Daily WHUFC News - 27th October 2012

Wigan Athletic match preview
WHUFC.com
Background information and team news ahead of Saturday's visit to the DW
Stadium
26.10.2012

WIGAN ATHLETIC V WEST HAM UNITED
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
SATURDAY 27 OCTOBER 2012
KICK-OFF: 3PM
REFEREE: JONATHAN MOSS
FULL AUDIO AND TEXT COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV

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Introduction
• West Ham United travel to the DW Stadium on Saturday to face Wigan
Athletic knowing a win could take them into the Barclays Premier League top
four. The Hammers start the weekend in seventh, having taken 14 points from
eight games. Wigan are 16th with five points from the same number of games
played.
• The two sides have already met once this season. West Ham United's Capital
One Cup campaign came to an end at the Boleyn Ground when the Latics earned
a 4-1 third-round win on 25 September.That fixture was the first-ever League
Cup meeting between the two sides and the 19th meeting overall.
• Sam Allardyce's side are chasing their first back-to-back Barclays Premier
League victories since overcoming Liverpool and Stoke City in February/March
2011. Big Sam's team have played just three away games this season, winning
2-1 at Queens Park Rangers last time out on 1 October, losing 3-0 at Swansea
City on 25 August and drawing 0-0 at Norwich City on 15 September.
• West Ham United have not won consecutive away Barclays Premier League
fixtures since Blackburn Rovers and Middlesbrough in December 2007.
• Roberto Martinez's side have yet to win a Barclays Premier League game at
home this season and have taken just two points from a possible 12.
• Nineteen goals have been scored in the last four matches between the two
sides. The most-recent Premier League fixture between the two sides saw
Wigan Athletic relegate West Ham United by defeating the Hammers 3-2 at the
DW Stadium on 15 May 2011.
• Mohamed Diame could face his former club for the first time if selected
after being rested for the 4-1 Capital One Cup loss to Wigan Athletic at the
Boleyn Ground in September.
• West Ham United's clash with Wigan Athletic is one of six Barclays Premier
League matches on Saturday. The others are as follows: (kick-off 3pm unless
stated) Aston Villa v Norwich City (12.45pm), Arsenal v Queens Park Rangers,
Manchester City v Swansea City (5.30pm), Reading v Fulham and Stoke City v
Sunderland.

Last time out
Saturday 20 October 2012
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 4-1 Southampton
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Reid, McCartney, Nolan, Tomkins (Spence 88),
Collins, Jarvis, Benayoun, Noble, Diame (O'Neil 68), Carroll (Maiga 82).
Goals: Noble 46, 72, Nolan 48, Maiga 87.
Saturday 20 October 2012
Barclays Premier League
Swansea City 2-1 Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic: Al Habsi, Caldwell, Boyce, Ramis, Figueroa (Watson 71),
McCarthy, Maloney, McArthur (Boselli 83), Beausejour, Kone, Di Santo (Gomez
83).
Goals: Boyce 69.

Previous meeting
• West Ham United's last meeting with Wigan Athletic came just one month ago
in the Capital One Cup and ended in defeat. Modibo Maiga gave the Hammers
the perfect start by opening the scoring after seven minutes but the
visitors leveled through Mauro Boselli shortly after. Ivan Ramis, who was
touted to join the Hammers in the summer, powered home with seven minutes
remaining in the half before Boselli got his second on 41 minutes. The young
Hammers were unable to claw back the deficit and on 84 minutes their fate
was sealed when Jordi Gomez converted from the penalty spot. The line-ups
that day were:
West Ham United: Henderson, McCartney, Tomkins, Spence, Potts, Jarvis, Noble
(Taylor 72), O'Neil (Tombides 84), Maiga, Vaz Te (Fanimo 62), Hall.
Wigan Athletic: Al Habsi, Caldwell, Ramis, Stam, Lopez, Figueroa, Jones,
McArthur (Fyvie 85), McManaman (Gomez 74), Boselli (Orsula 90), Miyaichi.

Background
• West Ham United have faced Wigan Athletic just 19 times and they hold the
edge, winning ten of the encounters. Wigan have won seven with two ending in
draws.
• West Ham United's biggest win over Wigan Athletic came in the 2003/04
season, Kevin Horlock opened the scoring after four minutes and an own goal
from Jason Jarrett made it 2-0 before half-time. Marlon Harewood added a
brace in the second half, scoring his second from the spot, to give the
Hammers a 4-0 Division One win at the Boleyn Ground on 29 November 2003.
• Wigan Athletic's biggest win in the fixture came at the Boleyn Ground
earlier this season when they won 4-1 in the Capital One Cup third round.
Prior to that result, their biggest win came in the 2004/05 season when the
Latics secured a 3-1 Championship win on 15 August 2004. Nathan Ellington
scored a brace with Jason Roberts scoring in-between. Bobby Zamora pulled
one back for the Hammers but it was nothing more than a consolation.

Last six meetings (Premier League unless stated)
25 September 2012 - West Ham United 1-4 Wigan Athletic (Capital One Cup
third round)
15 May 2011- Wigan Athletic 3-2 West Ham United
27 November 2010 - West Ham United 3-1 Wigan Athletic
24 April 2010 - West Ham United 3-2 Wigan Athletic
12 September 2009 - Wigan Athletic 1-0 West Ham United
4 March 2009 - Wigan Athletic 1-0 West Ham United
Overall record v Wigan Athletic (all competitions) W 10 D 2 L 7

Ten-year record
West Ham United

2011/12 Championship 3rd (86 points - promoted to Premier League via
Play-Offs)
2010/11 Premier League 20th (33 points - relegated to Championship)
2009/10 Premier League 17th (35 points)
2008/09 Premier League 9th (51 points)
2007/08 Premier League 10th (49 points)
2006/07 Premier League 15th (41 points)
2005/06 Premier League 9th (55 points)
2004/05 Championship 6th (73 points - promoted to Premier League via
Play-Offs)
2003/04 Division One 4th (74 points)
2002/03 Premier League 18th (42 points - relegated to Division One)
2001/02 Premier League 7th (53 points)
Wigan Athletic
2011/12 Premier League 15th (43 points)
2010/11 Premier League 16th (42 points)
2009/10 Premier League 16th (36 points)
2008/09 Premier League 11th (45 points)
2007/08 Premier League 14th (40 points)
2006/07 Premier League 17th (38 points)
2005/06 Premier League 10th (51 points)
2004/05 Championship 2nd (87 points - promoted to the Premier League)
2003/04 Division One 7th (71 points)
2002/03 Division Two 1st (100 points - promoted to Division One)
2001/02 Division Two 10th (64 points)

Referee
• Saturday's referee will be Jonathan Moss.
• Moss has take charge of two previous West Ham United matches, both last
season in the npower Championship, overseeing the 2-1 away defeat to Derby
County and the 3-3 Boleyn Ground draw with Birmingham City.
• Headteacher Moss was promoted to the Select Group of Referees in June
2011.
• He initially progressed through the Northern Counties East League and
Northern Premier League before being promoted to the National Group of
Assistant Referees in 2003.
• He took charge of the 2005 Conference Play-Off final between Carlisle
United and Stevenage and was then promoted to the National Group of
Referees.

Team news
• For West Ham United, Joey O'Brien has returned to fitness following a
hamstring problem and is expected to feature but Matty Taylor (calf) and Guy
Demel (groin) are unlikely to recover in time.
• Jack Collison will not play after missing the start of the season as he
continues to manage his long-term knee issues, while Alou Diarra is out with
a thigh problem.
• Ricardo Vaz Te will also be missing after surgery on a dislocated shoulder
ruled him out of action for three months.
• Matthias Fanimo, Leo Chambers, Rob Hall and Jordan Spence could also
feature and were all selected in Sam Allardyce's squad for last weekend's
victory over Southampton, with Spence coming off the bench.
• Wigan Athletic will give a late fitness test to Japan midfielder Riyo
Miyaichi (groin), but Spanish midfielder Albert Crusat (knee) and Paraguay
defender Antolin Alcaraz (groin) are both missing.

Old boys
• Mohamed Diame is in line to face his former club. The Senegal
international made 103 appearances for Wigan Athletic, scoring seven goals,
over a period of three years between 2009 and 2012.
• Among the other players who have represented both clubs are Jimmy Bullard,
Roy Carroll, Henri Camara, David Unsworth and Bill Wade.
General Information
• Tickets still remain for trip to the DW Stadium and are available online,
by phone and in person from the Alpari Stand Ticket Office until 3pm on
Friday. They will also be available on the day from Turnstile P in the North
Stand at the DW Stadium, priced £20 Adults, £15 Over-65s and £5 Under-16s.
For full ticket details, click here.
• All coach travel spaces for this fixtures have sold out.
• The weather forecast for Saturday is fine but cold, turning cloudier with
rain as the day progresses, with a maximum temperature of 7C (45F).

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Hall happy to help
WHUFC.com
Robert Hall has enjoyed the step up to Barclays Premier League action this
season
26.10.2012

Robert Hall is hoping for another taste of the first-team picture when West
Ham United travel to Wigan Athletic on Saturday. The forward, who celebrated
his 19th birthday last Saturday, was one of four Development Squad players
who made the matchday squad for last weekend's 4-1 defeat of Southampton.
Hall said he, Leo Chambers, Jordan Spence - who came on as a late substitute
- and Matthias Fanimo were all delighted to once again be part of the senior
squad after all getting varying degrees of first-team match action earlier
in the season. "When four of us Development Squad lads are in the squad it
makes it all a lot more comfortable because they are boys you have been with
for a while. Obviously the first-team lads are great and they make you feel
a part of it but it is nice to still be able to have those little jokes you
have in the Under-21s. "It is great being there together and helping each
other up the ladder."

The youngsters have all earned their place in Sam Allardyce's plans
following the Development Squad's stunning start to the Barclays Under-21
Premier League season. Hall has scored four times already for this season
and came close to opening his senior account when he hit the crossbar during
the Hammers last meeting with the Latics - a 4-1 Capital One Cup defeat at
the Boleyn Ground last month. "The season has been very busy and exciting so
far because the Barclays Under-21 Premier League has made reserve football a
lot more interesting. I have also been lucky enough to make my top-flight
debut this year so to play in the Under-21s, the Capital One Cup and then
the Premier League has been very hectic. "Going out on loan last season and
having two spells at Oxford United and one at MK Dons has definitely helped
my development. You learn a lot being out there on your own because you are
not at the club that is yours and you can only learn things which you can
bring back to West Ham."

Hall's only Barclays Premier League action came in the 3-0 win against
Fulham but he has found himself as a regular on the bench in recent weeks as
injuries to Matt Taylor and Ricardo Vaz Te have provided an opportunity to
some of Big Sam's squad players. "You do not wish injuries upon people but
at the same time if it allows me an opportunity then I am going to have to
be mature and brave enough to step up. I can only keep working hard in
training and listening to the older lads to make sure I learn more and more
day by day."

The Development Squad currently sit top of the Barclays Under-21 Premier
League Group A ahead of Friday night's 7pm meeting with Everton at Rush
Green, which is FREE for Season Ticket holders, £3 for Adults and £1 for
Under-16s. With first-team commitments the priority, it might be that Hall
is forced to miss the game but knows that his team-mates will still deliver
under the guidance of Development Squad manager Ian Hendon. "As a team we
know that Hendo will make us take it on a game-to-game basis, which is
working at the moment. Like myself the other lads have had busy schedules
but we are managing ourselves well with the medical staff and with Greg who
warms us up and cools us down. "We can only thank the people we work with
everyday when we do get into the first-team and get that opportunity to pay
them back."

Hall was also only too happy to play his part in an enjoyable disabled fans'
forum on Tuesday night at the Boleyn Ground alongside Guy Demel and Sam
Allardyce. Around 50 supporters fired questions at the trio, with Hall
joking that he could be in trouble for some of his answers. "Me and Guy
Demel answered some very funny and some very nice questions from some lovely
people so it was very entertaining. "They made me feel very comfortable so
it was a very nice evening. People often talk about giving something back to
the people that support you and respect you so doing things like this is
something I enjoy doing.
"There was some funny questions in there, the one that I had to bring
Carlton Cole and George McCartney into was a particular highlight. "Coley
will definitely say something to me but it is great to see them having a
good time and for them to know me and want to ask me questions is really
nice as well.

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Marlow aiming high
WHUFC.com
Tough-tackling first-year scholar Ben Marlow is targeting a strong season
for the Hammers
26.10.2012

To get to the top in any occupation, you have to aim high. For Ben Marlow,
it means having the ambition to emulate three-times Hammer of the Year and
England international Scott Parker. The first-year scholar is an all-action
midfielder in the mould of the former West Ham United favourite and would
love nothing more than to follow in his footsteps. "I play in centre
midfield and I like to get in my tackles and win them and break up the play
and give it to the more attacking players,"said Marlow, who joined the
Hammers at the age of six after being scouted playing for the club's
Performance Squad in his hometown of Chelmsford. "I want to be like Scott
Parker and I look up to him quite a bit. He wins his tackles and is involved
in the game and I like to do the same thing."

While he only celebrated his 17th birthday on 1 October, Marlow - who
thanked parents Julie and Nigel for supporting his career - has already
passed a decade as a West Ham player and has enjoyed developing his game at
the Academy of Football. He believes there is no coincidence that the
Hammers have such a good track record at producing top-class young players.
"The people and the coaching here are all good and they believe in you. They
build up your confidence and make you feel good, which means you train and
play well. All the staff get the best out you and you are always ready on
gameday. "If you play with fear then you are not going to play well. If you
play full of confidence and know that your manager believes in you then you
can express yourself, which is the main thing you want as a player."

Marlow is currently sidelined with an ankle injury, but even when he is fit
the competition for places in his position is fierce, with second-year
scholar Taylor Miles and first-year scholars Josh Cullen and Kieran Bywater
also challenging for starting places in the centre of midfield. "It has been
a good year-group to be part of. We have been together for four or five
years now and we all get on well, which is why we've done so well. "There
are a lot of first-year scholars which means we are all fighting for places.
That means we all have to work harder because only one player can get each
shirt. "When we're together in the Academy House, we all get on fine, but
when we're on the pitch you have to try to be better than everyone else
because you want that professional contract at the end of your scholarship.
"You cannot be nice and let someone else have your position. It's not about
being selfish, but you want to be starting every week.
"We're still all friends and enjoy living together, where everything is
about our football. We talk to each other and are all fully-focused on
football and we all want the same thing. "We're all on equal terms and I
think that is good."

While emulating Parker's achievements may be some way off, Marlow is
confident in his ability and cannot wait to return from the injury that has
sidelined him since early September. "I played a lot of minutes in
pre-season and the full game against Reading on the opening day but the
injury has halted my run in the team. When I get back I need to work hard,
train hard and try to work my way back into the team. "I am aiming to be a
regular starter by the end of the season. I have just got to show our coach
Nick Haycock that I am worthy of a place in the team."

Marlow will hope to be involved when the Hammers travel to Everton in
Barclays U18 Premier League Group 1 on Saturday, with kick-off at Finch Farm
at 11am. For those supporters who would like to attend, Finch Farm is
located at Finch Lane, Halewood, Merseyside, L26 3UE.

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Dev Squad make it five in a row
WHUFC.com
Elliot Lee's superb header made it five league wins in succession for Ian
Hendon's side
26.10.2012

The Development Squad extended their lead at the top of Barclays U21 Premier
League Group 1 with a narrow 1-0 win over Everton on a cold and blustery
night at Rush Green. It was yet another hard-fought contest on the back of
Monday's win over Bolton Wanderers, but West Ham United thoroughly deserved
the win earned through Elliot Lee's superb 69th-minute header. The teenage
striker secured all three points when he met Blair Turgott's cross to send
the ball looping over Toffees goalkeeper Mateus Taudel and into the roof of
the net. West Ham's win was their fifth in succession and extended their
lead over second-place Arsenal to six points, although the Gunners now have
a game in-hand on their London rivals. The Hammers could have had a penalty
within the opening 60 seconds when Shane Duffy's attempted clearance
deflected onto his own hand, but referee Stuart Butler waved 'play on'. The
hosts settled well but struggled for creativity in the early stages as
Everton again went close when Christopher Long shot straight at Jake Larkins
following Tyias Browning's probing run. Larkins was called into action again
a minute later, using his legs to block Duffy's volley from a Matthew
Kennedy free-kick. As the game opened up, the home side went close when Lee
burst forward and unleashed a powerful shot on goal that Taudel was unable
to hold. The final chance of the half was arguably the best as West Ham
centre-back Eoin Wearen was denied a superb headed goal from Matthias
Fanimo's corner by the fingertips of Poland Under-17 international
goalkeeper Taudel.

The first chance of the second-half came in the 56th minute and in
controversial fashion as Wearen was arguably fouled in the build up. As the
Irishman lay on the floor, captain Driver's attempt to play the ball back to
Larkins fell short and allowed Apostolos Vellios in one-on-one, but the
Greek forward fired wide.
Wearen was in the thick of it at the other end eight minutes later, sending
a beautiful cross-field ball to Fanimo. He found Lee, who tee-up Sebastien
Lletget, but the American's shot was blocked. One minute later, Fanimo
almost scored directly from a corner as Pennington inadvertently cleared the
ball off the line with his back. The Hammers finally took the lead after 69
minutes when Turgott's cross from a short corner found Lee, whose flicked
header sailed into the top corner, much to the delight of the home fans
among the 308-strong crowd. Ten minutes from time the Hammers almost sealed
it when McCallum brought the ball down and found George Moncur, but Taudel
was able to repel the midfielder's fierce strike. There was still time for
plenty of late drama. First, with four minutes remaining, Everton went for
broke and were almost rewarded when left-back Ibou Touray's 40-yard
wind-assisted pile-driver flew inches past the post. Then, in the first
minute of added-time, victory was almost snatched from Ian Hendon's side
when Vellios' flick from Tyias Browning's cross bounced off the inside of
the far post and into the hands of a grateful Larkins.

Next up for the table-topping Development Squad is a trip to Reading on
Friday 2 November.

Development Squad: Larkins, Driver, Potts, Moncur, Wearen, Shaw, Turgott,
Lletget, McCallum, Fanimo, Lee (Piquionne 79)
Subs not used: Guzman Rosique, Ruddock, Powell, Hunt

Everton: Taudel, Browning, Touray, Lundstram, Duffy, Pennington, Jones,
Grant, Vellios, Long (Johns 72), Kennedy
Subs not used: Springthorpe, Forrester, Kelly, Hammar

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Morgan making an impact
WHUFC.com
Lindsey Morgan has been in superb form for West Ham United Ladies so far
this season
24.10.2012

With West Ham United Ladies sitting in fourth place in the FA Women's
Premier League Southern Division ahead of Sunday's trip to Yeovil Town, a
balance between youth and experience could be the solid base as they aim for
higher ground. The experienced head on this young team's shoulders is
attacking midfielder Lindsey Morgan, who has netted three competitive goals
in West Ham's opening eight matches this season. "Of course it gives me an
increased confidence to be scoring goals for the team, but my focus is that
the whole team performs well together. For me, providing assists for my
team-mates to score goals is just as important as scoring them myself," said
the 32-year-old. The goals scored by Morgan have helped the Hammers grab ten
points from a possible 15 and she knows that the strong opening will have a
big bearing on where the team finish come the end of the campaign. "It is
massively important to get off to a good start in the league because the
first few months are the foundation for how the season shapes up. "Having a
solid defence is also important, but the defending starts from the front. It
is equally as important that we work together as a team. Each player brings
their own qualities and strengths to the team, like Stacey Little, who has
been solid in the holding midfield role."

Morgan re-joined West Ham last summer from Millwall Lionesses, where she had
moved from the Hammers back in August 2009. During her career, the
midfielder has also represented Aston Villa and Dagenham and Redbridge. "I
started playing football at the age of seven in my school team. I was the
only girl in a boys' team and league. The first proper team I joined was
Aston Villa at the age of eight."

"I moved to Essex from the West Midlands when I was ten and joined the local
team, Dagenham and Redbridge. We had a great team and I won many honours
with them. I then joined West Ham and played for several years until I was
approached by Millwall Lionesses, who had recently gained promotion to the
Premier League. "I played for Millwall for two seasons and in that time I
played against some of the best teams in the country and competed well. We
had a great coach [Kay Cossington], who is now involved in the England set
up, and I learnt a lot of valuable lessons playing for that team at that
level. I then returned to West Ham last season."

Despite her history in the sport, full-time Royal Mail worker Morgan is
happy playing for West Ham, knowing that the team is progressing towards a
successful future. "I have always played football, so joining a semi-pro
club like West Ham was just a bonus. We are now getting more support from
the men's team and the club is moving in the right direction in an effort to
get alongside and compete with some of the best teams in the country. "I
really enjoyed last season, it was great to join back up with some of the
old team and get to know some of the new team members. The team had
definitely strengthened in the two seasons that I had been at Millwall."

The future looks bright for the Hammers, and despite being the oldest member
of the squad, Morgan is still a regular first-team player every week who
knows that there is only one target for the club come the end of the season.
"We have one aim and one aim only and that is to achieve promotion! We have
been so close for the past few seasons that failing again this season is
simply not an option. I am 100 per cent confident we can do it!"

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Wigan v West Ham
KO 15:00
26 October 2012
By Conor McNamara
BBC Match of the Day commentator

BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: DW Stadium Date: Saturday, 27 October

TEAM NEWS

Wigan winger Ryo Miyaichi is doubtful for Saturday's game because of a
slight groin injury. Antolin Alcaraz is ruled out with a similar injury,
while Albert Crusat is still sidelined by a knee problem.

West Ham defender Joey O'Brien is available after recovering from a
hamstring injury. Matthew Taylor and Guy Demel could return to first-team
action shortly, although neither will be involved on Saturday.

MATCH PREVIEW

Roberto Martinez and Sam Allardyce. Chalk and cheese when it comes to
football philosophies, right? Well, maybe not as much as you'd think. This
time last year Wigan, as now, had five points from their opening eight
league games. The attractive passing style preferred by Martinez was deemed
by many observers to be beyond the capabilities of the Latics' squad. Stuck
at the bottom of the table through to mid-March, the Spaniard came very
close to losing his job. Then the passing came good in the latter stages of
the season and Wigan steered well clear of relegation in the end.

In his early days at Upton Park, Allardyce was asked about the negative
reaction from some West Ham supporters to his appointment. He answered: "Any
criticism of the way we play doesn't make any sense to me - all this team
did before was lose." It was fighting talk at the time, and could have
backfired massively if results did not back-up the rhetoric. Just over a
year later, and Allardyce can let his results do the talking. A month ago
the purists could purr as Wigan's pretty passing earned a 4-1 win at Upton
Park in the League Cup - a victory for style over substance. However, after
the opening eight games of the Premier League season Allardyce will care
little about perception, style, and attractiveness - or frankly, the Capital
One Cup. He will simply point to the table, where West Ham have more than
double Wigan's points tally. This has been West Ham's best top-flight start
in 13 years. The 4-1 win over Southampton last weekend was very easy on the
eye, and moved the club up to seventh. Back in July, Allardyce was the
bookmakers' favourite to become the first Premier League manager to receive
the sack this season. If results were to go their way this weekend, West Ham
could climb into the top four. They go about things differently, but Roberto
Martinez and Sam Allardyce are both very successful in proving doubters
wrong.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
The last four meetings in league and cup have produced a total of 19 goals.
That includes a 4-1 win for Wigan when the sides met at Upton Park in the
League Cup in September.
The Latics are chasing a third successive home win against the Hammers.

Wigan Athletic

Roberto Martinez's men have yet to win at home this season.
Their last victory at the DW Stadium came against Wolves on the final day of
last season.
They have only kept one clean sheet in their last 11 league and cup games.
The Latics have lost six of their last seven Premier League games against
London opposition. The exception was their 2-1 win at Arsenal in April.
Wigan are the only Premier League team who have yet to recoup any points
after falling behind this season.

West Ham United
Sam Allardyce's men have claimed 14 points from their opening eight matches.
It is their best start to a Premier League season since 1999-00 when, under
Harry Redknapp, they collected 16 points.
The Hammers have only lost one of their last 13 games away from Upton Park
(including play-off games), a run stretching back to January. Their only
defeat in that time was a 3-0 loss at Swansea in August.
West Ham will go in search of back-to-back Premier League away wins for the
first time since December 2007, when they won at Blackburn and then
Middlesbrough.
The Hammers have committed more fouls (120) than any other top-flight side
this term.

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The Julian Dicks Column: 26th October
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 26th October 2012
By: Julian Dicks

It's with great pleasure that we welcome West Ham United FC legend Julian
Dicks to KUMB.com. Julian shares his thoughts with the readers of Knees up
Mother Brown on a regular basis via his weekly column, the latest of which
begins with a preview of this weekend's big game...

Southampton

Although it was a good day against Southampton in the end, to be perfectly
honest West Ham were awful in the first half and Southampton were the better
side - without creating any chances. They passed the ball around well but we
didn't get after them; it looked like West Ham were at the bottom end of the
division and Southampton who were half way up the table.

I got the impression Sam went in [at half time] and told them they had to
put Southampton under pressure because that's what they did as soon as they
came back out. Scoring twice in the first three or four minutes knocked them
back a bit and it would have taken a special side to get back into the game.
In the end West Ham were comfortable winners although I don't think they
were worth a four-one win.

Defensively as a team, Southampton were very poor, even in the first half,
but West Ham didn't put them under any pressure so they got away with it. As
soon as we put them under pressure you could see them conceding goals as
they were all over the place. The first goal went in without anyone touching
it, and then a penalty - but the fourth and final goal from Modibo Maiga was
exceptional.

Goals like Mark Noble's first - the free kick that went straight in - happen
all the time. You can guarantee there's going to be one or two of those
every season. Sam said after the game that they practise those, as we used
to at West Ham and when I was manager at Grays. You have to have players
moving across the goalkeeper to make him unsighted and as long as you hit
the target it's got a chance of going in.

If the goalkeeper's unsighted when you've got two or three players running
across him and it's very crowded in the box, he's going to take his eye off
the ball as he's keeping an eye on them. You can't really blame the
goalkeeper in those situations as the defenders should be clearing the ball
as well.

Throw caution to the wind

With our current squad we have the beating of most teams - and perhaps every
team at home. Obviously away games are a lot more difficult, but I would
expect West Ham to beat Wigan - even though, for me, they're a better team
than Southampton.

The way West Ham have started this season, I hope Sam has a go at them this
weekend. I'd probably play the same team as he did the other day, with
perhaps the addition of a second striker. With the confidence that the
players are playing with I would consider sticking Modibo Maiga with Andy
Carroll up front. Against Southampton, Maiga looked bright, he looked sharp
and scored a fantastic goal - plus he's got a point to prove.

If you put him in and he scores - or has an outstanding game - then Sam's
got a tough decision to make. Whether Sam would do that or not away from
home I don't know, but Maiga's probably chomping at the bit waiting for a
chance. Sam's not silly, he knows what he's doing but if you keep bringing
him on and he's scoring goals one day he's got to give him a run in the
team. He looks a good prospect.

Yossi and Eyal

I thought Yossi Benayoun did well against Southampton last weekend in his
first home start since re-joining the club - and he had a better first half
than second, even though he was involved in the second goal. Obviously he
hasn't played a great deal so his match fitness isn't quite up to scratch
but I thought he worked hard. They're going to miss Ricardo Vaz Te because
of his pace and positivity, but Yossi is a more intelligent player so he'll
be good for West Ham.

I played with Eyal Berkovic quite a bit and like his compatriot, Eyal was
very intelligent. Again, like Yossi, he didn't possess much pace but when
you gave him the ball he could create things, like little balls in between
defenders; he was a good player.

I was training at Chadwell Heath the day Johnny Hartson kicked Eyal in the
head - and it was all caught on TV, which obviously didn't help! On that
particular occasion Harry Redknapp had to let it calm down before getting
involved otherwise I think Johnny Hartson might have smacked Harry too!
Harry spoke to them both individually afterwards but to his credit, Johnny
did apologise as soon as we got back to the changing rooms.

Things like that happened quite often; I can remember Alvin Martin having
bust-ups with Matthew Rush at training and Paul Ince in the tunnel at Luton.
It goes on all the time. At the end of the day you've got a load of blokes
playing football with each other day in, day out and people are going to
argue and lose their temper. It just happens.

I also remember Allan McKnight and Paul Ince - who was a young lad at the
time and very arrogant - having a fight. As long as they apologise at the
end of it, usually it's forgotten - but it's fun when you're watching it!

Banged up and bang to rights

Earlier this week Leeds fan Aaron Cawley was jailed, rightly, for four
months after attacking Sheffield Wednesday's Chris Kirkland. At the end of
the day you can't condone things like that; he could have been carrying a
knife, he could have had anything. He should never be able to watch another
game of football. Fortunately it's a minority of football supporters who
would do something like this.

I played at Leeds and Millwall and places like that and you got one or two
who were stupid - but then the whole club gets tarnished with the same
brush. Yeah, they're volatile supporters but they're also great supporters
who get behind their clubs. I never had to deal with anything like that; if
I had, I wouldn't have fallen over - I would have chased him into the crowd
and walloped him back!

I think the majority of supporters condone things like that and would have
outed him - it doesn't matter what club they're at. If it had been two
supporters fighting maybe it'd have been a bit different, but not when
you're talking about a player getting punched by a stupid fan.

Eric Cantona was banned once for having a go at a fan who had abused him,
but I agreed with him. As a footballer you have to take all the abuse in the
world from supporters but as soon as you tell them to "piss off" or
whatever, some of them report you. So when Cantona did that I thought "good
on him"!

Looking back: A record-breaking season

In 1995/96 I scored ten league goals for West Ham, which is still the record
for a defender in the Premier League. It was also the year in which I played
at centre half on a few occasions against the likes of Chelsea and QPR. I
used to enjoy playing at centre back and scored at Stamford Bridge against
Chelsea with a header that season; Gavin Peacock put them ahead and I
equalised before Danny Williamson scored the winner.

Five of my 11 goals that season came from the penalty spot. When I first
started taking penalties I always used to smash them, then I tried to place
one or two and missed one. After that I told myself that I was never going
to place another one and thereafter I'd hit them as hard as I could.

One of my most famous penalties came against Manchester United the following
season. We were 2-0 down with about ten minutes to go and Florin Raducioiu
came on and scored a great goal. Two minutes later we were awarded a
penalty.

I was waiting to take it - because Man Utd were playing up - and Eric
Cantona said to me, "Dicks, small goal". I replied "Eric, big heart" - and
scored. That was a great night, to come back from two-nil down against
Manchester United. You're expected to get beat as they had some fantastic
players - your Cantonas, Keanes, Scholes, Beckhams and Schmeichels - but at
Upton Park we always had the chance to beat anybody.

Back then Pony were our sponsors and the shirts used to have buttons on. If
you ever chested the ball down it'd hurt, so I used to cut the buttons and
the collars off. I was never a footballer to look posh, with nice cuffs and
collars, so off they came! It was purely for comfort. Prior to that we had a
Pony shirt with a round neck and I used to cut a 'V' into it - once again
because it was more comfortable.

Julian at West Ham Retro Forum

Julian Dicks heads a trio of former stars who will be attending the West Ham
Retro Forum & Fair in Romford on Sunday, 4th November.

Kevin Lock, an FA Cup winner with the Hammers in 1975, and 1976 European Cup
goal hero Keith Robson complete the star line-up for the fifth annual show
organised by EX magazine.

The event takes place at the usual venue – the R.U.S.S.C. (social club) in
Mawney Road, Romford, just off St. Edwards Way ring road – from 12.00 noon
until 4.00pm.

Tickets are priced £10 each (children under 16 free when accompanied by an
adult) in advance or £12 on the door. If you wish to pre-order your
ticket(s) for £10 and collect them on the day, phone EX on 01708 744 333 to
make this £2 saving. Or order online at www.ex-hammers.com.

After you've met the ex-players, had your picture taken with them and got
their autographs, enjoy the Hammers Heaven that awaits in our acclaimed
collectors' fair, including: signed memorabilia, books, programmes, photos,
trade cards, DVDs, badges, etc.

Signed copies of the new book, Tony Cottee – West Ham: The Inside Story
(£14.99), will also be on sale for the first time.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce pays tribute to Kevin Nolan
Last Updated: October 26, 2012 11:43pm
SSN

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce believes the signing of Kevin Nolan is the most
important deal he has made as a manager. Nolan moved to Upton Park from
Newcastle for £3m in June 2011 and played a key role as the Hammers clinched
promotion back to the Premier League via the play-offs. Allardyce reckons
his captain, who he also managed at Bolton, has been a revelation on and off
the field at West Ham. "I always said that Kevin Nolan was the most
important signing I ever made," he said. "It wasn't just about what he does
as a football player on the field, it's what he does as a captain. He unites
dressing rooms by his experience and the fact that he is a leader of
players. "He could lead that dressing room and he could pull them
altogether. He started that from the day he came in and that has grown as we
have come on. "As a goal-scoring midfield player, you have to look at his
record. There are very few who have the same goal-scoring record on a
consistent basis that Kevin has. "It's no fluke that over the past few years
- apart from one year out in the Championship when he scored 17 - he has
scored every year a considerable amount of goals, always very close to
double figure or just past double figures."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sochaux ace Sebastien Corchia reveals his desire to move to Italy
By Simone Bargellini. Last Updated: October 26, 2012 3:29pm
SSN

Sochaux ace Sebastien Corchia admits he would prefer a move to Italy after
being linked with clubs in Serie A and the Premier League. AC Milan and West
Ham United are both said to be keeping close tabs on the highly-rated
22-year-old. However, Corchia has revealed that because of Italian heritage
in his family, he would prefer a move to Serie A. "My preferences, I would
like to go to a major league like the Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga or
Serie A," he told Tuttomercatoweb. "For now my goal is to grow with Sochaux,
but it is clear that I have a preference for Italy because I have Italian
origins and I already speak the language well. Being followed by AC Milan is
a real honour, it would be a dream to play in a club like that. AC Milan is
a legendary team, where my idol Paolo Maldinialso played."

Sochaux sporting director Bernard Maraval also spoke to the Italian media
and admitted he was not shocked by possible interest in the youngster. "AC
Milan and West Ham interested in him? Sebastien Corchia is a good player,
and there would be nothing strange if such important clubs like him,"
Maraval told Calciomercato.com. "I know that some outfits are following him
but we have not had direct contacts at the moment. "If someone were to come
up with an interesting offer we would definitely consider it, but not for
the January transfer window, unless it was a stratospheric offer. Something
could happen in the next summer, because we would have the time to replace
him."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wigan v West Ham preview
Last Updated: October 26, 2012 10:45am
SSN

Halting an alarming dip in form will be foremost in Wigan Athletic's
thoughts when they welcome West Ham United to the DW Stadium. The Latics
still have just one win to show for their efforts this season, and that came
against Southampton on 25th August. Six games have come and gone since then,
with Roberto Martinez's men now perched just one point above the Premier
League drop zone. A leaky defence must be plugged if Wigan are to start
moving away from trouble, with two goals conceded in each of their last five
fixtures on home soil.

West Ham will be hoping that trend continues on Saturday, offering them a
shot at least a share of the spoils. Sam Allardcye's men travel to the North
West buoyed by their form since returning to the top flight, with only one
defeat suffered in their last six top flight outings. They are
handily-placed inside the top-half of the table and are only one point
adrift of fourth-placed Everton.

Wigan
Last 6
2-1
2-2
1-0
1-4
1-2
4-0

Wigan could be without winger Ryo Miyaichi this weekend. The Japan
international is suffering from a slight groin problem and is rated as
doubtful.
The Latics will again be without winger Albert Crusat (knee) and defender
Antolin Alcaraz (groin), with Martinez admitting the Paraguayan centre-back
is unlikely to be back much before Christmas.

West Ham
Last 6
4-1
1-3
1-2
1-4
1-1
0-0

West Ham will welcome defender Joey O'Brien back into their squad this
weekend. The 26-year-old suffered a hamstring injury during the Hammers' 2-1
win at QPR at the start of the month and his return will ease Allardyce's
defensive worries. Matthew Taylor (calf) and Guy Demel (thigh) could return
to first-team action shortly, but Allardyce will have to wait a little
longer for Ricardo Vaz Te (shoulder) and Jack Collison (knee), whose
injuries are more long term.

Opta stats

Wigan have won none and lost five of their last six Premier League home
games against sides from London.
Wigan are the only team who have not recouped any points from matches where
they have fallen behind this season.
West Ham are the only team who have not conceded any goals from set pieces
this season.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce says West Ham's season about to get harder
Last Updated: October 26, 2012 2:31pm
SSN

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has warned his team their Premier League
season is about to get much harder. The Hammers are flying high in seventh
place in the table but Allardyce admits their opening fixtures could have
been much harder, with Arsenal the only big guns they have faced to date.
And Allardyce says the Hammers will have to up their game away at Wigan on
Saturday, and in the fixtures that follow. He said: "Every game is difficult
but in our first eight fixtures we only had Arsenal who are in the top four
or top six on a regular basis. So that was relatively kind to us. But we
have taken full advantage of our opportunities. "There has only been one
real disappointing performance in the eight - that was Swansea away. Even
though we lost to Arsenal, I thought the performance was still good against
a team as good as they were. "The rest of the performances have been
excellent, followed by some excellent results as well. We have had an
excellent start but we look at the next few fixtures that are coming along.
"Wigan, Man City, Man United, Chelsea, Newcastle, Stoke, all those games
together, and Liverpool - and this makes this group of fixtures extremely
difficult to get more points. "At Wigan we have to look to increase the
points total with a positive result - whether that is a draw or a win. We
are hoping for a win but if we come away with something then we will be
delighted from our point of view."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
My King Kev
By STEVE PAGE
Published: 26th October 2012
The Sun

SAM ALLARDYCE reckons Kevin Nolan was crucial in uniting West Ham's dressing
room — after one of the worst days in their recent history. The Hammers
visit Wigan today for the first time since their relegation from the Premier
League last year. It was at the DW Stadium in May 2011 where Avram Grant's
hapless reign ended. The London side raced into a 2-0 lead before losing 3-2
— a result that condemned them to the drop. Grant was immediately sacked and
later replaced by Allardyce, who led the club to immediate promotion. And
Big Sam hailed Nolan — signed in June 2011 from Newcastle for £3m — as a key
factor. He said: "Whenever a team is relegated, there is lots of disruption.
There's no unity and you have to rebuild team spirit. "That's why I always
say Kevin was the most important signing I ever made. It's not what he does
as a footballer — it's what he does as a captain. He unites dressing rooms
with his experience and is a leader of players."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Martinez: Big Andy Carroll is 'one of the best in Europe'
Last Updated: 27th October 2012
The Sun

WIGAN boss Roberto Martinez has hailed West Ham's Andy Carroll as one of the
best strikers in Europe. Martinez aims to guide the Latics to their first
home win of the season against the Hammers today. He said: "Andy Carroll is
a special player. You won't see another player in Europe with his
attributes." But Martinez warned his side not to forget about West Ham's
other attacking threats. He said: "The mistake you can make in the Premier
League is that you think too much about one player, then someone else
damages you."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers open to Rio return
Published: 26th October 2012
The Sun

SAM ALLARDYCE has told Rio Ferdinand the door is open for him to make a West
Ham return. Ferdinand, 33, is into the final year of his Manchester United
contract with his boss Alex Ferguson keen to sort a new deal. But should the
England centre-back fancy a return to the Hammers, the club he started out
at before big-money moves to Leeds and then United, Big Sam would try to
make it happen. He said: "If it's at the end of the season and he hasn't got
a new contract and he is released by Manchester United, then we would be
interested. "If he wants to live back in London eventually, which is where
he comes from, which you know quite a few players want to do when they come
to the end of their careers, that is an advantage for us. "It depends
entirely on Rio or which other clubs might be interested in him."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Champs to chumps
By KARREN BRADY
Published: 26th October 2012
The Sun

SAT, OCT 20

NOT even his mum could accuse Andy Carroll of subtlety. Sam Allardyce
thought Carroll was exactly the goods he wanted — a striker with strength
and power.
I'm glad to say here today the Hammers fans show how much they appreciate
Carroll's attitude to his work. They recognise his quality and see him as a
working lad with a giant heart. For what we hope is not going to be a
temporary cause.

SUN, OCT 21

I CANNOT get my head around the revolt against 'Kick Racism out of
Football'. Partly it must be that the John Terry affair has become as
invasive as Japanese knotweed, popping up in all sorts of places and
refusing to die off. Our football record in the war against racism is as
good as any other country's and shows no sign of weakening. So instead of
making points about whether or not to wear a particular T-shirt it should
realise, as Sir Alex Ferguson clearly does, that solidarity is everything.
This is a fight everyone wants to win. But we will be stronger fighting
together than apart. It's called teamwork.

MON, OCT 25

REPORTS are linking my husband Paul Peschisolido with the Canada team
manager's job. It's news to me. But maybe that's what all the whispering on
the phone was! I'm sure Paul would love a position of this kind although,
judging by Canada's eight-goal thrashing by Honduras in a World Cup
qualifier a few days ago, he needs to start sooner rather than later. And
therein lies the problem. Commuting to Canada would be no ride on the Tube
for either of us. And me? I'm staying in London.

TUES, OCT 23

IT was obvious at the time that Chelsea's triumph in the Champions League
last May was the gold leaf concealing a Roman vessel springing leaks in
vital places. Some repairs were made in the summer, enough, indeed, to make
me at least believe they will win the Premier League title. But tonight in
the Ukraine the old vulnerabilities began to weep again and for Roberto Di
Matteo the full extent of his challenge is underlined. Chelsea, riddled by
controversies not of their own making, might shortly exit from the
competition they shocked themselves by winning. Di Matteo must be feeling
distinctly uneasy.

WEDS, OCT 24

FEW football columns exhibit the interest in footwear that this one does.
It's my exquisite dream I should be paid £1million or more to wear
shoes-to-die-for even if they must have a little tick on them. Top
footballers live in such a paradise. I've seen the contracts and felt my
eyes water. Most of the contracts have one simple action; You wear the boots
— and you get a cheque. So it takes a bit of a clot to wear a different
boot to the one stipulated in the contract. That clot is named today as Real
Madrid's Mesut Ozil and a court, aware that big money and endorsements go
together, has told him he'll have to pay the breathtaking sum — even for a
footballer — of £122,100 a day if he doesn't obey it. My guess is he will.

THURS, OCT 25

I'VE heard of 'as keen as mustard' but perhaps a close girlfriend goes
through that barrier and could better be described as 'keen as red-hot
chilli'. During a girls' night out we bump into a Premier League chairman at
the Arts Club. She declares she likes him (or perhaps more accurately his
wallet) and asks me to put in a word for her. He is currently single so I
text him inform him of her interest. He texts back in a nano-second and asks
whether she'd like to go for some champagne at the Savoy or the Ritz. I
report back to her and she says "He can save his money on the champagne. I'm
a "done deal!" The poor bloke won't know what's hit him!

FRI, OCT 26

KEEPING Wigan afloat in the Premier League has required the Herculean
efforts of owner Dave Whelan and a succession of managers, particularly
Roberto Martinez, a master of make-do-and-mend. Wigan know their size
(small), they know their attendance figures (small) and they know about
heart (huge). True to being the Tom Thumb of our league, they enjoy sticking
a digit where it hurts. They did so a month ago when they humbled us at
Upton Park in the Capital One Cup third round. I'll be shaken if they do it
again at the DW Stadium — shaken and disturbed.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce: West Ham star should play for England
London 24
Saturday, October 27, 2012
7:00 AM

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has called on England manager Roy Hodgson to
call-up Kevin Nolan. Although he has always been a regular goalscorer the
30-year-old has never been capped by England and Allardyce believes he still
deserves a chance to represent his country. He said: "If he continues to do
well in the Premier League this year and he continues to score - he has four
in eight now and to be quite honest he could have had a few more. "Four in
eight from midfield, which is one every two games which is pretty good
going, so hopefully he will keep that up. He might be noticed, depending on
how Roy (England manager Hodgson) seems to set up his team and who is
available. "If he is one of my players, I always say they should be given
the chance. But that is a big step, stepping into the full England squad.
It's a big step. I mean he has done every other level. In his younger days,
up until (Under) 21s. That is one big step that he has never done yet."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss reveals why Newcastle let star go
London 24
Saturday, October 27, 2012
7:20 AM

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has labelled skipper Kevin Nolan as the most
important signing he has made in his long managerial history. Nolan moved
down from Barclays Premier League side Newcastle to join Allardyce at West
Ham as the marquee signing as the Hammers looked to return to the top flight
following relegation to the npower Championship. The 30-year-old Nolan
played a key part in achieving promotion and Allardyce, who also managed
Nolan at Bolton, believes his captain has been a revelation on and off the
field since moving to Upton Park. "I always said that Kevin Nolan was the
most important signing I ever made," he said. "It wasn't just about what he
does as a football player on the field, it's what he does as a captain. He
unites dressing rooms by his experience and the fact that he is a leader of
players. "He could lead that dressing room and he could pull them
altogether. He started that from the day he came in and that has grown as we
have come on. "As a goal-scoring midfield player, you have to look at his
record. There are very few who have the same goal-scoring record on a
consistent basis that Kevin has. "It's no fluke that over the past few years
- apart from one year out in the Championship when he scored 17 - he has
scored every year a considerable amount of goals, always very close to
double figure or just past double figures."

Allardyce also claimed Nolan moved to the club because Newcastle were
unwilling to offer their then-captain a longer contract and praised the work
done by co-owner David Sullivan in securing Nolan's services. "He didn't
have a point to prove. Apart from the fact that he wanted a reward from
Newcastle that he didn't get and that was a longer contract, which,
apparently, they refused to negotiate. "So we stepped in. It was only by the
quick and swift work of David Sullivan particularly that we got Kevin before
anybody else even knew he was on the market. "He chose to come which was a
big decision from his point of view because I think he could have waited and
gone for a Premier League side. Particularly after scoring 11 goals that
season. So, we managed to get him and it has paid dividends for us all."

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