Big Sam hails 'magnificent' victory
WHUFC.com
The manager could not hide his joy after West Ham United's 3-1 home win over
Chelsea on Saturday
01.12.2012
Sam Allardyce could not contain his delight after his West Ham United side
scored a sensational 3-1 Barclays Premier League victory over Chelsea. The
Hammers went in a Juan Mata goal down at half-time but, following two
half-time changes from Big Sam, roared back to win through goals from
Carlton Cole, Mohamed Diame and Modibo Maiga. The noise inside a packed
Boleyn Ground grew with every passing minute of the second half as West Ham
produced a truly irresistible performance full of pace, power and tempo that
the Blues simply could not handle. "It has ended up being an unbelievable
game," Big Sam told West Ham TV. "After a reasonably comfortable opening 12
or 13 minutes, all of a sudden Chelsea went 'bang' and scored. With the
quality of players that they have got, Fernando Torres made the run and cut
it back to Mata and his finish was superb. I could criticise the defenders
but the quality of their play was so good that it got them in front. "With
them having two clean sheets in their first two games under Rafa Benitez, I
thought it would be a test for us. We seemed to lose our way and our belief
after their goal so, for me, it was about hanging on until half-time and
then making some changes. "At half-time it was aboue re-motivating the lads
and re-establishing that if they do things the right way, they will get a
lot of pressure on Chelsea and exposing their defence a lot more than we had
done. We did feel their defence was a weakness and has been, even though
Rafa had put it right in their past two games. "Certainly we proved it to be
a weakness because the quality of ball up to Carlton Cole and the quality of
balls put in by Matt Taylor and Matt Jarvis and then Mo Diame picking the
ball up and running at them put a relentless amount of pressure on Chelsea
and they ultimately cracked in the end. That was magnificent for us."
Having got back on level terms through Cole's superb header, West Ham then
escaped as Jussi Jaaskelainen made two fine saves and Mata saw his free-kick
cannon back into play off the inside of the post. After weathering the
Blues' brief storm, the Hammers saw Winston Reid's header cleared off the
line by Ashley Cole before going ahead when Diame buried Cole's lay-off.
Then, in the first minute of added-time, Maiga finished with aplomb after
fellow substitute Taylor had seen his shot pushed out by Petr Cech. Big Sam
paid tribute to his players, not only for their attitude and belief, but for
the outstanding fitness they showed in pounding Chelsea into submission
during the final 15 minutes. "Of course, the quality of their team, they
upped their game and came back at 1-1 and we needed Jussi to make some
outstanding saves for us, then we got a bit of luck off the post. "We were
so great at the end and our fitness levels were so high that, for me, we ran
Chelsea into the ground. To consider that was our third big game in six
days, to produce that much energy at the end was magnificent.
"The reward we got was the win and it was an outstanding victory."
Big Sam was in awe of the performance of striker Cole, who returned to the
starting XI in place of the injured Andy Carroll and produced one of his
finest performances against the club where he started his career. "Playing
against Chelsea was always going to motivate him because he's a great lad.
He has been patient and I've really enjoyed working with Carlton since I've
been here. He's done a great job for himself and for everybody today -
certainly for the fans - to send everybody home happy. "He showed a lot
strength for the first goal and great hold-up play, because that is what you
need in the Premier League to build sustained attacks. Your front men have
to play well and he played ever so well today. "That was backed up by Diame,
Taylor, Jarvis and Nolan and Noble got better. The defenders didn't have as
much pressure on them, so when they needed to defend they did well. In the
end, you can't say we can't deny we deserved the win."
The one damp squib on an otherwise perfect day was the news that Andy
Carroll will spend a period on the side-lines after suffering a knee injury
at Manchester United in mid-week. "It's a lateral ligament strain, which is
the outside ligament running down the knee. It's a mid-term injury in that
it could have been a lot worse and it could have been easier. We feel it'll
be six to eight weeks. He's in a knee brace and doesn't need an operation,
which is a good thing, and hopefully he'll be back with us very soon. "With
Andy and the other players, we do need them back quickly because we've got a
lot of trauma injuries - Vaz Te's shoulder, George McCartney's ankle and
Yossi Benayoun. We also haven't seen much of Alou Diarra or Jack Collison
this season. "We're suffering at the minute and to suffer like that and beat
Chelsea 3-1 means I can't stop smiling!"
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Dev Squad edged out
WHUFC.com
A young Development Squad were beaten 1-0 by Blackburn Rovers at Rush Green
on Friday evening
01.12.2012
A youthful Development Squad battled hard but still lost out 1-0 to
Blackburn Rovers in their final home Barclays U21 Premier League Group 1
match at Rush Green on Friday. The Hammers had already been crowed champions
after West Bromwich Albion beat Arsenal last weekend and, despite the
result, the youngsters did well. Elliot Lee and Frazer Shaw were
particularly impressive but Hendon's side were undone by a spectacular
free-kick from Diogo Rosado after 77 minutes. The first real chance of the
half fell to Lee but, after getting in behind the Rovers back line, he took
too long and Nuno Enrique was able to block his goal-bound effort. The
visitors were next to threaten when Raheem Hanley charged through the
Hammers' midfield and played a neat one-two with Rosado, but the defender
had strayed inches offside. After a fairly drab spell in which neither side
wanted to commit, Rovers almost took the lead when Tim Payne's shot grazed
the post. In a half of few chances the onus was on one individual to provide
a bit of magic and ten minutes before half-time Jack Powell almost provided
it. The midfielder showed sublime technique to take the ball down before
finding Shaw out wide. Shaw crossed back to the midfielder but his flying
volley was straight at goalkeeper Greg Sandomierski.
Osayamen Osawe had a golden chance on 40 minutes but his header failed to
test Sam Baxter who watched it drift high and wide. Just one minute later
the visitors were on the back foot, Shaw found Lee, who drove past three
defenders before shooting low, but Sandomierski was able to gather at the
second attempt. The first chance of the second half fell to the visitors and
it was Osawe again who threatened, but he was again unable to hit the
target, dragging his shot wide from 20 yards. With 52 minutes gone Hendon's
side should have taken the lead. Declan Hunt sent a superb cross into the
box but Kenzer Lee's free header was straight at Sandomierski. Shaw and
Elliot Lee continued to strike up a good partnership within the game and it
almost provided a goal but after good work from Lee, he was again denied by
Sandomierski. As the game continued to ebb and flow, Rovers had a fantastic
chance of their own but Dan Potts somehow managed to block Osawe's shot off
the line. Three minutes later the visitors took the lead in spectacular
fashion as Rosado lashed a free-kick past Sam Baxter 30-yards out level with
box.
The young Hammers came back strong and should arguably have had a penalty
awarded for a foul in added time, but the referee waved play on. Next up for
Hendon's side is their final Barclays U21 Premier League Group1 fixture at
Norwich City, which has been rearranged for 17 December.
Development Squad: Baxter, Driver, Potts, Hunt, Lee, Ruddock, Sadlier,
Marlow (Homans 85), Lee, Shaw, Powell.
Subs not used: Girdlestone, Guzman, Gogo
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Andy Carroll: West Ham striker sidelined with knee injury
BBC.co.uk
On-loan West Ham striker Andy Carroll is expected to be out for up to eight
weeks with a knee injury. The England forward, who is on a season-long loan
from Liverpool, was hurt in the midweek defeat against Manchester United and
replaced by Carlton Cole after 62 minutes. Hammers manager Sam Allardyce
said: "It's pretty severe. We didn't expect it to be quite as severe. "It's
going to be about six to eight weeks. It's a blow for us and Andy."
Carroll, who has scored one goal in ten appearances for West Ham this
season, has already missed one month of the campaign after suffering a
hamstring injury against Fulham in September. But Allardyce said Carroll
would not be returning to his parent club for treatment: "Andy will be
staying with us. "We have contacted Liverpool, they have all the
information, they sent a representative down to assess him, but they use the
same specialist as we do, which helps and hopefully he can now recover as
quickly as possible. "We must soldier on. The lads out there have plenty of
experience but we are a bit light on the bench."
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West Ham 3 Chelsea 1
1 December 2012
By Ben Smith
BBC Sport at Upton Park
Rafael Benitez's troubled start to life at Chelsea plumbed new depths at
Upton Park, as West Ham produced an incredible second-half comeback to
snatch a memorable victory. Chants of "sacked in the morning" and "one Di
Matteo" rang out as Chelsea allowed a 1-0 half-time lead to slip, with West
Ham roaring back thanks to goals from Carlton Cole, Mohamed Diame and Modibo
Maiga.
"West Ham have beaten Chelsea for the first time since 2003 and how they've
enjoyed it. What a turnaround. Chelsea were in control but only led 1-0 at
the break. How they will rue their missed chances. West Ham manager Sam
Allardyce made two changes and one of those was Mohamed Diame, who was key
for his side. Another awful day for Rafael Benitez. A red letter day for
West Ham."
Juan Mata fired Chelsea in front early in the first half and the visitors
might have increased their advantage before the interval, only to see a
series of good chances go to waste. Carlton Cole headed West Ham level,
before Diame fired in with a ferocious low shot. With time running out West
Ham broke again, allowing Maiga to turn in a rebound. To make matters worse,
26 points from 15 matches represents Chelsea's worst Premier League start in
the Abramovich era.
It is the first time since February 1995 that Chelsea have failed to win for
seven league matches and Benitez becomes the first manager since Gianluca
Vialli to not win any of his opening three matches as manager. Much of the
focus after this game will fall on Benitez and Chelsea but West Ham were an
unrecognisable team after the interval, with the introduction of Diame
crucial in changing the game. Chelsea will struggle to know how they let
this one slip. Sharper to the ball and swifter to use it, they bossed the
early stages, although it took until the 13th minute for them to construct
their first meaningful attack.
Victor Moses gathered the ball wide on the right and, seeing Torres angling
his run behind the West Ham backline, found his team-mate with a cleverly
weighted pass. In one fluid movement, the struggling striker cut the ball
back across goal where Mata stroked it beyond goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen.
The move was a study in simplicity. Chelsea's attacking play was creative,
clever and, at times, rapier sharp. The West Ham defence was shredded time
and again, as Torres, Moses and Mata were each presented chances that they
contrived to waste. And yet, the hosts clung on. Mark Noble fought for
everything in the engine room, Matt Jarvis turned and twisted and Kevin
Nolan provided the spark in attack.
As half-time approached Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech was booked for punching
outside his area. James Collins's resulting free-kick deflected up, allowing
James Tomkins to head on to Nolan, whose powerful header was tipped over.
The introduction of Diame gave West Ham another dimension. The confidence
and swagger which had accompanied Chelsea's play in the first half deserted
them as the contest turned into an altogether more muscular affair. Where
West Ham had stood off and allowed Chelsea to dictate, now they snapped in
and fought for everything. Carlton Cole had wasted two earlier chances but
when Jarvis's cross deflected up off Gary Cahill, he reacted before
Ivanovic, to stoop low and head firmly beyond Cech at the near post.
Jarvis tested Cech moments later. Chelsea were being forced back time and
again but their attacking threat remained nonetheless. Eden Hazard forced
Jaaskelainen to turn his fierce low shot away, only for Torres to prod the
rebound straight back at the West Ham goalkeeper. Moments later, Mata
clattered Jaaskelainen's left-hand post with a delightful 25-yard free-kick.
West Ham were at it too, however, as first Jarvis raced clear only to see
his shot brilliantly saved by Cech before Ashley Cole cleared Winston Reid's
header off the line. But West Ham would not be denied. Carlton Cole's clever
pass found Diame on the edge of the box and his shot flashed beyond Cech and
into the net. Chelsea were all over the place and when Matthew Taylor's shot
was deflected back to Maiga, the West Ham forward made no mistake to
complete an incredible comeback.
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Carroll out 'til 2013
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 1st December 2012
By: Staff Writer
Andy Carroll could be sidelined for up to two months after it was revealed
that he sustained knee ligament damage against Manchester United. The
on-loan striker was substituted an hour into Wednesday night's 1-0 defeat at
Old Trafford and tests have revealed that the England international has
suffered lateral ligament damage. Speaking after today's 3-1 win against
Chelsea, Sam Allardyce confirmed the bad news - but insisted that the
on-loan Carroll would remain at West Ham with view to continuing his loan
spell upon his return from injury. "It's a lateral ligament which is the
outside of the knee. It's in a brace," confirmed Allardyce. "But he stays
with us. "We've contacted Liverpool and they have all the information.
Liverpool sent a medical representative down when Andy went to visit the
specialist - they use the same specialist as we do - and the specialist has
given this diagnosis of what to do. "Hopefully Andy will recover as quickly
as the specialist said he might."
The news will come as a huge disappointment to Carroll who scored his first
goal for West Ham at Tottenham last weekend. His replacement - Carlton Cole
- scored the first of United's three goals against the European champions at
the Boleyn Ground this afternoon.
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Allardyce on... Chelsea
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 1st December 2012
By: Staff Writer
Big up, Big Sam... Mr Allardyce reflects on a job thoroughly well done. His
post-match press conference exclusively in full for you here on KUMB.com...
Sam: How are you feeling? A great celebration at the end?
I couldn't control my emotions so well today, I must admit! To play one of
our big rivals in a local derby - at the end of a week that's been very
tough for us - and to finish in that style with that result is just one of
those outstanding moments for me this season.
I wouldn't say we looked dead and buried, but we looked like we were going
to find it difficult to get back into the game after they scored. But the
tactics we used to expose the opposition [combined with the way] the lads
applied themselves - which is about belief, the desire and the quality;
those three things were upped to a massive level in the second half.
We started almost from the first whistle and continued until they cracked.
They cracked in the end and we won 3-1 - and deservedly so, I thought, in
the end.
There were times at the other end when some of our defending needed to be
desperate and our goalkeeper needed to pull off some top-class saves. That
is always needed when you play a team of Chelsea's size. In the end it's
just been an outstanding victory for us at the end of a very difficult six
days, with the three teams that we've played.
Would you say that was one of the best half-time substitutions you've ever
made?
We changed it tactically as well as making substitutions. For the want of a
better word we 'over-complicated' it in the first half instead of keeping it
simple. The simple thing was Carlton Cole and playing it to him. He was
having a very good game - and that was in the first half - but the trouble
was, we weren't playing it to him.
If we were going to play it to him he'd cause the central defenders some
problems. Then, we can break off the midfield players and get players like
Mo Diame in the game. Then his contribution comes into play. Then we started
to sustain pressure. Instead of Chelsea's full-backs running at our defence,
our two wide men were running at Chelsea's full-backs and getting in behind
them. Then it was a question of "will we score - and if we do, when will it
be?"
I have to say, 15 minutes had gone by and I was thinking "we've had a great
spell here but we haven't [scored] and Chelsea will come back in the game
somewhere".
Then we did score - and Chelsea came back into the game again. Some great
defending and some good saves by Jussi but in the end our fitness came
through. We continued to run and run and wore Chelsea down. Then the quality
came out and we scored two very, very good goals at the end. The old adage;
what a game of two halves.
Do you feel some sympathy for Rafa [Benitez]? To see him under continuous
pressure from his own fans?
I said to the players in the team talk that a lot of you lads had been
saying that the Chelsea players would probably be relieved to play away from
home . I said to our players "make sure it's not the case" - but I have to
say that in the first half, it was the case!
Chelsea really should have finished us off, let's be honest about this. I
don't pull any punches, I don't hide behind the fact that they were much
better than we were. But they didn't finish us off and because they didn't
they paid the price. We've played many games like that in the past where
we've been better than the opposition, not finished them off and suffered
the consequences. Today they've suffered and we've ended up beating them
fair and square.
Without over-simplifying it it seemed like it was all about desire,
commitment and character really?
Well there was quality at the end of it but we didn't see enough of that
quality in the first half. After we conceded the goal we went on the
backfoot; our passing went astray, we kept passing it back to the
opposition. You're passing it to top-class players so you're having to
defend more and more desperately as the first half went on and then they
started to create more and more chances.
Keep the ball off them and keep the ball in the areas where they don't like
- that's quality in behind their full backs, as their full backs bomb on and
leave so much space. If you don't play there and don't run there it's
difficult to cause them a problem. But we did in the second half.
Substitutions are a big decision, we decided to make ours at half time.
We're not to forget that Matt Taylor made a good contribution as well as Mo
Diame. Then of course Modibo Maiga scored the third one. Chelsea, at any
stage in the last few minutes would throw caution to the wind and with the
quality they've got they might have sneaked an equaliser - but they didn't,
we got the third and it's ended up being a great day for the fans and
everybody involved in West Ham.
Does it make it any sweeter that it was against Chelsea and Rafa?
It makes it great for us because it's Chelsea, it's our local rivals. We're
3-2 up on local derbies; we beat QPR, we beat Fulham and we've beaten
Chelsea - so we're 3-2 up.
So no sympathy for Rafa then, Sam?
Well we don't have sympathy for each other, do we? We don't. We compete
against each other; we toil against each other; we play mind-games against
each other; we have to outweigh each other tactically and in the end, we
came out on top today.
Is the victory that much sweeter following the bad news about Andy Carroll?
Well it is judging by Carlton Cole's performance, certainly - and it's a
huge confidence boost for Modibo Maiga coming on again and scoring. We need
him now more than ever before, we need him to adjust to the Premier League.
Him and Carlton are going to be major players for us if we contine to go on.
We've stayed in the top half of the table from the very first whistle of the
season to this stage, more than a third into the season. We've never been
out of the top half and we're back in the top half again which shows just
how good and determined the players are and the desire they have.
What ligament is it he's injured?
It's a lateral ligament which is the outside of the knee. It's in a brace.
What happens now? Does he stay at the club?
He stays with us, yes. We've contacted Liverpool; Liverpool have got all the
information. Liverpool sent a medical representative down when Andy went to
visit the specialist - they use the same specialist as we do - and the
specialist has given this diagnosis of what to do. Hopefully Andy will
recover as quickly as the specialist said he might.
Your old club, Blackburn; when you left there the fans never got behind the
manager who came in. Do you think it's possible to manage a club when you
don't have the fans backing?
You can't do it. You can't do it if the fans are not behind you, it just
won't happen. The only way you can get the fans behind you is to win. That's
all you can do, you've got to win. If you're winning games of football the
fans will always be behind you.
What did you think about the disallowed Nolan goal?
I said to the fourth official that if you have a look at Benteke's goal for
Aston Villa against Reading you'll see why I'm complaining so badly. He gave
me a wry smile and say he didn't see it, but I knew he had!
Thank you lads.
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West Ham Utd 3-1 Chelsea
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 1st December 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham produced a vintage display at the Boleyn Ground this afternoon to
finally lay their Chelsea hoodoo to rest. Prior to today, it had been an
incredible 10 years since West Ham last beat the west London club. But that
statistic is no more as Sam Allardyce's side produced a fantastic second
half display to condemn the reigning European champions to a comprehensive
3-1 defeat.
West Ham - who also had another effort harshly ruled out and forced several
more excellent saves from Chelsea number one Petr Cech - were simply
fantastic in the second period in what was a classic case of 'a game of two
halves'.
The visitors - who led 1-0 at the break - were well worth their half time
lead and the Irons had 'keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen to thank for restricting
the deficit to a single goal with one particularly superb save moments ahead
of the interval.
However it was a different West Ham team that emerged from the changing
rooms for the second half - and one that systematically set about
dismantling the opposition threat before finding the back of the net on
three occasions.
GOAL! - A rejuvenated Carlton Cole pulled West Ham level with 63 minutes on
the clock
GOAL! - Half-time substitute Mo Diame put West Ham ahead with four minutes
of normal time remaining
GOAL! - Fellow sub Modibo Maiga thrashed the ball home from close range in
the first minute of added-on time
Chelsea, whose temporary manager Rafa Benitez is yet to taste success since
replacing Roberto Di Matteo had got off to the perfect start when Juan Mata
gave them a 13th minute lead after some clever interplay on the right-hand
side.
A ball played behind Joey O'Brien, standing in for the injured George
McCartney at left back was pulled back from the byeline by Fernando Torres
and Mata was on hand to pass the ball into the far corner of Jaaskelainen's
net.
West Ham should have found themselves on level terms ten minutes ahead of
the break when Kevin Nolan prodded the ball over the line after James
Collins had nodded on a Mark Noble free kick. However the goal failed to
stand as referee Martin Atkinson saw an infringement by Collins that, quite
frankly, didn't exist.
Atkinson then further enraged the home crowd by only displaying a yellow
card when Cech handled outside the area, with Matt Jarvis favourite to
(legally) reach the ball first. Not for the first time on the day, the
Boleyn resounded to a chant of "we want Mark Clattenburg".
As it was, the Hammers were grateful to their Finnish goalkeeper for keeping
them in the game as moments prior to Cech's booking, Jaaskelainen produced a
wonderful stop from point-blank range to deny Mata a second goal; Joey
O'Brien, who had been given the run-around in the first half by Victor Moses
on hand to block the rebound.
But still the Hammers could have grabbed what would have been a somewhat
fortuitous equaliser ahead of the break when James Collins' free kick looped
up in the air and Kevin Nolan nodded towards the far corner; Cech was at
full stretch to tip the ball over the bar.
Sam Allardyce, never shy to make changes if deemed necessary responded to
the events of the opening 45 minutes by hauling off James Tomkins and Gary
O'Neil for Mo Diame and Matt Taylor. It was an inspired double change and
the key event in changing the direction of the game.
With the added drive of Diame and extra width granted by Taylor, West Ham
were suddenly a force to be reckoned with. The opening 20 minutes of the
half was all West Ham as they continued to push Chelsea back - however with
United failing to get back on level terms, one felt that West Ham had missed
their opportunity.
That was until the much-maligned Carlton Cole rose majestically to climb
above Ivanovic and head home Matt Jarvis' deflected cross with 63 minutes on
the clock.
Jarvis, who was beginning to show the kind of form that persuaded Sam
Allardyce to part with in excess of £10million for his services was key in
West Ham's revival as was his delivery to Cole, who was only back in the
team due to a ligament injury to Andy Carroll.
Chelsea responded immediately by breaking forward and Mata's free kick
smashed against Jaaskelainen's near post. It was a huge let-off for West
Ham, who hit back by breaking down the field and forcing two consecutive
corners.
The game continued in a tit-for-tat vein for the next 20 minutes and it
looked at that stage as if both teams would be forced to settle for a share
of the spoils - although Winston Reid was inches away from breaking the
deadlock when his header from a Matt Taylor corner was hacked off the line
by Ashley Cole with seven minutes of normal time remaining.
That was until Mo Diame, who was instrumental in everything West Ham had
contributed in an attacking sense during the second half followed Cole into
the Chelsea penalty area. A deep ball into the striker was chested back into
the path of the Senegalese midfielder who smashed the ball beyond Cech to
send 33,000 Eastenders into ecstasy.
Stunned, Chelsea tried to hit back but the wind was well and truly taken
from their sails. Although the announcement of five minutes of added-on time
was almost universally met by disapproval from the stands United were not in
any mood to lose the lead they had worked so hard to fashion.
And so it was, with the first of those five extra minutes played, that
Modibo Maiga, on as a replacement for sponsor's man of the match Carlton
Cole picked up a loose pass 40 yards from goal. His pass found an
overlapping Taylor whose shot was palmed away by Cech - straight into the
path of Maiga who slammed the ball into an empty net.
Cue delirium in the stands; game well and truly over.
That was it as far as Chelsea were concerned and the final whistle was
greeted with rapturous applause from all corners of the ground. West Ham had
produced one of the finest 45 minutes of football seen at the Boleyn in
recent years, Chelsea were well beaten - and they knew it - and Rafa Benitez
was left to face a tricky press conference having been mocked throughout the
game by his own fans, still smarting at the dismissal of former incumbent Di
Matteo.
The win temporarily took West Ham back into seventh spot although Swansea's
surprise 2-0 win at Arsenal later in the day saw United drop back to eighth
in the table. Sam Allardyce's side can now look forward to upsetting
Benitez's former club Liverpool when they come to the Boleyn next weekend.
And given the Irons' current home form, who would bet against them doing
just that?
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Mitchell Cole
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 1st December 2012
By: Staff Writer
Former West Ham Academy prospect Mitchell Cole has passed away at the age of
just 27. The midfielder, who was released by the club in 2004 was forced to
retire from football last year having discovered that he suffered from
hypertrophic cardiomyopathy - the same heart condition that forced Fabrice
Muamba to retire - died earlier today. Only last year Cole - who detected
the problem during a routine heart scan whilst still at West Ham - gave an
interview to a tabloid in which he explained why he had to retire from the
game. "They said in 2003 exercise could bring on my condition but I wasn't
going to end my career on a maybe," he said. "I have three FA Trophy
winner's medals, a Conference South title, Conference title and a League One
title with Southend. I am happy with what I've achieved; some players don't
win anything."
KUMB's condolences go to Mitchell's family and friends at this difficult
time.
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West Ham suffer blow as Andy Carroll is ruled out until February
Last Updated: December 1, 2012 4:17pm
SSN
On-loan West Ham United striker Andy Carroll has been ruled out for up to
two months with a knee ligament injury. The Liverpool forward moved to Upton
Park in the summer on a season-long deal but suffered the injury in the
midweek defeat at Manchester United. Carroll, who missed several weeks
earlier in the campaign with a hamstring problem, was substituted shortly
after the hour mark at Old Trafford and further assessment has now
identified the £35million man will be ruled out for the remainder of 2012.
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce fears the England international, who only scored
his first goal of the season in last weekend's defeat at Tottenham Hotspur,
may not return until February. "It is pretty severe - lateral ligament, I
think," Allardyce told Sky Sports ahead of Saturday lunchtime's Premier
League kick-off against Chelsea. "We did not expect it to be quite as severe
as it was but it looks like maybe six to eight weeks. So that is a bit of a
blow for us and Andy. "But we must solider on. There is not a lot we can do
about these trauma injuries."
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Mohamed Diame and Modibo Maiga fire West Ham to 3-1 victory over Chelsea
By Rob Parrish - Follow me on Twitter @skysportsrobp. Last Updated:
December 1, 2012 7:56pm
SSN
Mohamed Diame and Modibo Maiga fired West Ham to a 3-1 victory over Chelsea
at Upton Park to increase the pressure on new Blues manager Rafael Benitez
just three games into his reign at Stamford Bridge. The Hammers were second
best throughout the first half and were fortunate to be only 1-0 down after
Juan Mata scored the first goal of Benitez's tenure, but Sam Allardyce's men
were transformed after the break and levelled through Carlton Cole before
half-time substitute Diame and late arrival Maiga found the net in the last
five minutes. Chelsea made the perfect start when they took the lead with
only 13 minutes on the clock as Victor Moses received possession out on the
right and threaded a pass through the West Ham defence for Fernando Torres,
with the Spain international advancing to the goal-line before cutting the
ball back into the path of Mata to clinically side-foot into the bottom
corner.
Best of the match
Man of the match: Mohamed Diame. His influence turned the game on its head
when he arrived from the bench at half time. He added a much-needed urgency
to West Ham and really inspired their comeback, netting a goal for his
troubles as well.
Goal of the match: Juan Mata. The link up play between Chelsea's forwards
was outstanding and the Spaniard finished precisely after wonderful work
from Moses and Torres.
Attempt of the match: Mata's curling free-kick agonisingly struck the post
before West Ham cleared. It was a lovely effort from the playmaker that left
Jaaskelainen no chance.
Save of the match: Jussi Jaaskelainen made a superb double save to keep out
Eden Hazard's long-range drive and then Torres' close-range shot.
Moment of the match: Diame's goal turned the game around as Chelsea crumbled
in the latter stages with West Ham the only team looking capable of leaving
Upton Park with three points.
Talking point: Rafael Benitez's reign continues to begin acrimoniously and
Chelsea fans will no doubt be livid at their side's collapse after looking
so strong in
the first half.
The Blues could have doubled their lead when Ramires intercepted Guy Demel's
sloppy pass out of defence, bursting into the box and finding Moses, but he
failed to make a clean contact. There was another opportunity in the 25th
minute when a swift break found two Hammers defenders facing four Chelsea
players, but Ramires' pass to Torres was not the best and the striker's shot
was weak and over the bar. Kevin Nolan did have the ball in the net on a
rare foray forward for West Ham but his overhead kick was ruled out with
Martin Atkinson's whistle having already stopped play after James Collins
was ruled to have held down Branislav Ivanovic.
Jussi Jaaskelainen was then called into action to make a superb stop from
Mata, with the Spaniard's powerful shot from 12 yards after excellent work
from Moses on the left expertly parried by the goalkeeper before Joey
O'Brien slid in to block the follow-up. Petr Cech escaped with only a yellow
card as he strayed outside his area to punch clear above Gary Cahill and
Matt Jarvis before being forced into his only real save of note on the
stroke of half-time as Nolan headed goalwards after Collins' free-kick had
looped up off the wall. There was renewed purpose from West Ham at start of
second half with Allardyce sending on Diame and Matt Taylor for Gary O'Neil
and James Tomkins and they pressed forward with greater intensity, forcing a
series of corners, with Cahill needing treatment for a bloodied nose after
stooping to head clear and taking the full force of Carlton Cole's boot.
And the Hammers were back on level terms in the 63rd minute when Jarvis'
cross from the left looped up into the air and Cole clambered all over the
back of Ivanovic to divert his header beyond a bemused Cech at the near
post, with Chelsea's players awaiting a whistle which never came and John
Obi Mikel booked for his continued protests.
The Blues were inches away from restoring their advantage as Mata curled a
glorious free-kick against the face of Jaaskelainen's upright, moments after
the goalkeeper denied Eden Hazard before Torres showed a clear lack of
conviction with his weak follow-up. Chelsea appealed for a penalty in the
71st minute when Moses went down under Taylor's challenge but Atkinson was
not interested, while moments later Jaaskelainen's throw went straight to
Hazard, but his attempted chip drifted over the bar and behind before he was
replaced by Oscar.
Jarvis had a glorious chance to claim the points for the Hammers in the 82nd
minute as he burst clear onto Mark Noble's through-ball, only for Cech to
make an excellent save, with Winston Reid seeing his header cleared off the
line by Ashley Cole from the resulting corner, but the Hammers were not to
be denied.
In the 86th minute, Jarvis clipped the ball into the box for Carlton Cole to
lay it back to Diame to drill home from 15 yards with Ivanovic offering only
weak resistance, before Ashley Cole's blunder in defence allowed Maiga to
play in Taylor, whose shot was parried by Cech only for the Mali forward to
gobble up the rebound.
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Tactical switch pays off for West Ham boss Sam Allardyce in victory over
Chelsea
Last Updated: December 1, 2012 4:03pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce's tactical switch at half-time paid off as
the Hammers rallied from 1-0 down to defeat Chelsea 3-1 at Upton Park. Juan
Mata's 13th-minute strike had given the visitors the lead but the hosts hit
back to claim a famous victory thanks to second-half goals from Carlton Cole
and substitutes Mohamed Diame and Modibo Maiga. Allardyce said: "We started
okay but when they scored we lost our confidence and momentum and the save
just before half-time by Jussi (Jaaskelainen) was critical. "So I needed to
make some changes. We tried to freshen the team up, bring in some fresh
legs. It was all about playing in the opposition's half and playing off
Carlton Cole quickly. "I think he was itching for a real good game, the way
he was handling the ball. I thought our players were trying to play through
midfield too much and getting it taken off them in the first half. "So we
went and played in the opposition's half and took the game to Chelsea. After
15 to 20 minutes we hadn't scored and I thought it might be a bit difficult.
Then we scored but Chelsea came storming back and Jussi's had to pull off
some great saves again and then we finished it off "It shows the fitness of
the team. In less than six days they have played three games against three
of the big boys and we have come through with our fitness stats being
absolutely brilliant. "That has given us the opportunity to wins today's
game along with the quality the players showed in the end."
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Carlton Cole credits Mohamed Diame for West Ham's stunning victory over
Chelsea
Last Updated: December 1, 2012 4:07pm
SSN
Mohamed Diame's introduction was the key to West Ham's stunning victory over
Chelsea, according to Carlton Cole. Sam Allardyce sent on the midfielder at
half-time with his side trailing 1-0, and a rejuvenated West Ham went on to
win 3-1 and inflict a first defeat on new Blues boss Rafael Benitez. Cole
and Diame were both on target before another substitute, Modibo Maiga,
settled the contest with a late third. And Cole told Sky Sports: "I put that
down to the gaffer's tactics. "It was a bit defensive in the first half, but
he switched it and put on some attacking players. Momo came on and changed
the game for us."
Diame said: "The manager just told me to try to attack and bring something
more in midfield. After the last two games I needed some rest, but after
this we're confident we're going to keep going." Cole's goal was his first
in the Premier League this season and, with Andy Carroll out for up to two
months, the striker is set for an extended run in the team. He said: "I knew
if I kept training hard it would come. Andy's done a great job, but he's
picked up a little injury. I'm always there for back-up and will try my best
when called upon."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Match Report: West Ham 3 Chelsea 1
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
This is the day West Ham really arrived in the Premier League. It was our
first win against Chelsea in 9 years, and even the most diehard Chelsea fan
would surely have to admit that the victory was totally deserved. From the
start we looked dangerous and motivated and their goal came totally against
the run of play after 13 minutes. Chelsea then looked as if they might roll
us over, but this isn't like West Ham sides of old. There was no chance of
that happening. We looked strong in defence and Carlton Cole did a sterling
job holding the ball up front. But the difference came at half time, and
this is where Sam Allardyce's tactical awareness turned up trumps. He
brought on Diame and Taylor and that double substitution transformed the
game. Cole came into his own and we dominated the rest of the match. Diame
was immense. His tackling was inspired and his attack play frightened
Chelsea to death. Jamie Redknapp described him as "YaYa Toure-esque" and you
could see what he meant.
But this was a real team performance. Jussi was stalwart in goal saving at
least two certain goals. The back four may have wavered but they stood tall.
Collins in particular shone, but the other three all did their jobs too.
Rarely did Chelsea threaten from the wings, and Torres was kept quiet
throughout the game. The one chance he had, he fluffed completely. Mark
Noble was back and back with a vengeance. His tackling and passing were
superb and he was a real motivational force. Nolan was the same. Always in
their faces. totally intimidating. Neither O'Neil or Tomkins really
convinced - in my opinion neither should have started in those positions,
but Sam bravely recognised it wasn't working and changed things. And that's
why he has the players' respect, and it's why those of us who doubted him at
the start have slowly been won round. This wasn't a hoof and hope
performance. We played some excellent, controlled football which got its
just deserts. Yes, we may have played badly at Tottenham. But we got a point
off Man City, deserved to do the same against United, and now we've beaten
Chelsea. Four points out of twelve against the top four teams in the
country. Doesn't sound much, but many would have expected a haul of
precisely zero.
In attack we looked dangerous and Matt Jarvis looked a real threat. He ought
to have had a goal himself when he was one on one with Cech. It was great to
see Maiga score. That will do wonders for him, as he's been unlucky not to
get more of a look-in since his arrival.
But my final accolade goes to Carlton Cole. He has had a bit of a disaster
of a season so far, with not a single goal to show for his efforts. He put
that right today and he now know he's going to have a good run in the team.
Two seasons ago he scored a hatfull of goals around this time of the year.
Let's hope he repeats the exercise again. His hold up play was exemplary
today and no one can doubt his effort. We may have lost Andy Carroll for 6-8
weeks but if Carlton plays like this, it will be Andy who? That isn't meant
to show disrespect to Andy, who has been superb for us so far. But one word
of caution. Imagine if Carlton Cole gets injured. Maiga would be our only
experienced striker. I suspect Rob Hall may be on his way back sooner rather
than later.
What a day!
Jussi 8
Reid 7
Collins 8
O'Brien 7
Demel 7
Noble 8
Nolan 7
Tomkins 6
O'Neil 6
Diame 9
Cole 9
Maiga 7
Taylor 7
Jarvis 7
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 3 Chelsea 1
TheSun
By MARK IRWIN
Last Updated: 02nd December 2012
SAM ALLARDYCE knows that he will probably never feature on Roman
Abramovich's wanted list when the Chelsea owner begins his search for yet
another new boss. So it was hardly surprising that the man derided as a
managerial throwback to the days of blood and thunder took so much
satisfaction from this well-deserved Hammers victory. For 45 minutes
yesterday Allardyce could only stand and squirm as his team were taken apart
by Chelsea's ball-playing sophisticates. Yet Big Sam did not panic and he
did not get out the half-time hairdryer. Instead, he made a couple of
tactical changes to his team, cranked up the pressure on his opponents'
egg-shell confidence and watched in satisfaction as every one of his
second-half decisions paid dividends. Key to the dramatic turn-around was
the introduction of midfield enforcer Mohamed Diame as a half-time
replacement for the out-of-sorts James Tomkins. Suddenly Juan Mata was
denied the space he had revelled in during the first 45 minutes as the
hungry Hammers swarmed all over a team who do not know where their next win
is coming from their visitors. And the minute Carlton Cole climbed all over
Branislav Ivanovic to head home West Ham's controversial 63rd- minute
equaliser, you knew there was only going to be one winner. It was West Ham's
first win over their London rivals in 14 attempts and Allardyce said: "I
wouldn't say we were dead and buried at half-time but the second half was
all about our belief, our desire and our quality. "We upped our level from
the first minute of the second half and we kept going until they cracked.
"We over-complicated things in the first half but we changed it tactically
and all three of our substitutes made a big contribution to what was an
outstanding victory."
While Allardyce was left to celebrate three crucial points, Abramovich must
be asking himself just what the hell is going on at Chelsea. The
trigger-happy Russian might have given this one a swerve but could probably
still have heard the howls of protest from the other side of London. And his
team haven't hit rock bottom yet. That comes on Wednesday night when they go
out of the Champions League and surrender the crown they fought so long and
hard for.
If Chelsea play anything like this against Danish minnows Nordsjaelland in
midweek, the result of Juventus' trip to Donetsk will be immaterial. This is
their worst run of form since February 1995. Not since the days of Glenn
Hoddle, 11 managers ago, have the Blues gone seven Premier League games
without a win. And, the way things are going right now, you would not bet
against Rafa Benitez soon joining them. It would be ludicrous to lay all of
the blame for Chelsea's collapse at the door of an interim manager who has
been in the job for only 11 days. But none of the travelling fans were
prepared to give the Spaniard the benefit of the doubt as they joined in
with the West Ham taunts of "you're getting sacked in the morning'. And that
overwhelming mood of negativity has quickly spread to a "team' of players
who showed neither character nor fighting spirit to resist West Ham's
impressive second-half comeback. Even without the injured John Terry and
Frank Lampard, the lack of leadership in the Chelsea ranks was alarming.
Benitez had complained before this game that his players were exhausted
because the squad was too small and Roberto Di Matteo hadn't rotated enough.
Yet he still didn't have the courage to leave out Fernando Torres, who has
started more games than any other outfield player this season yet
contributed less than most of them. To be fair to Torres — and that's not a
phrase we've used too often in the last couple of years — he did set up the
first goal of Benitez's reign when he teed up Mata's emphatic 13th-minute
finish. But that was to be his last meaningful contribution of an afternoon
in which Chelsea's lack of spine came home to haunt them. And they have
no-one but themselves to blame for their failure to take advantage of their
overwhelming first-half dominance. Yet as dreadful as West Ham were during
those first 45 minutes, they were superior in every department following
Allardyce's tactical tinkering. Cole's 63rd-minute equaliser from Matt
Jarvis' deflected cross was confirmation that the tide had turned. Benitez
desperately tried to shore things up by hauling off Eden Hazard to chants of
"you don't know what you're doing" from the travelling Blues fans. But there
was no stopping West Ham now and they deservedly took the lead in the 86th
minute when Cole held off John Obi Mikel to tee up Diame for an unstoppable
low shot. And any thoughts of an unlikely Chelsea comeback were extinguished
when Ashley Cole gifted the hosts a third when his terrible pass allowed
Matt Taylor to set up fellow sub Modibo Maiga deep into stoppage time.
DREAM TEAM
SUN STAR MAN - NOLAN (WEST HAM)
West Ham: Jaaskelainen 7, Demel 6, Collins 7, Reid 6, O'Brien 6, Tomkins 5
(Taylor 46), Noble 7, O'Neil 5 (Diame 46), Nolan 8, Jarvis 6, Cole 7 (Maiga
87). Subs Not Used: Spiegel, Spence, Fanimo, Moncur. Booked: Noble. Goals:
Cole 63, Diame 86, Maiga 90.
Chelsea: Cech 7, Azpilicueta 6, Ivanovic 5, Cahill 6, Cole 5, Mikel 6,
Ramires 6, Moses 7 (Marin 78), Hazard 6 (Oscar 73), Mata 8, Torres 5. Subs
Not Used: Turnbull, Ferreira, Bertrand, Romeu, Piazon. Booked: Cech, Mikel.
Goals: Mata 13.
Att: 35,005
Ref: Martin Atkinson (W Yorkshire).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammer blow: West Ham come from behind to leave Chelsea boss Benitez singing
the Blues
TheMirror
1 Dec 2012 15:01
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
West Ham United 3-1 Chelsea
Sam Allardyce might have been forgiven for making his own "game over" hand
gesture when West Ham's third goal hit the net. But West Ham boss
Allardyce was content in the knowledge he had gained sweet revenge on old
foe Rafa Benitez and the Chelsea fans were doing his talking for him.
Allardyce first fell out with Benitez in 2009, when the Spaniard appeared to
signal that it was game over after Liverpool had gone two goals up on
Blackburn. But the crucial second goal never came for Benitez's new club in
a first-half they dominated and Allardyce and West Ham took full
advantage. Allardyce made a double change at the break, sending on Mohamed
Diame and Matt Taylor, and it proved to be inspired. His third substitute
Modibo Maiga scored the clinching goal. There were no hand gestures from
Allardyce, but both sets of fans chanted "You're getting sacked in the
morning" to beleaguered Benitez. Crucially, the West Ham team fought for
their manager and showed the spirit he has created in the dressing room.
Chelsea's stars, however, looked as confused as the fans who want sacked
Roberto Di Matteo back and went missing in a disastrous second-half.
Allardyce has never liked Benitez.
The West Ham fans don't like him much, either, and the Chelsea supporters
are certainly not keen. But as much as this game was about the battle that
interim boss Benitez faces to win around the Chelsea fans and players, it
was also about the way in which Allardyce has silenced his West Ham
doubters.
There are still Hammers fans who complain about the style of football under
Allardyce, but that number is dwindling swiftly, thanks to results like
this. It did not look good for West Ham in the first half, especially when
they fell behind to Chelsea's first goal under Benitez after just 13
minutes. Victor Moses played the ball down the right for Fernando Torres and
the striker squared the ball for the brilliant Juan Mata to score. Torres
then skied the ball over the bar and Eden Hazard went close before Mata
almost doubled Chelsea's lead. Moses crossed low from the left and Mata's
first goalbound shot was well saved by Jussi Jaaskelainen before his
follow-up effort was blocked by Joey O'Brien. West Ham had seen a Kevin
Nolan goal rightly disallowed for pushing by centre-back James Collins and
the midfielder forced Petr Cech into a great save on the stroke of
half-time. But it looked a matter of how many Chelsea would win by, rather
than whether West Ham could fight their way back into the game. Allardyce,
though, changed the course of the match by sending on Diame and Taylor, and
West Ham quickly took over. Diame, who has already had an impressive season
so far, was superb in midfield and had a shot blocked before the home team
forced an equaliser in controversial circumstances. A Matt Jarvis cross
ballooned into the air and striker Carlton Cole climbed all over the back
of Branislav Ivanovic to steer his header past Cech. But the goal stood and
Chelsea crumbled. Jarvis wasted a good opportunity by delaying his shot
too long after being sent through by Nolan. Rightly sensing their London
rivals were there for the taking, West Ham continued to push forwards and
Diame was rewarded for his vital impact. With just four minutes remaining,
Cole chested the ball down and laid it off for Diame to smash a shot past
the helpless Cech.
The defending from Mikel and Ivanovic had been terrible. But the majority
of people inside Upton Park did not care as they celebrated wildly. And it
got even better for West Ham and Allardyce in time added on for stoppages,
as substitute Maiga netted the home side's emphatic third. Ashley Cole
carelessly gave the ball away, Cech saved Taylor's shot, but Maiga was on
hand to secure all three points for the Hammers in what had by then become
a famous victory. Allardyce didn't need to give a hand signal – it was game
over for Chelsea and Benitez.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rafa on the ropes: Benitez admits he is 'not 100 per cent' sure he will last
the whole season at Chelsea
The Mirror
1 Dec 2012 22:30
Rafa Benitez has admitted he cannot be sure he will see out the season as
Chelsea's interim manager. Spaniard Benitez watched them surrender a
first-half lead to lose 3-1 at London rivals West Ham yesterday. Chelsea
fans sang "you're getting sacked in the morning", and "you don't know what
you're doing" at Benitez. Even after their team had gone ahead, the Blues
supporters chanted sacked manager Roberto Di Matteo's name. Benitez has a
contract until the end of the season. But there are already suggestions
owner Roman Abramovich could turn to former boss Avram Grant to hold the
fort if things do not improve. The Russian billionaire has employed 10
managers in his nine and a half years at the club and sacked seven of them.
Abramovich will not be impressed with Benitez's start, having presided over
Chelsea's two goalless draws and this defeat, and the former Liverpool boss
is aware results must quickly improve.
This is the first time since February 1995 that Chelsea have failed to win
for seven League matches and Benitez has become the first manager since
Gianluca Vialli to not win any of his opening three matches as manager.
Asked if he could be 100 per cent sure he will ride out the early storm,
Benitez replied: "No I am not 100 per cent. But we didn't win and if we had
won the game we would be happy."
Juan Mata had given Chelsea the lead in a first-half they dominated but West
Ham hit back with goals from Carlton Cole and substitutes Mohamed Diame and
Modibo Maiga. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce had no sympathy for Benitez – with
whom he has been at loggerheads in the past – and claimed he faces an
impossible job unless he gets the fans on side. "You can't manage a club if
the fans are not behind you, no," said Allardyce. "The only way you get the
fans behind you is to win. You have to win. If you're winning games of
football, the fans will always be behind you. "As managers, we don't have
sympathy for each other. We compete against each other, we toil against each
other, play mind games against each other. In the end, we came out on top
today."
Benitez agreed the only way he can win around the Chelsea fans who booed and
chanted against him is to start winning games. "We have to improve on the
pitch and the fans will be happy," said Benitez. "We have experienced
players who have played at this level for a while, so they know they have to
manage.
"My concern is improving the team. That is the main thing for me. If we do
that and start winning games, we'll be able to turn things around. "We need
to win – it's simple. In the first half, we deserved to score more goals. In
the second half, we had one or two chances, but we didn't do enough. "It was
totally different in the second half. We didn't start well, they were on top
of us and we couldn't manage. West Ham's first goal was controversial and
made a difference, but we gave the ball away easily and we weren't
comfortable in possession. "It's difficult to explain how we were so good in
the first half and yet couldn't manage in the second. "Physically, it's
easier to control a game if you are two or three up, but we couldn't achieve
that. We have to improve."
West Ham were dealt a blow ahead of yesterday's kick-off with the news
on-loan striker Andy Carroll has been ruled out for up to eight weeks with
the knee injury he suffered against Manchester United.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
No Carrolls this Christmas: Andy ruled out for two months with knee injury
The Mirror
1 Dec 2012 16:29
West Ham's joy at coming from behind to beat Chelsea on Saturday was
tempered by news of a serious injury to Andy Carroll. The on-loan Liverpool
striker has lateral ligament damage in his knee and will be out for at least
two months. Hammers manager Sam Allardyce told BBC Sport: "It's pretty
severe. We didn't expect it to be quite as severe. "It's going to be about
six to eight weeks. It's a blow for us and Andy." West Ham didn't miss their
striker against Rafa Benitez's men. Replacement Carlton Cole equalised for
the home side and substitute Modo Maiga scored in injury time to seal the
victory.
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WEST HAM TO GET GO-AHEAD TO MOVE INTO OLYMPIC STADIUM
Daily Express
Sunday December 2,2012
By Daily Express reporter
WEST Ham finally look set to be given the go-ahead to move into the Olympic
Stadium. London Mayor Boris Johnson and the London Legacy Development
Corporation are expected to bow to pressure to accept the Hammers' increased
offer of £15million a year to rent the empty ground. But public concern
remains over the anticipated final cost of more than £600m to make the
stadium suitable to stage top-flight football as well as athletics, and West
Ham may still have to wait at least another two years before they can move
in. The FA's National Football Centre at Burton-on-Trent was built on budget
and in less than two years for little more than £100m. Johnson is believed
to be anxious to nail down a decision that will prevent the Olympic Stadium
– built without the toilets, roofing or corporate facilities required for
football – becoming a massive financial embarrassment and burden on the
public purse. West Ham claim the stadium does not have a financially viable
future without their club and without the attention Premier League football
would bring to the venue throughout the year. West Ham claim the stadium
does not have a financially viable future without their club The Hammers
have also promised to involve all local communities in the move, which they
hope to part-finance by redeveloping their present Upton Park ground to
include affordable housing. UK Athletics are guaranteed 20 days of use each
year and will host the 2017 World Athletics Championships in the stadium.
West Ham are also understood to be happy for concerts and other events to be
staged there.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Keeper Robinson set to reunite with Allardyce at Upton Park
By JOE BERNSTEIN
PUBLISHED: 23:07, 1 December 2012 | UPDATED: 23:07, 1 December 2012
Daily Mail
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson is set for a reunion with Sam
Allardyce by returning to the Premier League with West Ham in January.
Hammers boss Allardyce, who worked with Robinson when he was manager at
Blackburn Rovers, is set to beat off competition from Fulham to land
33-year-old Robinson who will be allowed to leave Ewood Park once Rovers tie
up a £500,000 deal for Tottenham's Brad Friedel. Robinson, England's
first-choice goalkeeper at the 2006 World Cup goalkeeper in Germany, will
provide competition at Upton Park for Jussi Jaaskelainen, 37, who has shown
recent signs of fallability. Robinson has been waiting for a chance to
return to the Premier League after being relegated with Rovers last season.
Fulham are seeking a replacement for veteran Mark Schwarzer but Allardyce is
firmly in pole position having worked well with Robinson in the past.
Tottenham knocked back a request from Blackburn to sign Friedel on loan last
week but the veteran American is likely to push for a move in January as his
first-team opportunities at White Hart Lane get harder following the arrival
of French No1 Hugo Lloris. Blackburn will give 41-year-old Friedel a
coaching role at the club in addition to regular first-team football until
their England under-20 international Jake Kean is ready to take the step up.
Robinson has been at the top of English football for nearly 15 years after
coming to prominence at Leeds United where he faced Barcelona in the
Champions League as a tenager.
He went on to play for Spurs and Blackburn and won 41 England caps, keeping
David James out of the side when Sven Goran Eriksson was manager.
Two other international goalkeepers could also be on the move next month.
Norway No1 Rune Jarstein, who could be in goal for his country at the next
World Cup in Brazil, is close to securing a deal with Steve Bruce to join
Hull City. And Aston Villa's Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given is on
a list of players that manager Paul Lambert is willing to sell to reduce the
wage bill at Villa Park. Given retired from international football after
Euro 2012 to concentrate on his club football but has since been replaced in
the Villa team by Brad Guzan. Lambert is looking to rebuild Villa and will
also listen to offers for Richard Dunne, Stephen Warnock, Darren Bent and
Charles N'Zogbia.
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