Daily WHUFC News - 10th November 2012

Firstly a massive thanks to Terry OConnor for filling in doing the digest
for the past week at very short notice. Thanks Terry :)

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Newcastle United match preview
WHUFC.com
All the background ahead of Sunday's Barclays Premier League trip to St
James' Park
10.11.2012

NEWCASTLE UNITED v WEST HAM UNITED
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
SUNDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2012
KICK-OFF: 3PM
REFEREE: MIKE DEAN
FULL AUDIO AND TEXT COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV

Introduction
• West Ham United travel to Newcastle United seeking their second away
Barclays Premier League victory of the season and looking to build on last
weekend's fine goalless home draw with champions Manchester City. The
Hammers start the weekend in ninth place, having collected 15 points from
their opening ten league fixtures.
• Newcastle United start the weekend one point and one place below the
Hammers in tenth. The Magpies picked up a creditable 1-1 draw at Liverpool
in their most-recent Barclays Premier League outing at Anfield last Sunday.
Newcastle were also in action on Thursday evening, when they came from two
goals down to draw 2-2 at Belgian side Club Brugge in the UEFA Europa League
group stage.
• The Hammers have picked up four points from four matches on the road so
far this term, winning at Queens Park Rangers (2-1), drawing at Norwich City
(0-0) and losing at Swansea City (0-3) and Wigan Athletic (1-2). Newcastle
United have won three of their five home league matches so far, as well as
scoring victories over Atromitos, Bordeaux and Club Brugge in the UEFA
Europa League at St James' Park.
• Both managers will be facing their former clubs on Sunday. West Ham United
boss Sam Allardyce took charge of Newcastle United between May 2007 and
December 2008, Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew was in charge at West
Ham United between 2003 and 2006 - the tenth manager in the club's history.
Pardew led the Hammers to promotion to the Premier League via the Play-Offs
in 2005 and the 2006 FA Cup final.
• Hammers pair Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll will also be returning to St
James' Park after successful spells with the Magpies. Nolan captained the
club to promotion from the Championship in 2009/10, with local hero Carroll
leading the charge by scoring 17 goals. Sunday's game will also see West Ham
United come up against former striker Demba Ba, who became a cult figure at
the Boleyn Gruond by scoring seven goals in 13 appearances between January
and May 2011.
• Andy Carroll scored his first Newcastle United goal on his first
competitive start for the club at St James' Park on 10 January 2009. Carroll
scored the final goal in a thrilling 2-2 draw. Earlier, former Magpies
striker Craig Bellamy cancelled out Michael Owen's opening goal before
Carlton Cole put the Hammers in front ten minutes after the break. The home
side earned a point when Carroll headed in Damien Duff's cross with 12
minutes to play.
• Sunday's game will be the 122nd meeting between the two clubs. Newcastle
United have recorded 49 victories, West Ham United 37 wins and there have
been 35 draws.
• Newcastle United are unbeaten in their last nine home league matches
against West Ham United. The Hammers' most-recent victory at St James' Park
came on 31 October 1998, when Ian Wright scored twice and Trevor Sinclair
once in a 3-0 Premier League success.
• West Ham United and Newcastle United have met twice previously on 11
November. The two clubs drew 0-0 in Division Two at the Boleyn Ground in
1989, while the Magpies scored a 1-0 Division One victory at St James' Park
in 1967.
• The Hammers have contested 12 fixtures on 11 November in years gone by,
winning three, drawing three and losing six.

Team news
• West Ham United will hand fitness tests to centre-backs James Collins and
James Tomkins. Collins suffered a hamstring injury in the goalless draw with
Manchester City last Saturday, while Tomkins hurt his groin in training the
previous week. Right-back Guy Demel has returned to full training following
a thigh problem and is expected to travel with the squad.
• The Hammers will definitely be without the injured Jack Collison (knee),
Alou Diarra (thigh), Matt Taylor (calf) and Ricardo Vaz Te (shoulder).
• Newcastle United are hoping striker Demba Ba (calf) and France midfielder
Yohan Cabaye (hamstring) will be fit to start against the Hammers. Utlilty
man James Perch (thigh), midfielder Dan Gosling (knee), forward Haris Vuckic
(knee) and full-back Ryan Taylor (knee) are definitely sidelined.
• Magpies captain and Argentina centre-back Fabricio Coloccini will miss the
game through suspension after being sent-off in the 1-1 draw at Liverpool
last Sunday. Ivory Coast midfielder Cheick Tiote is also suspended, having
been sent-off in the North East derby with Sunderland on 21 October.

Last time out
Saturday 3 November 2012
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 0-0 Manchester City
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, O'Brien, Reid, McCartney, Collins (Spence
84), Benayoun, Noble, Jarvis, Diame (O'Neil, 72), Nolan, Carroll (Cole 78)
Subs not used: Spiegel, Maiga, Hall, Chambers
Thursday 8 November 2012
UEFA Europa League Group
Club Brugge 2-2 Newcastle United
Newcastle: Krul, Williamson (S.Taylor 59), Tavernier, Coloccini, Tiote,
Marveaux, Obertan, Anita, Bigirimana (Cabaye 72), Shola Ameobi, Sammy Ameobi
(Amalfitano 83)
Subs not used: Cisse, Elliot, Ferguson, Santon
Goals: Anita 41, Shola Ameobi 43

Last meeting
A hat-trick from Leon Best saw Newcastle United romp to a 5-0 home Barclays
Premier League victory over West Ham United on Wednesday 5 January 2011. The
majority of the 42,387 inside St James' Park enjoyed watching Best net after
18, 39 and 60 minutes. Future Hammer Kevin Nolan scored Newcastle's third
goal on the stroke of half-time before Peter Lovenkrands completed the rout
on 63 minutes. The lineups that evening were:
Newcastle United: Harper, Taylor (Williamson 46), Enrique, Simpson,
Coloccini, Barton, Gutierrez (Ferguson 66), Tiote, Nolan, Best (Ranger 64),
Lovenkrands
Subs not used: Krul, Guthrie, Perch, Routledge
West Ham United: Green, Gabbidon, Ben-Haim, Upson, Tomkins, Parker, Kovac
(Obinna 46), Noble (Hines 71), Piquionne (Behrami 46), C Cole, F Sears
Subs not used: Reid, Boffin, Spector, Barrera

Head to head
Last six meetings (all Barclays Premier League)
5 January 2011 - Newcastle United 5-0 West Ham United
23 October 2010 - West Ham United 1-2 Newcastle United
10 January 2009 - Newcastle United 2-2 West Ham United
20 September 2008 - West Ham United 3-1 Newcastle United
26 April 2008 - West Ham United 2-2 Newcastle United
23 September 2007 - Newcastle United 3-1 West Ham United

Overall record v Newcastle United (all competitions): W 37, D 35, L 49

Ten-year records
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 Championship 4th (74 points)
2002/03 Premier League 18th (42 points - relegated to Championship)
Newcastle United
2011/12 Premier League 5th (65 points)
2010/11 Premier League 12th (46 points)
2009/10 Championship 1st (102 points - promoted to Premier League)
2008/09 Premier League 18th (34 points - relegated to Championship)
2007/08 Premier League 12th (43 points)
2006/07 Premier League 13th (43 points)
2005/06 Premier League 7th (58 points)
2004/05 Premier League 14th (44 points)
2003/04 Premier League 5th (56 points)
2002/03 Premier League 3rd (69 points)

Referee
• Sunday's referee is Mike Dean, who also took charge of West Ham United's
most-recent visit to Newcastle United in January 2011.
• Dean began refereeing in 1985, starting out his career in senior football
in the Northern Premier League.
• In 2004, Dean took charge of his first international match, a friendly
between the Netherlands and Republic of Ireland at Amsterdam Arena. That
same year, he took control of the FA Community Shield between Arsenal and
Manchester United.
• In May 2006, he refereed the Championship play-off final between Leeds
United and Watford at the Millennium Stadium. In 2008, he was the
man-in-the-middle for the FA Cup final between Portsmouth and Cardiff City
at Wembley Stadium.
• Dean has taken charge of both West Ham United and Newcastle United on 30
occasions. The 44-year-old took charge of West Ham's 1-0 opening day home
win over Aston Villa in August, but has yet to officiate at a Magpies
fixture this season.

Old boys
• West Ham United skipper Kevin Nolan scored 30 goals in 91 appearances for
Newcastle United between January 2009 and May 2011, captaining the Magpies
to the Championship title in 2009/10.
• Hammers striker Andy Carroll was born in Gateshead and came through the
Academy ranks at Newcastle United. The 23-year-old netted 33 goals in 91
games for the Magpies before joining Liverpool in a record £35m deal in
January 2011.
• Newcastle United striker Demba Ba played 13 times for West Ham United
between January and May 2011, scoring seven goals. The Senegal international
joined Newcastle United in summer 2011.
• Sam Allardyce took charge of Newcastle United 24 times between May 2007
and January 2008, winning eight matches, losing ten and drawing six.
• Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew spent a little more than three years
in charge at West Ham between October 2003 and December 2006. Pardew led the
Hammers to promotion via the play-offs in 2004/05 and the 2006 FA Cup final.
In total, he took charge of 163 matches, winning 67, losing 58 and drawing
38.
• Others who have played for both clubs include Craig Bellamy, Lee Bowyer,
Franz Carr, John Dowsey, Kieron Dyer, Dave Gardner, Paul Goddard, Shaka
Hislop, James Jackson, Vic Keeble, Matthew Kingsley, Paul Kitson, Robert
Lee, Joe Loughlin, Scott Parker, Stuart Pearce, Wayne Quinn, Bryan 'Pop'
Robson, George Robson, Keith Robson, Harold Smith, Nolberto Solano, Hal Tate
and David Terrier.

General information
• For ticket information, click here.
• Sunday's forecast in Newcastle is for sunny intervals and a maximum
temperature of 8C (47F).

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Big Sam on Newcastle United
WHUFC.com
The West Ham United manager spoke to the press ahead of Sunday's trip to St
James' Park
09.11.2012

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce is looking forward to returning to St
James' Park for Sunday's Barclays Premier League fixture with Newcastle
United. Big Sam, captain Kevin Nolan and striker Andy Carroll will all head
back to their former club eager to inspire the Hammers to another valuable
victory.
The manager is hoping Carroll can notch his first goal for the club at his
old stomping ground, while he also suggested that Nolan could force his way
into the senior England squad if he maintains his own impressive scoring
record.

Sam, do you have any team news ahead of Sunday's game?

SA - "Our team news is that we're waiting patiently for James Tomkins and
James Collins who are two key players for this weekend. We hope at least one
of them will pass a fitness test, which will probably happen on Saturday.
Guy Demel has been back in training this week and will join the squad. Other
than that, we're not too bad. We obviously have other players out injured
but those are the two key players [Tomkins and Collins] because it would
leave us with only Winston Reid as a central defender. We hope one of those
two will be fit, or both of them."

West Ham United have a tough-looking run of fixtures between now and
Christmas. What would be an acceptable points tally and league position at
the end of the next eight games?

SA - "I wouldn't say that I could predict that we could get this or that
many points. It's a case of trying to collect points from each game as it
comes. Obviously, to win a lot of those games will be more difficult because
of the size of the teams we face. Last weekend, people certainly didn't
expect us to win, but many didn't expect us to get a draw against Manchester
City but we did. That's what we're looking for - results rather than
victories in terms of the teams we're playing against. If we can get any
wins from this group of fixtures, then that's a massive bonus for us.
Everyone will look at Stoke or West Brom rather than Chelsea or Manchester
United as being where we might get those wins, but it might not work out
like that. As long as we can keep accumulating points, then that's the most
important thing."

You go back to Newcastle United on Sunday. Is there still an extra edge to
this fixture for you?

SA - "No, not for me. Those days are long gone. They happened when I got the
Blackburn job and Newcastle came to Blackburn. After that they got
relegated, so I didn't meet them again until we [Blackburn] went up to
Newcastle and played them. Next time we met them, I got sacked by Blackburn!
It's all gone. There has been a lot of water under the bridge since then.
It's far more important for Kevin and Andy than it is for me. Life moves on.
I don't live in the past. I can only look to the future as best I can. It's
a piece of history in my career that didn't quite work out as well as I'd
liked it to. For me, it wasn't me getting bad results at Newcastle - it was
a change of ownership and a decision made at the time that they wanted their
own man in. I accepted that at the time and since that time has drifted by,
I have no animosity towards Newcastle United at all."

What sort of reception are you expecting at St James' Park?

SA - "I had a pretty good reception last time I went back with Blackburn -
probably not at the end of the game because we won the game 2-1 if I
remember correctly! It's more important for Kevin and Andy to go and give a
good performance. Those two players served Newcastle superbly before they
left. They were absolutely outstanding for that club and they will obviously
want to do very, very well."

Andy Carroll is still looking for his first goal for the club. Are you
worried? Is Andy worried?

SA - "I don't think he is worried. I hope he's not because the more he is,
the less likely he is to get that goal that he's looking for. I'm certainly
not overly concerned. We'd all like him to get off the mark but, as every
player will tell you, our main aim is to achieve results. If you're getting
results and your main striker is scoring goals, then that's fantastic, but
if they're not then as long as you're getting the results then that is the
most important thing."

Everton's Leon Osman has received his first senior England call-up at the
age of 31. Is there a case that Kevin Nolan should also earn a place in Roy
Hodgson's squad?

SA - "If Kevin keeps scoring goals from midfield, who knows? He should be on
five goals from ten games after last weekend, but the assistant referee took
it away from him. It was a brilliant piece of technique. If you're
consistently scoring goals in the Barclays Premier League then you can't
ignore it. I don't think you can, anyway. I think anyone should think they
have got a chance of a call-up if they are playing well in this league.
Osman has been outstanding for Everton this year, as Kevin has been for us.
If he keeps scoring more goals, then you never know."

How do you assess your opening ten Barclays Premier League games?

SA - "Our first ten games have been excellent. There have only been two
blips out of ten, which for a newly-promoted side [is good]. Those were the
two poor away performances at Swansea and Wigan. The rest of our
performances have been up there. The only other disappointment was the last
ten minutes against Arsenal when they clinched the victory. Everything else
has been fine. We were a little frustrated that we didn't beat Sunderland
down here because we produced an outstanding performance. Other than that,
things have been OK."

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Hammers down Gunners
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Development Squad beat Arsenal 2-1 on Friday to stay top of
the table
09.11.2012

West Ham United Development Squad took a giant stride towards the Barclays
U21 Premier League Elite Group Stage by winning 2-1 at Arsenal on Friday.
Goals at either end of the second half from Rob Hall and Paul McCallum
(pictured) helped the Hammers to complete a Group 1 double over the Gunners,
stretching their lead at the top of the table to five points. With three
matches remaining, Ian Hendon's side are nine points ahead of third-place
Norwich City, who have a game in-hand. One more victory should secure a
place in the post-Christmas Elite Group Stage, where West Ham could come up
against the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United
and Liverpool.

Hendon said: "It was almost a mirror-image of the first-team match in the
Barclays Premier League in that they had plenty of possession and we looked
to hit them on the counter-attack. Thankfully, we were able to hold out
after they equalised and we got the win at the end. "We scored our goals at
good times - just after half-time and with a few minutes to go. We should
also have had a penalty when Blair Turgott was brought down in the box.
We've beaten Arsenal home and away now, which is a great achievement at any
level. "We are virtually assured of our place in the Elite Group Stage now,
which makes me feel very proud. Arsenal have to play Norwich, so they can't
both catch us now unless we lose our final three matches and I certainly
don't plan on us doing that!"

Focusing on Friday's fine win, the Hammers produced yet another resilient
performance to chalk up their fourth away victory in six matches this
season.
West Ham started the game well, hitting the post after just five minutes
when centre-back Eoin Wearen headed Blair Turgott's free-kick against the
upright. Irishman Wearen was later forced off with a knee injury midway
through the opening period, with Pelly Ruddock replacing him. Arsenal came
back into things as the half wore on, but wasteful finishing from Chuba
Akpom and Kris Olsson meant the match remained goalless. It took just a few
seconds of the second period for that to change, however, as Hall took the
ball from the kick-off and slalomed his way through the Gunners before
planting his shot past Poland international goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and
into the net to put the visitors in front.

Unsurprisingly, the Gunners reacted to falling behind by putting pressure on
their opponents. Akpom and Thomas Eisfled both forced Raphael Spiegel into
making smart saves, but the Switzerland Under-20 goalkeeper could do nothing
to stop Serge Gnabry from levelling matters with 12 minutes remaining.
It looked as if both sides would have to settle for a draw as the game
entered its final stages, particularly when Hall's free-kick curled narrowly
wide of the post.

The England Under-19 forward was replaced seconds later and it was his
replacement, midfielder Jack Powell, whose own set piece led to the winner.
Powell's corner was met by Sebastian Lletget, whose shot was deflected onto
the crossbar. McCallum reacted quickest to convert his fifth goal of the
season. West Ham played out time to record their eighth victory in eleven
attempts this term. Hendon's side have 25 points, with second-place Arsenal
on 20, Norwich on 16 and Reading on 15. A top-two finish would definitely
take the Hammers through to the Elite Group Stage, while they should also
qualify as one of the two best third-place teams, regardless of how their
final three fixtures pan out.

The Development Squad return to action next Friday evening at 7pm, when West
Bromwich Albion are the visitors to Rush Green.

*West Ham United's youth team host Arsenal in Barclays U18 Premier League
Group 1 on Saturday morning. Kick-off at Little Heath is at 11am, with
parking
and admission both free of charge.

Development Squad: Spiegel, Driver, Wearen (Ruddock 25), Potts, Shaw,
Turgott, Moncur, Lletget, Fanimo, Hall (Powell 86), McCallum
Subs not used: Guzman Rosique, Piquionne, E.Lee

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Vice-Chairman scoops top award
WHUFC.com
Karren Brady has been named fcbusiness Magazine CEO of the Year
09.11.2012

Everyone at West Ham United would like to congratulate Vice-Chairman Karren
Brady on winning the prestigious fcbusiness Magazine CEO of the Year Award
at the Football Business Awards. Karren has overseen a hugely successful
period for the Hammers both on and off the field, making an instant impact
by implementing change that has seen the club's fortunes go from strength to
strength. Karren has brought the club back to its core values, celebrating
West Ham's role at the heart of the east London community through the Moore
than a Football Club brand and has grown the Hammers' fanbase at grassroots
and an international level. Her ability to grow commercial revenue at every
operational level of the business has seen the club record its first
operating profit in recent history.

Karren beat off competition from an acclaimed shortlist to scoop the award,
which recognises the essential role that business plays in football,
following her outstanding contribution to the club's fortunes in 2012.
Karren, who collected her award at the event at Stamford Bridge on Thursday,
said: "I am proud to accept this award on behalf of West Ham United and
particularly my dedicated and supportive Chairmen David Sullivan, David Gold
and our fantastic loyal fanbase. West Ham United is a truly special club and
I feel privileged to be here. We've made real progress in our three year
tenure but there is more work to be done. The best is yet to come for West
Ham."

The club are relishing life back in the Barclays Premier League, having made
their best start to a top-flight campaign this millennium. Brady's close
working relationship with her fellow Board members and manager Sam Allardyce
helped to secure the marquee loan signing of Andy Carroll, the most
expensive English footballer in history, on a season-long loan deal from
Liverpool. The England international's arrival complemented the other
high-profile signings the Hammers made during the summer, including
record-signing Matt Jarvis, Senegal international Momo Diame and former
France captain Alou Diarra, among others. West Ham fans have shown their
appreciation for the positive progress on the pitch - the last three home
games have been complete sell-outs with the next five matches predicted to
follow suit.

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'We're passing and moving'
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's style of play is proving popular with striker Andy Carroll
09.11.2012

As a top-class England international, Andy Carroll is comfortable playing in
any formation. Speaking ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier League trip to
his first club Newcastle United, West Ham United's No8 revealed that he is
loving life in Sam Allardyce's successful 4-3-3 system, where his
outstanding talent and impressive physical attributes make him an
influential figure. Carroll's all-round skills mean he is as comfortable
receiving a pass to feet as he is challenging for a cross with his head. The
striker believes Big Sam is utilising him perfectly, pointing to West Ham's
strong start to the season as evidence that the tactics are working well.
"Everyone talks about Big Sam's style being 'just launching it up' but you
can see that it's not like that," Carroll told West Ham TV. during Part 1 of
an exclusive interview that is available to view now. "We pass it into feet
and pass it around and I have the ball at my feet enough to show what I'm
all about.
"I obviously have Kev around to help us with a couple of one-twos and
holding the ball up so I think that's what we're all about - it's not just
about throwing the ball up and getting around what I am going to do. "We're
passing and moving and I think we're playing great at the minute."

Carroll's strengths were there for all to see during Saturday's goalless
draw with Barclays Premier League champions Manchester City. The 23-year-old
caused untold problems for Vincent Kompany and Matija Nastasic, coming
agonisingly close to netting his first goal in claret and blue when he saw
one shot curl narrowly wide and an overhead kick deflected just past the
post. "I think it was a good game for me. I was involved a lot and had a few
chances and we had the chance to nick the game. Kev's goal being disallowed
was disappointing, but we played well and I thought I put myself about.
"Against Wigan we didn't really do much and it was disappointing, but City
was a good game for me like the Fulham game. "It was tough and was always
going to be against players like Kompany. Like I said, we played well and
had our chances and could have probably nicked it."

It is no coincidence that Carroll's good form has resulted from him being
reunited with close friend and former Newcastle United team-mate Kevin
Nolan. The pair, who attended The Bodyguard musical with their respective
partners in the West End on Wednesday evening, have been best pals since
Nolan joined the Magpies in 2009. Carroll was naturally delighted when the
duo joined forces again when he moved to east London in August. When asked
why a 30-year-old from Liverpool and a 23-year-old from Newcastle upon Tyne
get on so well, Carroll explained that they share similar interests and an
identical sense of humour. However, he pointed out that Nolan was not so
friendly before he had broken into the Newcastle first team! "I think we got
closer when I started scoring goals and he thought he could be my mate then!
He wanted to be my friend then, but before when I was sitting on the bench
he didn't want to know us!
"We very rarely talk about football or music, to be honest. It's usually
either me having a pop at him or him having a pop at me, or we're having a
pop at someone! That's just what it is - banter! "It doesn't really matter
what anyone says to us, we just look at each other and say the same thing
back at them."

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Newcastle v West Ham
KO 15:00
BBC.co.uk
9 November 2012
By John Murray
BBC Match of the Day commentator

BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: St James' Park Date: Sunday, 11 November

TEAM NEWS

Newcastle are without Fabricio Coloccini and Cheick Tiote, who are
respectively serving the first and final games of their three-match bans.
James Perch (thigh) is out and Danny Simpson (shoulder) a doubt, but Demba
Ba (shin) should return.

West Ham also have defensive worries as James Collins and James Tomkins
require fitness tests for unspecified injuries. Guy Demel may play after
overcoming a hernia problem but Ricardo Vaz Te, Jack Collison and Matthew
Taylor are out.

MATCH PREVIEW

It seems only five minutes since Andy Carroll was proudly wearing the number
nine on the back of his black and white striped shirt as he dominated
defences and banged in goals for Newcastle United. It is just five months
since he was brilliantly heading England in front against Sweden at Euro
2012. Now he returns to Tyneside as West Ham's on-loan number eight, not
having scored in a competitive match since that group game in Kiev.

Alan Pardew could be forgiven if he gives off the air of a man who has now
moved on to bigger and better things since he was let go by West Ham almost
six years ago. Sam Allardyce will probably always feel like he was never
given a proper chance by the Mapgies, his services having been dispensed
with after only eight months into the job at St James' Park.

This may not be the worst time for Allardyce, Kevin Nolan et al to return.
As I was commentating on Newcastle's match at Anfield for Radio 5 live last
Sunday we remarked on what a costly afternoon that had been for them. Demba
Ba ought to be fit to play against his former team-mates, but James Perch is
out, as is their captain Fabricio Coloccini following his late dismissal.

Add to that Cheik Tiote's continued absence as he completes his domestic
suspension following his red card at Sunderland last month. At least Yohan
Cabaye was able to play a part for Newcastle in Belgium in the Europa League
on Thursday night, having been another to limp off on Merseyside. Thus far,
Newcastle have coped with the demands of their added European commitments
relatively well. Their only defeats this season have been to Chelsea and
Manchester United.

But with those absentees and the fact that Andy Carroll will surely be
something of a man on a mission, Newcastle could have quite a challenge on
their hands in this one.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
West Ham have failed to win any of their last nine visits to Newcastle.
Their last victory at St James' Park was in October 1998.
Sam Allardyce's reign at Newcastle may not have been a happy one but his
side did beat the Hammers on the only occasion they met under him - a 3-1
win in September 2007.

Newcastle
Newcastle have lost only one of their last eight league games, a 3-0 home
defeat by Manchester United.
The Magpies are eight points down on this stage last season, when they sat
third in the league table.
Alan Pardew's men are unbeaten when scoring first this season, but are yet
to win after conceding the opening goal.
It's over two years since the Magpies came from behind to win a league game
- a 2-1 victory at West Ham in October 2010. Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan,
now both with the Hammers, scored the goals that day.
Alan Pardew was West Ham manager from 2003 to 2006. He led the club to
promotion to the Premier League in 2004-05 and they were FA Cup runners up
in 2006.

West Ham
West Ham are yet to win outside London so far this season. Their only away
triumph to date came across the capital at QPR.
The Hammers have failed to win in their last four Premier League visits to
the north-east, losing each of the last two without scoring.
Sam Allardyce's men have not scored in the first half of their last three
league matches, and in six of their 10 first halves in total this season.
Andy Carroll scored 31 goals in 78 league appearances for Newcastle from
2006 to 2011, while Kevin Nolan made 85 league appearances (29 goals) for
Newcastle between 2009 to 2011.
Sam Allardyce won eight of 24 matches as Newcastle manager from May 2007 to
January 2008.

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Alan Pardew: I want Andy Carroll back at Newcastle
BBC.co.uk

Alan Pardew wants to bring Andy Carroll back to Newcastle when his West Ham
loan expires. Carroll, 23, is on loan with the Hammers - who visit St James'
Park on Sunday - until the end of the season. But Magpies manager Pardew is
keen to re-sign him having sold the striker to Liverpool for £35m in January
2011. "He's a Liverpool player and not wanted so at some point he's going to
move permanently," said Pardew. "I'd like to think we'll be in the mix for
that."
England striker Carroll scored 31 goals in 80 league appearances for
Newcastle before moving to Anfield. He returns to St James' Park along with
former Magpies team-mate Kevin Nolan.

And Pardew told BBC Sport he would also re-sign midfielder Nolan, who joined
West Ham from Newcastle in June 2011, if he could afford to. Former West Ham
boss Pardew said: "Big Andy hopefully one day will want to come back and
certainly I'd like to have them both in my squad now because we would be
stronger for it. "But obviously finances restrict me from doing that."
Pardew believes Newcastle owe Carroll a "great debt" for generating £35m for
the club when he joined Liverpool. The Newcastle manager says the cash
enabled the Magpies to finish fifth last season and qualify for the Europa
League. "The fee was astronomical, we have used it well," he added.
Newcastle have signed Papiss Cisse from Freiburg for £9m, Yohan Cabaye from
Lille for £4.8m and Demba Ba from West Ham on a free since Carroll left the
north east almost two years ago. "The position we are in, if I'm honest, is
because we used the money from Andy's sale well," said Pardew. "He was a
brilliant player for us and we owe a great debt to him."

Meanwhile, West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says he has moved on from his
turbulent time as Newcastle boss as he prepares to return with the Hammers
on Sunday. Allardyce was sacked by Newcastle almost five years ago. "There
has been a lot of water under the bridge since then," said Allardyce. "Life
moves on, I don't live in the past. I can only look to the future as best I
can."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle trip does not have extra edge for West Ham boss Sam Allardyce
Last Updated: November 9, 2012 4:58pm
SSN

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says he bears no grudges as he prepares to
take his side to Newcastle on Sunday. Allardyce was sacked by the Magpies
almost five years ago and he insists he has already banished the memories of
his dismissal after returning to St James' Park during his spell in charge
of Blackburn. Asked whether the Newcastle game carried an extra edge,
Allardyce said: "No, not for me. Those days are long gone. "They happened
when I got the Blackburn job and Newcastle came to Blackburn. After that
they got relegated, so I didn't meet them again until we went up to
Newcastle and played them.
"There has been a lot of water under the bridge since then. Life moves on, I
don't live in the past. I can only look to the future as best I can. "It's a
piece of history in my career that didn't quite work out as well as I'd
liked it to."

Following last weekend's 0-0 draw at home to Manchester City,West Ham sit
ninth in the Premier League table, one point and one place above Newcastle,
after embarking on a tough run of fixtures. Allardyce said: "We're looking
for results rather than victories in terms of the teams we're playing
against. If we can get any wins from this group of fixtures, then that's a
massive bonus for us. "Everyone will look at Stoke or West Brom rather than
Chelseaor Manchester United as being where we might get those wins, but it
might not work out like that. "As long as we can keep accumulating points,
then that's the most important thing."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew wants to bring striker Andy Carroll back to St
James' Park
Last Updated: November 9, 2012 7:29pm
SSN

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has expressed a desire to bring striker Andy
Carroll back to St James' Park. The 23-year-old scored 31 goals in 80 league
games for the Magpies before moving to Liverpool for £35m in January last
year. Carroll's future remains uncertain, but for now will be preparing for
a mixed reception on Sunday from the Newcastle fans as he returns to his old
home in a West Ham shirt. Speaking about his former player, currently on
loan at Upton Park until the end of the season, Pardew told the BBC: "He's a
Liverpool player and not wanted so at some point he's going to move
permanently. "I'd like to think we'll be in the mix for that."

Speaking about Carroll and midfielder Kevin Nolan, who joined West Ham from
Newcastle in June 2011, Pardew said: "Big Andy hopefully one day will want
to come back and certainly I'd like to have them both in my squad now
because we would be stronger for it. "But obviously finances restrict me
from doing that."
The Magpies have certainly not been hindered by Carroll's exit 22 months
ago, currently 10th in the Premier League, with Senegal duo Demba Ba and
Papiss Cisse impressing up front. Pardew has been rewarded for reinvesting
some of the £35m received for Carroll and added: "The position we are in, if
I'm honest, is because we used the money from Andy's sale well. "He was a
brilliant player for us and we owe a great debt to him."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll prepares to line up for West Ham against former club Newcastle
Last Updated: November 9, 2012 12:39pm
SSN

Newcastle welcome Sam Allardyce, Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan back to
Tyneside when West Ham are the visitors on Sunday. The Magpies will be
looking to put one over on these familiar faces as they can leapfrog the
Hammers with a win at St James' Park. Alan Pardew's side have every reason
to be confident ahead of the clash, having been beaten just three times - by
Manchester United (twice) and Chelsea - so far this season. But Newcastle
have endured the trickier build-up with a trip to Bruges in the Europa
League on Thursday and will be without the suspended duo of Cheick Tiote and
Fabricio Coloccini. That will encourage Allardyce that there is hope of a
win here and he'll be aiming to build on the positives from a steely display
against Premier League champions Manchester City last time out.

West Ham earned a goalless draw on that occasion and the manager may feel a
point would be a good result for a club that has won just three of their
last 41 Premier League away games. Whether Carroll and Nolan would be quite
so happy to go goalless against their old club is another matter.

Newcastle
Last 6
2-2
1-1
2-1
1-0
1-1
0-3

The Magpies must do without Cheick Tiote and skipper Fabricio Coloccini who
are both serving suspensions for red cards. James Perch is also out and
Danny Simpson remains a doubt so Alan Pardew is short of options at the
back. But he will be able to call on Jonas Gutierrez, Demba Ba and Hatem Ben
Arfa who were all rested for the trip to Bruges in midweek.

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

There are problems at the heart of the Hammers defence with James Collins
and James Tomkins both facing late fitness tests to conform their
availability.
If both are unfit then the visitors will be forced into a reshuffle with
Winston Reid the only fit centre-back. There is better news for right-back
Guy Demel who has returned to training following a hernia problem but Jack
Collison (knee), Matthew Taylor (calf) and Ricardo Vaz Te (shoulder) remain
out.

Opta Facts

Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan have played in this fixture twice (both for
Newcastle), netting on both occasions.
Sam Allardyce has won his last four matches as a Premier League coach
against Newcastle, including the two games since they fired him in January
2008.
West Ham have only won three of their last 41 Premier League games away from
Upton Park, with two of those wins coming against fellow London sides.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
lan Pardew says sale of Andy Carroll has paved way for Newcastle's success
Last Updated: November 9, 2012 6:26pm
SSN

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is looking forward to welcoming Andy Carroll
back to St James' Park. The 23-year-old striker will return to Tyneside,
along with former Magpies team-mate Kevin Nolan, as part of the West Ham
squad for Sunday's Premier League game. Carroll is on loan at Upton Park
after Liverpool allowed him to move on, but Pardew believes his £35m move to
Anfield in January 2011 has paved the way for Newcastle's recent success. He
said: "The position we are in, if I'm honest, is because we used the money
from Andy's sale well. "He was a brilliant player for us, but the fee was
astronomical. We have used it well and we owe a great debt to him. "It's
nice to see Kevin come back. He did a super job here. Whatever he was asked
to do, he conducted himself well. And he gets a goal. He has proven that at
any level, he will get a goal. "I'm looking forward to seeing them both and
I enjoyed working with them.
"There will be a lot on the game. Kevin will be determined to get a result,
as will Andy and the manager coming back."

The likes of Yohan Cabaye, Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse have been recruited
since Carroll and 30-year-old Nolan left the club and, while Pardew is well
aware of the pair's individual talents, he has no complaints over his lot
after guiding the club to a fifth-placed finish in the Premier League last
season and back into Europe. He said: "Both of those players would be good
additions to this squad, but players have to move on for the sake of the
team. That's the Andy Carroll one. "Kevin was a bit different, he wanted a
long contract we wouldn't commit to, but he got one at West Ham. "He
deserves it because he is a great player, but the board didn't think the
long contract for Kevin was something he would get here."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham striker Andy Carroll is looking forward to his return to Newcastle
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
November 9, 2012 9:13am
SSN

West Ham United loanee Andy Carroll admits he is looking forward to
returning to former club Newcastle this weekend. The former Newcastle No.9
striker was jeered by home fans when he played at St James' Park with parent
club Liverpool last season on his first return to the club after leaving
Tyneside for Anfield in January 2011. Carroll is expecting another hostile
reception and he insists he is keen to get a win after losing with Liverpool
last season. "I am looking forward to going home," said Carroll. "I went
back with Liverpool and I got a few boos and a bit of stick but it was all
good. "I want to go back now and hopefully win this time because last time I
went we were beaten."

Carroll's West Ham team-mate Kevin Nolan, who is also coming up against his
former club, hopes the big striker is shown some respect from the Newcastle
fans. "Andy might not get the best reception because I know he has been back
there and got a bit of stick," said Nolan. "I am hoping that Andy gets
respect, as they know what efforts he put in when playing for Newcastle and
helping them to be where they are today. "I won't speak to him specifically
about it before the game - he is a big character. "We both had some
fantastic times up there. Now 50,000 people are going to want to boo us. But
if we went out in the evening they would probably still want pictures."

First goal

Carroll has failed to score in all six of his games for the Hammers since
joining them on a season-long loan from Liverpool in August and Nolan hopes
he can break his duck against Newcastle. "Is Andy anxious? You have got to
be joking," added Nolan. "But we are all hoping that the first goal he
scores for us is on Sunday. "We want him to get off the mark and hopefully
win the game for us and break a few hearts."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
My wife told me to quit..
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: 09th November 2012

SAM ALLARDYCE'S wife begged him to quit football after he was sacked by
Newcastle. Big Sam revealed the personal pain behind his axing by new owner
Mike Ashley eight months after taking over at Toon. He returns to St James'
Park tomorrow as West Ham boss insisting there is no animosity. But there is
still plenty of frustration for him and his missus, Lynne, more than four
years later. Allardyce said: "It was the hardest sacking to take because I
thought that job was THE right one. "I thought it was the next step, a big
club, big fan base, big budgets. And unfortunately I never saw any of that.
"The issue is your professionalism has been questioned, your ability to do
this particular job has been questioned. "It's the damage to your career
that you've spent years and years and years putting together. The only
reason cited to me was they wanted to move in their own direction because I
wasn't the man that was selected by them, I was already there. "At the end
of the day you have to accept that and move on. "I felt terribly low. My
wife said 'for God's sake you're better off out of it, is it worth it?'
"They go through more stress and pressure than you because they sit and
watch you go through it all and see what no one else sees. That's why she
said what she did. "But she also understands I am a football man and even in
the tough times I need to do this job, it's a drug. "I shook hands with Mike
when I went back with Blackburn. "He has worked it out — how to run a
football club — and he is getting Newcastle to be what I wanted them to be,
a team pushing for Europe and the Champions League."

At 58 Allardyce has done well to be sacked only three times as a manager —
by Blackpool, Newcastle and most recently Blackburn. After leaving Ewood
Park last year he took time out to travel the world and returned to the game
a wiser man. Tomorrow's clash throws up a complex web of connections between
the clubs. Toon boss Alan Pardew managed West Ham out of the Championship in
2005 — as Big Sam did last season. Newcastle striker Demba Ba made his name
at Upton Park before quitting, having been assaulted by a fan at the
end-of-season party following relegation. And West Ham will be led from the
front by ex-Newcastle pair Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll. Carroll was left
out of the England squad for Wednesday's friendly in Sweden but Allardyce
reckons Nolan should be a contender for inclusion. He said: "Kevin's got
four Premier League goals and at 29 is showing what he can still produce.
"If you're scoring goals consistently in the Premier League then you can't
be ignored. "Going back to Newcastle is water under the bridge for me. I
think it's more important for Kevin and Andy."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I don't hate Toon for axing me
The Sun
Published: 09th November 2012

SAM ALLARDYCE insists he holds no grudges against Newcastle despite being
sacked from the Toon hotseat. Big Sam takes West Ham to St James' Park on
Sunday knowing a win would pull the Hammers four points clear of the club he
was axed from nearly five years ago. Allardyce has since been back to the
North East as Blackburn manager and has already banished the memories of
Mike Ashley's decision, taken just months after he took over the club. Asked
whether the Newcastle game carried an extra edge, Allardyce said: "No, not
for me. Those days are long gone. "They happened when I got the Blackburn
job and Newcastle came to Blackburn. After that they got relegated, so I
didn't meet them again until we went up to Newcastle and played them. "There
has been a lot of water under the bridge since then. Life moves on, I don't
live in the past. I can only look to the future as best I can. "It's a piece
of history in my career that didn't quite work out as well as I'd liked it
to. "For me, it wasn't me getting bad results at Newcastle — it was a change
of ownership and a decision made at the time that they wanted their own man
in. "I accepted that at the time and since that time has drifted by, I have
no animosity towards Newcastle United at all."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Toon tirade awaits Andy Carroll again
By CARL LONG
Published: 09th November 2012
The Sun

ANDY CARROLL is desperate to erase the memory of his nightmare return to
Newcastle. The former Toon hero was jeered before being hauled off in his
first return with parent club Liverpool last season. Carroll stormed down
the tunnel just moments after he was booked following a dive that saw him
confronted by former team-mate Tim Krul in April's 2-0 defeat. Now the
£35million hitman returns as a West Ham player on Sunday expecting another
red-hot reception — but bidding for a different outcome. England ace
Carroll, 23, said: "I am looking forward to going home. "I went back with
Liverpool and I got a few boos and a bit of stick but it was all good. "I
want to go back now and hopefully win this time because last time I went we
were beaten."

Gateshead-born Carroll faces a rough ride from the fans who have not
forgiven him for forcing through a deadline-day move to Anfield in January
2011. But Hammers skipper Kevin Nolan hopes the Geordie boo-boys now show
Carroll some "respect". Nolan, also a former Magpies favourite, said: "Andy
might not get the best reception because I know he has been back there and
got a bit of stick. "I am hoping that Andy gets respect, as they know what
efforts he put in when playing for Newcastle and helping them to be where
they are today. "I won't speak to him specifically about it before the game
— he is a big character. "We both had some fantastic times up there. "Now
50,000 people are going to want to boo us. But if we went out in the evening
they would probably still want pictures." Carroll is still waiting to break
his West Ham duck and has now gone over seven hours since scoring for his
new club. But midfielder Nolan, 30, added: "Is Andy anxious? You have got to
be joking. "But we are all hoping that the first goal he scores for us is on
Sunday. "We want him to get off the mark and hopefully win the game for us
and break a few hearts."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Now it's Moan City
The Sun
By KARREN BRADY
Published: 09th November 2012

SAT NOV 3
THE Legend of Carlos Tevez at West Ham has been written and The Lord himself
could not wipe the tablet clean. I have to admit my view of him will always
be shadowed by the enormous financial burden his transfer dumped on to my
club. On the field it is very different and, of course, he is loved by our
supporters. They will always regard him as an honorary bubble-blower. They
showed their affection today in our goal-less draw with Man City. Tevez
responds with the Hammers salute.

SUN NOV 4
TOP footballers are paid far too much. I think everyone bar the PFA agrees
about that, so sitting with some other PL directors I recommend my own plan
for combating even higher wages. On the back of each player's shirt, instead
of a squad number, he should show the amount he earns in millions annually.
Wayne Rooney could be 13.5 while John Terry would display 9.6 (taking fines
into account). All right, I'm not being really serious but I agree with West
Ham co-owner David Gold that the new TV deals, worth at least £15million
more to each club, must not be swallowed up by ever more ridiculous player
contracts.

MON NOV 5
BEING spiteful about David Beckham is akin to chucking mud pies at Nelson's
Column. Today I see that even as far away from the phenomenon of the
Beckhams as New Zealand, a sly remark about the second best known Englishman
in the world is threatening the career of Prime Minister John Key. He is
alleged to have muttered that Becks is "as thick as bat s***". Among the
many angry protests over there is one, I imagine, from the pro-bat society,
Vampires R Us, who are demanding either free time at his jugular or a
retraction.

TUES NOV 6
ROBERTO MANCINI behaves more decisively than one or two of his defenders up
at the Etihad Stadium. He strides on to the pitch to complain to referee
Peter Rasmussen about a late ruling that just about scuppers Manchester
City's Champions League dream for another season. What on earth is he doing
there? Rasmussen is not able to change his mind, even if he wishes to. So it
is a senseless whine in what amounts to a pathetic campaign. Mancini was
boasting last week that seven or eight clubs approached him just before he
signed a new five-year contract with City. I'm not impressed by that,
either.

WED NOV 7
TONIGHT'S the night all right for old rocker Rod Stewart. The veteran singer
is shown on TV sobbing in the arms of a friend — but the biggest surprise is
that it was not a leggy blonde but a bald male mate. Stewart has never been
slow to claim Celtic are the greatest club in the universe and, God bless
them, they go a little way to proving it by beating Barcelona in a Glasgow
classic. I can put up with plenty of Scottish bombast so long as they don't
play the bagpipes. Note, though, that even Lionel Messi seems unable to stop
Barca fraying at the edges.

THURS NOV 8
TONIGHT I am at Chelsea for a star-studded event picking up the 2012
Football CEO of the Year award. Next year will be my 20th in football and, I
have to say, in a room of 500 people (90 per cent male) I was extremely
proud to accept the award on behalf of my loyal and fantastic staff but, in
particular, my dedicated and supportive chairmen David Sullivan and David
Gold. West Ham is a truly special club and I feel privileged to be guiding
its future. I get a lot of texts of congratulations from across the clubs in
football. Even one from my pal at Arsenal, which was kind bearing in mind
one of the other contenders up for the award was their CEO Ivan Gazidis, who
I respect very much.

FRI NOV 9
I'M broad-minded — in my industry you have to be. But what I witnessed
tonight would scare Clare Balding rigid! I have a flat in London. Over the
years, so many people have had keys, I've lost track of the comings and
goings. Until tonight. It's 1am, I've been filming all day. I'm back at the
flat and, as I open the door, I realise I've led a very sheltered life.
Whilst their sports and physical attributes are very different, my uninvited
guests certainly share the same mindset.
Before making my excuses and exiting to my own room, I warn them that if
they are staying in town after the Sports Personality of the Year Award
night, they'll have to find another venue!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Payback Tyne? Allardyce, Carroll and Nolan still angry at being kicked out
of Toon
The Mirror
9 Nov 2012 22:30
Richard Heathcote

Sam Allardyce has claimed his Newcastle sacking hit him so hard his wife
urged him to give up football. And the West Ham boss insisted Andy Carroll
and Kevin Nolan never wanted to leave St James' Park either. The trio of
ex-Toon stars return to the north-east together tomorrow with the happy
Hammers sitting above Newcastle in the Premier League table. Allardyce won
both matches against them in his next job with Blackburn and insisted he
feels "no animosity" towards Newcastle or Mike Ashley. He even said the Toon
owner has now "worked out" how to run a club by giving Alan Pardew an
eight-year contract. But the 58-year-old, who boasts his skin is as thick as
a rhino and an elephant, is clearly still scarred by his dismissal after
only 21 Premier League games in January 2008. "You are always upset when you
lose your job - it is a very distressing time for you and your family," he
said. "It was the hardest one to take because I thought the job was the
right one. I thought it was the next step, a big club, big fanbase, big
budgets. And unfortunately I never saw any of that. So it happened, I left
and I moved on. "People start saying, 'He'll be all right, he's got that
much money'. But that is not the issue. "The issue is your professionalism
has been questioned, your ability to do this particular job has been
questioned. "It's the damage to your career you've spent years and years and
years putting together and accumulating and proving that you are a quality
manager. "I felt terribly low. It was about six or seven months that I
thought about even thinking about another job. "My wife (Lynn) said I should
give up. She said: 'For God's sake, 'you're better off out of it, is it
worth it?' "The thing is they go through more stress and pressure than you
because they sit and watch you go through it all. But she understands what I
am, a football man and even in the tough times I need to do this job, it's a
drug. I don't manage for money I manage for glory."

Allardyce conceded his sacking cost him the chance of becoming England
manager. "It's about timing, being in the right place at the right time and
bit of luck," he said. "Look at Roberto di Matteo at Chelsea." Nolan and
Carroll have both played for Newcastle against West Ham twice - and both
have scored in each game. The Hammers captain has found the net four times
already this season while the on-loan England striker is looking for his
first. St James' Park would be a good place to get off the mark. "This game
is far more important for Kevin and Andy than it is for me," Allardyce
insisted. "Those two players served Newcastle brilliantly before they left
and they will want to do very, very well. I have no idea what kind of
reception they will get. I suppose it is up to the Newcastle fans whether
they appreciate what they did for Newcastle. I don't suppose either of them
really wanted to leave. There were circumstances that they had to leave but
not because they wanted to."

Ashley sacked Allardyce in his first season as owner and brought back Kevin
Keegan during an unstable start to his Newcastle reign. Now the sports
tycoon has given Pardew the backing to plan for the long term. "He has
worked it out - how to run a football club - and is getting Newcastle to be
what I wanted them to be - a team pushing for Europe and the Champions
League," Allardyce claimed. "Mike learns pretty quickly. When I was there it
was all brand new to him. As he has moved on, he come up trumps. "Giving
Alan Pardew an eight-year contract shows he wants him to continue to do the
job but it also says that Mike Ashley is committed to Newcastle when a while
back it looked like he would sell it. Now it's a long-term thing."
Meanwhile, Alan Pardew still "hoping" Carroll will sign for the club again.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Am I bovvered? Newcastle return means more to Carroll and Nolan than me,
insists Sam Allardyce
The Mirror
9 Nov 2012 12:30

Sam Allardyce has claimed returning to Newcastle on Sunday means more to
Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll than to him. The West Ham boss was sacked by
Toon in January 2008 after only 21 Premier League games in charge. And both
crowd favourite players were later sold on - with the England striker
arriving on loan from Liverpool in August. Nolan arrived in the summer of
2011 to help West Ham regain promotion - and his four goals this season have
helped the Irons climb above Newcastle in the Premier League table.
Allardyce, who won both matches against Newcastle with Blackburn after his
dismissal, insisted: "There is no extra edge going back for me. "Those days
for me have long gone. Since then, time has drifted by and I have no
animosity towards Newcastle United at all.
"I played them when I got the Blackburn job and Newcastle came to Blackburn.
And after that, of course, they got relegated and I didn't meet them again
until the year after when we went up to Newcastle and played then for
Blackburn. "The next time they came back I had been sacked. It is all gone.
There has been a lot of water under the bridge since then. Obviously it is
far more important for Kevin and Andy than it is for me. Those two players
served Newcastle brilliantly before they left. Two outstanding players for
their club. And they will obviously want to do very, very well. "I suppose
it is up to the Newcastle fans whether they appreciate what they did for
Newcastle before they left. I don't suppose either of them really wanted to
leave. The circumstances were that they had to leave - but not because they
wanted to." West Ham will give fitness tests to centre-backs James Tompkins
and James Collins tomorrow.

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