Captain's Blog
WHUFC.com
Skipper Kevin Nolan looks forward to leading West Ham United out at Wembley on Saturday
18.05.2012
Hello everyone!
It goes without saying that we are all looking forward to Saturday's npower Championship final with Blackpool.
It has been a good week in training - everyone is buzzing but also totally focused on the job we know we have to do at Wembley. We know what a hard game it will be, we are under no illusions. The matches we had against Blackpool during the season don't matter now - it is all about the 90 minutes or so. We know what they are all about and they know what we are about.
What we hope is that we can get the better of them and be the winners.
There has been lots of positive energy around the place this week and we want to take that on to the pitch.
These type of games are why you are a footballer - there are not many bigger stages than Wembley to perform on. Having said that, while we are more than aware of the importance - we know what it means to both clubs win or lose - we are preparing as normal and as I said just keeping focused.
Blackpool are a very good side and we are certainly not underestimating how difficult it will be. Both sides know the importance of the match, what is riding on it and it is about who executes their game-plan the best.
The Gaffer and Neil McDonald have got us fully prepared and we want to continue the form we have shown over the last six weeks or so. If we do that then we can give ourselves a chance.
We have a strong squad to choose from and I can tell you, from the reaction of all the lads, everyone wants to play their part in trying to win the game. We will give it a right good go because we don't want to let anyone down, especially you, our fantastic fans.
Speaking about the lads, I just want to say how excellent they have been all season. Those lads who were here already and the way they reacted so positively not only to the Gaffer coming in but myself, and then the new lads who have joined us this seasonand become a part of everything so quickly.
I want to thank them for the support they have shown me and they know I am here for them no matter what and I will give them the support they need.
We have a great togetherness, - something we have worked on since the start of the season, something I like to have as captain. It is important that we win together, draw together and lose together - that is how it is.
You know you will have good and bad times, and what we hope for it is one of the good moments.
This is an occasion for everyone at our club - those people around us that we are lucky to have, the ones who work their socks off all year round - they are the people who make the club tick on a daily basis. Hopefully we can give them a day to enjoy and have a fantastic time on the back of us.
Both Chairmen have handled everything well this season. From the day I have walked in, they have shown the determination and desire for the club to be successful. The Gaffer has that same desire to get the club back up and as said, will have us doing everything to get the victory we need.
I will have family and friends - a strong support network for Wembley. I was only 18 when I won the Play-Offs with Bolton and so to have my wife and kids there and everyone else will be special, I just hope that we will be smiling afterwards.
Someone asked me if I would think it was a good decision to come here if we do manage to win and go up, I said I knew it was a good decision for me when I walked through the door last summer - my opinion hasn't changed and that is why I know and all the lads know what it means for all of you.
All I can say is a massive 'Thank you' to each and every one of you - you have been there for us and totally bossed it against other club's fans, out-singing the opposition and believe me not only do we know what it means for all of you for us to win, but it means a lot to all of us too.t
It is going to be a fantastic occasion for both clubs, our fans and theirs, but obviously we want to be the ones cheering afterwards.
I don't have to ask you to get behind us - I know you will as you have done all season and we don't take that for granted. What I and all the lads do ask for is one final big push and together hopefully we can do what is required to get our fantastic club back up in the Premier League.
We will be doing everything we can on the pitch and we know you will be too off it with your fantastic support.
It has been a good week in training - everyone is buzzing but also totally focused on the job we know we have to do at Wembley. We know what a hard game it will be, we are under no illusions. The matches we had against Blackpool during the season don't matter now - it is all about the 90 minutes or so. We know what they are all about and they know what we are about.
What we hope is that we can get the better of them and be the winners.
There has been lots of positive energy around the place this week and we want to take that on to the pitch.
These type of games are why you are a footballer - there are not many bigger stages than Wembley to perform on. Having said that, while we are more than aware of the importance - we know what it means to both clubs win or lose - we are preparing as normal and as I said just keeping focused.
Blackpool are a very good side and we are certainly not underestimating how difficult it will be. Both sides know the importance of the match, what is riding on it and it is about who executes their game-plan the best.
The Gaffer and Neil McDonald have got us fully prepared and we want to continue the form we have shown over the last six weeks or so. If we do that then we can give ourselves a chance.
We have a strong squad to choose from and I can tell you, from the reaction of all the lads, everyone wants to play their part in trying to win the game. We will give it a right good go because we don't want to let anyone down, especially you, our fantastic fans.
Speaking about the lads, I just want to say how excellent they have been all season. Those lads who were here already and the way they reacted so positively not only to the Gaffer coming in but myself, and then the new lads who have joined us this seasonand become a part of everything so quickly.
I want to thank them for the support they have shown me and they know I am here for them no matter what and I will give them the support they need.
We have a great togetherness, - something we have worked on since the start of the season, something I like to have as captain. It is important that we win together, draw together and lose together - that is how it is.
You know you will have good and bad times, and what we hope for it is one of the good moments.
This is an occasion for everyone at our club - those people around us that we are lucky to have, the ones who work their socks off all year round - they are the people who make the club tick on a daily basis. Hopefully we can give them a day to enjoy and have a fantastic time on the back of us.
Both Chairmen have handled everything well this season. From the day I have walked in, they have shown the determination and desire for the club to be successful. The Gaffer has that same desire to get the club back up and as said, will have us doing everything to get the victory we need.
I will have family and friends - a strong support network for Wembley. I was only 18 when I won the Play-Offs with Bolton and so to have my wife and kids there and everyone else will be special, I just hope that we will be smiling afterwards.
Someone asked me if I would think it was a good decision to come here if we do manage to win and go up, I said I knew it was a good decision for me when I walked through the door last summer - my opinion hasn't changed and that is why I know and all the lads know what it means for all of you.
All I can say is a massive 'Thank you' to each and every one of you - you have been there for us and totally bossed it against other club's fans, out-singing the opposition and believe me not only do we know what it means for all of you for us to win, but it means a lot to all of us too.t
It is going to be a fantastic occasion for both clubs, our fans and theirs, but obviously we want to be the ones cheering afterwards.
I don't have to ask you to get behind us - I know you will as you have done all season and we don't take that for granted. What I and all the lads do ask for is one final big push and together hopefully we can do what is required to get our fantastic club back up in the Premier League.
We will be doing everything we can on the pitch and we know you will be too off it with your fantastic support.
Come on you Irons!
Kevin Nolan
Captain
Kevin Nolan
Captain
------------------------------------------------
Jack ready to play
WHUFC.com
Jack Collison is fit and raring to go should he be selected for action at Wembley
19.05.2012
Jack ready to play
WHUFC.com
Jack Collison is fit and raring to go should he be selected for action at Wembley
19.05.2012
Jack Collison is understandably delighted that he is in the running to participate in West Ham United's npower Championship Play-Off final against Blackpool on Saturday.
The Wales international's hopes of making the Wembley showpiece looked over when he injured his shoulder three minutes into the second half of the 3-0 Play-Off semi-final second-leg win against Cardiff. Since then, the 23-year-old's injury has been the subject of much discussion but, thankfully, it appears to have cleared up in time to feature in the match.
"I'm feeling good, fully fit and ready to play if selected. Obviously Sam has a full squad to choose from and everyone is fit and raring to go and looking forward to the challenge," he told West Ham TV.
Collison admits he did fear the worst when he was initially forced off, but once he had seen the desire of the West Ham medical staff to get him fit, he quickly became more optimistic about taking part.
"It was very sore at the time when I did it and the first thought was 'Oh no, am I going to be alright for the final?' But the medical staff have been brilliant and have been working round the clock to make sure I'm fit for the final, which I now am," said the smiling No10.
The popular midfielder would have been a big loss had he not made the final, after he had run into a rich vein of form at the perfect time. Collison grabbed both goals in the 2-0 first-leg win against the Bluebirds and had started the second-leg strongly before misfortune struck.
"Yes it's been good to score a few goals of late at the right time of the season. Hopefully I can continue that in the final as it would be a great game to score in.
"Everyone's raring to go and pushing each other to play at their very best. The fans are going to be up for it too so hopefully it will be a great day and a great occasion."
Understandably there has been much build-up to the match - dubbed 'the richest game in world football' - but Collison insists that all has been calm and low key in east London this week. Collison know that West Ham face an extremely tough afternoon, with Blackpool unbeaten in ten Play-Off matches.
"We know their strengths and their weaknesses, which is key going into the game. A lot of people have said we have beaten them twice already but that means nothing going into tomorrow's game. If we do our job properly tomorrow than I fancy our chances to get the right result."
The Wales international's hopes of making the Wembley showpiece looked over when he injured his shoulder three minutes into the second half of the 3-0 Play-Off semi-final second-leg win against Cardiff. Since then, the 23-year-old's injury has been the subject of much discussion but, thankfully, it appears to have cleared up in time to feature in the match.
"I'm feeling good, fully fit and ready to play if selected. Obviously Sam has a full squad to choose from and everyone is fit and raring to go and looking forward to the challenge," he told West Ham TV.
Collison admits he did fear the worst when he was initially forced off, but once he had seen the desire of the West Ham medical staff to get him fit, he quickly became more optimistic about taking part.
"It was very sore at the time when I did it and the first thought was 'Oh no, am I going to be alright for the final?' But the medical staff have been brilliant and have been working round the clock to make sure I'm fit for the final, which I now am," said the smiling No10.
The popular midfielder would have been a big loss had he not made the final, after he had run into a rich vein of form at the perfect time. Collison grabbed both goals in the 2-0 first-leg win against the Bluebirds and had started the second-leg strongly before misfortune struck.
"Yes it's been good to score a few goals of late at the right time of the season. Hopefully I can continue that in the final as it would be a great game to score in.
"Everyone's raring to go and pushing each other to play at their very best. The fans are going to be up for it too so hopefully it will be a great day and a great occasion."
Understandably there has been much build-up to the match - dubbed 'the richest game in world football' - but Collison insists that all has been calm and low key in east London this week. Collison know that West Ham face an extremely tough afternoon, with Blackpool unbeaten in ten Play-Off matches.
"We know their strengths and their weaknesses, which is key going into the game. A lot of people have said we have beaten them twice already but that means nothing going into tomorrow's game. If we do our job properly tomorrow than I fancy our chances to get the right result."
------------------------------------------------
Play-Off final match preview
WHUFc.com
Team news and background information ahead of the the Wembley showdown with Blackpool
18.05.2012
Play-Off final match preview
WHUFc.com
Team news and background information ahead of the the Wembley showdown with Blackpool
18.05.2012
BLACKPOOL v WEST HAM UNITED
npower CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY-OFF FINAL
SATURDAY 19 MAY 2012
KICK-OFF: 3PM
FULL AUDIO COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV
iPHONE APP I TWITTER I FACEBOOK I PODCAST
npower CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY-OFF FINAL
SATURDAY 19 MAY 2012
KICK-OFF: 3PM
FULL AUDIO COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV
iPHONE APP I TWITTER I FACEBOOK I PODCAST
Introduction
Football League Play-Offs
Football League Play-Offs
• Leicester City in 1996 are the only team to be promoted via the Play-Offs, the season after being relegated from top division. Both Blackpool and West Ham United are aiming to emulate that achievement.
• In 25 Championship Play-off seasons, teams finishing in third have been promoted the most times, nine, including four in the last six seasons.
• The team finishing in fifth has only been promoted once in the previous eight seasons - Burnley in 2008/09.
• This season is the first time that all three teams who were relegated from the Premier League the previous season have reached the Championship Play-Offs.
• This is West Ham United's third appearance in the Play-Offs - the previous two coming in consecutive seasons 2003/04 and 2004/05.
• The Hammers won promotion in their last Play-Off campaign, beating Preston North End 1-0 in the final in Cardiff. They had lost the previous year's final to 1-0 to Crystal Palace.
• West Ham United are unbeaten in their last six Play-Off games and have a kept a clean sheet in their last five.
• The Hammers' overall Play-Off record stands at: P9 W6 D1 L2.
• Blackpool are the only club to win all three divisional play-offs. They won the Championship finals in 2010, the League One finals in 2007, and the League Two (then Fourth and Third Divisions) in 1992 and 2001.
• In 25 Championship Play-off seasons, teams finishing in third have been promoted the most times, nine, including four in the last six seasons.
• The team finishing in fifth has only been promoted once in the previous eight seasons - Burnley in 2008/09.
• This season is the first time that all three teams who were relegated from the Premier League the previous season have reached the Championship Play-Offs.
• This is West Ham United's third appearance in the Play-Offs - the previous two coming in consecutive seasons 2003/04 and 2004/05.
• The Hammers won promotion in their last Play-Off campaign, beating Preston North End 1-0 in the final in Cardiff. They had lost the previous year's final to 1-0 to Crystal Palace.
• West Ham United are unbeaten in their last six Play-Off games and have a kept a clean sheet in their last five.
• The Hammers' overall Play-Off record stands at: P9 W6 D1 L2.
• Blackpool are the only club to win all three divisional play-offs. They won the Championship finals in 2010, the League One finals in 2007, and the League Two (then Fourth and Third Divisions) in 1992 and 2001.
West Ham United
• This is West Ham United's first trip to Wembley since the 1981 League Cup final against Liverpool. The Hammers drew the game 1-1, with Ray Stewart scoring a penalty in the 120th minute, but went on to lose the replay at Villa Park 2-1.
• West Ham United have appeared at Wembley nine times previously, winning on five occasions - the 1964, 1975 and 1980 FA Cup finals, 1965 European Cup Winners' Cup final and 1940 Football League War Cup final.
• West Ham United finished the season in third place, two points behind second-place Southampton, three points behind champions Reading and eleven ahead of fifth-place Blackpool.
• The Hammers broke the club record for most away wins in a season. Before the season the record stood at eleven games set in 1922/23 and 1957/58. West Ham United won 13 away games this season, scoring 40 goals.
• Throughout the whole season, the Hammers scored 81 Championship goals, the second highest total behind Southampton (85).
• West Ham United reached the Play-off final after beating Cardiff City 5-0 over two legs. Jack Collison scored twice in the first leg away at Cardiff before Kevin Nolan, Ricardo Vaz Te and Nicky Maynard scored to give the Hammers a 3-0 victory at the Boleyn Ground.
• West Ham United have beaten Blackpool twice this season. This first victory came on 15 October 2011 at the Boleyn Ground. A brace from Sam Baldock and goals from John Carew and Jack Collison gave the Hammers a resounding 4-0 victory. The second victory on 21 February 2012 came in spectacular fashion. The Hammers took Bloomfield Road by storm as they won 4-1 despite having goalkeeper Robert Green sent off; Henri Lansbury took the gloves and kept a clean sheet. James Tomkins, Nicky Maynard, Gary O'Neil and Ricardo Vaz Te were on target.
• West Ham United have appeared at Wembley nine times previously, winning on five occasions - the 1964, 1975 and 1980 FA Cup finals, 1965 European Cup Winners' Cup final and 1940 Football League War Cup final.
• West Ham United finished the season in third place, two points behind second-place Southampton, three points behind champions Reading and eleven ahead of fifth-place Blackpool.
• The Hammers broke the club record for most away wins in a season. Before the season the record stood at eleven games set in 1922/23 and 1957/58. West Ham United won 13 away games this season, scoring 40 goals.
• Throughout the whole season, the Hammers scored 81 Championship goals, the second highest total behind Southampton (85).
• West Ham United reached the Play-off final after beating Cardiff City 5-0 over two legs. Jack Collison scored twice in the first leg away at Cardiff before Kevin Nolan, Ricardo Vaz Te and Nicky Maynard scored to give the Hammers a 3-0 victory at the Boleyn Ground.
• West Ham United have beaten Blackpool twice this season. This first victory came on 15 October 2011 at the Boleyn Ground. A brace from Sam Baldock and goals from John Carew and Jack Collison gave the Hammers a resounding 4-0 victory. The second victory on 21 February 2012 came in spectacular fashion. The Hammers took Bloomfield Road by storm as they won 4-1 despite having goalkeeper Robert Green sent off; Henri Lansbury took the gloves and kept a clean sheet. James Tomkins, Nicky Maynard, Gary O'Neil and Ricardo Vaz Te were on target.
Blackpool
• Blackpool, under the management of Ian Holloway, finished in fifth place, eleven points behind West Ham United.
• This is Blackpool's first season back in the Championship after being relegated from the Premier League at the end of last year along with the Hammers and Birmingham City.
• The Tangerines have enjoyed a successful season after recovering from the loss of key players such as captain Charlie Adam to Liverpool and David Vaughan to Sunderland.
• Blackpool are the Championship's fighters having gained more points from drawing and losing positions than any other side in the division.
• The Tangerines are unbeaten in nine games and reached the Play-Off final after beating Birmingham City 3-2 over the two legs. Tom Ince gave Blackpool a 1-0 win in the first leg at Bloomfield Road before Holloway's men held off a late surge by the Blues in the second leg to draw 2-2.
• Blackpool have never lost in the Football League Play-Offs, gaining promotion from Division Four in 1992, League One in 2007 and the Championship in 2010. The Tangerines went from the bottom division to the Premier League without gaining automatic promotion.
• This is Blackpool's first season back in the Championship after being relegated from the Premier League at the end of last year along with the Hammers and Birmingham City.
• The Tangerines have enjoyed a successful season after recovering from the loss of key players such as captain Charlie Adam to Liverpool and David Vaughan to Sunderland.
• Blackpool are the Championship's fighters having gained more points from drawing and losing positions than any other side in the division.
• The Tangerines are unbeaten in nine games and reached the Play-Off final after beating Birmingham City 3-2 over the two legs. Tom Ince gave Blackpool a 1-0 win in the first leg at Bloomfield Road before Holloway's men held off a late surge by the Blues in the second leg to draw 2-2.
• Blackpool have never lost in the Football League Play-Offs, gaining promotion from Division Four in 1992, League One in 2007 and the Championship in 2010. The Tangerines went from the bottom division to the Premier League without gaining automatic promotion.
Team news
West Ham United
• West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has a strong squad to choose from, with Jack Collison back in training after the shoulder injury he suffered in the Play-Off semi-final second leg victory over Cardiff City.
• Right-back Joey O'Brien is facing a battle to be fit for the final as he continues his recovery from a leg problem.
Blackpool
• Blackpool manager Ian Holloway has no major injury concerns ahead of Saturday's big game.
West Ham United
• West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has a strong squad to choose from, with Jack Collison back in training after the shoulder injury he suffered in the Play-Off semi-final second leg victory over Cardiff City.
• Right-back Joey O'Brien is facing a battle to be fit for the final as he continues his recovery from a leg problem.
Blackpool
• Blackpool manager Ian Holloway has no major injury concerns ahead of Saturday's big game.
Last Time Out
Monday 7 May 2012
npower Championship Play-Off semi-final second leg
West Ham United 3-0 Cardiff City
West Ham United: Green, Demel, Tomkins, Reid, Taylor, O'Neil, Noble, Nolan (McCartney 69), Collison (Lansbury 48), Cole (Maynard 86), Vaz Te
Goals: Nolan (15), Vaz Te (40), Maynard (90)
Subs not used: Henderson, Faubert
Monday 7 May 2012
npower Championship Play-Off semi-final second leg
West Ham United 3-0 Cardiff City
West Ham United: Green, Demel, Tomkins, Reid, Taylor, O'Neil, Noble, Nolan (McCartney 69), Collison (Lansbury 48), Cole (Maynard 86), Vaz Te
Goals: Nolan (15), Vaz Te (40), Maynard (90)
Subs not used: Henderson, Faubert
Wednesday 9 May 2012
npower Championship Play-Off semi-final second leg
Birmingham City 2-2 Blackpool
Blackpool: Gilks, Eardley, Baptiste, Evatt, Crainey, M.Phillips (K.Phillips 86), Ferguson, Angel, Ince (Southern 69), Dobbie (Dicko 76), Taylor-Fletcher
Goals: Dobbie (45), M.Phillips (48)
Subs not used: Cathcart, Halstead
npower Championship Play-Off semi-final second leg
Birmingham City 2-2 Blackpool
Blackpool: Gilks, Eardley, Baptiste, Evatt, Crainey, M.Phillips (K.Phillips 86), Ferguson, Angel, Ince (Southern 69), Dobbie (Dicko 76), Taylor-Fletcher
Goals: Dobbie (45), M.Phillips (48)
Subs not used: Cathcart, Halstead
Last six meetings
21 February 2012 Blackpool 1-4 West Ham United (Championship)
15 October 2011 West Ham United 4-0 Blackpool (Championship)
2 February 2011 Blackpool 1-3 West Ham United (Premier League)
13 November 2010 West Ham United 0-0 Blackpool (Premier League
27 February 1971 Blackpool 1-1 West Ham United (Division One)
2 January 1971 Blackpool 4-0 West Ham United (FA Cup third round)
Overall record v Blackpool (all competitions) W 21 D 13 L 20
21 February 2012 Blackpool 1-4 West Ham United (Championship)
15 October 2011 West Ham United 4-0 Blackpool (Championship)
2 February 2011 Blackpool 1-3 West Ham United (Premier League)
13 November 2010 West Ham United 0-0 Blackpool (Premier League
27 February 1971 Blackpool 1-1 West Ham United (Division One)
2 January 1971 Blackpool 4-0 West Ham United (FA Cup third round)
Overall record v Blackpool (all competitions) W 21 D 13 L 20
Ten-year records
West Ham United
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 Championship 4th
2002/03 Premier League 18th (relegated to Championship)
2001/02 Premier League 7th
West Ham United
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 Championship 4th
2002/03 Premier League 18th (relegated to Championship)
2001/02 Premier League 7th
Blackpool
2010/11 Premier League 19th (relegated to the Championship)
2009/10 Championship 6th (promoted to Premier League via play-offs)
2008/09 Championship 16th
2007/08 Championship 19th
2006/07 League One 3rd (promoted to Championship via play-offs)
2005/06 League One 19th
2004/05 League One 16th
2003/04 League One 14th
2002/03 League One 13th
2001/02 League One 16th
2010/11 Premier League 19th (relegated to the Championship)
2009/10 Championship 6th (promoted to Premier League via play-offs)
2008/09 Championship 16th
2007/08 Championship 19th
2006/07 League One 3rd (promoted to Championship via play-offs)
2005/06 League One 19th
2004/05 League One 16th
2003/04 League One 14th
2002/03 League One 13th
2001/02 League One 16th
Referee
• Saturday's referee will be Howard Webb, who last took charge of a Hammers game with the 3-1 defeat by Birmingham City in the Carling Cup semi-final second leg on 26 January 2011.
• Webb took charge of the 2010 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Netherlands in South Africa.
• Webb began officiating in Yorkshire in 1989. He took charge of his first Barclays Premier League match as a referee in October 2003 and has since been the man-in-the-middle for a host of high-profile fixtures.
• Webb also refereed the 2005 FA Community Shield, 2006 FA Trophy final and 2006 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, as well as taking charge of his first UEFA Champions League match in 2006. The former police officer was referee for the 2007 Carling Cup final and was selected as England's representative at Euro 2008, taking charge of the first match of the tournament between Austria and Poland and the Group D fixture between Greece and eventual champions Spain.
• Saturday's referee will be Howard Webb, who last took charge of a Hammers game with the 3-1 defeat by Birmingham City in the Carling Cup semi-final second leg on 26 January 2011.
• Webb took charge of the 2010 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Netherlands in South Africa.
• Webb began officiating in Yorkshire in 1989. He took charge of his first Barclays Premier League match as a referee in October 2003 and has since been the man-in-the-middle for a host of high-profile fixtures.
• Webb also refereed the 2005 FA Community Shield, 2006 FA Trophy final and 2006 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, as well as taking charge of his first UEFA Champions League match in 2006. The former police officer was referee for the 2007 Carling Cup final and was selected as England's representative at Euro 2008, taking charge of the first match of the tournament between Austria and Poland and the Group D fixture between Greece and eventual champions Spain.
Us and Them
• Sam Allardyce took up his first full-time managerial post when he was appointed as Blackpool boss in July 1994. Big Sam spent two seasons in charge at Bloomfield Road, leading the Tangerines to their highest league finish in 18 years in 1995/96. Blackpool finished third in Division Two (now League One) before being defeated in the Play-Offs. Of the 102 matches he took charge of at Blackpool, Big Sam won 44, lost 23 and drew 35.
• Blackpool winger Tom Ince is the son of former West Ham United and England midfielder Paul Ince.
• Six players have made their West Ham United debuts against Blackpool - Tommy Hodgson, William Williams (both May 1922), Jim Holmes (September 1936), Colin Mackleworth (December 1966), John McDowell (October 1970) and Robbie Keane (February 2011).
• Among the other players who have represented both clubs are L.Armeson (guest player), Louis Cardwell (guest player), George Dick, Marlon Harewood, Walter Miller, Adam Nowland, Les Sealey, Don Travis and Bob Wyllie.
• Sam Allardyce took up his first full-time managerial post when he was appointed as Blackpool boss in July 1994. Big Sam spent two seasons in charge at Bloomfield Road, leading the Tangerines to their highest league finish in 18 years in 1995/96. Blackpool finished third in Division Two (now League One) before being defeated in the Play-Offs. Of the 102 matches he took charge of at Blackpool, Big Sam won 44, lost 23 and drew 35.
• Blackpool winger Tom Ince is the son of former West Ham United and England midfielder Paul Ince.
• Six players have made their West Ham United debuts against Blackpool - Tommy Hodgson, William Williams (both May 1922), Jim Holmes (September 1936), Colin Mackleworth (December 1966), John McDowell (October 1970) and Robbie Keane (February 2011).
• Among the other players who have represented both clubs are L.Armeson (guest player), Louis Cardwell (guest player), George Dick, Marlon Harewood, Walter Miller, Adam Nowland, Les Sealey, Don Travis and Bob Wyllie.
General information
• West Ham United have completely SOLD OUT their allocation of tickets for Wembley. There will be no tickets available on the day.
• The forecast for Saturday at Wembley is for a cloudy but warm day with temperatures set to hit a maximum of 17C.
• On public transport, the London Underground Central line will be closed between Liverpool Street and Marble Arch. c2c services will run as normal. Greater Anglia services between Bishop's Stortford and Stratford will terminate at Seven Sisters. For full details of Greater Anglia service disruption, click here.
• The nearest London Underground station to Wembley is Wembley Park, which is served by the Jubilee and Metropolitan lines.
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TC backs Cole to be hero
WHUFc.com
Tony Cottee believes fellow striker Carlton Cole can shoot the Hammers to promotion
18.05.2012
• West Ham United have completely SOLD OUT their allocation of tickets for Wembley. There will be no tickets available on the day.
• The forecast for Saturday at Wembley is for a cloudy but warm day with temperatures set to hit a maximum of 17C.
• On public transport, the London Underground Central line will be closed between Liverpool Street and Marble Arch. c2c services will run as normal. Greater Anglia services between Bishop's Stortford and Stratford will terminate at Seven Sisters. For full details of Greater Anglia service disruption, click here.
• The nearest London Underground station to Wembley is Wembley Park, which is served by the Jubilee and Metropolitan lines.
------------------------------------------------
TC backs Cole to be hero
WHUFc.com
Tony Cottee believes fellow striker Carlton Cole can shoot the Hammers to promotion
18.05.2012
West Ham United great Tony Cottee believes Carlton Cole could be the man to shoot the Hammers to promotion in Saturday's npower Championship Play-Off final.Cottee, who bagged 146 goals in 336 games for the Club, has backed his fellow striker and England international to be the hero when West Ham take on Blackpool at Wembley.In a revealing interview with whufc.com, the 46-year-old also talked about his memories of playing in five Wembley cup finals, representing England at the Home of Football and the threat posed by Ian Holloway's side this weekend.
Tony, we go into the Play-Off final on a good run of form, so are you confident we can get the job done against Blackpool?
TC - I think so. It's been a good run for us. We had a great run of form at the end of the season, didn't we? I was at the semi-final second leg against Cardiff and we won and I thought we played well. We played some good football, created chances and deservedly won 3-0. It was a fantastic two-legged performance, really, so I think all West Ham fans should go into the game confident. However, this is the Play-Off final and form doesn't mean anything like in any cup final. That's my only concern, that we might freeze or anything could happen. We could have bad luck or a sending-off. If you ask me if I think we are a better team than Blackpool, then of course I do and I'm expecting to win, but I'm not 100 per cent about it.
What do we have to do to beat a team like Blackpool who throw everything at you?
TC - For me, we need to nullify their two star players, who from what I've seen are Matty Phillips and Tom Ince. They are the two wide players. I don't think they are that sound defensively and they will concede goals, which is a positive for us, but up front and in midfield they are OK. We just need to stop those two wide players running at us. I watched their game against Birmingham and they looked very dangerous on the break. I don't know how Blackpool will play it, but they seem to only know one way and that's to go out and attack. If that's the case, it should make a for a great final.
Who do you think could be West Ham United's match-winner?
TC - I would say Carlton Cole, because if he performs then I think we will win the game. He is the guy who will lead the line. What he needs to do, like any good centre forward, is to hold the ball up and bring others into play. If he does that, it will be the key to it. On his day, Carlton probably deserves to be in the England squad, but we just haven't seen it consistently this season - for obvious reasons like getting relegated and that sort of stuff, and I get that. He's come into form and seems to have re-established himself as the No1 striker, which is great, so as much as we have other match-winners like Ricardo Vaz Te and Nicky Maynard, for me Carlton is the key.
You played at Wembley for club and country many times. What was the experience like for you?
TC - I'm a Club Wembley season ticket holder so I go to all the England games and as many other games as I can. I cannot believe it is 31 years since I went as a 15-year-old to the 1981 League Cup final just before I joined West Ham and that was the last time we played at Wembley. It feels like yesterday and I remember the emotion of Ray Stewart rolling the ball in the corner and Ray Clemence going the wrong way (Stewart equalised with a last-minute penalty). We were all saying 'Just smash it Ray!' and he just rolled it into the corner, which was fantastic. It's been a long, long time. I've said consistently this season that, forgetting everything else, the West Ham fans deserve a day out at Wembley. A lot of people said we didn't want to go into the Play-Offs but this way the fans get a day out. I'm so pleased for them and I just hope we can finish it off with a victory.
What was the Wembley highlight of your playing career?
TC - I played in the 1989 FA Cup final for Everton but we didn't win the game [against Liverpool] and personally I didn't play very well. I probably enjoyed the League Cup final for Leicester when we beat Tranmere in 2000. I played in five Wembley finals - one FA Cup, two League Cup and two Full Members Cup - and lost four and won one, so the one we won is the memory. Obviously playing for England was a great thrill for me, but the final we won was just a real great feeling to win a tournament. This Saturday, it's all very well having a great day out, but if we lose it will be a horrible feeling.
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Confident Cole
WHUFc.com
Striker Carlton Cole says West Ham United are in top form ahead of their Blackpool test
18.05.2012
Confident Cole
WHUFc.com
Striker Carlton Cole says West Ham United are in top form ahead of their Blackpool test
18.05.2012
West Ham United striker Carlton Cole believes the Hammers have hit top form at just the right time. Speaking the day before West Ham United take on Blackpool in the npower Championship Play-Off final, Cole thinks the Hammers have every chance of achieving their goal of promotion to the Premier League.
The in-form striker, who has 14 goals to his name this season, also believes that the wealth of experience the Hammers possess will play a massive part on Saturday afternoon.
"We are in a rich vein of form at the moment and everyone is looking forward to Wembley," he told West Ham TV. "When you play at Wembley it's a massive occasion and we need to be able to deal with the atmosphere."
"We have a captain in Kevin Nolan who has been in a Play-Off final [with Bolton Wanderers] and he has been talking us through the preparations, how to cope with pressure and the atmosphere at Wembley because it can be intense. That's what the young lads and those who haven't played at Wembley before need. That sort of guidance that can relax you on the day."
Cole is one of the few members of the West Ham squad to have played at the Home of Football before and has been helping his younger team-mates in telling them what to expect on the big day.
"I'm a father which means I have responsibilities at home so it just comes naturally to me to help out the young lads here too. I've got a lot more experience than some of the boys here and if they ask me a question then I try and answer it in the most constructive way possible. "
With the Hammers having beaten Blackpool twice this season, they have been branded with the tag of favourites for Saturday's final. It is a tag that does not bother Cole, who says the team should just continue to play their natural game.
"You can call us favourites if you want but we still need to treat it like any other game, go in there, set our stall out and give 100% performance from the very beginning. I think we are really on form at the moment so let's take that into this game too.
"It's a final so anything can happen and people do the unexpected when emotions are running high. It's up to us to control the situation and put in the best performance we can."
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West Ham's Kevin Nolan wants Hammers win for Allardyce
BBC.co.uk
West Ham's Kevin Nolan wants Hammers win for Allardyce
BBC.co.uk
West Ham United midfielder Kevin Nolan says he wants to win the Championship play-off for manager Sam Allardyce.
Allardyce was criticised by Hammers fans earlier in the season for the club's style of play. But Nolan told BBC London 94.9: "I grew up with him as my gaffer and I want to do it for him as well as my teammates and the staff. "Hopefully he will be celebrating because he deserves it after the stick he's received."
Allardyce was criticised by Hammers fans earlier in the season for the club's style of play. But Nolan told BBC London 94.9: "I grew up with him as my gaffer and I want to do it for him as well as my teammates and the staff. "Hopefully he will be celebrating because he deserves it after the stick he's received."
Last month West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady said Allardyce would not be sacked if the east London outfit failed to seal an automatic return to the Premier League. Nolan, 29, added: "If the tragedy does happen and we don't go up on Saturday, we'll have to go back to the drawing board and make sure we are a Premier League team this time next year. "Sam is the man to get this club back where it belongs."
Each year the Championship play-off final is dubbed the richest game in world football, with the value to the winner estimated to be worth £90m. That sum includes higher broadcast income, gate receipts and commercial income from playing in the Premier League.
This year Deloitte calculates the game to be worth 'only' £45m to either West Ham or Blackpool.
That is because both received Premier League monetary "parachute payments" after they were relegated last season, and so are starting from a higher financial base point than other Championship teams.
"The majority of their players and Ian Holloway [Blackpool manager] have been there and done it and know what it is about," Nolan continued.
"We're a club in transition from last year. To just miss out on automatic promotion was disappointing but the way we've reacted to that has been brilliant.
"It's about making sure we do what we've been doing over the last few weeks."
Meanwhile Nolan, who signed a five-year deal with the Irons when he joined from Newcastle last summer, has re-iterated that his long-term future lies at Upton Park.
"I very much intend to be here next season no matter what happens on Saturday," he added.
"This is a fantastic club which I feel will be going in the right direction [during] the years which I've signed [for].
"I'm delighted a club of this stature wanted me to come here. I knew it was the right decision as soon as I walked in and signed the papers."
"We're a club in transition from last year. To just miss out on automatic promotion was disappointing but the way we've reacted to that has been brilliant.
"It's about making sure we do what we've been doing over the last few weeks."
Meanwhile Nolan, who signed a five-year deal with the Irons when he joined from Newcastle last summer, has re-iterated that his long-term future lies at Upton Park.
"I very much intend to be here next season no matter what happens on Saturday," he added.
"This is a fantastic club which I feel will be going in the right direction [during] the years which I've signed [for].
"I'm delighted a club of this stature wanted me to come here. I knew it was the right decision as soon as I walked in and signed the papers."
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Carlton's cool
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 18th May 2012
By: Staff Writer
Carlton's cool
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 18th May 2012
By: Staff Writer
Carlton Cole believes that his extensive experience - and that of some of his fellow team mates - will be vital in tomorrow's Championship play-off Final. Cole, who has appeared at Wembley as a substitute for England in the past believes that experience - and calmness under pressure - will be key components in any potential win for West Ham against Blackpool tomorrow afternoon.
Having been at West Ham since 2006, for whom he signed having left Chelsea in a £2million deal, the 28-year-old striker is now considered to be one of the club's more senior players.
And it is his valuable experience at both club and national level that Cole hopes he can use to assist some of the squads younger members when the team kick-off in front of around 80,000 people at the national stadium - even though it will also be his first appearance at the stadium outside of the national squad.
"It'll be a new experience for me," Cole said. "I've never been to Wembley with a club team and I'm really hoping to be involved. But we're in a rich vein of form and everybody's looking forward to this occasion.
"Obviously when you go to Wembley it's a massive occasion and you need to be able to deal with the atmosphere because it's going to be different. I feel we've got enough experienced players to deal with it.
"We've got a captain who's been in a play-off Final before and he's talking everybody through it, to cope with the pressure. That's what the young lads need and people who've not experienced Wembley before need as well. Plus it's something I've been trying to do all season.
"It's funny because once I was one of the young lads looking to the experienced pros but now its turned itself on its head, now I'm the experienced lad trying to help the younger boys. That's what they need from us so that's what we try to give them.
"I'm a father too so I've got responsibilities as well at home, so it's natural to do it for the boys here as well. I've got a lot more experience than some of the boys here and I'll try to help them as well as I can."
"Everyone's been asking me for tickets. I just put on my BBM status that there's no tickets left. So don't ask me - and if you do ask me, you're getting deleted! Sam said after Tuesday if anyone's asking for tickets, tell them to f off!"
Cole also revealed that he has received a number of messages of support from friends and fellow footballers - including Daniel Sturridge of Chelsea ("he always phones me up and is always looking out for our results; I don't know why!") and former Hammer Rio Ferdinand, who learned this week that he had been omitted from England's European Championship squad.
"I had Rio texting me 'good luck!'" revealed Cole. "He's fine, he's just getting on a bit, you know! I just told him to go out and enjoy his holiday with the family. We're getting a lot of support from anyone who has been connected to West Ham in the past or present.
"So we owe it to ourselves, we owe it to the fans and to everyone connected to West Ham to win on Saturday."
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Nolan on... Wembley
KUMb.com
Filed: Friday, 18th May 2012
By: Staff Writer
Nolan on... Wembley
KUMb.com
Filed: Friday, 18th May 2012
By: Staff Writer
It's 32 years since Billy Bonds became the last captain of West Ham United to lift a trophy at Wembley when John Lyall's side beat Arsenal 1-0. We joined Kevin Nolan for a chat ahead of Saturday's play-off Final as he seeks to emulate one of the club's favourite sons...
Kevin: how are preparations going ahead of Saturday?
We're just trying to be as relaxed as possible and make the whole thing not seem so far out there. We all know how much is riding on the game; we all know we're 90 minutes away from the Premier League. But this is what we're footballers for, for days like this and it's about us making sure we do the business on Saturday.
There's been no change whatsoever in what Sam [Allardyce] and Neil [McDonald] have done in the preparations leading up to the game. There's no special thing that we've got to produce. We just know that if we keep continuing the form we have done over the last five or six weeks then we're going to give ourselves a really good chance of making the Premier League at six o'clock on Saturday night.
It's been a long time since you've played Cardiff. Has that been a bit of a problem?
Yeah, it's been ten or eleven days hasn't it. It is quite weird that, it is something they will probably have to look at. But the gaffer gave us a few days off to spend with our families and a few of the lads done their own thing, got away from the training ground. Because you've been there for eleven months of the year or so. So we've had a bit of downtime but come back this week and the focus is on Saturday.
We've just got to treat it as a normal game. We understand the importance of it but we've got to make sure we do the business like we have done for the majority of the season. We'll give ourselves the best chance of coming away with a win on Saturday.
I bet Jack Collison was pleased there were a few extra days, wasn't he?
Yeah, definitely, that's another positive thing on our behalf. Jack's shoulder isn't as bad as we first thought and hopefully he's going to be fit for Saturday. We're absolutely delighted that we will - hopefully - have a full squad to pick from. That's the best possible outcome because you want the two teams who are in the play-off Final to be able to field their strongest side, so we get the best game possible.
What's the key to this game for West Ham?
Just winning it! Look, there's battles going on all over the pitch and we've got to make sure that our game plan beats their game plan. We'll have a game plan from the start to the finish on Saturday and if we execute that to perfection we'll get the result. And it's the same the other way around, if they execute their game plan then they're going to win. They've got a very experienced squad, a lot of their players have been there and done it before so although everyone's counting us as favourites I think they're playing on that a bit much.
Of course you smashed eight goals past them as well?
But that's gone now. 46 games in, that's gone - they've finished fifth in the table and that's all forgotten about. Them beating Birmingham's forgotten about, it's just about 90 minutes and two teams. We all know Blackpool are a very good side and we're not going to underestimate them no matter how well we played against them in the season because this is a completely different game and there's a lot more riding on it. So it's about us handling all that and making sure we execute our game plan to perfection - and if we do that, I'm sure we'll come out on top.
You went up with Newcastle two years ago; what would it mean to you to do it with West Ham?
And I went up with Bolton in the play-off Final beating Preston which was a fantastic day, I really enjoyed that. The way we won the league with Newcastle a couple of seasons ago was another fantastic memory of mine so hopefully it'll be another one and that'll be three times I've played a season in this league and got myself out of it in fantastic circumstances.
But there's nobody who deserves it more than the fans and the people who've worked so hard at this club all year round. So one big, massive push from us all on Saturday to achieve what, when I came here in the summer, I set out to achieve - and that's to get this fantastic club back in the Premier League, because that's where we all want to be playing. It's going to be a great occasion, we've got to make sure we don't let it get the better of us and we've got to really enjoy it and do the business.
Will this one be special because you've come through the play-offs and because of the amount of changes that have gone on in this club?
Yeah, I think it's probably going to be the best one because it's such a massive turnaround in such a short space of time. I've also got to mention both Chairmen because of the way they've handled everything this season and the way they handled bringing me here by absolutely selling the club - not that they needed to sell the club, they didn't really need to because I already knew about it.
But it's just the way they've showed their determination and desire to make sure this club succeeds. Their ownership is there for all to see and especially for me, with them being here on a regular basis. It's going to be absolutely fantastic [on Saturday] and hopefully I'll be celebrating with all them people on Saturday evening, because they deserve it - as well as all the fans who turn up week in, week out, home and away for us. They're the people who deserve it and the people you see here looking after us all the time, 24/7.
Carlton [Cole] says he's turned down a lot of ticket requests; are you in the same boat?
Yeah! I've got virtually all my family coming down; uncles, aunties, my granddad and obviously my mum and dad. But all the people coming to watch me have come and watched me since I was a kid, since I started out. They were at that game against Preston in my first play-off Final; the majority of them are going to be there on Saturday so that's pleasing. They all want to support us so I'll be hoping to celebrate with them if we win the game on Saturday.
Have you had to make any awkward phone calls to your mates to say "sorry"!?
I just ignore them!
There's going to be 40,000 West Ham fans in there on Saturday. As captain of the club, have you got a special word for them?
Just thanks very much for all your support all season. I cannot believe the actual support after all the hoo-hah at the start of the season. The support they've given us throughout the season has been absolutely amazing and we just ask them for one more push because it'll be massive for us.
They've undoubtedly out sung every club we've played against this year so I'm not even going to ask for that because they've been fantastic. That's just standard by their own standards and I hope we give them what they deserve - and that's to be able to go out and enjoy Saturday night after us winning the game on Saturday afternoon.
How aware are you as players of what it means to the fans? It's been 32 years since Billy Bonds lifted a trophy there.
We've got a lot of lads here who have come through the ranks who are going to be around and about on Saturday. Probably three or four of them are going to be out on that pitch, plus you've got Rob Green who's been here for six years. So everyone knows.
I've only been here a year and I know what it means to them to be back amongst the Premier League and the elite teams of English football. We want to do it for them but we can't look too far out of the box, we've got to make sure we stick together and do the business - and then, hopefully, enjoy it all after the final whistle goes and West Ham are in the Premier League.
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What a farce
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 18th May 2012
By: Staff Writer
What a farce
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 18th May 2012
By: Staff Writer
The Football League have been forced to issue a statement after they were contacted by hundreds of angry ticketless West Ham supporters ahead of tomorrow's Chapionship play-off final against Blackpool.
The League, who are responsible for the ticketing fiasco that will result in up to 10,000 empty seats at Wembley tomorrow claimed that Blackpool were equally at fault by requesting an allocation almost identical to that of West Ham's, of which roughly one quarter remain unsold.
In an email to a KUMB.com member earlier today, a representative of the governing body said: "Blackpool requested approximately 38,000 tickets with West Ham having slightly more than 39,000.
"The last time Blackpool were in a Championship play-off Final in 2010 they sold approximately 37,000 tickets. Therefore a request for a similar allocation this time was not considered to be inappropriate and obviously both clubs deserve to be treated equally and fairly."
However in the statement released this afternoon on football-league.co.uk, the FL insisted that it was "unreasonable" to expect them to have amended the process so that empty seats could have been returned and given to some of the thousands of West Ham supporters who will not now be able to attend the game.
""The Football League and Wembley Stadium have co-operated to provide West Ham United with more than 40,000 tickets for the Championship Play-Off Final, the largest ticket allocation a club has received since this match returned to Wembley," read their missive.
"Given the need to segregate supporters in seating, concourse and turnstile areas, the only way of providing West Ham with a greater number of tickets would have been to restrict Blackpool's ticket allocation to 30,000 at the outset of the ticket sales process.
"However, with Blackpool having sold more than 36,000 tickets for this same match two seasons ago, that would have been unreasonable."
The lack of availble tickets has led to several hundred Hammers purchasing seats in the opposition end. Far from avoiding potential problems with regards to segregtion, the Football League's short-sighted policy only appears to have increased the chance of potential problems.
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Allardyce on... the play-off Final (part two)
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 18th May 2012
By: Staff Writer
Allardyce on... the play-off Final (part two)
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 18th May 2012
By: Staff Writer
KUMB joined Sam Allardyce at his pre-match press call to look ahead to this weekend's play-off Final against Blackpool - as his side prepares to do battle for the chance to return to the Premier League...
Obviously it's a really nervy time for the fans, Sam; what's the feeling like amongst the players?
Well they won't be as nervous as me probably, but I think the players are the lucky ones. The players are the ones that will be nervous before the game obviously, but they're the ones that walk over the white line and have the pleasure of playing in one of the world's best arenas. I just want them to make sure that when they go over that white line and when they come off they're not disappointed in their own performance and that they've given everything and shown everything they have as footballers.
But they're the lucky ones, because when the whistle goes they don't really feel the nerves then, they get on with the game. It's us who surround that arena, both me as a manager and the coach and then the supporters who get the nerves from thereon in. So yes, I think there'll be a certain amount of anxiety in us all, but in a game like this you have to control those emotions and hopefully, from the player's point of view, they'll control their emotions and deliver the best performance.
From my point of view, controlling my emotions to make the best decisions when needed in the game, if and when needed - be that a substitution or a change of shape in the team. That's my job on the day and if that needs to be done, I've got to make sure I get that decision right.
And how important will those 35,000 West Ham fans be?
There'll be more than 35,000, I'll tell you that now! It'll be more like 45,000. Everybody's begging me for tickets, unfortunately the deadline has passed so if anybody's listening to this don't text me as I won't get you one anymore! And if I catch players getting people tickets as well now I'll give them a good dressing down, because we have to focus on the job, now.
Tickets for family and friends is a massive distraction in a game like this. So the lads have put all that to bed on Tuesday. I really don't think there are too many tickets to be had any more anyway, so hopefully we can just continue to focus on the game and deliver the performance that we want.
It's well documented the significant increase in money the club gets from being in the Premier League. Is that something you're thinking about?
Well it's an added pressure and it's obviously one that everybody in football strives to achieve now. Blackpool have tasted life in the Premier League recently and want to get there again. We're trying to get back there at the first time of asking and know what that extra finance can bring to us as footballers, as coaches and as managers but really it's about our own pride, it's about our own status in football for me, rather than the money. I
it's about playing, or coaching and managing, in the best league in the world and because we're in the best league in the world, if we can get there that brings the best funding, it gives you the opportunity to earn more than you would do normally. But it's not money that's the motivation, it's the winning and the football match.
You said before that you hope your players don't freeze on the day. Do you think it helps that you've got players like Robert Green, Carton Cole and Kevin Nolan who've played so many big games during their career and have played at the highest stage? Do you think that could be crucial?
Somebody in every winning team has to guide you through the game and I think those players with the experience need to be the mentors of all the other lads who may be feeling a little bit more nervous and who haven't been there. Once they see those players performing to their best it carries them along and then the team can give its best performance.
So yes, they play a critical part - first and foremost, in starting the game well, getting that first pass right, getting that first tackle, getting the first header. I think that then sets us up to know how we're going to play on the day. So for those players with the experience to start the game correctly is going to be critical to us trying to win the game.
Where does this match rank in your career?
As big as anything else, I think. The stage that it's on and the arena that we're playing in, new Wembley, makes for a super atmosphere. It's an absolutely fabulous stadium to go and compete against Blackpool in and try and get to the promised land. It's really fabulous. I just hope that at the end of it, it's been a great pleasure for me and the players.
I really am looking forward to it and hopefully being the victor there. But I know a little man down the road - Ian [Holloway] - who is as equally determined and so will his players be. I've got every respect for them and what they'll be trying to so and so have my players. We will have to be at our very best to overcome them and that's what we've got to try and do.
Do you think that because the tickets have gone so quickly, and that 10,000/20,000 more would have come and supported you on Saturday, it proves to you the magnitude of this club?
It does, yeah. Probably those who can't get their tickets through us will probably get their tickets in the Blackpool end somehow, knowing our supporters. That swell of support will be great to hear, them cheering on our lads on Saturday, because it's what we do it for. We do it for the atmosphere and it's the best atmosphere you could get at a place like Wembley. It's a big stage for the players and let's hope they deliver on the day.
And I just want to squash the rumour saying we've had Premier League shirts printed. We haven't. We've had a shirt printed with 'play-off Finals' on and nothing else.
And Jack Collison trained today?
Today, yes. Everybody's okay.
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Sullivan backing Allardyce
But West Ham boss claims he can never look to long-term future
Last Updated: May 18, 2012 9:55am
SSN
Sullivan backing Allardyce
But West Ham boss claims he can never look to long-term future
Last Updated: May 18, 2012 9:55am
SSN
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan insists Sam Allardyce will be staying at the club - but the man himself is taking nothing for granted.The Hammers take on Blackpool in the Championship play-off final on Saturday and are favourites to return to the Premier League at the first attempt.Allardyce has been under pressure to deliver promotion all season, with some fans criticising his style of football as the club just missed out on second spot to Southampton on the final day. But Sullivan rejects the theory and is adamant the former Newcastle boss has a job at Upton Park next season regardless of the outcome at Wembley this weekend."Whether it's a popular decision or not, come what may we will stick with Sam," Sullivan told The Sun.
"We have a reputation for honouring contracts and I genuinely believe there is no point chopping and changing every year if you want to build something. I believe in continuity.
"We have a reputation for honouring contracts and I genuinely believe there is no point chopping and changing every year if you want to build something. I believe in continuity.
Nonsense
"I keep hearing all this nonsense about our style of play and complaints from some fans, but Sam has an undeserved reputation which is hard to get rid of."I haven't missed a game all season and most of the time we have tried to play decent football.
"Sam has a two-year contract and if we don't get promoted in that time I doubt I would need to fire him. He's said himself that he would walk away."
"Sam has a two-year contract and if we don't get promoted in that time I doubt I would need to fire him. He's said himself that he would walk away."
While Allardyce no doubt appreciates this backing, he is under no illusions that he must deliver results if he is to remain in charge."I don't have a long-term future anymore," the 57-year-old told the Daily Mirror. "You can't have a long-term future in my job anymore because you are not allowed.The statistics tell you that you cannot predict how long you will be at any football club now because you don't know what is going to happen.
Longevity
"All you can do, if you want longevity at one football club, is win football matches. If you win football matches, you stay in a job. If you don't win football matches, you lose your job."Allardyce, who was appointed West Ham manager in June, admits his team can take nothing for granted ahead of the contest dubbed 'the richest game in football'.He added: "We would love to win - we need to win - but we can't guarantee it."If it is not the case for whatever reason, somebody will say: 'Will your job be safe?'"When that comes around I can answer that but for now my focus is on the team."It's been a long wait since we played Cardiff (in the semi-final) but we're rested, eager and ready to give our best performance of the season."
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Allardyce - No grudges
Hammers boss insists he has no bad feeling towards Blackpool
Last Updated: May 18, 2012 4:42pm
SSN
Allardyce - No grudges
Hammers boss insists he has no bad feeling towards Blackpool
Last Updated: May 18, 2012 4:42pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce does not have any ill feeling against Blackpool, despite being sacked by the Seasiders in 1996.The West Ham manager lost his job at the Seasiders after he missed out on promotion to Division One 16 years ago. Blackpool stand in the way of Allardyce's West Ham side, as he tries to fulfil his promise to lead them straight back to the Premier League by winning Saturday's play-off final at Wembley. But the former Blackburn and Bolton manager insists he bears no grudges.
He said: "It's long gone, water under the bridge. "At the time it was devastating because I thought I might have been lost to football, I thought I might not get back into the game. "Luckily that wasn't the case but the experience I gained as a manager has stood me in good stead to go on and do better things, so I have no axe to grind with Blackpool."
He said: "It's long gone, water under the bridge. "At the time it was devastating because I thought I might have been lost to football, I thought I might not get back into the game. "Luckily that wasn't the case but the experience I gained as a manager has stood me in good stead to go on and do better things, so I have no axe to grind with Blackpool."
Focused
Instead, Allardyce is fully focused on the club's biggest game since their last play-off final victory in 2005.The game is being touted as a £90million shoot-out and the 57-year-old is fully aware of its significance.He continued: "It is important for the status of everyone at the club, particularly for myself and my staff and the players who require Premier League status again."It gives them a greater standing in the game. It gives us all a greater status in the game, a huge amount of revenue into this club and it gives us worldwide branding."We all know how important it is from both sides - the football side and the financial side."
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Nolan - I owe Hammers
Captain pledges to fight for the West Ham cause.
Last Updated: May 18, 2012 11:25am
SSN
Nolan - I owe Hammers
Captain pledges to fight for the West Ham cause.
Last Updated: May 18, 2012 11:25am
SSN
Kevin Nolan is determined to bring Premier League football back to West Ham, after finding his 'perfect club'. The Upton Park skipper will lead his side out in the Championship play-off final at Wembley on Saturday, as the Hammers bid to bounce straight back into the top flight following last year's relegation.And the 29-year old, who has taken the club to his heart since joining last summer, knows just how important victory is against Blackpool.He told the Independent: "It will be amazing to lead the team out in front of 38,000 West Ham fans but it won't be remembered unless we win. That is the main thing for me. This is a massive game."You have to turn up and you have to produce your best to get to where you want to be."
Repay
And he wants to repay the club who offered him the chance to resurrect his career, after Newcastle withdrew their offer of a new contract.He continued: "I owe them 110 per cent from the moment I walk in the door to the moment I leave. That really drives me on because people have put so much faith and trust in me. I want the people who put trust in me to go, 'Yeah, that lad gave us everything.'"I'm a hard worker, I'm a grafter and obviously it's from my roots, it's where I'm from."The skipper demands the same commitment from his team-mates.He said: "I want them to be the best they can be for West Ham and, as weeks and months go by, I think we've got stronger as a group and come together more. I just hope to be sharing such a great moment with them all."
Home
The Liverpool-born midfielder was disappointed to leave Newcastle, a club he admits he thought he would be part of for 'many years', but in East London, he appears to have found a home-from-home."Newcastle is similar to the way I was brought up and I related to that," he said."If I could have chosen one club in London that would be perfect for me as a lad, it would be West Ham. It reminds me so much of Liverpool and Everton, a working man's club."People have been here for 25 years, like at Newcastle. You've got Pete the kitman and then you've got Shirley, who's in the kitchen, and I think she's been here for 38 years. To hear her excitement, knowing she's going to Wembley this week, is what it's all about."
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