don't
think I'm ready to start a game but if that's the gaffer's choice I will
always do my best, like I said."
Whether he features or not against the Canaries, Vaz Te believes West Ham
can take heart from their second-half showing at Reading going into their
New Year's Day fixture. "We started out sloppy but the second half was much
better. As the game went on, Reading got really tired and they opened up a
bit more and we got opportunities - we just failed to score. "They could
have gone in and we would be celebrating, but they didn't and we're left
disappointed."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam laments Reading 'bloopers'
WHUFC.com
Manager Sam Allardyce admitted a poor backpass and a missed chance had cost
West Ham United dear
29.12.2012
Sam Allardyce admitted his West Ham United team had been their own worst
enemies in Saturday's 1-0 Barclays Premier League defeat at Reading.
Speaking to West Ham TV in typically honest fashion, the manager said the
Hammers gifted the Royals three points. First, James Collins played in Pavel
Pobregnyak with a short backpass that the Russian finished expertly past
Jussi Jaaskelainen for the game's opening goal. Then, with time running out,
the returning Ricardo Vaz Te inexplicably headed Matt Jarvis's cross past
the post when it seemed easier to score. "The phrase 'Bogey team' is right
for Reading because no matter what we do or when we seem to play them, we
cannot get a result out of the game," said Big Sam, who also saw his side
beaten twice by Reading in the npower Championship last season. "Obviously,
when you look at Saturday's game and the two bloopers we made - one to gift
them the first goal and the other when Vaz missed the easiest chance I've
seen in a Premier League match for about ten years - I still cannot believe
it now. "That chance was what we had waited patiently for after dominating
the second half completely. It was the right opportunity to break down
Reading's stubborn defence with eight, nine or ten men behind the ball. It
came and it went and we should have scored. "We might well have gone on to
win the game had we scored that but I think we'd have got a point on the
balance of play but we didn't and we paid a heavy price for those two
mistakes."
Sadly for Collins, it is not the first time a mis-hit backpass has cost the
Hammers dear this season. The No19 also left the ball short at Swansea City
in August, allowing Michu to open the scoring in a 3-0 defeat at the Liberty
Stadium. "You can't legislate for it because you don't expect that sort of
thing to happen. When a player makes one mistake like that in a season, it's
generally only the only one and you don't see it again, but that's two
because James made the same sort of mistake at Swansea early doors. "We
haven't seen anything like that since but, lo and behold, it lifted up
Reading. They haven't earned their goal - we gifted it to them. Then it was
a slow recovery from us until the second half, when we started applying the
sort of pressure that we should have done more of in the first half. "We
waited for the golden chance and the golden chance came and we missed it so
we got no points."
Vaz Te's glaring miss aside, both he and fellow substitute Jack Collison
gave West Ham added impetus and energy in the final third, with the latter
also working Royals goalkeeper Adam Federici with a fierce low drive.
However, the manager lamented the lack of options he has had available in a
run of one victory in eight Barclays Premier League matches. And Big Sam's
frustration was compounded by Kevin Nolan and Collins receiving yellow cards
that sees them suspended from the New Year's Day visit of Norwich City. "Vaz
did well and Jack made some really good runs. Everyone talks about our
injuries being an excuse but they are a fact of life. Injured players not
being able to play cost you an awful lot and it has cost us an awful lot in
results terms - not so much our performances because they have been
relatively good - because we haven't had enough players to select from like
the other teams. "We're now in a position of our worst run of results this
season and then the unprofessionalism of our players, due to frustration,
means our skipper gets booked and James Collins gets booked [and are now
suspended for Tuesday]. "Losing the game was hard enough but to lose these
two players for the next game in the last game of the suspension period
[made it even worse]. If they get booked on Tuesday there is no suspension,
but they went and got themselves booked at Reading. "It's tough going for us
at the minute so we have dig in, become a bit more resilient and show a bit
more quality in the final third and make sure we try to win and get three
points as quickly as possible."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reading 1 West Ham 0
29 December 2012
By Nabil Hassan
BBC Sport
Reading earned only their second Premier League win of the season as Pavel
Pogrebnyak's fifth-minute goal secured a vital win over West Ham. Pogrebnyak
latched onto a poor backpass from Hammers defender James Collins, before
beating Jussi Jaaskelainen. Adam Federici tipped Collins's header over while
Jem Karacan's shot was pushed onto the bar by Jaaskelainen. Substitute
Ricardo Vaz Te nodded wide from three yards as the hosts held on to move
within five points of safety. "It was a gruelling battle and one Reading
just had to win with Pavel Pogrebnyak's fifth-minute goal proving decisive"
The result means the Royals remain a place above bottom side QPR on 13
points, with Southampton (17 points) and Aston Villa (18) above them.
Reading beat West Ham twice last season in the Championship and they made a
flying start to the game, Pogrebnyak giving them the lead after just five
minutes. Collins under hit a backpass to goalkeeper Jaaskelainen and the
Russian intercepted the ball, slotting home beautifully for the opener. The
goal settled Reading, who dominated midfield in the opening stages with
Jimmy Kebe on the right wing their best outlet. West Ham slowly started to
come into the game, threatening with crosses from wider positions, and
Collins almost made amends for his earlier mistake with a close-range header
that was superbly tipped over the bar by Federici.
Nolan also tested the Australian keeper with a curling effort from the edge
of the area, while Reading needed several late tackles from central defender
Alex Pearce to keep West Ham at bay. It was a half low on quality and full
of poor challenges, with Mark Noble, Pogrebnyak and Collins all booked, and
another four yellow cards following in the second half. Carlton Cole had
West Ham's first chance after the break, heading Matt Jarvis's cross wide as
the visitors introduced Jack Collison for Matt Taylor to try to give them a
grip in midfield. Cole was involved again soon after, stamping on Chris
Gunter, with the Hammers forward lucky to escape punishment. As the rain
lashed down it became a gruelling battle, with Reading dropping deeper and
deeper as they looked to hold on.
Collison went close with a low strike that Federici did well to keep out at
full stretch, and Karacan crashed a shot against the crossbar from 18 yards.
Vaz Te made his return after 12 weeks out with a shoulder injury. And the
Portuguese had a great opportunity to level the game but headed wide when
unmarked three yards out.
Reading manager Brian McDermott told BBC Sport: "I'm very pleased. We were
very resilient today and we needed to be. We know what we have to do to get
results in this league and we move on now and look forward to our next game
against Spurs. "We had to deal with facing a very physical side and we have
kept another clean sheet. I didn't feel they had too many opportunities.
Pavel took his chance very well and we've also hit the bar. "A couple of
their players could have been sent off and you saw two teams desperate to
win out there."
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce told BBC Sport: "We shot ourselves in the
foot from the early stages. James Collins has been solid for us this season
but he made a basic error and they took full advantage. "Reading defended
deep and in numbers and Vaz Te has missed a glaring, glaring chance and two
errors mean we have not taken any points against them . "We are slipping
back down that way now and that is going to put pressure on us. We should
have undone our early error but Vaz has missed it. "We are bitterly
disappointed not to come away with a point and now we are without James
(Collins) and Kevin (Nolan) through suspension for an important game against
Norwich."
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Gold to open wallet for January sales
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 29th December 2012
By: Staff Writer
David Gold has confirmed that West Ham will be looking to boost their squad
in the forthcoming January transfer window. Speaking on the BBC's Football
Focus programme this lunchtime, the co-chairman confirmed that Sam Allardyce
would be given funds to spend during the month-long window in order to
address weaknesses in the squad which have been highlighted recently by a
string of injuries. "Sam would like another 20 players - as most managers
would!" joked Gold. "We've had injuries but we are beginning to see a number
of the players returning. "A couple of weeks ago when we only had six subs
on the bench it was like making a statement saying we are short of numbers -
and that is true. But all of a sudden two or three players comne back from
injury and you become a bit more comfortable. "Having said that, I'm sure
that we'll be bringing in some additional players."
One player clearly on Allardyce's radar is Nicolas Anelka, who vice chair
Karren Brady revealed in her weekly tabloid newspaper column that she met
earlier this week. "I saw the former Chelsea striker today," she said. "I'm
pleased to report that he is fit and well and relaxed in Dubai. Sam
Allardyce would like to bring him back to the UK, so let's see what
happens."
Whatever the outcome of the January window, Gold says he is happy with the
progress of the team - and Allardyce himself, whose current two-year
contract expires this coming summer. "We're pleased with Sam," he added.
"There was a concern by some West Ham fans at the very beginning; they felt
that Sam was a long ball man but I think he has proved them all wrong. "I
wanted to be top of the division but I'm realistic! If you had asked us at
the beginning of the season we'd have taken where we are right now.
"Certainly we'd have liked to have beaten Liverpool, we were winning that
game and were ahead against Arsenal so we've lost a few home games from
winning positions. But having said that, we've done very well and I think
most people are pleased with what we've achieved."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chairman David Gold hints Sam Allardyce will be handed new West Ham deal
Last Updated: December 29, 2012 10:10am
SSN
West Ham chairman David Gold has admitted that manager Sam Allardyce is
'highly likely' to remain at Upton Park. Reports had claimed that Allardyce
is facing an uncertain future as there are six months left on his current
contract and he is yet to start formal talks about a new deal. Allardyce has
expressed his desire to have a long reign at West Ham, who have made a solid
start to the season, and Gold has suggested he will be offered the chance to
stay at the helm.
"Its highly likely that Sam will be with us next season. He likes us we like
him. Thats a good basis for a on going relationship." Allardyce's squad has
been stretched thin by a string of injuries and he was disappointed to lose
Yossi Benayoun, who has returned to Chelsea after failing to make a big
impact during his loan spell. The Israeli midfielder has been struggling
with injuries and Allardyce intends to replace him with a new face during
the January transfer window.
"He's obviously not contributed the level of games that we thought he would
do," Allardyce said. "On that basis he's going to return to Chelsea which
frees up an opportunity for us to go out in the market to do a little bit
more. "Had he been involved more and played a bit more than he has we'd have
been only too delighted to continue the loan but because of the lack of
contribution he's gone back."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reading gain their second victory of the season at home to West Ham United
By @danielstorey85. Last Updated: December 29, 2012 11:09pm
SSN
Reading gained their second victory of the season after Pavel Pogrebnyak's
goal sealed a 1-0 win over visiting West Ham. Reading came into the game
with the worst winless run in the Premier League (eight games without
victory), and the game paired together the worst home defence against the
worst travelling attack.
Best of the Game
Man of the game - Pavel Pogrebnyak was full of energy, his strength in
holding up the ball crucial to every attack from his side
Mistake of the game - James Collins is not immune to the occasional
individual error, and his backpass after five minutes was woefully short
Goal of the game - Only one to choose from, but Pogrebnyak's finish showed
impressive calmness so early on in the piece
Save of the game - In a game of few chances, Adam Federici tipped over a
Winston Reid header during the first half
Miss of the match - Quite how Ricardo Vaz Te managed to miss the target with
his header from three yards he will only know
Talking point - Will Sam Allardyce be happy with side's break on Boxing Day,
or did it in fact hamper the Hammers? They looked off the pace and lacked
fluidity throughout the match
It was the hosts who took the lead after five minutes, Pogrebnyak
capitalising on a poor error from James Collins in defence, and the visitors
struggled to gain any fluidity in attacks, all too often losing the ball in
midfield. The second half followed the same pattern. West Ham did enjoy
spells of dominance, but their final ball and set-piece delivery continued
to hold them back. Their best chance fell to substitute Ricardo Vaz Te three
yards out, but he could only head wide. It merely summed up the day for the
Hammers. Sam Allardyce was able to call on Carlton Cole after his red card
against Everton was overturned, and the West Ham boss chose to operate a
4-5-1 formation, with Kevin Nolan operating behind Cole. Brian McDermott
chose to match his opposite number, with Pavel Pogrebnyak utilised as a lone
striker with Adam Le Fondre and Noel Hunt on the bench. It took just five
minutes for the home side to take the lead. Collins struggled to control a
high ball and compounded his error with an awful back pass to Jussi
Jaaskelainen. Pogrebnyak gratefull advanced on goal, and with the goalkeeper
venturing out, guided it home with his left foot.
It was, in truth, one of the only action points of a sloppy first half.
Pogrebnyak continued to be effective whilst Carlton Cole worked hard in his
lone role for the visitors, but both were left slightly isolated through a
lack of runners from midfield. Quite whether it was due to the prolonged
break after a postponed Boxing Day fixture or otherwise, Allardyce would
have been less than impressed by his side's first-half display. There were
mistakes and confusion in defence, and in midfield effort had led to little
end result. A header from Winston Reid tipped over the bar by Adam Federici
was the closest the Hammers came to equalising as half-time approached.
West Ham improved during the second half, but their final ball consistently
let them down, and too many set pieces hit the first man, a fact that will
frustrate their manager. It was Reading that had the first chance of the
half, with Pogrebnyak firing low into the bottom corner, only to see an
offside flag deny him, correctly so. As the game wore on, an element of
needle was introduced. With seven players booked in total, all too often
individuals reacted to challenges, causing unnecessary headaches for referee
Michael Oliver, who officiated the game admirably under considerable
pressure from both sets of players.
Halfway through the half and Reading again had the opportunity to increase
their lead, with Jem Karacan hitting the underside of the bar from the edge
of the area with Jaaskelainen beaten. Jimmy Kebe could only fire over from
the rebound.
For the last 20 minutes, however, West ham had all the pressure as the home
side seemed happy to sit on their valuable lead, and the Hammers should have
taken a point on 84 minutes. A cross was played high into the box where
substitute Vaz Te found himself completely unmarked just three yards out.
Inexplicably, he tried to be cute with the header and allowed it to slide
wide of the goal.
The game meandered to a close without any more chances amidst moments of
timewasting and tension, and Reading held on for just their second victory
of the season in the Premier League. They were not at their best, but were
not forced to be by a West Ham side that have now won just one in eight. Sam
Allardyce will be deeply disappointed in the way his side could not play
with a fluidity often seen when playing at home.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mistake and miss prove costly for West Ham boss Sam Allardyce at Reading
Last Updated: December 30, 2012 8:18am
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce pinpointed two crucial moments following his
side's 1-0 defeat at Reading. An early mistake from James Collins allowed
Pavel Pogrebnyakto net the fifth-minute winner for the Royals and substitute
Ricardo Vaz Te then wasted a glorious opportunity to equalise. "James
Collins makes a basic error, they take advantage of it then Vaz Te misses
the chance," said Allardyce. "He had the easiest chance to score a goal
you'll ever see in a Premier League football match and misses it - hence no
points. You make those types of mistakes, you can't expect to get anything
out of a game at this level.
"Once they got the goal they wouldn't want to come out and play. They wanted
to protect the goal we'd gifted them. The loss of the goal disrupted our
flow.
"I never thought I'd see James make that type of error again - he did it at
Swansea. "He has been one of our most consistent from that time but low and
behold he has a simple back-pass he misplaces and they take advantage of it.
"The lads should have got him out of the mire. We should've got at least a
point and then it wouldn't by lying as heavily on him as it is now. He's
distraught at the moment. He knows what that mistake has meant. He has to
get over it."
The defeat leaves West Ham six points above the relegation zone with
Allardyce now looking over his shoulder. He added: "We're beginning to look
down now for the first time this season. All of a sudden now, we're looking
a bit cautious and we don't want to get dragged in if we can help it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Queens Park Rangers have made an offer for West Ham midfielder Mohamed Diame
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo.
Last Updated: December 29, 2012 12:37pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands Queens Park Rangers have made an offer for West Ham
midfielder Mohamed Diame as they look to bolster their squad in the transfer
window. QPR boss Harry Redknapp is desperate to bring in new faces next
month as he looks to steer the club clear of relegation and he has made
Diame one of his top targets. Redknapp is ready to exploit Diame's release
clause in his West Ham contract which is thought to be £3.5million.
All-action midfielder Diame has been a revelation for West Ham since his
arrival on a free transfer from Wigan last summer. A number of clubs have
been keeping tabs on his progress at Upton Park, but QPR have made the first
move to try and sign him by triggering the release clause in his contract.
West Ham had moved to try and fend off the growing interest in Diame by
setting up talks aimed at taking out the release clause from his contract,
but as yet no agreement has been reached. Diame, who has been out of action
since picking up a hamstring injury in the defeat by Liverpool earlier this
month, is back in light training and is expected to be back playing in 10
days. Redknapp is now hoping to be given the green light to hold talks with
Diame as he sees him as the midfield powerhouse who can lead his side to
safety in the second half of the season.
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Gold: Mo no go
Published: 29th December 2012
The Sun
DAVID GOLD has denied QPR have made a bid for West Ham's Mohamed Diame.
Hoops boss Harry Redknapp is said to have triggered a £3.5million escape
clause in the 25-year-old midfielder's contract. But Irons co-chairman Gold
said: "I'm confident Mo will remain our player. There's been no offer."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam has big sympathy
Published: 29th December 2012
The Sun
SAM ALLARDYCE says James Collins was left "distraught" after his costly
error. The Hammers defender gifted Reading's Pavel Pogrebnyak the chance to
score as the struggling Royals won 1-0. Manager Big Sam said: "I never
thought I'd see James make that sort of mistake again. "He made one at
Swansea earlier in the season and he's been one of our most consistent
players since then. The lads should have got James out of the mire. He's
distraught in the dressing room."
Allardyce was also angry over Ricardo Vaz Te's late miss with a free header.
Big Sam said: "Vaz Te misses a chance — the best and easiest chance to score
a goal you'll ever see in a Prem match. Hence no points."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM CONTACT BAN FOR SAM ALLARDYCE
Daily Star
30th December 2012 By Tony Stenson
WEST HAM boss Sam Allardyce has banned full contact training until his
injury crisis clears. He cannot risk losing any more players during the
festive period as he faces up to the prospect of being without first-team
players Carlton Cole, Andy Carroll, Mohamed Diame, Yossi Benayoun, Ricardo
Vaz Te and Guy Demel.
Allardyce said: "Medical staff are busier than us coaches at the moment. We
can't afford any more contact or any more injuries, so we can't even do any
training. "If we try to do any training and try to do any shape or build-up,
we will get contact between players and if you get contact between players,
you risk injury and we can't do that. "We haven't been able to even get out
on the field and do a bit of coaching at the moment."
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MANCHESTER UNITED FANS FURIOUS AT WEST HAM CUP TICKET CUTBACKS
Daily Star
Darren King
30th December 2012 By Carl Eldridge
FURIOUS Manchester United fans have slammed West Ham for reducing their
ticket allocation for the FA Cup Third Round tie at Upton Park. Red Devils
supporters have hit out at the Hammers after they cut the number of away
followers allowed to attend the mouth-watering clash by 762 to just under
5,000. And they are angry that West Ham officials will not explain why they
have slashed their entitlement ahead of Saturday's encounter. Irate United
follower Darren King, 44, said: "It's one thing refusing to give you what
you are entitled to by FA Cup rules but another not to tell you why. It's a
joke. We deserve answers and an openness on this issue. We are the lifeblood
of the game."
West Ham's safety advisory group – a committee made up of representatives
from West Ham, the emergency services and Newham Council – took the decision
on safety grounds. West Ham co-owner David Gold claims that police were
responsible for the allocation cut but a Met Police spokesman said: "I
cannot comment about what was discussed at the meeting."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold likely to extend Allardyce's stay at Upton Park before contract runs
down in six months
By DAVID KENT
PUBLISHED: 18:01, 29 December 2012 | UPDATED: 18:01, 29 December 2012
Daily Mail
Sam Allardyce is likely to stay at West Ham after his contract expires in
six months' time, according to chairman David Gold. With such a short period
left on his current deal at Upton Park, there had been reports that
Allardyce was ready to leave the east London club with talks for a new deal
yet to commence. Allardyce, who guided the Hammers to promotion from the
npower Championship last season, has hit the ground running in the Premier
League after a steady start, and has said int he past that he wants to stay
at the helm for years to come. Gold has hinted that he is ready to offer the
former Bolton and Newcastle manager an extension. The co-owner said on his
official Twitter account: 'Its highly likely that Sam will be with us next
season. He likes us we like him. Thats a good basis for a on going
relationship. Dg' That relationship will be put to the test in the January
transfer window, as Allardyce is determined to draft in a replacement for
Yossi Benayoun, who will return to his parent club Chelsea after failing to
make the expected impact. Allardyce said: 'He's obviously not contributed
the level of games that we thought he would do.' 'On that basis he's going
to return to Chelsea which frees up an opportunity for us to go out in the
market to do a little bit more. 'Had he been involved more and played a bit
more than he has we'd have been only too delighted to continue the loan but
because of the lack of contribution he's gone back.'
Meanwhile, Allardyce wants more professional referees in the Barclays
Premier League to provide more competition for matches. He was upset with
the consistency shown by Anthony Taylor during his side's 2-1 defeat at home
to Everton last weekend where he saw both striker Carlton Cole and Toffees'
midfielder Darron Gibson dismissed. Both red cards have since been rescinded
but Allardyce, who also said he thinks tiredness can affect refereeing
decisions at this time of year, said the introduction of more trained
officials can improve the standard in England. 'There's not enough
referees,' he said. 'If there's more referees, there's more competition. If
there's more competition there's more competition for your game.'
Despite having two of his key decisions overturned at Upton Park, Taylor
will be the man in the middle for Liverpool's trip to QPR tomorrow and
Allardyce believes a referee sitting out for a week following a bad
performance would also help their development. He said: 'A referee hates not
refereeing on a Saturday. The biggest punishment for a referee is not to be
refereeing on a Saturday - like a player not to be playing. 'They love it.
They enjoy doing what they're doing. They're professional now and they're
full-time. But if we have more high quality numbers and more professional
referees, and you look at fatigue, which I think there's a problem now. 'I
don't think a referee can be rested or left out at the moment, and that's
one of the problems.' Allardyce watched his side lose this afternoon at the
Madejski Stadium, as Pavel Pogrebnyak scored the decisive goal for Reading.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, December 29
Daily WHUFC News - 29th December 2012
Reading match preview
WHUFC.com
All the stats, news and background information ahead of Saturday's match at Reading
28.12.2012
READING v WEST HAM UNITED
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
SATURDAY 29 DECEMBER 2012
KICK-OFF: 3PM
REFEREE: MICHAEL OLIVER
FULL AUDIO AND TEXT COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV
iPHONE APP I TWITTER I FACEBOOK I PODCAST
Introduction
• West Ham United go into Saturday afternoon's game against Reading following an extended break after their Boxing Day clash with Arsenal was called off due to industrial action on London Underground.
• The Hammers currently sit 12th in the Barclays Premier League on 23 points from 18 games. The Royals are 19th on ten points from 19 games, with just win to their name so far.
• West Ham United will be hoping to cast off the memories of last season, as Reading beat the Hammers on both occasions. The first meeting saw the Royals win 3-0 at home before they won 4-2 at the Boleyn Ground four months later.
• Despite Reading's vital wins, both sides went on to achieve promotion to the Barclays Premier League, Reading claimed top spot on 89 points and the Hammers were promoted via the Play-Offs.
• Last time out the Hammers suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Everton, when Carlton Cole was sent-off. The FA have since rescinded his red card so he is eligible to face the Royals.
• West Ham United have made only two errors leading to goals, with only Stoke having made fewer in the Premier League this season.
• West Ham United verses Reading is one of eight Barclays Premier League games taking place on 29 December. The others are as follows (3pm kick-off unless stated):
Sunderland v Tottenham (12.45pm)
Aston Villa v Wigan Athletic
Fulham v Swansea City
Manchester United v West Bromwich Albion
Norwich City v Manchester City
Stoke City v Southampton
Arsenal v Newcastle United (5.30pm)
Team News
West Ham United
• Jack Collison is pushing for his first start of the season after his late cameo against Everton. The Wales international has not started a game since the Play-Off final against Blackpool in May.
• Guy Demel should return to the matchday squad after recovering from the virus that kept him out of the Everton match. He could take the place of James Tomkins, who filled in at right-back last time out.
• Alou Diarra has also returned to full training after recovering from a thigh injury and will be hoping for just his second taste of Barclays Premier League action following four months out.
• Ricardo Vaz Te is inching ever-closer to a first-team return and it is hoped he will be ready to return to action in the New Year.
• Momo Diame will be missing after picking up a hamstring injury in the 3-2 loss to Liverpool. George McCartney will also be absent after picking up a knee injury in training, with no date yet set for his return.
• Andy Carroll (knee) is making good progress but is still some weeks from making a comeback.
Reading
• Alex McCarthy is out long-term after undergoing shoulder surgery.
• Jason Roberts is unlikely to feature after missing the last two games with a hip injury.
Background
• The clubs have met just eleven times in their history; Reading hold the edge with six wins to the Hammers' three in that time.
• The biggest win for either side came on 1 January 2007 when the Royals hit six past West Ham United with no reply. Brynjar Gunnarsson, Stephen Hunt,
Kevin Doyle and an Anton Ferdinand own goal gave the Royals a 4-0 lead at the break with Leroy Lita added a fifth before Doyle added his second and Reading's sixth in the second half.
• Reading have won five and lost just one of the last seven league meetings with West Ham.
• There have been three red cards in the last three games between the Royals and the Hammers. Collison and Joey O'Brien were both sent off in last season's match at the Madejski Stadium.
• Reading have conceded more goals than any other team in the Premier League this season (37).
• Jobi McAnuff, the Reading captain, played 14 games for the Hammers in the second half of the 2003/04 season.
• Reading Academy manager Eamonn Dolan is a former Hammers youth striker, who rose through the ranks to play 15 league games for the first team and scored three goals between 1985 and 1990
• Former Hammers manager Alan Pardew has been in charge at both clubs, taking the helm at the Royals in his first managerial role in 1999 and staying there until 2003, when he moved to West Ham United.
• The following players have worn the colours of both West Ham United and Reading during their careers - Tommy Allison, Ken Bainbridge, John Blackwood, Charles Cotton, William Davidson, Steve Death, Tommy Dixon, Jack Fletcher, Jack Flynn, Harry Gunning, Shaka Hislop, Jim Holmes, Sam Jennings, Thomas Kinsell, Herbert Lyon, Jobi McAnuff, Steve Mautone, Trevor Morley, Hayden Mullins, Geordie Reid, James Reid, Horace Ricketts, William Robson, Peter Simpson, Ron Tindall, Ernest Watts, Rod Williams, Alan Wooler and Len Young.
Last Time Out
Saturday 22 December 2012
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 1-2 Everton
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Reid, Tomkins, O'Brien (Spence 81), Collins, Nolan, Jarvis (Collison 88), Taylor, Noble, O'Neil (Maiga 58), Cole.
Subs not used: Spiegel, Diarra, Moncur, Lletget.
Goal: Cole 14.
Wednesday 26 December 2012
Barclays Premier League
Swansea City 0-0 Reading
Reading: Federici, Gunter, Pearce, Mariappa, Harte, Kracan, Leigertwood, McAnuff )Robson-Kanu61), Kebe, Guthrie, Pogrebnyak (Le Fondre 61).
Subs not used: Taylor, Morrison, Cummings, Tabb, Hunt.
Previous meeting
West Ham United 2-4 Reading
Reading moved four points clear of West Ham United in the Championship promotion chase with a crucial 4-2 win at the Boleyn Ground. Carlton Cole gave the home side an early lead but two goals in two minutes from Kaspars Gorks and Noel Hunt gave Reading the edge at half-time. Ian Harte made it 3-1 from the spot after the break before Ricardo Vaz Te's header reduced the deficit. Mikele Leigertwood sealed a precious three points for the away side with six minutes remaining. The teams that day were:
West Ham United: Green, McCartney, Tomkins, Faye, Faubert, Nolan, Taylor (Baldock 60), Noble (Collins 46), O'Neil, Cole (Maynard 72), Vaz Te.
Subs not used: Lansbury, Carew.
Reading: Federici, Pearce, Gorkss, Harte, Cummings, Karacan (Tabb 55), Leigertwood, McAnuff, Kebe (Afobe 82), Hunt, Roberts.
Subs not used: McCarthy, Robson-Kanu, Church.
Last six meetings
(Barclays Premier League unless stated)
31 March 2012 - West Ham United 2-4 Reading (Championship)
10 December 2011 - Reading 3-0 West Ham United (Championship)
26 December 2007 - West Ham United 1-1 Reading
1 September 2007 - Reading 0-3 West Ham United
1 January 2007 - Reading 6-0 West Ham United
1 October 2006 - West Ham United 0-1 Reading
All-time record v Reading: W3 D2 L6
Ten-year records
West Ham United
2011/12 Championship 3rd (86 points - promoted via Play-Offs)
2010/11 Premier League 20th (relegated to Championship)
2009/10 Premier League 17th
2008/09 Premier League 9th
2007/08 Premier League 10th
2006/07 Premier League 15th
2005/06 Premier League 9th
2004/05 Championship 6th (promoted to Premier League via Play-Offs)
2003/04 Division One 4th
2002/03 Premier League 18th (relegated to Championship)
Reading
2011/12 Championship 1st (Promoted to Premier League)
2010/11 Championship 5th
2009/10 Championship 9th
2008/09 Championship 4th
2007/08 Premier League 18th (relegated to Championship)
2006/07 Premier League 8th
2005/06 Championship 1st (promoted to Premier League)
2004/05 Championship 7th
2003/04 Division One 9th
2002/03 Division One 4th
Referee
• Saturday's referee will be Michael Oliver.
• Oliver was introduced to refereeing by his father, Clive, at the age of 14. He quickly rose through the ranks and was promoted to the National List of referees in 2007.
• In 2007 he became the youngest referee to officiate at Wembley Stadium when he took charge of the 2007 Conference play-off final. He also went on to become the youngest fourth official for a Barclays Premier League match.
• The Oliver family enjoyed a referring double in 2009 when his father took charge of the 2009 League Two play-off final a day before he took charge of the League One play-off final.
• In August 2010 he was promoted to the Select Group of referees and soon became the youngest-ever Barclays Premier League referee when he took charge of Birmingham City v Blackburn Rovers on 21 August 2010.
• Oliver will be assisted by Simon Bennett and Mark Scholes, the fourth official will be Paul Tierney.
General Information
• For ticket information please click here. Please note all away tickets for the game have now SOLD OUT.
• Saturday's weather forecast is for a sunny day with maximum temperatures reaching 9C.
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Big Sam on: Reading
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce has previewed West Ham United's match with Reading on Saturday
28.12.2012
Sam Allardyce entertained the media on Friday morning ahead of Saturday's final game of 2012 against Reading. The manager was in fine form as usual, boosted by the news that Carlton Cole is available after his successful appeal against the red card he was shown against Everton last weekend. Last season's top scorer will therefore lead the line once more as the Hammers look to bounce back from the double defeat they suffered against Reading last season.
Sam, can you start off by letting us know the latest team news ahead of Saturday's game against Reading?
SA: "Ricardo Vaz Te has trained with the lads this week and obviously Jack Collison and Alou Diarra returned to the squad last week. I think the limited players we have had available has definitely had a bearing on the results we have picked up but not so much our performances. We go to Reading and then play on New Year's Day but the game against Arsenal was called off so I am hoping that our energy levels will be really good for what are two very important games."
Is there any update on when Andy Carroll will return to action?
SA: "We hope that Andy will return to training sometime next week. The biggest and the best news we have had this week is that Carlton Cole's red card was rescinded. It is obviously the correct decision but from our point of view it is crucial because of the limited players we have available right now."
Did you expect the FA to overturn Carlton Cole's red card?
SA: "I do not think I was surprised but I was anxious because what has looked like a good case in the past has sometimes resulted in the red card standing. Often people in the refereeing world agree that a decision should be overturned but then they are not. On this case we are very pleased to have Carlton return during a very difficult time of the year."
He also seemed very pleased with the decision judging by his comments on twitter?
SA: "Well he should be because he is playing very well, he is leading the line and he is the pinnacle of all our creative play. His hold up play is very good and he is scoring goals at the moment, the one he scored against Everton was particularly good. We are seeing the Carlton Cole that we all want to see consistently and hopefully he can keep it up because he is a major threat against opposition players. It is important that when he is playing like this that we have him in the team so hopefully like I said he can carry on in the same vein."
He showed so much promise as a youngster at Chelsea but do you still feel you can get more out of him?
SA: "I do not think that Carlton is going to change hugely anymore but I do believe he has been more consistent during my time here. He has been better than I expected purely because of the perception of what Carlton is and is not from the outside world. He has been somebody I have really enjoyed working with, all players have their faults but I have enjoyed his company, his personality and when he is on song, his footballing ability. The question around Carlton has always been has he done it consistently with the ability he has but now he is certainly doing it and long may it continue."
Are the games against the bottom three the biggest you face because I would imagine at the start of the season survival was the aim?
SA: "Of course, I think the ultimate target was to stay in the division but the real target is what is the best we can possibly achieve? That real aim would have been about tenth in the league, that was our top outcome if everything went in our favour, we did not get too many injuries and we did not have too many decisions go against us. I hear Brian (McDermott) complain bitterly about the decisions he has had to take on more than one occasion but whether he is right or wrong I do not know.
"I have certainly suffered that in previous times and years in football and they do make a lot of difference because they do not even themselves out over the course of a season. They can get managers the sack irrespective of what people say because they can happen at crucial times and on a consistent basis. It is not the only reason but it contributes because your team could also not be scoring enough and conceding too many."
West Ham United and Reading were both promoted to the Barclays Premier League last season, but do you believe it is harder to stay up this season compared
to when you were promoted with Bolton?
SA: "No, I think it is just the same. It is about your players, your beliefs and how you prepare your team. Then it is about external factors like the referee, the bounce of a ball and getting a little bit of luck. First and foremost you have to try and control what you can control, at the end of the day somebody has to win the title and somebody has to get relegated.
"What you have to do is make sure that you are away from the pressure pot, and the pressure pot is where Reading have been knocking about all season. It is a massive burden to carry especially at this point of the season because the players will not be very happy and they will be feeling extremely down. They will have come into this division excited but they are now facing the harsh realities week in week out and not getting results."
We have spoken before about Nicolas Anelka and the possibility of him joining the club in January. Is that a move that could potentially happen?
SA: "Nicolas is a player of great talent and great ability, I think that the one problem we would have is can we afford him. That would be the only thing blocking me from wanting to sign Nicolas Anelka."
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Noble aims to end 2012 with win
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble wants to finish a successful year for West Ham United with victory at Reading on Saturday
29.12.2012
Mark Noble is aiming is to finish a successful 2012 for West Ham United with a positive result at Reading on Saturday. The current year saw Hammers gain promotion via the npower Championship Play-Off's and take their place back in the Barclays Premier League, where they have enjoyed a solid first half of the season. While West Ham will be going all out to bring a good result back from the Madejski Stadium, Noble said he and his team-mates are aware that it will be tough clash with Brian McDermott's bottom-of-the-table side, who go into the game having picked up just one point from eight matches. "It has been a good year for us," confirmed Noble, who was crowned Hammer of the Year for the first time in April. "We got ourselves promoted, which was the main focus for all of us here at the club, so it would be nice to finish off 2012 with a win and start off as we hope to go on in the New Year. "It will be a difficult game at Reading. They might be at the bottom of the table at the moment, but that doesn't make it easier. They are at home and we know from last season what a hard place it is to play at. But we are in good spirits and confident that, if we play to our best, then we can get something."
Reading also had a successful 2012 by winning the npower Championship title and took maximum points off the Hammers in 2011/12 - facts the team are well aware of. "The Madejski Stadium is not an easy place to play. We were disappointed losing there last season. It was not a good day for us and they got us at home, as well, so we will be looking to try and put that right this time around if we can."
With the Boxing Day clash with Arsenal postponed due to industrial action on the London Underground, Noble said West Ham are more than ready for match action now after working hard on the training pitches at Chadwell Heath during the festive week. "It was a bit strange not to have a game on Boxing Day, as we are so used to playing on that day as a tradition. But we have been training hard, getting ourselves prepared and hopefully all the hard work will pay off and we can get a good result."
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Reading v West Ham
KO 15:00
28 December 2012
By John Motson
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Madejski Stadium Date: Saturday, 29 December
TEAM NEWS
Reading manager Brian McDermott has no new injury worries ahead of the visit of West Ham. Jason Roberts is nearing a return from a hip injury but this game could come too soon for the striker.
Striker Carlton Cole can play for injury-hit West Ham after his three-match ban was overturned on appeal. Cole was sent off for a challenge on Everton's Leighton Baines last weekend but the FA rescinded the red card on Thursday.
MATCH PREVIEW
The phrase "a must-win game" is often over-used but Saturday's fixture against West Ham really is one from which Reading need three points. The Royals did arrest a run of seven straight defeats with a draw against Swansea on Boxing Day but they would have hoped to have won that game - as it is, they remain marooned along with QPR in the relegation zone. Reading just cannot allow the gap between themselves and safety to grow any bigger, but if they are to turn things round, they need to start scoring goals. It's been a real problem for them this season, with Pavel Pogrebnyak having to plough a lone furrow up front in the last few games. Brian McDermott seemed happy with his team's display against Swansea so I don't visualise many changes - but he does have the likes of Adam Le Fondre and Noel Hunt up his sleeve if needs be.
Like Reading, West Ham came up out of the Championship last season but have had a different experience to the Berkshire club in the first half of this campaign, and have established themselves in a mid-table position. Sam Allardyce has a big injury list - he could only field six substitutes against West Brom earlier this month. However, he has had some good news in the build-up to this game with Carlton Cole's red card rescinded - correctly, in my opinion; I was at the game and felt a sending off was the wrong decision. The Hammers are already without Andy Carroll, and the absence of another natural striker or targetman like Cole would have prevented the team from playing the way they prefer. Allardyce's squad have also had the benefit of extra rest after their scheduled Boxing Day game against Arsenal was called off because of industrial action on the London Underground. But West Ham have struggled to score on the road this season, which should give Reading a glimmer of hope.
McDermott remains optimistic and positive that the Royals can turn things around but they need to start now - games like this are ones they have to win.
Saturday's Football Focus will come live from the Madejski Stadium (BBC One, 12.15pm).
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Reading did the double over West Ham in last season's Championship - there were nine goals over the two games, with Reading winning 4-2 at Upton Park, having won 3-0 at home, a match which West Ham finished with nine men after Joey O'Brien and Jack Collison were sent off.
Reading's 6-0 win in this fixture on New Year's Day 2007 remains their biggest Premier League victory.
Reading
Their 0-0 draw with Swansea on Boxing Day ended a run of seven straight defeats and was their first clean sheet since 10 November.
Reading have won just one of their nine home games this season, a 2-1 victory over Everton in November. That has been their only league win so far in 2012-13.
The Royals have failed to score in four of their last five league matches.
Only one team has ever avoided defeat from the Premier League after accruing 10 points or fewer after 19 matches - West Brom, who stayed up by a point in 2004-05.
West Ham
West Ham have won one of their last seven Premier League games (W1, D2, L4).
The Hammers have won just one of their last five away league matches. They have scored a mere five goals on the road this season, fewer than any other top-flight team.
Only four clubs (Stoke, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal) have conceded fewer goals than West Ham (22) in this season's Premier League.
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Reading v West Ham: Andy Carroll still missing for Hammers
By Tim Oscroft.
Last Updated: December 28, 2012 1:13pm
SSN
Reading will be aiming to build on the draw with Swansea that ended their losing streak, while West Ham are looking to a first win in four games. Reading prepare to host West Ham with a glimmer of hope from Boxing Day that may have partially lifted the midwinter gloom over the Madejski Stadium. The goalless draw with Swansea City may not linger long in the memory, but it ended a soul-destroying sequence of seven consecutive defeats for Brian McDermott's side.
With half the season gone, Royals' fans will hope that the point gleaned on Wednesday can kick-start a climb towards safety. Reading did the double over the Hammers last season and they must be looking to take all three points.
A Tube strike gave West Ham a day off on Boxing Day, and Sam Allardyce will be looking for a first win in four games against the Premier League's leakiest defence. Victory over Chelsea at the start of December raised hopes of a move up the table, but just one point from a possible nine since have seen the Hammers anchored firmly in mid-table. Carlton Cole will be available for the short trip to Berkshire, with the red card controversially shown to the striker against Everton having been subsequently rescinded. A swathe of injuries forced Allardyce to call a halt to full-contact training over the Christmas period for fear of losing any more players at such a busy time.
Reading
Last 6
0-0
1-0
2-5
3-0
1-0
3-4
Jason Roberts could be in contention after missing Reading's last four games with a hip injury. Sean Morrison's ankle forced the defender to miss the draw with Swansea on Boxing Day, while Alex McCarthy is a long-term absentee with a shoulder problem.
West Ham
Last 6
1-2
0-0
2-3
3-1
1-0
3-1
Andy Carroll is still out with a knee problem, while Ricardo Vaz Te has only recently returned to training after recovering from a dislocated shoulder. Yossi Benayoun has returned to parent club Chelsea with an injury, and Mohamed Diame remains sidelined because of a hamstring problem.
Reading v West Ham Opta facts
Reading have won five and lost just one of the last seven league meetings with West Ham
West Ham have scored just five away goals this season, fewer than any other side
Reading have conceded more goals than any other team in the Premier League this season
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Sam Allardyce says the Festive period is usually a bad time for referees
Last Updated: December 28, 2012 1:34pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce believes 'fatigue' is often the reason why Premier League referees make the wrong decision. The West Ham manager made his comments following the decision by the FA to rescind the red cards shown to his own striker Carlton Cole and Everton's Darron Gibson at Upton Park last week. Allardyce believes there should be a larger pool of referees to cope with a congested fixture schedule over Christmas and New Year and believes tiredness can lead to officials making the wrong call. He said: "This is a difficult period for referees. Why do they always seem to make more wrong decisions now? "It's probably because they are overworked and they are fatigued and the system has to be looked at. "Referees are travelling all over the country and out in Europe and have been since the start of the season. "There's not enough of them. They try their very best to get things consistently right. But it happens every year around this time of year. "We had a couple in our last game and there have been many throughout football over the Christmas period. "Fatigue is everything in terms of decision making. Once it kicks in you lose the ability to make those decisions correctly. "They need to ease the load on the referees we have. The game needs to move on and look at recruiting better refs from all avenues."
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What Does the January Window Have in Store for Us?
By S J Chandos 1 day ago 44 comments
West Ham Till I Di e
Well, we certainly missed Mo Diame's power and pace through the middle in the Everton match. His injury absence meant that a crucial component of our well balanced, three man midfield unit was missing. Moreover, we do not have a fit player, with similiar qualities, to cover for him. The obvious choice to cover is Jack Collison, but he is badly missing match fitness, as is fellow midfielder, Alou Diarra. Gary O'Neill is a better player than many give him credit for, especially in terms of his work rate and closing down of the opposition, but he is just not the same sort of player as Diame.
We ideally need four new players in January. A goal keeper, a defender, a midfielder and a forward. Although we could probably get by with what we currently have in the goalkeeping department, if the transfer budget will not stretch that far? We have adequate cover at right-back, with O'Brien, Demel and Spence, but if Potts is not ready then we probably need to sign another left-back. If we could get a player that can also cover central defence, then so much the better! It is essential that Diame is signed to a new contract and he commits his immediate future to the club. But Diame's injury absence has highlighted the question whether another powerful, box-to-box midfielder is necessary to provide cover and competition for the Senegalese international?
Up front, a lot depends on Andy Carroll's availability and whether he is to remain on loan with us until the summer? Yossi Benayoun's likely January exit means that we definitely need to add another forward. There has been much conjecture about signing Kalou from Lille and he would certainly be an interesting signing, especially within the context of Sam Allardyce's preferred 4-3-3 formation. While, the squad probably needs an out and out goal scorer and the likes of Loic Remy and Darren Bent have been recently linked with the club. There was a story last week that Marsailles have offered West Ham Remy for £8m and Maiga in part-exchange, but West Ham have rejected the potential deal. If so, then Sam Allardyce must surely rate Maiga's potential and want to retain him. However, that deal, if offered by Marsailles, sounds like an attractive one to me!
We shall soon see what the club are prepared to invest in January? Whether it is permanent or loan deals, what we need is quality and players who clearly strengthen the squad. At a push, I would accept just two signings, as long as the quality is right and they improve us. In those circumstances, we should probably need to target a defender and a forward. The squad is currenty looking a bit over-stretched and signing two quality players would not only strength the squad, but would also give it a psychological lift. At the same time, the return to match fitness of Collison, Diarra, McCartney, Vaz Te and, hopefully, Carroll should also give us another timely New Year boost.
Elsewhere, it has been confirmed that Carlton Cole's red card has predictably been rescinded. Unfortunately, the decision to send off Cole probably cost us a point, but that is now water under the bridge. Everton are a good side and they have demonstrated what can be achieved with consistency, patience and a coherent plan to build a team, long-term, under a good manager. A point would have been a good result and I, personally, think we would have held on to secure it had not a very poor refereeing decision intervened and adversely impacted.
The objective now must be to take at least 4 points from the forthcoming Reading and Norwich City matches, which is an attainable objective. Reading are a team low on confidence and increasingly looking completely out of their depth in the PL. However, we should never under-estimate the ability of West Ham's 'fall guy' tendency to strike once again, especially against a side like Reading FC. We need to go there on Saturday, put in a committed and disciplined display and deliver a clinical, professional performance to get the result. Norwich City should be the more difficult of the two fixtures, at least on paper, although home advantage should see us take all three points.
Sticking my neck out, I am going for a 0-1 away victory over Reading FC and a 3-1 home win over Norwich City, to welcome the New Year in on an exceedingly positive note. COYI!
SJ. Chandos.
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Karren Brady's football diary – It's terrible being Villa
The Sun
By KARREN BRADY
Published: 28th December 2012
SATURDAY, DEC 22
RED cards for high kicking used to come — and possibly still do — from aroused gentlemen who wished to meet Can-Can dancers after the show. Carlton Cole's dismissal against Everton was for something much more innocent — a kick aimed at the ball. No one I speak to or hear disagrees with this verdict, but referee Anthony Taylor decides to send the player on the lonely walk, anyway. His decision possibly costs us a point as Everton go on to scramble a winner through Steven Pienaar. Then, as if to try to prove his impartiality, the ref sends off Darron Gibson for a similar offence. Justice done? Injustice repeated, most say.
With the transfer window approaching and the squad having suffered so many injuries, we on the West Ham board have some major decisions to make.
SUNDAY, DEC 23
RAY WILKINS wonders why Chelsea seem intent on off-loading Frank Lampard. If he doesn't know, then who on earth does? Lampard has just scored with a magnificent half-volley in the eight-goal annihilation of Aston Villa. At 34, the prolific midfielder still looks every inch a Premier League player. But I don't believe that this, or the fact that the Chelsea fans love the record goalscorer they bought from West Ham nearly 12 years ago, will make an iota of difference to his footballing future. You don't need me, Wilkins or a succession of managers to tell you that when the bell tolls, the time is nigh. It is a cruel contrast that this is also the day on which Liverpool let it be known that Steven Gerrard — Lampard's long-time England midfield partner — is being offered a new contract at Anfield.
MONDAY, DEC 24
BEING Aston Villa is a terrible thing today. How do you face the smugness of the rest of the football world? Nobody else lost 8-0 yesterday. Very few have ever done so. Well, I've pretty much been there — it was actually 7-0 to Liverpool in an FA Cup tie at St Andrew's in March 2006 — and the after-shocks of a season that had gone bad by Christmas sent us purling into the Championship. Paul Lambert at Villa has much longer to manage a recovery but his job has been made twice as hard. There are worse things than a heavy defeat, though, I can tell him. A few days after the Liverpool shellacking, I was fighting for my life after a brain operation.
TUESDAY, DEC 25
I HOPE that all those children whose puppies, fed with a Christmas dinner of West Ham dog biscuits, remember that your club is not just for Christmas, it is forever. Our dog loves 'em and as he dined out in style today, we intoned "one for Kevin Nolan, one for Mark Noble... half for Andy Carroll and an extra big one for Sam Allardyce". Later I saw a real footballing hero — French legend and World Cup-winning midfielder Zinedine Zidane. Unfortunately I think he saw more of me than we both intended! I would explain but, trust me, it's a rather long story!
WEDNESDAY, DEC 26
LITTLE to report today, except that I saw former Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka. I'm pleased to report that he is fit and well and relaxed in Dubai. Sam Allardyce would like to bring him back to the UK, so let's see what happens.
THURSDAY, DEC 27
IT seems a manager is not only not for life, but not even for Christmas as Blackburn sack Henning Berg after just 10 matches in the job. It merely emphasises the problems newly-relegated clubs tend to have in the Championship. Bolton, Wolves and Blackburn all sit dangerously close to the drop zone. It just goes to show what an exceptional job Sam did for West Ham last season, backed by two fantastic chairmen. We appointed him because we knew he had the belly for a grinding battle — no future in appointing apprentices. At least we have some good news — Carlton Cole wins his appeal against his red card in the Everton match.
FRIDAY, DEC 28
IN my football life — which is approaching 20 years — everything has changed except Alex Ferguson. You leave as little as possible to chance in the chanciest game of all. Reading prepared one way for the top flight, West Ham did it another. We have 23 points at halfway, they have 10. And I'm not gloating. Do that and you're dead. I know our game at Reading is as important to Brian McDermott's team as any this season — and it is hardly less so for us. We've seen how quickly Sunderland have clambered from immediate trouble and the slide down can be just as unpredictable. I'm looking over my shoulder and crossing my fingers. Reading have a big revival in them and we must try to delay it.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
All the stats, news and background information ahead of Saturday's match at Reading
28.12.2012
READING v WEST HAM UNITED
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
SATURDAY 29 DECEMBER 2012
KICK-OFF: 3PM
REFEREE: MICHAEL OLIVER
FULL AUDIO AND TEXT COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV
iPHONE APP I TWITTER I FACEBOOK I PODCAST
Introduction
• West Ham United go into Saturday afternoon's game against Reading following an extended break after their Boxing Day clash with Arsenal was called off due to industrial action on London Underground.
• The Hammers currently sit 12th in the Barclays Premier League on 23 points from 18 games. The Royals are 19th on ten points from 19 games, with just win to their name so far.
• West Ham United will be hoping to cast off the memories of last season, as Reading beat the Hammers on both occasions. The first meeting saw the Royals win 3-0 at home before they won 4-2 at the Boleyn Ground four months later.
• Despite Reading's vital wins, both sides went on to achieve promotion to the Barclays Premier League, Reading claimed top spot on 89 points and the Hammers were promoted via the Play-Offs.
• Last time out the Hammers suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Everton, when Carlton Cole was sent-off. The FA have since rescinded his red card so he is eligible to face the Royals.
• West Ham United have made only two errors leading to goals, with only Stoke having made fewer in the Premier League this season.
• West Ham United verses Reading is one of eight Barclays Premier League games taking place on 29 December. The others are as follows (3pm kick-off unless stated):
Sunderland v Tottenham (12.45pm)
Aston Villa v Wigan Athletic
Fulham v Swansea City
Manchester United v West Bromwich Albion
Norwich City v Manchester City
Stoke City v Southampton
Arsenal v Newcastle United (5.30pm)
Team News
West Ham United
• Jack Collison is pushing for his first start of the season after his late cameo against Everton. The Wales international has not started a game since the Play-Off final against Blackpool in May.
• Guy Demel should return to the matchday squad after recovering from the virus that kept him out of the Everton match. He could take the place of James Tomkins, who filled in at right-back last time out.
• Alou Diarra has also returned to full training after recovering from a thigh injury and will be hoping for just his second taste of Barclays Premier League action following four months out.
• Ricardo Vaz Te is inching ever-closer to a first-team return and it is hoped he will be ready to return to action in the New Year.
• Momo Diame will be missing after picking up a hamstring injury in the 3-2 loss to Liverpool. George McCartney will also be absent after picking up a knee injury in training, with no date yet set for his return.
• Andy Carroll (knee) is making good progress but is still some weeks from making a comeback.
Reading
• Alex McCarthy is out long-term after undergoing shoulder surgery.
• Jason Roberts is unlikely to feature after missing the last two games with a hip injury.
Background
• The clubs have met just eleven times in their history; Reading hold the edge with six wins to the Hammers' three in that time.
• The biggest win for either side came on 1 January 2007 when the Royals hit six past West Ham United with no reply. Brynjar Gunnarsson, Stephen Hunt,
Kevin Doyle and an Anton Ferdinand own goal gave the Royals a 4-0 lead at the break with Leroy Lita added a fifth before Doyle added his second and Reading's sixth in the second half.
• Reading have won five and lost just one of the last seven league meetings with West Ham.
• There have been three red cards in the last three games between the Royals and the Hammers. Collison and Joey O'Brien were both sent off in last season's match at the Madejski Stadium.
• Reading have conceded more goals than any other team in the Premier League this season (37).
• Jobi McAnuff, the Reading captain, played 14 games for the Hammers in the second half of the 2003/04 season.
• Reading Academy manager Eamonn Dolan is a former Hammers youth striker, who rose through the ranks to play 15 league games for the first team and scored three goals between 1985 and 1990
• Former Hammers manager Alan Pardew has been in charge at both clubs, taking the helm at the Royals in his first managerial role in 1999 and staying there until 2003, when he moved to West Ham United.
• The following players have worn the colours of both West Ham United and Reading during their careers - Tommy Allison, Ken Bainbridge, John Blackwood, Charles Cotton, William Davidson, Steve Death, Tommy Dixon, Jack Fletcher, Jack Flynn, Harry Gunning, Shaka Hislop, Jim Holmes, Sam Jennings, Thomas Kinsell, Herbert Lyon, Jobi McAnuff, Steve Mautone, Trevor Morley, Hayden Mullins, Geordie Reid, James Reid, Horace Ricketts, William Robson, Peter Simpson, Ron Tindall, Ernest Watts, Rod Williams, Alan Wooler and Len Young.
Last Time Out
Saturday 22 December 2012
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 1-2 Everton
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Reid, Tomkins, O'Brien (Spence 81), Collins, Nolan, Jarvis (Collison 88), Taylor, Noble, O'Neil (Maiga 58), Cole.
Subs not used: Spiegel, Diarra, Moncur, Lletget.
Goal: Cole 14.
Wednesday 26 December 2012
Barclays Premier League
Swansea City 0-0 Reading
Reading: Federici, Gunter, Pearce, Mariappa, Harte, Kracan, Leigertwood, McAnuff )Robson-Kanu61), Kebe, Guthrie, Pogrebnyak (Le Fondre 61).
Subs not used: Taylor, Morrison, Cummings, Tabb, Hunt.
Previous meeting
West Ham United 2-4 Reading
Reading moved four points clear of West Ham United in the Championship promotion chase with a crucial 4-2 win at the Boleyn Ground. Carlton Cole gave the home side an early lead but two goals in two minutes from Kaspars Gorks and Noel Hunt gave Reading the edge at half-time. Ian Harte made it 3-1 from the spot after the break before Ricardo Vaz Te's header reduced the deficit. Mikele Leigertwood sealed a precious three points for the away side with six minutes remaining. The teams that day were:
West Ham United: Green, McCartney, Tomkins, Faye, Faubert, Nolan, Taylor (Baldock 60), Noble (Collins 46), O'Neil, Cole (Maynard 72), Vaz Te.
Subs not used: Lansbury, Carew.
Reading: Federici, Pearce, Gorkss, Harte, Cummings, Karacan (Tabb 55), Leigertwood, McAnuff, Kebe (Afobe 82), Hunt, Roberts.
Subs not used: McCarthy, Robson-Kanu, Church.
Last six meetings
(Barclays Premier League unless stated)
31 March 2012 - West Ham United 2-4 Reading (Championship)
10 December 2011 - Reading 3-0 West Ham United (Championship)
26 December 2007 - West Ham United 1-1 Reading
1 September 2007 - Reading 0-3 West Ham United
1 January 2007 - Reading 6-0 West Ham United
1 October 2006 - West Ham United 0-1 Reading
All-time record v Reading: W3 D2 L6
Ten-year records
West Ham United
2011/12 Championship 3rd (86 points - promoted via Play-Offs)
2010/11 Premier League 20th (relegated to Championship)
2009/10 Premier League 17th
2008/09 Premier League 9th
2007/08 Premier League 10th
2006/07 Premier League 15th
2005/06 Premier League 9th
2004/05 Championship 6th (promoted to Premier League via Play-Offs)
2003/04 Division One 4th
2002/03 Premier League 18th (relegated to Championship)
Reading
2011/12 Championship 1st (Promoted to Premier League)
2010/11 Championship 5th
2009/10 Championship 9th
2008/09 Championship 4th
2007/08 Premier League 18th (relegated to Championship)
2006/07 Premier League 8th
2005/06 Championship 1st (promoted to Premier League)
2004/05 Championship 7th
2003/04 Division One 9th
2002/03 Division One 4th
Referee
• Saturday's referee will be Michael Oliver.
• Oliver was introduced to refereeing by his father, Clive, at the age of 14. He quickly rose through the ranks and was promoted to the National List of referees in 2007.
• In 2007 he became the youngest referee to officiate at Wembley Stadium when he took charge of the 2007 Conference play-off final. He also went on to become the youngest fourth official for a Barclays Premier League match.
• The Oliver family enjoyed a referring double in 2009 when his father took charge of the 2009 League Two play-off final a day before he took charge of the League One play-off final.
• In August 2010 he was promoted to the Select Group of referees and soon became the youngest-ever Barclays Premier League referee when he took charge of Birmingham City v Blackburn Rovers on 21 August 2010.
• Oliver will be assisted by Simon Bennett and Mark Scholes, the fourth official will be Paul Tierney.
General Information
• For ticket information please click here. Please note all away tickets for the game have now SOLD OUT.
• Saturday's weather forecast is for a sunny day with maximum temperatures reaching 9C.
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Big Sam on: Reading
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce has previewed West Ham United's match with Reading on Saturday
28.12.2012
Sam Allardyce entertained the media on Friday morning ahead of Saturday's final game of 2012 against Reading. The manager was in fine form as usual, boosted by the news that Carlton Cole is available after his successful appeal against the red card he was shown against Everton last weekend. Last season's top scorer will therefore lead the line once more as the Hammers look to bounce back from the double defeat they suffered against Reading last season.
Sam, can you start off by letting us know the latest team news ahead of Saturday's game against Reading?
SA: "Ricardo Vaz Te has trained with the lads this week and obviously Jack Collison and Alou Diarra returned to the squad last week. I think the limited players we have had available has definitely had a bearing on the results we have picked up but not so much our performances. We go to Reading and then play on New Year's Day but the game against Arsenal was called off so I am hoping that our energy levels will be really good for what are two very important games."
Is there any update on when Andy Carroll will return to action?
SA: "We hope that Andy will return to training sometime next week. The biggest and the best news we have had this week is that Carlton Cole's red card was rescinded. It is obviously the correct decision but from our point of view it is crucial because of the limited players we have available right now."
Did you expect the FA to overturn Carlton Cole's red card?
SA: "I do not think I was surprised but I was anxious because what has looked like a good case in the past has sometimes resulted in the red card standing. Often people in the refereeing world agree that a decision should be overturned but then they are not. On this case we are very pleased to have Carlton return during a very difficult time of the year."
He also seemed very pleased with the decision judging by his comments on twitter?
SA: "Well he should be because he is playing very well, he is leading the line and he is the pinnacle of all our creative play. His hold up play is very good and he is scoring goals at the moment, the one he scored against Everton was particularly good. We are seeing the Carlton Cole that we all want to see consistently and hopefully he can keep it up because he is a major threat against opposition players. It is important that when he is playing like this that we have him in the team so hopefully like I said he can carry on in the same vein."
He showed so much promise as a youngster at Chelsea but do you still feel you can get more out of him?
SA: "I do not think that Carlton is going to change hugely anymore but I do believe he has been more consistent during my time here. He has been better than I expected purely because of the perception of what Carlton is and is not from the outside world. He has been somebody I have really enjoyed working with, all players have their faults but I have enjoyed his company, his personality and when he is on song, his footballing ability. The question around Carlton has always been has he done it consistently with the ability he has but now he is certainly doing it and long may it continue."
Are the games against the bottom three the biggest you face because I would imagine at the start of the season survival was the aim?
SA: "Of course, I think the ultimate target was to stay in the division but the real target is what is the best we can possibly achieve? That real aim would have been about tenth in the league, that was our top outcome if everything went in our favour, we did not get too many injuries and we did not have too many decisions go against us. I hear Brian (McDermott) complain bitterly about the decisions he has had to take on more than one occasion but whether he is right or wrong I do not know.
"I have certainly suffered that in previous times and years in football and they do make a lot of difference because they do not even themselves out over the course of a season. They can get managers the sack irrespective of what people say because they can happen at crucial times and on a consistent basis. It is not the only reason but it contributes because your team could also not be scoring enough and conceding too many."
West Ham United and Reading were both promoted to the Barclays Premier League last season, but do you believe it is harder to stay up this season compared
to when you were promoted with Bolton?
SA: "No, I think it is just the same. It is about your players, your beliefs and how you prepare your team. Then it is about external factors like the referee, the bounce of a ball and getting a little bit of luck. First and foremost you have to try and control what you can control, at the end of the day somebody has to win the title and somebody has to get relegated.
"What you have to do is make sure that you are away from the pressure pot, and the pressure pot is where Reading have been knocking about all season. It is a massive burden to carry especially at this point of the season because the players will not be very happy and they will be feeling extremely down. They will have come into this division excited but they are now facing the harsh realities week in week out and not getting results."
We have spoken before about Nicolas Anelka and the possibility of him joining the club in January. Is that a move that could potentially happen?
SA: "Nicolas is a player of great talent and great ability, I think that the one problem we would have is can we afford him. That would be the only thing blocking me from wanting to sign Nicolas Anelka."
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Noble aims to end 2012 with win
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble wants to finish a successful year for West Ham United with victory at Reading on Saturday
29.12.2012
Mark Noble is aiming is to finish a successful 2012 for West Ham United with a positive result at Reading on Saturday. The current year saw Hammers gain promotion via the npower Championship Play-Off's and take their place back in the Barclays Premier League, where they have enjoyed a solid first half of the season. While West Ham will be going all out to bring a good result back from the Madejski Stadium, Noble said he and his team-mates are aware that it will be tough clash with Brian McDermott's bottom-of-the-table side, who go into the game having picked up just one point from eight matches. "It has been a good year for us," confirmed Noble, who was crowned Hammer of the Year for the first time in April. "We got ourselves promoted, which was the main focus for all of us here at the club, so it would be nice to finish off 2012 with a win and start off as we hope to go on in the New Year. "It will be a difficult game at Reading. They might be at the bottom of the table at the moment, but that doesn't make it easier. They are at home and we know from last season what a hard place it is to play at. But we are in good spirits and confident that, if we play to our best, then we can get something."
Reading also had a successful 2012 by winning the npower Championship title and took maximum points off the Hammers in 2011/12 - facts the team are well aware of. "The Madejski Stadium is not an easy place to play. We were disappointed losing there last season. It was not a good day for us and they got us at home, as well, so we will be looking to try and put that right this time around if we can."
With the Boxing Day clash with Arsenal postponed due to industrial action on the London Underground, Noble said West Ham are more than ready for match action now after working hard on the training pitches at Chadwell Heath during the festive week. "It was a bit strange not to have a game on Boxing Day, as we are so used to playing on that day as a tradition. But we have been training hard, getting ourselves prepared and hopefully all the hard work will pay off and we can get a good result."
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Reading v West Ham
KO 15:00
28 December 2012
By John Motson
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Madejski Stadium Date: Saturday, 29 December
TEAM NEWS
Reading manager Brian McDermott has no new injury worries ahead of the visit of West Ham. Jason Roberts is nearing a return from a hip injury but this game could come too soon for the striker.
Striker Carlton Cole can play for injury-hit West Ham after his three-match ban was overturned on appeal. Cole was sent off for a challenge on Everton's Leighton Baines last weekend but the FA rescinded the red card on Thursday.
MATCH PREVIEW
The phrase "a must-win game" is often over-used but Saturday's fixture against West Ham really is one from which Reading need three points. The Royals did arrest a run of seven straight defeats with a draw against Swansea on Boxing Day but they would have hoped to have won that game - as it is, they remain marooned along with QPR in the relegation zone. Reading just cannot allow the gap between themselves and safety to grow any bigger, but if they are to turn things round, they need to start scoring goals. It's been a real problem for them this season, with Pavel Pogrebnyak having to plough a lone furrow up front in the last few games. Brian McDermott seemed happy with his team's display against Swansea so I don't visualise many changes - but he does have the likes of Adam Le Fondre and Noel Hunt up his sleeve if needs be.
Like Reading, West Ham came up out of the Championship last season but have had a different experience to the Berkshire club in the first half of this campaign, and have established themselves in a mid-table position. Sam Allardyce has a big injury list - he could only field six substitutes against West Brom earlier this month. However, he has had some good news in the build-up to this game with Carlton Cole's red card rescinded - correctly, in my opinion; I was at the game and felt a sending off was the wrong decision. The Hammers are already without Andy Carroll, and the absence of another natural striker or targetman like Cole would have prevented the team from playing the way they prefer. Allardyce's squad have also had the benefit of extra rest after their scheduled Boxing Day game against Arsenal was called off because of industrial action on the London Underground. But West Ham have struggled to score on the road this season, which should give Reading a glimmer of hope.
McDermott remains optimistic and positive that the Royals can turn things around but they need to start now - games like this are ones they have to win.
Saturday's Football Focus will come live from the Madejski Stadium (BBC One, 12.15pm).
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Reading did the double over West Ham in last season's Championship - there were nine goals over the two games, with Reading winning 4-2 at Upton Park, having won 3-0 at home, a match which West Ham finished with nine men after Joey O'Brien and Jack Collison were sent off.
Reading's 6-0 win in this fixture on New Year's Day 2007 remains their biggest Premier League victory.
Reading
Their 0-0 draw with Swansea on Boxing Day ended a run of seven straight defeats and was their first clean sheet since 10 November.
Reading have won just one of their nine home games this season, a 2-1 victory over Everton in November. That has been their only league win so far in 2012-13.
The Royals have failed to score in four of their last five league matches.
Only one team has ever avoided defeat from the Premier League after accruing 10 points or fewer after 19 matches - West Brom, who stayed up by a point in 2004-05.
West Ham
West Ham have won one of their last seven Premier League games (W1, D2, L4).
The Hammers have won just one of their last five away league matches. They have scored a mere five goals on the road this season, fewer than any other top-flight team.
Only four clubs (Stoke, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal) have conceded fewer goals than West Ham (22) in this season's Premier League.
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Reading v West Ham: Andy Carroll still missing for Hammers
By Tim Oscroft.
Last Updated: December 28, 2012 1:13pm
SSN
Reading will be aiming to build on the draw with Swansea that ended their losing streak, while West Ham are looking to a first win in four games. Reading prepare to host West Ham with a glimmer of hope from Boxing Day that may have partially lifted the midwinter gloom over the Madejski Stadium. The goalless draw with Swansea City may not linger long in the memory, but it ended a soul-destroying sequence of seven consecutive defeats for Brian McDermott's side.
With half the season gone, Royals' fans will hope that the point gleaned on Wednesday can kick-start a climb towards safety. Reading did the double over the Hammers last season and they must be looking to take all three points.
A Tube strike gave West Ham a day off on Boxing Day, and Sam Allardyce will be looking for a first win in four games against the Premier League's leakiest defence. Victory over Chelsea at the start of December raised hopes of a move up the table, but just one point from a possible nine since have seen the Hammers anchored firmly in mid-table. Carlton Cole will be available for the short trip to Berkshire, with the red card controversially shown to the striker against Everton having been subsequently rescinded. A swathe of injuries forced Allardyce to call a halt to full-contact training over the Christmas period for fear of losing any more players at such a busy time.
Reading
Last 6
0-0
1-0
2-5
3-0
1-0
3-4
Jason Roberts could be in contention after missing Reading's last four games with a hip injury. Sean Morrison's ankle forced the defender to miss the draw with Swansea on Boxing Day, while Alex McCarthy is a long-term absentee with a shoulder problem.
West Ham
Last 6
1-2
0-0
2-3
3-1
1-0
3-1
Andy Carroll is still out with a knee problem, while Ricardo Vaz Te has only recently returned to training after recovering from a dislocated shoulder. Yossi Benayoun has returned to parent club Chelsea with an injury, and Mohamed Diame remains sidelined because of a hamstring problem.
Reading v West Ham Opta facts
Reading have won five and lost just one of the last seven league meetings with West Ham
West Ham have scored just five away goals this season, fewer than any other side
Reading have conceded more goals than any other team in the Premier League this season
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Sam Allardyce says the Festive period is usually a bad time for referees
Last Updated: December 28, 2012 1:34pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce believes 'fatigue' is often the reason why Premier League referees make the wrong decision. The West Ham manager made his comments following the decision by the FA to rescind the red cards shown to his own striker Carlton Cole and Everton's Darron Gibson at Upton Park last week. Allardyce believes there should be a larger pool of referees to cope with a congested fixture schedule over Christmas and New Year and believes tiredness can lead to officials making the wrong call. He said: "This is a difficult period for referees. Why do they always seem to make more wrong decisions now? "It's probably because they are overworked and they are fatigued and the system has to be looked at. "Referees are travelling all over the country and out in Europe and have been since the start of the season. "There's not enough of them. They try their very best to get things consistently right. But it happens every year around this time of year. "We had a couple in our last game and there have been many throughout football over the Christmas period. "Fatigue is everything in terms of decision making. Once it kicks in you lose the ability to make those decisions correctly. "They need to ease the load on the referees we have. The game needs to move on and look at recruiting better refs from all avenues."
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What Does the January Window Have in Store for Us?
By S J Chandos 1 day ago 44 comments
West Ham Till I Di e
Well, we certainly missed Mo Diame's power and pace through the middle in the Everton match. His injury absence meant that a crucial component of our well balanced, three man midfield unit was missing. Moreover, we do not have a fit player, with similiar qualities, to cover for him. The obvious choice to cover is Jack Collison, but he is badly missing match fitness, as is fellow midfielder, Alou Diarra. Gary O'Neill is a better player than many give him credit for, especially in terms of his work rate and closing down of the opposition, but he is just not the same sort of player as Diame.
We ideally need four new players in January. A goal keeper, a defender, a midfielder and a forward. Although we could probably get by with what we currently have in the goalkeeping department, if the transfer budget will not stretch that far? We have adequate cover at right-back, with O'Brien, Demel and Spence, but if Potts is not ready then we probably need to sign another left-back. If we could get a player that can also cover central defence, then so much the better! It is essential that Diame is signed to a new contract and he commits his immediate future to the club. But Diame's injury absence has highlighted the question whether another powerful, box-to-box midfielder is necessary to provide cover and competition for the Senegalese international?
Up front, a lot depends on Andy Carroll's availability and whether he is to remain on loan with us until the summer? Yossi Benayoun's likely January exit means that we definitely need to add another forward. There has been much conjecture about signing Kalou from Lille and he would certainly be an interesting signing, especially within the context of Sam Allardyce's preferred 4-3-3 formation. While, the squad probably needs an out and out goal scorer and the likes of Loic Remy and Darren Bent have been recently linked with the club. There was a story last week that Marsailles have offered West Ham Remy for £8m and Maiga in part-exchange, but West Ham have rejected the potential deal. If so, then Sam Allardyce must surely rate Maiga's potential and want to retain him. However, that deal, if offered by Marsailles, sounds like an attractive one to me!
We shall soon see what the club are prepared to invest in January? Whether it is permanent or loan deals, what we need is quality and players who clearly strengthen the squad. At a push, I would accept just two signings, as long as the quality is right and they improve us. In those circumstances, we should probably need to target a defender and a forward. The squad is currenty looking a bit over-stretched and signing two quality players would not only strength the squad, but would also give it a psychological lift. At the same time, the return to match fitness of Collison, Diarra, McCartney, Vaz Te and, hopefully, Carroll should also give us another timely New Year boost.
Elsewhere, it has been confirmed that Carlton Cole's red card has predictably been rescinded. Unfortunately, the decision to send off Cole probably cost us a point, but that is now water under the bridge. Everton are a good side and they have demonstrated what can be achieved with consistency, patience and a coherent plan to build a team, long-term, under a good manager. A point would have been a good result and I, personally, think we would have held on to secure it had not a very poor refereeing decision intervened and adversely impacted.
The objective now must be to take at least 4 points from the forthcoming Reading and Norwich City matches, which is an attainable objective. Reading are a team low on confidence and increasingly looking completely out of their depth in the PL. However, we should never under-estimate the ability of West Ham's 'fall guy' tendency to strike once again, especially against a side like Reading FC. We need to go there on Saturday, put in a committed and disciplined display and deliver a clinical, professional performance to get the result. Norwich City should be the more difficult of the two fixtures, at least on paper, although home advantage should see us take all three points.
Sticking my neck out, I am going for a 0-1 away victory over Reading FC and a 3-1 home win over Norwich City, to welcome the New Year in on an exceedingly positive note. COYI!
SJ. Chandos.
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Karren Brady's football diary – It's terrible being Villa
The Sun
By KARREN BRADY
Published: 28th December 2012
SATURDAY, DEC 22
RED cards for high kicking used to come — and possibly still do — from aroused gentlemen who wished to meet Can-Can dancers after the show. Carlton Cole's dismissal against Everton was for something much more innocent — a kick aimed at the ball. No one I speak to or hear disagrees with this verdict, but referee Anthony Taylor decides to send the player on the lonely walk, anyway. His decision possibly costs us a point as Everton go on to scramble a winner through Steven Pienaar. Then, as if to try to prove his impartiality, the ref sends off Darron Gibson for a similar offence. Justice done? Injustice repeated, most say.
With the transfer window approaching and the squad having suffered so many injuries, we on the West Ham board have some major decisions to make.
SUNDAY, DEC 23
RAY WILKINS wonders why Chelsea seem intent on off-loading Frank Lampard. If he doesn't know, then who on earth does? Lampard has just scored with a magnificent half-volley in the eight-goal annihilation of Aston Villa. At 34, the prolific midfielder still looks every inch a Premier League player. But I don't believe that this, or the fact that the Chelsea fans love the record goalscorer they bought from West Ham nearly 12 years ago, will make an iota of difference to his footballing future. You don't need me, Wilkins or a succession of managers to tell you that when the bell tolls, the time is nigh. It is a cruel contrast that this is also the day on which Liverpool let it be known that Steven Gerrard — Lampard's long-time England midfield partner — is being offered a new contract at Anfield.
MONDAY, DEC 24
BEING Aston Villa is a terrible thing today. How do you face the smugness of the rest of the football world? Nobody else lost 8-0 yesterday. Very few have ever done so. Well, I've pretty much been there — it was actually 7-0 to Liverpool in an FA Cup tie at St Andrew's in March 2006 — and the after-shocks of a season that had gone bad by Christmas sent us purling into the Championship. Paul Lambert at Villa has much longer to manage a recovery but his job has been made twice as hard. There are worse things than a heavy defeat, though, I can tell him. A few days after the Liverpool shellacking, I was fighting for my life after a brain operation.
TUESDAY, DEC 25
I HOPE that all those children whose puppies, fed with a Christmas dinner of West Ham dog biscuits, remember that your club is not just for Christmas, it is forever. Our dog loves 'em and as he dined out in style today, we intoned "one for Kevin Nolan, one for Mark Noble... half for Andy Carroll and an extra big one for Sam Allardyce". Later I saw a real footballing hero — French legend and World Cup-winning midfielder Zinedine Zidane. Unfortunately I think he saw more of me than we both intended! I would explain but, trust me, it's a rather long story!
WEDNESDAY, DEC 26
LITTLE to report today, except that I saw former Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka. I'm pleased to report that he is fit and well and relaxed in Dubai. Sam Allardyce would like to bring him back to the UK, so let's see what happens.
THURSDAY, DEC 27
IT seems a manager is not only not for life, but not even for Christmas as Blackburn sack Henning Berg after just 10 matches in the job. It merely emphasises the problems newly-relegated clubs tend to have in the Championship. Bolton, Wolves and Blackburn all sit dangerously close to the drop zone. It just goes to show what an exceptional job Sam did for West Ham last season, backed by two fantastic chairmen. We appointed him because we knew he had the belly for a grinding battle — no future in appointing apprentices. At least we have some good news — Carlton Cole wins his appeal against his red card in the Everton match.
FRIDAY, DEC 28
IN my football life — which is approaching 20 years — everything has changed except Alex Ferguson. You leave as little as possible to chance in the chanciest game of all. Reading prepared one way for the top flight, West Ham did it another. We have 23 points at halfway, they have 10. And I'm not gloating. Do that and you're dead. I know our game at Reading is as important to Brian McDermott's team as any this season — and it is hardly less so for us. We've seen how quickly Sunderland have clambered from immediate trouble and the slide down can be just as unpredictable. I'm looking over my shoulder and crossing my fingers. Reading have a big revival in them and we must try to delay it.
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