Daily WHUFC News - 14th September 2012

Jimmy Andrews 1927-2012
WHUFC.com
Former West Ham United winger Jimmy Andrews has passed away at the age of 85
13.09.2012

Everyone at West Ham United was saddened to hear of the passing of former
Hammers winger Jimmy Andrews at the age of 85. Andrews joined West Ham from
Dundee in November 1951 before making 120 first-team appearances for the
club, scoring 22 goals. After leaving for Leyton Orient in 1956, he finished
his playing career with Queens Park Rangers in 1962. An innovative thinker
about the game, Invergordon-born Andrews embarked on a successful coaching
career. As well as working as youth-team coach at Tottenham Hotspur under
manager Bill Nicholson and as Tommy Doherty's first-team coach at Chelsea,
he became a Division One manager at the age of 38 when he took charge of
Queens Park Rangers for a short spell in 1965. Andrews became Cardiff City
manager in 1974, succeeding another ex-Hammer in Frank O'Farrell. He spent
four years in charge of the Bluebirds and had been living in the Welsh
capital prior to his passing. Andrews made his West Ham debut in a thrilling
3-3 Division One draw at the Boleyn Ground on 24 November 1951 and marked
his final appearance by scoring the only goal of the game in a 1-0 Division
Two victory at Plymouth Argyle on 31 March 1956.

Son-in-law Rod Griffiths, who is married to Andrews' daughter Kim, said he
enjoyed many hours listening to Andrews' wonderful memories of his time in
football.
"Jimmy started at Dundee and then joined West Ham at an extremely important
period in the history of the club. It was at this time when the likes of Ted
Fenton, Malcolm Allison and Noel Cantwell were helping to form the Academy
of Football and Jimmy would join them at Cassettari's Cafe to talk about the
game for hours on end. "We were very fortunate that the club invited him
back for a game to celebrate his 83rd birthday in 2010. It was a bitterly
cold day and the game finished 0-0, but he thoroughly enjoyed being back at
the Boleyn Ground. "He was a real thinker about the game and I loved
listening to his stories. After West Ham he became the youngest Division One
manager at QPR. He also worked as first-team coach for Tommy Doherty at
Chelsea and under Bill Nicholson at Tottenham, where he coached the likes of
a young Graeme Souness. "He coached in a paternal manner, even though he was
a real disciplinarian from what some of the old players have told me! As a
family, we just loved being around him and listening to what he had to say."

Jimmy Andrews (far left) talking football at Cassettari's Cafe with Dave
Sexton, Noel Cantwell, Malcolm Allison, John Bond, Frank O'Farrell and
Malcolm Musgrove
O'Farrell played alongside Andrews for four seasons at West Ham before being
reunited with his former team-mate at Cardiff in December 1973, when he took
him on as his assistant manager. "I played with him at West Ham and then we
went our separate ways," said O'Farrell, who is now the oldest-living former
West Ham player following his friend's death. "Eventually, after I left
Manchester United I went down to Cardiff City and he was my assistant for
six months before taking charge when I went to manage Iran. "He was one of
the group that also included Malcolm Allison, John Bond, Noel Cantwell and
Dave Sexton who would spend hours thinking and talking about the game. He
was a natural outside-left with a lovely left foot and I enjoyed playing
alongside him. "I remember the final game we had together at Cardiff. We
beat Crystal Palace, who were managed by Malcolm, and they went down to
Division Three and we stayed up!" Everyone at West Ham United would like to
pass on their sincere condolences to the family and friends of Jimmy Andrews
at this sad time.

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Big Sam on Norwich City
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce shares his views with the press ahead of Saturday's trip to
Carrow Road
13.09.2012

Sam Allardyce is hoping that his West Ham United side can recapture the form
that saw them brush Fulham aside before the international break. Victory
over Norwich City in Saturday's 12.45pm kick-off would give Big Sam's team
their first away win of the season and would mean an outstanding nine points
from a possible 12 to start the 2012/13 Barclays Premier League campaign
Speaking to the press ahead of the trip to Carrow Road, Big Sam spoke about
new Saturday's game, the club's new signings, pre-match handshakes and much
more.

Sam, what is the team news for Saturday following the international break?

SA - "Hopefully all of our international players have returned unscathed. We
are still waiting for Winston Reid to return following his exploits with New
Zealand and as far as we know he is fit and well. Everybody else has come
back raring to go and other than Jack Collison and Andy Carroll we are fully
fit."

Will Yossi Benayoun start the game?

SA - "I couldn't possibly answer that question at this point in time. Yossi
has been away with his national side and only had a light training session
today, so we will assess the squad on Friday and make a decision on the
starting line-up from there."

The worst case scenario regarding Andy Carroll was that he would miss six
weeks. Has that changed?

SA - "We haven't put a specific date for his return. We think it will be the
maximum of six weeks. He is improving well so we will continue day-by-day
and take it from there. We won't put any pressure on him to return by a
certain date, but if there is a possibility we can get him back quicker than
expected we will try to make that happen."

One man who could take advantage of Andy Carroll's absence is Carlton Cole.
How big an opportunity has he now got to show his credentials now?

SA - "He is an obvious replacement and we want Carlton to pick up from where
he left off last season. He scored a hatful of goals last season helping us
to get back into the Barclays Premier League, so we would now like him to
step in and score the goals we need to win in the Premier League. He scored
15 in total last season but five came in the final six games. We hope he can
continue that form, starting on Saturday."

How big a signing is Yossi Benayoun and what can he offer in terms of
experience, having already played at the top level and for West Ham United?

SA - "The last three signings that the Joint-Chairmen gave the go-ahead for
were absolutely brilliant for us. Andy, Yossi and Matt Jarvis are all very
good players and they possess the talent that make us a much better team.
Hopefully, when they get the opportunity, they will show us that talent. We
have Matt, the provider who hit the most crosses in the Premier League while
at Wolves. Yossi has quick feet and a terrific ability to create chances not
just for other players but for himself. Of
course, Andy is a fantastic centre-forward with great talent, physicality
and drive."

Are talks continuing with Mark Noble regarding a new contract?

SA - "Talks have been on-going since the end of last season and I would have
thought they would continue until a conclusion is reached. Hopefully that
conclusion will see him sign a new deal."

Has the fact he hasn't signed a new deal affected his attitude in training?

SA - "No, Mark is Mark. He comes in every day and works hard and he is as
happy as any player, particularly after our 3-0 win over Fulham. Every
player at the club is in a good, positive frame of mind at the moment, so
there is no hangover from him not renewing his current deal."
The transfer window is now shut, but there are a number of free agents still
out there. You have been linked with Anthony Vanden Borre, Mikael Silvestre
and John Mensah, are there any truth in these rumours?

SA - "They have all been training with us but no decision has been made yet
on whether their long-term futures lay with the club. I would have thought a
decision
would have been made on all three by the end of next week."

What are your thoughts on the independent report on the Hillsborough
disaster, which was released this week?

SA - "I think that it is sad to hear that such a thing was covered up for 23
years, but I am absolutely delighted now for the people who suffered that
the truth is finally out. I think the importance of safety in football was
taken on by every single club from there on in. Football grounds now are as
safe as they possibly can be. Unlike a lot of clubs abroad who still have
hooliganism problems, we do not appear to have any within the grounds, so
from that day massive strides have been made to ensure the safety of
supporters."

Norwich City snatched a late draw atTottenham Hotspur last time out. What
are your thoughts ahead of another lunchtime kick-off?

SA - "I was reasonably happy with the lunchtime kick-off because it allows a
manager less time to worry about the game. Our players are OK from that
point too. This is our third consecutive 12.45pm kick-off but the only thing
we are worried about is trying to perform as we did against Fulham.
Hopefully our players can hit the same levels they did last time out but,
like every away game in this league, Norwich will provide a difficult test
for us. It will also be good to see Chris Hughton at his new club, but
hopefully I will be the one smiling at the end of the game."

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Corden's stag visits the Boleyn
WHUFC.com
James Corden and his stag-do were welcomed to the Boleyn Ground for a
kickabout in the week
13.09.2012

James Corden and his star-studded stag-do dropped into the Boleyn Ground for
a special mini-game on the pitch earlier this week. The actor, comedian and
TV presenter is a lifelong Hammers fan, so his best man Ben Winston
approached the club to see if it would be possible for the group to pay a
visit to the Academy of Football as part of his big day and the Hammers were
only too happy to oblige. A group of famous faces including comedians John
Bishop, Jimmy Carr and Jack Whitehall, Dragons' Den star Peter Jones and
former England midfielder Jamie Redknapp all made their way to east London.
The groom-to-be was totally unaware of the plan and was blindfolded as he
left central London to keep his destination a secret. The first he knew of
his big surprise was when manager Sam Allardyce, who had dropped in after
training, took off the blindfold in the home dressing room to leave Corden
speechless.

After the initial excitement died down, Big Sam gave a quick teamtalk to the
18-strong group before they got changed into special 'Corden's stag-do'
Hammers shirts and made their way out on to the pitch. Unsurprisingly, Mark
Noble, who had also dropped in after training, and former pro Redknapp were
in high demand. A thrilling 8-8 draw was followed by a penalty shoot-out to
split the teams, who all seemed to thoroughly enjoy their run-out on the
hallowed turf. The group posed for a final team photo before changing in the
dressing rooms and heading out for the evening. All at West Ham United would
like to wish James well for his big day and beyond.

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Norwich v West Ham
KO 12:45
13 September 2012
Last updated at 17:49
BBC.co.uk
By Martin Fisher
Match of the Day commentator

BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Carrow Road Date: Saturday, 15 September

Norwich boss Chris Hughton has reported no new injury concerns following the
international break. Centre-back Elliott Bennett remains sidelined by a knee
injury, while full-back Steven Whittaker is still recovering from an ankle
problem.

West Ham are without Andy Carroll because of a hamstring problem, so Carlton
Cole is set to lead the line. The Hammers could give a second debut to
midfielder Yossi Benayoun, who has rejoined the club on loan.

MATCH PREVIEW

The international break came at a bad time for both of these clubs. West
Ham's first-half demolition of Fulham helped to erase memories of their
sorry showing at Swansea while Norwich City fully deserved a share of the
spoils at Spurs. Chris Hughton has quietly but quickly got the Canaries back
on song. A new-look defence was assembled after that opening-day humiliation
at Craven Cottage and now Norwich look more solid, with successive draws
against QPR and Tottenham.
What is lacking are goals. but surely after his heroics at Carrow Road over
the last three seasons it won't be long before Grant Holt is hitting the
target again.
Norwich City's Player of the Year is exactly the sort of striker Sam
Allardyce loves. A goalscorer who's big, brave and puts in a shift for the
team. With loan-signing Andy Carroll injured, Carlton Cole will be asked to
fulfil that role for West Ham. Undervalued in my opinion, it will be
fascinating to see if the Hammers' number nine can rise to the challenge.
Hughton might be relieved that Carroll is missing but Kevin Nolan was
another key cog in his Newcastle team that strolled to promotion in 2010. He
did the same job for West Ham last season and is off and running again this
term, scoring in both of their home league victories. It was away from home
that West Ham were particularly impressive last season, with 13 wins on
their travels to establish a new club record. Success in Norfolk would be
enough to see the Hammers go joint top of the Premier League. Just for a
couple of hours maybe, but long enough to sing a few songs commemorating the
fact.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
West Ham have won their last two games against Norwich, and are unbeaten in
their previous five matches with the Canaries, although that includes three
draws.
Norwich's only Premier League win against the Hammers came on 27 August
1994, when Mark Robins got the only goal at Carrrow Road.

Norwich
The Canaries have won one of their last eight Premier League matches (W1,
D3, L4).
Only the three relegated teams conceded more goals at home than Norwich (30)
last season.
They have kept just one clean sheet in their last 17 league games. That was
the 2-0 victory against Aston Villa on the final day of last season.

West Ham
The Hammers have only lost two of their last 25 competitive fixtures in all
competitions.
They have recorded clean sheets in five of their previous seven league and
cup matches.
Kevin Nolan netted against Fulham after 54 seconds in their last game. It
was West Ham's quickest top-flight goal since 2005, when Marlon Harewood
struck against
Manchester United after 52 seconds.

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The Julian Dicks Column: Justice at last
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 13th September 2012
By: Julian Dicks

It's with great pleasure that we welcome West Ham United FC legend Julian
Dicks to KUMB.com. Julian will be sharing his thoughts with us on a regular
basis via his KUMB column, the latest of which begins with his reaction to
yesterday's publication of the Hillsborough report...

As a former Liverpool player, I was delighted by the findings of the
Hillsborough report this week. What happened there was an absolute disgrace
and I hope that prosecutions follow for those responsible. Someone needs to
be held accountable whether that be the police, the media or everyone who
was involved.

I moved from West Ham to Liverpool just four years after the tragedy
occured; I still remember watching it unfold live on TV. What they did to
those families for 23 years - several of whom I met during my year at the
club - was terrible. I just hope the people responsible are finally brought
to justice themselves.

I didn't even watch the England games this week - I don't really watch too
much international football - but you'd expect them to beat Moldova. And
although a draw against Ukraine wasn't the worst result in the world, you
would expect them to be beating teams like that.

Roy Hodgson is a good manager with lots of experience even though Harry
Redknapp was the people's choice for the job. Roy's a safety-first manager
as was shown by the European Championships but that's not necessarily a bad
thing.

As far as watching live football is concerned, I tend not to watch too much
Premier League football these days as I find it to be a bit of a circus. I
prefer instead to watch more non-league football where it's a bit more real
with not so much diving and falling over!

These days I often go to watch Braintree Town, who are managed by [former
West Ham United and England winger] Alan Devonshire, whose assistant is my
old team-mate Keith Rowland. I've also popped down to watch Chelmsford City
and Southend from time to time.

Towards the end of my playing career I spent a brief spell in non-league
football at Canvey Island, playing 15 games for them. We beat Wigan 1-0 in
the FA Cup before losing to Burnley and I enjoyed my time there. Jeff King
(the manager) put a lot of money into the club but it was unsustainable as
they just didn't have the crowds, which was a shame.

Back in 1996, Julian was a popular choice for England's left back spot in
the European Championships. However he never made the 22-man squad - or a
single full international appearance - after a disagreement with England's
assistant manager John Gorman.

Glenn Hoddle's number two later denied that a conversation between the two
ever took place - something that Julian is happy to set the record straight
on...

At West Ham, Harry Redknapp used to take us on a break every summer and I
met John Gorman during an end-of-season tour in Spain. We were all drinking
in a bar and John and I bumped into each other. We were having a chat and he
told me that I'd never play for England unless I grew my hair - and I told
him to f*ck off.

It was ridiculous. I mean, Ian Wright had a shaved head! I won't name names
but they were happy to pick alcoholics and wife-beaters - but not me,
despite the public wanting me to play, because of my hair.

I never spoke to Glenn Hoddle at the time - I think he was still upset after
the John Spencer incident [the year before] - but I'd never have played for
him even if they had picked me afterwards; I was more interested in my dogs
at that time anyway. I don't know why he [Gorman] denied that that
conversation took place, but it definitely did.

I played for England under 21s five or six times, including a tournament in
Toulon and also three times for England B whilst I was at West Ham. Don't
get me wrong, of course I wanted to play for my country - everyone does,
whether you're English, Welsh, Scottish, Irish or whatever. But it just
wasn't to be.

Julian Dicks was talking to Graeme Howlett.

* Julian is currently available to coach both junior and senior football
teams. For more details, follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JULIAN3DICKS.

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Changing the board game
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 13th September 2012
By: Jason Eves

We say 'hello' to yet another new member of our team of writers as Jason
Eves explains why all Hammers supporters should be feeling positive in the
wake of the recent transfer window...

The dust has long since settled since the takeover of our beloved football
club at the beginning of 2010 - a takeover announced as a 'homecoming' from
our new owners David Sullivan and David Gold. But once the welcoming parade
had ended for these two Eastenders, things slowly started going downhill in
terms of public relations.

An event that will last long in the memory of many Hammers was David
Sullivan's tirade and outburst in regards to 'every player is for sale
except for Scott Parker'. Although his rant can be justified in hindsight
for some of the gutless displays we turned out in that doomed season,
blasting the team did no favours to a camp with low morale.

Growing pains were always going to a part of the parcel as the board were
getting use to their new surroundings. Mistakes were made and we washed our
hands of the square pegs that were occupying the hotseat and bid farewell to
bloated wages on the payroll.

But since relegation, as well as there being a shake-up in the playing and
coaching staff, the board shuffled their pack too with Sullivan's
no-nonsense rants being swapped for the smoother, more optimistic tones of
business partner David Gold. I believe having Gold as the boards' mouthpiece
and spokesperson is the best choice for West Ham.

Not only does he answer to the media and press, he can also reach the fans
on a personal level via Twitter (although some fans may be left disgruntled
that he can only answer their queries in no more than 140-characters). It
goes to show how far social media has come and how it can be utilised in the
right hands.

The eccentrically-dressed Sullivan, however, has taken a backseat response
to the Twitter phenomenon, but passes on all transfer gossip and news to his
son Jack Sullivan.

It's a statement of intent from our chairmen that they are willing to be as
transparent as possible with the fans and to build bridges with the Hammers
faithful along with repairing frayed relationships that may have occurred in
the past.

One chairman who I have seen adopt this same strategy is QPR chairman Tony
Fernandes who famously made his announcement that he made a bid for West Ham
- as well as slating the board - through his Twitter account (unfortunately
I couldn't find a screencap but a report of the incident can be found here).


I'm sure we all casted envious eyes at QPR's lavish spending over the last
few years, signing some exciting players that will grace Loftus Road this
season. But I have renewed optimism with the board, they are keen to stress
the importance of financial stability and restraint. And a year of paying
Premier League wages in the Championship was always going to be a risk worth
taking as we retained the nucleus of our team. Fortunately that gamble paid
off, albeit through the skin of our teeth in the play-offs.

I'm glad Sullivan and Gold adopted that approach rather than having the
heart of the team ripped out. They allowed Big Sam to work his magic with a
plethora of established players joining our ranks. We also managed the
hindrance of the utterly ridiculous lawsuit from our old friends Sheffield
United that Sullivan admits is still yet to be paid off, which I'm sure has
impacted upon our transfer kitty for the current season.

Despite that, the board have still managed to dig deep and also bring in
some impressive signings, ranging from the savvy dealings in the free
transfer market to the marquee signings of Andy Carroll and club record
transfer Matt Jarvis, with both signings being met by widespread appraisal
from the Hammers faithful and the media alike. The chairmen have been more
than kind and allowed Allardyce to bring in his old guard of Kevin Nolan,
Jussi Jaaskelainen and Matt Taylor, which could well have been the catalyst
for Andy Carroll to switch from Merseyside to life in East London.

I feel as though the board have come on leaps and bounds since they claimed
a majority share of the club, prising us from the fingers of the Icelandic
investment bank Straumur. We've come along some bumpy trails and lessons
have been learnt, with some being more severe than others. But we have only
bounced back stronger and more hungry than ever for success.

Gold and Sullivan are as keen as ever to match the ambitions of the
supporters and build towards the future. Whether it be at Upton Park or the
Olympic Stadium, with a decision set to be made on the tenancy by October.

I personally think us moving to the Olympic Stadium can only be beneficial
for the club. It would provide us with an adequate springboard to propel
ourselves to the next level. Along with the increased TV rights deal set for
next season, it could provide a warchest for Allardyce to add to our ranks
and improve our facilities - such as our fabled Academy.

Only time will tell on our season butthe early signs are encouraging. Let's
just get behind the team, the gaffer and especially our board and turn the
page on their past misdemeanors. I think they have more than made up for it
and have breathed fresh optimism into this previously wounded beast.

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Sam Allardyce backing Carlton Cole in absence of Andy Carroll for West Ham
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
September 13, 2012 6:04pm
SSN

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is hoping Carlton Cole can rediscover his
goalscoring touch while loanee Andy Carroll recovers from the hamstring
injury he suffered on his Hammers debut. Carroll, 23, was signed on a
season-long loan from Liverpooltowards the end of the transfer window and
made an instant impact on his debut against Fulham. The day was ruined for
the England striker when he was forced off with little over an hour gone
after suffering a hamstring injury that could see him miss up to six weeks.
Allardyce is likely to turn to Cole to replace the former Newcastle striker
when he takes his side to Norwich on Saturday, live on Sky Sports HD2, and
wants the 28-year-old to show a lethal touch in front of goal. He said: "He
is an obvious replacement and we would like Carlton to do how he finished
off last season. "He scored a hatful of goals for us and helped us get back
into this lucrative Premier League so we would like him to step in and start
scoring the goals he did towards the back-end of last season. "We hope he
can hit the goalscoring trail when he gets the opportunity on Saturday." If
Cole is selected in the starting XI at Carrow Road it will be his 150th
start for West Ham and he will be hoping to establish himself in the side
before Carroll returns from injury.

Carroll return

With the club still yet to put a definitive time-frame on his hamstring
injury Allardyce is hoping he could welcome Carroll back earlier than
expected. "We have got no time on it really," added Allardyce. "It will be a
maximum of six weeks but he is improving well so we continue day-by-day and
look at every day and see what type of improvement we have got and go from
there. "If there is a possibility we can get him back quicker we will be
trying our best." The loan signing of Carroll was one of the marquee deals
of the transfer window and the arrival of the England international, coupled
with other new arrivals, has left Allardyce delighted with the some of the
options he now has at his disposal. "He scored a hatful of goals for us and
helped us get back into this lucrative Premier League so we would like him
to step in and start scoring the goals he did towards the back-end of last
season" "The last three signings that the co-chairmen okayed were brilliant
for us," he said. "I think Matt Jarvis, Andy Carroll and Yossi (Benayoun)
are all of great talent in their own positions and all of a different talent
that makes us a much better team and a much better squad. "Hopefully when
they get the opportunity to play they will show those talents from the very
first opportunity they get. "We have got Matt Jarvis who is the provider of
more crosses than anyone else in the Premier League during his time at
Wolves. "We've got Yossi Benayoun with his quick feet and his ability to
beat players in and around the final third - and we have got Andy Carroll
who plays up front and in his own right is a fantastic centre-forward
through his sheer talent, determination and his size. "Those three players
will make our side look good for the rest of this season."

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Hammers look at trio
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
September 13, 2012 5:13pm
SSN

West Ham have taken John Mensah, Anthony Vanden Borre and Mikael Silvestre
on trial as Sam Allardyce considers adding to his squad. All three players
are available on free transfers and looking for new clubs. Former Manchester
United and Arsenal defender Silvestre is available on a free transfer after
leaving Werder Bremen in the summer. Vanden Borre has been without a club
since his departure from Genk and Mensah has been linked with several clubs
after exiting Lyon at the end of last season. Allardyce is thought to be
keen to bolster his defensive options and is casting an eye over the trio
before deciding whether or not to pursue his interest in them. "They have
been training with us but there is no decision on whether we will be
pursuing their services or not at this moment in time," said Allardyce.

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Three Trialists Arrive, as Carlton Cole is Urged to Excel and There Are High
Hopes of a New Deal for Mark Noble!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die

As was widely reported, West Ham are currently looking at free agent options
to provide further cover in defensive positions. To this end, they have
taken three very experienced defenders on trial in order to assess their
suitability as late additons to the squad. The three trialists in question
are ex-Man Utd and Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre, Anthony Vanden Borre
and John Mensah. Silvestre is presently available on a free transfer after
leaving Werder Bremen in the summer, ex-Pompey defender Vanden Borre after
leaving Belgium side, Genk and John Mensah, similarly exiting Lyon.

No decisionshave yet been taken on any of the trio, as Sam Allardyce
assesses their fitness and form and their ability to supplement the squad to
provide further experienced cover and competition for places at the back.
Obviously one cannot pre-judge the trials, but if they are in 'good nick'
physically, and have enough left in the tank of top level players, then any
of the three would provide excellent cover across our back line. Arguably,
the squad still needs some added depth in defence and one or more of these
experienced free agents could provide a solution.

Elsewhere, Sam Allardyce has played down reports of an early return to first
team action for Andy Carroll. He has admitted that Carroll has made good
progress in recovering from a hamstring tear, but he will not be rushed back
prematurely. The prognosis remains a potential six week absence, whether he
returns earlier than that will depend upon careful monitoring of his rate of
recovery. As I stated recently, there are dangers inherent in rushing such a
key player back and this approach is both very wise and very welcome!
Allardyce has also laid down the challenge to Carlton Cole to come in to the
squad and perform to the level that everyone knows he is capable. Allardyce
is looking for Cole to respond in the right way and carry over the good form
that he showed last season.

Allardyce has also commented that he is hopefully of the club agreeing a new
contract with star midfielder, Mark Noble. Although stressing that contract
negotiations was not his area, he anticipated that a new deal will be struck
with Noble, providing his demands were not too excessive. Personally, I
think that Mark Noble's famous dedication to the club will see a new deal
struck, but the club need to meet him half way and appropriately reward such
a loyal and key player in our set up. Noble was outstanding last season and,
so far this campaign, he has exhibited a new maturity and been very
influential in the good start that we have made. Lets hope that the club 'go
the extra mile' to sign Noble up, if not then a Jauary exit could be on the
cards and no one wants to see that happen.

Finally, so the truth finally emerges over Hillsborough. There was a
conscious policy by Police Authorities to put the blame on the victims, the
fans, for the tragedy. It was always obvious that the Police lost control of
the situation and abdicated their responsibility by opening the gates. That
is the chief reason for the tragedy, not the conduct of fans, who just
behaved as people do in those type of crowd situations. The official
admission of Police wrong doing and a cover up is long overdue. Action must
now be taken to secure full justice for the victims and their families and
presumably (but don't count on it!) that will lead to criminal charges for
those responsible? And as for The Sun newspaper, can they do enough to
retract and publicly apologise for the disgraceful headlines and copy that
they published following the event?

SJ. Chandos.

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He can be goal king Cole
Published: 13th September 2012
The Sun

SAM ALLARDYCE has challenged Carlton Cole to hit the goal trail in the
absence of the crocked Andy Carroll. West Ham signed Carroll on a
season-long loan from Liverpool last month but the striker was injured in
his first game. Carroll is not expected to be back for another month and
Hammers boss Allardyce wants Cole to take over the responsibilities up
front. He said: "He is an obvious replacement and we would like Carlton to
do how he finished off last season. "He scored a hatful of goals for us and
helped us get back into this lucrative Premier League so we would like him
to step in and start scoring the goals he did towards the back-end of last
season. "We hope he can hit the goalscoring trail when he gets the
opportunity on Saturday.Cole is selected for the trip to Norwich, it will be
his 150th start for West Ham and he will be hoping to establish himself in
the side before Carroll returns from injury. With the club still yet to put
a definitive time-frame on his hamstring injury, Allardyce is hoping he
could welcome Carroll back earlier than expected. He added: "We have got no
time on it really. It will be a maximum of six weeks but he is improving
well so we continue day-by-day and look at every day and see what type of
improvement we have got and go from there. "If there is a possibility we can
get him back quicker we will be trying our best."

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Nail it down: Big Sam urges Noble to end pay row and stay a Hammer
The Mirror

Sam Allardyce has warned Mark Noble the grass is not always Greener away
from Upton Park. England keeper Robert Green walked away from West Ham on a
free transfer in the summer after failing to agree a new deal - and is now
set for the substitutes bench at QPR. Former Hammers trainee Noble has
already rejected one offer to re-sign and is now into the final year of his
contract. And Allardyce urged his midfielder not to be too greedy and
continue his career at his local club. "I hope it doesn't get to that
situation with Mark Noble and it is something that can be resolved so that
he stays as a West Ham player," he said. "Talks have been ongoing since the
end of the season and they are continuing to try to negotiate a new
contract. The only reason he won't be here is if he asks for too much. "We
had a long, arduous contract negotiation with Robert Green that started on
our pre-season tour to Switzerland all the way through to the very end of
the last game at Wembley and couldn't strike a deal. "I hope it doesn't get
to that."

Andy Carroll is out of Saturday's trip to Norwich with the hamstring injury
he suffered on his debut but Allardyce refused to give a date for his
return. "We've set no time on it," he said. "We think it will be the maximum
of six weeks. He is improving well."

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Carroll's not on song yet: Allardyce refuses to confirm comeback date of
injured striker
The Mirror

Sam Allardyce has refused to give a return date for injured Andy Carroll.
The England striker tore a hamstring on his West Ham debut last month and
the Upton Park club feared he could be out for six weeks. A report this
morning said the on-loan Liverpool star will be back for next week's home
match with Sunderland. Carroll is definitely out for Saturday's visit to
Carrow Road but Allardyce said: "We have got no time on it really. We think
it will be the maximum of six weeks. He is improving well. "We continue day
by day and see what type of improvement we have got and not put any pressure
on what time he will or won't be back." Allardyce said free agents Mikael
Sylvestre, John Mensah and Anthony Van Borren will continue to train with
the Hammers until next week before he makes a decision on their futures.

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